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Comm. No. 2021-06 Hamakua Community Meeting <br /> Hamakua Meeting with Planning Director Zendo Kern <br /> Monday, June 21, 2021 <br /> Meizhu Lui, facilitator, opened by saying we are proud of our County and its Planning <br /> Department for in-depth process that allowed us to determine the future of the area we <br /> live in. We are also proud that 15% of all Hamakua residents participated in develop- <br /> ing the Hamakua Community Development Plan (HCDP), the highest rate of any pub- <br /> lic process. She quoted the HCDP's core principle: "What's good for the land is good for <br /> the people." <br /> Planning Director Zendo Kern was asked to address: 1) the HCDP has the force of law <br /> and can only be superseded by the General Plan; will there be changes to the GP that <br /> will invalidate parts of the HCDP; 2) his short-term and long-term priorities; and 3) <br /> whether COVID affected the way he sees challenges and opportunities. <br /> Director Kern's remarks <br /> Director Kern reported that a first priority is setting up an electronic "intergov" system <br /> so people can file applications online; it will be ready for public use by July 28. (Stream- <br /> lining the permitting system is something Mayor Roth promised and which everyone <br /> supports.) In terms of the General Plan, he does not see changes that will substantially <br /> affect the HCDP. Not just COVID,but the volcano, and climate change all demonstrate <br /> the need for greater flexibility and ability for quicker responses by Planning, as well as <br /> more collaboration between County Departments rather than working in silos. In the <br /> long term, he wants our island to be sustainable. To that end, in the short term, he is re- <br /> viewing all shoreline setbacks, and mapping all points of public access. He has a two- <br /> pronged strategy: internal to his Department, creating effective and efficient systems <br /> and supporting Planning staff, and externally, making sure the community is feeling <br /> served, a "people first" approach. <br /> Action Committee Chairperson Brad Kurokawa's remarks <br /> The Action Committee consists of 9 members appointed by the Mayor, and their role is <br /> "to implement resident-driven solutions from the CDP." Brad said that while there has <br /> been talk, there has yet to be action. The AC is anxious to move ahead, and has begun <br />