2021-06-22 KCDP Minutes Draft - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Staffing Updates: Ms. Mercado provided an update on the re-organization of the Long Range Division into three main areas: Kamuela Plunkett (with Kevin Sullivan) primarily focusing on Natural and Cultural Resources, Robert Leasure (with Natasha Soriano) focused on Infrastructure and Design, and Alexis Ching (with Keiko Mercado) focused on Community Planning (Action Committees). As all focus areas are intertwined, Long Range planners will continue to work as a team and provide a holistic approach to better serve the community. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS:Three (3) members of the public signed up to provide oral testimony, however only two (2) testifiers were present during the meeting. In addition, six written testimonies were submitted to Planning staff and Action Committee members prior to the meeting. Oral Testimony: 1. George Yasuda, testifying on agenda item 1, expressed concern over flood mitigation in Kona, and the increased need for watershed areas and natural habitat reserves. Mr. Yasuda provided aerial photos of the ocean near the Kailua pier, demonstrating the visual impact of a recent flooding occurrence. Mr. Yasuda spoke about the harm this causes to the ocean, including adverse impacts to coral, dolphins, and other marine life. He offered AC members the opportunity to view some of his successful erosion control and flooding mitigation projects in person if they were interested. Mr. Yasuda also provided written testimony which is referenced below. Committee Member Shane Palacat-Nelsen asked if the flooding and dolphin issues had been reported to DLNR. Mr. Yasuda confirmed that the dolphin issues were reported to DLNR as well as to NOAA, and the flooding issues reported to County Engineering. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen recalled that the Action Committee had previous conversations regarding inaccuracies in the FEMA-conducted studies on flooding, and that they tried several years ago to seek clarification about the studies, which the County has utilized as a resource to create policies. Mr. Palacat-Nelsen expressed interest in the AC continuing to address the topic of flood mitigation. Ms. Mercado suggested that if Mr. Yasuda was comfortable sharing his contact information, interested committee members could reach out to him directly. Mr. Yasuda confirmed that he was willing to share his contact information with the AC, as well as photos and videos. 2. Lamaku Mikahala Roy, Kahu of Ahu'ena Heiau, testifying on agenda item 2, emphasized the protection of sacred land. She stated that her nonprofit launched a protective service for the community in the early 2000s and demonstrated opposition to the formation of the Ali'i Parkway. She reiterated the need for protection of sacred and important lands in Hawai'i and stated this was made increasingly evident by the eruption of Fissure 8. Guided by her ancestors, Ms. Roy is in the process of notifying the legislature and governing state bodies that the eruption of Fissure 8 announced the Hawaiian island chain as the birthplace of the world and referred to it as the second heaven. Ms. Roy further stated that in consideration of this important event, and the sacredness of Hawaii, the Ali'i Parkway should not progress. Ms. Roy reminded AC members that they could refer to the letter she previously submitted to the AC regarding the protection of sacred lands. She indicated that the protection of these lands is a part of her role as the Kahu of Ahu'ena Heiau. Ms. Roy's previously submitted testimony can be found here:http://records.howoiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/110867/Pocrel.ospx https.Iln,ww.ylannin,-.hawaiicountuQov/ kona(Wfiawaiicounty.,-ov Page 2