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117 routes, alternative routes, and then identify priorities and solutions to address this issue in a <br /> 118 more systematic way with the County and other agencies. He suggested that ACs could work <br /> 119 with Council and responsible departments to provide input on how funds would be used and <br /> 120 prioritized. <br /> 121 South Kohala Chair Ruth Smith shared her enthusiasm for federal funding that will come from <br /> 122 the Infrastructure Bill, which will provide our county the opportunity to tackle a list of State <br /> 123 DOT shovel-ready projects, including bridge/road repairs and emergency access for <br /> 124 communities. Chair Smith stated this is a chance for Action Committees to identify areas in <br /> 125 thier district in need of this funding, and to make their voices heard. She asked how Action <br /> 126 Committees could play a role in involving the public to help with this process. <br /> 127 South Kohala AC Member Karen Anderson asked who at the County level can help get <br /> 128 information to D.C. representatives to ensure the State of Hawaii has a strong case to receive <br /> 129 federal funds, as well as advocate for Hawaii County in particular. April Surprenant replied that <br /> 130 the administration (mayoral and cabinet level) has been working to address this, and the <br /> 131 Planning Department will reach out to see how Action Committees can contribute to this <br /> 132 effort. Director Kern reiterated the importance of infrastructure and emphasized that the <br /> 133 administration has been working together to set priorities, identify shovel-ready projects, <br /> 134 connect with congressional delegations, and work on connectivity. <br /> 135 Hamakua AC Member Jeff McKnight brought up the importance of reviewing emergency <br /> 136 shelters for their capacity and structural integrity, and to consider federal funding for this <br /> 137 purpose as well. <br /> 138 Puna AC Member Leila Kealoha asked if there was a way for multiple AC members from <br /> 139 different committees to work together on something like this? <br /> 140 Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell replied that a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) is allowed, <br /> 141 as long as they are formed for a specific purpose during a meeting (she recommended forming <br /> 142 a subcommittee within their respective AC meetings). The AC would need to designate who the <br /> 143 members of the Interactive Group would be and then have them report back to the larger <br /> 144 group. Ms. Campbell encouraged these group formations, stating she is of the opinion it's a <br /> 145 great way for subcommittees to work so long as there is no decision-making. <br /> 146 Hamakua AC Member Tawn Keeney raised the topic of Sunshine Law, and asked if it was <br /> 147 allowable to send an important communication to this group (comprised of various ACs), so <br /> 148 long as it does not include the members of his own board within that communication. Planning <br /> 149 Department staff will follow up with an answer to this question. <br /> 150 Ms. Mercado closed by stating some of the themes heard at the meeting, and thanking AC <br /> 151 members for their continued commitment and countless hours of volunteer time dedicated to <br /> 152 their communitites. A follow-up survey link was sent via Zoom chat, YouTube chat, and email. <br /> 153 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 P.M. <br /> 154 All Action Committee information can be viewed and downloaded from our website: <br /> 155 https://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp <br /> www.plannin,-.hawaiicounty.Qov hamakua(&_hawaiicountV.Qov Page 4 <br />