2025-01-31 Megan Isaac Letter to PD Director Jeff Darrow Resched Mtg.

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PO Box 145 Papaikou Hawaii 96781 January 31, 2025 Jeff Darrow,Planning Director Hawaii County Planning Department Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo,HI 96720 Subject: Urgent Request to Reschedule Final General Plan 2045 Hearings for Public Accessibility Dear Mr. Darrow, Aloha, and thank you for your service to our island as our new Planning Director.We the undersigned are requiring your urgent attention.We are writing as residents deeply concerned about the General Plan 2045 process,particularly regarding public access and engagement.This Planning document remains highly contentious,with concerns being raised at every public meeting with overwhelming opposition. Since the General Plan has not yet been transmitted to the legislative body,taking public testimony and incorporating public feedback is a critical responsibility that your department bears. While some meetings have been scheduled after work hours,the majority have not.The final two hear- ings before the plan is forwarded to the County Council are currently scheduled for Thursday,Feb- ruary 6,and Friday,February 7,at 9:00 AM.These times are prohibitive for many residents who work during the day,limiting the ability for meaningful public participation. Given the repeated concerns raised about insufficient public notice and inadequate outreach efforts by the Planning Department throughout this process,ensuring maximum public access to these final meet- ings is imperative. Many testifiers have stated that public awareness of this plan remains low due to poor advertising. The Hawaii Sunshine Law (HRS Chapter 92) requires that "every meeting of all boards shall be open to the public" and that government bodies ensure transparency and accessibility.While the law does not dictate exact times for meetings,its intent is clear: meetings must be accessible to the general public. Scheduling critical hearings during standard working hours limits participation and undermines the prin- ciple of open government. At the January 22, 2025,County Council meeting,council member Jen Kagiwada addressed Mayor Alameda and the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the lack of proper public notice for a different policy matter, stating: "Something that didn't go so well at the end of the last administration was`noticing' the community far in advance and letting them have a place to give input.I think that was one of the biggest things 1 heard in the community—that they really felt like it was not`noticed' well,and people didn't have the opportunity on a Friday after Thanksgiving, in the middle of the day,to come and have their say." This statement reflects that this Legislator is aware of the widespread frustration with local government failing to schedule significant policy discussions at times convenient for public participation.