2013-47 AC-PD HVC SPP 1122 Comments-DRAFT

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3. A collaborative relation with the Bay Clinic at the farmer's market. where SPACE provides a free, confidential venue for the Bay Clinic to provide free HIV and Hepatitis C testing. We recommend that SPACE nurture and possibly expand this relationship. PCDP section 3.3: "As a rural area with a rudimentary transportation system and dispersed population, it is difficult for residents in need to reach the services; and Puna's high percentage of low- income residents tends to increase the need for social services, yet discourages private health care providers from locating in Puna due to insurance issues." 4. The charter school at SPACE, the Kula Kalapana program under the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science, is strongly supported in the PCDP. Increasing the student population to a maximum of 75 with 2 additional classrooms would be acceptable. PCDP Section 3.3. states: "Schools are also an important social resource, serving not only as educational institutions, but also as de facto community centers and recreation areas in rural areas where few other venues are available for meetings, events, and organized or informal sports. Unfortunately, current policies of the Department of Education (DOE) do not favor smaller schools at dispersed locations, which would enable them to be more conveniently accessed by walking, bicycling, or at least a shorter vehicle trip. Also, the availability of school facilities after hours for community activities varies at the discretion of the school principal. Although County influence over public education and school facilities is quite limited, the PCDP can try to influence changes in DOE policies to better integrate schools within the fabric of Puna's communities." 5. The use of school facilities after hours for community activities would support the circus workshops and the