HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-54 -VLRP Transmittal Communication No. 2014-54
05 August, 2014
To: Action Committee of the PCDP
From: Volcano Long Range Plan Subcommittee
We are pleased to present the draft VOLCANO LONG
RANGE PLAN, being our submittal of a vision for the long
term development of Volcano Village. This is in
accordance with the intent and purpose of the Puna
Community Development Plan.
We will appreciate your kind review and ask you to
forward this plan to the County Director of Planning for
review and comment.
With our thanks for your good service to the
communities of Puna,
We remain, sincerely,
The Subcommittee for the Volcano Long Range Plan
Encl. Volcano Long Range Plan —July 2014
VOLCANO LONG RANGE PLAN
JULY, 2014
Prepared by the
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
VOLCANO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
P. O. Box 600
Volcano, Hawaii,96785
www.volcancommunitv.org
We envision a community dedicated to harmony with the rare and beautiful native forest in
which we live, and to harmony among the activities we pursue, our collective and personal
needs, the stewardship of the forest, and the rural character of our community.
We strive for a community dedicated to respecting the needs of our citizens of all ages to live in
dignity and to seek personal fulfillment.
We desire a community dedicated to the preservation of our unique natural environment,
which we so graciously share. We aspire to be a community dedicated to a sense of place
where one can forever listen to the 'aina, hear one's own soul, and preserve the bond between
the two for future generations.
-Volcano Vision 20/20 Long Range Plan 2010
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Table of Contents
ExecutiveSummary........................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 6
Setting................................................................................................................................................ 9
Boundaries
Natural Environment
International Biosphere Reserve................................................................................................... 12
Cultural/Historical Resources
Gateway Community to National Park
PlanningChallenges....................................................................................................................... 18
APlan for Action............................................................................................................................. 22
PART 1 MALAMA I KA 'AINA (Care of the Land).............................................. 24
Historic/Cultural Resources
Natural Resources/Natural Beauty/Environmental Quality
PART 2 MANAGING GROWTH.............................................................................. 30
Economic Interests
Recreation
Public Safety, Sanitation, and Social Services
Medical/Assisted Living
PART 3 TRANSPORTATION.................................................................................... 36
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................... 38
Figures
Figure 1 Volcano Village and Vicinity............................................................................... 8
Figure 2 Proposed Biosphere Reserve Transition Area ............................................... 14
Figure 3 Historic Buildings in Central Volcano Village.................................................. 16
Figure 4 Volcano Land Use Zones ................................................................................... 21
Figure 5 Potential Expansion Area of Commercial Zone.............................................. 32
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Appendix I
IMPLEMENTATION............................................................................................................................ 39
Proposed Actions (Prioritized)
Proposed Actions (Not Prioritized)
Appendix II ACTION STATEMENTS
Establish by Ordinance a Volcano Village Historic District.................................. 42
Establish a Special Overlay District for Volcano....................................................... 44
Revise Commercial Zone Boundaries......................................................................... 47
Construct a Full Service Waste Management Facility.............................................. 49
Implement Medical Care Services in Volcano........................................................... 52
Establish a Cultural Resources Management Tradition for Historic P rope rties....54
Prepare a Manual for Residential and Commercial Development in Volcano..... 56
Promote Small Property Conservation Easements................................................... 58
Support Road Connectivity among Puna Subdivisions............................................. 61
Update a Master Plan for Cooper Center................................................................. 64
Support CERT and FIREWISE....................................................................................... 67
Redesign Main Thoroughfares for Shared Bicycle, Vehicle and Pedestrian Use...70
Designate Highway 11, Volcano to Mountain View, as a National Scenic Byway .72
Establish a Secondary Village Commercial Center.................................................. 74
Designate Hiking and Biking Trail Links to the National Park................................. 76
Establish a Police Substation in Volcano................................................................... 78
Appendix III HISTORY OF THE VOLCANO LONG RANGE PLAN....................................................... 81
Glossaryof Acronyms......................................................................................................................... 83
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Volcano Long Range Plan (VLRP) is a vision and the process for the community
development of Volcano. The action plan is tiered to the 2008 Puna Community Development
Plan (PCDP). The 2014 VLRP, prepared by a subcommittee of the Volcano Community
Association, is the culmination of a community planning process started in 1985, intensified
during the 1990's, and revived again after County approval of the PCDP.
Volcano is known as the settled area from Volcano Golf and Country Club subdivision to the
west and Kahauale'a Road to the east.
It lies between 3,000 and 4,000 foot elevation, above the area cleared by Hawaiian occupation
and sugar planters. The Volcano community is one of the very few communities in the
Hawaiian Islands located in a mostly intact native forest and woodland with abundant native
birds. Volcano is situated between protected natural areas, including Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park, designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve, and rain
forest in Hawaii Natural Area Reserves and Forest Preserves.
Volcano is the gateway community to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, providing a rural,
forested setting for entrance to the national park and needed services for park visitors.
Volcano is therefore a potential natural addition to the International Biosphere Reserve as a
designated Transition Area.
There are well over 100 historic structures in Volcano Village, the first settled area of Volcano.
Although a few abandoned structures have deteriorated, many are proudly maintained by
residents who have preserved their historic fabric and landscaping. Currently, the commercial
district of Volcano is tastefully delimited on a portion of the Old Volcano Highway parallel to
but not visible from the Highway 11 corridor. Many of these commercial activities are housed
in historic structures and blend into the surrounding historic neighborhood.
The two major planning challenges addressed by the VLRP are:
• Managing growth while protecting the native forest and wildlife, maintaining native
forest cover and bird habitat in the face of inevitable build-out, insensitive forest
clearing, non-adaptive building and landscape design, and further subdivision of lots.
• Preserving and perpetuating the unique architectural and other historic features of the
commercial district.
This plan would establish a Special Overlay District that would maintain the forest canopy while
still ensuring a high quality rural living environment for property owners, residents, and visitors.
Further, the plan would designate a Historic District in the central part of the Village, where
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most of the commercial and historic buildings are located. The desired result would assure
preservation of historic structures and neighborhoods and also expand economic opportunities.
Other planning challenges addressed arise from community demographics, small population
size, distance from population centers, and currently undeveloped infrastructure such as
schools, recreational opportunities, commercial services, medical support, and assisted living
facilities.
The Volcano Long Range Plan is organized by the three themes of the Puna Community
Development Plan:
• MALAMA I KA 'AINA (Care of the Land)
• MANAGING GROWTH
• TRANSPORTATION
The VLRP articulates goals, objectives, and recommended actions in such matters as
environmental quality and natural resource conservation, historic preservation and education,
agriculture and economic development, social and health care services, public safety,
sanitation, recreation and public transportation. The appendices of the VLRP are action
statements that set forth specific steps, time lines, responsible parties, and projected budgets
to implement these 32 recommended actions. The highest priority action items are as follows:
1. Establish by ordinance a Volcano Village Historic District
2. Establish a Special Overlay District for Volcano that would protect natural forest cover
3. Revise commercial zone boundaries to promote economic growth
4. Collaborate with Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management to
construct a full service Waste Management Facility
5. Establish healthcare services for Volcano
6. Continue recording, protecting, and educating people about historic properties
7. Prepare a manual for residential and commercial development
8. Promote granting of small property conservation easements in residential subdivisions
9. Support road connectivity among upper Puna subdivisions
10. Update a Master Plan for Cooper Center
11. Continue support training and equipment purchases for Volcano Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) and FIREWISE Community
12. Collaborate with State and County to redesign main thoroughfares for shared bicycle,
vehicle and pedestrian use
13. Designate Highway 11 between Mountain View and Volcano as a National Scenic
Byway
14. Collaborate with W. H. Shipman Estate to establish a secondary village commercial
center east of the Village core
15. Designate hiking and biking trails linking the Volcano community with the National Park
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INTRODUCTION
Sensitive to the natural and historic content of this unique place, the Volcano Long Range Plan
(VLRP) is a vision and the process for the community development of Volcano. This plan also
acknowledges the history of community input, making it a collaborative and inclusive approach
that will continue as the plan is shaped and implemented in the coming years.
The Volcano Long Range Plan is an action plan, tiered to the Puna Community Development
Plan (PCDP) September 2008. The PCDP is a conceptual document that provides a framework
for action at the community level, and is presented in three general categories:
• MALAMA I KA 'AINA (Care of the Land)
• MANAGING GROWTH
• TRANSPORTATION
Echoing the organizational framework of the PCDP, the VLRP addresses the three categories
and offers responses to growth and development that consider the particulars of Volcano's
setting. Appendix I lists actions needed to implement the plan. Appendix II is a series of Action
Statements of one or two pages describing these actions and how they will be undertaken.
Appendix III is a brief summary of the development of the VLRP.
The VLRP promotes action in the areas of environmental quality and resource conservation,
historic preservation and education, land use, agriculture and economic development,
commercial growth, medical/health care and social services, public health, safety and
sanitation, improvements in infrastructure, recreation, public transportation, roadway
management, and pedestrian and bicycle travel.
You will see throughout this plan the intention to live harmoniously within the native forest and
to preserve the quality of the historic Village center. This includes guidelines for how the
community can navigate new residential and commercial development while protecting the
fragile natural environment and preserving historic development.
Two special zone designations by County ordinance will promote the dual vision to protect
natural and cultural environments. Designation of a Special Overlay District for the entire
Volcano area would encourage property owners, residents, visitors, and developers to live
harmoniously under the largely intact native forest canopy.
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People would be encouraged to:
• Avoid clearing native trees from their properties whenever possible
• Carry out landscaping using native species or non-invasive ornamental plants
• Minimize outdoor lighting and direct it downward
• Design buildings and signs to blend with the historic rural nature of the Village
• Promote compatible recreational, educational, and commercial growth in their
communities
Designation of a Historic District in the historic center of the Village would prescribe
development standards for this critical area in order to preserve the unique and mostly intact
rural character of this portion of the Village. The geographic boundary would be drawn and
permitted uses within the area would be listed. A local Design Review Committee would
provide review and advice for the County Planning Director. The County Planning Department
would administer the ordinance.
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Figure 1 VOLCANO VILLAGE & VICINITY
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SETTING
BOUNDARIES
Volcano is defined as the settled area from Volcano Golf and Country Club Estates (VGCCE)
subdivision, at the western end, and Kahauale'a Road, at the eastern end, an expanse of
approximately 7.5 miles. (Figures 1 and 2) The half-mile area along the Old Volcano Highway,
northwest of Highway 11, is the core of Volcano Village. Here in an area of about 43 acres is
where the primary commercial and many historic components of the community are located.
Although this smaller area will be the focus of the Long Range Plan, the residential, agricultural,
and forested properties beyond the Village core comprise 99% of the greater Volcano
community, and are where most of the residents live. These areas of the greater Volcano
community are integral to all of the functions of the central area and are considered to be
equally important and worthy of inclusion within the scope of this long range plan.
A significant element of the plan is a proposal to designate a Historic District for the commercial
and historic 43 acre core of Volcano Village. More far reaching is a proposal for including all of
the Volcano community in the International Biosphere Reserve which currently covers only the
dominant neighbor west and south of the community, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The greater Volcano community includes: the VGCCE subdivision, the Volcano Farm lots on
Wright and Ama'um'u Roads, Volcano Village, Cymbidium Acres, Mauna Loa Estates, 'Ohi'a
Estates, Royal Hawaiian Estates, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, and the most mauka portion of
Fern Forest subdivision. All neighborhoods in Volcano are located in the Puna District except
for Volcano Golf and Country Club Estates, which is located within the Ka'u District.
Volcano Golf and Country Club, Mauna Loa, 'Ohi'a, Royal Hawaiian, Hawaiian Orchid Island
Estates and upper Fern Forest Estates are all developing subdivisions, following the speculative
land sales period of the 1950's and 1960's. These neighborhoods are where land manipulation
and population growth are occurring most rapidly. This is expected to continue. The VGCCE is
separated from the core of Volcano Village by Kamehameha School lands leased for cattle
ranching and a native bird sanctuary and propagation facility. The other neighborhoods are
located south of the Highway 11 corridor, and thus are also separated from the historic and
commercial core of Volcano Village.
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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Volcano is one of the very few communities left in the Hawaiian Islands located in native forest
or woodland. The greater Volcano community lies between 3,000 and 4,000 foot elevation on
the slopes of Kilauea and Mouna Loa volcanoes, well above the forest zones cleared by either
Native Hawaiians or sugar planters. The youngest lava flows underlying the area are 200 to
over 500 years old mixed with ash soil built up from several explosive eruptions of Kilauea.
These volcanic layers and soils support native rain forest growth dominated by the native tree
'Ohi'a lehua and hapu'u tree ferns.
There has been greater disturbance in the first settled neighborhood, Volcano Village, with
many areas cleared in the early twentieth century for agriculture or logged for wood fuel,
charcoal, and railway ties. However, with the cessation of these activities, native forest trees
have re-established in many of these disturbed areas. Except for cleared areas around
residences, most of the sparsely settled neighborhoods in windward areas of Volcano created
in the 1950's and 1960's (Cymbidium Acres, Mauna Loa Estates, 'Ohi"a Estates, Royal Hawaiian
Estates, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, and the mauka portion of Fern Forest subdivision) lie
within a nearly continuous intact rain forest canopy. Most of these forests are old growth but
some areas have vigorous second growth forest. The Volcano Farm lots, established in the
1950's to promote agriculture, consist of 30 acre cleared or partly forested lots. On the drier,
leeward side of Volcano, the VGCCE subdivision lies within a dry 'Ohi'a woodland, with
scattered trees and an understory of native shrubs and small stands of koa and 'Ohi'a.
Volcano is also one of the few communities in the Hawaiian Islands with abundant native birds.
Even though escaped ornamental plants and other introduced plant species have invaded many
areas and displaced the native understory in many parts of Volcano, the long-lived canopy trees
provide habitat for native forest birds. Also, cool upland temperatures help to suppress
mosquitoes carrying diseases that have decimated Hawaiian native bird species at lower
elevations. Volcano residents are frequently treated to the sights of'Apapane sipping nectar
from the flowers of'Ohi'a trees and 'Omao (Hawaiian Thrush) eating fruits of the forest canopy
trees, including 'olapa, kolea, and kawa'u. Other native birds, including 'Amakihi, 'lo, and
Nene, are also occasionally seen.
The Volcano community is situated among several protected natural areas. To the west are
rain forests, dry 'Ohi'a woodlands, and pioneer vegetation on the young lava flows in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage
Site. Toward the south is the protected rain forest of Kahauale'a Natural Area Reserve (16,700
acres). Toward the north are the protected rain forests of Pu'u Maka'ala Natural Area (12,000
acres), the National Park's 'Ola'a Forest (10,500 acres), and the managed State 'Ola'a Forest
Reserve (9,100 acres). The Volcano community thus lies astride a natural corridor of dispersal
for plants and animals among all these protected areas. Protection of native forest in Volcano
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helps increase the size and sustainability of this multi-agency nature preserve that surrounds
the community. Protecting the rain forest in Volcano may be especially important to the
adjacent, thin band of rain forest in the National Park on the windward side of Kilauea Caldera.
With young lava flows, shallow soils, and many landscapes untouched by clearing and
bulldozers, another and sometimes overlooked feature of geological and biological importance
are lava tubes and caves deserving of protection and preservation. Some lots have cave
openings and segments of the accessible 40 mile Kazamura Cave, described as the world's
longest lava tube cave. The humid, dark zones of many caves support an endemic, cave-
adapted suite of native arthropods.
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INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) designates
International Biosphere Reserves as potential models of sustainable economic development
which protect biologically significant landscapes. There are 47 Biosphere Reserves in the
United States and only one in Hawaii, called the Hawaiian Islands Biosphere Reserve, which
includes both Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks.
Biosphere Reserves usually consist of a sizeable pristine core area where natural resources and
ecosystems are protected from exploitation and serve to demonstrate a living environment
that is not affected by human activity. All the undeveloped parts of the Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park are in this category. Biosphere Reserves additionally contain areas where the
human imprint is substantial, or even dominant. Such areas are designated as "Buffer Zones"
and "Transition Areas". The Buffer Zone and Transition Area serve to provide a gradual shift in
the landscape from wilderness to urban, commercial, or industrial.
The VLRP proposes designation by County Ordinance of a Special Overlay District. It adapts the
UNESCO model for a Biosphere Reserve Transition Area (BRTA). This would be a place where
people live and work, and where the human presence may be dominant but not destructive. A
BRTA in the Volcano area would consist of all the land area between the National Park and
Natural Area Reserves (NAR) and the Ola'a Forest Reserve, where the imprint of humans is
minimal. This would contrast with the suburban and industrial areas beyond Volcano, such as
Kea'au, Kurtistown, or Hilo. The intent of a Transition Area is to ensure that the landscape
changes gradually as one passes from the Park or NAR to the more intensely used lands further
away.
The "Buffer Zone" in the National Park is comprised of service areas and the roadways around
Kilauea Caldera up to the boundary with the lands of Volcano Village. The settled and
otherwise occupied area of Volcano would be the Transition Area between the Park and
suburban areas beyond, northeast toward Hilo, and on the western park boundary south
toward the rural communities of Pahala, Na'alehu, and east toward Kailua-Kona.
A "Transition Area", in a formal International Biosphere Reserve designation, recognizes the
substantial imprint of human activity in an environment that retains significant components of
natural resources. The Volcano situation is a classic example of this, where the canopy of the
native 'ohi'a forest is extant in many areas, and where the people living here mostly favor
retention of native forest, while at the same time living in it and using its resources. This is
opposed to a community of residents who would clear away all vegetation to provide space for
dwellings or businesses, and who would plant non-native ornamental species for landscaping.
Residents who live in a Transition Area would:
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1. Ensure conservation of the native forest landscape and the diversity of associated plants
and animals that it supports.
2. Strive for environmentally sound economic growth.
3. Welcome to the community learning sites for scientific research and sustainability of the
natural and social environment.
These goals for an International Biosphere Reserve Transition Area are implemented locally,
without any control by the United Nations, which merely designates Biosphere Reserves. Based
on federal laws and National Park Service management policies, HVNP oversees management
of the Core and Buffer Zone in the National Park. Hawaii State and County would have
exclusive jurisdiction in the Transition Area of the Volcano community. The United Nations has
no power to force changes in land/resource management or ownership upon governments,
public agencies, or private parties in the United States.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Government association with UNESCO is presently frozen, resulting
from political issues having nothing to do with promoting robust social and natural
environments of rural communities. That notwithstanding, the VLRP intends to recommend a
Biosphere Reserve Transition Area, knowing that the international community and the National
Park Service will respect this designation. The term "Buffer Zone", applied to the Volcano
community as noted in the PCDP, should be renamed "Transition Area" in order to comply with
current UNESCO definition of the land uses outside of the "Core Area".
Designating a Special Overlay District for Volcano as a Transition Area in the Hawaiian Island
Biosphere Reserve would be consistent with recommendations in the PCDP (Ref PCDP Ch. 2.2
and Figure 2.2). All who reside in the Volcano community are privileged to be part of this
Transition Area, whether or not it is formally designated. By designating it so, residents agree
to live more gently on the land than we might if we lived in a suburban neighborhood or in a
city. One of the key elements of the proposed Transition Area is the umbrella of native
treetops that extends across the community and connects with the NAR and Park forests at the
edges of the community.
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CULTURAL/ HISTORICAL RESOURCES
The VLRP proposes an ordinance by County Council to create a Historic District designation that
would ensure protection of the unique architectural and historic features of the commercial
district. A Historic District is a land use zone designation that enables the community to specify
the range and types of uses that will be permitted within the zone. The purpose of this
designation is to enhance and protect the specific features of the area and, indirectly, the
quality of the Volcano Village core. Architectural design, appearance, size of structures, color
and texture of exterior, density of building layout, setbacks, screening types of use, noise,
lighting and all other features that will affect the ultimate appearance of development within
the district are included in this designation.
The Volcano community is located in upper elevation ecosystems named by Native Hawaiians
as Wao Akua or Wao Ma'ukele. These were considered to be wilderness, visited only by those
who were directed there by a chief to collect feathers, adz stones, and logs for canoes.
Understandably, no remains of Hawaiian settlement have been found to date in Volcano. The
earliest non-Hawaiian settlers in Volcano, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were mostly
members of the kama'aina (native born or longtime resident) business and professional
community of Hawaii who built homes for summer or holiday use. Other island residents,
notably Japanese families, were employed as their caretakers and as workers at the W. H.
Shipman dairy, Volcano House, and other businesses in the area, and then later established
themselves as farmers. The remains of numerous ovens or kilns, used for burning 'ohi'a logs to
make charcoal for heating or cooking have been found in Volcano Village, probably dating back
to the early non-Hawaiian occupation of Volcano. The first published report of a residence in
Volcano dates from the early 1890's. There are also remains of an historic narrow gauge
railway in Volcano and records of two historic trails to the summit of Kilauea Caldera.
A resident professional architect conducted an inventory of historic buildings (over 50 years
old) in 1993. He found over 100 structures built prior to 1942, with almost all in Volcano Village
and a few in Mauna Loa Estates. Many more structures would qualify today in 2014. Most are
elevated, post and pier, single wall structures, although one 1890's log house remains. The
largest historic structure is the 1930 YMCA Camp now housing the Kilauea Lodge and
Restaurant. Although a few abandoned structures have deteriorated, many are proudly
maintained by residents who have preserved their historic fabric and even landscaping. Tours
of historic homes sponsored by the Volcano Community Foundation are enthusiastically
attended and develop long waiting lists. A portion of Hale 'Ohi'a Road, an approximately one-
quarter mile long road in the core of Volcano Village, has been designated as a Hawaii State
Residential Historic District.
15
16
GATEWAY COMMUNITY TO THE NATIONAL PARK
Volcano provides a scenic rural Gateway Community to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, while
also providing needed services to park visitors. Approximately one mile from the Park's Kilauea
Visitor Center, Volcano Village is the nearest community to the main entrance of the National
Park. Volcano residential areas are located along six miles of Highway 11, the approach to the
National Park from Hilo. Few residences are visible from this approach to the Park because of a
forested buffer along the State Highway and undeveloped lots. As a result, Park visitors
approaching from Hilo become immersed in native forest as they pass through the Volcano
community on the way to the Park entrance.
Further, the Highway 11 approach to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Ka'u District passes
through a pastoral and native woodland environment for many miles, allowing adjacent
communities to provide uncluttered, non-commercial gateways to the Park.
This highway, with such a landscape gradient, presents an unusually long and gradual
transition, over many miles of travel, from an entirely natural wilderness through pastoral and
agricultural landscapes merging into rural, then suburban, and eventually high density urban,
commercial, and industrial environments. Such travel corridors are rare in Hawaii, where
tourism is such an important component of economic life. Indeed, such a corridor is rare
anywhere in the modern USA.
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PLANNING CHALLENGES
The main planning challenges are:
• Managing growth, in a context of increasing population, while protecting the native
forest and native species' environment during expansion of commercial and residential
development
• Maintaining a tranquil rural environment
• Preserving historic neighborhoods and structures
Current zoning and the trajectory of development if left unchanged could modify the forest
environment, the tranquil rural landscape, and the native bird life.
Volcano has the largest concentration of small parcels in the Puna District. The approximately
5,000 parcels that are available for residential development (even though many are zoned as
agriculture) under current zoning rules could become 8,700 parcels. A unique zoning rule in
Hawaii, known as "Ghana Dwelling Unit Permit", would allow an extra dwelling on a parcel,
which could enable an even greater number of dwellings to be built. Considering the
speculative nature of land development in the Volcano area, as well as in other parts of rural
Hawaii, within a generation or two it would be possible to see development of a very high
density urban landscape.
If Volcano developed to its currently zoned potential, most of the tree canopy that now spreads
across much of the community will be lost. Deforestation will stimulate the spread of invasive
plants and animals, destroy native bird habitat, sever native species and ecosystems of the
National Park from other natural areas surrounding Volcano community, and increase the
potential for flooding. Lot clearing and grading will also compromise lava tube caves and their
unique ecosystems. Even before that degree of development is reached the quality of life in
Volcano will be seriously diminished.
An increasing population in Volcano will demand greater commercial services. Commercial
services, other than cottage industries, are currently concentrated along the north side of Old
Volcano Road between the Post Office and Wright Road with some commercial services located
outside this area. Some of this area has been zoned commercial. Greater commercial
development within the area and outside the current commercial zone can be expected and
needs to be managed. In addition, a number of historic buildings in Volcano are located in or
near this zone, and a State Historic Residential Neighborhood is located across from the
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commercial district. The historic, rural character of the Volcano Village core commercial area
could easily be modified by incompatible development and inappropriate design. If commercial
growth is not handled properly, the quality of the community, along with the native forest, so
valued by Volcano residents, would be changed. Currently there are no use and design
guidelines for this area, other than land use zone designations of Agriculture, Village
Commercial, and Single Family Residential. There are no Design Guidelines that would limit
developments that do not conform to the historic building and landscape style of the traditional
Volcano Village.
Protecting and preserving historic and cultural resources in Volcano is hindered by an
incomplete inventory and documentation of historic/cultural resources and by low public
awareness of the presence and significance of historic resources. Many residents are not aware
for example, of the charcoal kilns that reflect a widespread activity in Volcano in the early 20th
century. There is probably greater awareness of historic buildings in the older parts of the
Volcano community. However, the value of these structures is not always recognized by
current owners who may unwittingly make renovations or additions that compromise the
historical integrity of these resources. A major task then for protection and preservation of
historic resources is to complete a comprehensive inventory of historic archeological features
and historic buildings and provide education outreach to community, State, and Federal
preservation organizations. Opportunities for education can include exploring community
driven or formally initiated options for the protection of the intact historical resources present
in Volcano. Maintaining a system of survey and inventory of these historic and cultural
resources can be one example of a resource that can serve to document and educate the
community.
Proper planning is required for activities that could compromise the quality of these historic
resources. To date only one small Hawaii State Residential Historic District has been
established in Volcano Village to provide awareness of the significance of these resources.
There are a number of other commercial and residential historic resources within Volcano that
could benefit from preservation measures at either the County or the State level. Community
education is also needed regarding the process of nominating historic properties. Education
can show how historic districts, special design and use districts and national register
nomination status can lead to the preservation of the historic heritage of the Volcano
community for future generations.
Other planning challenges arise from the demographics of the community, small population
size, distance from population centers, and Volcano's currently undeveloped infrastructure
such as schools, recreation opportunities, and commercial services. No medical or assisted
living facilities for an aging population are in the community. The rural character of Volcano's
mostly private streets and roads will diminish with increasing use, along with making roads less
safe for pedestrians and cyclists. The nearest permanently staffed police stations are in
19
Na'alehu, 37 miles away or Pahoa, 31 miles away. Recreational facilities and programs are
limited and do not address the needs of all ages.
20
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(1996.Ord.No.96-160,sec.2;ratified April 6F 1999)
A PLAN FOR ACTION
The goal of the Volcano Long Range Plan is to live in harmony with the environment and with
each other, to be good stewards of the land and of our community, to strive for a sustainable
way of living, and to provide for the benefit of future generations.
The VLRP is a plan of action arising from the Puna Community Development Plan. The PCDP is a
conceptual document that provides a framework for action at the community level and is
presented in three general categories:
• MALAMA I KA %AINA (Care of the Land)
• MANAGING GROWTH
• TRANSPORTATION
The Plan is organized by and promotes actions in accordance with these themes regarding
historic preservation and education, environmental quality and natural resource conservation,
agriculture and economic development, recreation, public safety, sanitation, social and
healthcare services, and public transportation.
Goals, objectives, and recommended actions are outlined for each planning topic. Goals are
broad, desired future conditions; Objectives are specific outcomes to be achieved to realize
these goals; and Recommended Actions are specific activities initiated by the community to
achieve these goals and objectives.
Most of the recommended 48 Action Items in the Plan (PART 1, 2, and 3) can be implemented
through community organization and effort. Some action items will need legislative support
from the County Council. Every effort is made to avoid coercive action or to create tension
among neighbors, community oversight teams, or County Government. Residents can be
informed through education, persuasion, good will, and good examples of harmonious living in
this environment.
22
The 15 Prioritized Action Items listed in Appendix 1 are the most pressing to implement,
pending further review and update. It is likely some of the remaining Non-Prioritized Action
Items will be revised and/or combined with others.
23
PART ONE MALAMA I KA %AI NA
A. HISTORIC/CULTURAL RESOURCES (Puna CDP 2.1, 5.1)
Goals:
1. Cultural and historical features and sites are protected from destruction by
development.
2. Historic structures and cultural sites significant to Volcano's history and cultural
traditions are preserved.
3. Design character and natural setting of the older neighborhoods representative of
Volcano's historic development are perpetuated.
4. Tourism remains compatible with historical and natural resources and not intrusive to
the community.
Objectives:
1. Educate the public about features and structures of historical and cultural significance in
Volcano, including archaeological remains (e.g. charcoal kilns), homes and homesteads,
trails, vegetation, building interiors, photographs, letters, books, significant people, etc.,
and about the cultural significance of the native forest.
2. Work with innkeepers and other hospitality workers to promote the natural, historic,
and landscape values of Volcano.
3. Coordinate education and preservation efforts of the Volcano Community Association,
Volcano Community Foundation, and the Volcano Art Center.
Actions:
1. Establish by ordinance a Volcano Village Historic District for the purpose of preserving
the unique and mostly intact historic and rural character of the Village core.
2. Establish a Historic District Design Review Committee consisting of community and
professional members, whose purpose is to ensure compliance with design and zone
criteria and permitting laws of the Historic District. This committee will include an
architect licensed to practice in Hawaii and qualified to evaluate historic structures, a
certified land use planner, a resident member of the Volcano community
knowledgeable in local plant and animal ecology, and a community member with a
professional association with State and County Historic Preservation Bureaus.
24
3. Require all applications for construction, grading, grubbing, and other potential land
uses that would alter the landscape or surface of the land to be examined by the
Historic District Review Committee, who will then recommend approval, further review,
or denial to the Planning Director.
4. Develop mechanisms to protect historic dwellings within the Village Historic District
from development pressures such as increased tax assessments, requests for permit
variances, and applications for zone changes.
5. Work with community members and owners of historic properties to identify interest in
a Multiple Property State Register nomination. Inclusion in a Multiple Property
Nomination would be determined by a structure's contribution to a broad historical
theme that is significant to the larger history of the State of Hawaii. Qualifying historic
structures in Volcano can be listed within a "discontinuous district" (qualifying
structures not all located within a discreet area). The purpose would be to ensure the
protection of individual properties seeking national register level protection, while
providing flexibility for growth and development by property owners who choose not to
list. Alternatively, historic property owners who agree could choose to create a
contiguous historic district, either residential or commercial, or to expand the present
State Residential Historic District that lies along a portion of Hale 'Ohi'a Road.
6. Expand, update, and republish Volcano's historic building inventory to include features
and sites of cultural and historical importance.
7. Continue to collect and appropriately archive oral histories of both present and former
longtime residents of Volcano.
8. Sponsor community seminars to train interested groups in preservation initiatives. This
could include, but not be limited to: recording oral histories, inventorying historically
significant features and sites for the creation of historic information databases, caring
for artifacts, and understanding different strategies for preservation of historic
buildings and cultural resources. (Examples of such organizations/programs include
Historic Hawaii Foundation's Circuit Rider program, National Trust for Historic
Preservation outreach programs, and UH Manoa's Center for Oral History workshops.)
9. Establish a non-profit Volcano Historical Society to serve as the primary institution for
the collection and display of historical artifacts and information and for the creation of
a museum.
25
10. Explore designation of the Highway 11 corridor from Volcano to Mountain View as a
National Scenic Byway.
11. Identify and record historic trail and rail routes through consultation with National Park
Service (NPS) and other organizations whose mission is to fund the preservation of
transportation corridors.
26
B. NATURAL RESOURCES/NATURAL BEAUTY/ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(Puna CDP 2.1, 2.2, 5.1)
Goals:
1. The natural resources and natural beauty of Volcano are protected from undue
exploitation, encroachment, and damage.
2. Native forest and woodland ecosystems are permanently protected and green spaces
and wildlife corridors are preserved in future developments.
3. The connections between intact forests in HVNP and other protected native forests
surrounding Volcano community are protected and restored.
Objectives:
1. Reduce forest clearing associated with residential and commercial development.
2. Identify cave ecosystems and protect them from clearing activities and disposal of
wastewater.
3. Educate property owners, residents, heavy equipment operators, business owners, and
professionals in construction and real estate about alternative nondestructive
development and building design practices.
4. Maintain and improve environmental quality of the Volcano area by minimizing
unnatural lighting, sounds, and visual pollution. Encourage the enforcement of current
County sign, lighting, and noise ordinances and consider amendments to County
ordinance to reduce lighting impacts and noise.
5. Control invasive species that threaten forest habitat and residents. Support efforts of
community volunteers to control invasive coqui frogs and other disruptive alien plant
and animal species.
6. Increase the County's role in helping to sustain native forest, primarily through tax
incentives, new regulations, and zoning changes.
7. Include greater Volcano in the Hawaii Islands International Biosphere Reserve as a
Transition Area, as an expression of a community striving for sustainability.
27
Actions:
1. Work with community partners such as Volcano Art Center, the National Park Service,
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Kamehameha Schools, and Cooper Center Council
to provide models of forest restoration and to educate residents about native species
and ecosystems, and the threats they face from invasive species.
2. Reproduce and distribute brochures such as Building in the Forest and Controlling
Noxious Weeds.
3. Sponsor workshops on recycling, composting, invasive plant control, native plant
propagation, forest restoration, energy conservation, and solar energy.
4. Develop detailed, illustrated information for the Volcano Community Association
website about energy efficient and low-impact building design for Volcano's forested
sites, alternative septic systems that do not require large clearings, native species
identification, cave ecosystems, weed control, native plant propagation, forest
restoration, clearing for fire protection in Volcano's environments, all of which would
also be included in a new manual, Building in the Forest.
5. Collaborate with County Planning Department to establish a Special Overlay District for
Volcano to reduce the number of developable lots and forest clearing (adopted in the
PCDP, 2.2.3 and 5.1.1) including these measures:
a. Ensure the County tax code reduces property taxes on lands put into conservation
easements and provides for equal tax assessments for agriculturally zoned parcels,
whether they are cleared for farming or forested (as adopted in the PCDP, 2.3 and
5.1.1)
b. Amend the grading and grubbing ordinance to reduce forest clearing (as adopted in
the PCDP, 5.1.2)
c. Simplify the process for consolidation of lots
6. Establish a working group to explore enforcement and if necessary, amendment of the
current County sign, lighting, and noise ordinances.
7. Work with the National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration in developing
an Air Tour Management Plan for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to reduce aviation
noise in the National Park and Volcano community.
28
8. Work with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in developing their General Management
Plan to assure compatible development in the National Park.
29
PART TWO MANAGING GROWTH
A. ECONOMIC INTERESTS (Puna CDP 3.1, 3.2)
Goals:
1. Economic opportunities can expand for Volcano residents with small-scale business
activities, consistent with the rural, forested environment characteristic of the Volcano
community and surrounding areas.
2. Commercial development will be centralized in two separate zones and designed to be
consistent with the historic and natural values of Volcano.
3. Lands for agriculture and opportunities for diversified agriculture will be preserved.
Objectives:
1. Revise the boundaries of the primary village commercial (CV) zone, to accommodate a
Village Historic District designation, which will be prepared with community
participation.
2. Provide the opportunity to expand local services while avoiding commercial sprawl that
would degrade scenic, historic, and natural values of Volcano.
3. Develop use and design guidelines for the Village core area to be consistent with the
rural, historic, and forested environment of the commercial area and surrounding areas.
4. Encourage growth and viability of the local Farmers' Market.
Actions:
1. Designate a commercial zone within the Village Historic District. Revise commercial
zone boundaries and commercial density.
2. Collaborate with W.H. Shipman Estate, Ltd. in design and function for a secondary
village center proposed to be located on Shipman land approximately 1%2 miles east of
the Village core. Ensure such a center will not be visible from the Highway 11 corridor.
Consider services such as waste management, postal mail delivery, auto repair, retail
sales, etc.
3. Describe two categories of Village Commercial zones and prepare a list of permitted
uses for each Village Commercial zone that will be consistent with the Historic District
and the actions to be undertaken by the Historic District Review Committee,
30
4. Include expansion and modernization of the local Farmers' Market in the long term
development of the Cooper Center.
31
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32
B. RECREATION (Puna CDP 3.5)
Goals:
1. Recreational needs of people of all ages and all neighborhoods in the Volcano area are
provided for and readily accessible.
Objectives:
1. Coordinate the efforts of various residents and groups in Volcano with existing public
and private providers of recreational activities.
2. Develop and enhance recreational activities at Cooper Center.
3. Support individuals, parents, teachers, coaches, and counselors in working with all
people in the community.
Actions:
1. Work with the County Parks and Recreation Department to develop recreational
programs that complement existing classes and activities.
2. Develop greater cooperation with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Military
Camp, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, and Volcano Art Center to provide for
greater access to their facilities, and encourage them to expand their recreational
offerings for residents.
3. Include the service of recreational needs in planning multi-use transportation for
Volcano.
4. Work with County, State, and Federal government agencies and private landowners to
establish and manage a system of hiking and biking trails within Volcano and between
the community and the National Park.
5. Support the maintenance and management of areas within State owned and managed
forest reserves, for recreational hunting purposes.
6. Encourage more discussion, further study, and consensus building regarding the Cooper
Center Master Plan in terms of recreational opportunities.
33
C. PUBLIC SAFETY, SANITATION, AND SOCIAL SERVICES (Puna CDP 3.3 and 3.4)
Goals:
1. Volcano is a community in which people feel safe.
2. Volcano has a broad range of solid waste disposal, recycling, and reuse services
available.
3. Members of the community are aware of and support services that are available for
public safety, disaster preparedness, waste management, and social and health services.
Objectives:
1. Increase accessibility and enhance response time of police, fire, paramedic, and service
vehicles by implementing a program of selectively cutting back vegetation on private
roads.
2. Support the Volcano Volunteer Fire Department in procurement of an array of engines
that would be suitable for navigating Volcano roads and lanes.
3. Develop locally available, full service recycling, redemption, and reuse services.
4. Develop a permanent campus for the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences that blends
into the community.
5. Develop a long term strategy for gradually and affordably replacing cesspools as the
preferred method for disposal for wastewater with suitable containment or
composting wastewater systems. Prevent contaminating the downhill aquifer with
human waste.
Actions:
1. Support the training and equipment needs of the Volcano Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) to respond to all types of disasters.
2. Encourage all Volcano neighborhoods to form Neighborhood Watch Programs with a
goal of one Watch Captain for every 10 house sites.
34
3. Support community policing efforts and encourage 24 hour coverage at a Volcano police
substation.
4. Support efforts to complete the relocation of the VSAS campus and be fully engaged in
the planning process so that the new campus blends into the community.
5. Work with County Council and Public Works Department to construct a full service
waste management facility for the Volcano community.
D. MEDICAL/ASSISTED LIVING (Puna CDP 3.3)
Goals:
1. Volcano residents have improved access to emergency and primary health care and
preventive public health programs.
2. Create a financially accessible assisted living facility to enable Volcano's senior
population to live with dignity and independence.
Objectives:
1. Support home care and personal care services, including custodial caregiver programs,
to community residents, either through resources available in the Volcano area or
through information about and referral to other agencies for assistance.
2. Attract a family-practice physician and/or advanced nurse practitioner/mid-wife to
serve residents of the Volcano area.
3. Educate local residents about the local services available.
4. Improve transportation to Hilo for those seeking medical care and unable to drive
themselves.
Actions:
1. Educate the community through health lectures and classes, a monthly article in the
community newsletter, and the distribution of literature.
2. Update data gathered by the Volcano Health Collaborative in a survey of Volcano
Residents to determine current health care needs and determine those to be met in
Volcano.
35
PART THREE TRANSPORTATION (Puna CDP 4.1-4.5)
Goals:
1. Automobile use is decreased and walking and bicycling increased, while providing
accessibility for the disabled.
2. Reliable public transportation from Volcano to distant places is expanded.
Objectives:
1. Provide safe walking and bicycling routes to schools, the Village core, Cooper Center,
development areas, and bus stops.
2. Establish a system of multi-use trails, closed to motorized use, that would connect
Volcano neighborhoods with other communities, and provide access to the National
Pa rk.
3. Increase the number of job opportunities in the Volcano community to reduce
commuting.
4. Promote enhanced public transit opportunities to reduce the number of car trips
between Volcano and other communities.
Actions:
1. Encourage Hawaii State and County to redesign main thoroughfares in Volcano for
shared use by bicyclists, motor vehicles, and pedestrians. These include Old Volcano
Road, and other road segments such as the lower portions of Wright and Haunani
Roads.
2. Sponsor public education encouraging bicycle and pedestrian use.
3. Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle access to and within the Historic District for the
commercial area.
4. Rehabilitate the road shoulder along Old Volcano Highway to enhance safety of
pedestrians and cyclists.
5. Explore with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and private landowners adjacent to the
National Park the possibilities of developing trails between the park and the
community.
36
6. Support the restoration and improvement of the 14 mile Old Volcano Trail from Kea'au
to Volcano community.
7. Collaborate with the County Department of Mass Transit (CDMT) to expand Hele-On bus
service, hub and spoke service, and to establish permanent park-and-ride facilities.
Ensure there are scheduled routes to and from the Hilo International Airport and to
commercial centers in Hilo, Kea'au, and Pahala.
8. Collaborate with County Officials and CDMT to encourage public transit use with
resumption of free or lower fares for students, seniors, and bicycles.
9. Support jitney/taxi service within the Volcano community and between Volcano and
other communities.
10. Support connectivity between 'Ohi'a Estates and Royal Hawaiian Estates, in
collaboration with W. H. Shipman, Ltd.
37
Conclusion
Volcano is no ordinary place. The Volcano environment is fragile and unstable. All who live
here accept that we endure at the pleasure of two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea
and Mauna Loa, the latter also being the world's most massive volcanic structure.
Explosive eruptions at Kilauea volcano have occurred numerous times, as known from ash
deposits and charcoal remains throughout the area. An eruption in 1790 killed a group of
subjects of King Keouwa Kuahu'ula, who were overcome by the rush of ash and gas as they
were moving from Kilauea toward the lowlands in Ka'u, some six miles from the source. Most
of Volcano's main subdivisions are built upon the massive 'Aila'au lava flow, which emanated
from Kilauea for about 60 years, 1410— 1470. Residents are frequently jolted by earthquakes.
Constant emissions from the Kilauea Volcano summit and rift zones occasionally, due to Kona
winds, reverse and engulf the community with gasses that are considered unsafe in normal
places.
Settlement in the Volcano area began about a century after the 1790 eruption, mostly by non-
Hawaiians. Settlement continues, along with development of infrastructure and commerce,
though it is generally known that similar eruptions, lava flows, earthquakes, fires, destructive
storms, and other natural hazards are inevitable. Our human memory strangely minimizes
threats of nature.
Nevertheless, we set forth in this plan a vision of sustainable living in the unique setting of the
Volcano community and Village Core where historic, commercial, and residential structures are
in close proximity. And, we recognize the opportunity to blend our human imprint in the
greater Volcano area with a mostly intact natural forest, nestled among officially protected
lands. We welcome our responsibility to be good stewards of the magnificent natural
environment we are so lucky to be part of. We cannot control the volcanoes but we can control
our imprint on the land and our community.
38
APPENDIX I IMPLEMENTATION
The Proposed Actions indicated in the previous section are listed here. The most urgent items
are listed in order of priority.
Action Statements for each item consist of:
• relative priority
• a brief description of the project action
• the process required for project implementation
• an estimated time required for completion
• a proposed schedule
• implementing persons and/or groups
• the proposed source of funds if they are required
• the current status of the action, progress to date
• a statement explaining the consequence if the action is not implemented
PROPOSED ACTIONS (PRIORITIZED)
1. Establish by ordinance a Volcano Village Historic District.
2. Establish a Special Overlay District for Volcano that would protect natural forest cover.
3. Revise commercial zone boundaries to promote economic growth.
4. Collaborate with Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management to
construct a full service Waste Management Facility.
5. Implement Health Care Services in Volcano
6. Continue recording, protecting, and educating people about historic properties.
7. Prepare a manual for residential and commercial development.
39
8. Promote granting of small property conservation easements in residential subdivisions.
9. Support road connectivity among Puna subdivisions.
10. Update a Master Plan for Cooper Center.
11. Continue support training and equipment purchases for Volcano Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) and FIREWISE Community.
12. Collaborate with State and County to redesign main thoroughfares for shared bicycle,
vehicle, and pedestrian use.
13. Designate Highway 11 between Mountain View and Volcano as a National Scenic
Byway.
14. Collaborate with W. H. Shipman Estate to establish a secondary village commercial
center east of the Village core.
15. Designate hiking and biking trails linking the Volcano community with the National
Pa rk.
PROPOSED ACTIONS (NOT PRIORITIZED)
• Identify and record historic trail and rail routes in Volcano
• Educate residents about native plants and animals, forest restoration, and threats to
native ecosystems
• Sponsor workshops to educate residents about recycling, composting, energy
conservation, renewable energy, wastewater management, and generally about low-
impact use of the settled environment
• Continue to publish the BUILDING IN THE FOREST brochure
• Establish a working group to develop enforceable amendments to the County
ordinances for sign, outdoor lighting, and noise
• Collaborate with the National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration to
reduce aviation noise
40
• Establish a cooperative arrangement among the National Park, Kilauea Military Camp,
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano Art Center, Cooper Center Council, and
other community entities to enable access, development, and expansion of recreational
and educational opportunities
• Prepare a management plan for access and improved communication for recreational
hunting in adjacent forest reserves
• Establish a Police Substation in Volcano with 24-hour coverage
• Encourage all Volcano neighborhoods to form Neighborhood Watch (NHW) programs
with a goal of one Watch Captain for every 10 house sites
• Support relocation of the VSAS campus
• Improve information about local health care services through classes, newsletters, etc.
• Sponsor public education to encourage bicycle and pedestrian use
• Support restoration and improvement of the 14-mile Old Volcano Trail from Kea'au to
Volcano
• Collaborate with County Mass Transit Authority (CMTA) to establish a permanent transit
hub in Volcano, and to establish fixed stopping points with shelters
• Collaborate with County Mass Transit Authority to establish public bus service to the
Hilo International Airport, and to provide bus service to commercial centers in Hilo,
Kea'au, Pahoa, and elsewhere
• Collaborate with CMTA to develop transit service to main routes from interior
residential areas
41
APPENDIX II ACTION STATEMENTS
Establish by Ordinance a Volcano Village Historic District
Priority: 1
Description of the Protect:
A Historic District designation for Volcano Village would establish a discreet section of the
commercial and residential zone to enable special recognition of the area's blend of historic
and commercial development. Building design here is unique, and the evolution of residential
and commercial activity is evident and considered worthy of preservation, particularly the
continuing use of the area for both residential and commercial purposes. Permitted uses that
are established in County zone guidelines are generally compatible with the area, though some
revisions are needed.
The intent is to identify the area proposed for designation, and to overlay the new zone
guidelines to ensure that the structures within the area are identified and inventoried, and that
future development will comply with the new zone restrictions.
It might be argued that a Historic District ordinance would not be needed. In that case, the
importance of securing ordinance status for the Volcano Long Range Plan and amending the
land use zone restrictions becomes essential.
Project Implementation:
1. Secure funds from County CIP budget, for consultation with a professional community
planner to ensure compliance with State, County, and District land use and community
plans to align the Volcano plan with those of other communities, and to facilitate
efficient review by County Planning Department staff.
2. Prepare Design Guidelines that will be enforceable yet not suppress economic growth.
Proper land use zone designations would be delineated on a map of Volcano Village and
zone limitations specified.
3. Present Design Guidelines for approval by ordinance of County Council.
42
4. Establish a Design Review Committee consisting of community and professional
members, whose purpose is to ensure compliance with design and zone criteria,
permitting laws, and adherence to the purposes of the Historic District. The committee
will include: (1) an architect, licensed to practice in Hawaii, qualified to evaluate historic
structures, (2) a certified land use planner, (3) a resident member of the Volcano
community who is knowledgeable in local plant and animal ecology, and (4) a
community member who has a professional association with State and/or County
Historic Preservation Bureaus.
5. Require all permit applications to be examined by the Design Review Committee.
Permit applications for construction, grading, grubbing, and other potential land uses
that would alter the landscape, surface, or structures will undergo review by the
Committee, who will recommend to the Planning Director approval, further review, or
denial of applications that are not considered to be in compliance.
Estimated Time to Completion: 1 year for completion of Design Guidelines and establishment
of a Design Review Committee. Review of permit applications will be a perennial activity.
Schedule: Begin 2013 Ongoing
Implementing Persons or Groups:
VCA Planning Committee
Design Guideline Committee
Source of Funds: County CIP
Estimated Cost: Est. $25,000 for planning consultant
Progress to Date:
• Design Guidelines preliminary draft begun August 2013
• Planning Committee is assembled
• Design Guideline Committee assembled
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• The unique nature and ambience of Volcano Village could be lost
43
Establish an Special Overlay District for Volcano
Priority: 2
Description of the Project:
Establish a Special Overlay District that would recognize the unique circumstances of a
community that is situated in a largely intact forest setting and is surrounded on three sides by
substantial areas of native forest that are officially protected from exploitation by the State of
Hawaii and by the National Park Service. Residents in this area, like those of no other
community, have an opportunity to declare their support for a land stewardship ethic that will
protect natural forest cover and enable the native forest plants and animals to thrive while
living within their shared environment.
A Special Overlay District will encourage people to embrace common practices, such as doing
minimal clearing of their properties and maintaining as much tree canopy as possible, designing
energy efficient dwellings, landscaping with non-invasive plants, controlling invasive species on
their properties, directing outdoor lighting downward, minimizing noise-producing activities as
much as possible, and practicing other low-impact activities.
Such a model of rural living is encouraged for communities that neighbor World Heritage Sites
(WHS) and International Biosphere Reserves (IBR) like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Both
designations recognize the international importance of the Park's natural and cultural resources
and the value of the Park as a marker against which to measure long term environmental
change. WHS and IBR promote integration of the neighboring communities into the recognition
and management of the general area.
The Puna Community Development Plan specifically advocates designating the Volcano
planning area as a Biosphere Reserve "Buffer Zone," a term formerly used to describe
settlements adjacent to IBR areas that could be incorporated as extensions of the IBR, and
managed by local communities under local jurisdictions. However, the USA withdrew from the
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because of a dispute
over conflicting Palestinian and Israeli strategies for settling territorial issues, with the result
that USA funding and support for dozens of International Biosphere Reserves in the U.S.
dissolved. Hence, the Hawaii Islands Biosphere Reserve, which included Haleakala National
Park as well as Hawaii Volcanoes NP, could no longer be supported or promoted by HVNP.
During this time, criteria for designating "buffer zones" changed, and also their nomenclature.
"Buffer Zones" were re-named "Transition Areas".
44
Volcano residents might want to simply adapt the UNESCO model as appropriate for local
wishes and schedules, by establishing a Special Overlay District.
Project Implementation:
1. Survey Volcano residents to determine the extent of support for adopting the Special
Overlay District.
2. Conduct a biological survey to ensure the validity of such a designation, with particular
reference to the makai (downhill) margin of the community.
3. Establish a working group to inform and encourage residents to adopt the IBR model.
4. Publicize the result with literature, monuments, media programs, etc. that emphasize
the value of such a model to enhanced community values.
Estimated Time to Completion: 10 years
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2024
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Transition Area Working Group
VCA Transition Area Steering Committee
Source of Funds:
US National Park Service
VCA
Estimated Costs: TBD
Progress to Date:
• New criteria required resubmission of the nomination application to UNESCO for a
Transition Area. This process was started with discussions between the National Park
administration and a community committee which held several small group meetings in
the community.
• Nomination papers were partially drafted. In this process, Haleakala National Park was
separated from Hawaii Volcanoes so that HVNP could be recognized as a discreet
Biosphere Reserve with a discreet community extension buffer. However, absent
national and local support for IBR recognition, the process was postponed, pending
renewed support in the future for UNESCO by the U.S. government.
45
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Lack of a Special Overlay District could led to indiscriminate changes in our unique forest
cover
• Lack of education about a Special Overlay District would prevent residents from
understanding the value of low impact activities in the forest
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Revise Commercial Zone Boundaries
Priority: 3
Description of the Project:
To promote responsible economic growth in Volcano, commercial zone boundaries and existing
commercial development will be revised and reorganized to comply with all aspects of the
Volcano Long Range Plan, including the Historic District and Design Guidelines.
Commercial development in Volcano Village, though haphazard, has resulted in development
that is mostly compatible with the historic, rural, and forested environment.
Protect Implementation:
1. Form a steering committee to oversee commercial development in Volcano. Committee
members must consist of: (1) a person who currently operates a commercial enterprise
in Volcano, (2) an owner of a significant property in Volcano, (3) persons with
appreciation for cultural and natural environmental values, (4) a person with experience
in town planning, and (5) at least one member of the Design Review Committee.
2. Analyze economic growth projections for Volcano/Puna Mauka.
3. Collaborate with present commercial operators to reorganize and/or redesign existing
developments and to locate future commercial developments in compliance with the
Volcano Long Range Plan and with approved Design Guidelines. Developments will
include structures, roads, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, landscaping, lighting, vistas,
etc.
4. Submit requests for zone changes to County Planning Department, who will ensure that
local reviews have been secured and documented before rendering any approvals.
Estimated Time to Completion: 2 years, with an understanding that the above process,
though becoming less frequent, will be perpetual.
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2016
Source of Funds:
Developers will bear major costs per the Fair Share formula. The appropriate County
and State bureaus will bear supplemental infrastructure costs.
Estimated Costs: TBD
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Implementing Persons or Groups:
Commercial Development Steering Committee, a subcommittee appointed by VCA
Progress to date:
• Subcommittee of the VLRP has made recommendations to the VLRP members
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Haphazard and disruptive development within Volcano, incompatible with the rural
forested environment
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Construct a Full Service Waste Management Facility
Priority: 4
Description of the Project:
Replace the present transfer station near MP 25 along Highway 11 with an orderly, durable full
service Waste Management Facility that will accommodate categories of recyclable waste
(glass, paper, plastic, organic, metal, etc.), hazardous waste, electronic waste, disposal waste,
and reusable material. It will be roofed over thresholds and container bins, and include a
secure, dry sales area and storage building for serving reuse transactions, and a dry, secure
storage building for selected community use, such as coqui frog control drums, pumps,
chemicals, etc. Also included will be a water storage tank for rain catchment, and a green
waste mulch facility for Volcano green waste sources to avoid coqui propagation.
Access will be from Highway 11, but the facility will not be visible from the highway.
Protect Implementation:
1. Collaborate with County Departments of Public Works and Environmental Management
regarding design.
2. Secure design and construction funds.
3. Select a design consultant.
4. Design a two or three phase program, beginning with a minimum service facility that
can be expanded to a full service facility in the future when County funds are available.
5. Determine the extent of community participation that will be involved in matters such
as managing the reuse store and products that yield a cash deposit (HI-5 beverage
containers), and the involvement of community schools and civic groups in promoting
zero waste consumption of materials.
6. Collaborate with County DPW regarding hours of operation, access, standards for
maintenance, invasive species control, noise and nuisance, etc.
Estimated time to Completion: 3 years
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Schedule: Begin 2009 Complete 2016
Implementing Persons or Groups:
County Dept. of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division
Community Association, Environmental Committee (Jeffrey Mermel)
Source of Funds:
County Dept. of Public Works through a bond managed by Dept. of Environmental
Mgmt. (DEM)
Federal USDA rural community infrastructure grant
Estimated Costs: TBD
Progress to Date:
• Collaboration with County DEM was initiated November 2009, with an understanding
that the Volcano Transfer Station reconstruction would be a high priority project for
DEM. The priority was based on the imminent collapse of the wall that supports the bin
chute area, but was overridden by a more urgent maintenance issue at another site.
The understanding assumed the result would include a full service facility, which was
reduced to a minimal service facility because of diminished County general and capital
funds. This delay resulted in a re-design that would offer only minimal facilities to be
included, and a substantial loss of funds.
• The present transfer station site with bins for mixed recycle and glass was selected to
eventually be a full service waste management center
• A second phase service will expand to include separate bins for organic ("green") waste,
newspapers, plastics, metals, and an area for appliances
• A third phase project will include a covered and secured re-use transactions and storage
area, a beverage container refund station, a secure and dry storage building with a
10,000 gallon water catchment that would be available for emergency fire control and
incidentally for coqui frog and other invasive species control
• County approval of a bond to fund the Volcano Recycling Center was secured in May
2014
• Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014
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Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Continued overloading at the current transfer station
• Continued stress on County's ability to handle the waste stream, and made more
difficult with the advent of rapid population increase in the Volcano area
• Continued deterioration of the present site infrastructure, including walls that support
the single chute platform, asphalt parking, and access
• No relief from residents' requirement to carry organic waste, resale, and reuse items to
sites in Kea'au and Hilo
• No relief of stress and crowding at the Cooper Center, which now handles reuse
materials in a make-shift "thrift shop," where more productive uses for that space could
be developed
• No accommodation for local schools or civic organizations to conduct environmental
and waste management educational visits
• No central storage and service facility for coqui frog control, presently using several
private properties in the community
• No provision for coqui free green waste mulch
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Implement Healthcare Care Services in Volcano
Priority: 5
Description of the Project:
Establish, by phases, a full service health care program for the roughly 5,000 residents of
Greater Volcano (from about MP 23 to the Golf Course subdivision) and surrounding areas. The
population continues to grow rapidly. Over half the residents of this rural area are of low or
moderate income. The population of the area is enough to support a full time primary care
provider for both medical and dental services. Volcano is about 52 miles, round trip, to most
health care services.
Presently there is only a part time nurse practitioner, but no resident professional medical
doctor or dentist. A health services program proposed by the Volcano Health Collaborative was
not implemented, though considerable information was obtained and needs to be re-
evaluated, and the work begun should be renewed. A program that begins with a mobile
medical and dental unit, based in Hilo, is a likely starting point. The program will evolve as
needs are brought into clearer focus, and financial and social support develops.
Project Implementation:
1. Evaluate medical, dental, adult day-care, and other health care needs, starting with a re-
evaluation of the survey undertaken in 2005 by the Volcano Health Collaborative.
2. Seek an organization that would oversee the development and implementation of a
health services program.
3. Establish an association with community health services that are ongoing in Hilo, Kea'au,
Pahoa, and Na'alehu.
4. Establish basic health services that can be undertaken by mobile units, such as monthly
blood pressure checks, dental and eye exams, and other basic clinical services.
5. Determine need for more developed facilities, and apply for grants that would address
short and medium term needs.
6. If a permanent medical clinic is warranted, seek and evaluate site location, building
design, and staffing, including a residence for a medical professional.
Estimated Time to Completion: 10 years
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2024
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Implementing Persons or Groups:
Volcano Health Collaborative 501c3
Local community service organization TBD
Partnership with Hilo Bay Clinic
Source of Funds:
Hawaii State Grant in Aid
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Grants program
State of Hawaii Department of Health
Estimated Cost: $1M
Social survey to update VHC survey of 2005 $ 25K
Share cost of mobile medical and dental services 100K
Land purchase for clinic facility 100K
Incentive salary for medical professional 100K
Progress to Date:
• Through the efforts of the Volcano Health Collaborative, the following steps were made
from 2005 to the present:
• Initial planning for the Health Center started in 2005
• Needs assessment completed in 2006 culminating with a community meeting in
November 2006
• Detailed recommendations developed in 2007 focused on site location, scope of
services, and non-facility based services like the monthly blood pressure table at the
Farmers' Market
• The legislature has recently appropriated $250,000 for design and development of the
Health Center
• VHC produced a design concept for a clinic facility
Consequences if Not Implemented:
Volcano residents will continue to travel 52 miles or more, round trip, for most
health care services
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Establish a Cultural Resources Management Tradition for
Historic Properties
Priority: 6
Description of the Project:
Historic architecture and landscape design are fundamental Volcano values. The unique
cultural resources of the Village core and associated residential areas are mostly intact and
cherished by present inhabitants. This action project would ensure their long term protection
by establishing an enduring cultural resources management tradition of recording, monitoring,
protecting, and education. The project will enable the transfer of knowledge and fundamental
Volcano values to the larger community and future generations.
Project Implementation:
1. Establish a register of historic properties.
2. Investigate the interest of private owners in their property being included in a Multiple
Property State Register nomination, as determined by a structure's contribution to a
broad historical theme that is significant to the larger history of the State of Hawaii.
Qualifying historic structures in Volcano can be listed within a discontiguous district,
ensuring the protection of individual properties seeking national register level
protection, while providing flexibility for growth and development for property owners
not listing. Alternately, neighboring historic property owners could choose to create a
contiguous historic district, either residential or commercial. The present Residential
Historic District that lies along Hale 'Ohi'a Road could be expanded.
3. Continue to collect and appropriately archive oral histories from longtime Volcano
residents, both present and former.
4. Sponsor community seminars to train interested groups in preservation initiatives. This
could include, but not be limited to, recording oral histories, inventorying historically
significant features and sites for the creation of databases of historic information, caring
for artifacts, and understanding different strategies for preservation of historic buildings
and cultural resources. Examples of relevant organizations/programs are Historic
Hawaii Foundation's Circuit Rider program, National Trust for Historic Preservation
outreach programs and UH Manoa's Center for Oral History workshops.
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5. Establish anon-profit Volcano Historical Society to serve as the primary institution for
the collection and display of historical artifacts and information and for the creation of a
museum.
Estimated Time to Completion: 10 years
Schedule: TBD
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Volcano Community Association
Volcano Art Center
Volcano Cultural Foundation
Cooper Center Council
Other civic groups
A Volcano Historical Society
Source of Funds:
Local sources
Estimated Costs: TBD
Progress to Date:
• Inventory of historic structures complete (VOLCANO VILLAGE HISTORIC BUILDING
INVENTORY by Boone Morrison). Monolog, annotated with photos, descriptions,
historic significance, with distribution map. Published in 1993. (Needs to be updated.)
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Irretrievable loss of cultural knowledge and awareness of Volcano for future generations
• Unique historical structures unknowingly remodeled or demolished
• Loss of historical artifacts in Volcano
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Prepare a Manual for Residential and Commercial
Development in Volcano
Priority: 7
Description of the Protect:
A manual about low-impact, forest-friendly site preparation techniques and building design,
specific to the Volcano area, will be prepared as a guide for residents, owner-builders, land
clearing contractors, landscapers, draftsmen, architects, realtors, and building contractors.
The purpose of the manual is to provide recommendations and detailed, illustrated technical
guidance and models for site preparation and design of both residential and commercial
structures, with the goal of minimizing native forest clearing. The manual will be prepared in
consultation with professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in forest
ecology, forest-friendly clearing, landscaping, and construction. All recommendations will be
consistent with County building code specifications.
Available in on-line and hard copy format, the manual will link to other community based
publications about building and forest protection, native plant propagation, native forest
restoration, and weed control.
Project Implementation:
1. Establish a subcommittee of the Volcano Community Association to initiate and guide
the preparation of the manual. The VCA has a history of advocating for forest protection
in a context of increasing development, preparing publications (Building in the Forest
brochure), and sponsoring classes in native forest protection and restoration. In
addition, the VCA has financial resources to partially support the development and
printing of this publication and the expertise to write grant proposals.
2. Identify both a lead individual to coordinate the writing of the manual and an editor.
3. Identify and secure assistance of resource individuals with expertise in forest ecology, in
forest-friendly clearing, landscaping, building design, and construction, and with
technical publication skills.
4. Prepare an outline of the manual for review by the subcommittee and the Volcano
Community Association board.
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5. Prepare a draft, edit, and submit to the Volcano Community Association for review and
approval.
6. Print a limited number of hard copies and post the manual on the Volcano Community
Association website.
Estimated Time to Completion: 3 years
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2017
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Volcano Community Association
Source of Funds:
Volcano Community Association
Grants (Atherton Foundation, Cooke Foundations, and others to be identified)
Estimated Costs: Est. $10,000 for preparation, writing, and printing
Progress to Date:
• The Volcano Community Association has prepared a brochure titled Building in the
Forest, along with a list of knowledgeable individuals and contractors for land clearing,
landscaping, and building
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Even well intended residents, land clearers, architects, and builders will not be provided
with the tools and examples to clear, design, and build forest-friendly residential and
commercial structures
• The forest canopy will be unnecessarily lost as residential and commercial development
takes place in Volcano
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Promote Small Property Conservation Easements
Priority: 8
Description of the Project:
A Conservation Easement is a commitment by a property owner to dedicate all or a portion of
his/her property to the conservation of natural plants and animals, in perpetuity, rather than
allowing heirs or other future owners to replace native forest cover with developments. While
retaining all rights to the property, including the right to remain on, sell, or bequeath the
property, an owner enters into a formal, legal agreement with a certified land trust which
grants a perpetual Conservation Easement to the land trust. The Conservation Easement
designation and all the terms that apply to it stay with the land and oblige all future owners to
adhere to the conditions of the CE.
The Hawaii Islands Land Trust (HILT) collaborates with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of
Hawaii to enhance communications among owners of large private holdings, particularly
"charismatic" properties, and the HILT.
Protect Implementation:
1. Establish a CE subcommittee to educate the community about Conservation Easements
and their benefits.
2. Identify private property owners willing to grant a conservation easement for their
property. Strive to establish a network of connected properties that will link the natural
forest tree canopy and understory plant communities among the National Park and the
Pu'u Makala and Kahauale'a Natural Area Reserves.
3. Introduce property owners to a certified land trust, such as the Hawaii Islands Land
Trust, to enable the property owner to fully understand the biological, financial, legal,
and ethical considerations that a CE grant entails.
4. Investigate sources of grants and subsidies available to CE land owners to help defray
costs. Other CE grants would be easily arranged if property owners were not expected
to donate any substantial amount of money to the land trust organization,
notwithstanding the considerable income tax benefit such a donation provides.
5. Record Conservation Easement grants as they emerge across the community, and make
them visible to encourage others to participate in this program, and so promote one of
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the principal values of the Volcano Long Range Plan, to demonstrate the high quality of
living that goes with living harmoniously in the native forest environment.
6. Collaborate with CE grantees, other persons who serve environmental and cultural
causes in the community and local residents, HILT, and TNC to maintain important
mutual support links.
7. Consider re-naming the program, currently known as THE KIPUKA MOSAIC, to a simpler
and more attractive program title. Recognize that such a change would require minor
amendments in the CE grant documents already on file with the Land Court and County
bureaus.
8. Approach TNC for financial stimulus money for the Volcano small properties program.
Estimated time to completion: 30 years
Schedule: Begin 2010 Complete 2040
Source of Funds:
Each CE grantee is expected to donate to the land trust an amount of money, estimated
to cover the cost that the land trust would incur over many years of conducting annual
inspections of the property, and to provide a hedge in the unlikely event litigation would
arise from violations of the CE grant. Grantees have donated amounts of$1000 to
$2500 initially, with an agreement to later bequeath balances of$5000 to $7500.
Grants and subsidies are available and might be awarded by the land trust organization
or any other funding source, such as The Nature Conservancy, to the land owner to
defray costs. An amount of$10,000, for example might enable at least four new CE
grants. An amount of$50,000 is a more desirable target. Such a fund might enable at
least 20 new CE grants. If such money is used to subsidize the amount owners would
contribute to the land trust, the money would go further and would enable more CE
grants.
Estimated Costs: TBD
Implementing Persons or Groups:
The Volcano Community Association: CE subcommittee
HILT
TNC
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Progress to date:
• As of July 2014, five CE grants have been consummated in Volcano: in Hawaiian Orchid
Island Estates, two 3 acre grants; in Mauna Loa Estates a %2 acre, and in Volcano Village a
1/3 acre and a 1 acre. Another CE of 30 acres is under consideration.
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• If there are not substantial Conservation Easement grants in the community, further
residential and commercial development in Volcano could reduce the number of native
trees to the point where native birds, insects, and seed dispersal abilities of some plants
will be constrained because of gaps in the canopy
• Dispersals of seeds and wildlife into the intact Natural Area Reserves and the National
Park would diminish, possibly with adverse effects in those protected areas
• Residents would be deprived of the pleasure of native wildlife passing through, and
native plants seeding, on their properties
• Diminished tree cover would open the forest to increased sunlight, encouraging the
dispersal of alien plants into cleared areas and roadsides
• Due to diminished tree cover, stronger winds, more noise, and greater visibility of other
structures, roads, traffic, and people moving about will adversely affect Volcano's
cherished "village ambience"
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Support Road Connectivity among Puna Subdivisions
Priority: 9
Description of the Protect:
The primary purpose of this project is to establish an alternative connecting route between
Volcano and Pahoa. There is a need to provide an emergency transportation corridor in the
event the Highway 11 corridor is blocked. A secondary purpose, so residents are not obliged to
use the Highway 11 corridor simply for entry and exit when shorter and more direct routings
are possible, is to provide connecting roads within and between subdivisions.
Designated roads are in place to accomplish this project. There is connectivity possible, with no
land purchase or extraordinary efforts required, between Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, Royal
Hawaiian Estates, and Fern Forest Estates, and between 'Ohi'a Estates and Mauna Loa Estates.
This project is one of the highest priority projects for the PCDP Action Committee.
Project Implementation:
1. Identify barriers to connectivity, including physical and social barriers.
2. Identify potential connecting points using an interactive mapping exercise and large
scale maps that identify all roads and subdivisions.
3. Determine types of permitted development.
4. Organize among subdivisions with participation by residents to determine logical
connecting points.
5. Coordinate communications among neighboring subdivision road committees.
6. Apply Hawaii County Department of Public Works (DPW) and PCDP Action Committee
criteria for selecting and developing connecting point.
7. Identify construction and capital funds in County budget.
8. Organize communities to participate in implementing projects.
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9. Open entryways by removing physical barriers, making surface improvements, and/or
purchasing land.
Estimated Time to Completion: 5 years
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2019
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Hawaii County Civil Defense, DPW, and PCDP Action Committee
Source of Funds:
Hawaii County DPW
USDA grants for occasional paving, roundabout intersections, signs, land purchase.
Estimated Cost: Est. $1,000,000
Progress to Date:
• County and PCDP connectivity criteria have been shared and agreed upon. The PCDP
Action Committee strongly favors designing scenic, staggered routes, rather than
express direct routes. Hawaii County DPW prefers to use County owned roads for
connecting points wherever possible.
• Hawai'i County Civil Defense and PCDP Action Committee have carried out an
interactive mapping exercise designed to identify potential connecting points and
barriers.
• A preliminary high priority connecting intersection is in Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates,
where Kaleponi (Nalehua) Road intersects with Ali'i Kane Road, as an access to the
Kaleponi intersection with roads in Eden Rock Estates and beyond into lower Puna. One
proposed route is to connect Nahelenani Road in 'Ohi'a Estates to Lehuapele in
Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates with a new 1-%2 mile road across W.H. Shipman land.
Another proposed route is to connect the Old Volcano Highway to Ali'i Anela (RHE)
through residential roads, such as Alaula Road, to Ali'i Kane. RHE roads are owned by
Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates.
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• A seriously deficient component in underserved rural community infrastructure will be
recorded, in violation of a Federal requirement that local government address such
issues in the Puna District
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• Residents of rural subdivisions in Upper Puna will not have alternative routes in and out
of their residential roads in case of emergencies, especially in the a case of a blockage
along the Volcano-to-Kea'au and Hilo Highway 11 corridor
• Residents in the rural subdivisions will continue to use longer, less convenient, and more
expensive routes to travel between and within their subdivisions
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Update a Master Plan for Cooper Center
Priority: 10
Description of the Protect:
Cooper Center is the name for a de facto community center for Volcano Village. The Cooper
Center was established in 1983, and named after an eminent and beloved elder, John Cooper.
Its purpose is to serve as an information distribution center for community needs and
resources, and to provide a meeting venue for many local organizations and activities.
The center consists of a small multi-purpose building, two covered open-air courts, a children's
playground, paved parking in two sections (capacity 100 cars), Fuhrmann Fire House, and
approximately 15 acres of native closed-canopy forest. The center, though situated in Volcano
Village, is not in a central location, but rather in a toes-density residential area. The land is
assigned a zone category of Agriculture (A-3a), meaning it is eligible for subdividing into 3-acre
parcels. The land and buildings are owned by the County of Hawaii, and are operated under a
memorandum of understanding between the Cooper Center Council (CCC) and the County
Department of Parks and Recreation.
Cooper Community Center hosts a diverse array of community activities: cultural events, small
and large meetings, food service, farmers' market, community gatherings, classes, reading
library, thrift shop, etc. The multiple use building and open-air courts have long been
overwhelmed by the demands for space and scheduling placed upon them by the community.
A long-range plan for expanded capabilities is over-due, and includes the following proposed
improvements:
• A comprehensive development plan that would specify design standards, comply with
County and State regulations, and minimize encroachment into the native forest, which
is a significant recreational resource
• Increase the capacity for potable water
• Modernize the wastewater management system
• Construct a significantly expanded multi-purpose building that would include office and
storage space, meeting rooms (both small and private as well as auditorium style), a
certified modern kitchen, public restrooms, Internet service, photovoltaic and solar
water heating panels, enlarged library, enlarged thrift shop
• Construct an enclosed gymnasium, skate park, and other recreation facilities
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• Collaborate with County, State, and other land managers to find suitable space in order
to develop field sports facilities, such as baseball, soccer, etc.
• Continue to develop educational and recreational pathways into the native forest
• Continue to restore the forest ecosystem by removing alien plants and selective direct
management, such as out-planting native species
Project Implementation:
1. Select a competent facilities development planner who will collaborate with Cooper
Center Council to prepare a long term comprehensive design plan.
2. Present a draft design plan to Volcano Community members for comment and approval.
3. Secure required County and State permits for infrastructure development.
4. Separate various components of the plan for prioritization and implementation.
5. Develop a fund-raising strategy, to include voluntary service, local fundraising, grant
writing and solicitation of County and State sources.
Estimated time to completion: 10 years
Schedule: Begin 2015 Complete 2025
Source of Funds:
USDA small communities grant
County DPW, capital budget (CIP)
Estimated Costs:
Multi-purpose building construction:
Design and planning consultant: Est. $50,000
Architect: Est. $50,000
Construction: Est. $500,000
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Cooper Center Council
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Progress to date:
• A Long Range comprehensive Development Plan for Cooper Center was prepared, some
20 or more years ago
• Cooper Center Council has begun discussions about improvements to Cooper Center
• Community volunteers have carried out remarkable weed removal work in the native
forest, have identified tentative interpretive trails, and weed removal work is ongoing
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Future recreation and meeting needs due to an increasing Volcano population would
not be met
• Invasive species would continue to populate there and affect the natural flora and fauna
of the native forest
• Haphazard construction at Cooper Center would result in the rundown appearance of a
prominent community landmark and a lack of adherence to the proposed Design
Guidelines for the Historic District
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Support Volcano CERT and Fi rewise Programs
Priorit 11
Description of the Project:
Volcano's CERT, as part of national CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) under the
umbrella of FEMA, maintains a trained group of local residents so that, if a major disaster were
to occur and outside help would not be able to arrive promptly, they will be able to provide
the Volcano community with needed services and supplies.
Firewise is a national program co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the US Department
of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. Firewise helps local
communities identify and then seek ways to mitigate existing wild/brushfire hazards, and
prepare for effective action should fire emergencies actually occur.
Project Implementation:
CERT:
1. Acquire additional supplies and equipment needed for the CERT Incident Command
Center at Cooper Center to make it operational during an emergency.
2. Establish a permanent Communication Command Center at Cooper Center.
3. Establish a Mobile Radio Command Center that can be deployed as needed.
4. Establish a Community Alliance Network to connect with other community providers to
help with collaboration of ideas and resources and reduce duplication of efforts.
Firewise:
1. Create a Volcano Firewise Committee to coordinate and oversee the various
individuals, groups, and activities related to fire prevention education, mitigation, and
planning, as required by Firewise Communities USA.
Source of Funds:
Volcano Health Collaborative, VCA
Rotary Club of Volcano
Grants from public, private, County, State, and Federal sources
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Implementing persons or groups:
Volcano CERT, Volcano Community Association, Volcano Volunteer Fire Department
Certified Firewise assessors/inspectors
Firewise Hawaii Community Coordinator, Denise Laitinen
Wildland Urban Interface Grant Program
County, State and Federal programs
Estimated Time to Completion: Ongoing
Schedule: Begin 2006 Ongoing
Estimated Cost:TBD
Progress to Date:
CERT
• Volcano residents began organizing and training in 2006 as a project of the Volcano
Health Collaborative (VHC) and became a fully certified Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) recognized by Hawaii County Civil Defense in 2008.
• Monthly training meetings are held at the Cooper Center for active members and other
interested parties
• Annual mock disaster drills are held in Volcano Village and other areas in Hawaii County
• Close communication with Hawaii County Civil Defense keeps members up to date with
the latest State and Federal training opportunities
• CERT members re-certify credentials every two years by training and passing the Civil
Defense exam and remain current with American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED
certifications
• Training to coordinate activities with Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) is held regularly
• CERT members participate in annual conferences offered by the State of Hawaii and
FEMA
• Over half of Volcano's CERT members are licensed amateur radio operators who
participate regularly 3 times a week with Big Island radio networks (Big Island Amateur
Radio Club and Puna Emergency Radio Club) and 2 times a week with Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) networks to practice communication protocols
• CERT maintains some walkie-talkie and hand-held Ham radios for their Team Leaders
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• CERT maintains a 20 foot storage container located in the Cooper Center lower parking
which holds holding emergency medical supplies, bedding, clothing, tents, tarps, water,
and communication equipment, and also acts as a temporary communication command
center
• CERT sponsors educational events for the community and maintains a presence also by
supporting community events such as4t" of July, annual Rainforest Run, Mongolian
BBQ, and Sunday Farmers' Market CERT table
Firewise:
• In 2006 Firewise Hawaii Community Coordinator, Denise Laitinen, conducted a training
conference sponsored by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in collaboration with the Big
Island Wildfire Coordinating Group. An outgrowth of this workshop was a Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for Volcano.
• The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) conducted a Firewise educational event in
2011 for the residents of the Volcano Golf Course Community, which was the most
wildfire endangered area bordering the HVNP.
• In 2013 Volcano CERT conducted a Firewise assessor certification training class for CERT
members and interested Volcano residents. Twenty-two Volcano residents completed
the Firewise Assessor Certification requirements.
• Certified members have offered free inspections for Volcano residents to assess their
properties for fire hazards and suggest fire mitigation actions.
• The national Firewise brochure is being reviewed to modify the information and make it
relevant to our unique rainforest environment.
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Critical services and supplies would be delayed in an emergency
• Communication would be disrupted in an emergency
• Devastating wildfires could be more frequent
• Possibility of irretrievable losses in the Volcano area involving native forests, historic
structures, and other residential and commercial properties
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Redesign Main Thoroughfares for Shared Bicycle, Vehicle,
and Pedestrian Use
Priority: 12
Description of the Project:
This project will be developed, in accordance with the design guidelines of the Historic District
for Volcano, to enable non-motorized bikes, pedestrians, strollers, etc., to navigate around the
Volcano area, and to connect with external trails and bike paths going toward the National Park
and toward Kea'au.
Project Implementation:
1. Form a special VLRP subcommittee to determine what is needed for pedestrian and
bicycle safety and convenience in our community.
2. Draft and present maps and plans to the VLRP committee for input and approval.
3. Discuss VLRP approved maps and plans with the County Department of Transportation
for DOT approval.
4. Encourage and assist with the DOT budget process.
5. State and County implement plan.
Estimated time to completion: 4 years
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2018
Implementing persons or groups:
Transportation Subcommittee of the VLRP committee
DOT
Source of Funds:
Federal and State highway funds
Estimated Costs: Est. $1.5M
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Progress to Date:
• Have made contact with cyclist Ron Reilly who has agreed to help us with planning
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Possibility of deadly accidents due to the increasing use of our roads by bicyclists and
pedestrians, including students going to and from school
• Possibility of a loss of economic growth due to the lack of connectivity between
commercial outlets in Volcano Village
• Visitors and residents who drive instead of walking or bicycling will necessitate
increased paved parking areas for automobiles and an accompanying loss of the native
forest and "village ambiance"
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Designate Highway 11 Volcano to Mountain View as a
National Scenic Byway
Priority: 13
Description of the Project:
A National Scenic Byway designation for this segment of Highway 11 is listed as a desired action
in the Puna Community Development Plan. Such a designation requires considerable
participation by affected property owners, and a significant amount of organizing by a team of
local residents. Though the title implies a Federal designation, State and local governments
have a considerable stake in the process.
The Highway 11 corridor still provides an illusion of rural upland Hawaii, and thus conforms to
a regional concept of a land use gradient that transitions from the wilderness of the National
Park, as it goes through Volcano Village (along the highway bypass), through pasture lands and
low-density residential, into rural and low-density residential, to commercial and low density
suburban, and further into high density residential and suburban to high density commercial
and light industrial land use in the approach to suburban and light industrial areas of Kea'au
and Hilo.
The Mountain View to Volcano portion of the corridor, remaining relatively undisturbed by
commercial and residential development, is worthy of preservation and designation as a Scenic
Byway.
Protect Implementation:
1. Establish a task force to learn the Federal Highways Administration steps required to
make such a designation along a length of approximately 11 miles.
2. Investigate past attempts and obstacles encountered by the Ka'u Hwy 11 Group and
Kapono Village Long Range Plan Committee to learn what has been done and what
obstacles they encountered.
3. Survey opinion of property owners along the proposed highway corridor to determine
the level of support that exists or might be forthcoming for this designation.
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4. Develop a designation plan, if support is demonstrated, with full participation of
property owners in the proposed corridor, County Council members, and County
Planning Department.
Estimated time to completion: 3 years
Schedule: TBD
Implementing Persons or Groups:
A new task group: The National Scenic Byway (NSB) steering committee, appointed by
the VCA
Source of funds:
Federal Highways Administration
Hawaii County Dept. of Public Works/Highways Division
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation/Highways Division
Hawaii Tourism Bureau
Estimated costs: TBD
Progress to date:
• The nomination process was begun in Ka'u prior to the preparation of a long term
community plan. There was a steering committee and several steps were taken toward
preparing the formal nomination. The Ka'u NSB was to include the entire Highway 11
corridor from Manuka State Park to the western boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park, a distance of approximately 42 miles (67 kilometers)
• The Kapono Community Plan for the Kalapana to Kapoho corridor along Highway 132,
"Red Road," was forming a steering committee to oversee NSB designation
Consequences if Not Done:
• Potential for small scale unplanned commercial development with spot zoning along the
corridor where unfortunately, some commercial spots have already appeared like a
Bakery/Coffee sign, Food Truck, and a Yurt sales demonstration office.
• Inability to guide development along the corridor
• Loss of integrity of the landscape gradient from the Park through Volcano towards lower
Puna
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Establish a Secondary Village Commercial Center
Priority: 14
Description of the Project:
The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) proposes a secondary commercial
development approximately 3 miles east of Volcano Village, where service-oriented businesses
might be located. The proposed site is a small, degraded area makai of the Old Volcano
Highway on land owned by the W.H. Shipman Estate. A rock quarry was once in operation at
this site. The Volcano Solid Waste Management Facility is located opposite, beyond a veneer of
vegetation and across Highway 11. The site proposed for the new commercial center would
also not be visible from the Highway 11 corridor.
This commercial zone might provide for activities inappropriate for the proposed Historic
District, such as a shopping center (grocery, pharmacy), light industrial, auto repair, storage,
warehousing, manufacturing, etc.
Protect Implementation:
1. Establish a subcommittee to guide this project.
2. Survey residents regarding types of commercial development desired.
3. Approach the W.H. Shipman Estate and other landowners to assess willingness to
collaborate in such a development.
4. Redesignate current land use zone from Agriculture (A) to a suitable commercial
designation.
5. Determine the types of development that would be permitted.
6. Prepare and present Design Guidelines for approval by ordinance of County Council.
7. Prepare a management plan.
Estimated time to Completion: Est. 5 years
Schedule: TBD
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Volcano Community Association
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W. H. Shipman and investors (The community has not approached W.H. Shipman, and no
indications of intent by WHS have been revealed)
Source of Funds: W.H. Shipman and investors
Estimated Costs: TBD
Progress to Date:
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• The full range of land use in the Volcano area might not be developed
• Volcano residents will be traveling further away for services and employment
• With no other option, future concentrated commercial development would likely take
place in the less than a mile long area in the Village core currently zoned for commercial
development
• Loss of distinctive and cherished Village "ambience" due to such development
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Designate Hiking and Biking Trail Links to the National Park
Priority: 15
Description of the Project:
Create hiking and biking trails, using existing trails/roads between Volcano Village, Volcano Golf
Course, and the National Park, to connect these communities by going through the forest
rather than along the highway.
Project Implementation:
1. Establish a subcommittee to meet with the National Park, State Highways, and PATH
(Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) to discuss the project and propose the possible
routes.
2. Secure funding and/or volunteers to make the trails safe for bicycles and hikers.
3. Develop a maintenance program to keep the trails safe and fun.
4. Promote the biking/hiking path in national and international magazines/websites.
5. Print maps showing the trails/paths.
Estimated Time to Completion: 3 years
Schedule: Begin 2013 Complete 2016
Source of funds:
Donations from the public and grants from local and national organizations such as
PATH and Rails to Trails
Estimated Costs:
Estimated costs for the planning stage is minimal to none
Costs for the preparing the trails will depend on the routes chosen and the condition of
the old roads and trails
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Implementing Persons or Groups:
VCA subcommittee of the Volcano Long Range Plan
National Park
State Highway Department
Progress to date:
• Contact made with executive director of PATH, Tina Clothier, who has agreed to help us
Consequences if Not Implemented:
• Possibly deadly accidents on the Highway 11 and Old Volcano Road involving cars, bikes,
and pedestrians
• Loss of economic growth due to the lack of biking and hiking friendly access between
the National Park and Volcano Village
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Establish a Police Substation in Volcano
Priority: not prioritized
Description of the Project:
Construct astand-alone office, 12' X 16', in an area between the Cooper Center playground and
the fenced skate-park. To comply with the Historic District and Design Guidelines, design the
structure with board-and-batten to resemble as much as possible other buildings in Volcano.
Avoid cutting any trees in the site.
Project Implementation:
1. Present the building plan and design for review by the community, Hawaii Police
Department (HPD), Cooper Center Council, and others who have an interest in the
project.
2. Allocate funds from Rotary Club of Volcano
3. Secure a place to store building materials.
Estimated time to Completion: 3 months
Schedule: Begin 2014 Complete 2014
Implementing Persons or Groups:
Rotary Club of Volcano, Roger Schweitzer, President
Cooper Center Council
Hawaii Police Department
County of Hawaii
Source of Funds:
Rotary Club of Volcano
Estimated Cost: Est. $5000, considering local volunteer carpenter labor
Progress to Date:
• Drawings have been readied
• Approvals have been secured from Cooper Center Council and HPD
• Funds have been identified by Rotary Club of Volcano
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Consequences if Not Implemented:
• HPD presence and patrol capabilities in Volcano will not be increased
• HPD officers will continue to assemble and originate patrols in Pahoa, about an hour's
drive from Volcano
• Response time to incidents in Volcano will not be shortened
• Security in the village will not improve
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APPENDIX III
HISTORY OF THE VOLCANO LONG RANGE PLAN
The purpose of this long term plan is to adhere to the values expressed in the comprehensive
community plan, approved by the community in 2001, in the Volcano Vision 20/20 Long Range
Plan:
We envision a community dedicated to harmony with the rare and beautiful native forest in
which we live, and to harmony among the activities we pursue, our collective and personal
needs, the stewardship of the forest and the rural character of our community.
We strive for a community dedicated to respecting the needs of our citizens of all ages to live in
dignity and to seek personal fulfillment.
We desire a community dedicated to the preservation of our unique natural environment, which
we so graciously share. We aspire to be a community dedicated to a sense of place where one
can forever listen to the 'aina, hear one's own soul, and preserve the bond between the two for
future generations.
The vision for Volcano is reflected in the desired Vision for Puna expressed in the Puna
Community Development Plan (PCDP): Malama Puna A Mau Loa. "Residents of Puna live in
harmony with the 'aina while promoting a sustainable vibrant local economy, healthy
communities, and a viable transportation system that is accessible,friendly, and safe for now
and future generations."
The 2001 Volcano Long Range Plan also expressed priorities for the community:
"Preservation of the natural environment:
Maintain forest
Reforestation
Educate about the environment and resources
Create paths and trails
Cottage industries of all kinds
Education and recreational activities and opportunities for young people
Assisted living facilities for Volcano folks""
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History of Planning, Revisions, and Public Participation
The 2001 Volcano Vision 20/20 was the culmination of community meetings and planning
starting in 1985 and intensifying in the 1990's. A condensed history of planning and public
participation is outlined below:
1985 VCA Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) formed
1988 Monthly meetings of LRPC commence
1989 Community charges the LRPC with formulating a Special Design District (SDD) in the
"commercial core"
1992 VCA LRPC charged with surveying public opinion
1993 Boone Morrison (Lic. Architect) contracted by the Hawaii State DLNR to inventory
historic homes of the Volcano area
May 1993 LRPC survey mailed out (203 respondents)
Dec. 4, 1993 Public planning workshop, "Where do we go from here?" (over 150 attend)
Feb. 5, 1994 Planning Forum II, decision to create a formal planning document
March 13, 1994 Oregon Visioning Process chosen as model upon which to proceed with
community planning
May 14, 1994 Steering Committee and Working Groups form under categories established in
the Hawaii County General Plan
March 4, 1995 Community meeting held to discuss results. Working Groups reformulated to
address amendments
July 8, 1995 Community meeting to consider zoning and land-use issues
Sept. 1995 Mass mailing of five group reports (Natural Resources, Recreation, Public Safety,
Medical Assisted Living, and Economic Interests)
Sept. 23, 1995 Community meeting to discuss mail out and Vision Statement
Nov. 29, 1995 Community meeting to discuss Transportation, Design Guidelines, and
Historical and Cultural Resources
Jan. 13, 1996 Community meeting to discuss Final Design Guidelines and Cultural/Historical
Report
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Feb. 17, 1996 Community meeting, presentation of planning document to community for
review and acceptance
2001 In addition to a vision and priorities, the 2001 plan expressed goals, objectives, and
actions for the community regarding historical/cultural resources, economic interests,
natural resources/natural beauty/environmental quality, recreation, transportation,
medical/assisted living, and public safety.
2006 The goals, objectives, and actions sections of Volcano Vision 20/20 were revised
following 16 small community meetings were held in Volcano during the early stages of
the PCDP preparation. In these group meetings, there was clear consensus on several
issues: preserving village character, regulation of forest clearing, and support of school
facilities and infrastructure improvements at Cooper Center. Other issues emphasized
included inclusion of Volcano in the International Biosphere Reserve, alternative
transportation, a County fire station, senior services, health services, support of local
farming, rethinking commercial zoning, and consolidation of business zones.
January 2007 The draft 2007 revision was presented to the community for acceptance at the
annual Volcano Community Association Meeting.
2012 The Volcano Community Association wrote the 2012 Revision with the assistance of a
citizens' committee. The on-line availability of the draft revision was announced in a
forthcoming issue of the Volcano Community Newsletter, and mailed to all Volcano
residents and lot owners. Hard copies were available on request. Public comments
were solicited by the committee and received by phone, US Postal Service mail, and e-
mail. These comments were considered by the committee and used as a basis for
editing and revising the draft. The second draft was available online and via hard copy,
prior to the announcement of a public meeting inviting further comments.
2014 After editing the public's comments, the 2014 Revision will be sent to the Planning
Department for technical review.
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GARY
CCC Cooper Center Council
CDMT County Department of Mass Transit
CE Conservation Easement
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CIP Community Improvement Project
CMTA County Mass Transit Authority
DEM Department of Environmental Management
DLNR Department of Land & Natural Resources
DPW Department of Public Works
HILT Hawaii Island Land Trust
HPD Hawaii Police Department
HVNP Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
IBR International Biosphere Reserve
KMC Kilauea Military Camp
MP Mileage Point
NPS National Park Service
NSB National Scenic Byway
PATH Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii
PCDP Puna Community Development Plan
RHE Royal Hawaii an Estates
TNC The Nature Conservancy
UNESCO United Nations Educational,Scientific,and Cultural Organization
VCA Volcano Community Association
VGCCE Volcano Golf and Country Club Estates
VSAS Volcano School of Arts and Sciences
VLRP Volcano Long Range Plan
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