AC Minutes Special Meeting 22Sept2014

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extent that structures and existing infrastructure may be seriously damages or destroyed and provided comments and recommendations on the relocation of existing businesses with respect to the land use goals, objectives and actions of the PCDP. Public Testimony: 1. Catherine Ford testified about her concerns regarding roads. She is appreciative of the activity thus far with emergency access roads being constructed by the County, but would appreciate reassurance that if isolation does happen, ocean access is feasible. She has been working on outreach to the homeless community and expressed concern for outlying areas like Wa`awa`a and Kapoho where no Community Centers exist, that they tend to fall by the wayside when it comes to services offered. Agrees that sticking with the PCDP is the way to go. 2. Nancy Kramer is a CPA in Pahoa and the Treasurer for the Mainstreet Pahoa Association. Two main concerns she's been hearing is 1) Provision of gasoline and the environmental and safety concerns that go along with that, and 2) Having a transportation hub out of Pohoiki via water as a viable alternative. 3. Gilbert Aguinaldo, owner of Big Island Electrical Services and has been a lifelong resident of Pahoa testified that he has been in contact with HELCO and Hawaiian Tel who are doing everything they can to ensure power and communication services continue. He does not want to leave the town he grew up in and wants to do everything he can to ensure he can stay unless the safety of his family is threatened. He offered his property on the corner of Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 132 for the County's use. Action Committee Discussion: Susan asked the Planning Director, Duane Kanuha, to start the discussion with some of his thoughts regarding the issue at hand. Duane stated that he asked Larry to convene this special meeting because of issues that were brought up at some of the community meetings being held by Civil Defense and the County of Hawaii. For example, where will businesses be allowed to relocate,what permits will be needed, if businesses move without proper permits will there be actions taken against them by the County? If the lava flow continues in the way that is expected at this time, it will drastically change the landscape and social structure of the community. From a planning standpoint, every potential consequence leads to another and it never ends as it relates to existing services, county services, community services, security etc. The ramifications of this will impact the entire island. Discussion continued between all Action Committee members and the following are viewpoints shared across the board: a) The Action Committee's commitment to remain consistent with the Puna Community Development Plan. b) The importance of supporting a sense of community and taking into account the feelings and concerns of community members. c) The need to have support in place in order to continue to provide services to the community. d) Interest in developing Village Centers throughout the district as called for in the PCDP. 2