AC Minutes 9Feb2016 FINAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Leila shared that the State Forester is extremely overwhelmed and they are in the process of hiring an Educational Outreach Technician. There are many aspects to preventing the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death. Elmer shared his hope that the Building in Puna Brochure might help to educate land owners as well as large equipment operators. Larry suggested that if illegal grubbing and grading is suspected, it could be reported to the appropriate managing agency. Frank asked how the Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan came to fruition. Larry briefly explained the process and Elmer clarified that it was a community member who volunteered his services to draft the guidelines, which was tremendous help. Hans explained that the General Plan Comprehensive Update is looking at Design Guidelines from an island wide perspective rather than each individual town. Hans also recommended the VLRPS refer to the last communication from the Planning Department, as it outlines suggested next steps. He emphasized that open communication is the key and that he is always available to answer any questions the subcommittee has. Patti pointed out that the upper Puna area, Volcano in particular, is really underrepresented on the Action Committee and would love to see some applications come in from Volcano residents. Larry suggested the VLRPS look into the PONC land nominations as a way of creating a possible buffer area around the National Park. 4. Communication Nos. 2016 -5 & 2016 -6: Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan Subcommittee (PRTCPS): Elmer updated the AC on their recent activity — summarizing Communication Nos. 2016 -5 & 2016 -6. Luquin's parking lot has been appraised and is lower than was expected. Sal ( Luquin's owner) is reviewing the new appraisal and Elmer will meet with him to discuss options. Post Office Road is not considered a road -in -limbo and is being maintained by the County of Hawaii. The subcommittee continues its work to widen/improve Post Office Road. June suggested a subcommittee member go to the Planning Department and look at the old maps, it might help with determining the actual width of Post Office Road. Patti shared that there are four people who have agreed to serve on the Design Review Committee. One of those four, John McElveney, has agreed to recuse himself from any deliberations related to projects he is involved in. Draft policies and guidelines are still being reviewed by the Planning Department. Jon Olson is working on getting new signage to help direct visitors to the lava viewing area. Discussion ensued regarding the Pahoa Park, the growing population and the lava viewing area. Communication Nos. 2016 -5 & 2016 -6 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website: bap:/ /records. co .hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/DocView. aspx ?id =765 82 &dbid = l bap:/ /records. co .hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8 /DocView. aspx ?id =765 83 &dbid= l 5. Mass Transit Subcommittee (MTS): There have been no recent MTS meetings. Councilman Danny Paleka asked the Subcommittee to submit their list of concerns relating to the Mass Transit Master Plan. June stated that the subcommittee has submitted their concerns previously but she will send Councilman Paleka an additional bulleted list. Hans confirmed that Mass Transit is going through the process of selecting a consultant and assured June that stakeholder engagement and public comment will probably be initiated at the appropriate times.