AC-PD 2017-5 Priority Table Transmittal-FINALw-encl

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Mr. Michael Yee February 8, 2017 Page 2 3. Puna is in dire need of reliable and affordable internet connectivity. Lack of infrastructure inhibits opportunity in Puna. Action items 3.4.3c and 4.1.3c speak to the need of internet connectivity that could provide economic and employment opportunities for Puna residents. 4. Preserving native ecosystems is critical in the fastest growing district in Hawaii County. Development is occurring at a rapid pace and native forests are giving way to housing and development on a daily basis. Objective 2.2.2b of the PCDP calls for several action strategies to protect the increasingly threatened forests of Puna. 5. Farmers Markets provide options for marketing locally produced products and economic opportunities for Puna residents. Chapter 15 of Hawaii County Code has provisions allowing for the operation of farmers markets in some County park facilities. PCDP action item 3.2.2e is in alignment with current County Code. Only minor changes to Chapter 15 would be necessary to allow farmers markets in appropriate park facilities throughout the Puna district. 6. Medical facilities are critical for a healthy community. Puna is sorely lacking in medical facilities able to serve a rapidly growing population. The AC encourages assistance and advocacy, at any level, to promote the development of medical facilities that can provide a full range of services including options for Puna residents that require dialysis treatment. Action item 3.3.3a calls for development of medical facilities throughout Puna and goal 3.3.1 advocates for social services and programs to assist the Puna community. In the coming months, we will be offering our assistance and advocacy for legislation, programmatic initiatives, and capital improvement priorities related to the Puna CDP. We encourage and appreciate the Administration's continued support and look forward to collaboration between the AC and the Administration as it is essential for the successful implementation of the PCDP. We respectfully request that this letter and the enclosed PCDP Priority Table be forwarded to the Mayor, appropriate agencies, administrators, councilmembers, and legislators that are instrumental in assisting with the implementation of the various priorities that are outlined above. Mahalo for your time, understanding and support of the Puna community. Respectfully, Larry Brown, Chair Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee Encl: PCDP Priority Table