Communication No. 2018-07- 2017 Annunal NKCDP Report from Chair Winter Final

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preserved for open space. HELCO transmission line routes proposed for steep slopes are being studied by group members for potential soil erosion. Solar Matters, the promoters of future solar bikeways, sponsored monthly family bike rides in Kohala. Restoration efforts continued at Upolu Point and along the leeward coastline on contour land planning and sediment basins to prevent erosion runoff. Goals for 2018: Goals include continued work on the Pololu Lookout situation, further work on a second powerline serving Kohala, determination of significant viewplanes to avoid for new transmission lines, as well as locations for prospective new scenic lookouts to improve safety particularly during whale season. Community members are encouraged to volunteer for new investigative groups to implement CDP strategies, including: Strategy 4.3: Improve Communication Systems (radio, cell, and internet) Strategy 4.7: Improve Reliability of Electrical Service in North Kohala - PUC, grid connected solar, HELCO loop routes. The PVEC group is seeking community input for a new 2018 meeting day/time, place. Please call Susan Fischer if interested at 882-7611. Agriculture Group (AG) Although agriculture figures prominently in Kohala history and is an important aspect of our present situation, the NKCDP does not have a section dedicated to the subject. Rather, the subject of agriculture is interspersed throughout the document. Section 2.3 Demographics & Economics. The district's economy has been struggling since the Kohala Sugar Company closed in 1975 ... The search for viable businesses must continue to enable this community to remain vibrant. Many would like to see diversified agriculture encouraged in the region. Section 2.4 Land Use. The overwhelming majority of Kohala lands are zoned for agriculture, 84.6% according to County zoning (67,977 acres), and 80.5% in the State Agricultural district (64,713 acres). The sentiment of Kohala residents is generally that they would like to see this land utilized for agriculture. One of their biggest concerns is the misuse of this land for luxury subdivisions and/or "gentlemen estates." The key planning implications related to Kohala's land use include: • Agricultural lands — The majority of the land in Kohala is zoned for agriculture, is suitable for such use, and should be utilized as such. This means agricultural land should not be up -zoned unless the proposed up -zoning substantially conforms with the Goals and Policies of the North Kohala CDP. As described by the Growth Management Group above, their principal goal is to direct North Kohala's growth to areas within and near existing town centers. The reason expressed for this was "in order to preserve the district's open space and cultural resources; and to promote agriculture." Other mentions of agriculture in the NKCDP include: Many residents see diversified agriculture as one of the best options for creating jobs and local businesses, since it utilizes Kohala's natural resources (fertile soils, availability of water), helps increase the community's self- sufficiency, and protects its rural character. Kohala has a long agricultural history, from the days of Kamehameha I in the 18th Century, to the more recent sugar plantation days, which ended in the 1970s. The Kohala community was largely food self-sufficient until recent decades. They have been producing their own food by growing crops, ranching, fishing, and sharing with one another. Although it is more difficult to continue this tradition today, many residents are doing so, and would like to support and encourage such activities. Numerous ideas on how best to do this have been put forth ... In the long -run, the Kohala community would like to work towards producing at least 50% of the food it consumes. Strategies and other sections in the NKCDP that address Agriculture are: Strategy 1.5: Establish Agricultural Education Programs