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Mercado, Keiko <br />J r'ju <br />From: Heidi_Meeker/FacilDev/HIDOE@notes.kl2.hi.us <br />Sent:Tuesday, April 18, 2017 4:15 PM N�AP'i'1!I':' "P,T{v1c,�NT <br />To: Mercado, Keiko J�1t.lPv i 'r` ��'r H��ti'JAII <br />Subject: DOE comments on Hamakua CDP <br />Keiko, thank you for all your assistance these last 2 days. <br />Le Ana Gloor, Planner <br />County of Hawaii Planning Department <br />101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Dear Ms. Gloor, <br />The Department of Education (DOE) had limited ability to access the Hamakua Community <br />Development Plan for review. It was difficult to access the report on line, navigate within the report, <br />and print out pages. <br />We appreciated the opportunity to review the document and would like to offer just a few comments. <br />It is gratifying that the Hamakua community is interested in developing and improving educational <br />opportunities. DOE supports the 5.12.3 Kokua Action requested of the department, but wishes there <br />had been some acknowledgment of DOE's responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment <br />for its students. The sharing of school facilities with the County and community groups has to come <br />after educational priorities are met. Schools have to provide a safe environment which is not always <br />compatible with wide open public access, particularly during school hours. Schools cannot always be <br />expected to provide maintenance and repair of facilities being heavily used by the public. Schools <br />are also required to follow administrative rules regarding public use of school facilities. <br />In regard to 5.13.3 Kokua Action, DOE is currently working with the Hakalau community concerning <br />the eventual return of the Hakalau school campus to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural <br />Resources. DOE cannot maintain, police, and be liable for property that is no longer an operating <br />public school. <br />If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Meeker of the Facilities Development Branch at (808) <br />784-5095. <br />Kenneth G. Masden <br />Public Works Manager <br />Planning Section - Facilities Development Branch <br />Department of Education <br />