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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHCDP COMBINED DOCUMENT FINAL 03.29.2018 FINISHEDHarry Kim Mavor West Hawaii Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Phone(808)323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563 March 22, 2018 County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT Windward Planning Commission County of Hawaii c/o Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii, 96720 Dear Commissioners: SUBJECT: Hamakua Community Development Plan Michael Yee Direclor Daryn Arai Deputy Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 We are pleased to submit for your consideration the Background Report and Planning Director's Recommendation for the draft Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). Pursuant to Section 2-28.1 of the Hawaii County Code, within sixty days after receipt of the Planning Director's recommendation on a draft community development plan or any amendment thereof, the Windward Planning Commission shall transmit the draft community development plan or any amendment with its recommendation through the Mayor to the County Council. A Windward Planning Commission's hearing for the Hamakua Community Development Plan is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2018, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center (NHERC) Conference Room, 45-539 Plumeria Street, Honoka`a, Hawaii. Sincerely, MICHAEL YEE Planning Director LBG.ja P:lwpwin6MCDP\Hamakua CDP\CDP Dtafts\Recommended CDP DOCS\DRAFT CDP\2018 PC Review\03-22-2018 Transmittal Letter to PC.doc Encl: Hamakua CDP Background Report and Planning Director's Recommendation www.cohplanninpdgpt.com Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Emplover lannin a)hawaiicoun ov COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN BACKGROUND REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION The Planning Director recommends that the Windward Planning Commission send a favorable recommendation to the Hawai'i County Council for adoption by ordinance of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP), as presented in Planning Department (P.D.) Exhibit 1, incorporating revisions to the draft recommended by the Planning Director and reviewed by the Hamakua CDP Steering Committee. CONTEXT The General Plan (2005 edition, as amended) establishes the County's CDP program to create a framework for regional planning that provides residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to actively participate in planning for their communities. CDPs are adopted by ordinance. The Hamakua CDP is an excellent example of collaborative planning among community, consultant, and County partners. It is firmly grounded in the community's objectives and has been vetted by a diverse array of stakeholders at each step. It was also developed with practicality and clarity in mind, using existing planning "tools" whenever possible, proposing new tools when appropriate, and structured to expedite implementation. The Windward Planning Commission and the County Council are encouraged to carefully consider the planning process that developed this plan when contemplating any revisions. Perhaps most importantly, before proposing revisions to any CDP strategy, review the rationale behind that strategy in CDP Appendix 5 (P.D. Exhibit 2). This approach would be most consistent with how issues have been addressed throughout the CDP process — by focusing on community objectives, accurate information, and good analysis. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES The Hamakua CDP planning process built on the strengths and lessons -learned from the first round of CDPs adopted in 2008. Specifically, it: ■ Used many communication channels: Stakeholders were engaged via mail, local newspapers, neighborhood newsletters, bulletin boards, email, a web site, social media, video, tours, talk story sessions, small group meetings, committee meetings, regional workshops, topic -focus discussions, and speak -outs. ■ Built on shared community values, vision, and goals: Those were the foundation and drivers of the planning process. They were developed based on unprecedented, representative community input, and they were used to evaluate the quality of the CDP. ■ Balanced perspectives: "Community" is never homogenous, so the volunteer, community-based CDP Steering Committee was diverse, and many community sectors and interests were engaged. ■ Established clear roles: It made the best use of the expertise and knowledge of community stakeholders, the County, and consultants, but deferred to the Steering Committee to make key decisions. ■ Was comprehensive: It devoted attention to natural and cultural resource management, community building, and economic development. ■ Clarified types of strategies: The authority of a CDP in relation to the General Plan is clear, and the differences between aspiration goals, policy controls, County actions, actions at other levels of government, and community actions were made explicit. ■ Combined local knowledge and industry best practices: CDP strategy development drew upon both local expertise and an extensive "planner's toolbox." ■ Maintained objectivity: Analysis was based on extensive research, and strategies were identified based on gaps in current policies and programs. ■ Maximized transparency: The rationale behind every product and recommendation during the planning process was clear, and decisions were made openly after opportunities for public input. ■ Identified specific decision points: Following community input during each phase in the planning process, the Steering Committee made key decisions that served as the foundation for next steps. ■ Facilitates implementation: Corresponding with the different types of strategies, guides to implementation were developed for planners, agencies, and the community. 2 CONTENTS The detailed background report contained herein is organized as follows: RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................................................................. CONTEXT............................................................................................................................................ PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.............................................................................................................. CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................................... BACKGROUND....................................................................................................................................... COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROGRAM................................................................................ HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER........................................................................................................... HAWAII COUNTY GENERAL PLAN.................................................................................................. PLANELEMENTS................................................................................................................................. NAVIGATING THE CDP.................................................................................................................... COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUMMARY............................................................................ TYPES OF CDP STRATEGIES............................................................................................................. SUPPORT DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................. PLANNING PROCESS........................................................................................................................... INITIATION OF THE PLANNING PROCESS....................................................................................... STEERING COMMITTEE.................................................................................................................. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION........................................................................................................ AGENCY COMMENTS..................................................................................................................... PLANNING DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................. FINAL STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW.......................................................................................... CDP IMPLEMENTATION..................................................................................................................... PLANNING DEPARTMENT EXHIBITS...................................................................................................... P.D. EXHIBIT 1: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN P.D. EXHIBIT 2: HAMAKUA CDP STRATEGY RATIONALE P.D. EXHIBIT 3: REVISION SUMMARY FOR STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW, 2018 P.D. EXHIBIT 4: COH, POLICE DEPARTMENT P.D. EXHIBIT 5: COH, DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT P.D. EXHIBIT 6: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM P.D. EXHIBIT 7: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES - LAND DIVISION 3 ..1 ..1 ..1 .. 3 .. 5 .. 5 .. 5 .. 5 .. 7 .. 7 .. 7 .. 9 10 11 11 11 11 12 13 13 15 17 P.D. EXHIBIT 8: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES - ENGINEERING DIVISION & DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE P.D. EXHIBIT 9: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE P.D. EXHIBIT 10: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION P.D. EXHIBIT 11: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING OFFICE P.D. EXHIBIT 12: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION P.D. EXHIBIT 13: SOH, OFFICE OF PLANNING P.D. EXHIBIT 14: KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS P.D. EXHIBIT 15: COMMUNITY MEMBER, ALBERT NAKAJI P.D. EXHIBIT 16: DRAFT MEETING MINUTES FROM HCDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 4 BACKGROUND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROGRAM HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER Pursuant to Section 3-15 of the Hawai'i County Charter, the County Council shall adopt by ordinance a general plan which shall set forth the Council's policy for long-range comprehensive physical development of the county. Moreover, the Council shall enact zoning, subdivision, and such other ordinances which shall contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the general plan. Likewise, pursuant to Section 6-7.2, the Planning Director shall prepare a general plan, implementation plans and any amendments thereto in accordance with Section 3-15. HAWAII COUNTY GENERAL PLAN Pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Hawai'i County General Plan, upon adoption of the General Plan in 1971, the Council laid the foundation for establishing a comprehensive planning program for the County of Hawai'i. This program consists of three interrelated parts arranged in a hierarchy as described below and illustrated in Figure 1-1. Fwnctiaml Plan r mg6{0raiKge HIS141rit 51tt5 Ftp Operating Budget Figure 1-1. GeReral Pian C ompoaens. GENERAL PLAN Community bevelGprnent Flan Hila Kort, rohala Eft. Capital Improveme is Program (CTP) Area Improvement Plan Fiala bo*nta,.r= De-t1VffWat P Ian Icn w Village Desgn Nor E$4. Lwd Use Develnpment fades Zor-n} 5„ Edi -Eich Other cme-s 4nd lg�lations The General Plan represents the first level and encompasses long-range goals, policies, standards, and courses of action for the entire County. The General Plan also provides the legal basis for all of the other elements of the County's planning structure. As such, the General Plan is the highest order, or "umbrella" plan. It establishes the outer limits or boundaries within which the County must operate. The second level consists of short and middle range plans that further define the long range goals and policies of the General Plan. These plans are related to specific regions or districts (Puna, Kona, Kohala, Hamakua, etc.), functions (recreation, agriculture, drainage, highways, etc.), and specific areas within a region (Kailua-Kona, Downtown Hilo, etc.). The third level consists of specific mechanisms to implement the two higher levels of the planning hierarchy. These include the Zoning and Subdivision Codes and both the operating and capital improvement program budgets. Pursuant Section 14.1.1 of the Hawai'i County General Plan, regional and/or Community Development Plans are intended to implement the broad goals within the General Plan on a regional basis. They serve to designate and coordinate detailed development patterns and infrastructure needs throughout the County. The Plans detail land use policies and infrastructure priorities, transportation, recreation and other major land use policies within each area, and must be developed with participation by the affected communities and adopted by ordinance by the County Council. Pursuant to Section 15.1 of the Hawai'i County General Plan, the Community Development Plans are intended to be the forum for community input into managing growth and coordinating the delivery of government services to the community. The Community Development Plans will translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions as they apply to specific geographical areas. A Community Development Plan should direct physical development and public improvements within a specific area. The Community Development Plan may contain detailed land use and zoning guide maps, plans for roadways, drainage, parks, and other infrastructure and public facilities, architectural design guidelines, planning for watersheds and other natural features, and any other matters relating to the planning area. In the process of creating the Community Development Plan, it may be determined that the General Plan should be amended. The Planning Director or County Council may initiate amendments to the General Plan, and the Steering Committee may recommend amendments, that would be enacted at the same time as the Community Development Plan, or as a follow-up to the Community Development Plan. If there is a direct conflict between the Community Development Plan and the General Plan, the General Plan shall be controlling. The Community Development Plans shall focus on action. The courses of action specified in each element of the General Plan need greater detail and need to be coordinated by district. The Community Development Plans shall identify appropriate governmental actions that include: ■ Regulatory actions: recommend amendments as appropriate to the codes, maps, or administration and enforcement. ■ Incentive measures: incentives to achieve various objectives, as applicable. ■ Acquisition actions: identify acquisition priorities, as appropriate, and seek means to leverage financing by working creatively with the landowner, other levels of government, land trusts, and/or nonprofit groups. ■ Capital budgeting actions: identify and prioritize public facility projects important to the community. ■ Programs: identify desired programs and the community's role in planning and implementing the programs. ■ Development/Redevelopment: identify desired projects for public development or redevelopment. 11 PLAN ELEMENTS The Hamakua Community Development Plan is included in its entirety in P.D. Exhibit 1. NAVIGATING THE CDP The following are suggested to familiarize the reader with the Hamakua CDP: ■ For an overview and to understand the evolution of the CDP, read subsection 1.1: "Introduction to the CDP" ■ To understand the different types of CDP strategies and their relationship to roles in CDP implementation, read "Section 2: Applicability" The remainder of the CDP is organized by four main substantive sections: ■ "Section 3: Preferred Land use and Settlement Patterns," which includes land use policy maps ■ "Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources" ■ "Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services" ■ "Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local Economy." Internal cross-references have also been inserted to simplify navigation within the document. To understand the origins of particular CDP strategies, refer to the "The Hamakua CDP Strategy Rationale" (included below as P.D. Exhibit 2). You may also find it helpful to review other CDP support documents: ■ "Land Use Policy Guide" is a quick -reference guide for land use planners. ■ "Guide to Agencies" is a summary of implementation actions to be taken by County, State, and federal agencies and other organizations. ■ "Community Action Guide" includes detail about each of the Community Actions included in the CDP. All of these documents, as well as the CDP and other background documents, are available to be downloaded as PDFs at: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/recommended-cdp-2018. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUMMARY The Hamakua CDP planning area includes the Judicial District of Hamakua, North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo District commonly referred to as Rural South Hilo. The Planning Area includes Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Ahualoa, Kalopa, Pa'auilo, O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Umauma, Wailea, HonomG, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, Pauka'a, Kaiwiki, and the northern area of Wainaku, and all of the other small communities and agricultural and conservation lands in between. Section 1.1.3 of the CDP serves as a summary. The Hamakua Community Development Plan protects the public trust by prioritizing natural and cultural resources, and it focuses on preserving community character while addressing land use, community infrastructure, and strengthening local economic development. 7 The Hamakua Community Development Plan: Protects and Enhances Natural and Cultural Resources (Section 4) ■ Protects coastal areas, agricultural land, and mauka forests from development ■ Protects open space, areas with natural beauty, and scenic view planes ■ Guides the development of programs to strengthen protections for coastal and agricultural lands as well as open space and view planes ■ Preserves historic resources ■ Guides the restoration of historic sites and buildings, the retention of village and town character, and the documentation of oral, written, and video histories ■ Guides the expansion of lands held in public trust ■ Ensures appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests ■ Guides the development of a regional network of trails ■ Guides collaborative stewardship and enhancement of coastal and forest ecosystems, cultural resources, agricultural lands, public access, and trails Advances Preferred Land Use and Settlement Patterns (Section 3) ■ Concentrates future development in the existing towns, villages, and subdivisions ■ Supports the preservation of village and town character and guides the enhancement of communities' unique sense of place ■ Advances redevelopment and growth management with infrastructure improvements, a County- wide affordable housing plan, and planning support for town revitalization planning Strengthens Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services (Section 5) ■ Prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water systems to support infill growth ■ Prioritizes formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes ■ Prioritizes safety improvements of our County bridges, particularly in the Pa'auilo Mauka-Kalopa area ■ Guides road and park improvements ■ Prioritizes bus system improvements, including a Honoka'a town route, and additional bus shelters ■ Prioritizes hardening of community facilities ■ Prioritizes improvements to the Honoka'a transfer station Ej Builds a Sustainable, Local Economy (Section 6) ■ Preserves opportunities to live off the land ■ Guides the implementation of regional economic development strategies ■ Guides the development of a regional education, enterprise development, and research network ■ Guides regional strategies to increase "buying local" ■ Guides efforts to strengthen the local agriculture value chain ■ Allows for the diversification of agriculture -based businesses and rural uses on agricultural lands ■ Guides the development of local, renewable, distributed energy networks ■ Guides the development of a place -based approach to community tourism TYPES OF CDP STRATEGIES Section 2 of the CDP briefly introduces the types of CDP strategies and the legal applicability of each. In the case of direct conflicts between a CDP and the General Plan, the General Plan shall be controlling. In order to bring the Hamakua CDP and the General Plan into alignment, the CDP recommends specific amendments to the General Plan as a follow-up to the CDP. The Hamakua CDP employs four types of strategies to achieve Community Objectives: two types of County policy, an advocacy platform, and community action. There are two types of County policies in the CDP: 1. "Land Use Policies" are the land use policy guidance for the Hamakua CDP planning area and will be implemented through all County of Hawai'i actions. In addition, the Land Use Policies inform County recommendations to other agencies, including the State Land Use Commission regarding district boundary amendments, special permits, and other applications in the Hamakua Planning Area. The Land Use Policies within the Hamakua CDP may limit the range of decisions that can be made in the future; for instance, land use policies that specifically designate future settlement or transportation patterns. These binding, sometimes restrictive policy controls may include use of the term "shall," which, from a legal standpoint, means the policy is imperative or mandatory. 2. "County Actions" are CDP policies to guide future County priorities and initiatives, including operating and capital budgets. These policies are not mandated, legally -binding, or self - implementing; rather, they often require additional legislative and administrative directives before being implemented (e.g., land acquisition, capital improvement appropriations, code changes, incentive measures, etc.). Within the body of the CDP, official policy language from Land Use Policies and County Actions are italicized, whereas any explanatory language, references, or other information necessary to explain the intent or implementation of the policy, is in regular text. None of the Hamakua Community Objectives can be achieved by the County alone. Some important policies fall outside jurisdiction, while other initiatives must be led by the community. Therefore, the CDP includes two additional types of strategies: E] 3. "Kokua Actions" are actions that would help advance CDP Objectives, but are within the jurisdiction of non -County governmental agencies or other entities. Depending on the context, these actions may be initiated via CDP advocacy, collaborative agency partnerships, or through direct or indirect support to the lead agency in implementing the specified action; but ultimately, Kokua Actions are dependent on non -County action. 4. "Community Actions" these are community-based, collaborative initiatives that must be led by the community with support from a broad range of organizations and agencies. In many cases, existing State and County policies support the implementation of Hamakua Community Objectives. For the "Existing Policies" that are particularly pertinent to the Hamakua Planning Area, they are reiterated at the beginning of the relevant section within the CDP and cited as such. If the referenced existing policies are changed following adoption of the CDP, the CDP policies shall stand unless otherwise amended or unless superseded by prevailing policy in the General Plan or State or federal law. SUPPORT DOCUMENTS Only the Hamakua Community Development Plan will go before the County Council for adoption. All other CDP documents are supporting appendices that are not adopted into law. They currently include: Appendix 1. CDP Purpose and Scope 2. CDP Planning Process 3. Community Profile 4. Background Analysis A. 'Aina: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis B. Community Building Analysis C. Local Economic Development Analysis 5. CDP Strategy Rationale (included as P.D. Exhibit 2). Implementation Tools 1. Land Use Policy Guide 2. Guidance to Agencies Community Implementation Tools 1. Community Action Guide 2. Action and Monitoring Matrix (to be completed after CDP adoption) The intent is to keep the CDP as concise and accessible as possible, leaving supporting material and analysis in the appendix. All of these documents are available to be downloaded as PDFs at: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/recommended-cdp-2018. 10 PLANNING PROCESS INITIATION OF THE PLANNING PROCESS Pursuant to Section 15.1 of the Hawai'i County General Plan, the Planning Director or Council may initiate a Community Development Plan. In fiscal year 2009-2010, the County Council appropriated funding for the Hamakua CDP, and the Planning Director initiated the CDP planning process in September 2009. STEERING COMMITTEE Pursuant to Section 15.1 of the Hawai'i County General Plan, each Community Development Plan shall have a steering committee composed of volunteer members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. The members shall be broadly representative of the affected communities. The steering committee shall work in conjunction with the Planning Department and with any professional consultants hired to assist in the preparation of the plan. The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee was confirmed in 2010. The principal roles of the Steering Committee included: ■ Help tailor the planning process to the unique characteristics of Hamakua and its stakeholders ■ Promote the planning process within various sectors of the community to maximize participation while maintaining a neutral, approachable posture in the community ■ Monitor the development of the CDP to ensure that the best interests of the Hamakua region as a whole are incorporated ■ Recommend approval of the CDP. More information about the Hamakua CDP Steering Committee is available here: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/steering-committee. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION The Hamakua CDP is the product of years of collaborative community, consultant, and County work. It is firmly grounded in the community's objectives and has been vetted by community stakeholders at each step. The project timeline illustrates the CDP phases and steps, and can be viewed here: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/92599/Pagel.aspx, and a 5 -minute CDP orientation video can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/161253400. The Hamakua CDP was developed in three stages. Each stage was driven by extensive community input and concluded with a clear decision by the CDP Steering Committee. During the first stage, thousands of "talk story" and survey comments from community members were used to identify core community values and a vision of what they'd like to see in Hamakua in 2030, as summarized in Section 1.7 of the CDP. At the end of that stage, the Steering Committee affirmed a Values and Visions Statement that then served as a compass point guiding the planning process. Next, a detailed profile of the community (Appendix 3) was developed based on community knowledge and expertise as well as existing data, reports, and studies. Section 1.6 of the CDP summarizes the 11 community assets and challenges identified in the profile. That stage concluded when the Steering Committee integrated the Values and Vision Statement with the Community Profile to develop the thirteen Community Objectives that the CDP is designed to achieve (listed in Section 1.8.1 of the CDP). In the third stage, extensive research was conducted to identify the range of strategies that could be used to achieve the Community Objectives. From those strategies, a combination of policies and actions was identified that, when implemented together, will realize the community's vision for the future. Those strategies were compiled into the preliminary "working draft" of the CDP. The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee reviewed that draft, discussed it, and made recommendations for revisions. Next, the broader community and stakeholders had the same opportunity, and the Steering Committee used that input to make further revisions before it was satisfied that the CDP truly reflects community preferences. On December 19, 2016, the CDP Steering Committee made its final recommendations for CDP revisions and adoption. AGENCY COMMENTS To initiate the CDP review and adoption process, the Planning Director issued a memo requesting comment from a wide range of County, State, and Federal agencies on March 15, 2017: ■ County of Hawai'i Agencies: Aging; Civil Defense; Corporation Counsel; Fire; Environmental Management; Finance; Fire; Housing and Community Development; Office of the Mayor; Mass Transit; Office of the Mayor; Parks and Recreation; Planning: Administrative Permits Division, Planning Division; Police; Public Works; Research and Development; Water Supply State of Hawai'i Agencies: Accounting and General Services; Agriculture; Civil Defense; Education; Economic Development & Tourism: Planning; Land Use Commission; Hawai'i Community College; Health; Historic Preservation Division (SHPD); Hawai'i Tourism Authority; Human Services: Public Housing Authority; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Office of Planning; Office of the Governor; Hawaiian Home Lands; Health; Human Services; Labor & Industrial Relations: Workforce Development Division; Land & Natural Resources; Representative Mark Nakashima; Senator Lorraine Inouye; Transportation; UH Sea Grant; University of Hawai'i; UHH Office of Mauna Kea Management ■ Federal Agencies: Agriculture (USDA); Army Corps of Engineers; Bureau of Land & Natural Resources; Department of Defense; Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Fish & Wildlife Service; National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Park Service/Ala Kahakai national historic Trail Superintendent; Representative Tulsi Gabbard; Senator Brian Schatz; Senator Mazie Hirono Private Organizations: Bishop Estate; Kamehameha Schools, Hawai'i Electric Light Company; Hawaiian Telcom; Oceanic Time Warner Cable Comments were also received from stakeholders with an interest in the shoreline setback policy during this phase. See P.D. Exhibits 4 through 15. 12 PLANNING DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS After reviewing the comments, the CDP Project Team and Planning Director saw additional opportunities for strengthening the CDP and subsequently recommended revisions to the CDP, all of which are reflected in the version of the Hamakua CDP presented to the Windward Planning Commission. P.D. Exhibit 3 organizes a summary of revisions made through the agency review process. The comments and subsequent revisions to the CDP based on the feedback received during the Agency Review period can be summarized into the following categories: ■ Non -substantive: These include typographical errors, formatting inconsistencies, recommendations for clarifying language that did not change the intent or purpose of the strategy, and expressions of support for CDP strategies; ■ Substantive: Differences in interpretation or opinion about CDP strategies, recommended revisions based on changes in statute/code since the CDP was drafted, recommended changes based on further analysis of existing statute/code; ■ Lack of understanding: These include feedback that expressed a misunderstanding of CDP strategy or its application, lack of familiarity with CDP strategies and their inter -relationships, confusion about the relationship of the CDP and the GP, a lack of understanding about the rationale behind CDP strategies, or a lack of understanding about the jurisdiction of the CDP and/or the Planning Department. A version of the CDP with a list of revisions in the 'track changes' format can be viewed here: httD://records.hawaiicounty.eov/weblink/DocView.aSDX?dbid=l&id=92193&Daee=1&cr=1. 9ILIVAI►I1*1ilk] ILI10K9lLTA IL III■I:Iailk] :kVJ1XViTA In February 2018, the Steering Committee reconvened to review the Planning Director's Recommended CDP. During the meeting, the Steering Committee and members of the community reviewed the revisions together and were able to ask the Planning Team questions and provide feedback on the revisions. During that meeting and in follow-up conversations with committee members, the majority of the Steering Committee supported moving the revised Recommended Hamakua CDP forward in the adoption process. The draft minutes for this meeting can be viewed here: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/92298/Pagel.aspx and are also included in this binder as Exhibit #16. All the meeting materials for that meeting can be found here: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/meeting-records-and-information/2018-meetings 13 This page was intentionally left blank. 14 CDP IMPLEMENTATION There is a strong connection between each type of CDP strategy and roles during CDP implementation. The success of CDP implementation will largely depend on each partner focusing where it can make the biggest difference. Therefore, to facilitate CDP implementation, ■ "Land Use Policies" are re -organized in the "Land Use Policy Guide" to provide clear land use planning and permitting guidance to public and private planners and to policy makers. ■ "County Actions" and "Kokua Actions" strategies are re -organized by agency in the "Guide to Agencies," summarizing action to be taken by County, State, and Federal agencies and other organizations. ■ "Community Actions" are explained in detail in the "Community Action Guide," including tools to guide and monitor those actions. All of these documents are available to be downloaded as PDFs at: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/recommended-cdp-2018. After the CDP is adopted, the "Action and Monitoring Matrix" will be developed to summarize CDP strategies, guide implementation, and monitor progress. 15 This page was intentionally left blank. S., PLANNING DEPARTMENT EXHIBITS P.D. EXHIBIT 1: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN P.D. EXHIBIT 2: HAMAKUA CDP STRATEGY RATIONALE P.D. EXHIBIT 3: REVISION SUMMARY FOR STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW, 2018 P.D. EXHIBIT 4: COH, POLICE DEPARTMENT P.D. EXHIBIT 5: COH, DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT P.D. EXHIBIT 6: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM P.D. EXHIBIT 7: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES - LAND DIVISION P.D. EXHIBIT 8: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES - ENGINEERING DIVISION & DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE P.D. EXHIBIT 9: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE P.D. EXHIBIT 10: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION P.D. EXHIBIT 11: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING OFFICE P.D. EXHIBIT 12: SOH, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION P.D. EXHIBIT 13: SOH, OFFICE OF PLANNING P.D. EXHIBIT 14: KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS P.D. EXHIBIT 15: COMMUNITY MEMBER, ALBERT NAKAJI P.D. EXHIBIT 16: DRAFT MEETING MINUTES FROM HCDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 17 2018 Ha-ma-kua Community Development Plan • AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HAMAKUA CDP STEERING COMMITTEE FOR ADOPTION BY THE COUNTY OF HAWAII AND INCORPORATING THE PLANNING DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS A • 2/1/201 TABLEOF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................................3 TABLEOF FIGURES.............................................................................................................................................................. 8 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE CDP........................................................................................................................................ 9 1.1.1 WHAT IS A CDP AND WHAT CAN IT DO?.....................................................................................................................................9 1. 1.2 WHAT AREA DOES THE HAMAKUA CDP COVER?......................................................................................................................... 10 1.1.3 WHAT DOES THE HAMAKUA CDP DO?.....................................................................................................................................10 1. 1.4 HOW WAS THE CDP DEVELOPED?...........................................................................................................................................11 1. 1.5 HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE HAMAKUA CDP?...............................................................................................................................12 1.1.6 CDP SUPPORT DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...............................................................................................................................................14 1.3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS USED............................................................................................................... 15 1.3.1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS............................................................................................................................................................ 15 1.3.2 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS......................................................................................................................................................17 1.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE HAMAKUA PLANNING AREA.................................................................................................... 20 1.5.1 THE LAND SUSTAINSTHE PEOPLE OFTHE KUHI LOA....................................................................................................................20 1.6 HAMAKUA TODAY: COMMUNITYASSETS AND CHALLENGES.......................................................................................... 21 1.6.1 ASSETS...............................................................................................................................................................................21 1.6.2 CHALLENGES.......................................................................................................................................................................22 1.7 HAMAKUATOMORROW: COMMUNITYVISION..............................................................................................................23 1.7.1 ISSUES AND PRIORITIES..........................................................................................................................................................23 1.7.2 VALUES AND VISION STATEMENT.............................................................................................................................................24 1.8 FROM VISION TO ACTION...........................................................................................................................................25 1.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................................25 1.8.2 IDENTIFYING CDP STRATEGIES................................................................................................................................................26 1.8.3 TYPES OF CDP STRATEGIES....................................................................................................................................................26 1. 8.4 STRATEGIES TO ACTION.........................................................................................................................................................27 SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY ................................................................................................................................................. 28 2.1 PURPOSE................................................................................................................................................................. 28 2.2. RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN...................................................................................................................... 28 2.3 PLANNING AREA...................................................................................................................................................... 28 2.4 TYPES OF STRATEGIES.............................................................................................................................................. 28 2.5 CDP IMPLEMENTATION ROLESAND GUIDES............................................................................................................... 29 SECTION 3: PREFERRED LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS................................................................................................ 31 3.1 LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS.......................................................................................................................... 31 3. 1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................31 3.1.2 GENERAL PLAN SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK...............................................................................................................................31 3.1.3 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................32 9 3.1.4 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................33 3.1.5 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................35 3.1.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................36 3.1.7 LAND USE GUIDE MAPS FIGURES 2-13....................................................................................................................................37 SECTION 4: PROTECTAND ENHANCE NATURALAND CULTURAL RESOURCES...........................................................................49 4.1 EXPAND THE LOCAL SYSTEM OF PRESERVES................................................................................................................ 49 4. 1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................49 4.1.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................49 4.1.3 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................50 4.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................50 4.2 PROTECT COASTAL RESOURCES................................................................................................................................ 50 4.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................50 4.2.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................50 4.2.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................51 4.2.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................52 4.2.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................53 4.2.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................53 4.3 PROTECT AGRICULTURAL LANDS & OPEN SPACE.........................................................................................................53 4.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................53 4.3.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................54 4.3.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................54 4.3.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................55 4.3.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................55 4.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................55 4.4 PROTECT MAUKA FORESTS...................................................................................................................................... 56 4.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................56 4.4.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................56 4.4.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................56 4.4.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................56 4.4.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................56 4.4.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................57 4.5 PRESERVE SCENIC AREAS AND VIEWSHEDS..................................................................................................................57 4.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................57 4.5.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................57 4.5.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................57 4.5.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................58 4.5.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................59 4.5.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................59 4.6 PROTECTAND ENHANCE ECOSYSTEMS AND WATERSHEDS........................................................................................... 59 4.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................59 4.6.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................60 4.6.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................60 4.6.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................61 4.6.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................62 4.7 PROTECTAND ENHANCE CULTURALASSETS............................................................................................................... 62 4 4.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................62 4.7.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................63 4.7.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................63 4.7.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................63 4.7.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................63 4.7.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 64 4.8 ESTABLISH AND MANAGE PUBLIC ACCESS AND TRAILS................................................................................................ 64 4.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................64 4.8.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................64 4.8.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................65 4.8.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................66 4.8.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 66 4.9 PRESERVING SACRED PLACES: WAIPI`O VALLEY AND MAUNA KEA............................................................................... 66 4.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................67 4.9.2 WAIPI`O VALLEY AS A WAHI PANA...........................................................................................................................................67 4.9.3 WAIPI`O VALLEY: COUNTY ACTION..........................................................................................................................................67 4.9.4 WAIPI`O VALLEY: KOKUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................69 4.9.5 WAIPI`OVALLEY: COMMUNITY ACTION....................................................................................................................................69 4.9.6 MAUNA KEA ASA WAHI PANA...............................................................................................................................................70 4.9.7 MAUNA KEA: COUNTY ACTION...............................................................................................................................................70 4.9.8 MAUNA KEA: KOKUA ACTION.................................................................................................................................................70 4.9.9 MAUNA KEA: COMMUNITY ACTION.........................................................................................................................................71 SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES..................................................................................72 5.1 COORDINATE INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITY, AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS.......................................................................7: 5. 1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................72 5.1.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................72 5.1.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................72 5.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 73 5.2 EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS...................................................................................................................73 5.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................73 5.2.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................73 5.2.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................73 5.2.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................74 5.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 74 5.3 IMPROVETHE ROADWAY NETWORK...........................................................................................................................74 5.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................74 5.3.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................74 5.3.3 LAND USE POLICY.................................................................................................................................................................74 5.3.4 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................74 5.3.5 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................75 5.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 75 5.4 FORMALIZE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.............................................................................................................................75 5.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................75 5.4.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................76 5.5 DEVELOP PLACE -APPROPRIATE ROAD STANDARDS..................................................................................................... 76 9 5.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................76 5.5.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................76 5.6 EXPAND MASS TRANSIT FACILITIES & SERVICES.......................................................................................................... 76 5.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................76 5.6.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................76 5.6.3 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 77 5.7 IMPROVE WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE...............................................................................................77 5.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................77 5.7.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................77 5.8 IMPROVE RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE FACILITIES.................................................................................................... 78 5.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................78 5.8.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................78 5.8.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................79 5.8.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 79 5.9 IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & HAZARD MITIGATION................................................................................... 79 5.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................79 5.9.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................79 5.9.3 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................80 5.9.4 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................81 5.10 IMPROVING PROTECTIVE SERVICES............................................................................................................................81 5. 10.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................................................81 5.10.2 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................................................ 81 5.10.3 COMMUNITY ACTION..........................................................................................................................................................81 5.11 EXPAND HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES.................................................................................................................81 5. 11.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................................................81 5.11.2 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................................................ 81 5.11.3 KoKUA ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................82 5.12 STRENGTHEN & EXPAND EDUCATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES.................................................................................. 82 5.12.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................................................82 5.12.2 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................................................ 82 5.12.3 KoKUA ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................82 5.12.4 COMMUNITY ACTION.......................................................................................................................................................... 83 5.13 EXPAND PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES................................................................................................................ 83 5.13.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................................................83 5.13.2 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................................................ 83 5.13.3 KoKUA ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................84 5.13.4 COMMUNITY ACTION..........................................................................................................................................................84 5.14 ENHANCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE................................................................................. 84 5.14.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................................................84 5.14.2 EXISTING POLICY................................................................................................................................................................84 5.14.3 LAND USE POLICY...............................................................................................................................................................85 5.14.4 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................................................ 85 5.14.5 KoKUA ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................85 5.14.6 COMMUNITY ACTION.......................................................................................................................................................... 85 SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL ECONOMY.......................................................................................................... 86 A 6.1 COORDINATE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................... 86 6. 1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................86 6.1.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................87 6.1.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................87 6.1.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................87 6.1.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 87 6.2 STRENGTHENING LOCAL AGRICULTURE...................................................................................................................... 87 6.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................87 6.2.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................88 6.2.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................88 6.2.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................89 6.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 89 6.3 EXPAND HEALTH AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY............................................................................................................... 90 6.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................................90 6.3.2 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................90 6.3.3 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 90 6.4 PROMOTE THE CREATIVE, EDUCATION, & RESEARCH SECTOR...................................................................................... 90 6.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................90 6.4.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................90 6.4.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................91 6.4.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................91 6.4.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................91 6.5 DEVELOP PLACE -BASED VISITOR INDUSTRY..............................................................................................................91 6.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................91 6.5.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................91 6.5.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................91 6.5.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................92 6.5.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 92 6.6 REVITALIZE HAMAKUA'S TOWN CENTERS.................................................................................................................. 92 6.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................93 6.6.2 ExISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................93 6.6.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................93 6.6.4 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 93 6.7 ENCOURAGE GREEN INDUSTRIES............................................................................................................................... 93 6.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................93 6.7.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................94 6.7.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................94 6.7.4 KoKUAACTION....................................................................................................................................................................94 6.7.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 94 6.8 PRESERVE INFORMAL ECONOMIES AND LIVING OFF THE LAND..................................................................................... 94 6.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................................................94 6.8.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................................................94 6.8.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................................95 6.8.4 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 95 7 TABLE OF FIGURES Table of Figures Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area..................................................................................................................... 30 Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map........................................................................................................... 37 Figure 3: Pauka'a Land Use Guide Map......................................................................................................................... 38 Figure 4: Papa'ikou Land Use Guide Map...................................................................................................................... 39 Figure 5: Pepe'ekeo Land Use Guide Map..................................................................................................................... 40 Figure 6: HonomG Land Use Guide Map........................................................................................................................ 41 Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map............................................................................................................ 42 Figure 8: Ninole Land Use Guide Map........................................................................................................................... 43 Figure 9: Laupahoehoe/Papa'aloa Land Use Guide Map............................................................................................... 44 Figure 10: 'O'okala Land Use Guide Map....................................................................................................................... 45 Figure 11: Pa'auilo Land Use Guide Map....................................................................................................................... 46 Figure 12: Honoka'a/Haina Land Use Guide Map.......................................................................................................... 47 Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map.................................................................................................................. 48 8 '0 ka mea kupono 'dina ka mea kupono kanaka. What is good for the land is good for the people. m Introduction to the CDP +.ti What is a CDP and what can it do? A Community Development Plan (CDP) is an official plan authorized by the County of Hawai'i General Plan that translates the broad goals and objectives of the General Plan to the unique needs and conditions of a region. The Hamakua CDP is adopted by County ordinance and is a long-range plan with a 20 -year time horizon. CDPs are the forum for community input into establishing County policy at the regional level and coordinating the delivery of County services to the community. CDPs generally do four things: 1. Establish County policy, particularly for land use and development. CDPs can direct settlement where the community wants and protect cultural resources, public access, and valuable lands like shorelines, agricultural land, and forests. 2. Direct County actions related to land and open space protection, water, roads, transit, emergency services, and parks. 3. Guide the policy and actions of State and federal agencies, whose work impacts resource protections, public access and trails, settlement patterns, and education. 4. Focus and guide community action in pursuit of community goals. For more information about the purpose and scope of the Hamakua CDP, see Section 2: Applicability, below. E] .1.2 What area does the Hamakua CDP cover: Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai'i, the Hamakua CDP Planning Area encompasses the judicial districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo district commonly referred to as Rural South Hilo. The Planning Area totals approximately 1,011 square miles, and includes the communities of Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Ahualoa, Kalopa, Pa'auilo, 'O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomu, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, Pauka'a, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and other small communities in between. See Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area. _ 1.5 vJhat does the ndiIldr ua %-ur uu; The Hamakua Community Development Plan prioritizes natural and cultural resources in these ways: ■ Protects coastal areas, agricultural land, and mauka forests from development ■ Protects open space, areas with natural beauty, and scenic view planes ■ Guides the development of programs to strengthen protections for coastal and agricultural lands as well as open space and view planes ■ Preserves historic resources ■ Guides the restoration of historic sites and buildings, the retention of village and town character, and the documentation of oral, written, and video histories ■ Guides the expansion of lands held in public trust ■ Ensures appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests ■ Guides the development of a regional network of trails ■ Guides collaborative stewardship and enhancement of coastal and forest ecosystems, cultural resources, agricultural lands, public access, and trails The plan addresses land use and community infrastructure goals in the following ways: ■ Concentrates future development in the existing towns, villages, and subdivisions ■ Supports the preservation of village and town character and guides the enhancement of communities' unique sense of place ■ Advances redevelopment and growth management with infrastructure improvements, a County -wide affordable housing plan, and planning support for town revitalization planning ■ Prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water systems to support infill growth ■ Prioritizes formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes ■ Prioritizes safety improvements of our County bridges, particularly in the Pa'auilo Mauka-Kalopa area ■ Guides road and park improvements ■ Prioritizes bus system improvements, including a Honoka'a town route, and additional bus shelters ■ Prioritizes hardening of community facilities ■ Prioritizes improvements to the Honoka'a transfer station 10 The plan addresses strengthening local economic development in the following ways: ■ Preserves opportunities to live off the land ■ Guides the implementation of regional economic development strategies ■ Guides the development of a regional education, enterprise development, and research network ■ Guides regional strategies to increase "buying local" ■ Guides efforts to strengthen the local agriculture value chain ■ Allows for the diversification of agriculture -based businesses and rural uses on agricultural lands ■ Guides the development of local, renewable, distributed energy networks ■ Guides the development of a place -based approach to community tourism These strategies are organized by subtopics in Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns, Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources, Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure. Facilities, and Services, Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local Economy, of the CDP below. 1...4 How was tri_ .:DP develop. • The Hamakua CDP was developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement. Important documents developed through the CDP process are as follows: • Hamakua Community Profile (2010) This is a comprehensive, detailed profile developed based on community knowledge and expertise, as well as existing data, reports, and studies. • Values and Vision Statement (2011) Community members identified core community values and a vision of what they'd like to see in Hamakua in 2030, and this was synthesized from the more than 17,000 community comments received into a Vision statement adopted by the Steering Committee. • Hamakua Proposed Strategies for Consideration (2011) Through a series of sub -regional workshops conducted in 2011, the Proposed Strategies for Consideration booklet was developed and presented to the public to explore various strategies under consideration and gather community feedback. • Community Objectives (2013) Using the values, vision, and profile, Community Objectives were developed and adopted by the Steering Committee in 2013. These Community Objectives were used to guide the direction of strategies to develop preliminary policies and recommended actions. • Draft Analysis Documents (2014) 11 Extensive research was conducted to identify the range of strategies that could be used to achieve the Community Objectives and this research was compiled into three Analysis Documents, below: • 'Aina: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis • Community Analysis • Economy Analysis • Draft CDP (Approved by Steering Committee December 19,2016) • Hamakua CDP (Adopted as County Ordinance [_Future Date_]) For links to the above documents and to learn more about the Hamakua CDP, see http://hawaiicountycdP.info/hamakua-cdp 1.1.5 How do I navigate the Hamakua CDP? Internal cross-references have been inserted to simplify navigation within the document. It also includes "Bookmarks," which can be seen by opening the Bookmark navigation pane in Adobe Acrobat Reader: View/ Navigation Panels/ Bookmarks. After following an internal link, it is easy to return to the previous point in the document by using either the Bookmark navigation pane or the "Previous View" button, which can be added to the "Page Navigation" toolbar in Acrobat Reader. Note also that some of the formatting is required to keep the document compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, complete hyperlinks have to be inserted so that reading machines for the visually -impaired can correctly interpret Internet addresses. More detail about the structure of the CDP is included in the Table of Contents. 12 m.6 CDP Support Documents Each Hawai'i County Community Development Plan is adopted by ordinance. This chapter—the Hamakua Community Development Plan — is the document that will go before the County Council for adoption. All other Hamakua CDP documents listed above are supporting materials that are not adopted into law. The intent is to keep the CDP as concise and accessible as possible, leaving supporting material and analysis in other chapters and the appendix. Chapters II, III, and IV are designed to facilitate and expedite CDP implementation. Chapter II is a quick -reference guide for land use planners. Chapter III is a summary of action to be taken by County, State, and federal agencies and other organizations. Chapter IV includes detail about each of the Community Actions included in the CDP as well as tools to finance, guide, and monitor those actions. Materials in the appendix set the context for and provide the detailed analysis behind the body of the CDP. 13 1.2 Acknowledgements 'Ike aku, 'ike mai. Kokua aku, kokua mai. PC -16 ka nohona 'ohana. Watch, observe. Help others and accept help. That is the family way.1 The County of Hawai'i extends a warm Mahalo to the following: Hamakua Steering Committee Ku'ulei Badua Glenn Carvalho Farrah -Marie Gomes Scott Enright Brad Kurokawa Lorraine Mendoza Jason Moniz Craig Neff Ka'iulani Pahi'o CDP Assistants & Recorders Keiko Mercado Steven McPeek County of Hawai'i Staff Planning Department Director, Michael Yee April Surprenant LeAna Gloor Eric Cook Christian Kay Keiko Mercado Bethany Morrison Kevin Reardon Hans Santiago Ron Whitmore Department of Research & Development Frecia Cevallos Office of the Corporation Counsel Amy Self Joseph Kamelamela 1 Mary Kawena Pukui, 'Olelo No'eau County Council Valerie Poindexter Consultants and Liaisons ('nncidtnntc Bob Agres Island Transitions, Deborah Chang HACBED PBR Hawaii Community (Values & Vision) Liaisons Lori Beach Farrah -Marie Gomes Donna Johnson Community Resources Meeting Venues & Refreshments North Hawai'i Education & Research Center Department of Parks & Recreation Staff Laupahoehoe Library Staff Queen Lili'uokalani Trust And a huge Mahalo to the people of Hamakua, who came out in record numbers to ground the CDP in their Values and Vision and continued to provide guidance at every step along the way. Special thanks to the many volunteers who supported community meetings and the local organizations who assisted and provided refreshments. 14 1.3 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Used .3.1 Glossary of Terms Ahupua'a: Hawaiian Land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea. 'Aina: land, earth. Biofuel: A biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion. Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from agricultural, commercial, domestic, and/or industrial wastes. Bluff: A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face; most bluffs border a river, beach, or other coastal area. Brownfield: Abandoned or underused site where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or perceived presence of contamination. Capital improvements: Major, nonrecurring expenditure like infrastructure improvements, new buildings, and related land acquisition and planning (see also CIP, below). Cottage Industry: a small-scale industry that can be carried on at home generally by family members using their own equipment. Critical Habitat: According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service: "When a species is proposed for listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Act), we must consider whether there are areas of habitat we believe are essential to the species' conservation. Those areas may be proposed for designation as "critical habitat. It is a specific geographic area(s) that contains features essentialfor the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery." Ecosystem Services: Any positive benefit that wildlife or ecosystems provides to people. The benefits can be direct or indirect —small or large. See also: http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Ecosystem-Services.aspx . Endemic Species: A species that is only found in that region and nowhere else in the world. As such, they are of conservation concern because they are not widespread and may be confined to only one or two areas. Extensive Agriculture: A designation of land use that includes lands that are not capable of producing sustained, high agricultural yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due to certain physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability and climate. Other less intensive agricultural uses such as grazing and pasture may be included in the Extensive Agriculture category. See the General Plan, pages 14-8, and 14-9. General Plan: The policy document for the long range comprehensive development of the County of Hawai'i http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=69701&dbid=l . Harden; Hardening: Refers to physically changing infrastructure or structures to make them less susceptible to damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the durability and stability of facilities, 15 making them better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes and other natural events without sustaining major damage or losing functionality. Ho'owaiwai: Wealth. Infill: Development of vacant land — or rehabilitation of existing structures — in already urbanized areas where infrastructure and services are in place. Intensive Agriculture: A form of agriculture characterized by a low fallow ratio and higher use of inputs such as capital and labor per unit land area. The County generally designates agricultural lands suitable for intensive agriculture as Important Agriculture Lands in the General Plan LUPAG maps, (not to be confused with the State of Hawai'i's Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) designation). See also the General Plan, page 14-8, 14-9 for a discussion of the County's agricultural designations. Important Agricultural Lands - State designation (IAL): Enacted as Article XI, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawai'i, the State is required to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands. The process for identifying State IAL is outlined at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/chair/new-agriculture-initiatives/important-ag-lands-ial/ . Kahakai: Shoreline areas. Kula: Agricultural areas. Kuhi Loa: Poetical description of Hamakua meaning "Long Corner". Kupuna: Grandparent, elder, respected aged community leader. Land Study Bureau (SLB) Detailed Land Classification: The Land Study Bureau of the University of Hawaii prepared an inventory and evaluation of the State's land resources. The Bureau grouped all lands in the State, except those in the urban district, into homogeneous units of land types; described their condition and environment; rated the land on its over-all quality in terms of agricultural productivity; appraised its performance for selected alternative crops; and delineated the various land types and groupings based on soil properties and productive capabilities. Land Use Pattern Allocation Map (LUPAG): A broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. Makai: Toward the ocean. Mauka: Toward the mountain. Mo'olelo: Story, tradition, journal. 'Ohana: Family (can be extended to greater community, neighborhood). Oikonomia: The root of the word "economics," meaning "management of the household" in Greek. Pali: Cliff, precipice, steep hill or slope (sometimes used interchangeably with 'bluff'). Paratransit: Special transportation services for people with disabilities, often provided as a supplement to fixed -route bus systems by public transit agencies. Placemaking: A multi -faceted approach to planning, design, and management of public spaces that capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential to promote the health, happiness, and well-being of residents. See Appendix V413. 16 Planning Area: Also referred to as the Hamakua Planning Area, or the CDP Planning Area — the geographic region of the Hamakua CDP, which roughly encompasses Waipi'o Valley to Wainaku, or the regions known as Hamakua, North Hilo, and rural South Hilo. See Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area. Pu'u: Cinder cone. Special Management Area: An area along the shoreline designated for special protections. The Office of Planning (OP) administers Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205A, the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) law, and the purpose of HRS Chapter 205A is to "provide for the effective management, beneficial use, protection, and development of the Coastal Zone." The Special Management Area (SMA) permitting system is part of the CZM Program approved by Federal and State agencies. Urban Growth Boundary: this is the line designating a town's current or future desired urban boundary, as shown in the CDP Land Use Guide Maps. Generally, this is where the Low Density Urban (LDU) designation ends, and either the Rural or Agricultural designation begins. Wahi Pana: Celebrated and storied places in the cultural traditions of Hawai'i. Wao: Mauka forest lands. I.z.z Glossary of Acronvms APD: Agricultural Project District, pursuant HCC section 25-6-50 BID: Business improvement district, Appendix V4B, pursuant to HCC Chapter 35. CBCA: Community-based collaborative action CBED: Community-based economic development CEDS: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy CERT: Community emergency response team, program administered by County Civil Defense agency with County of Fire Dept. training. CIP: Capital improvements program. Both the State and the County adopt annual CIP budgets COH: County of Hawai'i COE: Army Corps of Engineers CTAHR: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i CZM: Coastal Zone Management, pursuant HRS Chapter 205A DAR: Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DBEDT: Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawai'i DHHL: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawai'i DLNR: Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOA: Department of Agriculture, State of Hawai'i DOBOR: Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i 17 DOCARE: Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOE: Department of Education, State of Hawai'i DOFAW: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOH: Department of Health, State of Hawai'i DOT: Department of Transportation, State of Hawai'i EA: Environmental Assessment, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAR Chapter 11-200 EIS: Environmental Impact Statement, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAR Chapter 11-200 FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency FHA: Federal Housing Administration FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map HAR: Hawai'i Administrative Rules HCC: Hawai'i County Code http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-countycode/ HCEL Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative HCDA: Hawai'i Community Development Authority, State of Hawai'i, HRS 206E HHCDC: Hilo-Hamakua Community Development Corporation (nonprofit) HHF: Historic Hawai'i Foundation (nonprofit) HHFDC: Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation HICDC: Hawai'i Island Community Development Corporation (nonprofit) HRS: Hawai'i Revised Statutes http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/ HTA: Hawaii Tourism Authority HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development HVNP: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park IAL: Important Agricultural Lands, pursuant HRS sections 205-41 thru 52. See definition in Glossary of terms. LUC: Land Use Commission, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawai'i LUPAG: Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map NAR: Natural Area Reserve NHERC: North Hawai'i Education and Research Center, a branch of UH -Hilo located in Honoka'a NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPS: National Park Service NRCS: Natural Resource Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture 18 NTHP: National Trust for Historic Preservation OCCL: Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i OEQC: Office of Environmental Quality Control, Department of Health, State of Hawai'i ORMP: Ocean Resources Management Plan PATH: People's Advocacy for Trails Hawai'i (nonprofit) PES: Payment for ecosystem services PLDC: Public Land Development Corporation PONC: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, County of Hawai'i PTA: P6hakuloa Training Area, a military installation base on the slopes of Mauna Kea PUC: Hawai'i State Public Utilities Commission PUD: Planned Unit Development, pursuant HCC section 25-6-1 RIL: Road -in -limbo SHPD: State Historic Preservation Division, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i SLU: State Land Use, referring to the SLU districts defined in HRS Chapter 205 SMA: Special Management Area. Refer to the glossary. SWCD: Soil and Water Conservation District TDR: Transfer of Development Rights — programs referenced in Appendix V4:A. TMA: Three Mountain Alliance TMK: Tax Map Key — the identifier used by the Real Property Tax division of the County Department of Finance for each individual parcel or lot of record TNC: The Nature Conservancy (nonprofit) TND: Traditional Neighborhood Development TOD: Transit Oriented Development TSPTF: Taro Security and Purity Task Force UH/UHH: University of Hawai'i/University of Hawai'i at Hilo UHERO: University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization USDA: United States Department of Agriculture USFWS: United States Fish and Wildlife Service 19 1.5 Introduction to the Hamakua Planning Area 1.5.1 The Land Sustains the People of the Kuhi Lo.- The oa The region referred to as Hamakua stretches along north of Hilo along the upright cliffs (Hilo Paliku) to the majestic, historic valley of Waipi'o and up the slopes to the sacred summit of Mauna Kea. It is against this sweeping, lush green landscape that the people of the Hamakua region have flourished for generations. The region was historically renowned as a powerful religious, economic, and demographic center of Hawai'i Island and from early times, the region was known for its agriculture. One cannot truly understand Hamakua's people without appreciating the legacy that agriculture has stamped on this land and its people. Z For some, Hamakua is a place where their ancestors flourished for centuries and for others, agricultural employment drew their ancestors to emigrate from foreign lands. Here they raised their children and learned to love the land and sea as their own. Still others have come in search of a simpler way of life, drawn by the beauty of the land and a host of personal stories that testify to the magical attraction that draws people to places where they feel at home. Together, these groups form the modern communities of Hamakua. Regardless of their background, the people of Hamakua share a deep appreciation for the historical heritage of their small towns and highly value preserving an 'ohana-centered community that emphasizes quality of life, neighborhood cooperation, and the aloha spirit. The people of Hamakua recognize that their future is tied to the preservation of their way of life and the natural and cultural resources that have sustained them for generations. 1.5.2 Core ValuF The themes listed below are the core values expressed by the community during the Vision and Values outreach phase at the commencement of the CDP process. Z See Appendix V413: Community Building Analysis, page 173. 20 1.6 Hamakua Today: Community Assets and Challenges 1.6.1 Assets 1.6.1.1 Natural and Cultural • Dramatic pastoral, ocean, and Mauna Kea Summit views. • Mauka forests, rich in biodiversity and critical habitat. • Abundant rainfall, streams, and watershed resources. • Pristine coastline and off -shore waters supporting unique habitats and ecosystems. • Large extent of natural areas (mauka) already protected. • Tradition of subsistence, recreational, and cultural access to natural resources. 1.6.1.2 Settlement Patterns • Homestead lands, historic plantation towns, ranch lands, mauka forests, small diverse farms exemplify rural character and lifestyle. 1.6.1.3 Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services • Highway 19, Old Mamalahoa highway segments, and mauka-makai homestead roads connect the towns and settlements. • Elementary and Middle Schools serve Papa'ikou and Pa'auilo communities; K-12 systems serve Honoka'a and Laupahoehoe (the only public charter school in the Planning Area). A Kamehameha Schools preschool is located in Pa'auilo. • Hospital, clinic, and long-term care are located in Honoka'a. • A full-time police station and fire station are located in Honoka'a; while police substations and fire department facilities (for volunteer teams) are located in Pepe'ekeo and Laupahoehoe. Pa'auilo has a fire truck and volunteer fire team. • County Park Facilities include: Kaiwiki park & gym; Honoli'i beach park; Papa'ikou park & gym; Pepe'ekeo park, ball field, community center; HonomG park, gym, & Kolekole beach park; Hakalau-Wailea tennis courts & playfield; Winole (Waikaumalo) river park, Papa'aloa gym, annex, & tennis courts; Laupahoehoe swimming pool, beach park, & gym, Pa'auilo park, gym, & playfield; Haina playfield; Honoka'a park, gym, playfield, swimming pool, & rodeo arena; Kukuihaele playfield & Waipi'o lookout. • State Recreation Facilities include: 'Akaka Falls State Park, Kalopa State Park, and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area. 1.6.1.4 Economic Development • Access to healthy local food from agriculture and mauka forests. • Traditions of self-reliance and sharing • Agricultural tradition, infrastructure, and capacity • Potential for renewable energy production • Global significance as an eco -tourism destination because of the unique landscape and cultural heritage 21 1.6.2 Challenges 1.6.2.1 Natural and Cultural • Mauka forests are threatened by feral animals and invasive flora and fauna • Shoreline movement and the nature of Hamakua's dynamic coastal bluffs are poorly understood • Mauka and makai access is sometimes limited and/or unmanaged • Natural disasters — landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunami, hurricanes, flooding — are a consistent threat 1.6.2.2 Settlement Patterns • Open space, working agricultural lands, and the coastline are vulnerable to inappropriate development. • The recent trend and likely future build -out potential is largely in the pre -code (and pre -Statehood) homestead lands which often lack adequate infrastructure for increased density • Potential for existing and new developments to build out in ways that could undermine the community's unique character and rural lifestyle 1.6.2.3 Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services • Long distances to travel for basic services and healthcare • Lack of municipal water availability within some towns encourages residents to move into agricultural lands • Undefined strategies for locating and funding emergency facilities; rural road networks; water and other infrastructure; schools, clinics, and other public facilities; and parks. • High number of roads -in -limbo and no defined strategy to address improvements or adoption • Some park facilities are closed due to poor maintenance or hazardous conditions. 'O'6kala gym is permanently closed; the Hakalau gym and the Laupahoehoe boat ramp are closed indefinitely. Papa'aloa gym is partially cordoned off due to hazardous materials; Hakalau tennis courts are an inadequate playing surface, and the gyms in Papa'ikou need to be reroofed. 1.6.2.4 Economic Development • Barriers to agricultural sustainability, including land tenure, water, and infrastructure. • Available workers exceed available jobs in Hamakua, so many people commute to Kona or Hilo for work. • Because of limited retail, service, and entertainment businesses, the majority of local dollars are being spent outside the community. • Limited capture of high volume visitor traffic. 22 KEY ISSUES AND PRIORITIES This grouping of topics illustrates the top issues identified in responses to the 20 -year vision question. LOCAL ECONOMY (economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture, local business, jobs, retail, services, dining, renewable energy, housing) RECREATION (parks and gathering spaces, facilities, programs, youth recreation, outdoor recreation) EDUCATION (improved schools, quality education, adult/vocational/higher education) HEALTH CARE (hospital/clinic, elderly care, more medical professionals, social services) `AINA (natural resources, land use, public access, environmental quality, natural beauty, sustainability) PUBLIC SERVICES (transportation, roadways, mass transit, public utilities, protective services) We, the residents of Hamakua recognize that the foundation of our life, livelihood and well-being comes from the 'aina-the land, the seas, the rivers and streams, the forests, and the skies. As active stewards, we malama the 'aina as the source of sustenance for ourselves and future generations. This Kanaka Maoli wisdom guides our actions with the principle that "what is good for the land, is good for the people." 'O ka mea kupono 'aina ka mea kupono kanaka. Our pristine landscapes and rich agricultural lands from mauka to makai, native forests to coastal waters, streams and watersheds, the sweeping views and open spaces are protected and enhanced. We protect our culturally significant and sacred places, and nurture our diverse cultural and plantation heritage. Access to natural resources and care for the 'aina supports and perpetuates subsistence and recreation, Native Hawaiian, and other cultural traditions. Hamakua is a rural community of distinctive small towns and villages thriving on sustainable agriculture and ranching to provide ourselves and the rest of Hawaii with healthy food and locally grown products. Our vibrant economy is based on local businesses that are able to provide living wage jobs and ensure access to goods and services so that our families can work and shop close to home. We produce and rely on clean, renewable energy to power our communities and businesses. Our high quality of life is rooted in our strong sense of 'ohana and community. We support lifetime learning through the expansion of educational opportunities for all residents. Access to quality healthcare, elderly care, and affordable housing is provided. We host festivals for music, culture, arts, and agriculture, and are known for our parks, gathering places, and recreation programs. Our communities are connected by a network of safe, well maintained roadways and we enjoy multiple transportation choices. Our community prides itself on its heritage roads as alternative, slower routes between our popular destinations and our historic plantation villages. Hamakua is a place where change is thoughtful & deliberate. Our deep aloha for the 'aina compels and ensures smart, sustainable development, and the protection and perpetuation of Hamakua's uniqueness now and into the future. - adopted by the Hdm&kua CDP Steering Committee on March 1, 2011 1.8 From Vision to Action iAi Community Objective - Building on the community's values and vision as well as insights from the Community Profile (see Appendix V3), the Steering Committee established the following Community Objectives: 'AINA [Natural Resources & Ag as related to conservation of natural resources, Public Access] • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. • Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. COMMUNITY [Culture, Town Planning, Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Services, Transportation] • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. • Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our 'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. • Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. ECONOMY [Employment, Industry, Business Development, Small Town Revitalization, Agriculture, Tourism] • Objective 8: Promote, preserve and enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy. • Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. • Objective 10: Revitalize retail, service, dining, and entertainment centers that complement the community's rural character and culture. • Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable energy, and related economic support systems. 25 • Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource-based economy. • Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. Throughout the CDP, references to "Community Objectives," "CDP Objectives," or "objectives" are referring to these Community Objectives adopted by the Steering Committee. i.o.z iaenTITying c_ur strategies The Community Objectives are the foundation of the CDP. All of the CDP strategies are designed to implement one or more of the objectives. To make that process as transparent as possible, Appendices V4A, B, and C each include a "strategy identification matrix" that was developed using (and makes specific references to) the comprehensive content included in that appendix. The matrix summarizes current policies and action that are aligned with community objectives, remaining policy and action gaps, and the new policy, advocacy, and community-based, collaborative action needed to achieve community objectives. In addition, Appendices V4 and V5 include summaries of the rationale behind each of the CDP policies. Each rationale is based on the process represented in the corresponding strategy identification matrix. To keep the CDP as concise as possible, only limited information from the appendix is repeated, though references direct the interested reader to relevant sections of the analysis. 1.8.3 Types of CDP Strategies The process of identifying CDP strategies made it clear that strategies fall into three basic categories: 1. Those that are the responsibility of County government —these are the Policies of the CDP. 2. Those that are not the responsibility of the County but are other governmental (Federal or State), or nongovernmental organizations' responsibility -these are called K6kua Actions. 3. Those that are not core functions of government and require community leadership and initiative —these are the Community Actions of the CDP. To focus and expedite CDP implementation, the CDP strategies are organized into those categories. Because the CDP is most fundamentally a County policy document, County responsibilities are further organized into two aspects of Land Use Policy and County Actions, which include regulatory changes, infrastructure improvements, and programs. However, the County cannot achieve Community Objectives on its own. Those objectives will not be achieved without coordinated effort from other levels of government and the community. Therefore, the CDP also clearly outlines steps that need to be taken outside of County government. Section 2 elaborates on these types of strategies in more detail, including the legal implications of each. 26 1.8.4 Strategies to Action The clear distinctions between the different types of CDP strategies are important because they leave leadership and control where they belong — in the community's hands. Government policy and actions in the CDP are based on Community Objectives and are focused primarily on protecting critical resources and providing basic infrastructure. In this way, the CDP provides a foundation for the Community to build their future. After that, things are in the community's hands. This is important because Hamakua has the vision, the capacity, and the drive to determine their future in their own way. Chapter IV is designed to support the community -led CDP implementation process. 27 SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY 2.1 Purpose The purpose of County of Hawai'i Community Development Plans (CDPs) is to implement the broad goals within the General Plan on a regional basis and to translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions. CDPs are the forum for community input into coordinating the delivery of government services to the community. 2.2. Relationship to the General Plan County of Hawai'i Community Development Plans (CDPs) implement but do not supersede the General Plan. In this CDP, all references to the General Plan refer to the County of Hawai'i General Plan, February 2005 (As Amended) — unless otherwise noted. In the case of conflicts between a CDP and the General Plan, the General Plan prevails. In order to bring the Hamakua CDP and the General Plan into alignment, the CDP recommends specific amendments to the General Plan (see Policy 1, related Figures 2-13 and Policy 12). 2.3 Planning Area Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai'i, the Hamakua CDP Planning Area encompasses the judicial districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo district commonly referred to as Rural South Hilo. The Planning Area totals approximately 1,011 square miles, and includes the communities of Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Ahualoa, Kalopa, Pa'auilo, 'O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, HonomG, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, Pauka'a, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and other small communities in between. See "Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area." For clarity, to distinguish between the Hamakua District and the Hamakua Planning Area, the CDP will specify which is being referenced throughout the CDP. 2.4 Types of Strategies The Hamakua CDP employs four types of strategies to achieve Community Objectives: two types of County policy, outside agency/organization initiatives, and community -led initiatives. In many cases, existing State and County policies support the implementation of Hamakua Community Objectives. For the "Existing Policies" that are particularly pertinent to the Hamakua Planning Area, they are reiterated at the beginning of the relevant section within the CDP and cited as such. Note: some existing policies were determined to be significant enough as to warrant restating them as Hamakua CDP policies either verbatim or tailored to the specific context of the Hamakua Planning Area (citations to existing policies are included). One advantage to this is that if the referenced existing policies are later changed following adoption of the CDP, the CDP policies will stand unless otherwise amended or unless superseded by prevailing policy in the General Plan or State or federal law. Many of the existing policies from the General Plan are general statements that express policy aims, goals, or objectives (aka: Policy Intent). These policies are often open to interpretation when applied in specific instances, but they set the foundation for further controlling policies (aka: Policy Control) or County actions. 28 The County policies articulated herein are established with the adoption of the Hamakua CDP. There are two types of County policies in the CDP: 1. "Land Use Policies" are the land use policy guidance for the Hamakua CDP planning area and will be implemented through all County of Hawai'i actions. In addition, the Land Use Policies inform County recommendations to other agencies, including the State Land Use Commission regarding district boundary amendments, special permits, and other applications in the Hamakua Planning Area. The Land Use Policies within the Hamakua CDP may limit the range of decisions that can be made in the future; for instance, land use policies that specifically designate future settlement or transportation patterns. These binding, sometimes restrictive policy controls may include use of the term "shall," which, from a legal standpoint, means the policy is imperative or mandatory. 2. "County Actions" are CDP policies to guide future County priorities and initiatives, including operating and capital budgets. These policies are not mandated, legally -binding, or self -implementing; rather, they often require additional legislative and administrative directives before being implemented (e.g., land acquisition, capital improvement appropriations, code changes, incentive measures, etc.). Within the body of the CDP, official policy language from Land Use Policies and County Actions are italicized; whereas any explanatory language, references, or other information necessary to explain the intent or implementation of the policy, is in regular text. None of the Hamakua Community Objectives can be achieved by the County alone. Some important policies fall outside jurisdiction, while other initiatives must be led by the community. Therefore, the CDP includes two additional types of strategies: 1. "Kokua Actions" are actions that would help advance CDP Objectives, but are within the jurisdiction of non - County governmental agencies or other entities. Depending on the context, these actions may be initiated via CDP advocacy, collaborative agency partnerships, or through direct or indirect support to the lead agency in implementing the specified action; but ultimately, Kokua Actions are dependent on non -County action. 2. "Community Actions" these community-based, collaborative actions are initiatives that must be led by the community with support from a broad range of organizations and agencies. 2.5 CDP Implementation Roles and Guides There is a strong connection between each type of CDP strategy and roles during CDP implementation. The success of CDP implementation will largely depend on each partner focusing where it can make the biggest difference. Therefore, to facilitate CDP implementation; • "Land Use Policies" are re -organized in "Chapter II: Planners Guide" to provide clear land use planning and permitting guidance to public and private planners and to policy makers. (This document is to be developed when policy revisions are complete) • "County Actions" are re -organized by agency in "Chapter 111.1: County Actions by Agency." (This document is to be developed when policy revisions are complete) • "Kokua Actions" are re -organized by entity in "Chapter 111.3: Kokua Actions by Agency." (This document is to be developed when policy revisions are complete) 29 • "Community Actions" are explained in detail in "Chapter IV.1: Community Action Guide." Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area LEGEND Kaua'i 0 Hamakua CDP Judicial Districts d Oahu Planning Area — — I Niihau Moloka'i Boundary I �.x _ _Southern Maui * Communities Lana`i� t a PacifKaho'olawe �c NORTH '; Waipi'o Valley KOHALA i Kukuihaele oA Hawai'i Ahualoa w Honoka`a A Kohaia Pa auilo .�oliT canO + r`O`8k la oay h Lau ahoehoe /�ROad��Papa`aloa I SOUTH t Ntnole � KOHALA HAMAKUA Umauma NORTH Hakalau HILO *�Wailea Honoma i Pepe`ekeo Mauna Kea Papa' ikou j 4 Pauka`a ` ♦ ` ` ♦ Wainaku a ` sd Kaiwiki ( Southern Boundary Inset SOUTH HIL O � •F NORTH S. GA KONA 1 ° PUNA rm Mauna Loa KA'U / 0 2.5 5 101 (MILES) l \ _ ♦ �. Papa'ikou_'.* Pa`hoehoo% � Hano/ii `'m r s'rrea rr, Pau ka`a ��•wra.w ` W ainaku *r !'% f Kaiwiki of ai/uku River M Pupukohi i holomuo Unite to move forward P Land Use & Settlement Patterns This section of the CDP guides future land use development and permitting to be consistent with CDP objectives and policies. Specifically, to reduce rural sprawl and infrastructure costs, it focuses future residential development in existing villages and towns and seeks to preserve large productive agricultural lands for agriculture by accommodating rural -residential development close to these urban centers. It directs new residential development away from coastal areas and encourages the clustering of developments to leave natural buffer areas. It plans urban areas with appropriately -scaled densities that complement the rural character of the area. It provides guidance to the Planning Department on change of zone and variance priorities, and stipulates the types of areas and regulatory processes that are appropriate for industrial development. It also directs the County to engage communities interested in town -level planning. 3.1.', Corn,.._.�ry Obje__... Objectives, above), the following are related to the preferred settlement pattern: • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. General Plan Settlement Framework The General Plan articulates the overall County's preferred settlement pattern in section 14.1: The future improvement and development objectives are directed toward making urban and rural centers more efficient, livable, and safe. Growth should be encouraged in terms of renewing older areas or extending existing areas. The creation of new urban and rural centers should be initiated only when it is in the public interest and must be accompanied by commitments from both government and the private sector for the development of basic community and public facilities and services. Infrastructure costs less when new residential areas are located near existing highways, water and sewer lines, and employment centers. The General Plan lists the County's goals for Section Of the Community Objectives adopted by the 14.1.2 as follows: Steering Committee (see Section 1.8.1 Community (a) Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i And Incorporating the Planning Director's Recommendations I Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County. (b) Protect and encourage the intensive and extensive utilization of the County's important agricultural lands. (c) Protect and preserve forest, water, natural and scientific reserves and open areas. 3.1.3 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and use of urban areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities (GP 14.1.3 (b)) Encourage urban development within existing zoned areas already served by basic infrastructure, or close to such areas, instead of scattered development (GP 14.1.3 (j)). • Centralization of commercial activities in the Laupahoehoe-Papa'aloa area shall be encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (a)) Centralization of commercial activities in the Honoka'a area shall be encouraged. Urban renewal of the area should be undertaken. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (a)) Land Use Policy Controls Public Access • Appropriate public access to and along the shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26) • The development of commercial facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns shall be incorporated into the review of such developments. (GP 14.3.3 (f)) • Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or interests shall be required to dedicate land for public access for pedestrian travel from a public highway or street to the land below the high- water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas in the mountains where there are existing facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit -picking, ti -leaf sliding, and other recreational purposes, and where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46- 6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)) Preservation of Natural/Cultural Resources • Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) • Plan approval and related conditions shall consider forest and coastal ecosystems, agricultural lands, open space, viewscopes, areas of natural beauty, archeological and historic sites, and historic buildings when assuring that proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are properly screened or eliminated, and natural and man-made features of community value are preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76) Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development • Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas adequately served by necessary services, such as water, utilities, sewers, and transportation systems. Should such services not be available, the development of more intensive uses should be in concert with a localized program of public and private capital improvements to meet the expected increased needs. (GP 14.3.3 (b)) • Industrial development shall be located in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure. (GP 14.4.3 (e)) A lot shall be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended to be sold. No area subject to periodic inundation which endangers the health or safety of its occupants may be subdivided for residential purposes. (HCC 23-37) 32 • Do not allow strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the primary commercial area. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (c)) County Actions • Identify sites suitable for future industrial activities as the need arises (GP 14.4.5.9.2 (a); 14.4.5.2.2 (b); 14.4.5.3.2 (a); 14.4.5.2 (a) • Suitable commercially zoned lands shall be provided as the need arises. (Hamakua district GP 14.3.5.4.2 (b)) 3.1.4 Land Use Polio All of the CDP Land Use Policies are designed to preserve the preferred future settlement pattern and achieve the Community Objectives. Land Use Policies that are designed to protect coastal areas, agricultural lands, mauka forests, scenic areas, sensitive ecosystems, cultural resources, and public access are included in related elements of Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources, below. The following Land Use Policies speak more generally to the preservation of the preferred land use and settlement pattern in Hamakua, including the relative location of residential, commercial, industrial, rural, and agricultural areas. Policy 1 With the adoption of the Hamakua CDP, Figures 2-13 (pages 40-51) are adopted as the Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua CDP Planning Area Future land use decisions in the Hamakua CDP planning area shall be consistent with the Land Use Guide Map, unless the CDP and the General Plan are in direct conflict, in which case the General Plan shall be controlling. As with the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates preferred future development patterns by indicating the general location of various land uses in relation to each other. To maintain consistency, the land use category definitions used in the CDP Land Use Guide Map are identical to those used in the 2005 General Plan LUPAG map. The CDP Land Use Guide Map also sets Urban Growth Boundaries for every town/village in the Planning Area where the Low Density Urban designation ends. See Policy 6 for guidance on LUPAG amendments/changes of zone to Industrial in the LUPAG LDU designation. See Policy 12 for the County Action that aligns the CDP Land Use Guide Policy Map with the General Plan. Policy 12 is necessary because the CDP Land Use Guide Map does not automatically amend the General Plan. Policy 2 Land use designation changes that would result in new State Land Use Urban or new County zoning for residential, commercial, or industrial uses outside a designated Urban Growth Boundary shall not be approved within the Special Management Area. (HRS 205-A; GP 8.3(d)) See Policy 6 for guidance on Industrial areas. Policy 3 Focus higher density residential (greater than 6 units/acre) and commercial areas in communities that can sustain a higher intensity of uses and where these residential and commercial uses are consistent with the existing town character. This is reflected in the location of "Medium Density Urban" (MDU) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map. Smaller villages and towns are encouraged to develop neighborhood -scale commercial uses allowed within the Low Density Urban category. 33 See 3.1.7 Land Use Guide Maps Figures 2-13 for the Land Use Guide Maps, and refer to the Appendix V5 CDP Policy Rationale for specifics on how the LUPAG MDU category changes are being implemented for each area. Policy 4 In order to preserve larger lot agricultural lands for productive agricultural use, allow rural development on lands near urban areas where an intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is consistent with the surrounding uses and rural character. This is reflected in the location of "Rural" (R) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map, which is intended to facilitate changes of zone to the "Family Agricultural District" (FA). The intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is intended to serve as: • A low density area that provides a transitional use buffer area between strictly residential and commercially productive agriculture areas, and; • A mix of personal or family -scale productive commercial or subsistence agricultural use on all newly established parcels in the Rural area, and; • Areas with parcels having a median size of between 2 — 3 acres but not to facilitate subdivision of parcels less than 1 acre in size. Agricultural areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary and outside designated Rural areas are to be preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty areas. See Policy S. Policy 5 In the CDP Land Use Guide Map, the Urban Growth Boundary between developed areas (designated "Low/Medium Density Urban") and lands designated as Agricultural or Rural are intended to direct growth in the Hamakua CDP planning area. Areas that are clearly beyond designated Urban Growth Boundaries shall be preserved as rural or agricultural lands to maintain open space, scenic view planes, and natural beauty areas. Note: See Policy 6 for Industrial Change of Zone flexibility. This policy clarifies that the urban boundary in the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map establishes specific Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) at the intersection between Urban and Rural/Agricultural land uses. The CDP strategy of mapping parcel - specific Urban designations whenever possible adds clarity and specificity, increases transparency into the land use designation process, and more accurately reflects the County's and the Community's land use goals and intentions. Policy 6 Until the General Plan identifies appropriate areas or criteria for Industrial development to occur in the Hamdkua Planning Area, industrial uses may be permitted outside LUPAG Industrial designated areas through the following regulatory review processes: • LUPAG Amendment and Change of Zone: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Urban district, a LUPAG amendment and change of zone request to the appropriate industrial zoning could be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis; • Special Use: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Agricultural or Rural District, and the project type is consistent with a permitted use of either limited - industrial (ML) or commercial -industrial zoning (MCX), the special use permit process would be the appropriate review mechanism 34 to evaluate the specific parameters of the proposal and set any mitigating conditions. Any requests for Industrial uses shall be carefully evaluated for potential impacts and consistency with CDP policies and objectives, HRS 205 (including the land study bureau's detailed land agricultural land productivity rating), and the General Plan. Industrial developmentshall be located in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure (General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (e)). The majority of the current Industrial areas in the Planning Area, and especially in North Hilo, are no longer seen as suitable for heavy industry, generally due to their near -coastal (environmentally sensitive) locations (see also Policy 12 and Policy 2). This policy demonstrates flexibility in allowing Industrial uses in appropriate areas until the General Plan appropriately identifies locations for Industrial uses. Policy 7 In the CDP Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua Planning Area, in the "Low Density Urban" (LDU) and Medium Density Urban (MDU) categories, variances or PUDs that maintain consistent village/town character should be encouraged in those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are inconsistent with the character of surrounding neighborhoods. See also Policy 10 Policy 8 In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions in coastal areas, subdivisions should be encouraged to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant to HCCSection 25-6-20, in order to achieve CDP objectives in relation to preserving open space, recreational areas, or scenic viewsheds. Policy 9 The Director of Planning shall offer a favorable recommendation to the Planning Commissions, subject to appropriate conditions, only for those proposed zoning code amendments that would further the intent and ensure consistency with the objectives and policies of the Hamakua CDP. (HCC25-2-42 (c) (1) and 25-2-44) Policy 14 Variances from the zoning or subdivision code (including PUDs) shall be carefully considered relative to the Hamakua CDP objectives and policies, and when approved, shall be conditioned to ensure consistency with the CDP. (HCC 23-6, 23-15(c), 23-18, 25-2-51(c), 25-2-54(b), and 25-6- 6(b) and Planning Commission Rule 16-4(b)(6)) See also Policy 8. Policy 11 When considering variances to the requirements of the zoning and subdivision chapters of the County Code for consolidation and resubdivision actions in the Hamakua CDP planning area, the Planning Director shall carefully consider how to best further the public welfare relative to the objectives and policies of the Hamakua CDP. Specifically, the Director 1) should confer with all appropriate agencies, 2) shall, if the new subdivision will include lots smaller than otherwise permitted in the subject zone, endeavor to locate those smaller lots in LDU, MDU, or Industrial areas and near existing towns/villages and thoroughfares, and 3) shall require necessary improvements. (HCC 23-6, 23-7, and 25-2-11). 3.1.7 wu1ILy AM on Policy 12 Amend the General Plan to reflect the following changes: 35 • The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide should be amended to be consistent with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map. If the definitions of land use designations in the General Plan are revised, the following factors should guide land use designations in the Hamakua Planning Area: — Factor 1: Minimize new coastal development — Factor 2: Minimize encroachment onto agricultural lands — Factor 3: Align with State Land Use District Boundary — Factor 4: Align with County zoning — Factor 5: Accommodate projected population growth — Factor 6: Align with infrastructure — Potable Water — Factor 7: Align with infrastructure — Roadway Network — Factor 8: Align with infrastructure — Wastewater — Factor 9: Ensure that commercial designations are appropriate — (MDU) — Factor 10: Ensure that industrial designations are appropriate and consistent More details on these factors can be found in the Appendix V. CDP Policy Rationale. While these factors cannot be applied absolutely in every land use situation, they should be considered as important criteria when amending the General Plan. • Amend General Plan Table 14-5 to reflect the following LUPAG map amendments: Papa'ikou, Papa'aloa, and Pa'auilo should no longer be identified as LUPAG Industrial areas. See also Policy 6 regarding Industrial designations. Policy 13 Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments that leave natural, open space buffer areas along the shoreline, streams, and gulches, or adjacent to forest, conservation areas, or other culturally/environmentally sensitive areas. See corresponding Policy 8. Policy 14 To ensure the preservation of historic and cultural village character, provide technical support to develop Town Revitalization Plans. 3.1.6 Community Actior, Community Action 1: Develop Town Revitalization Plans focused on developing guidelines for preserving historic and cultural character, infrastructure improvements, developing affordable housing, and promoting economic revitalization. 36 3.1.7 Land Use Guide Maps Figures 2-13 Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map Iil Park Wainaku Gym QI �d I LJ LY r Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Wainaku LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area Rural Hamakua CDP Boundary N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii Planning Department CIS - November 2016 As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawaii And Incorporating the Planning Director's Recommendations I Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns KA 'Alae OCemetery c Ha'aheo School K Y 1K 7— r – (Approved for 21 -lot residential development) Future Park Site Figure 3: Pauka`a Land Use Guide Map FIAWAI'I g��l Hamakua CDP Revised land Use Guide Map for Pauka'a LU PAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area z Rural Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County oT Hawail Planning Department GIS - November 2016 M Figure 4: Papa`ikou Land Use Guide Map Kalaniana'ole School � I H -am akua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Papa'ikou a `� LUPAG Designations j Important Ag. Lands ■ Industrial ' Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area Z Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawai'i Planning Departmert GIS - November 2016 Papa'ikou Community Center I 1i�7 �- I I ,i Pu `u`eo ! i Paku Z W 1 Kula`imano Park 7; = k -1 } ,,9J � Kui,�-iav�No ko t --r am� 1, Figure 5: Pepe`ekeo Land Use Guide Map - Pepe`ekeo Park Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Pepe'ekeo LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Industrial ■ Low Density Urban ■ Medium Density Urban - Open Area . Rural N Feet 0 250500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 County of Hawail Planning Department GIS - November 2016 40 H -am akua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Honomu LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GI5 - November 2016 -------� Figure 6: Honomu Land Use Guide Map �i pal Park omu A& '// �\ 41 Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map 49 Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Hakalau and Wailea LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands iIndustrial Low Density Urban — Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 ' County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 Hakalau Post Office Hakalau Veteran's Park -7 42 0 Figure 8: Ninole Land Use Guide Map Wai kauma Park Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Ninole LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Open Area / Rural N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawal'I Planning Depaitment GIS - November 2016 43 0 Figure 9: Laupahoehoe/Papa`aloa Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Lau pahoehoe/Papa'aloa LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 County of Hawai'i Planning Department CIS - November 2016 � Papa'aloa Park X. Kapehu Camp 11 kap�h� 14 \Capp � 44 Figure 10: `O`okala Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for '0'O -kala LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Industrial 'A i Low Density Urban N - Open Area Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS -November 2076 i -`L— _C y J ` I F i BELT RD o h%�k�l q tiG �s Q y i CpUPpH�EH�� t 45 Pa'auilo School 0 Figure 11: Pa`auilo Land Use Guide Map II _1 Pa'auilo Gym a Ka`ohe Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Pa'auilo LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands - Industrial F, Low Density Urban OM Medium Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 County of Hawai'i Planning Department GIS - November 2016 Kuka` iau Aa, l t J 1 Feet 0 310 620 + 1,240 060 2,480 46 ,Ilk,, S7 �- Pa`auhau 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles Figure 12: Honoka`a/Haina Land Use Guide Map Waimea 'auhau Hon�oka'a C Park k 1 i � r �s s X S ry T Hamakua Country Club Waipi' s KV F Haina 7 Haina _ Park Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Honoka`a/Haina LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Industrial Low Density Urban - Medium Density Urban - Open Area z . Rural f� Miles D 0.125 0.25 0.5 County of Hawai'i Planning Department GIS - November 2016 47 Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Kukuihaele LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS -November 2016 Kukuihaele Park K:�_ 7,1Z Cemetery HONOKA'A-WAIPY'O RD 48 Ola 1 ka wai ko 'opuo Rain gives life V Expand the Local System of Preserves This section of the CDP guides the expansion of lands held in public trust, supports landowners establishing conservation and agricultural easements and using agricultural and forestry land preservation programs, and encourages Natural Area Reserves to pursue acquisition priorities. 4.1.1 Community Objectivt • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. 4.1.2 C�_unty r.ction Through the strategic and collaborative use of the resources identified in Appendix V4A, the County should: Policy 15 Identify and secure in public trust (fee simple or by easement) priority lands that achieve one or more of Hdmdkua's Objectives. • Seek to use conservation easement or acquisition opportunities through funding sources such as PONC, etc., once critical habitat areas are identified as priorities to protect. • Seek to protect with easements or acquire suitable important coastal lands that would protect viewsheds, provide the public with access to scenic viewing areas, or otherwise promote appropriate coastal recreation and subsistence. • Support the efforts of landowners in establishing conservation and agricultural easements to preserve important resources in perpetuity. • Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that See also Policy 47 for a policy related to human activities are in harmony with the quality prioritizing community accesses in the Hamakua of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural Planning Area. landscape. As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i And Incorporating the Planning Director's Recommendations I Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources Policy 16 Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion Project. See also: Policy 42 - Regarding effective management of watersheds and natural areas Policy 46 — Regarding trails to forest reserves 4.1.3 Koktin Ortinn U.S. Congress Kokua Action 1: Appropriate sufficient funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete the expansion of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kokua Action 2: Continue to pursue acquisition or cooperative management of the six parcels identified in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment. Please see the Environmental Assessment here: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region 1/NWRS /Zone 1/Big Island Complex/Hakalau Forest/PDFs/ Hakalau%20Forest%20NWR%20FInal%20LPP-EA.pdf 4.1.4 Community Action Community Action 2: Establish acquisition priorities, using PONC criteria, and secure priority lands. • Partner with existing Hawai'i Land Trusts to acquire land through conservation easements and acquisition to ensure view shed protection; • Identify appropriate critical habitat areas needing further protection as priority areas through PONC criteria to protect through easement or acquisition mechanisms; 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources This section of the CDP protects coastal resources with the CDP Land Use Guide Map, shoreline setbacks, the Special Management Area, and encourages the State to strengthen protections and the community to engage in coastal land use decisions. 4.2.1 Community Objective Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. 4.2.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Protect the shoreline from the encroachment of man-made improvements and structures. (GP 8.3(d)) • Maintain the shoreline for recreational, cultural, education, and/or scientific uses in a manner that is protective of resources and is of the maximum benefit to the general public. (GP 8.3(c)) All • Encourage those developments that are not coastal dependent to locate in inland areas. (HRS 205A-2(c)(3(D)) Land Use Policy Controls Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23- 26) 4.2.3 Land Use Polio Policy 17 Development in the SMA, including subdivision, shall only be approved if it is first found that it will not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect. (HRS 205A- 22(3) & 205A-26(2) (A)) Pursuant to Planning Commission (PC) Rule 9- 10(b)(5) & (11), and in order for the Planning Director to accurately evaluate whether the proposed action will have a substantial adverse effect, pursuant to PC Rule 9-4(e)(4), the Director shall require that SMA Use Permit Assessment and Use Permit applications include all of the information necessary to assess the proposed activity's impacts in the Special Management Area, including but not limited to: • A description of the environmental setting and natural resources in the area, including an assessment of impacts on rare, threatened, or endangered species or their habitat and on fresh and coastal water quality (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(A) & (6) and 9- 10(h)(7), (g), & (9)); • A description of valued cultural resources or historical sites in the area, including the extent to which traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights are exercised in the area (PC Rule 9-10(b)(6) & (h)(1)); • An assessment of impacts on coastal scenic and open space resources and view planes, including those outlined in the General Plan, the Community Development Plan, and other adopted plans, as well as the line of sight toward the sea from the state highway nearest the coast and along the shoreline (HRS 205A -2(b)(3) (A), HRS 205A- 2(c)(3)(B), HRS 205A -26(3)(E), and PC Rule 9-10(h)(1)); • Identification and detailed information of existing public access to and along the shoreline to the specifications required by Na Ala Hele (PC Rule 9-10(b)(10)); • An assessment of impacts on hazard risk, including flooding, tsunami, and coastal erosion and/or sea level rise over the life of the development (PC Rule 9-10(h)(9)); • A description of the relationship of the proposed action to land use plans, policies, and control of the affected area, including the General Plan and Community Development Plan (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(13)). • Identify specific measures to mitigate risks associated with coastal hazards, protect sensitive coastal and cultural resources, and ensure public access (HRS 205-A) Any development permitted, including those determined to be exempt from the definition of development in Planning Commission Rule 9 (pursuant to Planning Commission Rule 9-10 (e) & (g), shall be subject to terms and conditions to achieve CZM and CDP objectives and policies, including conditions that protect natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources; preserve agricultural land, open space, and view planes; ensure access; mitigate impacts of coastal hazards; limit coastal development; and concentrate new development (particularly if it is not coastal dependent) on vacant land in town/village centers (before converting 51 agricultural land to residential uses), and discouraging speculative residential development. Conditions could include but not be limited to setbacks, restrictions on artificial light, lateral and mauka-makai access requirements, dedication of conservation and trail corridor easements, cooperation with efforts to manage access and use of coastal resources, minimizing the number of lots abutting or near the shoreline, and maximizing the use of land in the State Land Use Urban district and/or urban LUPAG categories. 4.2.4 County Action Policy 18 Amend and/or create County Codes and Planning Department Rules to develop shoreline and building setbacks to address environmental, health, and safety priorities. ■ Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff" (HRS 205A-1, and HAR Section 13-222-2, Planning Department Rule 11) and add references to "top of cliff' to Criteria for Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning Commission Rule 8. For setbacks on parcels with sea cliffs over 40' in elevation, the following setbacks are recommended: a) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance of 40' from the minimum shoreline setback3, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel, or, b) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance equal to the anticipated 100 years of erosion as determined by a coastal erosion study. This 3 Note: In situations where the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11 would not reach the top of a sea cliff, the building setback should be study, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis, shall be conducted by a licensed civil engineer. This policy shall only apply to properties that are located within the Special Management Area and abutting the shoreline. For lots with sea cliffs over 40' with an average lot depth of two hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line shall be determined by Planning Department Rule 11. The County of Hawai'i's current working definition of "top of cliff" is as follows: The "top of the pali" (top edge of the sea cliff) is defined to be the highest elevation along the seaward boundary of a property where the relative change in the slope of the terrain towards the sea is in excess of twice the general slope towards the sea of the terrain along this highest elevation and that the terrain: (1) has a general slope seaward of not more than 10%; (2) is reasonably safe for pedestrian access to and along its length; and (3) does not show evidence of being periodically exposed to natural elements, including, but not limited to, high surf, wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is essentially devoid of naturally occurring vegetation. See also Policy 19, Policy 20, and Policy 39 related to inland cliffs, and section 4.2.5 Kokua Action. Policy 19 Seek funding and support continued scientific research relating to coastal hazards (e.g. research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope stability studies, sea -level rise rates, tsunami inundation mapping and coastal stream flood mapping, etc.). a lateral setback distance of 40' from the top of cliff, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel. 52 See related actions under the sections 4.2.5 K6kua Action and 4.6.5 K6kua Action. Policy 20 To further protect coastal resources in the Special Management Area, review SMA boundaries in the Hamakua Planning Area and initiate appropriate amendments; • Consider proximity to coastline and assess vulnerabilities to coastal changes; • Consider including within the SMA boundaries appropriate near -shore riparian corridors. Consider SMA boundary amendments to further protect known recreational, historic, open space, ecosystem, beach, near -shore riparian, and/or marine resources as well as scenic views toward the coastline from the highway. See also: Policy 13 Policy 46 Policy 48 4.2.5 Kdkplm n,-+;,,,, Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 3: Amend Hawai'i Administrative Rule (HAR), Section 13-322-2 to include "top of cliff" in the definition of shoreline. K6kua Action 4: Amend HAR 13-5-40(b) to require that public hearings before the State Land Use Commission either be held in the judicial district in which the land is located, or be live web streamed with the ability for testimony to be taken live from the streamed location. Various Agencies: DLNR, NOAH, UH Sea Grant K6kua Action 5: Prioritize research projects to better understand: • Bluff Conditions • Shoreline Movement (including the effects of climate change on shoreline movement) • Site-specific estimates of sea level rise impacts See also K6kua Actions under 4.6.5 K6kua Actions. 4.2.6 Community Action Community Action 3: Develop a coastal resource management plan as part of watershed management plans. Community Action 4: Support the organization of a community-based hui for the fisher people of the Hamakua Coast. 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open Space See also Section 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture for policies supporting agriculture from an economic perspective. This section of the CDP protects agricultural land and open space from non-agricultural development with the CDP Land Use Guide Map, stronger farm dwelling regulations, minimum lot sizes, tax incentive programs, development of transfer of development rights (TDR), land bank programs, and State Important Agricultural Land designations. 4.3.1 Community Objective • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. 53 • Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. 4.3.2 ExistinE, Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Conserve and protect agricultural lands. (State Constitution Article XI, Section 3) • Assist the further development of agriculture through the protection of important agricultural lands. (GP 2.3 (s)) • Protect and encourage the intensive and extensive utilization of the County's important agricultural lands (GP 14.1.2(b)) • Identify, protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawaii. (GP 14.2.2(a)) • Designate, protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment. (GP 14.2.3 (i)) • Ensure that development of important agricultural land be primarily for agricultural use. (GP 14.2.3 (j)) • Discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands. (GP 14.2.3 (t)) Land Use Policy Controls • Vacant lands in urban areas and urban expansion areas should be made available for residential uses before additional agricultural lands are converted into residential uses. (GP 9.3(x)) Important Agricultural lands shall not be rezoned to parcels too small to support economically viable farming units. (GP 14.2.3(s)) 4.3.3 Land Use Policy Policy 21 To preserve the agricultural character of Hdmdkua and to reinforce existing protections, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates agricultural lands in the Hdmdkua Planning Area to be preserved for agriculture and open space. Development and construction in the Agricultural designation shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities, unless otherwise permitted by law. See also Policy 6 for guidance on use permits for industrial uses. For more information on permitted uses in the State Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone see HRS sections 205-2 and 205-4.5. See HCC section 25-2-60 for information on use permits in the Agricultural Zone. Policy 22 When considering applications to consolidate and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the Director of Planning should endeavor to keep the lot sizes consistent with the minimum lot size, and only permit lots less than one acre in the State Land Use Agriculture District and the County of Hawaii Agricultural District if the applicant clearly demonstrates that an unreasonable economic hardship cannot otherwise be prevented or land utilization is improved relative to the objectives and policies of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)). Policy 23 The Planning Commission shall include in any Special Permit approval (or recommendation for approval to the State Land Use Commission) appropriate performance conditions to achieve CDP objectives and implement CDP policies. (HRS 54 205-6(c) and Planning Commission Rules 6- 3(b)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8). Policy 24 Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a farm subdivision pursuant to Hawaii County Code section 23-112. 4.3.4 County Action Policy 25 Amend the Zoning Code Section 25-2-71 to require Plan Approval for commercial open area recreational uses in the "Important Agriculture Land" and "Extensive Agriculture" designations. Policy 26 Recommend lands to be designated State Important Agricultural Lands to the State Land Use Commission. (GP 14.2.2(a) & 14.2.3(i)) Policy 27 Revise Planning Commission Rule 6, and/or to the Special Permit Application form (for Special Permits in the Agricultural District) to include clarity on the potential impacts to be evaluated in the application process and to clearly articulate the types of mitigating conditions that may be required. (HRS 205-6(c) and Planning Commission Rules 6-3(b)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8). For examples of conditions, look for applicable conditions used in the Concurrency Requirements from HCC 25-2-46 and Agricultural Tourism, HCC 25-2-75 and 25-4-15. Policy 28 Amend the County Code and associated Planning Department Rules to establish reporting and inspection requirements, as well as enforcement for additional farm dwellings to ensure that additional dwellings are used for farm -related purposes. Policy 29 Update the County of Hawaii's property tax reduction programs to ensure that public tax incentives for agricultural land uses result in public benefits and promote agricultural land use and production. Policy 30 Conduct a feasibility study for a County -wide Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and/or Save Land for the Future (SLF) program. If feasible, adopt any necessary enabling County legislation. (HRS Section 5146-136) See also: Policy 15 regarding securing priority lands in trust; and Policy 53 4.3.5 Kokua Action Hawaii State Legislature: Kokua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County of Hawai'i to develop recommendations of lands to be designated Important Agricultural Lands. Kokua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land banks that counties can use to acquire tax -delinquent properties and use them to preserve agricultural land and open space. 4.3 ` 1-"mmunity Actior Community Action 5: Educate landowners about agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs and encourage participation in these programs. 55 4.4 Protect Mauka Forests This section of the CDP designates the mauka and forest region as preserved for conservation and open space. It also points to various other sections of the CDP for mauka resource protections, trail development and access, summit management, and expanding land preserves. 4.4.1 Community Objectiv, Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. • Objective 3: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. 4.4.E .Aisting Policy Land Use Policy Intent Protect and conserve forest and coastal areas with native wildlife, natural ecosystems, and wilderness. (Refer to General Plan 8.2 Goals, 8.3 Policies, and 8.4 Standards) Land Use Policy Controls Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) Plan approval and related conditions shall consider forest and coastal ecosystems, agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas of natural beauty, archeological and historic sites, and historic buildings when assuring that proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are properly screened or eliminated, and natural and man- made features of community value are preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76) 4.4•, Land Use Polio, Policy 31 To reinforce existing protections, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates mauka regions and forests in Hamakua to be Conservation, and directs mauka areas to remain primarily as open space to be preserved, protected, and connected to the region's rich network of natural and cultural resources. Development and construction in mauka "Conservation" areas shall be minimized and, when necessary, limited to recreation, research, and education facilities unless otherwise permitted bylaw. (GP 14.1.1; HRS 205-2(e)) See also: Policy 48 .t..t..t .aunty Action See: Policy 16 Policy 36 See also Section 4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access for policies relating to mauka forest access issues, such as: Policy 46, #10 4.4.5 Kokua Action See Kokua Actions in Section 4.1.3 and: State Office of Planning See: Kokua Action 16: Review and designate forest and watershed areas into the M conservation district during State Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP 8.3 (m)) 4.4.6 Community Action See also: Community Action 2 Community Action 4 Community Action 8 Community Action 9 And see Section 4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access for Community Actions related to public access of forest lands. 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds This section of the CDP protects open space, natural areas, recognized areas of natural beauty, and scenic viewsheds with permitting controls and by prioritizing viewshed identification and regulations, scenic overlooks, and scenic routes. • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character 4.5.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Do not allow incompatible construction in areas of natural beauty. (GP 7.3(i)) • Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty, including the quality of coastal scenic resources. (GP 7.2 (a)) • Maximize opportunities for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy natural and scenic beauty. (GP 7.2 (c)) • Protect and effectively manage Hawaii's open space, watersheds, shoreline, and natural areas. (GP 8.2 (e)) • Provide and protect open space for the social, environmental, and economic well-being of the County of Hawaii and its residents. (GP 14.8.2 (a)) Land Use Policy Controls • Zoning, subdivision and other applicable ordinances shall provide for and protect open space areas. (GP 14.8.3 (d)) • Plan approval and related conditions shall consider forest and coastal ecosystems, agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas of natural beauty, archeological and historic sites, and historic buildings when assuring that proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are properly screened or eliminated, and natural and man- made features of community value are preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76) Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) • See also (HRS 205A-2(b)(3)(B), HRS 205-26, Charter section 13-29. 4.5.3 Ldl]U Jse I-.,...., Policy 32 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, the environmental report for proposed changes of zone on property that may impact open space, viewsheds, and areas of natural beauty shall 57 include viewshed analysis and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis, and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-42) Policy 33 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, applications for Special Permits that may impact open space, viewshed, and areas of natural beauty shall include view plane and, as appropriate, line -of - sight analysis, and proposed performance conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (Planning Commission Rule 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8) Policy 34 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, applications for Use Permits for wind energy facilities and telecommunications antennas/towers shall include viewshed and, as appropriate, line -of - sight analysis to demonstrate how the request does not cause substantial, adverse impact to the community's character, including open space, public views, and areas of natural and scenic beauty, and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-60 & 64) • Require the use of place -appropriate wireless concealment strategies in the development or upgrading of telecommunication towers as a way to mitigate visual impacts (e.g., cell towers disguised as palm trees). See also: Policy 108 Policy 35 Develop and establish viewshed regulations to preserve and to protect scenic resources, vistas, viewsheds, open space, prominent landscapes, and areas of natural beauty identified in the General Plan. • Conduct a scenic resources inventory and map for the Hamakua Planning Area; • Develop a corridor management plan to direct viewshed protections along roadways; • Consider structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways to protect viewshed. (Charter 13-29, HRS 205A, GP 7.2(a), 7.2(b), 7.3(b), 7.3(e), 7.3(f), 7.3(h), 7.3(i), & 14.8.3(d)) Policy 36 Amend the Zoning Code to create a conservation designation for lands (or portions thereof) that should be kept in a largely natural state but that may not be in the Conservation District, such as certain important viewsheds, riparian buffer areas, gulches, and very steep slopes. (GP 14.8.3 (e)) Policy 37 Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway 19 (work with State DOT) and along the Old Mamalahoa Highway as appropriate to ensure important views (coastal, mountain, and waterfall) are preserved from development and that there are various opportunities to view these scenic resources throughout the three districts of the Hamakua Planning Area. (GP 7.3(c)) Policy 38 Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordinate this work with the regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. Current scenic overlooks in the Planning Area are located in: • Laupahoehoe on Highway 19; • Onomea Scenic Route; • Waipi'o Valley Lookout See also: Policy 52 for related policies on protecting viewsheds of Waipi'o Valley. M 4.5.5 Kokua Action Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division K6kua Action 8: Consider viewshed corridors for mountain and ocean views while negotiating leases along the Highway, such as timber leases. Department of Transportation K6kua Action 9: Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordinate this work with the regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. Kokua Action 10: Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, agricultural/pastoral, and waterfall views are preserved from development. K6kua Action 11: Consider adding/improving viewing locations and interpretive signage near the scenic bridges for safe parking and views of the areas' waterfalls and coastline and along Saddle Road (Route 200) for views of the summit. Work with the Hawai'i Tourism authority to improve signage on the Highway and identify safe viewing locations. 4.5.6 Community Actioi Community Action 6: Educate residents on scenic viewshed importance and alternatives to tall, vegetative wind -breaks that impact viewsheds. Community Action 7: Support the development and promotion of a Heritage Corridor, and/or sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway as Scenic Byways. See also: Community Action 2: 4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems and Watersheds This section of the CDP encourages increasing County capacity and participation in watershed planning and the collaborative development and implementation of resource management plans, and the enforcement necessary to protect ecosystems. 4.6.1 Community Onjectivt • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. • Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. M 4.6.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Protect and conserve forest and coastal areas with native wildlife, natural ecosystems, and wilderness. (Refer to General Plan 8.2 Goals, 8.3 Policies, and 8.4 Standards) • Protect rare or endangered species and habitats native to Hawaii. (GP 8.2 (d)); • Protect and effectively manage Hawaii's open space, watersheds, shoreline, and natural areas. (GP 8.2 (e)) • Protect and preserve forest, water, natural and scientific reserves and open areas. (GP 14.1.2 (c)) • Protect designated natural areas. (GP 14.8.2 (b)) • Promote sound management and development of Hawai'i's land and marine resources for potential economic benefit. (GP 8.3 (g)) • Encourage public and private agencies to manage the natural resources in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects on the environment and depletion of energy and natural resources to the fullest extent. (GP 8.3 (h)) • Encourage an overall conservation ethic in the use of Hawai'i's resources by protecting, preserving, and conserving the critical and significant natural resources of the County of Hawai'i. (GP 8.3(i)) Land Use Policy Controls • Ensure that alterations to existing land forms, vegetation, and construction of structures cause minimum adverse effect to water resources, and scenic and recreational amenities and minimum danger of floods, landslides, erosion, siltation or failure in the event of an earthquake. (GP 8.2 (f)) Plan approval and related conditions shall consider forest and coastal ecosystems, agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas of natural beauty, archeological and historic sites, and historic buildings when assuring that proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are properly screened or eliminated, and natural and man- made features of community value are preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76) • Require implementation of the management measures contained in Hawaii's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program as a condition of land use permitting. (GP 4.3 (k)) �..,.� .aunty Actio. Policy 39 Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to establish building setbacks for inland cliffs. Recommended factors to consider for establishing setbacks include: ■ Slopes greater than 40% ■ Cliff height and geology type ■ Cliff identification and mapping strategies See related Policy 18 and Policy 40, below. Policy 40 Develop and adopt policies (including setback requirements) to protect riparian (streamside) areas from incompatible development and uses. Policy 41 Increase capacity to provide education and outreach and enforce conditions on grading and grubbing permits to require screen planting, erosion control planting, or other treatments to maintain the good appearance of graded areas, reduce the detrimental impact on adjacent properties, and protect watersheds. (HCC 10-12 (c)) Policy 42 To further watershed management goals, collaborate with the Department of Health, the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the :1 Department of Land and Natural Resource: DOFAW Division, and the Soil and Water Conservation District to reduce runoff, maximize soil and water conservation, and protect and effectively manage watersheds and natural areas. (HRS 342D, HAR 11-54-3, GP 4.3(g), 5.2(e) & (f), 5.3(e), (n), & (o), and 8.2(e) & (j)) The County could participate in watershed planning in the following ways: 1. Build staff capacity and provide training to support development and implementation of stream management plans; 2. Initiate a conservation planning process for priority watersheds with Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) from NRCS; 3. Enter into a partnership agreement with the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU Process; 4. Work with partners such as UH Hilo, Hawaii Community College, Hawaii County Research and Development, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Kohala Center on a pilot program to train UH/HCC students to assist with Conservation Planning. (GP 8.3 (e), (k), (j), (I)); s. Support best management practices through various regulatory review processes conducted by the department; such as farm dwelling permits and conservation permits, and through environmental reviews of publicly leased lands; 6. Identify streams and stream corridors as candidates for further protections, and once identified, prioritize and seek to acquire corridors for further management; z Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community in implementing the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. The above actions can be implemented independently of each other and do not reflect prioritization by their listing order. The goal of this policy is that the County becomes actively involved in watershed planning. Policy 43 To further ecosystem protections, revise Planning Department Rule 17, Landscaping Requirements, to incorporate and encourage native and noninvasive alternatives for landscaping and restoration activities for Plan Review and County projects, and to include the noxious weed list from Hawaii Administrative Rules 4-68 and the invasive plant lists from the Hawaii -Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) as plants to avoid. Consult HPWRA's Plant Pono program (http://plantpono.org) and collaborate with the Big Island Invasive Committee (BIISC) and the University of Hawai'i to determine which native and noninvasive plants to include with this rule revision. See also: Policy 36 Policy 86 4.6.5 Kokua Action For additional policies and k6kua actions relating to coastal protections, please see 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources. State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 12: Update Hawai'i Stream Assessment (HAS). Kokua Action 13: Develop place -based marine protected area plans for priority areas. State of Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch Kokua Action 14: Complete a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for the Planning Area's coastal waters. 61 Kbkua Action 15: Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Impaired Streams. (Clean Water Act § 303 (d) State Office of Planning Kbkua Action 16: Review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP 8.3 (m)) State of Hawaii Legislature Kbkua Action 17: Provide the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) the resources necessary to actively support local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). (HRS Chapter 180). Kbkua Action 18: Provide assistance and funding for control and management of Little Fire Ant infestations within the Hamakua Planning Area. United States Congress Kbkua Action 19: Provide sufficient funding to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Pacific Islands Area (PIA), the Farm Service Agency, U.S. Forest Service (Laupahoehoe section of the Hawai'i Experimental Tropical Forest), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adequately implement critical conservation programs, including invasive species management and Rapid 'Ohia Death research and mitigation 4.6.6 Community Actior Community Action 8: Collaborate with Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the County, and appropriate State and Federal agencies in developing and implementing watershed management plans and projects. • Ensure that Native Hawaiian practitioners directly tied to the subject area are consulted while developing or implementing natural resource plans in culturally sensitive areas. Community Action 9: Partner with the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species and the Big Island Invasive Species Committee in managing invasive species. Community Action lo: Promote soil and water conservation best practices. 4.7 Protect and Enhance Cultural Assets This section of the CDP prioritizes the preservation of historic buildings and roads and the development of historic streetscapes and rural road standards. It also guides community -led efforts to restore historic sites and buildings, retain village and town character, and document oral, written, and video histories. 4.7.1 Community Objective • Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. 62 • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 13:... Promote HawaiTs host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. 4.7.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Controls • Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes and possessed by ahupua'a tenants who are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the right of the State to regulate such rights. (Hawai'i State Constitution, Article 12, section 7) • Review and comment by DLNR's State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) shall be requested for any permit or entitlement for use that may affect any building, structure, object, district, area, or site that is over fifty years old (HRS Section 6E-42) • The development of commercial facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns shall be incorporated into the review of such developments. (GP 14.3.3 (f)) Other Planning Initiatives: • Identify and protect places, features, and sacred spaces that give Hawaii its unique character and cultural significance. (Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Plan, 2008) 4.7.3 Land Use Policy See: Policy 7 4.7.4 County Action Policy 44 Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawaii and identify these sites with interpretive signage and/or other appropriate methods. (GP 6.2(a)) (GP 6.3 (h), (i), (g)) Policy 45 Support the development and promotion of Heritage Corridors as part of a coordinated effort to promote the roadways and towns of the Hdmdkua Planning Area. GP 6.3 (1) • Coordinate this effort with Policy 126 relating to the State Scenic Byway Program. See also: Policy 72 Policy 125 4.7.5 Kokua Action State Legislature Kokua Action 20: Following HRS 6E, provide the Department of Land and Natural resources sufficient staff and funding for the State Historic Preservation Division to fulfill its mandates. Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 21: Encourage the State's implementation of the 'Aha Moku System. 63 4.7.6 Community Action Community Action 11: Document the Mo'olelo of Hamakua using resources outlined in oral history, hula, chant, and other sources. • Work with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA) and possibly seek assistance through the County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP) to develop appropriate cultural signage for moku and ahupua'a boundaries. Community Action 12: Identify and inventory important sites, map resources and make recommendations to County Cultural Resource Commission for sites. Community Action 13: Develop and implement place -based strategies to retain village and town character, including alternatives to Historic District designations. Community Action 14: Develop, promote, and maintain the continuity of community festivals and events. 4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access and Trails This section of the CDP prioritizes a County public access program, directs appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests, and guides community -led access management. �t.w. , ivmri,� j Jty Obj,_iivt. • Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. • Community Objective 3: Encourage community- based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource- based economy. 4.8.. Existin,, r1olicy Land Use Policy Intent Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public interest should be made available. (GP 6.2 (b)) Increase public pedestrian access opportunities to scenic places and vistas. (GP 7.3(a)) Ensure public access is provided to the shoreline, public trails and hunting areas, including free public parking where appropriate. (GP 8.3 (r)) Land Use Policy Controls • Appropriate public access to and along the shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26) • Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes and possessed by ahupua'a tenants who are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the right of the State to regulate such rights. (Hawai'i State Constitution, Article 12, section 7) • Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or interests shall be required to dedicate land for public access for pedestrian travel from a public highway or street to the land below the high- water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas in the mountains where there are existing facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit -picking, ti -leaf sliding, and other recreational purposes, and where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)) 64 4.8.4 County Action Policy 46 Establish a 'County of Hawaii Public Access and Trail Program' with sufficient staff and resources. Staff will be required to refer to this program in all permit reviews. Elements of this program could include: 1. A comprehensive access inventory; 2. A public access rating system to help with prioritization; 3. Ensure comprehensive reviews of projects (on public or private lands) that will affect public accesses and trails. 4. Establish a program to inventory ancient trails, cart roads, and old government roads in coordination with appropriate State agencies. Ensure that publicly owned historic trails and roads are properly identified and consultation occurs to protect the public's interests. (GP 12.3 (n) Highways Act of 1892) 5. Identify agencies/groups to develop, administer, and maintain public accesses, including developing County capacity for this purpose; 6. Identify funding sources to purchase public access easement to priority areas; z When public access goals will involve several landowners, acquire the public access incrementally as opportunities arise to do so; 8. Public accesses that cross private land will be acquired and held until appropriate management of the accesses is in place; 9. Collaborate with State and Federal agencies on public accesses that require multi -agency involvement; 10. Develop a standardized template to promote consistency and comprehensiveness in the public access plans required of landowners; 11. Partner with community organizations capable of assisting with public access management; 12. Work with State agencies (particularly with DOFAW) to coordinate, survey, develop, and manage public trails and roads leading to forest reserves; 13. In co-sponsorship with the State when possible, acquire land for public access to historic sites and objects and to the shoreline where safe transit does not already exist; 14. Reinstitute a Public Access Sign program managed by the Planning Department to assist interested community groups in maintaining appropriate signage at public access points; 15. Provide cultural and safety information at trailheads. The above actions can be implemented independently of each other and do not reflect prioritization by their listing order. Policy 47 Pursue access easements and/or acquisition of high priority public accesses to meet CDP objectives. Policy 48 Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawaii shall establish: public access to and along the shoreline to significant historic sites, public transit along the top of cliff, streams, mauka trails, facilities, and access to areas for gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes. Lands adjacent to Forest and Natural Area Reserves shall be assessed for public access potential and public access may be included as a condition of subdivision. (HRS §205A-26; GP 6.2(b), 7.3(a); 8.3(r)) 65 Policy 49 Identify government roads (including roads -in - limbo, 'paper roads' and train infrastructure remnants) with public access value for trails. If these are being obstructed by private parties, work to remove the obstructions. This policy is specific to publicly owned roads -in - limbo or old road rights-of-way that are best adapted to trail use; however, for CDP policies relating to the adoption of 'roads -in -limbo' into the current County of Hawai'i road inventory, see Policy 68, and Policy 71. It is important to note that not all train infrastructure remnants are government owned — some are now private and therefore would not relate to this policy. Policy 50 Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands, including public roads or trails, public access potentials will be assessed, documented, and protected if public access use is in the public's interest. (HRS §46-1.5, and §171- 26) Policy 51 Reconstruct the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp to provide safe and adequate access to ocean resources for subsistence fisher -people and recreational users. See also: Policy 15 4.8.5 KoKua Action State Legislature Kokua Action 22: To facilitate greater public access to and along the shoreline and elsewhere, amend HRS 520, Hawai'i's Recreational Use Statute (RUS), to: • Decrease ambiguity and discourage frivolous lawsuits; • Provide incentives to private landowners to voluntarily allow public access. Bishop Estate/ Kamehameha Schools; State of Hawaii Kokua Action 23: Explore options and collaborate with community groups to increase access to former sugar cane roads to be used as non -motorized trails where feasible and appropriate. State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division Kokua Action 24: Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands, including public roads or trails, public access potentials will be assessed, documented and protected if public access use is in the public's interest. See corresponding Policy 50. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent Kokua Action 25: Explore expansion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in the Hamakua Planning Area. 4.8.6 Community Actin - Community Action 15: Develop and implement plans to establish and manage specific access points and trails. See also Community Action 40: 4.9 Preserving Sacred Places: Waipi`o Valley and Mauna Kea This section of the CDP identifies Waipi'o Valley and Mauna Kea as sacred places needing special attention. This section specifically addresses natural :. and cultural resource protections for both of these unique areas, but the section also addresses other elements of the CDP that are specific to these places. 4.9.1 Community Objectiv Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. • Community Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. • Community Objective 3: Encourage community- based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. Community Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Community Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource- based economy. Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi- cultural music, art, and agriculture. 4.9.2 Waipi'o Valley as a Wahi Pan.- This ana This section prioritizes protecting Waipi'o Valley as a wahi pana, focusing on protecting natural ecosystems, viewsheds and streams, managing responsible access, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. 4.9.3 Waipi'o Valley: County Actio- Policy ctio Policy 52 Designate Waipi'o Valley, including the Valley rim, as a Wahi Pana and create a resource protection overlay and regulations that will protect Waipi'o Valley's natural resources, preserve its storied past and perpetuate its agricultural traditions and unique rural lifestyle. The Wahi Pana designation should address the following: ■ Create a Natural Resource Overlay Zone: o Prepare viewshed siting guidelines in the County Zoning Code for parcels along the southeast and eastern portions of Waipi'o Valley rim (GP Policy 7.3 (b)); o Extend the SMA boundary beyond Waipi'o Valley on the east and southeast Valley rim to ensure that greater setbacks and viewshed protections are incorporated into the review of structures in those areas; ■ Collaborate with Community Groups: o Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community to develop a long range management plan for Waipi'o that addresses public access, carrying capacity, resource management, and potential funding sources for on-going maintenance of streams and roads. o Support community organizations such as the Waipi'o Valley Stakeholders Alliance, the Waipi'o Community Circle, 67 the Traditional Waipi'o Taro Farmers Assoc., and Hd Ola O Waipi'o Valley in developing and implementing a community-based watershed plan based on the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. Policy 53 Provide a property tax credit for landowners for the perpetual conservation of taro systems on private land (i.e. agricultural, conservation or cultural easements), and for owners and lessees who enter into long term agreements (20 years) to rehabilitate taro systems to active use. Policy 54 Work with farmers, landowners, community organizations and agency partners (Army Corps of Engineers, State Commission on Water Resources Management (CWRM), State Department of Health, State Historical Preservation Division) to create a simplified stream maintenance permitting process for Wailoa Stream and other streams in Waipi'o Valley. Policy 55 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic route from the Waipi'o Valley Lookout extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea. Improving the mid-section of Mud Lane would provide an alternate/emergency route to Kukuihaele and the Waipi'o Valley lookout, and would create a scenic loop between Waimea, Waipi'o Valley Lookout, and Honoka'a. This feasibility study could include assessing public access potential to the Hamakua Forest Reserve (Kea'a and Hanapai Sections). This policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). See also related Policy 56. Policy 56 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of the scenic highway. This policy is related and dependent on Policy 55 above, and is based on General Plan policy 12.5.4.2 (d). One of the advantages of developing a scenic park with a view of Hi'ilawe Falls would be to incentivize scenic viewpoints above the Valley with the goal of minimizing visitor trips into the Valley. To minimize impacts, this park could be accessible via a pedestrian hiking trail developed along the old cane haul road. Policy 57 Encourage the integration of best management practices and an understanding of cultural values and experiences during the land use application process for any business plans requiring Planning Department Plan Approval within Waipi'o Valley. (Refer to HCC Chapter 25 Section 2, Division 7 for more information on Plan Approval) Policy 58 Develop the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center, including: Support for its related Educational Programs such as the Waipi'o Education and Information Program (aka: Waipi'o Valley Rangers Program). Support community-based management of the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center through a lease or cooperative use agreement with the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Policy 59 Integrate the support facilities for the existing Waipi'o Lookout with the Heritage Center and the Heritage Corridor route. This facility could also include information on Waimanu camping, Muliwai Trail, and the Kohala Forest Reserve. See also: See Section 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds and 4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems and Watersheds. Policy 29 Policy 35 Policy 42, # 1 Policy 46. #10 4.9.4 waipi`o Valley: Kokua Action State Land Use Commission K6kua Action 26: Reconsider the State's agriculture land capability class designations to better protect viable taro growing lands. Bishop Estate, State of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools K6kua Action 27: Perform a feasibility study on the development of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of Mud Lane into a scenic route. See related Policy 55 & Policy 56 based on GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c). Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 28: Support reintroduction of H.B. #414 or similar legislation that would provide funding and technical assistance for stream maintenance programs. State of Hawaii, Governor K6kua Action 29: Release allocated disaster funding to help taro farmers and residents of Waipi'o Valley to avoid future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation) State Department of Agriculture Kbkua Action 30: Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to strengthen taro production. See also: Hawaii State Legislature K6kua Action 6 4.9.5 Waipi'o Vallev: Communitv Actio Community Action 16: Form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity for community empowerment to develop a Land Management Partnership. Community Action 17: Develop a detailed Master Plan for Waipi'o Valley, including a community- based management plan for the Waipi'o Valley visitor's center. Community Action 18: Secure funding through PONC, DLNR LLCP, or other similar programs for purchase of easements and potential acquisition of land to protect views of Waipi'o Valley rim. Community Action 19: Support community organizations, such as the Waipi'o Circle, in developing a watershed plan based on the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan, the Hanalei Watershed Hui model, or similar community-based management plans. Community Action 20: Strengthen Community capacity through the Hawai'i Community Stewardship Network. i • 4.9.6 Mauna Kea as a Wahi rant This section prioritizes protecting Mauna a Wakea as a wahi pana. A Special Note on Mauna a Wakea: The summit lands are out of County jurisdiction and are under the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, with portions leased to the University of Hawai'i and managed by the Office of Mauna Kea Management. At the time of the CDP draft development, discussions over land use and natural/cultural resource management for Mauna Kea were continually evolving. This CDP section represents a focus on 'k6kua actions' to the agencies and groups that currently manage resources at the summit and near -summit lands. All the CDP K6kua actions are based on previously developed policies that align with CDP Community Objectives. 4.9.7 Mauna Kea: County Action See Policy 42 4.9.8 Mauna Kea: Kokua Action Various Agencies: State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife — Natural Area Reserve System; Kokua Action 31: Continue to engage the Hawaiian community while exploring a cooperative agreement to formalize the coordinated management efforts on Mauna Kea. Department of Land and Natural Resources & State Historic Preservation Division Kokua Action 32: Nominate the Mauna Kea Summit Region Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 33: Update the management plan for Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve. K6kua Action 34: Review possible inclusion of mamane-naio forest sites within the Forest Reserve system on Mauna Kea for inclusion in the NAR system, including benefits to the natural resources as well as any impacts to community use and access to the area. Kbkua Action 35: Develop a mechanism for the long-term protection of Palila sites. Kokua Action 36: Provide natural and cultural resource preservation orientation training for tour operators, rangers, VIS staff, and volunteers in coordination with native practitioners who practice on Mauna Kea. Kokua Action 37: Maintain a trail network with signage. K6kua Action 38: Consider establishing a working group with surrounding land owners and the user - community to educate users and manage ATV use in the near -summit region. Kokua Action 39: Work together, in partnership with hunting associations and other land stewards, to establish clear recreational hunting policies and disseminate education regarding these policies. Department of Land and Natural Resources/ University of Hawaii, Office of Mauna Kea Management Kokua Action 40: Work with the Hawaiian community to develop a historic property monitoring program within the UH Management Areas. 70 K6kua Action 41: Evaluate the need and feasibility of establishing a vehicle wash -station near Hale P6haku to prevent the transport of invasive plants and animals. K6kua Action 42: Work with neighboring landowners and appropriate federal and state agencies to plan for coordinated prevention and responses to a range of emergency situations, to ensure rapid response, and to minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources. K6kua Action 43: Collaborate with Observatories to develop a site decommissioning plan for each observatory, in accordance with the Decommissioning Plan for Mauna Kea Observatories. Department of Defense, Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) K6kua Action 44: Complete the large scale firebreak that extends completely across Pu'u Anahulu between the Ke'amuku and the1859 lava flows. K6kua Action 45: Improve Mauna Kea Trail and Infantry Road to firebreak standards and to extend Mauna Kea Trail slightly in the area behind Pu'u P6hakuloa. K6kua Action 46: Complete the Remedial Investigation for the Pu'u Pa'a Area (PTA -003-R-01). Remaining actions include a focused Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan /Decision Document, followed by Remedial Design and Remedial Action for Munitions and Explosives of Concern removal. K6kua Action 47: Address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the P6hakuloa Training Area. Consider the eight -point plan as outlined in County Res. No. 639-08. See also House Bill 2011 H.C.R. No. 181, "P6hakuloa Training Area; Testing and Monitoring of Radioactive Contamination." • County RES. 639 Draft 012006-2008 http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/0/d oc/39961/Pagel.aspx State Legislature: http://www.capito1.hawaii.gov/session2011/ Bills/HCR181 .PDF • http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20ll/ bills/SCR118 .pdf 4.9.9 Mauna Kea: Community Action Community Action 21: Document the Mo'olelo of Mauna Kea using resources outlined in Oral History. Community Action 22: Develop an educational program for tour operators, Visitor Information staff, and volunteers as part of orientation training for regular users of Mauna Kea. Community Action 23: Collaborate with surrounding land owners and the user -community to educate users and manage ATV use in mauka areas and in the Mauna Kea region. 71 A'ohe hana nui ka alu'ia. No task is too big when done together 5.1 Coordinate Infrastructure, Facility, and Service Improvements This section of the CDP guides the coordination of regional infrastructure improvements. 5.1.1 Community Objective Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.1.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and use of urban areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities. (GP 14.1.3 (b)) • Encourage urban development within existing zoned areas already served by basic infrastructure, or close to such areas, instead of scattered development. (GP 14.1.3 (j)) Land Use Policy Controls • Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas adequately served by necessary services, such as water, utilities, sewers, and transportation systems. Should such services not be available, the development of more intensive uses should be in concert with a localized program of public and private capital improvements to meet the expected increased needs. (GP 14.3.3 (b)) • Identify sites suitable for future industrial activities as the need arises. Industrial development shall be located in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure. (GP 14.4.5.9.2 (a); 14.4.5.2.2 (b); 14.4.5.3.2 (a); 14.4.5.2 (a); and 14.4.3 (e)) 5.1.3 County Action Policy 60 Implement capital improvement priorities in the Hamakua Planning Area. Current capital improvement priorities for Hamakua include: • Reconstruct of the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp. (Polis 51 • Develop the Waipi'o Valley Lookout Heritage Center and support for its related Educational Programs. (Policy 58) • Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Hamakua Planning Area. (Policy 67) • Complete the extension linking Nkake and Pakalana Street. (Polis 70 • Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria Street by extending Kamani Street. (Policy 70) • Provide a mauka-makai connection from the Kamani Street extension to Mamane Street on the Hilo side of the elderly housing. Polis 70) As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i And Incorporating the Planning Director's Recommendations I Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services • With the goal of developing alternative, emergency routes, improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. (Policy 71) • Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honoka'a Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station (Policy 83) • Add solar -water heating for Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool. (Policy 102) • Re -roof Papa'ikou Gym (Policy 102) • Abate hazardous materials at Papa'aloa Gym (Policy 102) Policy 61 Provide technical support to communities and organizations pursuing capital improvement financing through USDA Rural Development, infrastructure improvement financing districts, and other sources. Policy 62 The development of County facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Implement protocols for receiving community input during capital improvement project siting and design within the Hdmdkua Planning Area. 5.1.,f %_V111111u1J1Ly Actiu Community Action 24: Actively advocate for CIP appropriations, financing, allotments, and encumbrances that support implementation of the CDP. 5.2 Expand Affordable Housing Options This section of the CDP seeks to incorporate strategic planning, tax incentives, and self-help programs to increase the supply of affordable housing. 5.2.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. - -, Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Accommodate the housing requirements of special need groups including the elderly, handicapped, homeless and those residents in rural areas. (GP 9.3 (m)) 5.2.3 County Action Policy 63 Develop and implement a County -wide, cross - agency affordable housing plan. • Develop affordable housing options within existing towns and villages, near services, and critical infrastructure. • Propose and support amendments to the County's taxing powers as a means to increase the supply of affordable housing. • Revise the Zoning Code, Chapter 25, relating to 'Ohana Dwellings and develop an Accessory Dwelling Unit policy aimed at facilitating affordable housing and aging -in- place opportunities. Evaluate and incorporate applicable policy criteria from the City and County of Honolulu's Chapter 21 Accessory Dwelling Unit policy; see also www.accessorvdwellings.org as a resource for how other municipalities are handling accessory dwelling unit regulations. • Revise the building code requirements for renovating older houses to facilitate the redevelopment of affordable housing. 73 5.2.4 Kokua Action Hawai'i Public Housing Authority, State of Hawai'i Kokua Action 48: Coordinate with County agencies in helping develop and implement a County -wide, cross - agency affordable housing plan. 5.2.5 t_ommuniLy r...L1.. Community Action 25: Engage community associations and volunteers to work with self-help nonprofits to promote construction of homes for eligible buyers in the Planning Area. 5.3 Improve the Roadway Network This section of the CDP prioritizes road connectivity, safety improvements to roads and bridges, a road -in - limbo improvement and adoption process, and guides road improvements toward multimodal transportation strategies. 5.3.1 C-mmunity Objective • Community Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. 5.3.2 Existing P—'-*-- • Develop a comprehensive, island -wide multi- modal transportation plan that identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies. (GP 13.1.3(e)) 5.3.3 Policy 64 All subdivision in the Hamakua CDP planning area, including condominium property regimes (CPRS) and planned unit developments (PVDs), shall conform to connectivity standards of the Hawai'i County Code, section 23-28, 29, and 40. 5.3.4 County Action Policy 65 Create a permanent Transportation Planner Position within the Planning Department's Long Range Planning Division to develop the County of Hawai'i's professional capacity to plan for transportation issues. Policy 66 Identify suitable/priority locations for bicycle lanes and paths, walkways, and jogging paths, and set funding priorities (especially in coordination with roadway for improvements such as widening, restriping, ADA improvements, etc.) Policy 67 Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Hamakua Planning Area. See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis pages 87-92 for a discussion and a list of bridges. Policy 68 Develop a roads -in -limbo improvement and adoption process according to population, usage, alternative rout%onnectivity needs, and safety assessments. Policy 69 Support and provide technical assistance to assist in the development of 'road improvement districts' in order to finance road improvements. (Refer to County Res No 320-10) Policy 70 To improve safe pedestrian access and increase connectivity in Honoka'a: ■ Make safety improvements to downtown Honoka'a based on Complete Streets and/or other evidence -based planning principles. 74 ■ Improvements to include: additional pedestrian crosswalks on Mamane Street, additional sidewalk development (such as along Lehua Street), and safe, marked walkways to parking areas servicing downtown. ■ Complete the extension linking Pikake and Pakalana Street to provide arterial redundancy ■ Explore alternatives in the management of Pakalana Street, such as its conveyance to the State Department of Education or its conversion to a one-way traffic pattern. (GP 13.2.5.4.2 (e)) ■ Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria Street by extending Kamani Street. GP 13.2.5.4.2 (f); See also: Policy 49 Policy 73 5.3.5 Kokua Action State Department of Transportation K6kua Action 49: Assess Highway 19 for passing opportunities and passing zones per DOT standards and implement these standards where feasible. (GP 13.2.5.3.2 (d)) K6kua Action 50: Develop turn lanes or other safety improvements at intersections per DOT guidelines on Highway 19; in particular at the following identified locations: • Kalaniana'ole School and Onomea Scenic Route intersection in Papa'ikou; • Mill Road intersection in Papa'ikou; • HonomG Road intersection • Old Mamalahoa Intersection at the School/Pool/Transfer Station turn-off in Laupahoehoe. Kbkua Action 51: Implement Bike Plan Hawai'i. (See the plan here: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/bike-plan- hawaii-master-plan/ ) Kokua Action 52: Continue to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall and shoreline erosion in the highway right-of- way and prioritize funding for mitigation. 5.3.6 Community Action Community Action 26: Develop 'road improvement districts' in order to finance improvements. (Supporting policy: GP13.2.3 (d); County Res. No. 320-10) Community Action 27: Work with the owners of private roads and local community groups to help identify and develop road management agreements that mitigate road closures and access disagreements for public access and/or residential use. The following private roads have been identified as examples of roads needing improvements in their road management/access strategies: ■ Mill Road in Papa'ikou ■ Beach Road to Honoka'a Landing ■ Blair Road in Laupahoehoe 5.4 Formalize Alternative Routes This section of the CDP prioritizes formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes. 5.4.1 Community Objectivt • Community Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. 75 5.4.2 County Action Policy 71 Improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. Particularly noted in the General Plan: Portions of the old Mamalahoa Highway, especially those serving Pepe'ekeo and HonomG, should be improved to provide a secondary north -south route along the Hamakua Coast. (GP 13.2.5.2.2(a)) See also: Policy 55 Policy 67 5.5 Develop Place -Appropriate Road Standards This section of the CDP prioritizes a flexible approach to road design appropriate for the Planning Area's rural character and small towns. 5.5.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. 5.5.2 County Action Policy 72 Adopt rural road design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, flexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an area, including pavement width, unpaved shoulders/swales, rock walls, lighting, and landscaping featuring native plants. Allow these standards to be used on new or when improving existing rural roads to maintain community character. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP 13.2.3(1) and 13.2.3 (m)) Policy 73 Implement a Complete Streets Program, including place -appropriate roadway design and sidewalk development for the Hamakua Planning area. (Refer to County Resolution 171-11) 5.6 Expand Mass Transit Facilities & Services This section of the CDP prioritizes bus system improvements, including adding intra -town routes, increase bus trips through the Hamakua Planning Area, and developing additional bus shelters. 5.6.1 Community UDjective • Community Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. 5.6.z- %-uui Ity Action Policy 74 Implement the recommendations from the Kohala Center's study Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawaii Island to optimize efficiencies and create new transportation alternatives, including: • Optimize Public Transport with Technology; • Partner with private enterprises for both rideshare and vanpool alternatives. See: http://kohalacenter.org/wp/wp- content/uploads/2014/07/Research Hawaii Tra nsit Study 2014.pdf Policy 75 Provide rural transit centers within the Planning Area in areas of heavy user -ship, particularly provide shelter options at the following locations: 76 • Pepe'ekeo, Near the Post Office • Laupahoehoe, near the Highway Overpass • Assess where to provide a Mamane Street bus shelter in relation to Policy 76. Policy 76 Modify existing and develop additional bus routes, as appropriate, with scheduled stops within the towns and villages where practicable; particularly: • Honoka'a: Mamane Street (State of Hawai'i Coordinated Public Transit — Human Services Transportation Plan pages 31- 55) Policy 77 Develop and/or collaborate with private owners to facilitate the development of Park -and -Ride facilities throughout the Hamakua Planning Area. 5.6.3 Communitv Actio Community Action 28: Identify locations for bus stops, biking facilities (i.e. bike racks, lanes, etc.) and park and ride facilities. 5.7 Improve Water and Wastewater Infrastructure This section of the CDP prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water and wastewater systems to support infill growth. 5.7.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. • Community Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. 5.7.2 County Action Policy 78 Water system improvements shall correlate with the County's desired land use development pattern. Work with Department of Water Supply to ensure that adequate infrastructure is available in appropriate locations to support infill growth within Hamakua CDP Urban Growth Boundaries. Towns identified in the Hamakua Planning Area where water availability may be inhibiting infill capacity are as follows: • Pepe'ekeo; • Hakalau-Wailea; • Honoka'a; Continue to evaluate growth conditions to coordinate improvements as required to the existing water systems. County water distribution systems shall not be extended outside the Urban Growth Boundaries established in the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map, with the exception of water designated specifically for and limited to agricultural irrigation and livestock. Policy 79 Develop an infrastructure prioritization designation such as an Infrastructure Priority Area (IPA) within the Hamakua CDP and designate Honomu, Laupahoehoe, Pa'auilo, and sections of Honoka'a as priority areas in need of wastewater service. Infrastructure prioritization designations should be based on the following criteria: ■ The area contains a mix of residential and commercial zoning; 77 ■ The area lacks a core infrastructure component (municipal or community water, wastewater, or roadways); ■ Redevelopment options (including the renovation of historic structures) and/or projected commercial and residential growth (including affordable, multi family housing) is hindered by the lack of core infrastructure; ■ Highest priority should be given to areas that contain existing built -out parcels facing regulatory constraints relating to parcel size, areas with historic buildings and structures in need of renovation, and areas where affordable housing is lacking and development is impeded by the lack of necessary infrastructure. Policy 80 Develop wastewater systems at a cost-effective scale for small communities. Use Infrastructure Priority Area (IPA) criteria in prioritizing communities for critical infrastructure improvements. See also: Policy 120 5.8 Improve Recycling and Solid Waste Facilities This section of the CDP prioritizes recycling education, waste diversion strategies, and transfer station facility and programmatic improvements. 5.8.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.8.3 (--unty Action Policy 81 Promote the recycling or composting of agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material through education, outreach, and incentives. (GP 4.3 (d)) Policy 82 Incorporate green waste facilities at appropriate rural transfer stations. Particularly assess these facilities for greenwaste options: • Honomu • Pa'auilo (GP 10.5.2 (f) & (h); Hawai'i Zero Waste Plan, State of Hawai'i Integrated Solid Waste Management Act (HRS §342G) Policy 83 Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honoka'a Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station. Policy 84 Increase recycling education and outreach online and through signage at rural transfer stations, including: • Facility schedules and what types of disposal/recycling/reuse options are available at each of the rural Recycling and Transfer Stations; • Up-to-date information on recycling events; Policy 85 Encourage new and maintain and enhance existing community -County partnerships in managing recycling/reuse centers at County facilities to increase waste diversion. (Particularly at Laupahoehoe Recycling & Transfer Station) See affiliated Community Action 30 78 Policy 86 Ensure that County Recycling and Transfer Station Facilities are complying with best management practices to ensure pollutants are not contaminating natural resources such as soil, streams, and near coastal waters, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. (GP 4.3 (b) & (h), HRS §58.1-31) Policy 87 Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and offenders. See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/illegal- dumping/ See corresponding Community Action 31 5•$•4 Kokua Active See: Kokua Action 75: 5•$•5 Community Actior* Community Action 29: Host composting and recycling workshops in collaboration with agencies /organizations such as Dept. of Environmental Management, Recycle Hawai'i, and the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension Service. Community Action 30: Partner with the County to manage recycling/reuse centers at County Facilities. Community Action 31: Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and offenders. See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/illegal- dumping/ 5.9 Improve Emergency Preparedness & Hazard Mitigation This section of the CDP prioritizes hardening of facilities, facilities assessments, and evacuation plans for isolated communities. 5.9.1 C,-mmunity Objective Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.9.2 County Action Policy 88 County Civil Defense and State Civil Defense should ensure that communities within the Hamakua Planning Area are adequately served by emergency shelters. 79 Policy 89 In coordination with the State Civil Defense Agency and in line with Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plans, harden critical facilities. • Laupahoehoe Fire Station Hardening; • Replace and relocate the Honoka'a Fire Station to Highway 19; • Harden Kula'imano Community Center (Pepe'ekeo); • Look for opportunities to combine hardening with other facility improvements, such as ADA improvements, etc. Policy 90 County Civil Defense, in cooperation with Red Cross, FEMA, State Civil Defense, DOE, and DAGS, should conduct routine facility assessments for all emergency shelters in the Planning Area and keep the County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan emergency shelter references up-to-date. (GP 10.3.2(1) & (j)) Policy 91 Develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans specifically for Laupahoehoe Point and Waipi'o Valley, including evacuation plans. (GP 10.3.2 (j and k)) Policy 92 Assess the feasibility of installing an emergency telephone for Waipi'o Valley residents and determine if additional emergency telephones are appropriate and feasible in other areas of low cellular connectivity. (GP 11.3.2 (b)) Policy 93 Educate and prepare the public for disaster preparedness and response by increasing the number of CERT programs in the Hamakua Planning Area. (GP 10.3.2 (k)) Policy 94 Coordinate with FEMA and NRCS to address areas developed prior to flood regulations and riverine flood areas in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). (HCC Chapter 27) See Also: Policy 71 Policy 103 5.9., Kokua Action Department of Education, Department of General Accounting and Services, State Civil Defense, and Federal Emergency Management Agency Kokua Action 53: Conduct routine facility assessments for all emergency shelters and prioritize funding for improvements Hawaii Health Services Kokua Action S4: Request State CIP funding to harden Hale Ho'ola Hamakua (aka: Honoka'a hospital). See also: 4.9.8 Mauna Kea: for various emergency actions relating to Mauna Kea, and: State Department of Transportation Kokua Action 52 L -IN 5.9.4 Community Actior Community Action 32: Coordinate with Civil Defense to develop emergency evacuation plans for Laupahoehoe, and the valleys of Waipi'o and Waimanu. Community Action 33: Develop and train CERTs throughout the Planning Area. Community Action 34: For communities identified by DOFAW as Communities at Risk (CAR), develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and work towards gaining Firewise recognition. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/fire/community-risk-reduction/ http://www.firewise.org/usa-recognition-program.aspx 5.10 Improving Protective Services This section of the CDP prioritizes police, firefighting, and related facilities. Note: Sections 5.9 and 5.10 overlap considerably in that both sections relate to preventing, mitigating, and addressing emergencies and critical services for preserving life and property. 5.10.1 Community Object -••- Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.10.2 County Actior Policy 95 Actively expand Community Policing programs such as Neighborhood, Farm, and Business Watch programs. (GP 10.3.2(g)) Policy 96 Optimize use of the Pepe'ekeo substation to increase Police and Fire department presence in the Planning Area and improve emergency response times in Rural South Hilo. • Consider expanding or sharing N. Hilo policing jurisdiction to include parts of rural South Hilo (Honomu and Pepe'ekeo) to increase response times in these rural areas; Policy 97 Work with community members to develop volunteer firefighter capacity for the Laupahoehoe Fire Station. Policy 98 Prioritize securing an emergency vehicle for Honoka'a fire station with the capacity for providing safe service to Waipi'o Valley. See also: Policy 88 5.10.3 Community Action Community Action 35: Develop volunteer firefighter capacity for the Laupahoehoe Fire Station. Community Action 36: Encourage expansion of community policing programs (i.e. neighborhood watch, farm watch, etc.). 5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services This section of the CDP prioritizes healthcare improvements, with an emphasis on advocating for system improvements at the State level. 5.11.1 Community Objectiv, Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. County Action Policy 99 Develop a broad spectrum of care for the aging population of the area, including: • Increase age -in-place options; 81 • Support expansion of programs such as traveling nurses, in-home care visits, meals - on -wheels, etc., (GP 2.3(x), (n)) 5.11.3 Kokua Action Health, Dental, and Vision Care Providers: The following k6kua actions could be implemented by various health care providers such as: Kaiser Permanente, HMSA, Hawai'i Dental Service, Hawai'i Health Systems, Aloha Care Quest, Medicare, etc.,: K6kua Action 55: Develop new, expand, or improve existing community health centers and rural health clinics in the Hamakua Planning Area. (GP 10.5.2 (a, e)) K6kua Action 56: Expand the use of mobile health centers and services (health, screening, vision, dental, etc.) to rotate through the Hamakua Planning Area on a regular basis. State of Hawaii K6kua Action 57: Continue operation of rural hospitals. (GP 10.5.2(d)) 5.12 Strengthen & Expand Education Facilities and Services This section of the CDP prioritizes education facility coordination between the State, County, and community. comnIUMLY Objective • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.12.2 County Action Policy 100 Encourage joint -use of schoolyards, County parks, and other public facilities for community use for recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses. (GP 10.2.2 (b), 12.3 (g)) See Policy 73 x.12.3 Kokua Action State Department of Education K6kua Action 58: Work with the County of Hawai'i and community groups to expand facilities resource sharing opportunities/ programs. GP10.1.3 (a); (b); 10.2.2(b) K6kua Action 59: Continually improve existing educational facilities. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (e); 10.1.2 (a); 10.1.3 (a); 10.2.4.4 (a) Kokua Action 60: Provide pedestrian walkways to and around all school complexes, and improve vehicular traffic management. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (c); 10.2.4.3.2 (a)) See Policy 73 Kokua Action 61: Develop and implement a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org) Hawaii State Legislature K6kua Action 62: Allocate sufficient funds to improve traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety improvements at all schools in the Hamakua Planning Area. See Policy 73, and K6kua Actions 62- 64 from 5.12.3 K6kua Action. 82 5.12.4 Community Acti06, Community Action 37: Develop and implement Safe Routes to School programs. See also: Kokua Action 61 5.13 Expand Parks & Recreation Facilities This section of the CDP prioritizes recreation improvements and trail development. r_iz_i Community Objectiv • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. County Action Policy 101 Conduct Park facilities condition assessments and prioritize improvement funding. Update the "County of Hawaii Recreation Plan: to reflect newly identified recreational priorities. Specific needs identified include: Assess court conditions for basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, and prioritize these improvements (e.g., Hakalau tennis courts; Pepe'ekeo basketball courts, etc.). • Identify parks in need of playground equipment and pavilions. Assess and improve or develop new restroom facilities at the Waipi'o Lookout to ensure they are adequate for the number of users to the site and meet hygienic standards for maintenance and cleanliness. (GP 12.3 (f) & (e)) Policy 102 Complete the following recreation improvement projects: • Solar -water heating for Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool • Re -roof Papa'ikou Gym • Convert the old Honoka'a courthouse facility to use for community meetings and functions. (Requires a management agreement with the State of Hawaii, and relates to the intent of GP 12.5.4(a)) • Hazardous materials abatement at Papa'aloa Gym • Perform regular termite and other pest assessments/treatments at each Community Center and Parks facility. Policy 103 Seek to combine Park facility improvements projects with other needed facility improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening, etc.) Policy 104 Develop a system of trails and paths for walking, jogging, and biking activities. (GP 12.3 (o)) See also General Plan 12.3 (M): Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island wide route connecting major parks and destinations. Policy 105 Coordinate with the Hakalau community to investigate and pursue the redevelopment of the Hakalau gym facility for community use. Policy 106 Continue to improve parks and recreation outreach efforts for youth and senior programs in rural communities to ensure program and facility 83 information is adequately available, promoted online through accessible websites and through other mediums, and kept up-to-date to facilitate maximum community participation. Policy 107 Develop walking paths around existing ballparks and other park grounds, as feasible. These walking paths should be level, paved footpaths that meet accessibility requirements whenever possible. Refer to existing Policy 105, and Kokua Actions 23, 38, 50, and 61. See also: Policy 51 Policy 56 This policy is related and dependent on Policy 55, and is based on General Plan policy 12.5.4.2 (d). See also: Kokua Action 23 Policy 58 Policy 100 r-.13.3 Kokua Action State of Hawaii, Department of Education Kokua Action 63: Coordinate with the Hakalau community to pursue the redevelopment and community management options for the old Hakalau School property. See also: Bishop Estate, State of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools Kokua Action 23 Kokua Action 27 See related policies Policy 55 and Policy 56; GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c). r- 11 4 Community Action Community Action 38: Work with County Dept. of P&R through the County Cooperative Park Management Programs (Adopt a Park, etc.,) to maintain/improve existing park facilities. GP 12.3 (j) Community Action 39: Hakalau community group to advocate and pursue management and redevelopment options for the Hakalau Gym facility (through County P&R Dept.,) and/or the old Hakalau School property (through the Dept. of Education). Community Action 40: Work with State and private landowners to develop and maintain additional trails for non -motorized recreation. 5.14 Enhance Telecommunications & Energy Infrastructure This section of the CDP guides telecommunication and energy infrastructure as high community priorities while also protecting scenic resources. For policies relating to promoting telecommunications and energy as economic sectors, see Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local Economy. 5.14.1 r—munity Objectiv • Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.14.2 Exktinpr Pnlir- Land Use Policy Intent • Ensure a proper balance between the development of alternative energy resources and the preservation of environmental fitness and ecologically significant areas (GP 3.3 (e)) 84 5.14.3 Land Use Policy Policy 108 When the County develops a scenic resources protection program, the underground siting of utility lines (power and communications) should be a condition of subdivision in identified priority viewshed areas. (HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2 (a); 11.3.3) 5.14.4 county ACtlO1 Policy 109 Collaborate with local businesses, community groups, and private enterprises to develop Wi-Fi service within appropriate towns. Policy 114 Use alternative energy sources at County facilities within the Planning Area. ■ Add electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate facilities; ■ Add solar lighting in appropriate parking areas; ■ Add photovoltaic systems and/or solar hot water systems to appropriate facilities. See also: Policy 34 Policy 92 5.14.5 KOKua Action Hawaiian Telcom, Time Warner Cable, and other service providers K6kua Action 64: Prioritize rural broadband access in underserved areas in the Planning Area (e.g., rural and mauka areas). Hawaii Electric Light Company Kokua Action 65: Expand Net -Metering (NEM), Feed -in -Tariff (FIT) programs, and other similar programs designed to lower costs and diversify power sources. (GP 3.3o) 5.14.6 Community Action Community Action 41: Work with County and private enterprises to bring broadband and Wi-Fi services to the Planning Area's towns. 85 E lauhoe mai nd wa'a; i ke kd, i ko hoe; i ko hoe, i ke kd; poe oku i ko 'dina. Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore is reached. Note: The State of Hawai'i takes an active role in economic development through various endeavors, initiatives, and programs. The role of the County of Hawai'i in economic development is much more limited. Relative to other counties and municipalities in other parts of the country, Hawai'i County is a small, rural county with limited revenue sources and jurisdiction. The most direct role that Hawai'i County plays in economic development is through land use regulation and property tax policy. Otherwise, the County seeks to support economic development through its Department of Research and Development. This Department has economic development specialists who focus on business development, agriculture, energy, tourism, and film. It also maintains the County Data Book and provides small grants to advance local economic development. Most of Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local Economy" of the Draft CDP, is organized by sectors — local agriculture, health and wellness services, creative, education and research, place -based visitor, local retail and town centers, and green industries. Though each sub -section typically includes policies and Kokua Actions, growth in each sector will mostly be dependent on implementation of the Community Actions, which are detailed in the "Community Action Guide." As with the rest of the CDP, near the beginning of each subsection there is a section on Existing Policy. The existing policies for economic development compiled from the General Plan of 2005 are generally aspirational in nature and do not necessarily reflect a realistic impression of the County of Hawai'i's economic development capacity. As an example, General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (1) directs the County to: "Assist in the development of agriculture." This is a well-intentioned policy, but it is vague, varies upon interpretation, and does not provide guidance for any mechanisms to provide assistance to the agricultural industry. Due to the acknowledged limited capacity of County government to directly affect economic development, Section 6 focuses considerably on Kokua Actions and Community Actions to achieve community objectives. 6.1 Coordinate Regional Economic Development This section of the CDP guides the implementation of regional economic development strategies, including an education, enterprise development, and research network, and regional strategies to increase "buying local." 6.m Community Objective • Community Objective 8: Promote, preserve and enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy. Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 6.1.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Provide residents with opportunities to improve their quality of life through economic development that enhances the County's natural and social environments. (GP 2.2 (a)) • Economic development and improvement shall be in balance with the physical, social, and cultural environments of the island of Hawaii. (GP 2.2 (b)) • Provide an economic environment that allows new, expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the County's cultural, natural and social environment (GP Goal 2.2 (d)) • Strive for diversity and stability in the economic system. (GP Goal 2.2 (c)) 6.1.3 County Action Policy 111 Develop a distinctive identity for the Hamakua region to enable public and private industries to promote it as unique within the State of Hawaii. (GP2.3 (o)) Policy 112 Commission a study of Economic and Financial Impact (EFI) Reviews and recommend integration of EFI Reviews into existing regulatory and approval processes (e.g., the Environmental Impact Statement process and community benefits agreements). Policy 113 Pursue brownffelds assessment grants to complete the Phase I and Il environmental assessment for high priority sites in the Planning Area. 6.1.4 Kdkua Actio - State of Hawaii Office of Planning Kokua Action 66: Align the clusters and priority projects in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with the objectives, policies, and actions in the Hamakua Community Development Plan. 6.1.5 Community Action Community Action 42: Develop a distinctive identity for the Hamakua region to enable public and private industries to promote it as unique within the State of Hawai'i. (See Policy 111) Community Action 43: Coordinate regional, cross - sectoral economic development strategies. Community Action 44: Develop a high-tech, high - touch regional education, enterprise development, and research network. Community Action 45: Coordinate regional strategies to increase "buying local." 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture This section of the CDP guides efforts to strengthen the local agriculture value chain, including agricultural land acquisition, agricultural parks and water systems, the diversification of agriculture - based businesses on agricultural land, and agricultural tourism. See also Section 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open Space. 6.2.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable energy, and related economic support systems. • Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an 87 alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. 6.2.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent Preserve and enhance opportunities for the expansion of Hawaii's Agricultural Industry. (GP 14.2.2 (c)) See also: (GP 2.3 (a)) (GP 14.2.3 (e)); (GP 14.2.3 (1)); (GP 14.2.4.7.2) Assist other State agencies, such as the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Hilo, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Planning, Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, on programs that aid agriculture. (GP 14.2.3 (c)) Encourage and support the expansion of agriculture, including forestry and the macadamia nut industry. (GP 14.2.4.7.2) Support the development of a native hardwood industry. (GP 2.4.3.2 (c)); see also (GP 2.4.4.2 (e)). Assist the fishing industry, other ocean based industries, and aquaculture through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies. (GP 2.4.9.2 (b)) 6.2.3 County Action Policy 114 Implement the County of Hawaii Agriculture Development Plan of 2010 (adopted via resolution no.61-11). In particular: • Marshal resources for key infrastructure projects that would broadly benefit the agricultural sector; • Serve as a liaison and ombudsman for local agricultural ventures and interests and government agencies at the county, State, and U.S. federal levels; • Provide extension and inspection services. Policy 115 Develop increased capacity for County -level agricultural specialists to liaise and coordinate with State and Federal Agencies in improving and implementing policy, increasing agricultural education, and promoting opportunities for expanding markets for locally grown products. Policy 116 Encourage the establishment and continued operation of open farmers' markets to allow local agricultural producers to market their products. (GP 2.3 (u)) Policy 117 Amend Hawaii County Code, Section 15-72 to expand the designated list of parks authorized to allow farmers' market permits to include parks in rural areas that lack appropriate commercial zoned lands for farmers markets. Policy 118 Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5- 72(a)(17) relating to "livestock production of piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock shall be [..] located no closer than one thousand feet away from any major public street or from any other zoning district." ■ Define what qualifies as an "apiary",- ■ Determine if the minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any public street or other zone is appropriate for each use referenced,- recommend eferenced,recommend revision to minimum distance if research justifies adopting new minimum distances. Et:' Policy 119 Support the development of private, County, and State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) Policy 120 Cooperate with appropriate State and Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems in appropriate areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j)) See also: Policy 42, see point #5 regarding Best Management Practices for agriculture and forestry. Policy 53 Policy 124 6.2.4 Ki5kua Action State of Hawaii Department of Education Kokua Action 67: Develop and support Farm to School programs and other programs designed to provide locally produced food to Planning Area schools. State of Hawaii, Department of Health (and Dept. of Ag - USDA) K6kua Action 68: Work with local farmers/producers to educate and facilitate the development and management of farmers markets within the Planning Area. (GP 2.3 (u)) ■ Increase safe food handling education opportunities tailored to farmers; ■ Increase transparency on policy and education on DOH rules relating to food production and food service. State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture Kokua Action 69: Support the development of agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) K6kua Action 70: Cooperate with County and Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems in appropriate areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j)) University of Hawaii at Hilo / Hawai'i Community College Kokua Action 71: Prioritize development of programs and research that increases local agricultural capacity, including marketing and other small business training. Kokua Action 72: Explore the feasibility of establishing an aquacultural program in the Hamakua Planning area for research, demonstration, and development purposes. (GP 2.4.2.2(i)) See also: K6kua Action 29 K6kua Action 30 K6kua Action 7 6.2.5 Community Action Community Action 46: Strengthen local agriculture through the following: • Develop a marketing brand for Hamakua products (Assist in the promotion of products produced in Hamakua (GP 2.3(t)). • Support Farm to School/Farm to Table Programs, CSAs, and other local farm -to -consumer initiatives; • Support and develop celebratory events that support agriculture (e.g., festivals, rodeos, Eial parades, community gathering events at farmers' markets, etc.). Work to effectively manage or eradicate invasive species that impact agricultural production. Develop agricultural cooperatives to facilitate farming collaborations, cost- and resource - sharing opportunities, provide a mechanism for marketing assistance and educational opportunities, and coordinate with County, State, and Federal agricultural specialists. • Pursue the development of incubator community kitchens for the production of value-added agricultural products. Community Action 47: Promote farmers' market events as community and visitor gathering places. Community Action 48: To better address issues relating to the Lower Hamakua Ditch: form a cooperative community group (for example, a "Friends of the Lower Hamakua Ditch" group) composed of adjacent landowners to the ditch and other affected parties to advocate to and collaborate with the Department of Agriculture in developing a cooperative management plan that would seek to resolve issues relating to water quality, water efficiency, ditch maintenance, and to assess ditch trail access opportunities. See also: Community Action 45 Community Action 50 6.3 Expand Health and Wellness Industry Health and wellness is an important and growing sector in the Planning Area. While the County is limited in its capacity to directly increase health and wellness as an industry, there are various approaches the County currently uses to address health and wellness through programs and outreach in coordination with various other agencies and organizations. See also Section 5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services for strategies that address healthcare and wellness services. 6.3.1 Community Objectives • Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 6.3.2 County Action See also: Policy 124 6.3.3 Communitv Actioi Community Action 49: Establish a comprehensive network of health and wellness services. 6.4 Promote the Creative, Education, & Research Sector This section of the CDP guides the development of a regional education, enterprise development, and research network. 6.4.1 Community Objective Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 6.4.2 Fxisting Policr Land Use Policy Intent Assistance to small businesses in obtaining loans and management education classes and .N manpower training programs shall be encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.2.2 (b)) 6.4.3 County Action Policy 121 Promote and develop the island of Hawaii into a unique scientific, environmental, and cultural model, where economic gains are in balance with social and physical amenities. Development should be reviewed on the basis of total impact on the residents of the County, not only in terms of immediate short run economic benefits. (GP 2.2(h)) 6.4.4 Kwrua Action State of Hawaii, Workforce Development Division K6kua Action 73: Assist in the development of management and training programs to strengthen the skill levels of the workforce to be in step with existing and emerging industries (GP 2.4.2.2 (e); 14.3.5.2.2 (b)) 6.4.5 Community Action Community Action 50: Collaborate with farm groups, community organizations, and County to support the Kohala Center's research and training programs (i.e., the Beginner Farmer -Rancher Development program) 6.5 Develop a Place -Based Visitor Industry This section of the CDP guides the development of a regional ho'okipa network — a place -based approach to community tourism. 6.5.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. 6.5.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • Balance development with the social and physical environment of the area. Provisions for orderly development, housing, and pollution controls shall be implemented. (GP 2.4.9.2 (a)) • The development of visitor accommodations and any resort development shall complement the character of the area. (GP 14.7.5.9.2 (a)) • Encourage the development of small hotels in Honoka'a. (GP 14.7.5.4.2(a)) 6.5.3 County Action Policy 122 Encourage the development of a visitor industry that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua and with the environmental and social goals of residents. (GP 2.3(c)) Policy 123 Encourage appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities. Some examples of appropriate visitor - related uses and facilities are ones that: • Directly promote Agriculture, Ecotourism, Health & Wellness; or Cultural Heritage, and/or... • Are Located near points of interest (as long as they will not detract from the natural beauty of the area, or negatively impact the host community's privacy/public safety and rural lifestyle); and/or... • Offer an educational experience as well as recreational activities. (GP 14.7.5.3.2(a); 14.7.5.4.2) 91 Policy 124 Encourage the development of small "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations, in particular those with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes. (GP 14.7.5.9.2(b)) Policy 125 Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage, and agriculture. See also related: Community Action 14 Community Action 46 Communitv Action 52 Policy 126 Support the designation of sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway as a scenic byway through the State Scenic Byway Program. Policy 127 Encourage and provide incentives for businesses to develop and promote public restrooms for visitors along Highway 19. See also: Policy 111 And Scenic policies in 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds; Policy 55 (See also related Policy 56) 6.5_ a Ko,,aa Action. Hawaii Tourism Authority K6kua Action 74: Encourage the development of a visitor industry that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua and with the environmental and social goals of residents. (GP 2.3(c)) • Encourage appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities (such as Bed and Breakfasts). Some examples of appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities are ones that: • Directly promote Agriculture, Ecotourism, Health & Wellness; or Cultural Heritage, and/or... • Are Located near points of interest (as long as they will not detract from the natural beauty of the area); and/or... • Offer an educational experience as well as recreational activities. • Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage, and agriculture. See also: Department of Transportation K6kua Action 10 K6kua Action 11 y.].] % VI I III IL..I11ty Community Action 51: Develop a regional ho'okipa network — a place -based approach to community tourism. Community Action 52: Develop and support cultural festivals and events with a view to welcoming visitors. Community Action 53: Develop and promote public restroom facilities at various locations along Highway 19. 6.6 Revitalize Hamakua's Town Centers This section primarily points to various policies throughout the CDP that encourage the rehabilitation and revitalization of the Planning Area's commercial and town centers. 92 6.6.1 Community Objective • Community Objective 10: Revitalize retail, service, dining, and entertainment centers that complement the community's rural character and culture. • Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. 6.6.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent Policies Specific to Hamakua District: • Encourage commercial activities within Honoka'a town to promote and enhance the history and culture of the paniolo and former sugar plantation. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (c)) 0.0.5 wunLy Action Policy 128 Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service- oriented industrial areas. (GP 14.4.5.4.2(b)) Policy 129 Develop underutilized private and public properties within existing towns to be used as gathering places, community gardens, open squares and markets, auxiliary parking lots (including park and ride areas), and parks (including pocket and art parks, and outdoor amphitheaters, etc.). Examples of underutilized parcels owned by the County are: ■ Honoka'a: TMK 4-5-005:010 on the corner of Mamane and Puakalo. ■ Papa'aloa: TMK 3-5-003:035 next to the Papa'aloa Gym. ■ '0'6kala: TMK 3-9-001:026 (Currently zoned Industrial) & TMK: 3-9-001:034 (between '0'6kala town and Highway 19. See also: Policy 3 Policy 14 Policy 45 Policy 127 6.6.4 Community Actio Community Action 54: Promote the collaborative development, use, and management of community gardens in towns and neighborhoods. See also: Community Action 1 Note the following General Plan priority: • Focus on urban renewal of Honoka'a. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (a) See corresponding Policy 14. 6.7 Encourage Green Industries This section of the CDP guides sustainable, ecologically sensitive approaches to economic development. A -7 + Community Objective • Community Objective 8: Promote, preserve and enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy • Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. • Community Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, 93 ranching, renewable energy, and related economic support systems. 6.7.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent • The land, water, air, sea, and people shall be considered as essential resources for present and future generations and should be protected and enhanced through the use of economic incentives. (GP 2.3 (h)) • Encourage the development of alternate energy resources. (GP 3.3(a)) • Encourage the development and use of agriculture products and by-products as sources of alternate fuel. (GP 3.3 (b)) • Ensure a proper balance between the development of alternative energy resources and the preservation of environmental fitness and ecologically significant areas. (GP 3.3 (e)) • Strive to diversify the energy supply and minimize the environmental impacts associated with energy usage. (GP 3.3(k)) 6.7.3 county Action Policy 130 Support local training and education programs to develop green job growth; especially in renewable energy and natural resource management. (GP 2.4.2.2 (e)) See also: Policy 121 K6kua Action 73 6.7.4 K66—a Action Hawaii State Legislature K6kua Action 75: Amend HRS to include greenwaste, composting, and fertilizer yards (utilizing only manure and soil) for commercial use as permitted uses on agriculturally zoned land. (HRS 205-4.5(10); HRS 205-2(d)(7); GP 4.3 (d); GP 10.5.2. (f)) See K6kua Action 65 6.7.5 Community Acti- Community Action 55: Develop local, renewable, distributed energy networks. Community Action 56: Pilot a program to secure community payments for ecosystem services (PES). 6.8 Preserve Informal Economies and Living off the Land This section of the CDP preserves traditional subsistence living, reciprocity arrangements, and opportunities to live off the land. 6.8.1 Community 011jectiv4 • Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource- based economy. • Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. Land Use Policy Intent Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes and possessed by ahupua'a tenants who are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the right of the State to regulate such rights. (Hawai'i State Constitution, Article 12, section 7) 94 • Appropriate public access to and along the shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26) • Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or interests shall be required to dedicate land for public access for pedestrian travel from a public highway or street to the land below the high- water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas in the mountains where there are existing facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit -picking, ti -leaf sliding, and other recreational purposes, and where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46- 6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)) 6.8.3 rnunty Action See also: Policy 15 Policy 46 Policy 48 Policy 51 Policy 116 See also 4.8.5 K6kua Action and: K6kua Action 22 K6kua Action 23 K6kua Action 38 K6kua Action 39 6.8.4 Community Action See also: Community Action 4 Community Action 22 Community Action 40 95 APPENDIXV5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN HAmAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICY RATIONALE FEBRUARY 2018 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HAMAKUA CDP STEERING COMMITTEE FOR ADOPTION BY THE COUNTY OF HAWAII Planning Dept. Exhibit 2 APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................ Tableof Figures.................................................................................................................................. SECTION 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE CDP RATIONALE........................................................................................ Hamakua CDP Community Objectives............................................................................................... SECTION 3: POLICY RATIONALE — PREFERRED SETTLEMENT PATTERNS & LAND USE .............................................. 3.1 Settlement Patterns & Land Use.................................................................................................. 3.1.4 Land Use Policy..................................................................................................................... 3.1.5 County Action....................................................................................................................... 3.1.6 Community Action................................................................................................................ 3.1.7 Land Use Guide Maps Recommended Changes and Rationale ............................................ 3.1.8 Land Use Guide Maps........................................................................................................... SECTION 4: PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES......................................................... 4.1 Expand the Local System of Preserves......................................................................................... 4.1.2 County Action....................................................................................................................... 4.1.3 Kokua Action......................................................................................................................... 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources........................................................................................................... 4.2.3 Land Use Policy..................................................................................................................... 4.2.4 County Action....................................................................................................................... 4.2.5 Kokua Action......................................................................................................................... 4.2.6 Community Action................................................................................................................ 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open Space.................................................................................... 4.3.3 Land Use Policy..................................................................................................................... 4.3.4 County Action....................................................................................................................... 4.3.5 Kokua Action......................................................................................................................... 4.3.6 Community Action................................................................................................................ 4.4 Protect Mauka Forests................................................................................................................. 4.4.3 Land Use Policy..................................................................................................................... 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds......................................................................................... 4.5.3 Land Use Policy..................................................................................................................... 4.5.4 County Action....................................................................................................................... 4.5.5 Kokua Action......................................................................................................................... 4.5.6 Community Action................................................................................................................ 4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems and Watersheds..................................................................... 4.6.3 County Action....................................................................................................................... APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents .. 2 .. 6 .. 7 .. 8 .. 9 .. 9 .. 9 24 25 25 40 52 52 52 53 54 54 55 60 60 60 61 64 67 68 68 68 69 69 71 73 74 74 74 4.6.5 K6kua Action..............................................................................................................................79 4.6.6 Community Action.....................................................................................................................81 4.7 Protect and Enhance Cultural Assets................................................................................................81 4.7.4 County Action............................................................................................................................ 81 4.7.5 K6kua Action..............................................................................................................................82 4.7.6 Community Action..................................................................................................................... 82 4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access and Trails................................................................................82 4.8.4 County Action............................................................................................................................ 83 4.8.5 K6kua Action..............................................................................................................................88 4.8.6 Community Action..................................................................................................................... 89 4.9 Preserving Sacred Places: Waipi`o Valley and Mauna Kea...............................................................89 4.9.2 Waipi`o Valley as a Wahi Pana...................................................................................................89 4.9.3 Waipi`o Valley: County Action...................................................................................................90 4.9.4 Waipi`o Valley: K6kua Actions...................................................................................................94 4.9.5 Waipi`o Valley: Community Action............................................................................................95 4.9.6 Mauna Kea as a Wahi Pana........................................................................................................95 4.9.8 Mauna Kea: K6kua Action..........................................................................................................95 4.9.9 Mauna Kea: Community Action.................................................................................................99 SECTION 5: POLICY RATIONALE—STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES ..................................... 100 5.1 Coordinate Infrastructure, Facility, and Service Improvements .....................................................100 5.1.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................100 5.1.4 Community Action...................................................................................................................101 5.2 Expand Affordable Housing Options...............................................................................................102 5.2.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................102 5.2.4 K6kua Action............................................................................................................................103 5.2.3 Community Action...................................................................................................................103 5.3 Improve the Roadway Network......................................................................................................103 5.3.3 Land Use Policy........................................................................................................................103 5.3.4 County Action..........................................................................................................................103 5.3.5 K6kua Action............................................................................................................................106 5.3.6 Community Action...................................................................................................................107 5.4 Formalize Alternative Routes..........................................................................................................107 5.4.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................107 5.5 Develop Place -Appropriate Road Standards...................................................................................107 5.5.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................107 5.6 Expand Mass Transit Facilities and Services...................................................................................108 5.6.2 Countv Action..........................................................................................................................108 APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents 5.6.3 Community Action...................................................................................................................110 5.7 Improve Water Infrastructure.........................................................................................................110 5.7.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................110 5.8 Improve Environmental Management Facilities.............................................................................111 5.8.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................111 5.8.5 Community Action...................................................................................................................113 5.9 Improve Emergency Preparedness & Hazard Mitigation................................................................114 5.9.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................114 5.9.3 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................117 5.9.4 Community Action...................................................................................................................117 5.10 Improving Protective Services......................................................................................................118 5.10.2 County Action........................................................................................................................118 5.10.3 Community Action.................................................................................................................118 5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services............................................................................................119 5.11.2 County Action........................................................................................................................119 5.11.3 Kokua Action..........................................................................................................................119 5.12 Strengthen & Expand Education Facilities and Services...............................................................120 5.12.2 County Action........................................................................................................................120 5.12.3 Kokua Action..........................................................................................................................120 5.12.4 Community Action.................................................................................................................121 5.13 Expand Parks & Recreation Facilities............................................................................................121 5.13.2 County Action........................................................................................................................121 5.13.3 Kokua Action..........................................................................................................................124 5.13.4 Community Action.................................................................................................................124 5.14 Enhance Telecommunications & Energy Infrastructure...............................................................124 5.14.3 Land Use Policy......................................................................................................................125 5.14.4 County Action........................................................................................................................125 5.14.5 Kokua Action..........................................................................................................................126 5.14.6 Community Action.................................................................................................................126 SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL ECONOMY.......................................................................................... 127 6.1 Coordinate Regional Economic Development................................................................................127 6.1.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................127 6.1.4 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................129 6.1.5 Community Action...................................................................................................................129 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture......................................................................................................129 6.2.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................129 APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents 6.2.4 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................131 6.2.5 Community Action...................................................................................................................133 6.3 Expand Health and Wellness Industry............................................................................................133 6.3.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................133 6.3.3 Community Action...................................................................................................................133 6.4 Promote the Creative, Education, & Research Sector....................................................................133 6.4.2 County Action..........................................................................................................................134 6.4.4 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................134 6.4.3 Community Action...................................................................................................................134 6.5 Develop a Place -Based Visitor Industry..........................................................................................134 6.5.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................134 6.5.4 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................136 6.5.5 Community Action...................................................................................................................137 6.6 Revitalize Hamakua's Town Centers...............................................................................................137 6.6.3 County Actions.........................................................................................................................137 6.6.3 Community Action...................................................................................................................138 6.7 Encourage Green Industries............................................................................................................138 6.7.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................138 6.7.4 Kokua Action............................................................................................................................138 6.7.5 Community Action...................................................................................................................139 6.8 Preserve Informal Economies and Living off the Land....................................................................139 6.8.3 County Action..........................................................................................................................139 6.8.4 Community Action...................................................................................................................140 APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents Table of Figures Figure 1: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map................................................................................... Figure 2: Pauka'a Land Use Guide Map................................................................................................. Figure 3: Papa'ikou Land Use Guide Map.............................................................................................. Figure 4: Pepe'ekeo Land Use Guide Map............................................................................................. Figure 5: HonomG Land Use Guide Map................................................................................................ Figure 6: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map.................................................................................... Figure 7: Ninole Land Use Guide Map................................................................................................... Figure 8: Laupahoehoe/Papa'aloa Land Use Guide Map....................................................................... Figure 9: O'okala Land Use Guide Map.................................................................................................. Figure 10: Pa'auilo Land Use Guide Map............................................................................................... Figure 11: Honoka'a/Haina Land Use Guide Map.................................................................................. Figure 12: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map.......................................................................................... APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 1: Table of Contents 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 '0 ka mea kupono'dina ka mea kupono kanaka. What is good for the land is good for the people. Each CDP policy was developed systematically, using the best available information about Hamakua and the range of strategies available to achieve the Community Objectives. This Addendum summarizes the rationale behind the policies so that the systematic process of policy development is transparent. The rationale for each CDP policy is based on a Strategy Identification Matrix based on information in the CDP Appendices V4A, V46, and V4C from 2013-2014. The Rationale Addendum to the CDP contains the policy rationale for County policies and Kokua Actions. For rationale pertaining to Community Actions, please see a separate document -the Community Action Guide. In this document, all references to the General Plan refer to the County of Hawai'i General Plan, February 2005 (As Amended) — unless otherwise noted. In the case of conflicts between a CDP and the General Plan, the General Plan prevails. Note: the CDP Rationale is an abridged document intended to be used as a supplementary document for further information on the proposed policies and kokua actions within the draft plan. Therefore, this document does not include the complete Introduction to the CDP, or other various sections and headers included within the Hamakua Community Development Plan. Some rationale headers will skip in sequence for CDP material not included in this document, so please refer to the Draft Plan document to see the plan in its entirety, available at www. ha makuacdp.info. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 2: Introduction to the CDP Rationale HAmakua CDP Community Objectives Adopted by the Steering Committee on 2.5.13 'AINA [Natural Resources & Ag as related to conservation of natural resources, Public Accessl 1. Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. 2. Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. 3. Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. COMMUNITY [Culture, Town Planning, Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Services, Transportationl 4. Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. 5. Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. 6. Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare, emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our 'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 7. Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options. ECONOMY [Employment, Industry, Business Development, Small Town Revitalization, Agriculture, Tourisml 8. Promote, preserve and enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy. 9. Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 10. Revitalize retail, service, dining, and entertainment centers that complement the community's rural character and culture. 11. Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable energy, and related economic support systems. 12. Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource-based economy. 13. Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 2: Introduction to the CDP Rationale 3.1 Settlement Patterns & Land Use This section of the CDP guides future land use development and permitting to be consistent with CDP objectives and policies. Specifically, to reduce rural sprawl and infrastructure costs, it focuses future residential development in existing villages and towns and seeks to preserve large productive agricultural lands for agriculture by accommodating rural -residential development close to these urban centers. It directs new residential development away from coastal areas and encourages the clustering of developments to leave natural buffer areas. It plans urban areas with appropriately -scaled densities that complement the rural character of the area. It provides guidance to the Planning Department on change of zone and variance priorities, and stipulates the types of areas and regulatory processes that are appropriate for industrial development. It also directs the County to engage communities interested in town -level planning. 3.1.4 Land Use Policy Policy 1 With the adoption of the Hamakua CDP, Figures 2-13 are adopted as the Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua CDP Planning Area. Future land use decisions in the Hamakua CDP planning area shall be consistent with the Land Use Guide Map, unless the CDP and the General Plan are in direct conflict, in which case the General Plan shall be controlling. As with the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates preferred future development patterns by indicating the general location of various land uses in relation to each other. To maintain consistency, the land use category definitions used in the CDP Land Use Guide Map are identical to those used in the 2005 General Plan LUPAG map. The CDP Land Use Guide Map also sets Urban Growth Boundaries for every town/village in the Planning Area where the Low Density Urban designation ends. See Policy 6 for guidance on changes of zone in the LUPAG LDU designation. See Policy 12 for how this Land Use Guide Map will be incorporated into the General Plan. Policy 12 is necessary because the CDP Land Use Guide Map does not automatically amend the General Plan. Rationale: The County of Hawai'i General Plan (2005) uses a Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map as a broad, flexible land use tool intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. It indicates the general preferred location of various land uses in relation to each other. State land use boundary amendments, changes in zone, project districts, subdivisions, planned unit developments, use permits, variances, and plan approval must be consistent with the General Plan and the LUPAG map. Projects or applications that are not consistent with the LUPAG map require an APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use amendment to the General Plan, which requires an Environmental Assessment and approval of the County Council. The land use categories used in the CDP Land Use Guide Map correspond with the categories used in the General Plan LUPAG map. However, the CDP land use policies that support the preferred future settlement pattern for Hamakua and related Community Objectives differ in some ways from the land use pattern designated in the current 2005 General Plan LUPAG map. Therefore, in order to fully implement the Hamakua CDP, the LUPAG map requires some amendments. Also, due to advanced mapping technologies, it is now easier to develop more specific growth boundaries around towns and correct numerous mapping inconsistencies between State and County land use designations. Note the following LUPAG terms referenced in the Hamakua CDP: ■ LUPAG Industrial: this category include uses such as manufacturing and processing, wholesaling, large storage and transportation facilities, light industrial and industrial - commercial uses. ■ LUPAG LDU, or Low Density Urban: this category is defined as "Residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and convenience -type commercial uses; overall residential density may be up to six units per acre." The urban zones in the County Code that correspond to the LDU designation allow for parks, community uses, residences, boarding and group living facilities, home occupations, small scale commercial or personal services, convenience stores, medical clinics, and restaurants. ■ LUPAG MDU, or Medium Density Urban: this category is characterized as village and neighborhood commercial, allowing for single family and multiple family residential and related functions (multiple family residential — up to 35 units per acre). ■ LUPAG HDU, or High Density Urban: this category is general commercial and multiple family residential — up to 87 units per acre. NOTE: this category is not used within the Hamakua Planning Area but it is referenced here for comparison purposes. ■ LUPAG UE, or Urban Expansion Area: this category allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial, industrial -commercial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not yet been determined. See the 'O'okala LUPAG rationale for more on proposed changes relating to this category. ■ LUPAG R, or Rural: this category includes existing subdivisions in the State Land Agricultural and Rural districts that have a significant residential component. Lot sizes can vary from 9,000 -square feet to five acres, but new designations of Rural have either corresponding County zoning densities of either 1 unit per % acre (within the RA, or Residential and Agricultural District), or 1 unit per 1 acre (within the Family Agricultural District). Allowable uses within these areas, with appropriate zoning, may include commercial facilities that serve the residential and agricultural uses in the area, and community and public facilities. The Rural designation does not necessarily mean that these areas should be further subdivided to smaller lots as most lack the infrastructure necessary to allow further subdivision. The community of Ninole is the good example of LUPAG Rural within the Planning Area. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use Strategies used in proposing LUPAG changes: 1. Factor 1: Minimize new coastal development. This first factor used in evaluating LUPAG designations is based on Community Objective #1, which states: "Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices." To further this objective in guiding development, a review of the current land uses and designations in coastal areas was performed and changes are being recommended in areas not yet developed but have LUPAG designations that guide future development to this coastal area. Recommendations are made in these undeveloped coastal areas to protect the shoreline as open space and priority viewsheds whenever possible. Examples of this can be seen in the proposed changes to Papa'ikou, Pepe'ekeo, and 'O'okala. See also Policy 2. 2. Factor 2: Minimize encroachment onto agricultural lands. This second factor used in evaluating LUPAG designations is based on Community Objective #2 which states: "Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character." To further this objective in guiding development, a review of the current land uses and designations on agricultural lands near urban areas was performed and changes are being recommended in areas where the current LUPAG guidance allows for urban encroachment on productive agricultural lands. Recommendations for the urban -to -agriculture interface are intended to keep larger and potentially productive agricultural lands for agricultural uses and to guide residential or rural -residential mixes within or adjacent to urban areas. This strategy results in smaller LUPAG LDU areas in most towns. Another strategy being employed in the new LUPAG recommendations is to accommodate rural development (generally 1-5 acre parcels) in areas where there are currently non- conforming smaller agricultural parcels located adjacent to urban centers. The intent is to accommodate rural development close to towns and leave larger agricultural parcels for productive agricultural use. Note, this strategy of allowing rural development near towns is not recommended in towns adjacent to large agricultural lots — in those cases, it is recommended that the urban area retain a 'hard edge' between the urban and agricultural area so as not to create new, unnecessary split designations on parcels, or encourage rural sprawl onto productive large -lot agricultural areas. 3. Factor 3: Align with State Land Use District Boundary. The third factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community's Objective #5, which states: "Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed- use town centers while limiting rural sprawl." This objective is important in that the three levels of Land Use regulation in Hawai'i (State Land use, County Zoning, and County LUPAG) are not necessarily consistent with each other, APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use and this can lead to regulatory ambiguity. Now that current mapping technology allows us to provide more specific guidance, it is important to reevaluate the State Land Use districts and County designations (zoning and LUPAG). Note: County zoning determines permitted uses; however LUPAG designations convey preferred future land uses but generally require further action. For example, a State Land Use boundary amendment and/or a County change of zone may be needed for the owner to use the land according to its LUPAG designation. In instances where the State Land Use districts and County zoning displayed significant inconsistencies, it was determined that these were likely remnants of outdated mapping technologies. These instances were adjusted in Pepe'ekeo, HonomG, Papa'aloa, and Haina (related primarily to the locations identified as LUPAG Medium Density Urban (see Factor 8 for more on LUPAG MDU)). In evaluating the State and County designations, a common determination was that the urban growth boundary established by the County LUPAG for many of the towns should be condensed to be more consistent with the current interface between the State Land Use District Urban and Agricultural District boundaries. See also Factor 5. In some instances however, the recommended changes do extend the LUPAG Low Density Urban areas beyond the State Land Use Urban district (generally onto the SLU Agriculture district), particularly when a LUPAG LDU area was shifted away from a coastal location, and when population growth in a particular urban area is desirable and supported by adequate infrastructure. According to the General Plan: "Certain areas that could have been classified as Important Agricultural lands have been placed within urban land use categories. Generally, these are adjacent to existing urban areas. This represents a decision that the orderly development of those urban areas justified the eventual conversion of those lands to urban use." (General Plan page 14-8) Examples of when the LUPAG LDU overlaps to the SLU Agriculture District can be seen with the proposed changes to Wainaku/Kaiwiki, Pauka'a, and Honoka'a. While the CDP land use designation recommendations are generally more parcel -specific than in previous LUPAG maps, there are times when split -designations on larger -lot agricultural lands that border urban areas could not be avoided in situations where the State Land Use boundaries dissect a parcel. An example of this can be seen in 'O'okala. 4. Factor 4: Align with County zoning. The fourth factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community's Objective #5, which states: "Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed- use town centers while limiting rural sprawl." This objective is important in that the three levels of Land Use regulation in Hawai'i (State Land use, County Zoning, and County LUPAG) are not necessarily consistent with each other, and this can lead to regulatory ambiguity. Now that current mapping technology allows us APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use to provide more specific guidance, it is important to reevaluate the State Land Use districts and County designations (zoning and LUPAG). Note: County zoning determines permitted uses; however LUPAG designations convey preferred future land uses but generally require further action. For example, a State Land Use boundary amendment and/or a County change of zone may be needed for the owner to use the land according to its LUPAG designation. The CDP land use guide map only affects LUPAG designations; it does not change current zoning or their current permitted uses. There are circumstances when the LUPAG recommendations differ from current County zoning, for example, in order to accommodate flexibility in residential development, a recommendation for some areas is to extend the LUPAG Urban/Rural areas beyond current residential zoning (the rationale for this is similar to Factor 3 in why LUPAG recommendations sometimes differ from their State Land Use District). Another circumstance is when zoning designations appear to be obsolete and would be problematic if development occurred according to their currently zoned permitted uses — as in the case of former industrially zoned land along the shoreline. An example of this is Papa'aloa, which has 3 parcels with industrial zoning along the shoreline & near a stream, and no current industrial uses on these parcels. The CDP is recommending in these types of cases that the LUPAG reflect a future scenario where these parcels are consistent with the zoning of their neighboring parcels (in the Papa'aloa case, it is recommended to be LUPAG LDU). See also Factor 10 for more on Industrial zoning recommendations. 5. Factor 5: Accommodate projected population growth. The fifth factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community's Objective #5, which states: "Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed- use town centers while limiting rural sprawl." This objective directing that new developments be located in existing town centers is dependent on careful planning for the appropriate level of projected growth. During the CDP analysis phase, population data was collected from U.S. Census data and DBEDT. As noted in the Appendix V413, Community Building Analysis, "According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Planning Area's population grew by 13% between 1990 and 2010" (pg. 175). With those trends in mind (which included the recent construction boom), an evaluation of the existing LUPAG designations resulted in the determination that the current General Plan (2005, As Amended) contains excessive areas designated as LDU (Low Density Urban). This determination supports the recommendation to shrink the urban designations in most of the Planning Area's towns to accommodate an appropriate level of growth and flexibility. 6. Factor 6: Align with infrastructure — Potable Water. The sixth factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community Objective #6, which states: "Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities [..] to keep our 'ohana safe, strong, and healthy." APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use Objective #5, which directs new developments to existing town centers, is dependent on these town centers having adequate infrastructure to serve their existing inhabitants and accommodate projected growth. However, the review of County water service capacity in Appendix V413 demonstrated that many towns in the Planning Area lack sufficient water service. Additionally, it is common to use catchment water throughout the Planning Area, so the lack of municipal water availability has not proven to be a significant deterrent to growth (particularly on agricultural lands). Therefore, the CDP LUPAG recommendations are based to some degree on where water currently is available, but will also be used as rationale to justify where water service should be developed or improved in urban areas as part of an infrastructure priority area. 7. Factor 7: Align with infrastructure — Roadway Network. The seventh factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on Community Objectives #7 and #5, which state: "Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple transportation options." "Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed- use town centers while limiting rural sprawl." The roadway network should provide adequate connections and reflect a priority for compact neighborhoods. A review of the roadway network throughout the urban areas of the Planning Area confirmed that it is adequate and would often support the projected growth. This review also justifies curbing rural sprawl due to the prevalence of sub -standard roads -in -limbo in the rural and predominately mauka areas. 8. Factor 8: Align with infrastructure — Wastewater. The eighth factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community Objective #6, which states: "Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities [..] to keep our 'ohana safe, strong, and healthy." The earlier objective directing that new developments be located in existing town centers is dependent on these town centers having adequate infrastructure to serve their existing inhabitants and accommodate projected growth. However, the review of County infrastructure has demonstrated that many towns in the Planning Area lack sufficient wastewater service. Additionally, while it is common practice to develop individual wastewater systems (generally septic systems or cesspools), this adds to the costs and can affect affordable housing development, raises environmental and regulatory concerns for densely populated communities, and increases the ambiguous nature of future infrastructure improvements (e.g., will developments later be compelled to hook up to municipal sewer systems as they become available?). Therefore, the CDP LUPAG recommendations are based to some degree on where wastewater systems are available, but will also be used as rationale to justify where service should be developed or improved in urban areas as part of an infrastructure priority area. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use 9. Factor 9: Ensure that commercial designations are appropriate — (MDU). The ninth factor in developing LUPAG recommendations is based on the Community Objective #5, which states: "Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl." While there are several economic development objectives in the CDP, in determining appropriate levels of commercial and higher density residential development, it has become clear that the LUPAG MDU category should be reserved for urban areas with an adequate population to support this level of residential and commercial density. The LUPAG MDU category is characterized as village and neighborhood commercial, allowing for single family and multiple family residential and related functions ('multiple family' residential is described as up to 35 units per acre). For most areas of the Planning Area, this is a dramatically higher density than currently developed or that is desired by their respective communities. Therefore, in several areas the MDU node was either condensed to a smaller area, or completely removed. For the smaller towns with no MDU areas designated, there are several zoning categories available under LUPAG LDU that can accommodate small-scale commercial services. Examples of condensed MDU areas can be seen in Papa'ikou, Pa'auilo, Laupahoehoe, and HonomG; examples of where MDU areas were removed can be seen in Hakalau, and Haina. See also Policy 3. 10. Factor 10: Ensure that industrial designations are appropriate and consistent. This tenth factor used in evaluating LUPAG designations is based on Community Objectives #1, #2, and #9, which state: "Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices." "Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character." "Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close to home and that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage." Many industrial sites have historically been sited on coastal properties and/or near streams. This is generally no longer essential to the functionality of a modern industrial project, and the environmental controls in place at the State and Federal level can create regulatory challenges in redeveloping sites for heavy industrial uses. Also, the current LUPAG Industrial designation covers a broad range of industrial uses ranging from light industrial (e.g., bakeries) to heavy industrial (e.g., pulp mills), so the LUPAG designation needs to be applied carefully. There are also many inconsistencies with sites formerly used for industrial purposes in the Planning Area that were not in the corresponding State Land Use Urban District or zoned by the County as industrial. It is important to note that in those cases, if APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use the area no longer has industrial uses, that property is not 'grandfathered' to be used or redeveloped for industrial uses. In those cases where a former industrial site was not in the State Land Use Urban district and it does not have County industrial zoning, the CDP strategy was to reevaluate the site and determine if it is still appropriate to designate it LUPAG Industrial. In many cases, due to environmental factors such as coastal locations, recommendations are made to designate these areas consistent with their underlying State Land Use District. LUPAG Industrial changes are proposed, including consolidations or additions, in Papa'ikou, Pepe'ekeo, Hakalau, 'O'okala, Pa'auilo, Haina, and P5'auhau. For an in-depth analysis of CDP recommendations for each area, please refer to: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/20160223IndustrialLUPAGTable.pdf . See also Policy 6 for guidance regarding other areas for industrial uses in the Planning Area. See 3.1.7 Land Use Guide Maps Recommended Changes and Rationale to see maps and rationale for proposed LUPAG changes. Policy 2 Land use designation changes that would result in new State Land Use Urban or new County zoning for residential, commercial, or industrial uses outside a designated Urban Growth Boundary shall be within the Special Management Area. Rationale: To further Community Objectives #1 and #2 in guiding development, a review of the current land uses and designations in coastal areas was performed and changes are recommended in areas not yet developed but that currently have LUPAG designations that encourage future development in these coastal areas. Recommendations are made in these undeveloped coastal areas to protect the shoreline as open space and priority viewsheds whenever possible. See related Policy 5. This policy is consistent with existing General Plan Policy 8.3 (d), "Protect the shoreline from the encroachment of man-made improvements and structures" and (HRS 205A-2(c)(3(D)), "Encourage those developments that are not coastal dependent to locate in inland areas." See Factor 1 from Policy 1, above. This priority is reflected in the location of "Low Density Urban" (LDU) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map. Examples of this can be seen in the proposed changes to Papa'ikou, and 'O'okala. Policy 3 Focus higher density residential and commercial areas (greater than 6 units/acre) in communities that can sustain a higher intensity of uses and where these residential and commercial uses are consistent with the existing town character. Smaller villages and towns are encouraged to develop neighborhood -scale commercial uses allowed within the Low Density Urban category. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use This is reflected in the location of "Medium Density Urban" (MDU) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map. See section 3.1.6 Land Use Guide Maps, Figures 2-13, and refer to the rationale document for specifics on how the LUPAG MDU category changes are being implemented for each area. Rationale: In the General Plan, the LUPAG MDU, or Medium Density Urban category is characterized as village and neighborhood commercial, allowing for single family and multiple family residential and related functions (multiple family residential — up to 35 units per acre). Small towns in the Hamakua Planning Area often do not meet the necessary population or visitor threshold to sustain this type of residential density or commercial uses. Towns that do not meet this minimum threshold are encouraged to develop appropriately -scaled commercial uses according to the commercial zoning designations allowed within the LDU category. See also Factor 9, from Policy 1. This CDP policy is based on Community Objective 5, 6, 9, and 10 and focuses primarily on preserving small-town character while allowing flexibility for mixed-use neighborhood businesses. Note: the identified MDU category shown on the CDP Land Use Guide Maps are general guides to allow for flexibility, especially for any parcel that contain both LDU and MDU designations. There are many commercial uses that currently are only allowed under the Medium -Density Urban LUPAG category and yet, if the MDU were further expanded, it would allow for uncharacteristically high residential density in areas where such density may not be appropriate. It should be noted that Change of Zone requests within the LUPAG LDU category for commercial uses that are only allowed within the LUPAG MDU should be given careful consideration as to the community benefits, potential impacts, and for consistency with other Hamakua CDP policies and Objectives. Policy 4 In order to preserve larger lot agricultural lands for productive agricultural use, allow rural development on lands near urban areas where an intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is consistent with the surrounding uses and rural character. This is reflected in the location of "Rural' (R) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map, which is intended to facilitate changes of zone to "Family Agricultural District" (FA). The intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is intended to serve as: ■ A low density area that provides a transitional use buffer area between strictly residential and commercially productive agriculture areas, and; ■ A mix of personal or family -scale productive commercial or subsistence agricultural use on all newly established parcels in the Rural area, and; ■ Areas with parcels having a median size of between 2 — 3 acres but not to facilitate subdivision of parcels less than 1 acre in size. Agricultural areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary and outside designated Rural areas are to be preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty areas. See Policy 5. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use Rationale: The recent growth within the Hamakua Planning Area has primarily occurred on mauka agricultural lands and in the homestead areas. Particularly in the homestead areas, the parcels are often already smaller sizes than their underlying zoning designation; for example, there are many homestead areas with agricultural lots sized less than twenty acres despite their Ag -20 zoning. These preexisting lots have created a challenging land use scenario because in practice, the majority of these areas are "de facto" rural subdivisions within a State and County land use system that historically underutilized the State Land Use Rural District and Rural LUPAG designations. This policy is intended to set appropriate criteria for when the Rural designation can be used and recommended. Note, the General Plan's LUPAG description for Rural describes the category as including existing subdivisions in the State Land Agricultural and Rural districts that have a significant residential component. While rural lot sizes can vary from 9,000 -square feet to five acres, new recommended Rural designations in the Hamakua CDP have corresponding County zoning densities of a maximum of 1 unit per 1 acre. As noted in the General Plan, the allowable uses within these areas (with appropriate zoning) may include commercial facilities that serve the residential and agricultural uses in the area, and community and public facilities. The Rural designation does not necessarily mean that these areas should be further subdivided to smaller lots as most lack the infrastructure necessary to allow further subdivision. The General Plan describes rural development this way: "Rural -style residential -agricultural developments may include either new small-scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities. Such development provides opportunities for a mix of residential and small-scale agricultural activities. However, the primary intent of these developments would be to provide an added range to housing opportunities. Along with this housing, the large lots of these rural areas will provide opportunities for part-time agriculture, gardening activities and the raising of livestock on a small scale. By providing opportunities to satisfy the demand for a rural lifestyle on marginal agricultural land, the pressures to develop important agricultural land for these purposes would be decreased." (General Plan 14.2.1) This General Plan description of rural -style residential -agriculture developments presents some ambiguity, particularly about what constitutes "marginal agricultural lands" that are appropriate for this style of rural residential development. For the purposes of the Hamakua CDP, the intent of recommending LUPAG Rural designations in some areas is to accommodate existing land uses, to create a transition area of small farm/residential land uses between the urban LDU and the larger lot agricultural areas (often zoned Ag -20), and to accommodate a flexibility in housing options to provide an incentive to develop rural parcels closer to residential communities with adequate infrastructure instead of developing rural -residential uses on large, potentially productive agricultural lands. See also Factor 3, from Policy 1. For more information on homestead and rural settlements, see pages 174-176 of Appendix V413. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use Policy 5 In the CDP Land Use Guide Map, the Urban Growth Boundary between developed areas (designated "Low/Medium Density Urban") and lands designated as Agricultural or Rural are intended to direct growth in the Hamakua CDP planning area. Areas that are clearly beyond designated Urban Growth Boundaries shall be preserved as rural or agricultural lands to maintain open space, scenic view planes, and natural beauty areas. Note: See Policy 6 for more information on Industrial areas. This policy clarifies that the Urban Boundary established with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map establishes specific Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) at the intersection between Urban and Rural/Agricultural land uses. The CDP strategy of mapping parcel -specific Urban designations whenever possible adds clarity and specificity, increases transparency into the land use designation process, and more accurately reflects the County's and the Community's land use goals and intentions. Rationale: The Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) identifies areas where growth will be encouraged and areas that are to be protected for agriculture. UGBs are intended to accommodate anticipated growth and to separate areas appropriate for future residential development from areas intended for agricultural use. This is sometimes referred to as "Town and Country" zoning, which requires that development occur only in towns and villages, with the surrounding rural areas remaining undeveloped and available for farming, forestry, natural area preservation, and recreation. The LUPAG map includes land use categories that effectively establish an UGB between the agricultural categories (Orchard, Extensive Agriculture, and Important Agriculture), the rural category, and the urban categories (Low, Medium, and High Density Urban, Industrial, Urban Expansion, and Resort). This policy clarifies that the UGB established with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map establishes parcel specific UGBs whenever practical. This strategy of using more specific parcel recommendations for the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map reflects a shift from the 2005 General Plan's LUPAG direction of being generalized mapping guidance. (See the rationale for Policy 1 for a further discussion of the General Plan LUPAG). As noted, the LUPAG maps were originally broad, flexible tools intended to guide the direction and types of desirable growth for each area of the County. This general approach to guiding land use and growth allowed for interpretive flexibility and was based, at least in part, on the challenges of creating detailed maps specific enough to demonstrate land use designations at a parcel level. However, by allowing general, 'blob' style LUPAG maps, parcels were often split into various LUPAG designations in ways that were more arbitrary than they were intentional. This, at times, led to property owners desiring clearer direction about their land use designations and future development options, and this has led some property owners to seek further Planning Department interpretations of their property in relation to the general LUPAG designations. Now that the CDPs have the opportunity and the technology to easily and efficiently create more specific maps, it is a more proactive planning strategy to clearly articulate future preferred land use designations at a parcel level, whenever practical, and decrease the prevalence of splitting LUPAG designations arbitrarily. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use A compelling reason for an exception to this approach would be when part of a parcel is in an Open LUPAG designation (such as when part of a parcel is within the State Land Use Conservation district — e.g., along the coastline or in mauka forests). Any part of a parcel that is designated as LUPAG Open would remain Open for that specific area of the parcel. Other exceptions to this parcel - specific strategy would be when the parcel is large and may need to reflect two (or more) different types of LUPAG designations. For example, when the parcel borders a town where part of it would be within the Urban Growth Boundary, and yet the large parcel stretches farther into agricultural areas where an Agricultural designation is appropriate. The CDP strategy of making specific parcel -level recommendations at the Urban Boundary line for LUPAG designations adds clarity, specificity, and increases transparency into the land use designation process and more accurately reflects the County's and the Community's land use goals and intentions. Policy 6 Until the General Plan identifies appropriate areas or criteria for Industrial development to occur in the Hamakua Planning Area, industrial uses may be permitted outside LUPAG Industrial designated areas through the following regulatory review processes: ■ LUPAG Amendment and Change of Zone: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Urban district, a LUPAG amendment and change of zone request to the appropriate industrial zoning could be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis; ■ Special Use: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Agricultural or Rural District, and the project type is consistent with a permitted use of either limited -industrial (ML) or commercial -industrial zoning (MCX), the special use permit process would be the appropriate review mechanism to evaluate the specific parameters of the proposal and set any mitigating conditions. Any requests for Industrial uses shall be carefully evaluated for potential impacts and consistency with CDP policies and objectives, HRS 205 (including the land study bureau's detailed land agricultural land productivity rating), and the General Plan. Industrial development shall be located in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure (General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (e)). Rationale: This is an affirmation of General Plan policy 14.4.3(e) and is in line with Community Objective 5. It also affirms General Plan policies 14.4.5.2.2 (b) (South Hilo), 14.4.5.3.2 (a) (North Hilo), and 14.4.5.4.2 (a) (Hamakua), "Identify sites suitable for future industrial activities as the need arises." As noted in Factor 10 from Policy 1, the majority of the currently zoned Industrial areas in the Planning Area are no longer seen as suitable for heavy industry since these types of uses are generally considered to be offensive or have some element of danger. Many industrial properties are legacy zoning remnants from the sugar plantations and are sited in environmentally sensitive locations (see also Policy 2). This policy differentiates between two types of regulatory mechanisms and clarifies which process could be pursued. This policy demonstrates flexibility on a case-by-case APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use basis in considering future Industrial uses until the General Plan identifies appropriate locations for Industrial uses. There is an identified lack of land zoned Industrial or designated as Industrial in the LUPAG maps, and there is a growing need in the Planning Area for industrial applications — primarily light - industrial and commercial -industrial. The policy strategy of allowing some types of lighter (less noxious) industrial uses in the State Land Use Agricultural District through the special permit process is seen as advantageous over a property being rezoned for the following reasons: 1) a change of zone is a permanent change of use to the property, and (2) the industrial zoning categories allow for a spectrum of uses that can vary widely in their potential noxious impacts. On the other hand, the special permit process involves a project -specific review with a similar regulatory and public review period as change of zone requests, it can set conditions to mitigate potential impacts, and importantly, it can be revoked for noncompliance issues or if the use authorized by the use permit has been abandoned for a continuous period of two years (HCC §25-2-67). Until the General Plan Update completes in-depth analysis of the Hamakua Planning Area and identifies appropriate places for Industrial LUPAG designations, this flexibility in considering industrial special permit applications is an effective strategy to deal with the Planning Area's lack of Industrial land options. Policy 7 In the CDP Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua Planning Area, in the "Low Density Urban" (LDU) and Medium Density Urban (MDU) categories, variances or PUDs that maintain consistent village/town character shall be encouraged in those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are inconsistent with the character of surrounding neighborhoods. Rationale: Pursuant to HCC sections 23-15 and 25-2-51, a variance from the provisions of the zoning or subdivision codes may be granted by the Planning Director if there are special or unusual circumstances applying to the subject real property which exist to a degree which obviously interferes with the best use or manner of development of that property. The variance must be consistent with the general purpose of the district, the intent and purpose of the County Code and the General Plan, and not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or cause substantial, adverse impact to an area's character or to adjoining properties. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) are essentially packages of variances for a minimum land area of two acres. Pursuant to HCC section 25-6-1, the purpose of PUDs is to encourage comprehensive site planning that adapts the design of development to the land by allowing diversification in the relationships of various uses, buildings, structures, open spaces, setbacks, building heights, and lot sizes. According to Section 25- 6-10, some of the criteria for a PUD are as follows: ■ (b) The proposed development substantially conforms to the general plan, any adopted community development plan, other adopted master plan, and if applicable, any adopted design guidelines and/or standards affecting the project area. ■ (c) Any residential or agricultural development shall constitute an environment of sustained desirability and stability for the district that is in harmony with the character of the surrounding area, that results in an intensity of land use no higher than that otherwise specified for the APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use district, and that maintains the standards of open space at least as high as that otherwise specified for the district in which the development occurs. ■ (d) Any commercial development shall not create traffic congestion which exceeds that which would have been produced under conventional development patterns, practices and standards in the district or interfere with any projected public improvements, shall provide for proper entrances and exits along with proper provisions for internal traffic and parking, and be an attractive center which does not adversely impact upon adjacent and surrounding existing or prospective developments. ■ (e) Any industrial development shall be in conformity with desirable performance standards and shall constitute an efficient and well organized development with adequate provisions for freight service and necessary storage, and shall not adversely impact upon adjacent and surrounding existing or prospective development. ■ (f) The development of a harmonious, integrated whole justifies exceptions, if required, to the normal requirements of this chapter, and the contemplated arrangements or use make it desirable to apply regulations and requirements differing from those ordinarily applicable under the district regulations. The proposed development substantially conforms to the general plan and any applicable community development plan. The intent of this policy is to encourage the use of these planning tools to support development and construction that reflect community values of architectural beauty and distinctiveness (refer to Community Objective #4 in relation to "heritage assets" and "distinctive plantation towns"). Policy 8 In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions in coastal areas, subdivisions shall be encouraged to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant to HCC Section 25-6-20, in order to achieve CDP objectives in relation to preserving open space, recreational areas, or scenic viewsheds. (See Corresponding Policy 13 relating to coastal buffer areas) Rationale: The intent of this policy is to encourage and incentivize clustering development to leave a buffer of natural area along the shoreline. Cluster Development is a site planning approach that is an alternative to conventional subdivision development. It groups residential properties in a proposed subdivision closer together in order to utilize the rest of the land for open space, recreation, or to preserve viewsheds. The County zoning code allows for Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) in order "to provide exceptions to the density requirements of the single-family residential (RS) district so that permitted density of dwelling units contemplated by the minimum building site requirements is maintained on an overall basis and desirable open space, tree cover, recreational areas, or scenic vistas are preserved." (Section 25-6-20. Purpose) The County Planning Department should develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments in coastal areas that leave natural, open space buffer areas along the shoreline (incentives could include expedited planning review, density bonuses, etc.). See Policy 13. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use Policy 9 The Director of Planning shall offer a favorable recommendation to the Planning Commissions, subject to appropriate conditions, only for those proposed zoning code amendments that would further the intent and ensure consistency with the objectives and policies of the Hamakua CDP. (HCC 25-2-42 (c) (1) and 25-2-44) Rationale: This policy is a re -articulation of existing requirements set forth in Hawai'i County Code Ch. 25-2-42(c)(1) and Ch. 25-2-44. It is important that future rezones in the Hamakua Planning Area be consistent with the objectives and policies of the CDP. Pursuant to HCC 25-2-42(c)(1), when considering a proposed amendment to the zoning code, the Planning Director, "shall recommend either the approval or denial of the proposed amendment to the commission subject to conditions which would further the intent of this chapter and the general plan and other related ordinances" (e.g., Community Development Plans). This policy ensure that the Planning Director's recommendations on future rezones will be consistent with the Hamakua CDP. Policy 10 Variances from the zoning or subdivision codes (including PUDs) shall be carefully considered relative to Hamakua CDP objectives and policies, and, when approved, shall be conditioned to ensure consistency with the CDP. (HCC 23-6, 23-15(c), 23-18, 25-2-51(c), 25-2-54(b), and 25-6-6(b) and Planning Commission Rule 16-4(b)(6)) Rationale: This policy expands on existing requirements set forth in HCC 23-6, 23-15(c), 23-18, 25-2- 51(c), 25-2-54(b), and 25-6-6(b) and Planning Commission Rule 16-4(b)(6). The Planning Director can approve variances from provisions of the zoning and subdivision codes to accommodate special circumstances, where no alternatives exist, and if they are consistent with the General Plan and are not detrimental to the public welfare or cause substantial adverse impact to the area's character or adjoining properties. The Director may also impose conditions on variances. This policy simply requires that the Director consider and approve variances in a manner consistent with the Hamakua CDP. See related Policy 6 and Policy 8. This policy is to meet the community's objectives (#2 and #5) with the specific intention of ensuring that variances for zoning and subdivision codes are consistent with the goals of preserving town character, agricultural land, open space, and limiting rural sprawl. The lack of infrastructure has not been an adequate impediment to rural residential growth due to the ease of applicants receiving variances to subdivision codes (road and water variances on Agricultural land are the leading variances sought for the Hamakua Planning Area). See Appendix V4, pages 177-259 for more information on growth patterns within the Hamakua Planning Area. Policy 11 When considering variances to the requirements of the zoning and subdivision chapters of the County Code for consolidation and resubdivision actions of the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, the Planning Director shall carefully consider how to best further the public welfare relative to the objectives and policies of the Hamakua CDP. Specifically, the Director, 1) should confer with all APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use appropriate agencies, 2) shall, if the new subdivision will include lots smaller than otherwise permitted in the subject zone, endeavor to locate those smaller lots in LDU, MDU, or Industrial areas and near existing towns/villages and thoroughfares, and 3) shall require necessary improvements. (HCC 23-6, 23-7, and 25-2-11). Rationale: This policy is based on existing requirements and instructs the Planning Director to use the authority in HCC sections 23-6, 23-7, and 25-2-11 to achieve Community Objectives, which specify that the public welfare will be advanced by protecting forest and shoreline ecosystems, assuring public access, preserving agricultural land, enhancing viewscapes, concentrating new development in town/village centers, and protecting historic buildings and archeological and historic sites. As stated in the aforementioned existing codes, the Planning Director should confer with the Director of Public Works, the Manager of the Department of Water Supply, and he/she may confer with other agencies In addition, the Planning Director may require improvements to further public welfare and safety. 3.1.5 county Action Policy 12 Amend the General Plan to reflect the following changes: • The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide should be amended to be consistent with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map. If the definitions of land use designations in the General Plan are revised, the following factors should guide land use designations in the Hamakua Planning Area: — Factor 1: Minimize new coastal development — Factor 2: Minimize encroachment onto agricultural lands — Factor 3: Align with State Land Use District Boundary — Factor 4: Align with County zoning — Factor 5: Accommodate projected population growth — Factor 6: Align with infrastructure — Potable Water — Factor 7: Align with infrastructure — Roadway Network — Factor 8: Align with infrastructure — Wastewater — Factor 9: Ensure that commercial designations are appropriate (MDU) — Factor 10: Ensure that industrial designations are appropriate and consistent More details on these factors can be found in the Appendix V. CDP Policy Rationale. While these factors cannot be applied absolutely in every land use situation, they should be considered as important criteria when amending the General Plan. • Amend General Plan Table 14-5 to reflect the following LUPAG map amendments: Papa'ikou, Papa'aloa, and Pa'auilo should no longer be identified as LUPAG Industrial areas. Rationale: This policy seeks to bring the General Plan's LUPAG designations in line with current and desired future land use. Taking the step of officially amending the General Plan's LUPAG maps to align with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map is critical because the General Plan is the 'parent' document of Hawai'i County's community development plans. If the General Plan LUPAG maps are APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use not amended, the General Plan's current LUPAG guidance have authority over the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map's recommendations. See Policy 1 for a discussion of the various Hamakua CDP LUPAG recommended changes. Policy 13 Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments that leave natural, open space buffer areas along the shoreline, streams, and gulches, or adjacent to forest, conservation areas, or other culturally/environmentally sensitive areas. Rationale: See the rationale for corresponding Policy 8. Policy 14 To ensure the preservation of historic and cultural village character, provide technical support to develop Town Revitalization Plans. Rationale: This policy is an acknowledgement that more collaborative work is needed from both the community and the Planning Department in order to realize the goals and objectives of revitalized towns in the Hamakua Planning Area. This policy directs the County to provide the necessary technical support to communities interested in developing their own town revitalization plans, which may include assistance in forming associations for Business Improvement Districts to seek grant funding, etc. For more information, see pages 102-113 of Appendix V4C. See also Community Action 46. ;.1.6 `"ammunity Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. ..y Land Use Guide Maps Recommended Changes and Rationale Note: All references to the 2005 General Plan refer to the County of Hawai'i General Plan February 2005 (As Amended). Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map Rationale: The Wainaku/Kaiwiki community is considered a 'bedroom extension' of Hilo due to its proximity and lack of urban core. The Land Use Guide Map directs future Low Density Urban growth within the existing urban neighborhoods along Wainaku Street and up an intermittent corridor up Kaiwiki Road until approximately the gym area. Along the lower section of Kaiwiki Road, it remains as consistent as possible with the current LUPAG LDU designation except that it is more parcel -specific at its southern edge (it eliminates splitting designations within parcels). The recommended change also designates LUPAG Rural for several parcels just mauka of Maikalani Street. In the area south of Kulana Kea Drive, the recommended change is to designate a few of these parcels as LUPAG Rural in order to keep this area consistent with its current land use as a large lot rural subdivision, to accommodate rural development, and preserve the larger agricultural parcels mauka for productive agriculture. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use In summary, the changes for Wainaku result in an overall shrinking of the LUPAG LDU area and add the LUPAG Rural Designation in some larger lots off Kaiwiki and some mauka of Ha'aheo School. The advantages to these proposed changes will be that growth at the Low Density Urban densities will be guided closer to Wainaku Street, while some areas mauka of the LDU areas will be Rural parcels to accommodate the desire for small family/subsistence farms and to preserve larger agricultural lands (mauka the gym) to remain intact for productive agricultural use. See the rationale for policies: Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information, refer to pages 178-184 of Appendix V413. Pauka'a Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Pauka'a is considered a'bedroom extension' of Hilo due to its proximity to Hilo and its lack of commercial core. The current LUPAG Low Density Urban designation makai of the Highway 19 stretches from Honoli'i all the way to Papa'ikou in a relatively solid block, while the mauka LDU extends into agricultural lands adjacent to the Honoli'i Stream/gulch area. The CDP Land Use Guide Map designates the LDU area makai of the Highway 19 extending north to the Hikini Place neighborhood to be consistent with the existing State Land Use Urban District. Mauka of Highway 19, the proposed LUPAG LDU and Rural designations extend into the smaller agricultural areas along the mauka edge of Kulana Street in order to accommodate residential and rural development options and in order to preserve the larger areas of agricultural lands mauka for productive agriculture. In summary, the recommendations for Pauka'a result in an overall shrinking of the LDU area on the makai side of the highway, and add the Rural Designation in the larger lots mauka of Kulana Street. The advantages to these proposed changes will be that growth at the LDU density will be kept closer to already developed areas and mauka of the highway, while allowing larger -lot rural parcels to develop mauka of the LDU neighborhoods to accommodate the desire for small family/subsistence farms and to preserve the large acreage agricultural lands to remain intact for productive agricultural use. See the rationale for policies Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information, refer to pages 178-184 of Appendix V413. Papa'ikou Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Papa'ikou is a rural plantation town with remnants of a historic urban core located primarily on the mauka side of the Belt Highway. The town is surrounded by working agricultural and homestead lands. The current LUPAG LDU extends makai of the Highway 19 from Pauka'a in a solid block north to Kalaoa Stream and to the Onomea Bay area. The current LUPAG LDU extends mauka along the lower sections of Ka'ie'ie Road, Kalaoa Road, and Papa'ikou Road, and encompasses loosely (but not completely) the area of Pu'u'eo Paku. The CDP land use guide adjusts the makai coastal agricultural areas between Mill Road and makai of Kalaniana'ole School to LUPAG Agricultural to be consistent with their current County zoning and the State Land Use Agricultural District. The objective here is to protect productive agricultural lands and their associated open space and viewshed assets within the coastal and SMA lands makai of the Highway 19 (see Policy 2), and to shift the potential urban growth of Papa'ikou to the lands adjacent to existing neighborhoods mauka of Highway 19. The CDP land use guide map consolidates the MDU designation from the mauka side of the Old Mamalahoa Highway at approximately the community center/gym area, to only the existing MDU area on the mauka side of Highway 19 at Government Road (originally, the LUPAG showed two separate medium -density -urban nodes within Papa'ikou mauka of the Highway 19). The CDP land use guide map recommends removal of the LUPAG Industrial designation for the area makai of Mill Road at the old Mill site for the following reasons: 1) to be consistent with its State Land Use designation of Agricultural District; 2) in order to convey the preferred land use for that area (due to the site's proximity to the ocean, this property is no longer seen as suitable for heavy industry and therefore the preferred land use would be for it to be consistent with its State Land Use designation, which is Agricultural); and 3) to more accurately reflect the current land use for this property (this former industrial area is currently zoned Ag -3 and developed for agriculture - residential use). See the rationale for Policy 6. In summary, the proposed changes for Papa'ikou effectively shrinks the LDU areas, guides residential and commercial growth away from the coastline and keeps it primarily mauka of Highway 19, and eliminates an obsolete LUPAG Industrial designation. No LUPAG Rural areas are proposed in Papa'ikou due to the prevalence of the surrounding existing rural -style, smaller agricultural parcels in the homestead areas (e.g., Ka'ie'ie Road and Kalaoa Road). These homestead areas contain previous lots of record that were created prior to statehood, and they accommodate an excess of rural APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use development into the agricultural mauka areas along the homestead roads. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3. Policy 4 and Policy 5, and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information, refer to pages 185-188 of Appendix V413. Pepe'ekeo Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Pepe'ekeo is the second largest town in the Planning Area and is unique in that it was largely designed as a planned subdivision to consolidate nearby plantation camp housing. The town is split by Highway 19 and has a separate urban node at Pepe'ekeo Point. The surrounding land outside the town is productive agricultural and homestead areas. The CDP land use guide map recommends a consolidation of the LUPAG Industrial designation near the coast at Pepe'ekeo Point to the appropriate parcels that are potentially being developed as a power plant — but limits that designation from extending further into adjacent parcels that are either best suited for agricultural purposes or are currently being used as residential/agricultural lands. While the CDP recommends consolidating or removing portions of the Industrial designation, this parcel still maintains their underlying State Land Use District and their County zoning. The CDP also recommends adding a LUPAG Industrial area to the site (TMK: 2-8-008:103) formerly used as a scrap metal base yard due to it being zoned as Industrial. See LUPAG for a discussion of LUPAG Industrial significance. The CDP land use guide map designates a more parcel -specific and compact LDU area in Pepe'ekeo, and added Rural designations along the southern boundary of town (near Wai'a'ama Stream) to reflect the rural nature of these larger residential/agricultural parcels (these parcels are currently zoned Ag -1.). This area currently is not served the County water or wastewater service and by designating these lands as LUPAG Rural (as opposed to LUPAG LDU), it effectively limits their future capacity to subdivide and thereby provides a buffer between the more densely compacted urban neighborhoods of Pepe'ekeo and the rural areas near Wai'a'ama Stream. See Policy 4. The LUPAG MDU is consolidated from being two separate nodes into one single node around Ka'akepa and Kumula Street (mauka of Highway 19) to Andrade Road because the existing second designation of LUPAG MDU close to Wai'a'ama Stream was likely a mapping discrepancy. See Policy 3. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use In summary, the proposed changes for Pepe'ekeo effectively shrink the LUPAG LDU away from larger lot agricultural areas and clearly define the town's urban border. The changes designate Industrial land uses to specific parcels either in current industrial uses or proposed for industrial redevelopment, and they add Rural designations in a limited area to provide a buffer of larger -lot rural development between residential neighborhoods and Wai'a'ama Stream. See the rationale for policies: Policy 3. Policy 4 and Policy 5, and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information, refer to pages 189-196 of Appendix V413. Honomu Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Honomu is a rural plantation town surrounded by agricultural lands. It has a strong town center with historic buildings, a traditional main street structure, it is located mauka but in close proximity of Highway 19, and the community maintains a strong sense of place. It serves as a gateway community to nearby'Akaka Falls State Park. The CDP land use guide map recommends moving the LUPAG MDU area to the correct "downtown area" to overlap with County zoning and current land uses. The current LUPAG MDU designation is a mapping discrepancy that inadvertently overlaps residential neighborhoods such as Kalani Loop and the County Park instead of the commercial area. The CDP land use guide map recommends the LUPAG LDU area to be more consistent with the State Land Use Urban District, and to be more parcel -specific (whenever feasible). The existing LDU in Honomu does not currently encompass the State Land Use (SLU) Urban District, which is likely a mapping discrepancy — and so the CDP recommends expanding the LUPAG LDU to include the entire SLU Urban District. The LDU is also expanded slightly in the parcels across from the park on the makai side of the road, and the one existing parcel where the CDP recommends two split designations is TMK 2-8-013:036 due to its long length running mauka-makai adjacent to the urban area. The makai area of this parcel is recommended to remain in the LUPAG Agriculture designation. The LUPAG LDU is also expanded in a few parcels along Stable Camp Road and 'Akaka Falls Road mauka of the park to encompass the existing LUPAG LDU designated parcels without recommending additional split - designated parcels. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use In summary, the proposed changes for Honomu effectively shrink the LDU away from larger lot agricultural areas and clearly define the town's urban border. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3, and Policy 5and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information, refer to pages 197-200 of Appendix V413. Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map Rationale: The Hakalau and Wailea communities are inexorably linked together in identity but geographically divided by Highway 19. Both are traditional plantation towns surrounded by working agriculture with historic buildings on both sides of Highway 19. For the Hakalau coastal area, the CDP land use guide map designates the current LUPAG Industrial area to be designated as LUPAG Open to convey the preferred land use for that area. Currently the LUPAG Industrial designation stretches across multiple parcels, including a County -owned parcel and several residential parcels. There are three shoreline parcels with County Industrial zoning, one of which is owned by the County (TMK 2-9-002:080) and contains the steep gulch and Hakalau beach park area, and the other two (TMK 2-9-002:079 and 2-9-002081) are privately owned and possibly intended for redevelopment. Note: while the CDP recommends changing the designation for these parcels to LUPAG Open, the land maintains its underlying Industrial zoning and its associated permitted uses (the CDP does not have authority to change zoning). Due to the site's proximity to the ocean and Hakalau Stream, this parcel is no longer seen as ideal for heavy industry and therefore, the proposed designation conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support a zoning change to a less intensive use, such as LUPAG Open. The designation of LUPAG Open was chosen as the community's preference after lengthy discussions relating to protecting coastal resources, viewshed preservation, and a desire for preserving open space. See the guiding principles for proposing LUPAG changes under the rationale for Policy 1. The LDU designation is made to better align with the State Land Use Urban District and to move the LUPAG urban designations away from the agricultural lands along Highway 19. Considering the infill potential with current land use designations, there is adequate development potential in the Wailea/Hakalau area to accommodate the anticipated growth without further encroachment into working agricultural lands. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use The MDU area in Hakalau is removed and designated as LUPAG LDU. Since there are existing nodes of commercially zoned parcels in Hakalau and Wailea, it is not necessary to maintain LUPAG designations for the types of density or uses that LUPAG MDU would allow. Again, while the CDP does not change the underlying State Land Use District or County Zoning, it is the County's preferred land use for these towns to be revitalized at an appropriate scale to their surroundings, and the LUPAG MDU designation is now seen as an excessive approach to small town development goals. For more information on what commercial/neighborhood uses the LUPAG LDU designation allows, see LUPAG and Policy 3 In summary, the proposed changes for Hakalau effectively shrink the LUPAG LDU away from Highway 19 and the larger lot agricultural areas, and clearly define the town's urban border; they remove the LUPAG Industrial designation along the coastal area, and they remove the MDU designations to ensure that commercial development is at the appropriate scale for the character and population of the town. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3, Policy 4 and Policy 5' and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 201-204 of Appendix V413. Ninole Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Ninole is a small plantation village in close proximity to the coastline along Highway 19 in North Hilo District. It is surrounded by productive agricultural lands. Ninole has no LUPAG MDU, commercial zoning, or Industrial zoning. Ninole is one of the few areas in the Planning Area that contains existing LUPAG Rural designations, is within the State Land Use Rural District, and has County Residential -Agriculture zoning. The recommended changes to Ninole are to change some of the LUPAG Low Density Urban designations that currently exist in the mauka areas of the village to be LUPAG Rural. Instead of adding the level of density that LUPAG LDU would allow (6 units per acre; minimum building lot can be 7,500 sq. ft.), it is more consistent with the current and desired land uses to keep Ninole a rural community without dramatically increasing density in the near future. Considering that Ninole does not currently have any urban zoned neighborhoods and is not in close proximity to basic services such as a grocery store, if the CDP were to support the mauka area of the village as LUPAG Low Density Urban, it could APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use encourage a dramatically altered character and growth pattern for this rural village. The current recommendations do allow for a few split LUPAG designations between LUPAG Rural and LUPAG Agriculture due to their existing split -designations of their underlying State Land Use District (the split is between SLU Rural and SLU Agriculture in a few of the large mauka parcels). In summary, the proposed changes for Ninole provide guidance for growth consistent with the rural character of Ninole. See the rationale for policies: Policy 4 and Policy 5, and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 205-208 of Appendix V413. Lau pahoehoe/Papa'aloa Land Use Guide Map Rationale: The coastal communities of Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, and Kapehu camp are all former plantation villages surrounded by open pastures and working agriculture in close proximity to each other. Laupahoehoe is the largest town in the North Hilo District and contains a strip of commercial lands along the Old Mamalahoa Highway just mauka of Highway 19. Papa'aloa has a parcel with commercial zoning located makai of the Highway 19 and three parcels with Industrial zoning in close proximity to the shoreline. Kapehu is a small coastal subdivision with no commercial components but does have its own independent wastewater system. The recommended changes to Kapehu are to shrink the LUPAG LDU to be more parcel specific (this area is in the State Land Use Urban District). This subdivision is a built -out neighborhood surrounded by agricultural lands in close proximityto the shoreline; therefore, further expansion of the residential uses into the surrounding agricultural lands or toward the shoreline are not preferred growth scenarios. The recommended changes to Papa'aloa are to designate the LUPAG Low Density Urban areas mauka of the Highway 19 to be more consistent with the State Land Use Urban District. It is recommended to remove the LUPAG Medium Density Urban designation since the necessary services and commercial uses could be accommodated under the LUPAG LDU designation, and the increased density that the LUPAG MDU allows for is not appropriate for this small coastal community (see Policy 2 and Policy 3). The coastal parcels south of the Papa'aloa store with County Industrial zoning are APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use recommended to be designated as LUPAG LDU, or for the County -owned site, LUPAG Open since this would be consistent with the neighboring park parcel and since Industrial uses are no longer desirable in such close proximity to the shoreline. See the Note below for more information on LUPAG and County Zoning. The recommended changes to Laupahoehoe are to lengthen the MDU area along the Old Mamalahoa Highway to allow for increased flexibility in revitalizing the commercial core of the town and in response to recent development trends in that area, and to align the makai and mauka LDU boundaries to be more consistent with the State Land Use Urban district (while accounting for topography issues such as gulches). In a few areas, the LDU is expanded beyond the State Land Use Urban district to allow for infill growth along the lower portion of Kihalani Homestead Road. The makai coastal parcels are now more parcel -specific in their LUPAG Open designations, which more closely aligns with their underlying State Conservation District. In summary, the proposed changes to the LDU areas add consistency between the State and the County designations, they lead to an overall reduced LDU area that is less, they remove the MDU area from Papa'aloa to ensure that commercial development is consistent with the rural character of the area, and they remove obsolete Industrial designations on coastal parcels. No LUPAG Rural areas are proposed for these areas due to the prevalence of the surrounding existing rural -style parcels in the homestead areas (e.g., Manowai'opae Homestead Road, Hokumahoe Road, and Kihalani Homestead Road). These homestead areas contain previous lots of record that were created prior to statehood, and they accommodate an excess of rural development in the agricultural mauka areas along the homestead roads. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 209-216 of Appendix V413. O'okala Land Use Guide Map Rationale: 'O'okala is a small plantation village located makai of Highway 19 in close proximity to the coast. It has a few parcels zoned commercial, but no current services are functioning (beyond the U.S. Post Office). 'O'okala is surrounded by open pasture and working agriculture. It contains near -shore legacy Industrial zoning from the plantation era. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use The recommended changes for'O'okala involve changing the shoreline parcel makai of the mill site from LUPAG Industrial to LUPAG Agricultural to convey the preferred land use for that area, and to more accurately reflect the current land uses. Note: while the CDP recommends removing the LUPAG Industrial designation, the land maintains its underlying Industrial zoning (the CDP does not have authority to change zoning). However, it is noted that due to the site's proximity to the ocean, this property is no longer desirable for heavy industry and therefore the preferred land use would be for it to be consistent with other surrounding State Land Use designations of Agricultural. The proposed LUPAG designation conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support a zoning change. The existing LUPAG map shows a LUPAG Urban Expansion Area on the southern side of the Industrial land along the coast makai of the Kukui Village Road and Nui Village Road. The CDP recommends eliminating this LUPAG Urban Expansion Area due to the fact that the LUPAG Urban Expansion Area is the most broadly flexible designation possible among the LUPAG categories. The Urban Expansion Area designation is flexible enough to allow for a mix of uses including heavy industrial and high density urban (HDU), neither which are compatible or desirable in this coastal location. This is the only area in the Planning Area that is designated as a LUPAG Urban Expansion Area, and it likely was designated as such in a drastically different economic and environmental climate. The CDP proposes this area be consistent with its underlying State Land Use District of Agricultural. The recommended LUPAG changes for the LDU designation are to be more consistent with the current State Land Use Urban District and current County zoning. The recommended changes do extend the LDU on an inland parcel that formerly was split -designated LUPAG Urban Expansions Area & LUPAG LDU, to accommodate for potential future growth adjacent to the commercial core of O'okala. The LDU recommendations are also retracted from the southern-mauka corner of a County -owned parcel to ensure that an open space buffer remains to protect the viewshed from the highway to O'okala village and coastal views. In summary, the proposed changes for 'O'okala result in a condensed LDU area that is more consistent with State Land Use designations, and they remove obsolete Urban Expansion and Industrial designations on coastal parcels. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). For more information on this, see pages 218-220 of Appendix V413. Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 218-220 of Appendix V413. Pa'auilo Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Pa'auilo is a small plantation village straddling Highway 19 surrounded by ranchland and other agriculture. There is some legacy Industrial land makai of town nearer the coast and there are two separate former plantation camp communities south of Pa'auilo along the Highway 19 with urban zoning. The recommended change in Pa'auilo to the LUPAG Industrial designation is to LUPAG Agricultural to be consistent with its underlying State Land Use District (Agricultural) and its current County Zoning (which is A-40). The proposed change to the LUPAG LDU is to generally follow the State Land Use District Urban District on the makai side of town (with the exception of including two smaller parcels into LDU along the north side of Pa'auilo Makai road). For the mauka side of town, the proposed change is to generally retain the current LUPAG LDU line while making it more parcel -specific. There is adequate infill potential within Pa'auilo to accommodate for reasonable growth without further encroaching onto productive agricultural lands. The recommended change to the LUPAG MDU area in Pa'auilo is to consolidate it to a smaller area mauka of Highway 19 (currently it straddles the highway) because this MDU area is larger than the population of Pa'auilo can sustain, and also, communities that allow higher densities of residential and commercial to straddle a Highway inevitably deal with traffic and safety concerns from pedestrians and vehicles crossings. See Policy 3 for more on the MDU designation changes. For the two communities of Ka'ohe and Kuka'iau, the recommendations involve shrinking the LDU to be consistent with the State Land Use Urban District. While Kuka'iau does contain some commercial zoning, both of these communities are seen as bedroom communities, and population growth projections do not warrant expanding their growth boundaries beyond the existing State Land Use Urban District and onto agricultural lands. In summary, the proposed changes for Pa'auilo result in a condensed and more specific LDU area that is more consistent with State Land Use designations, they remove obsolete Industrial designations, and they condense the MDU to a more compact area mauka of Highway 19. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3, Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 221-226 of Appendix V413. Honoka'a/Haina Land Use Guide Map Rationale: Honoka'a located primarily makai of Highway 19 and is the Planning Area's largest town. It has a strong plantation and paniolo heritage and vibrant commercial core, and serves as the gateway to Waipi'o Valley. Haina is a small plantation era town located closer to the coast, and it contains Industrial zoning flanked by compact neighborhoods. P5'auhau is another small plantation era camp community south of Honoka'a and it contains no commercial core or commercial zoning. The recommended changes in Haina involve shifting the LUPAG Industrial designation to be more consistent with current County zoning and current land use (currently the LUPAG Industrial zoning in Haina is split between 3 areas separated by residential neighborhoods — this is assumed to be a mapping discrepancy or relate to an obsolete land use proposal). The recommendations shift the the industrial designations to the parcels zoned industrial and then includes those parcels to the east to encompass the parcel with the power generation plant. The LUPAG MDU for Haina is also changed to LUPAG LDU since the higher density/uses that MDU allows is seen as unnecessary in this small village (see Policy 3). The proposed LUPAG LDU is specific in the mauka section of Haina while maintaining a distinct town 'edge' between Haina and Honoka'a by retaining an area of rural/agricultural lands between the two towns; the proposed LUPAG LDU is a split designation in some parcels (split between LUPAG LDU and LUPAG Agriculture) in the makai part of Haina to be consistent with the existing split designations of the SLU Urban district and due to the fact that these are large agricultural parcels. The recommended changes in P5'auhau involve changing the existing LUPAG Rural to LUPAG Agricultural to be consistent with its underlying Agricultural State Land Use District and County zoning (Agriculture -40). The justification is that the designation of LUPAG Rural does not provide P5'auhau any advantages because it is a fairly built -out, compact, camp -style subdivision with no commercial core. Since the Community's Objective #5 states: "direct new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl," and because P5'auhau lacks the basic services of a mixed-use town center but is built -out with little room for expansion or infill, it is not a good candidate for keeping LUPAG Rural or designating it LUPAG LDU. The proposed change also removes the LUPAG Industrial designation to be consistent with its underlying State Land Use District of Agriculture, and to be consistent with its current land uses. Note: there is no corresponding County Industrial zoning for any parcels in P5'auhau and the former industrial area in this community has been redeveloped for residential/agricultural uses. The recommended changes for Honoka'a generally shrink the LDU to be closer to the State Land Use Urban District. The proposed changes are more parcel -specific on the mauka side, whenever possible, in order to add clarity and avoid split designations in large agricultural parcels. The proposed changes also add the LUPAG Rural designation in smaller agricultural parcels makai of Honoka'a's APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use neighborhoods near Lehua Street (thereby keeping a buffer of rural and agricultural land between Honoka'a and Haina), to a few parcels bordering Honoka'a town along Honoka'a-Waipi'o Road, and to the small agricultural lots adjacent to the mauka sections of Loke Street, Pikake Street, and Ka'ao Road. This area mauka of Honoka'a is already divided into smaller agricultural lots and some are already rurally zoned (Residential Agriculture designated as RA -2a); therefore, it is seen as an appropriate area to designate as LUPAG Rural to reflect the current land uses and to encourage small farm development close to other services. In summary, the proposed changes Honoka'a and Haina result in a condensed LDU area that is more consistent with State Land Use designations, they lead to a condensed Industrial area, they remove unnecessary MDU designations in Haina, and they add Rural designations at the edges of some parts of Honoka'a where the agricultural lots were already small and rural in nature. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3, Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 227-232 of Appendix V413. Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map Rationale: The small plantation village of Kukuihaele is the closest community to Waipi'o Valley. It is comprised of a few commercially zoned historic buildings and is surrounded by open pasturelands. The recommended changes in Kukuihaele involve moving the LUPAG LDU line on the makai side to be more specific and consistent with State Land Use District lines. The LUPAG LDU line is expanded along Honoka'a-Waipi'o Road in a more consistent pattern to allow for infill growth (currently the State Land Use Urban District is interrupted by a parcel designated as part of the Agricultural District) and to avoid the existing split designations of the current LUPAG map. In summary, the proposed changes for Kukuihaele result in a condensed and more specific LDU area that is more consistent with State Land Use designations, and they guide development away from the coast in a more compact pattern. See the rationale for policies: Policy 2, Policy 3, Policy 4 and Policy 5 and the existing General Plan Policy 14.1.3 (j). Note: The CDP land use guide designations reflect the County's preferred land use for specific areas, but the CDP does not change the General Plan LUPAG map, the underlying State Land Use District, or APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use County Zoning. Even if the CDP land use guide map recommendations are incorporated into the LUPAG, a property owner may still need to go through a SLU Boundary Amendment and/or County Rezoning process to ultimately obtain a land use consistent with this designation. However, due to water system constraints in many Planning Area communities, County water system improvements may be required for a Change of Zone due to concurrency rules (see Zoning Code, §25-2-46 (m)). In other words, a CDP land use guide designation or a LUPAG designation does not automatically grant a type of land use, it merely conveys that the County Planning Department would likely support this change of land use through a SLU amendment or Change of Zone if all other requirements have been met. For more information on this, see pages 233-236 of Appendix V413. APPENDIX v5: HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I Section 3: Policy Rationale — Preferred Settlement Patterns & Land Use This page was left intentionally blank. 391 Page 3.1.8 Land Use Guide Maps Figure 1: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map Park i Wainaku Gym Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Wainaku LUPAG Designations - Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area - Rural ._• ll Hamakua CDP Boundary N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii V1,1 Inr i ng UeP,rrinro-nl GIS - N -ember 2016 `Alae Cemetery ` Ha'aheo School � Kr Fnn A PC / J t 401 Page Figure 2: Pauka`a Land Use Guide Map (Approved for 21 -lot 11 residential development) Future rod Park \ S4 ' � I it �Ir L1 j �l L i r Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Pauka`a LUPAG Designations _ Conservation Important Ag. Lands Law Density Urban - Open Area Z Rural Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 201 ri 411 Page Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Papa'ikou LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands - Industrial Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area Z Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawal'I Planning Department 615 - November 2016 Figure 3: Papa`ikou Land Use Guide Map Kalaniana`ole School Ivu`eo rl u r 421 Page o i Kula`imano Park 'tom n Figure 4: Pepe'ekeo Land Use Guide Map tiC ANQ R, Pepe'ekeo Park SJFAO Hdmdkua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Pepe'ekeo LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands - Industrial Low Density Urban ' Medium Density Urban r, - Open Area 1 . Rural N Feet 0 250500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Counly ut H—i'i Planning Dcpnrcmem GIS - november All b 43IPage Figure 5: Honomu Land Use Guide Map 441 Figure 6: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map H.im,dkua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Hakalau and Wailea LUPAG Designations = Conservation Impori Lands Industrial Ro Low Density Urban Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 x County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November Mlo Halkalau Post Office kalau Veteran's �rn Park 451 Page Figure 7: Ninole Land Use Guide Map Waikauma Park Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Ninole LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands - Open Area Rural N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 461 Page Figure 8: Laupahoehoe/Papa`aloa Land Use Guide Map a Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Laupahoehoe/Papa`aloa LLJPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban _ Open Area N Feet 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 Cwnty d H—Vi Fl—r.g Depm—,t GI5 - November 2616 1 y7 i k Kapehu Camp >, <� � ■ 9YjfO�O� x .k7p\14 Dd�p 471 Page Figure 9: O`okala Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for 'O'okala LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Industrial Law Density Urban N - Open Area Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 C—ty or Hawaii Panning, Department GIS - November 2015 F yO N:\\Nnr 11iFl 4 CRU�A��ENU� _- 481 Page Pa'auilo School Figure 10: Pa'auilo Land Use Guide Map If Gym P 'a au(i 11 o Gy Gym H,!rn5kua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Palauilo LUPAG Designations mportantAg. Lands Industrial Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 T) LI illy T)I H z, j i i Ilk 1111111g 0<1 ,iiti i it ill GIS N, - 111 ber 24) 1 Ku ka' iau Feet 0 310 020 1,240 2,400 Hq /7 o"6 491 Page Figure 11: Honoka`a/Haina Land Use Guide Map Waimea hau Honoka'a Park Hamakua Country Club Waipi`o - Haina Haina Park V Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Honoka`a/Haina LUPAG Designations - Conservation Important Ag. Lands - Industrial Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban Open Area _ Rural Z� Miles 0 0A25 0.25 0.5 County of Hawaii Planning Department CIS - November 2016 i 501 Page Figure 12: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map for Kukuihaele LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Law Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 r ounry of I Iawa is Planning beparlmenl GIS - November io 1 Cemetery Kukuihaele Park H0N0KA'A-V,AIPI'0 KD 511 Page V Expand the Local System of Preserves This section of the CDP guides the expansion of lands held in public trust, supports landowners establishing conservation and agricultural easements and using agricultural and forestry land preservation programs, and encourages Natural Area Reserves to pursue acquisition priorities. 4.1.2 County Action Policy 15 Identify and secure in public trust (fee simple or by easement) priority lands that achieve one or more of Hamakua's Objectives. Seek to use conservation easement or acquisition opportunities through funding sources such as PONC, etc., once critical habitat areas are identified as priorities to protect. Seek to protect with easements or acquire suitable important coastal lands that would protect viewsheds, provide the public with access to scenic viewing areas, or otherwise promote appropriate coastal recreation and subsistence. Support the efforts of landowners in establishing conservation and agricultural easements to preserve important resources in perpetuity. Rationale: Certain resources are valuable and vulnerable enough to secure in public trust (fee simple or by easement), and a wide range of resources are available for easements and acquisition (see Appendix V4A). Nearly all of Hamakua's sensitive mauka lands are protected as public lands, but few portions of Hamakua's shoreline are protected by County, State, or Federal government ownership, and other areas remain vulnerable. Vulnerable features to consider are stream/watershed corridors, unique geological features, heritage resources, ecological resources, mauka or makai access, trail corridors, park space, buffers, open space and viewscapes, and agricultural lands which are prone to runoff or are threatened by nonagricultural development could be converted to affordable agriculture parks. This strategy is considered a core, overarching strategy because it applies across various focus areas of the CDP. This policy makes it explicit that priority lands that achieve one more of Hamakua's Community Objectives are to be identified and secured through some type of acquisition or easement. Resources for establishing reserves are limited, and Hamakua must compete with other communities locally, statewide, nationally, and globally, so it is important to establish priorities. Relative priorities should be established using criteria similar to those used by the PONC: • Benefit to the general public • Level of community support • Identified management/maintenance partners • Urgency 521 Page • Land or property entitlements are available for acquisition • Special opportunity for acquisition exists (e.g., special funding is available, landowner willing, etc.) • Resources can be leveraged through partnerships with other government, private, or nonprofit entities. This policy makes it explicitthat in orderto furtherthe preservation of important resources, the County should support and/or partner with landowners in establishing conservation and agricultural easements in perpetuity. Refer to the rationale for Policy 47 and Policy 48 for a list of specific accesses identified as high community priorities in the Hamakua Planning Area. Mill Road Policy 16 Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion Project. Rationale: Hakalau Forest NWR contains some of the finest remaining stands of native montane rain forest in Hawai'i. It consists of 32,733 -acres and supports a diversity of native birds and plants. Eight of the 14 native bird species occurring at Hakalau are endangered. The Service is proposing to protect additional habitat for endangered forest birds, water birds, plants, and other native species and special habitats by expanding the Refuge acquisition boundary by up to 29,973 acres of land to the Hakalau Forest Unit and Kona Forest Unit. This policy supports that expansion which would further conservation and protection of native habitats. See the Environmental Assessment here: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region 1/NWRS/Zone 1/Big Island Complex/Hakalau Forest/PDFs/Hakalau%2 OForest%20NWR%20FInal%20LPP-EA.pdf 4.1.3 Kokua Action U.S. Congress Kokua Action 1: Appropriate sufficient funding to Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete expansion of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 16. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kokua Action 2: Continue to pursue acquisition or cooperative managementof the six parcels identified in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment. Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 16. 531 Page 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources This section of the CDP protects coastal resources with guidance for shoreline development, revising and managing the Special Management Area, and encourages the State to strengthen protections and the community to engage in coastal land use decisions. -j.2.3 Land Use Policy Policy 17 Development in the SMA, including subdivision, shall only be approved if it is first found that it will not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect (HRS 205A-22(3) & 205A -26(2)(A)) Pursuant to Planning Commission (PC) Rule 9-10(b)(5) & (11), and in order for the Planning Director to accurately evaluate whether the proposed action will have a substantial adverse effect, pursuant to PC Rule 9-4(e)(4), the Director shall require that SMA Use Permit Assessment and Use Permit applications include all of the information necessary to assess the proposed activity's impacts in the Special Management Area, including but not limited to: • A description of the environmental setting and natural resources in the area, including an assessment of impacts on rare, threatened, or endangered species or their habitat and on fresh and coastal water quality (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(A) & (6) and 9-10(h)(7), (8), & (9)); • A description of valued cultural resources or historical sites in the area, including the extent to which traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights are exercised in the area (PC Rule 9-10(b)(6) & (h)(1)); • An assessment of impacts on coastal scenic and open space resources and view planes, including those outlined in the General Plan, the Community Development Plan, and other adopted plans, as well as the line of sight toward the sea from the state highway nearest the coast and along the shoreline (HRS 205A -2(b)(3) (A), HRS 205A-2(c)(3)(B), HRS 205A -26(3)(E), and PC Rule 9-10(h)(1)); • Identification and detailed information of existing public access to and along the shoreline to the specifications required by Na Ala Hele and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (PC Rule 9-10(b)(10)); • An assessment of impacts on hazard risk, including flooding, tsunami, and coastal erosion and/or sea level rise over the life of the development (PC Rule 9-10(h)(9)); • A description of the relationship of the proposed action to land use plans, policies, and control of the affected area, including the General Plan and Community Development Plan (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(13)). • Identify specific measures to mitigate risks associated with coastal hazards, protect sensitive coastal and cultural resources, and ensure public access (HRS 205-A). Any development permitted, including those determined to be exempt from the definition of development in Planning Commission Rule 9 (pursuant to Planning Commission Rule 9-10 (e) & (g), shall be subject to terms and conditions to achieve CZM and CDP objectives and policies, including conditions that protect natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources; preserve agricultural land, open space, and view planes; ensure access; mitigate impacts of coastal hazards; limit coastal development; and concentrate new development (particularly if it is not coastal dependent) on vacant land in town/village centers (before converting agricultural land to residential uses), and discouraging speculative residential development. Conditions could include but not be limited to setbacks, 541 image restrictions on artificial light, lateral and mauka-makai access requirements, dedication of conservation and trail corridor easements, cooperation with efforts to manage access and use of coastal resources, minimizing the number of lots abutting or near the shoreline, and maximizing the use of land in the State Land Use Urban district and/or urban LUPAG categories. Rationale: This policy is a re -articulation of existing policy and directives and makes explicit the steps mandated in HRS 205A and Planning Commission Rule 9 that are necessary to ensure that coastal resources in Hamakua are appropriately protected. The goal is to implement a number of CDP objectives and policies related to protecting the shoreline and cultural assets, limiting development at the shoreline, assuring access, preserving open space and viewscapes, preserving agricultural land, concentrating new development (particularly if it is not coastal dependent) on vacant land in town/village centers (before converting agricultural land to residential uses), and discouraging speculative residential development. The Special Management Area (SMA) permit is a management tool to assure that developments in the SMA are designed and carried out in compliance with the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) objectives, CZM policies, and SMA guidelines. Generally, because the CZM objectives and policies are so comprehensive, the SMA is the most resource -protective land use policy overlay. CZM policies address recreational resources, historic resources, scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, coastal hazards, management of development, beach protection, and marine resources. Therefore, SMA review is one of the few opportunities to holistically consider coastal resources and their interrelationships. Moreover, because CZM review requires consideration of the cumulative impacts of proposed development in the SMA, SMA review is thorough, and SMA permits include conditions to protect coastal resources and mitigate impacts. Furthermore, the SMA permitting system regulates development within the SMA extending from the shoreline inland, as designated on maps filed with the County Planning Commission. Because Hamakua's coastal resources are so unique and so vulnerable to hazards (of particular concern is bluff stability), most uses or activities in the Special Management Area could have a cumulative impact or a significant adverse environmental or ecological effect on the SMA, as defined in Planning Commission Rule 9-10(h). However, the application forms currently used by the Planning Department do not explicitly request information about the full range of potential impacts of development. Therefore, this policy requires that all information necessary to assess impacts is provided by SMA applicants. The bulleted points in the policy are those potential impacts that are not otherwise explicitly addressed in the Planning Department's SMA application forms. This policy also requires that development in the SMA be subject to terms and conditions that achieve CZM and CDP objectives. 4.2.4 County Action Policy 18 Amend and/or create County Codes and Planning Department Rules to develop shoreline and building setbacks to address environmental, health, and safety priorities. ■ Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff' (HRS 205A-1, and HAIR Section 13- 222-2, Planning Department Rule 11) and add references to "top of cliff' to Criteria for Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning Commission Rule 8. For setbacks on parcels with sea cliffs over 40' in elevation, the following options for setbacks are recommended: 551 Page a) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance of 40' from the minimum shoreline setback, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel; or, b) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance equal to the anticipated 100 years of erosion as determined by a coastal erosion study. This study, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis, shall be conducted by a licensed civil engineer. Note: In situations where the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11 would not reach the top of a sea cliff, the building setback should be a lateral setback distance of 40' from the top of cliff, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel; This policy shall only apply to properties that are located within the Special Management Area and abutting the shoreline. For lots created (final subdivision approval or a legal lot of record as determined by the Planning Department) prior to the date of adoption of the Hamakua CDP with an average lot depth of two hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line shall be determined by Planning Department Rule 11. The County of Hawai'i's current working definition of "top of cliff" is as follows: The "top of the pali" (top edge of the sea cliff) is defined to be the highest elevation along the seaward boundary of a property where the relative change in the slope of the terrain towards the sea is in excess of twice the general slope towards the sea of the terrain along this highest elevation and that the terrain: (1) has a general slope seaward of not more than 10%; (2) is reasonably safe for pedestrian access to and along its length; and (3) does not show evidence of being periodically exposed to natural elements, including, but not limited to, high surf, wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is essentially devoid of naturally occurring vegetation. See also Policies 19, 20, and Policy 39 related to inland cliffs, and section Error! Reference source not found.. Rationale: This policy recommends a conservative approach to address safety and environmental concerns about development in sea cliffs areas. The policy uses a combination of shoreline setbacks and building setbacks to provide a safety buffer on parcels with have sea cliffs higher than 40 feet in elevation. It also provides an alternative to a coastal erosion study (option A). Building or structural setbacks are the distance in which a building or other structure is required to be set back from a street or road, a river or stream, a shore or flood plain, or any other place which is deemed to need protection. Building setbacks are restrictions imposed on property owners by local governments for reasons of public policy such as safety, privacy, and environmental protection. The County Zoning code determines building setbacks, often referred to as 'minimum yards' for each zoning district, and shoreline setbacks based on HRS Ch. 205A. Currently, there no County building setbacks related to cliffs or steep slopes (whether a building is next to edge of the top of a slope, or near the toe of the bottom of a steep slope). Considering the seismic and landslide history and prevalence in this island, developing precautionary building setbacks from steep slopes would be prudent since landslides pose threats to human life and public safety, and lead to significant environmental damage including soil and forest loss, sedimentation of streams, rivers, and lakes, and increased erosion and habitat destruction. Shoreline setbacks have been established in Hawai'i County during the land use permitting process and historically have not been science -based. These standards have not consistently protected the shoreline or structures and, in some cases, have led to the hardening of the shoreline with structures, such as seawalls. Hardening of the shoreline 561 Page can cause a loss of beach systems, degrade near -shore coastal ecosystems, and result in a loss of coastal access for the public. Pursuant to HRS section 205A -43(a), the shoreline setback is not less than 20 feet and not more than 40 feet inland from the shoreline, but the counties are given the option of establishing setbacks at distances greater than 40 feet (HRS section 205A-45). Planning Department Rule 11-5 establishes the minimum shoreline setback at 40 feet for most lots abutting the shoreline, however, the County has long intended to review and amend the shoreline setback rule, but so far has no defined protocol for determining shoreline setbacks. HRS section 205A-1 and HAR section 13-222-2 define the shoreline as "the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm or seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by wash of the waves." However, this definition is not appropriate given the Hamakua Planning Area's unique shoreline mostly comprised of high, rocky cliffs. During its review of SMA applications in the Planning Area, the Planning Department has more often than not waived the need for a shoreline survey, in lieu of using the top of the cliff as the basis for determining the shoreline setback line. However, the shoreline setback policy, administered through Planning Department (PD) Rule 11, does not contain a definition for the "top of cliff", and states in part, that all lots which abut the shoreline shall have a minimum shoreline setback line of forty feet. In addition, the definition of "shoreline setback line" provided in PD Rule 11, means that line established by the Planning Department running inland from and parallel to the certified shoreline at a horizontal plane, again without any reference to a top of cliff. Because, the "top of cliff" is not defined, it is open to interpretation, which can lead to disputes and challenges about the Department's use of the term. This policy seeks to formalize the Department practice by using objective guidelines for determining the "top of cliff". The addition of "top of cliff" references in the shoreline setback variance criteria of Planning Commission Rule 8 is needed because the current criteria is focused on sandy or rocky shorelines, but not sea cliffs or coastal bluffs. Without the inclusion of criteria for cliff shorelines, there can be unnecessary ambiguity in determining, and requiring mitigating conditions for shoreline setback variances in the Hamakua Planning Area. The 2011 report "Sea -Level Rise and Coastal Land Use in Hawai'i: A Policy Tool Kit for State and Local Governments" from UH Sea Grant's Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy (ICAP) recommended, among other things, to plan for hazards as early as possible in the development process, to use data and information to assess natural hazards, and to site buildings early in the development process (i.e., in the community planning, zoning, and early subdivision stages) when the owner's investment -backed expectations are low. In July 2012, UH Sea Grant released the "Adaptive Planning for Sea -level Rise in Maui and Hawai'i Counties" report. The purpose of the report was to provide a foundation for improving shoreline planning for coastal hazards, including sea level rise, at the local level. The recommendations were developed by shoreline planners from the Counties of Maui and Hawai'i and are intentionally focused on issues that can be addressed within the context of the existing County regulatory frameworks. Determining hazard buffers that are based on scientific data such as erosion rates early in the land use planning process will result in the least economic impact to the landowner while avoiding dangerous hazard risks to life and property through proper planning." Specific recommended actions include: An erosion zone should be determined considering an annual average erosion rate, the life expectancy of a structure, buffers for storm erosion, safety design, errors and sea level rise. 571 Page • A multi -hazard analysis is recommended that includes threats from erosion, wave inundation, and flooding, whatever the cause, either working as a sole factor or in combination with other factors. • Guidance should be provided in the rules, or outside the rules in a policy statement or guidance document, on how long the hazard assessment with shoreline setback determination is valid. Examples of related policies and programs include: • A West Maui Community Plan policy: "Protect the shoreline and beaches by preserving waterfront land as open space wherever possible. This protection should be based on a study and analysis of the rate of shoreline retreat plus a coastal hazard buffer zone. Where new major waterfront structures or developments are to be approved, preservation should be for 50-100 years by employing a shoreline setback based on the rate established by the appropriate study." • The requirement to do a hazard assessment and determine the setback at the earliest stages of development for community planning changes, zoning amendments and subdivision approvals is required under the Kaua'i Shoreline Setback Rules. The Planning Department is in the process of considering options for establishing a countywide shoreline setback policy. Pursuant to HRS section 205A, the goals of the shoreline setback are to: • Restrict development in areas vulnerable to severe damage due to the impact of wave action and to protect private property from flood hazards and wave damage • Ensure the preservation of sandy beaches and public access to and along the shoreline • Preserve and enhance views of scenic or prominent landscapes and coastal aesthetic values • Protect and effectively manage open space and the shoreline • Protect the shoreline from the encroachment of man-made improvements and structures • Protect and conserve natural resources, including areas necessary for the protection and propagation of specified endangered native wildlife and the conservation of natural ecosystems of endemic plants, fish and wildlife. This policy seeks to provide a conservative approach that has been used in other coastal jurisdictions, until the scientific research can be done to support a countywide, science -based shoreline setback policy, or until a coastal erosion study is conducted for the parcel. For example, the City of Port Orchard in Washington State used this method in areas defined as geologically hazardous areas with slopes greater than 30 percent. According to the Atlas of Natural Coastal Hazards, the majority of Hamakua's coastline consists of slopes greater than 45 percent. For references to how other municipalities are addressing coastal bluff setbacks, see the following references: • https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/coasts/coastal-cliff-erosion-hazards- management-strategy-rep.pdf • http://www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/493 • https://www.floods.org/ace-files/Projects/ASFPM Pri State Coastal Erosion Setbacks Summary.pdf • http://www.cityofcrosslake.org/vertical/sites/%7BFEA8DD90-54F2-4E30-BF15- 72B67E6DC206%7D/uploads/Bluff Factsheet CL 3-27-14.pdf See also corresponding Kokua Action 3. See also the rationale for Policy 39, relating to building setbacks for non -coastal bluffs. 581 Page For more information, see Appendix V4A, pages 134-170, 246, 249, 253-254. Policy 19 Seek funding and support continued scientific research relating to coastal hazards (e.g. research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope stability studies, sea -level rise rates, tsunami inundation mapping and coastal stream flood mapping, etc.). See related actions under the sections 4.2.5 K6kua Action and 4.6.5 K6kua Action. Rationale: The Hamakua coast has a history of coastal hazards, including: local and distant tsunamis, coastal bluff erosion, and cataclysmic slope failures. Additionally, climate change studies on the projected effects of extreme weather events and sea level rise on coastal processes often focus on sandy/rocky shorelines, not on coastal bluffs. Consequently, there is a limited knowledge base as to how these dynamic processes impact coastal bluffs. In order to better understand the potential impacts of these dynamic processes and plan for the future, this policy seeks county funding and support for continued scientific research. For more information, see Appendix V4A pages 134- 170. Policy 20 To further protect coastal resources in the Special Management Area, review SMA boundaries in the Hamakua Planning Area and initiate appropriate amendments ■ Consider proximity to coastline and assess vulnerabilities to coastal changes; ■ Consider including within the SMA boundaries appropriate near -shore riparian corridors; Consider SMA boundary amendments to further protect known recreational, historic, open space, ecosystem, beach, near -shore riparian, and/or marine resources as well as scenic views toward the coastline from the highway. Rationale: The SMA is the most resource -protective land use policy overlay. SMA/CZM Objectives require review of scenic and open space resources and a cumulative impact analysis of projects within the SMA boundary. The Special Management Area (SMA) permit is a management tool to assure that developments in the SMA are designed and carried out in compliance with the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) objectives, policies, and SMA guidelines. The SMA permitting system regulates development within the SMA extending from the shoreline inland, as designated on maps filed with the County Planning Commission. Within the Planning Area, the SMA boundary is generally defined by the Hawai'i Belt Road up to Ka'awali Gulch. North of Ka'awali Gulch, the SMA is makai of the Hawai'i Belt Road extending as a band averaging approximately 500-700 feet wide from the shoreline until Waipi'o Valley. In Waipi'o Valley, the SMA extends inland encompassing most of the valley floor. Generally, because the CZM objectives and policies are so comprehensive, the SMA is the most resource -protective land use policy overlay. CZM policies address recreational resources, historic resources, scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, coastal hazards, management of development, beach protection, and marine resources. Therefore, SMA review is one of the few opportunities to holistically consider coastal resources and their interrelationships. Moreover, because CZM review requires consideration of the cumulative impacts of proposed development in the SMA, SMA review is thorough, and SMA permits include conditions to protect coastal resources and mitigate impacts. This policy states that SMA boundary amendments may merit consideration in some locations to protect known recreational, historic, open space, ecosystem, beach, and/or marine resources as well as scenic views toward the coastline from the highway. For more information on the SMA, see Appendix V4A, pages 139-140. 591 Page 4.2.5 K6kua Action Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 3: Amend Hawai'i Administrative Rule (HAR), Section 13-322-2 to include "top of cliff' in the definition of shoreline. Rationale: see the rationale for Policy 19. Kokua Action 4: Amend HAIR 13-5-40(b) to require that public hearings before the State Land Use Commission either be held in the judicial district in which the land is located, or be live web streamed with the ability for testimony to be taken live from the streamed location. Rationale: State land use district boundary amendments involving lands in the conservation district, land areas greater than fifteen acres, or lands delineated as important agricultural lands are processed by the Land Use Commission, but following HAR section 13-5-40(b), public hearings do not have to be held in the judicial district in which the land is located. This K6kua action is intended to increase transparency in the land use amendment process and facilitate greater engagement and participation with affected landowners in the Hamakua Planning Area. This K6kua action is in part, based on recommendations from the State Land Use System Review Draft report of May 2015 (State of Hawai'i Office of Planning), and the South Kona-Ka'G Coastal Conservation Task Force. Various Agencies: DLNR, NOAH, UH Sea Grant K6kua Action 5: Prioritize research projects to better understand: • Bluff Conditions • Shoreline Movement (including the effects of climate change on shoreline movement) • Site-specific estimates of sea level rise impacts Rationale: See the rationale for Error! Reference source not found.. 4.2-6 Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open Space See also Section 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture for policies supporting agriculture from an economic perspective. This section of the CDP protects agricultural land and open space from non-agricultural development with the CDP Land Use Guide Map, stronger farm dwelling regulations, minimum lot sizes, tax incentive programs, development of transfer of development rights (TDR), land bank programs, and State Important Agricultural Land designations. 6o Page 4.3.3 Land Use Policy Policy 21 To preserve the agricultural character of Hamakua and to reinforce existing protections, the CDP Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates agricultural lands in the Hamakua Planning Area to be preserved for agriculture and open space. Development and construction in the Agricultural designation shall be limited to agriculture, or via the Special Permit or Use Permit process (which allows for agriculturally related economic infrastructure, cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities) unless otherwise permitted by law. For more information on permitted uses in the State Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone, see HRS sections 205-2 and 205-4.5. See HCC section 25-2-60 for information on use permits in the Agricultural Zone. See also Policy 6 for guidance on use permits for industrial uses. Rationale: This policy is an affirmation of the following existing policies: • Article XI, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawai'i: requires that the State conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands; • General Plan Goal 14.2.2 (a): Identify, protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawai'i; • General Plan Policy 14.2.2 (b): Preserve the agricultural character of the island" • General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (d): "Agricultural land may be used as one form of open space or as green belt." Protecting agricultural lands from development is a high community priority as identified in Community Objective #2: "Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character." Agricultural land in Hamakua is in the State Land Use (SLU) Agricultural District. Pursuant to HRS section 205-5(b), the minimum lot size in the Agricultural District is one acre. Pursuant to HRS sections 205-2 and 205-4.5, the bulleted summary of uses are listed in the policy as permitted in the SLU Agricultural District. The vast majority of land in Hamakua is zoned Agricultural, primarily with minimum lots sizes of 20 acres. The minimum lot area for the County Agricultural district is five acres; however the Hamakua Planning Area contains many areas of nonconforming agricultural subdivisions that have smaller lots than five acres (including pre -statehood designated homestead areas). These smaller agricultural lots either pre -date the five -acre minimum rule or were created through some other mechanism, such as consolidated subdivisions involving previous lots of record. (See Appendix V413, pages 237-247 for a discussion of the homestead areas in the Hamakua.) Pursuant to HCC section 25-5-72, the uses are permitted in the agricultural zone are detailed in Table 2: Permitted Uses in State Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone. The land use pattern in the 2005 General Plan is a broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map indicates the location of various land uses in relation to each other. Any changes in zone have to be consistent with the General Plan, and agricultural lands in Hamakua have two LUPAG designations: 611 Page Important Agricultural Land: County LUPAG designated Important Agricultural Lands (not to be confused with State IAL) are those with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other factors. The vast majority of agricultural lands in the Hamakua Planning Area are designated as Important Agricultural Land in the LUPAG; however, because of the scale of the LUPAG maps originally used to designate Important Agricultural Land, the location of these lands should be verified by more detailed mapping when considering specific land use decisions. Extensive Agriculture: This designation includes lands that are not capable of producing sustained, high agricultural yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due to certain physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability, and climate. Other less intensive agricultural uses such as grazing and pasture may be included in the Extensive Agriculture category. Current Permitted Uses in State Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone o Agricultural and animal production o Renewable energy, including crops for bioenergy, biofuel production, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal o Uses and services accessory to agricultural production and bio, solar, and wind renewable energy production: employee housing, processing, storage o Agricultural -based commercial operations o Agricultural education and tourism o Open area recreational facilities, including day camps, picnic grounds, parks, and riding stables o Wireless communication antennas o Dwellings: single-family, farm dwelling. o It is important to note that: o "Agricultural -based commercial operations" is defined broadly as long as the operations promote the use of products grown in the State of Hawai'i. o Industrial renewable energy facilities are also permitted and currently only require plan approval and building permits. For more information, see pages 93-131 of Appendix V4A. Policy 22 When considering applications to consolidate and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the Director of Planning should endeavor to keep the lot sizes consistent with the minimum lot size, and only permit lots less than one acre in the State Land Use Agriculture District and the County of Hawai'i Agricultural District if the applicant clearly demonstrates that an unreasonable economic hardship cannot otherwise be prevented or land utilization is improved relative to the objectives and policies of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)) Rationale: This policy is supported by General Plan Policy 14.2.4 (s): Important agricultural lands shall not be rezoned to parcels too small to support economically viable farming units, and 14.2.4 (t): Discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands. It is in support of Community Objectives 2 and 5. The policy is intended to preserve prime and other viable agricultural lands and to concentrate new residential development in town/village centers. The minimum lot size in the State Land Use Agricultural District is one acre and the County agricultural zone has a minimum lot size of five acres; however, landowners with pre-existing lots of record (PLORs) may reconfigure the lots to suit their plans for the property without having to conform to the Subdivision 621 Page Code, subject to improvements required by the Planning Director. Moreover, pre-existing lots of record are sometimes smaller than the minimum zoning designation would otherwise allow, and property owners often seek to retain those small lot sizes when reconfiguring property that contains pre-existing lots. In these situations, if the County finds that unreasonable economic hardship to the owner or lessee of land cannot otherwise be prevented or where land utilization is improved, the County may allow lot sizes of less than one acre. Typically, smaller lots are used for residential purposes, so they should only be permitted in agricultural areas when appropriate. Policy 23 The Planning Commission shall include in any Special Permit approval (or recommendation for approval to the State Land Use Commission) appropriate performance conditions to achieve CDP objectives and implement CDP policies. (HRS 205-6(c) & Planning Commission Rules 6-3(b)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8). Pursuant Planning Commission Rule 6-7 and 6-3(a)(5)(G), the County Planning Commission considers applications for special permits for uses that are unusual and reasonable use of land, would promote the effectiveness and objectives of state land use law, and meet the following criteria: • The desired use shall not adversely affect surrounding properties; • Such use shall not unreasonably burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage, school improvements, and police and fire protection; Unusual conditions, trends, and needs have arisen since the district boundaries and regulations were established; • The land upon which the proposed use is sought is unsuited for the uses permitted within the district; • The proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use; and, • The request will not be contrary to the General Plan and official Community Development Plan and other documents such as Design Plans. Rationale: Rather than amend State Land Use (SLU) district boundaries and/or rezone, landowners in the SLU agricultural district often apply for a special permit, as permitted by HRS Section 205-6. The State Land Use Commission, or for parcels 15 acres in size or smaller —the County Planning Commissions, may permit certain unusual and reasonable uses within the agricultural district other than those for which the district is classified. However, a careful initial review of these projects is necessary to ensure natural resources and residents are protected from potential negative impacts, and that any appropriate mitigating conditions are stipulated. Some types of issues that have occurred with special permits are traffic and road improvements, adequate parking, signage, noise, and visual impacts. The special permit process is an important tool because these permits are conditional, they can be revoked for noncompliance of conditions, and they are reviewed on a project -specific basis (whereas a rezone is permanent, cannot be revoked, and often contain a spectrum of legal entitlements for its zoning category). This makes special permits a flexible, yet targeted land use tool requiring thoughtful implementation that when used successfully, can allow for a diversity of uses compatible with agriculture and the rural character of the area. For more information on permitted uses on Agricultural lands and Special Permits, see Appendix V4A, pages 108, 112-117, and 246. This policy relates to Community Objectives 2, 8, 9, and 11. 631 Page Policy 24 Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a farm subdivision pursuant to Hawai'i County Code section 23-112. Rationale: Agricultural lands may be subdivided as "farm subdivisions" and leased for agricultural uses provided that no permanent or temporary dwellings or farm dwellings are constructed on the leased area. Lots created and leased pursuant to this section are legal lots of record for mortgage lending purposes and are exempt from county subdivision standards, including water and roads, provided that a roadway maintenance agreement is executed for all roadways within the farm subdivision and adequate access from a government road is provided that meets the requirements of the Department of Public Works. This policy is intended to promote a viable alternative to conventional subdivision. Farm subdivisions are a cost-effective way to provide small acreage agricultural lots without the risk of quasi -rural subdivision sprawl and loss of open space. This policy is in support of Community Objectives 2 and 5. For more information, see pages 117 and 118 of Appendix V4A. 4.3.4 County Action Policy 25 Amend the Zoning Code Section 25-2-71 to require Plan Approval for commercial open area recreational uses in the "Important Agriculture Land" and "Extensive Agriculture" designations. Rationale: Plan approval allows closer inspection of certain types of development in certain zones in order to ensure conformance with the General Plan, the Zoning Code, and conditions of previous approvals related to the development. For example, plan approval is required for telecommunication antennas and towers, all development outside Single-family Residential or Agricultural districts, and in the Agricultural district prior to the development of any trailer park, major agricultural products processing facility, or agricultural tourism activity. Plan approval may be required as a condition of approval of any use permit, variance, or other action relating to a specific use. Plan approval is considered an important regulatory requirement for open area recreational uses on agricultural lands to help mitigate impacts such as traffic and parking. Policy 26 Recommend lands to be designated State Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) to the State Land Use Commission. Rationale: Article XI, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of Hawai'i requires the State to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands. Important Agricultural Land (IAL) is a State Land Use designation designed to delineate blocks of productive agricultural land and areas of agricultural activity for protection from the encroachment of nonagricultural uses. HRS establishes specific standards and criteria for identifying IAL lands and requires that the County of Hawai'i develop recommendations of lands to be designated within 60 months of receiving funds from the State for this purpose. This policy is intended to affirm several General Plan policies related to important agricultural lands and to expedite the identification of IAL in Hawai'i County. The criteria for the designation of State Important Agricultural Lands is that they are capable of sustaining high yields for export or local consumption, and are viewed as vital for future self-sufficiency, even if currently not in production. Lands designated IAL benefit from several incentives including: farm dwellings, refundable qualified agricultural cost 641 Page tax credit, loan guaranty, State Agricultural Water Use and Development plan, agricultural processing facilities permitting priority, and land reclassification. This policy is aimed at being proactive in fulfilling the state mandate for identifying IAL under Article XI, Section 3. See also the corresponding K6kua Action #6. This policy is supported by existing General Plan policies 14.2.2 (a): Identify, protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawai'i, and 14.2.3 (i): Designate, protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment; and Community Objective 2. Policy 27 Revise Planning Commission Rule 6, and/or to the Special Permit Application form (for Special Permits in the Agricultural District) to include clarity on the potential impacts to be evaluated in the application process and to clearly articulate the types of mitigating conditions that may be required. (HRS 205-6(c) and Planning Commission Rules 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8). For examples of conditions, look for applicable conditions used in the Concurrency Requirements from HCC 25-2-46 and Agricultural Tourism, HCC 25-2-75 and 25-4-15. Rationale: For more on special and use permits, see the rationale for Policy 23. This policy addresses the need to provide more transparent and consistent parameters for the Planning Department in evaluating applications and to ensure the evaluation criteria is clear to applicants. Transparency and predictability for these types of evaluations will aid efficiencies for all concerned and ensure that mitigating conditions are consistently applied. Policy 28 Amend the County Code and associated Planning Department Rules to establish reporting and inspection requirements, as well as enforcement for additional farm dwellings to ensure that additional dwellings are used for farm -related purposes. Rationale: Pursuant HCC section 25-5-72, the following uses are permitted in the agricultural district: • One single-family dwelling or one farm dwelling. A farm dwelling is a single-family dwelling that is located on or used in connection with a farm or if the agricultural activity provides income to the family occupying the dwelling. Additional farm dwellings may be permitted only upon the following conditions: (1) A farm dwelling agreement for each additional farm dwelling, on a form prepared by the director, shall be executed between the owner of the building site, any lessee having a lease on the building site with a term exceeding one year from the date of the farm dwelling agreement, and the County. The agreement shall require the dwelling to be used for farm - related purposes. (2) The applicant shall submit an agricultural development and use program, farm plan or other evidence of the applicant's continual agricultural productivity or farming operation within the County to the director. Such a plan shall also show how the farm dwelling will be utilized for farm -related purposes. However, the County does not consistently enforce additional farm dwelling agreements. There is no reporting or inspection process, and it is unclear what the implications should be if agricultural activity on the property ceases. This policy is intended to preserve agricultural land and concentrate residential development in town/village centers by strengthening the County's farm dwelling policies and practices. 651 Page Policy 29 Update the County of HawaiTs property tax reduction programs to ensure that public tax incentives for agricultural land uses result in public benefits and promote agricultural land use and production. Rationale: Property tax reduction programs provide a reduction in taxes and reduce operating costs for farm operations and rural landowners who rent their land to farmers. In Hawai'i County, owners of agricultural land have two tax reduction options: • Dedicated: Pursuant HCC section 19-60, landowners may dedicate their land to commercial agricultural use for 10 years and be taxed at a reduced "agricultural use value" rate. The land in dedicated agricultural use must be used on a continuous and regular basis for agriculture on lands zoned by the County to be in the districts of agricultural (A), residential and agricultural (RA), family agricultural (FA), intensive agricultural (IA), and agricultural project district (APD). Farm dwellings are assessed at the highest commercial agriculture use value, and all portions of land that are not dedicated for commercial agricultural use are assessed based on the proportional market value of the total property. If there is a breach of the terms of the dedication, the owner must pay up to 10 years in deferred taxes and a 10% penalty. • Non -dedicated: Pursuant HCC section 19-57, lands classified and used for agriculture and that are not dedicated are assessed at two times the dedicated rate. If the property is rezoned for nonagricultural use and subdivided into parcels of less than five acres in size, the owner must pay up to 3 years in deferred taxes and a 10% penalty. According to the Hawai'i County Food Self -Sufficiency Baseline 2012, as currently implemented, these programs have no mechanisms requiring landowners to submit periodic evidence that productive agricultural activity is still occurring. The current systems also assign the lowest assessment rates to landowners who do the least amount of regular farm work on their property by installing exterior fencing and stock water for pasture use. Landowners who work to produce commercial food products for the local market are taxed at a higher rate. It might be appropriate to update these programs so that they incentivize landowners to seek qualified farmers and ranchers to increase local food production on their property. Another option would be to consider ways that landowners could report farm revenue annually by providing evidence of General Excise taxes paid from agricultural activities or to provide receipts of food donations to the Hawai'i Island Food Basket or other safety net programs. The intent of this policy is to preserve agricultural land and concentrate residential development in town/village centers by strengthening the County's property tax reduction programs. This policy is in line with Community Objectives 2 and 11. For more information, see pages 124-125 of Appendix V4A Policy 30 Conduct a feasibility study for a County -wide Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and/or Save Land for the Future (SLF) program. If feasible, adopt any necessary enabling County legislation. (HRS Section 51413-136) Rationale: Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Save Land for the Future (SLF) are land transfer tools intended to guide development to appropriate areas. SLF mitigation ordinances and policies require developers to permanently protect an equivalent or greater amount of farmland in the event that agricultural land is converted to other uses. Similarly, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs enable the transfer of development potential from one parcel of land to another and are typically established by local zoning ordinances. Localities often use market-driven TDR to shift development from agricultural land (sending areas) to designated growth zones (receiving areas) located 661 � a g L closer to municipal services. Successful TDR programs have been in place throughout the country since 1980 and have protected tens of thousands of acres of farmland and open space. TDR is most suitable in places where large blocks of land remain in agricultural use. TDR has been adapted by some communities into Density Transfer Charge (DTC) or Residential Density Transfer (RDT) programs. Analysis completed for the Kona CDP suggests that for a TDR program to be successful, sufficient demand for development rights needs to be stimulated, opportunities to circumvent the market by seeking variances and zoning changes need to be limited, and an efficient and transparent market structure needs to be established. HRS section 51413-136 is the enabling State legislation for TDR programs. The County of Hawai'i must adopt enabling legislation for the option to be available locally. Some communities defer to nonprofit organizations to manage their TDR programs. The intent of this policy is to preserve agricultural land and concentrate residential development in town/village centers by assessing the feasibility of a County -wide TRD and/or SLF program and, if such a program is feasible, to propose enabling County legislation. In collaboration with other stakeholders, including County agencies, the NRCS, DLNR, DOA, Office of Planning, landowners, planning consultants, land trusts, and other community groups, the Planning Department should investigate the feasibility of a County TDR or SLF program and, as appropriate, propose enabling legislation. Consideration should be given to: the demand for and appropriateness of additional urban density in potential "receiving areas," "best practices" from other communities that have adopted and adapted TDR and SLF programs, program features adapted to local conditions, and the appropriate system for program management and to facilitate the exchange of development rights, including the possibility of using a nonprofit organization. This policy directs the County to determine if these types of land transfer tools are appropriate for directing development and preserving agricultural lands and if so, to move forward with the appropriate legislation to implement such programs. This policy is related to Community Objectives 1, 2, and 5. For more information, see pages 126, 254 of Appendix V4A. 4.3.5 Kokua Action State Legislature: Kokua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County of Hawai'i to develop recommendations of lands to be designated Important Agricultural Lands. Rationale: The identification and designation of State Important Agricultural Lands (State IAL) was first proposed at the 1978 Constitutional Convention and subsequently approved by voters in the same year. Enacted as Article XI, Section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawai'i, the State is required to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands. Act 233, SLH 2008 (HRS sections 205-41 thru 52), which provides incentives for designation of State IAL, became effective on July 1, 2008, and triggered the commencement of the process to identify, map, and designate important agricultural lands throughout Hawai'i. By definition, State IAL are capable of sustaining high yields, for export or local consumption, and needed for future self-sufficiency even if currently not in production. The criteria to identify State IAL, listed in HRS section 205-44, include: suitable soil qualities, availability of infrastructure, existing or traditional agricultural use, and lands identified under productivity rating systems. State IAL may be designated by the State Land Use Commission (LUC) in two ways: a farmer or landowner may file a petition with LUC to designate State IAL, or Counties can recommend State IAL for the LUC to consider. The State 671 image Land Use Commission makes the final decision by a 2/3 vote and transmits the adopted map to the County. A 2/3 super -majority of the legislature is required to change the classification of lands designated as State IAL. Within 60 months of when they receive funds from the State for this purpose, each County is to recommend lands to be designated State IAL through a collaborative, participatory process. The Planning Department is to lead the process, and the County Council is to adopt the maps of recommendations by resolution. The County of Hawai'i has not yet received funding to develop recommendations of lands to be designated IAL. K6kua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land banks that counties can use to acquire tax -delinquent properties and use them to preserve agricultural land and open space. Rationale: Jurisdictions can acquire lots for non-payment of property taxes, remove or transfer development rights, and use a "land bank" to offer tax -delinquent properties to neighbors. Such lots can also be used for relocation purposes when other properties are acquired for future rights-of-way, public facilities, or land assembly. State legislation is necessary to enable land banks. For more information, see pages 126, 254 of Appendix V4A. 4.3.6 Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.4 Protect Mauka Forests This section of the CDP designates the mauka and forest region as preserved for conservation and open space. It also points to various other sections of the CDP for mauka resource protections, trail development and access, summit management, and expanding land preserves. 't.'t..) L-Cal1u . olicy Policy 31 To reinforce existing protections, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates mauka regions and forests in Hamakua to be Conservation, and directs mauka areas to remain primarily as open space to be preserved, protected, and connected to the region's rich network of natural and cultural resources. Development and construction in mauka "Conservation" areas shall be minimized and, when necessary, limited to recreation, research, and education facilities unless otherwise permitted by law. (GP 14.1.1; HRS 205-2(e)) Rationale: The mauka areas designated as Conservation in the CDP Land Use Guide Map largely coincide with the State Conservation District. This policy does not supersede the authority of the State; but it serves as a clear expression of the community's desire to protect resources and limit development in mauka forests, unless otherwise permitted by law. These mauka forest areas in the State Conservation district require a conservation district use permit from the Board of Land and Natural Resources or other written approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL). Most privately owned parcels are in the Protective and Resource conservation subzones of the State Conservation District. Uses other than those associated with managing natural 681 Page resources are prohibited in the Protective subzone. In the Resource subzone, a single-family residence on each legal lot of record is permitted with approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources. In the State Conservation district, there is no county zoning, per se, because the State DLNR has jurisdiction. Nevertheless, much of mauka forest in Hamakua is designated Conservation in the General Plan LUPAG map. The Conservation designation includes "Forest and water reserves, natural and scientific preserves, areas in active management for conservation purposes, areas to be kept in a largely natural state, with minimal facilities consistent with open space uses, such as picnic pavilions and comfort stations, and lands within the State Land Use Conservation District" (HRS 205-2(e)). The General Plan states that the LUPAG areas designated as Conservation are intended to be "forest and water reserves, natural and scientific preserves, areas in active management for conservation purposes, areas to be kept in a largely natural state, with minimal facilities consistent with open space uses, such as picnic pavilions and comfort stations, and lands within the State Land Use Conservation District" (General Plan 14.1.1). Other proposed uses would require an amendment to the General Plan, which requires an Environmental Assessment and approval of the County Council. For more information, see pages 67-90 of Appendix V4A. 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds This section of the CDP protects open space, natural areas, recognized areas of natural beauty, and scenic viewsheds with permitting controls and by prioritizing viewshed identification and regulations, scenic overlooks, and scenic routes. 4.5.3 Land Use Pol;­ Policy 32 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, the environmental report for proposed changes of zone on property that may impact open space, viewsheds, and areas of natural beauty shall include viewshed analysis and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-42) Rationale: A County environmental report is required as part of a change of zone application. This report is an informational document that contains a description of the physical, social, historical, economic, and natural resource consequences of a proposed action, including but not limited to a discussion of alternatives to the proposed action, any environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented, the relationship between local short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long term productivity, any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of natural resources which would be involved in the proposed action, and an analysis of the proposed action. In order to achieve the policy intent of the CDP (i.e., to protect open space, public views, and areas of natural and scenic beauty), environmental reports for proposed changes of zone on property that may impact open space, view planes, and areas of natural beauty should include an appropriate view plane and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis. These scenic features are defined in other policy documents and in the CDP as follows: ■ Open space: The Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates the shoreline, agricultural lands, and mauka forests as open space to be preserved and protected. These areas fall within the "Conservation," "Open," "Important Agriculture Land," and "Extensive Agriculture" LUPAG categories in the Policy Map. ■ Natural Beauty and scenic vistas: The General Plan's list of sites is in Appendix V4A page 62. 691 Page For more information, see pages 42, 45-46, 59-64, and 250-261 of Appendix V4A Policy 33 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, applications for Special Permits that may impact open space, viewshed, and areas of natural beauty shall include viewshed and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis and proposed performance conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (See Planning Commission Rule 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8) Rationale: Special Permits may be approved only when, among other things, "the proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use" and "the request will not be contrary to the General Plan and official Community Development Plan and other documents such as Design Plans." In the Community Objectives for Hamakua, "viewscapes that exemplify Hamakua's rural character" are elements of the essential character of the landscape that may be impacted by uses proposed in Special Permit applications. Moreover, the intent of this policy is to protect open space, natural and scenic beauty, and public views. These aspects of community character are defined in other policy documents and in the CDP — please refer to the Natural Beauty and Scenic Viewscapes as listed in Appendix V4A, page 62. Planning Commission Rule 6-8 allows the Planning Commission to approve a Special Permit (or recommend its approval to the State Land Use Commission) with appropriate performance conditions. This policy is intended to protect those aspects of character of the land as much as possible without infringing on the Planning Commission's authority to make informed judgments based site- and use specific characteristics. For more information, see pages 62, 114, and 116-117 of Appendix V4A. Policy 34 In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, applications for Use Permits for wind energy facilities and telecommunications antennas/towers shall include viewshed and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis to demonstrate how the request does not cause substantial, adverse impact to the community's character, including open space, public views, and areas of natural and scenic beauty, and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-60 & 65) • Require the use of place -appropriate wireless concealment strategies in the development or upgrading of telecommunication towers as a way to mitigate visual impacts (e.g., cell towers disguised as palm trees) Rationale: Wind energy facilities and telecommunications antennas and towers are allowed to exceed height limitations provided by the Zoning Code. In many cases, they are placed in open space locations, where they can provide the best service. However, they can impact open space views. This policy is intended to mitigate potential impacts by requiring a viewshed analysis. Use permits are permits for certain permitted uses in zoning districts that require special attention to insure that the uses will neither unduly burden public agencies to provide public services nor cause substantial adverse impacts upon the surrounding community. Telecommunications antennas and towers require a use permit in all Residential, Agricultural, and Open zones, and wind energy facilities require a use permit in the Open zone. A use permit may be granted by the Planning Commission if the proposed use is consistent with the general purpose of the zoning district, the intent and purpose of the zoning code, and the General Plan and the granting of the proposed use is not be materially detrimental to the public welfare nor cause substantial, adverse impact to the community's character or to surrounding properties (HCC 25-2-65). The Commission's decision shall be accompanied by a statement of factual findings supporting the decision, together with any conditions imposed upon a use permit approval. The conditions 701 �agt- imposed by the commission shall bear a reasonable relationship to the use permit granted. In the Community Objectives the goal is to, "protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character" and this rural character may be impacted by wind energy facilities and telecommunications towers and antennas. Moreover, the "Policy Intent" is to protect open space, natural and scenic beauty, and public views. These aspects of community character are defined in other policy documents and in the CDP as follows: • Open space: The Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates the shoreline, agricultural lands, and mauka forests as open space to be preserved and protected. These areas fall within the "Conservation," "Open," "Important Agriculture Land," and "Extensive Agriculture" LUPAG categories in the Policy Map. • Viewscapes and scenic vistas: The General Plan list of natural beauty sites and scenic vistas are listed in Appendix V4A, page 62. This policy is intended to protect those aspects of community character as much as possible without infringing on the Planning Commission's authority to make informed judgments based on site and use specific characteristics. 4.7.E ---.]Ly fiction Policy 35 Develop and establish viewshed regulations to preserve and to protect scenic resources, vistas, viewsheds, open space, prominent landscapes, and areas of natural beauty identified in the General Plan. • Conduct a scenic resources inventory and map for the Hamakua Planning Area • Develop a corridor management plan to direct viewshed protections along roadways; • Consider structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways to protect viewshed. Rationale: This policy is an affirmation of County Charter 13-29 and HRS 205A, and supported by the following Policies: • Coastal Zone Management Policy HRS 205A-2(b)(3)(A): Identify valued scenic resources in the coastal zone management area. • General Plan Policy 7.2 (a): Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty, including the quality of coastal scenic resources; • General Plan Policy 7.2 (b): Protect scenic vistas and view planes from becoming obstructed; • General Plan Policy 7.3 (e): Develop standard criteria for natural and scenic beauty as part of design plans; • General Plan Policy 7.3 (f): Consider structural setback from major thoroughfares and highways and establish development and design guidelines to protect important viewplanes; • General Plan Policy 7.3 (h): Protect the views of areas endowed with natural beauty by carefully considering the effects of proposed construction during all land use reviews; • General Plan Policy 7.3 (i): Do not allow incompatible construction in areas of natural beauty; • General Plan Policy 14.8.3 (d): Zoning, subdivision and other applicable ordinances shall provide for and protect open space areas. 711 Page Currently, there are no specific viewshed regulations that adequately protect scenic resources and with the exception of the General Plan's listed Natural Beauty Sites within the Hamakua Planning Area (Appendix V4A, page 62), no comprehensive scenic resource inventories and maps exist for the Planning Area. Without adequate scenic resource identification and development of protective regulations, we risk a continual loss of visual access to areas of scenic beauty (such as waterfalls, Mauna Kea views, and ocean/coastline views). The development of effective protections strategies requires the specific identification of the resources to be protected. Such an inventory might reasonably include written descriptions and photos of the views or open space of concern. The inventory may also include site information regarding distinguishing characteristics, parcel size, ownership, access points for best views, and potential threats to preservation. The Hawai'i County Planning Department will have to: ■ Define scenic view planes, areas of natural beauty, and other visual resources by mapping them (HRS 205A- 2(c)(3)(A)) ■ Develop application requirements for all land use and construction reviews to assess potential impacts on view planes and other natural and scenic beauty resources, likely including line -of -sight analysis (GP 7.3 (e), (h), & (i)) ■ Develop permit conditions, such as design guidelines, landscaping, screening, or structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways, to mitigate any visual impacts from development. (GP 7.3(f)) For more information on this, see pages 38-42, 59-64, 155-156, and 249-255 of Appendix V4A. Policy 36 Amend the Zoning Code to create a conservation designation for lands (or portions thereof) that should be kept in a largely natural state but that may not be in the Conservation District, such as certain important viewsheds, riparian buffer areas, gulches, and very steep slopes. Rationale: A vital part of the environment, open space is land that is basically not used for buildings or structures and is characterized by scenic beauty, existing openness, and natural conditions. Open space on the island of Hawai'i consists of lands zoned Open by the County as well as those in the State Land Use Conservation District. However, the "Open" zoning district permits golf courses with a use permit, some recreational facilities, and various public and utility -type facilities. There is currently no County zoning district that calls for land to be preserved in a largely natural state. Also, currently there are no specific protections (including building setbacks) in place for gulches or steep slopes, and the Hamakua Planning Area in particular is seeing a rise in problems, concerns, and complaints relating to landslides and viewshed issues near the gulches, cliffs, and slopes. This policy is an affirmation of existing General Plan policy 14.8.3 (e) and is related to the intention of General Plan policy 8.3 (m): "Encourage appropriate State agencies to review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State land use boundary comprehensive reviews." See also Policy 39 for a specific policy addressing riparian area protection. Policy 37 Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway 19 (work with State DOT) and along the Old Mamalahoa Highway as appropriate to ensure important views (coastal, mountain, and waterfall) are 721 Page preserved from development and that there are various opportunities to view these scenic resources throughout the three districts of the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: To complement County efforts to protect open space, scenic resources, viewsheds, and areas of natural beauty, it is important to implement General Plan policy 7.3(c): "Maintain a continuing program to identify, acquire and develop viewing sites on the island." Also, preserving ocean views is a high community priority (included in Community Objective 1 and 2). However, agricultural land uses often do not preserve open space viewsheds due to the prevalence of 'wind blocks' (rows of trees), and residential development also involves similar viewplane losses. This policy seeks to preserve scenic overlooks at appropriate areas along the main routes for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the scenic resources Hamakua is renowned for. Particularly in the Hamakua Planning Area where lush foliage can quickly block views from the highway, developing and maintaining scenic lookouts in areas of natural beauty should be viewed as a vital resource for residents' quality of life and for quality visitor experiences. Providing clear signage for parking for coastal and waterfall viewing is a safety issue, since visitors unfamiliar with the area often block the highway for viewing and create dangerous pedestrian issues while crossing the highway or attempting to take photographs of these scenic assets. See also Policy 38. Policy 38 Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordinate this work with the regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. Current scenic overlooks in the Planning Area are located in: • Laupahoehoe on Highway 19; • Onomea Scenic Route; • Waipi'o Valley Lookout Rationale: This policy addresses the intent of General Plan Policy 7.3 (c) regarding maintaining "a continuing program to identify, acquire and develop viewing sites on the island" but it takes the next step in directing maintenance of these scenic overlooks toward a more vigilant approach in protecting the scenic aspect of the site. Particularly in the Hamakua Planning Area where lush foliage can quickly block views, maintaining scenic lookouts for optimum viewing should be a priority. Currently the scenic lookout in Laupahoehoe is the only scenic lookout in the Planning Area along the Highway 19, and it is often partially obscured by foliage. See also Kokua Action 9, below. 4.5.5 Kokua o,4.;^^ Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division Kokua Action 8: Consider viewshed corridors for mountain and ocean views while negotiating leases along the Highway, such as timber leases. Rationale: There are significant State owned lands available in the Planning Area for agricultural leases. The DLNR Land Division manages state-owned lands that are not under the jurisdiction of other state agencies. This includes making lands under their jurisdiction available to the public through fee sales, leases, licenses, grants of easement, rights -of -entry, or month-to-month tenancies. The Planning Area has close to 30,000 acres of planted eucalyptus 731 Page forest. However, in many cases, the trees have grown to impede views of the mountains and coastline, along the highway. This policy advocates that the State consider these important viewshed corridors. Department of Transportation K6kua Action 9: Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordinate this work with the regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 37 and Policy 38. K6kua Action 10: Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, agricultural/pastoral, and waterfall views are preserved from development. Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 37 and Policy 38. K6kua Action 11: Consider adding/improving viewing locations and interpretive signage near the scenic bridges for safe parking and views of the areas' waterfalls and coastline, and along Saddle Road for views of the summit regions. Work with the Hawai'i Tourism authority to improve signage on the Highway and identify safe viewing locations. Rationale: Providing clear signage for parking for coastal and waterfall viewing is a safety issue, since visitors unfamiliar with the area often block the highway for viewing and create dangerous pedestrian issues while crossing the highway or attempting to take photographs of these scenic assets. See the rationale for Policy 45 and Policy 126. 4.5.6 Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems and Watersheds This section of the CDP encourages increasing County capacity and participation in watershed planning and the collaborative development and implementation of resource management plans, and the enforcement necessary to protect ecosystems. 4.6.3 County Action Policy 39 Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to establish building setbacks for bluffs. Recommended factors to consider for establishing setbacks include: ■ Slopes greater than 40% ■ Bluff height and geology type ■ Bluff identification and mapping strategies 741 Page See related Policies 18 and 40. Rationale: Building or structural setbacks are the distance in which a building or other structure is required to be set back from a street or road, a river or stream, a shore or flood plain, or any other place which is deemed to need protection. The County Zoning code determines building setbacks, often referred to as 'minimum yards' for each zoning district, and shoreline setbacks based on HRS Ch. 205A. Currently, there no County building setbacks related to cliffs or steep slopes (whether a building is next to edge of the top of a slope, or near the toe of the bottom of a steep slope). Considering the seismic and landslide history and prevalence in this island, developing precautionary building setbacks from steep slopes would be prudent since landslides pose threats to human life and public safety, and lead to significant environmental damage including soil and forest loss, sedimentation of streams, rivers, and lakes, and increased erosion and habitat destruction. This is particularly pertinent in Hamakua, where there are numerous steep slopes. Theoretically, it is currently legal for property owners to build structures next to the edge of deep ravines, such as the deep gulches of Hamakua. As an example, a recent aerial photograph taken of North Hilo shows a structure within approximately 30 feet of the edge of a cliff with a height of approximately 300' —this property is overlooking another structure at the toe of the cliff, which appears to be within 40 feet of the toe of the 300'+ cliff. Both of these structures appear to be built very close to a steep bluff and vulnerable to catastrophic landslide dynamics. Implementing bluff/cliff building setbacks into the County Code would require pre -identifying parcels or areas with applicable bluff zones and adding measures to the County building permit process to ensure that the public is made aware of the setback requirements and provide recommendations on how to safely site structures on bluff parcels. To see how other municipalities are addressing bluff protections, see: • https://www.co.wabasha.mn.us/planning commission/ordinance/PDZOchapterll.pdf • http://minnesotawaters.org/longlakepropertvowners/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2014/06/ShorelandRegulationSummary.pdf • http://www.englewoodcliffsno.org/filestorage/309/321/519/521/Zoning Ordinance Schedule.pdf • http://www.landofsky.org/pdf/LGS/LandofSky-MRSSPS-final-report.pdf • http://www.cityofcrosslake.org/vertical/sites/%7BFEA8DD90-54F2-4E30-BF15- 72B67E6DC206%7D/uploads/Bluff Factsheet CL 3-27-14.pdf Policy 40 Develop and adopt policies (including setback requirements) to protect riparian (streamside) areas from incompatible development and uses. Rationale: Wetlands and riparian areas are natural habitats that can reduce polluted runoff and prevent the entry of pollutants into receiving waters by intercepting surface runoff, subsurface flow, and certain groundwater flows. They can further enhance water quality by processing, removing, transforming, and storing sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and certain heavy metals. Thus, wetlands and riparian areas buffer receiving waters from the effects of pollutants, or they prevent the entry of pollutants into receiving waters. Inappropriate uses and land management practices can induce soil erosion and degrade these areas. Currently there are no riparian setback requirements in Hawai'i County Code. The Zoning Code contains minimum yard (setback) requirements, measured from the lot line, however, in many cases properties extend to the middle of a stream, or across streams, allowing for structures to be built in sensitive areas. 751 Page Many areas have developed riparian and bluff impact zones to protect natural areas from development encroachment and other inappropriate land uses in these types of environmentally sensitive areas. This policy will help to protect both natural resources and personal property within the Planning Area. See also Policy 39. Best Management Practices for Riparian buffers can be found in the following guides: • DOFAW's Best Management Practices for forestry • NRCS's Conservation Practice Standard (393) Filter Strip and Conservation Practice Standard (393): Filter Strip and Conservation Practice Standard (391): Riparian Forest Buffer. This policy is supported by the Mauna Kea Watershed Management Plan, Objective 2C: "Protect and enhance riparian buffers to protect stream corridors." See also the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/about-the-hamakua-cdp-planning-area/past-and-current-planning- activities-in-the-hamakua-cdp-planning-area/Waipio%20Valley%2OStream%2OManagement.pdf/view. For more information, see pages 50-51, 57-59 of Appendix V4A. Policy 41 Increase capacity to provide education and outreach and enforce conditions on grading and grubbing permits to require screen planting, erosion control planting, or other treatments to maintain the good appearance of graded areas, reduce the detrimental impact on adjacent properties, and protect watersheds. (HCC10-12 (c)) Rationale: The Erosion and Sedimentation Control provisions in HCC Chapter 10 are to safeguard the public, property, and the environment by regulating drainage, erosion, and sediment, and to assure the safety of the project. This policy is necessary due to a lack of knowledge and application in the community about erosion -control requirements, and it emphasizes the importance of enforcement of existing County Code policy. Policy 42 To further watershed management goals, collaborate with the Department of Health, the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Department of Land and Natural Resource: DOFAW Division, and the Soil and Water Conservation District to reduce runoff, maximize soil and water conservation, and protect and effectively manage watersheds and natural areas. (HRS 342D, HAR 11-54-3, GP 4.3(g), 5.2(e) & (f), 5.3(e), (n), & (o), and 8.2(e) & (j)) The County should participate in watershed planning in the following ways: i. Build staff capacity and provide training to support development and implementation of stream management plans; 2. Initiate a conservation planning process for priority watersheds with Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) from NRCS; 3. Enter into a partnership agreement with the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU Process; 4. Work with partners such as UH Hilo, Hawai'i Community College, Hawai'i County Research and Development, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Kohala Center on a pilot program to train UH/HCC students to assist with Conservation Planning (GP 8.3 (e), (k), (j), (1)); 761 Page s. Support best management practices through various regulatory review processes conducted by the department; such as farm dwelling permits and conservation permits, and through environmental reviews of publicly leased lands; 6. Identify streams and stream corridors as candidates for further protections, and once identified, prioritize and seek to acquire corridors for further management; 7. Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community in implementing the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. The above actions can be implemented independently of each other and do not reflect prioritization by their listing order. The goal of this policy is that the County becomes actively involved in watershed planning. Rationale: In Hawai'i, watersheds are areas of land that drain downslope to a common point. The water moves through a network of drainage pathways, both underground and on the surface, eventually reaching the ocean. The protection and management of watersheds is particularly important to Hamakua because the Planning Area is home to 73% of the watersheds on the Island. However, the County and community are not actively involved in watershed planning in Hamakua. Watershed management plans typically identify the sources of pollution and the recommended management strategies. Specific to #2, above: conservation plans can also address regional conservation plans. NRCS helps decision makers with the conservation planning process ranging from site-specific plans for individuals to more complex community, watershed, or area -wide plans for groups of land managers. Conservation technical assistance furnished by NRCS includes conservation planning and practice/system application, technical consultations, and assistance in the technical phases of USDA and State cost -share programs. Specific to #3, above: the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance (MKWA) encompasses approximately 484,000 acres above the 2000' elevation on the mountain of Mauna Kea. Coordinated management of these watershed lands is critical to sustain adequate quality and quantity of water and provide important habitat for a wide diversity of native plants and animals, including many that are endangered. An MOU was drafted for the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance and several federal, state, and private land owners, and non-profit management partners have entered into this partnership agreement. This policy recognizes that the County has an important role to play in watershed management and should also be a party to the MOU. This policy is supported by 8.3 (1): "Work with the appropriate State, Federal agencies, and private landowners to establish a program to manage and protect identified watersheds." Specific to #4, above: due to high demand, there is a one year waiting list for Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Planning Services. A pilot program would allow students to obtain conservation planning training and real world experience and will add needed staffing support for the Mauna Kea and Hamakua SWCD. Specific to #5, above: agricultural lands provide important ecosystem and community services. However, unsustainable agricultural practices can create a negative impact on watersheds, downstream ecosystems, and coastal waters. This policy seeks to strengthen and support the enforcement of agricultural and forestry best management practices. The Planning Department could support best management practices through various regulatory review processes conducted by the department; such as farm dwelling permits and conservation permits, and through environmental reviews of publicly leased lands. For more information, see also pages 58-59, 100, and 128 of Appendix V4A, and also the DLNR reference at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/files/2013/02/Hawaii-BMP.pdf 771 Page Specific to #6, above: the Hawai'i Stream Assessment (HAS) identified 149 perennial streams in the Planning Area. Of which, seven candidate streams, located in whole or in part within the Planning Area, were identified as needing protection, see Page 46 of Appendix V4A for the list of streams. One of the actions for this policy seeks to identify these streams, and any others identified as needing further protection. Specific to #7: Refer to the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan at: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/about-the-hamakua-cdp-planning-area/past-and-current-planning- activities-in-the-hamakua-cdp-planning-area/Waipio%20Valley%20Stream%20Management.pdf/view This policy is supported by General Plan Policy 8.3 (j): "Encourage the protection of watersheds, forest, brush, and grassland from destructive agents and uses," and 8.3 (k): "An identification and inventory of forest lands suitable for watershed purposes should be conducted jointly by County, appropriate State and Federal agencies, and private landowners" and 8.3 (1): "Work with the appropriate State, Federal agencies, and private landowners to establish a program to manage and protect identified watersheds." See also related 4.6.5 K6kua Action. For more information, see pages 43-64 of Appendix V4A. Policy 43 To further ecosystem protections, revise Planning Department Rule 17, Landscaping Requirements, to incorporate and encourage native and noninvasive alternatives for landscaping and restoration activities for Plan Review and County projects, and to include the noxious weed list from Hawai'i Administrative Rules 4-68 and the invasive plant lists from the Hawaii -Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) as plants to avoid. Consult HPWRA's Plant Pono program (http://plantpono.org) and collaborate with the Big Island Invasive Committee (BIISC) and the University of Hawai'i to determine which native and noninvasive plants to include with this rule revision Rationale: Note, the Planning Department's Landscaping Requirements apply primarily to commercial projects or noncommercial projects that have parking lots. These requirements currently encourage native species planting and landscaping that does not cause "undue maintenance problems." Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to the long-term viability of native ecosystems, watersheds, and a thriving agricultural and horticultural trade. The State Department of Agriculture has designated certain plant species as noxious weeds for eradication. This list should be incorporated into the Planning Department procedures for reviews of landscape plans. The county can take a leadership role to ensure that county projects utilize native and noninvasive species, especially since invasive species are commonly used in parking lot landscaping. For example, the 'autograph tree' (Clusia major or Clusia rosea) is commonly planted in parking lots and is recognized as one of Hawai'i's top invasive species but so far is not on the State's noxious weed list. The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC), a project of the University of Hawai'i Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, engages in a voluntary partnership with private citizens, community organizations, businesses, land owners, and government agencies to address invasive species issues on the island of Hawai'i. BIISC's primary objectives include public outreach, early detection, control and eradication of invasive pests threatening agriculture, native ecosystems, industry, human health and the quality of life within Hawai'i county. This policy seeks to partner with BIISC to determine a list of specific species to be considered and incorporated into the plan review process. This policy is based on General Plan Policy 8.3 (p): "Encourage the use of native plants for screening and landscaping" and 4.3 (i): "Support programs to prevent harmful alien species from becoming established." 781 Page 4.6.5 K6kua Action For additional policies and K6kua Actions relating to coastal protections, please see 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources. State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 12: Update Hawai'i Stream Assessment (HSA). Rationale: The HSA was the first comprehensive effort to compile existing information about Hawaiian stream biota, published in 1990. The HSA was intended to serve as an accessible source of information that would evaluate relative stream quality and serve to rationalize management actions by the State Water Commission. While the study did identify streams in the Planning Area for further protection, it has little information on the streams along the Hamakua Coast due to difficulty of access. For this reason the level of confidence regarding perennial status and other attributes for most of the streams in the Planning Area is low. Therefore, this K6kua action recommends that the HSA be updated, using the latest technology to provide better stream data. K6kua Action 13: Develop place -based marine protected area plans for priority areas. Rationale: Place -based management refers to designating appropriate uses for a particular geographic area to reduce user conflicts and protect the area from some or all preventable harm. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one form of place -based management. They are marine areas that have been reserved by federal, state, tribal, or local laws or regulations to provide protection to part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein. More specifically, DLNR may designate community based subsistence fishing areas and carry out fishery management strategies for those areas for the purpose of reaffirming and protecting fishing practices customarily and traditionally exercised for purposes of native Hawaiian subsistence, culture, and religion. This policy advocates for developing place -based strategies for specific areas. State of Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch K6kua Action 14: Complete a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for the Planning Area's coastal waters. Rationale: Coastal waters are managed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) (for aquatic resources and boating), the State Department of Health (DOH) (for water quality), and the Federal Army Corps of Engineers (COE). The Clean Water Branch protects public health and inland and coastal waters for marine life wildlife. Responsibilities include coastal water surveillance and watershed -based environmental management through permitting, monitoring, enforcement, polluted runoff control projects, and public education. The last time a comprehensive water quality test was done for the coastal waters of our Planning Area was in 1987, and the waters were given an "A" water quality rating. However, that testing was during the era of sugar agriculture with its various near -shore impacts, and that rating does not necessarily accurately reflect current conditions. This K6kua action encourages DOH to complete a comprehensive water quality test for the Planning Area. Kokua Action 15: Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Impaired Streams (Clean Water Act § 303 (d) 791 Page Rationale: The Clean Water Act §303(d) requires States to submit a list of Water Quality -Limited Segments, waters that do not meet state water quality standards, plus a priority ranking of listed waters, based on the severity of pollution and the uses of the waters. The §303(d) list leads to action. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are pollution budgets to bring §303(d) -listed pollutant/water body combinations into compliance with water quality standards. 8 Impaired Streams have been identified on the 303(d) list in the CDP Planning Area. However, TMDLs have not been developed. This Kokua action seeks the development of TMDLs for impaired streams within the Planning Area, so that streams can be monitored and analyzed for further management needs. State Office of Planning Kokua Action 16: Review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP 8.3 (m)) Rationale: Several, but not all, stream corridors in the Planning Area are located in the State land use Conservation District. This Kokua action is consistent with General Plan policy 8.3 (m): "Encourage appropriate State agencies to review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State land use boundary comprehensive reviews." State of Hawaii Legislature Kokua Action 17: Provide the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) the resources necessary to actively support local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). (HRS Chapter 180). Rationale: Hawai'i Revised Statutes Chapter 180, as amended, outlines the duties and powers of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to administer and conduct soil and water conservation activities within the State of Hawaii. The DLNR provides the SWCDs with funding and administrative support. The Planning Area includes a portion of the Mauna Kea SWCD and the Hamakua SWCD. This Kokua Action encourages the State Legislature to continue to provide funding to support SWCDs. Kokua Action 18: Provide assistance and funding for the control and management of Little Fire Ant infestations within the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: In 2015 Hawai'i County received grants to control little fire ants at specific park sites. However, according to University of Hawai'i estimates, over the next 10 years, individuals and businesses on the Big Island could have to bear losses of $140 million, spend $1.2 billion on mitigation and treatment and suffer 390 million stings. Some Hawaiian farmers have had trouble hanging on to workers who pick fruit and flowers. A few have even abandoned badly infested farms. And both farmers and nursery owners have had ant -infested product rejected and sent back by inspectors from the mainland. (See http://www.littlefireants.com/) United States Congress Kokua Action 19: Provide sufficient funding to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Pacific Islands Area (PIA), the Farm Service Agency, U.S. Forest Service (Laupahoehoe section of the Hawai'i Experimental Tropical Forest), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adequately implement critical conservation programs, including invasive species management and Rapid'Ohia Death research and mitigation. Rationale: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a principal agent of the US Department of Agriculture providing conservation technical assistance to private landowners, soil and water conservation districts, and other organizations. This Kokua Action encourages the Congress to continue to provide sufficient funding to support NRCS. 4.6.6 Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.7 Protect and Enhance Cultural Assets This section of the CDP prioritizes the preservation of historic buildings and roads and the development of historic streetscapes and rural road standards. It also guides community -led efforts to restore historic sites and buildings, retain village and town character, and document oral, written, and video histories. 4.7.4 County Action Policy 44 Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawai'i and identify these sites with interpretive signage and/or other appropriate methods. Rationale: The Hamakua Planning area lacks sufficient recognition of significant historical and cultural sites. This policy is consistent with and reaffirms the following existing General Plan Policies: • 6.2 (a): Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawai'i; • 6.3 (h): Aid in the development of a program of public education concerning historic sites; • 6.3 (i): Signs explaining historic sites, buildings and objects shall be in keeping with the character of the area or the cultural aspects of the feature; • 6.3 (g): Collect and distribute historic sites information of public interest and keep an inventory of sites. Policy 45 Support the development and promotion of Heritage Corridors as part of a coordinated effort to promote the roadways and towns of the Hamakua Planning Area. GP 6.3 (1) • Coordinate this effort with Policy 126 relating to the State Scenic Byway Program. Rationale: The County designated the Hamakua coastline section of Highway 19 as the "Heritage Corridor" in the mid- 1990s to stimulate eco -tourism in the area after the closure of the sugar plantations. Although there is some signage along the highway, there has never been an official designation and market promotion of this Corridor has not gelled. The proposed Heritage Corridor route (from Appendix V4C, pages 109-110) features and connects several scenic and cultural treasures in Hamakua: the historic towns/villages, backroads through lush vegetation and waterfalls, historic 811 Page places such as Waipi'o Valley and the former plantation landings, State Parks, farms offering agricultural tours, and selected trails that draw the visitor out of their vehicles to experience the natural beauty of the area. This policy is an affirmation of existing General Policy 6.3 (1) and is supported by other GP policies specific to areas of the Planning Area as follows: Identify historic sites within the South Hilo District for inclusion within the Hawaiian Heritage Corridor Program. (GP 6.5.2.2 (b)) Coordinate with the community to identify historical sites and buildings for inclusion in a heritage corridor program. (GP 6.5.3.2 (a)) For more information, see pages 63, 174, and 252 of Appendix V4A and also related Policy 126. 4.7.5 K6kua Action State Legislature K6kua Action 20: Following HRS 6E, provide the Department of Land and Natural resources sufficient staff and funding for the State Historic Preservation Division to fulfill its mandates. Rationale: Pursuant HRS section 6E-10, landowners shall allow SHPD an opportunity for review of any construction, alteration, disposition or improvement of any nature that affects an historic property on the Hawaii register of historic places. However, there have been cases where the reviews were not completed within the comment period. The Hawai'i State Historic Preservation Plan October 2012 to October 2017 identifies additional resources required for implementation. Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 21: Encourage the State's implementation of the'Aha Moku System. Rationale: In 2012, Act 288 established the 'Aha Moku Advisory Committee in the Department of Land and Natural Resources, pursuant HRS Chapter 171. The Committee will advise the chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources on a variety of resource management practices. This k6kua action encourages the implementation of their recommendations. 4.7.6 Community Actioi See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access and Trails This section of the CDP prioritizes a County public access program, directs appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests, and guides community -led access management. 821 Page 4•$•4 County Action The following policies address Community Objectives 1, 3, and 12. Policy 46 Establish a 'County of Hawai'i Public Access and Trail Program' with sufficient staff and resources. Staff will be required to refer to this program in all permit reviews. Elements of this program could include: 1. A comprehensive access inventory; 2. A public access rating system to help with prioritization; 3. Ensure comprehensive reviews of projects (on public or private lands) that will affect public accesses and trails. 4. Establish a program to inventory ancient trails, cart roads, and old government roads in coordination with appropriate State agencies. Ensure that publicly owned historic trails and roads are properly identified and consultation occurs to protect the public's interests. (GP 12.3 (n) Highways Act of 1892) s. Identify agencies/groups to develop, administer, and maintain public accesses, including developing County capacity for this purpose; 6. Identify funding sources to purchase public access easement to priority areas; z When public access goals will involve several landowners, acquire the public access incrementally as opportunities arise to do so; 8. Public accesses that cross private land will be acquired and held until appropriate management of the accesses is in place; 9. Collaborate with State and Federal agencies on public accesses that require multi -agency involvement; io. Develop a standardized template to promote consistency and comprehensiveness in the public access plans required by landowners; 11. Partner with community organizations capable of assisting with public access management; 12. Work with State agencies (particularly with DOFAW) to coordinate, survey, develop, and manage public trails and roads leading to forest reserves; 13. In co-sponsorship with the State when possible, acquire land for public access to historic sites and objects and to the shoreline where safe transit does not already exist; 14. Reinstitute a Public Access Sign program managed by the Planning Department to assist interested community groups in maintaining appropriate signage at public access points is. Provide cultural and safety information at trailheads. The above actions can be implemented independently of each other and do not reflect prioritization by their listing order. 831 Page Rationale: Public access is a high community priority, and it remains a challenging issue for the entire County. State and County policy requires that the County ensure public access. In addition, HCC section 34-4(b) requires the County Planning Department to work with the State DLNR and County Department of Parks and Recreation to compile an inventory (including maps) of "public -owned areas and the approximate location of the existing public trails." However, the County doesn't have a formal public access program, and the County's public access inventory currently consists of primarily shoreline public accesses. This policy is intended to address those deficits. The County's public access program should include protocols for mapping and marking access points and easements, standards for signage and access maintenance, access regulations, and community-based management strategies. The program should also expand the public access inventory to include mauka public access. Specific to #3, #4, there are miles of historic trails appearing on old maps that may meet the legal definition of "public trails." Public access rights to cross private land may exist if it is determined that a government-owned road or trail is located there. The services of an abstractor or land surveyor may be required to research whether a government- owned road exists on the private land and where. This includes old government roads that were laid out by government but never built (a.k.a. "paper roads") and unmaintained old government roads (often called "Roads in Limbo"). Approximately 62 miles of old government roads, a.k.a. "Roads in Limbo," within the Planning Area are potentials for development of new public access opportunities. If the State of Hawai'i declares a trail or other non- vehicular pathway to be a public right-of-way by virtue of the Highways Act of 1892, that trail is determined to be a public trail and under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Na Ala Hele Statewide Trail and Access System, part of DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife, is required to inventory "all trails and accesses in the State." The program is responsible for managing and maintaining only those trails and accesses that are approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources to become a part of the statewide trail and access system. Specific to #6, above: if no other option exists, there are provisions in the law for the public to purchase access rights through the government's powers of eminent domain (HRS Chapter 115 and HRS Section 46-1.5). Successful trail/access projects, particularly those that are miles in length, may need to be acquired incrementally and will require collaboration between multiple government agencies, several different landowners, and community stewardship groups. This policy an affirmation of the following policies: • HRS section 115-2 states that the "counties shall purchase land for public rights-of-way to the shorelines, the sea, and inland recreational areas, and for public transit corridors where topography is such that safe transit does not exist;" • HRS section 115-7 allows for State and County "co-sponsorship" of acquisitions for public access; • General Plan 6.3(d): Public access to significant historic sites and objects shall be acquired, where appropriate; • General Plan Policy 8.3 (r): "Ensure public access is provided to the shoreline, public trails and hunting areas, including free public parking where appropriate;" • General Plan Policy 8.3 (s): "Establish a system of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, cultural, natural, or recreational values;" 841 Page • General Plan Policy 12.3 (n): "Establish a program to inventory ancient trails, cart roads and old government roads on the island in coordination with appropriate State agencies;" • General Plan Policy 12.3 (m): "Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island -wide route connecting major parks and destinations;" • General Plan Policy 12.3 (u): "Provide access to public hunting areas;" • General Plan Policy 12.4 (1): "Public access to the shoreline shall be provided in accordance with an adopted program of the County of Hawai'i;" • See also, Kona CDP — ENV 2.1 Open Space Network Program; North Kohala CDP Strategy 2.2 — County Public Access Coordinator or Public Access Planner. For more information, see pages 191-223, 227, 260, and 292 in Appendix V4A. Policy 47 Pursue access easements and/or acquisition of high priority public accesses to meet CDP objectives. Rationale: The public access, open space, and natural resources preservation fund can be used to acquire lands or property entitlements based on recommendations from the PONC. The PONC list is a good tool, and the public is invited to nominate properties for acquisition. The accesses listed below were collected through the CDP information -gathering phase. Some of them coincide with properties that either currently are, or have been listed on the Hawai'i County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) list. Note, land and easement acquisition priorities can change depending on various circumstances and the list below reflects the priorities of the community during a particular time -frame and may need to be adjusted as priorities shift and opportunities arise. The following sites were identified as having public access potential: • Papa'ikou Mill Beach Trail TMK 2-7-027:065 and 2-7-004:118. (See County Council Res. No. 308-12) (See also Community Action 25) • Hilo State Forest Reserve via Kaupakuea Hmstd Road 2-8-001:003. County has secured a public access easement in TMK: 2-8-003:001, but the easement is not all the way to the Forest Reserve (FR) boundary. The State and/or County would need to extend the easement to the FR. • Hilo State Forest Reserve in Kaiwiki via Kaiwiki Hmstd. Rd. TMK: 2-9-05:01 and also via Chin Chuck Rd. TMK: 2-9- 05:01. County and State cooperation needed to survey the government road all the way to the FR, post signs, mark a parking area, and delineate trail to FR. • Hamakua State Forest Reserve in H6'ea Ka'a ("Small Forest") TMK: 4-2-08:01. State plans to reserve the right of public access to the FR through state lease of TMK: 4-2-07:02. The actual route for public access is yet to be determined. • Road to Haina (a.k.a. Honoka'a Landing) TMK: 4-5-02:19. Private, unpaved road to Haina Landing, voluntarily open. County would need to work with landowners to secure a public access easement. • Trail from Haina Landing to P5'auhau Landing TMKs: 4-5-02, 4-5-01, and 4-4-05 (various parcels). County Planning Dept. has required several coastal developments along this section of coast to allow "lateral public 851 -age access to and along the shoreline within forty feet of the top of the cliff or further mauka (inland) as may be necessary for the safety of the public traversing the area." It will take years to accomplish incrementally, but a continuous, lateral, public access corridor along the top of cliff would need to be acquired. • Trail from Kukuihaele Viewpoint to former Kukuihaele Landing TMK: 4-8-01:04. County Planning Dept. has required pedestrian public access to a viewpoint at the top of cliff. From there, a continuous, lateral, public access trail along the top of cliff would need to be acquired to enable access to a fishing area at the former Kukuihaele Landing. For more on information, see pages 214-222 in Appendix V4A. Policy 48 Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i shall establish: public access to and along the shoreline to significant historic sites, public transit along the top of cliff, streams, mauka trails, facilities, and access to sites for gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes. Lands adjacent to Forest and Natural Area Reserves shall be assessed for public access potential and public access may be included as a condition of subdivision. (HRS §205A-26; GP 6.2(b); 7.3(a); 8.3(r)) Rationale: Public access is a high community priority, and it remains a challenging issue for the entire County. State and County policy requires that the County ensure public access and this policy directs that the County of Hawai'i use all of the appropriate regulatory mechanisms to ensure that opportunities to require public accesses are utilized appropriately. This policy is based on existing General Plan policies 6.2 (b) "Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public interest should be made available," and 7.3 (a) "Increase public pedestrian access opportunities to scenic places and vistas" and 8.3 (r) "Ensure public access is provided to the shoreline, public trails and hunting areas, including free public parking where appropriate." Streams and coastline areas are used for cultural/recreational/subsistence resources such as gathering and fishing. However, cultural and recreational accesses are becoming increasingly difficult to physically and legally access due to residential and agricultural uses, and 'land -locked' public lands that lack access points. Lateral public access is frequently blocked due to the lack of a public transit corridor required in the shoreline setback. The Planning Department has the authority to recommend and set public access conditions in its review and approval of applications for Special Permits, Change of Zone, Subdivisions, and developments within the Special Management Area. This policy seeks to utilize that authority to protect those public transit corridors. This policy is based in part on HRS §115-5: "Beach transit corridor defined. (a)The right of transit shall exist seaward of the shoreline and this area shall be defined as a beach transit corridor. For purposes of this section, "shoreline" shall have the same meaning as in section 205A-1. However, in areas of cliffs or areas where the nature of the topography is such that there is no reasonably safe transit forthe public along the shoreline below the private property lines, the counties by condemnation may establish along the makai boundaries of the property lines public transit corridors which shall be not less than six feet wide." See also HRS §46-6.5. This policy directs the County of Hawai'i to use every opportunity to evaluate access potential and then require appropriate public accesses through various land use regulatory and permitting processes. For more information, see pages 53-56, 191-223 and 292 in Appendix V4A. 861 Page Policy 49 Identify government roads (including roads -in -limbo, 'paper roads' and train infrastructure remnants) with public access value for trails. If these are being obstructed by private parties, work to remove the obstructions. This policy is specific to roads -in -limbo or old road rights-of-way that are best adapted to trail use; however, for CDP policies relating to the adoption of 'roads -in -limbo' into the current County of Hawai'i road inventory, see Policy 68 and Policy 71. It is important to note that not all train infrastructure remnants are government owned — some are now private and therefore would not relate to this policy. Rationale: Public access rights to cross private land may exist if it is determined that a government-owned road or trail is located there. The services of an abstractor or land surveyor may be required to research whether a government-owned road exists on the private land and where. This includes old government roads that were laid out by government but never built (a.k.a. "paper roads") and unmaintained old government roads (often called "Roads in Limbo"). Approximately 62 miles of old government roads, a.k.a. "Roads -in -Limbo," within the Planning Area are potentials for development of new public access opportunities. However, the County Department of Public Works has limited staff for research or enforcement. This policy seeks to direct the Public Access Program to coordinate with DPW for this purpose. For more information, see pages 94, 99, 114-115, and 237-238 of Appendix V4B. Policy 50 Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands, including public roads or trails, public access potentials will be assessed, documented, and protected if public access use is in the public's interest. Rationale: There are significant public owned lands available in the Planning Area for public access. In addition, HRS Section 46-1.5 gives counties powers to acquire, lease and hold real and personal property as the interests of the county's inhabitants may require, including the power of condemnation by eminent domain when it is in the public interest to do so. The County Finance Department, Property Management Division is responsible for the acquisition, management, and disposition of real property for the County of Hawai'i. This policy requires that the County consider public access needs prior to the disposing of, leasing or transferring public lands. Policy 51 Reconstruct the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp to provide safe and adequate access to ocean resources for subsistence fisher -people and recreational users. Rationale: Safe access to ocean resources is rare in the Planning Area; the only boating facility in the Planning Area is at Laupahoehoe Point and the next closest public boat launch areas are located in Hilo and Kawaihae. The boat ramp is an important asset to subsistent fisher people and recreational boaters. Originally constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Laupahoehoe boat ramp is managed by the County of Hawai'i Parks & Recreation Department. Due to damage caused by heavy wave activity, the ramp floor has steel rebar protruding from crumbling concrete, making it hazardous for boaters and especially hazardous for swimmers (swimming is officially not an allowed use of the ramp, but the ramp continues to be a popular local swimming spot). The boat ramp has been 'closed' since June 2009 to protect public safety. Parks and Recreation Dept. makes minor repairs to the rebar protrusions when they are reported and local residents have, at times, taken it upon themselves to make repairs and continue to use the 871 Page ramp on a limited basis and at their own risk. It is commonly thought that the location of the ramp is part of the problem and until the ramp is relocated to its original position and orientation in the bay, the problems of significant wave erosion will continue to manifest themselves. The County has been assessing the ramp's condition since 2009 in an attempt to develop a plan for restoring the ramp to a usable/safe condition. Currently this project is on the CIP list but there are no funds allocated for it, and the report on the County's assessment of the ramp has not been made public. Supporting policies are the General Plan policy 13.3.5.3.2(a), "Continue to improve the small boat ramp at Laupahoehoe, extend the offshore protective structure, and provide for adequate parking" and CIP: FY2014-2015 Ord. No.14-82, item 2014015 For more information, see pages 145 and 169 in Appendix V4A, and pages 159 and 161 in Appendix V413. 4.8.5 r%wix d iALuon State Legislature K6kua Action 22: To facilitate greater public access to and along the shoreline and elsewhere, amend HRS 520, Hawai'i's Recreational Use Statute (RUS), to: • Decrease ambiguity and discourage frivolous lawsuits; • Provide incentives for private landowners to voluntarily allow public access through incentives. Rationale: To encourage private landowners to voluntarily allow recreational public access on their lands, HRS Chapter 520, Hawai'i's Recreational Use Statute (RUS), was first established in 1969. It limits the private landowner's liability if access is made available to the public without charging a fee. Providing incentives to private landowners to open more accesses by limiting liability and providing tax incentives and/or zoning credits may encourage landowners to voluntarily allow access. Bishop Estate/ Kamehameha Schools; State of Hawaii K6kua Action 23: Explore options and collaborate with community groups to increase access to former sugar cane roads to be used as non -motorized trails where feasible and appropriate. Rationale: Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools and the State of Hawai'i are major landowners of former sugar cane properties with their associated old cane roads that could be repurposed for trails. This K6kua Action encourages cooperation in establishing and collaboratively managing these resources to allow for community use when feasible and appropriate. It is acknowledged that not all areas and not all possible uses are compatible with current agricultural or forestry leases, however, this action advocates for exploring options to achieve access and manage access for the mutual benefit of the landowners and the community. State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division K6kua Action 24: Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands, including public roads or trails, public access potentials will be assessed, documented and protected if public access use is in the public's interest. See corresponding Policy 50. 881 Page Rationale: There are significant public owned lands available in the Planning Area for public access. In addition, HRS Section 46-1.5 gives counties powers to acquire, lease and hold real and personal property as the interests of the county's inhabitants may require, including the power of condemnation by eminent domain when it is in the public interest to do so. This policy urges that DLNR consider public access needs prior to the disposing of, leasing or transferring public lands. This policy is based on HRS § 171-26, which states: "Prior to the disposition of any public lands, the board of land and natural resources shall lay out and establish over and across such lands a reasonable number of rights-of-way from established highways to the public beaches, game management areas, public hunting areas, and public forests and forest reserves in order that the right of the people to utilize the public beaches, game management areas, public hunting areas, and public forests and forest reserves shall be protected. Prior to the leasing of any lands, the board shall determine the feasibility of hunting on such lands, and if any of them is suitable for hunting or may during the term of the lease become suitable for hunting, the board may reserve such lands as game management areas or public hunting areas. Where the board finds that hunting on such lands would not be consistent with the rights of the lessee or for other good cause, the board need not reserve such lands as game management areas or public hunting areas. The cost of such rights-of-way and any fencing which may be required shall be borne by the State, lessee or jointly as the board may deem appropriate prior to the leasing of such lands." Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent K6kua Action 25: Explore expansion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in the Hamakua Planning Area. 4.o.o %-ommunity Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 4.9 Preserving Sacred Places: Waipi'o Valley and Mauna Kea This section of the CDP identifies Waipi'o Valley and Mauna Kea as sacred places needing special attention. This section specifically addresses natural and cultural resource protections for both of these unique areas, but the section also addresses other elements of the CDP that are specific to these places. 4.9.2 Waipi`o Valley as a Wahi Pana This section prioritizes protecting Waipi'o Valley as a wahi pana, focusing on protecting natural ecosystems, viewsheds, streams, managing responsible access, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. 891 Page 4.9.3 Waipi'o Valley: County Action Policy 52 Designate Waipi'o Valley, including the Valley rim, as a Wahi Pana and create a resource protection overlay and regulations that will protect Waipi'o Valley's natural resources, preserve its storied past and perpetuate its agricultural traditions and unique rural lifestyle. The Wahi Pana designation should address the following: ■ Create a Natural Resource Overlay Zone: o Prepare viewshed siting guidelines in the County Zoning Code for parcels along the southeast and eastern portions of Waipi'o Valley rim (GP Policy 7.3 (b)); o Extend the SMA boundary beyond Waipi'o Valley on the east and southeast Valley rim to ensure that greater setbacks and viewshed protections are incorporated into the review of structures in those areas; ■ Collaborate with Community Groups: o Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community to develop a long range management plan for Waipi'o that addresses public access, carrying capacity, resource management, and potential funding sources for on-going maintenance of streams and roads. o Support community organizations such as the Waipi'o Valley Stakeholders Alliance, the Waipi'o Community Circle, the Traditional Waipi'o Taro Farmers Assoc., and Ha Ola O Waipi'o Valley in developing and implementing a community-based watershed plan based on the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. Rationale: In Hawaiian culture, the term Wahi Pana is used to recognize "celebrated" and "storied" places that have significant Native Hawaiian cultural and historical heritage. A Wahi Pana can be a heiau, royal birth site, legendary site and places of significance for the people who live there. These sacred places have mana (spiritual power) and are treated with great respect, honor and reverence. Most of the studies cited in "Previous Waipi'o Valley Related Planning/Studies" recommend designating Waipi'o Valley as a Wahi Pana due to its significant natural, cultural, historical, and spiritual value. Comprehensive, regional, conservation, watershed, and open space plans often use resource protection overlay districts to link land use policies and conservation strategies with specific landscapes. Overlay zoning is a regulatory tool that creates a special zoning district, placed over an existing base zone(s), which identifies special provisions in addition to those in the underlying base zone. Regulations or incentives are attached to the overlay district to protect a specific resource or guide development within a special area. This policy, to create an overlay zone, would entail County Code regulations to protect the Valley's cultural and historical resources through measures such as vehicular access management measures, establishing scenic vistas, resource protection, etc. One existing tool that could be used to further viewshed protections is Special Management Area overlay. Currently the SMA boundary in Waipi'o extends mauka from the shoreline to the bottom of the Valley walls. The area west and southwest of the Valley is within the Forest Reserve and Special Management Area, and, therefore, has limited development potential. However, the Valley rim on the east and southeast sides are within the A -40a Zone District, with the potential for residential and farm dwelling units. Generally, because the CZM objectives and policies are so comprehensive, the SMA is the most resource -protective land use policy overlay. CZM policies address recreational resources, historic resources, scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, coastal hazards, management of development, beach protection, and marine resources. The SMA process allows the County to apply reasonable go image conditions to a proposal to mitigate potential impacts. This policy would apply the SMA process beyond the Valley rim. Determining where exactly the SMA boundary should be could be done via preparing a viewshed plan and siting guidelines for the southeast and eastern portions of the valley rim. This policy action is supported by existing General Plan Policy 7.3 (b) "(b) Develop and establish view plane regulations to preserve and enhance views of scenic or prominent landscapes from specific locations, and coastal aesthetic values." See also Section 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds for more policies relating to protecting viewsheds throughout the Planning Area. For the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan, see here: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/about-the- hamakua-cdp-planning-area/past-and-current-planning-activities-in-the-hamakua-cdp-planning- area/Waipio%20Valley%2OStream%2OManagement.pdf/view For more information, see pages 17, 189, 177, 223-269 in Appendix V4A. Policy 53 Provide a property tax credit for landowners for the perpetual conservation of taro systems on private land (i.e. agricultural, conservation or cultural easements), and for owners and lessees who enter into long term agreements (20 years) to rehabilitate taro systems to active use. Rationale: In 2008, the Hawai'i State Legislature passed Act 211, establishing the Taro Security and Purity Task Force (TSPTF). The Task Force was charged with finding solutions to the problems facing taro production, taro farmers and taro markets. This policy is consistent with one of their recommendations for improving protections to taro -growing lands and serves to protect taro as a special resource from both an agricultural and a cultural perspective. This policy is consistent with the Taro Security and Purity Task Force recommendation to create incentives for active rehabilitation of taro -growing lands that result in taro lands protection. For more information, see pages 233-239 in Appendix V4A. Policy 54 Work with farmers, landowners, community organizations and agency partners (Army Corps of Engineers, State Commission on Water Resources Management (CWRM), State Department of Health, State Historical Preservation Division) to create a simplified stream maintenance permitting process for Wailoa Stream and other streams in the Waipi'o Valley. Rationale: Several studies that have been conducted in Waipi'o Valley have identified the need for a stream maintenance program to ensure sufficient conditions for the cultivation of taro as well as providing flood protection. However, the complexities of the permitting process and the implementation costs have resulted in minimal implementation of the technical and organizational suggestions. This policy recognizes that the County should be a party to any effort to streamline a permitting process. For more information on stream management, see pages 15, 45, 65, 190, 226-269 in Appendix V4A. Policy 55 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic route from the Waipi'o Valley Lookout extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea. This feasibility study could include assessing public access potential to the Hamakua Forest Reserve (Kea'a and Hanapai Sections). This policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). See also related Policy 56, below. 911 Page Rationale: Improving the mid-section of Mud Lane would provide an alternate/emergency route to Kukuihaele and the Waipi'o Valley lookout, and potentially mitigate traffic through downtown Honoka'a, improve travel times between Waipi'o Valley/Kukuihaele and Waimea, and create a loop road for drivers to travel without needing to backtrack through downtown Honoka'a with each visit to the Waipi'o Valley Lookout. It would also develop Mud Lane into a safe, improved County road for residents (currently portions of Mud Lane are impassable for 2 -wheel drive vehicles and the Waimea -side section of the road is considered a Road -in -Limbo). However, developing this scenic highway would also be controversial in that it provides an access point to Waipi'o Valley that allows visitors to by-pass Honoka'a town. While the development of by-pass routes often becomes necessary as towns grow and traffic congestion increases, this by-pass could potentially negatively impact those Honoka'a businesses that rely primarily on pass-through visitor traffic. Therefore, this action is included as an investigatory action to ensure that appropriate community engagement with residents from Mud Lane (including consultations with the South Kohala CDP Action Committee), Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, and Honoka'a business owners, is conducted. This policy is based on General Plan Policy 13.2.5.4.2 (c) "Encourage the State to construct a scenic highway from the Waipi'o Valley lookout extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea. See also related Policy 56. Policy 56 Perform a feasibility study on the development of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of the scenic highway. Rationale: This policy is related to and dependent on the implementation of Policy 55, and is based on General Plan Policy 12.5.4.2 (d) "Encourage the State to develop a scenic park on the Kohala side of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of the scenic highway." One of the advantages of developing a scenic park with a view of Hi'ilawe Falls would be to incentivize scenic viewpoints above the Valley with the goal of minimizing visitor trips into the Valley. To minimize impacts, this park could be accessible via a pedestrian hiking trail developed along the old cane haul road. Note: This is an existing "legacy" policy from the General Plan; but the CDP Team has not been able to verify that it is still physically feasible to create a park in this location with a view of Hi'ilawe Falls. This policy is included here specifically to solicit community input. Policy 57 Encourage the integration of best management practices and an understanding of cultural values and experiences during the land use application process for any business plans requiring Planning Department Plan Approval within Waipi'o Valley. (Refer to HCC Chapter 25 Section 2, Division 7 for more information on Plan Approval) Rationale: Land use impacts related to the visitor industry have been a source of some concern and friction in the Valley between local residents and commercial operators. Tourism -related impacts potentially include trespassing on private property, desecration of sacred sites, and intrusion on the privacy of Valley residents and the peaceful character of the Valley. However, when properly managed, the visitor industry can enhance both the physical and the intangible heritage of an area while offering a positive, peaceful way for communities to express pride in their cultural identity. This policy is related to General Plan Policy 6.3 (n) "Consider requiring Cultural Assessments for 921 Page certain developments as part of the rezoning process;" in that it seeks to specifically address cultural impacts associated with the visitor -industry, but this policy's focus is on stipulating and educating applicants on culturally appropriate land use issues and practices to better protect the natural and cultural resources of the Valley, and also to ensure that the host culture is accurately and respectfully represented. For more information on the relationship between the tourism industry and Hawaiian culture, see the Hawai'i Tourism Strategic Plan, 2005-2015 located on the web at: http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/default/assets/File/brand/HawaiianCultureinitiative.pdf. Policy 58 Develop the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center, including: • Support for its related Educational Programs such as the Waipi'o Education and Information Program (aka: Waipi'o Valley Rangers Program). • Support community-based management of the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center through a lease or cooperative use agreement with the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Rationale: The County has already purchased a 1.804 -acre site for the Visitor Center at the Waipi'o Valley Lookout (TMK (3)4-8-004:006), which is listed as a Natural Beauty Site in the General Plan Table 7-7. The Waipi'o Circle, a group of Valley residents and others, have started the planning and manual site clearing for this facility. This policy seeks to prioritize CIP funding to design and construct the Visitor Center. The Waipi'o Education and Information Program was funded by two Hawai'i Tourism Authority Natural Resources grants obtained by the County Department of Research and Development (R&D). The purpose of the program is to place guides at the entrance the Valley who will educate visitors about the Valley's history, its cultural importance, and its unique challenges as actively cultivated agricultural land in a fragile ecosystem. Waipi'o Valley is the second most visited location on Hawai'i Island. The grant funding has lapsed, and the County budgeted $70,000 in the 2013/14 Operating Budget to continue this program until the funds are depleted. Recognizing that this is a valuable resource, this policy seeks to explore continuous funding mechanisms for the program, which may need to be developed as a new Department of Parks and Recreation program. The County Department of Parks and Recreation enters into agreements with various community groups for similar community-based management. This policy supports the community-based management of the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center. For more information, see pages 224-270 of Appendix V4A. Policy 59 Integrate the support facilities for the existing Waipi'o Lookout with the Heritage Center and the Heritage Corridor route. This facility could also include information on Waimanu camping, Muliwai Trail, and the Kohala Forest Reserve. Rationale: The Visitor Center would have displays, presentations, docents, publications, performances, and other means to engage and inform the visitor of the historic, cultural, and natural treasures of the Valley. The information would be geared to school children, local residents, and visitors. The intent would be to provide a fulfilling experience without having to actually go into the Valley. For those choosing to trek into the Valley, they would learn 931 Page the proper protocols. This policy would ensure the support facilities were all integrated. For more information on the visitor center project and its functions, see pages 251-252 of Appendix V4A. See related Policy 45. 4.9.4 Waipi`o Vallev: K6kua Action: State Land Use Commission K6kua Action 26: Reconsider the State's agriculture land capability class designations to better protect viable taro growing lands. Rationale: In 2008, the Hawai'i State Legislature passed Act 211, establishing the Taro Security and Purity Task Force (TSPTF). The Task Force was charged with finding solutions to the problems facing taro production, taro farmers and taro markets. This K6kua Action is consistent with one of their recommendations for improving protections to taro - growing lands and serves to protect taro as a special resource from both an agricultural and a cultural perspective. For more information, see pages 233-239 in Appendix V4A. Bishop Estate, State of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools K6kua Action 27: Perform a feasibility study on the development of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of Mud Lane into a scenic route. See the related Policy 56 and Policy 57 and their rationale. (GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c)). Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 28: Support reintroduction of H.B. #414 or similar legislation that would provide funding and technical assistance for stream maintenance programs. Rationale: In early 2013, H.B. No. 414, Waipi'o Valley Advisory Commission, was introduced to the State Legislature. H.B. No. 414, "Establishes the Waipi'o Valley Advisory Commission to advise the Department of Land and Natural Resources on the development of a long-term plan for ensuring the proper stewardship, preservation, and maintenance of Waipi'o Valley." and " Appropriates funds for the design and construction of flood damage reduction and stream stabilization in Waipi'o Valley." The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote the proper stewardship, preservation, and maintenance of Waipi'o Valley on the Island of Hawai'i. For more information, see page 263 of Appendix V4A. State of Hawaii, Governor K6kua Action 29: Release allocated disaster funding to help taro farmers and residents of Waipi'o Valley to avoid future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation) Rationale: This policy is consistent with the Taro Security and Purity Task Force recommendation to improve and fund stream maintenance capacity in taro -growing communities. For more information, see pages 233-239 of Appendix V4A. 941 Page State Department of Agriculture K6kua Action 30: Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to strengthen taro production. Rationale: The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Taro would be considered a specialty crop. This K6kua action asks the State Department of Agriculture to seek block grants to strengthen taro production. For more information, see pages 265-266 of Appendix V4A. Hawaii State Legislature • See K6kua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County of Hawai'i to develop recommendations of lands to be designated Important Agricultural Lands. See the rationale for K6kua Action 6, above. ,4.y.7 vvaipi`o Ar __.y. _u,,imunity Diction See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 9.6 Marina Kea as a Wahi Pana This section prioritizes protecting Mauna Kea as a wahi pana, focusing primarily on K6kua actions to the existing agencies and groups that manage resources at the summit and near -summit lands. A Special Note on Mauna a Wakea: The summit lands are out of County jurisdiction and are under the State of Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, with portions leased to the University of Hawai'i and managed by the Office of Mauna Kea Management. At the time of the CDP draft development, discussions over land use and natural/cultural resource management for Mauna Kea were continually evolving. This CDP section represents a focus on K6kua actions for the agencies and groups that currently manage resources at the summit and near -summit lands. All the CDP K6kua Actions are based on previously developed policies that align with CDP Community Objectives. x.9.8 Ma,na Kid: K6kua Actio,. Various Agencies: State of Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife — Natural Area Reserve System; K6kua Action 31: Continue to engage the Hawaiian community while exploring a cooperative agreement to formalize the coordinated management efforts on Mauna Kea. Rationale: Currently there is no mechanism for integrated or coordinated management of Mauna Kea's resources. These agencies have tentatively agreed to enter into a cooperative agreement and this K6kua Action supports the follow-through of this agreement. 951 Page Department of Land and Natural Resources & State Historic Preservation Division K6kua Action 32: Nominate the Mauna Kea Summit Region Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. Rationale: The summit region of Mauna Kea is designated as a historic district by the State of Hawai'i. It was also determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information on historic designations, see pages 177-179 of Appendix V4A. Department of Land and Natural Resources K6kua Action 33: Update the management plan for Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve. Rationale: A management plan for Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve was drafted in 1989 (DLNR 1989) but needs to be updated. This K6kua Action is consistent with the intent of GP 8.3 (o): "Encourage the continued identification and inclusion of unique wildlife habitat areas of native Hawaiian flora and fauna within the Natural Area Reserve System." See also page 83 of Appendix V4A. K6kua Action 34: Review possible inclusion of mamane-naio forest sites within the Forest Reserve system on Mauna Kea for inclusion in the NAR system, including benefits to the natural resources as well as any impacts to community use and access to the area. Rationale: Recently, the Natural Area Reserve Commission identified the mamane-naio forest as a missing ecosystem in the NAR system. Potential sites within the Forest Reserve system on Mauna Kea are being considered for inclusion in the NAR system. This K6kua Action is consistent with the intent of GP 8.3 (o): "Encourage the continued identification and inclusion of unique wildlife habitat areas of native Hawaiian flora and fauna within the Natural Area Reserve System." See also pages 83-84 of Appendix V4A. K6kua Action 35: Develop a mechanism for the long-term protection of Palila sites. Rationale: There is no formal agreement to sustain restoration of Palila habitat at Pu'u Mali and Ka'ohe beyond 2012, when the lease expires. A mechanism is needed for the long-term protection of these sites. This K6kua Action is consistent with the intent of GP 8.3 (o): "Encourage the continued identification and inclusion of unique wildlife habitat areas of native Hawaiian flora and fauna within the Natural Area Reserve System." For more information on Palila habitat, see page 68, 79, and 89 of Appendix V4A, and http://dInr.hawaii.eov/restoremaunakea/paIila-forest- discovery-trail/ . K6kua Action 36: Provide natural and cultural resource preservation orientation training for tour operators, rangers, VIS staff, and volunteers in coordination with native practitioners who practice on Mauna Kea. Rationale: One method to ensure that all visitors receive the information they need in order to better protect Mauna Kea's natural and cultural resources is to provide everyone who visits the summit to an orientation of the site's significance. Mandatory orientation training for tour operators, rangers, VIS staff, and volunteers should be 961 page implemented, regardless of whether mandatory orientation for the general public is implemented. This training program could be implemented immediately, and no rule-making authority is required to implement it. Kokua Action 37: Maintain a trail network with signage. Rationale: There are several established (but unmarked) trails in the summit region and other trails at lower elevations. Rangers monitor the trails that lead to the most popular places of interest and work to curtail unwanted new trails by directing visitors to the established ones and covering over evidence of unwanted trails. New trails are mainly created when visitors or researchers opt to explore new terrain. Due to lack of signage and a maintained trail network, a faint trail used infrequently may be discovered by others and become more established and impacted. Kokua Action 38: Consider establishing a working group with surrounding land owners and the user -community to educate users and manage ATV use in the near -summit region. Rationale: Off-road vehicle use has the potential to irreversibly damage cultural and natural resources. The use of off-road vehicles is prohibited in the UH Management Areas; however there is a need to coordinate with DLNR to ensure that all off-road vehicle use of the adjacent land areas are managed. Kokua Action 39: Work together, in partnership with hunting associations and other land stewards, to establish clear recreational hunting policies and disseminate education regarding these policies. Rationale: Properly informing hunters of prohibited areas is challenging because access to hunting areas may not require hunters to pass through Hale Pohaku, where information about prohibited areas is available. Working with the hunting associations and land stewards in devising and disseminating information on the hunting policies will help to improve compliance. Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaii — Office of Mauna Kea Management Kokua Action 40: Work with the Hawaiian community to develop a historic property monitoring program within the UH Management Areas. Rationale: A historic property monitoring program would provide a plan for monitoring the condition of identified historic properties within the UH Management Areas. The primary purpose of monitoring these sites is to determine what uses, if any, are affecting historic properties and the degree and frequency of these effects. This information would, in turn, help in developing ways to prevent or minimize the occurrence of damaging uses. The long-term effects of human activities and natural processes on historic properties shall be monitored and management policies adjusted, as needed. Kokua Action 41: Evaluate the need and feasibility of establishing a vehicle wash -station near Hale Pohaku to prevent the transport of invasive plants and animals. 971 Page Rationale: Many of the mountain's ecosystems have already been impacted by introduced animals and plants, and introduction of new invasive species remains a continuing threat. Virtually any user, vehicle, equipment, or material that comes to Mauna Kea can be an unintentional carrier. The main activities and uses that may introduce invasive species include vehicles and researchers that frequent Mauna Kea for work at the observatories; materials and equipment used in construction and maintenance; recreational users that may import material on footwear and vehicles; imported gravel used in road grading; landscaping materials used at lower elevations; and cultural practitioners leaving offerings. K6kua Action 42: Work with neighboring landowners and appropriate federal and state agencies to plan for coordinated prevention and responses to a range of emergency situations, to ensure rapid response, and to minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources. Rationale: A number of emergency responses that may occur on Mauna Kea could adversely affect biological and historical properties. Because the summit area of Mauna Kea is far from any local community, response times by the standard emergency response agencies can be long. Thus, the various groups and agencies that operate in the surrounding area must cooperate in emergency response activities. The existing medical emergency system involves MKSS, the observatories, the military, county emergency services, and hospitals. K6kua Action 43: Collaborate with Observatories to develop a site decommissioning plan for each observatory, in accordance with the Decommissioning Plan for Mauna Kea Observatories. Rationale: Since the summit of Mauna Kea is so culturally significant, the community would like to see a specific plan that shows the removal of obsolete telescopes from the summit and decommissioning plans for each of the observatories, including restoration plans. The University's lease for the UH Management Areas continues through 2033, with the stipulation that the permitted "improvements" be removed at the end of the lease or sooner, unless approval from the Chairman of BLNR allows them to remain. The existing observatories have various agreements with the University with different provisions for disposition of the facilities in the event of termination or expiration of their tenancies. Each observatory has specific provisions in its agreement related to what is to become of the structure at the end of its term. Observatories will be required to develop plans for site recycling, demolition and restoration. A Site Decommissioning Plan (SDP) documents the condition of the site, outlines an approach to decommissioning, and proposes a plan for site restoration. Each SDP shall be developed in stages consisting of the following four components: (1) a Notice of Intent, (2) an environmental due diligence review, (3) a Site Deconstruction and Removal Plan and, (4) a Site Restoration Plan. See also pages 75-76 of Appendix V4A for more information. Department of Defense, Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) K6kua Action 44: Complete the large scale firebreak that extends completely across Pu'u Anahulu between the Ke'amuku and the1859 lava flows. Rationale: the report: Analysis of Fire History and Management Concerns at P6hakuloa Training Area concludes that the Army's primary fire management objective for the near future should be the completion of a large-scale 981 -age firebreak that extends completely across Pu'u Anahulu between the Ke'amuku and the 1859 lava flows. For more information, see Appendix V4A: pages 79-80. K6kua Action 45: Improve Mauna Kea Trail and Infantry Road to firebreak standards and to extend Mauna Kea Trail slightly in the area behind Pu'u P61hakuloa. Rationale: see the section, Analysis of Fire History and Management Concerns at P6hakuloa Training Area; Appendix V4A: pages 79-80. K6kua Action 46: Complete the Remedial Investigation for the Pu'u Pa'a Area (PTA -003-R-01). Remaining actions include a focused Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan /Decision Document, followed by Remedial Design and Remedial Action for Munitions and Explosives of Concern removal. Rationale: See the section: Final P6hakuloa Training Area Firing Range Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment for Residual Depleted Uranium; Appendix V4A, pages79- 80. K6kua Action 47: Address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the P61hakuloa Training Area. Consider the eight -point plan as outlined in County Res. No. 639-08. See also House Bill 2011 H.C.R. No. 181, "P6hakuloa Training Area; Testing and Monitoring of Radioactive Contamination." • County RES. 639 Draft 01 2006-2008 http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/0/doc/39961/Pagel.aspx • State Legislature: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20ll/Bills/HCR181 .PDF http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20ll/bills/SCR118 .pdf Rationale: Several pieces of legislation have been proposed to address the depleted uranium issues at PTA; one House resolution passed in 2007 (HR186, HDI), one County Resolution passed in 2008 (County Res. No. 639-08), and one State House Bill H.C.R. No. 181 passed in 2011. So far the Department of Defense claims through the report: "Final P6hakuloa Training Area Firing Range Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment for Residual Depleted Uranium" that there is no human impact from the residual depleted uranium in the soil at PTA; however, the public and legislators seek additional analysis and possible mitigating actions to ensure there are no risks to natural resources or human life. For more information, see Appendix V4A: pages 79-80. 4.9.9 Mauna Kea: Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 991 Page 5.1 Coordinate Infrastructure, Facility, and Service Improvements This section of the CDP guides the coordination of regional infrastructure improvements. 5.1.3 County Action Policy 60 Implement capital improvement priorities in the Hamakua Planning Area. Current capital improvement priorities for Hamakua include: • Reconstruction of the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp. (Policy 51) • Develop the Waipi'o Valley Lookout Heritage Center and support for its related Educational Programs. (Policy 58) • Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Hamakua Planning Area. (Policy 67) • Complete the extension linking Pikake and Pakalana Streets. (Policy 70) • Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria Street by extending Kamani Street. (Policy 70) • Provide a mauka-makai connection from the Kamani Street extension to Mamane Street on the Hilo side of the elderly housing. (Policy 70) • With the goal of developing alternative, emergency routes, improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. (Policy 71) • Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honoka'a Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station (Polis 83 • Add solar -water heating for Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool. (Policy 102) • Re -roof Papa'ikou Gym (Policy 102) • Abate hazardous materials at Papa'aloa Gym (Policy 102) Rationale: The intent of this policy is to advance capital improvements for critical community infrastructure in Hamakua. The priorities listed are a summary of the capital improvement needs identified in policies throughout the CDP. Capital improvements are major, nonrecurring expenditure like those listed below: • Land acquisition • Infrastructure improvement that adds value to the land or improves utility (e.g., roads, drainage, sewer lines, parking, landscape or similar construction) • New buildings or structures or addition to a building, including related equipment and appurtenances that are integral to the new structure • Nonrecurring rehabilitation or deferred maintenance of infrastructure and buildings, provided that the cost is $25,000 or more and the improvement will have a useful life of 10 years or more look Page • Planning, feasibility, engineering, or design studies related to individual capital improvement projects or to a program that is implemented through individual capital improvement projects • Information and communications technology provided that the cost is $25,000 or more. Communities have several options for advancing capital improvements: • Be clear about community capital improvement priorities. The CDP is an ideal place to identify those priorities. • Via the Planning Director, recommend the order of priority of projects. Once the CDP is adopted, this can be done formally through the CDP Action Committee. HCC section 16-6(4) empowers the CDP Action Committees to "Provide timely recommendations to the County on priorities relating to the ... CIP budget and program...." • Once high priority projects are appropriated, work with the Administration and County Council members to secure any bond authorization or other funding sources needed to finance the projects. • Once funding is authorized for high priority projects, work with the Mayor to secure necessary project allotments. • Once allotments are secured for high priority projects, work with the responsible agencies to prepare and execute contracts to encumber funds and initiate the projects. Policy 61 Provide technical support to communities and organizations pursuing capital improvement financing through USDA Rural Development, infrastructure improvement financing districts, and other sources. Rationale: Because there are limits on the size of the capital improvement debt burden that the County and State can carry, bond financing can be complemented with other forms of infrastructure financing. For any given project, these financing tools are often used in conjunction. Appendix V413 introduces several funding sources, including USDA Rural Development, Community Improvement Districts, Community Facilities Districts, and Tax Increment Financing. The intent of this policy is to support the diversification of capital project financing with County expertise in finance and project planning and implementation. For more information, see pages 33-35 of Appendix V4A. Policy 62 The development of County facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Implement protocols for receiving community input during capital improvement project siting and design within the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: The County can be a leader in community facilities complementing their locale with attention to design and community engagement in facility siting. Currently, there are no protocols for community engagement at appropriate phases of capital project development. For more on information on CIP projects identified as priorities in the CDP, see Policy 60. 5.1.4 Community Actior See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. lolIPage 5.2 Expand Affordable Housing Options This section of the CDP seeks to incorporate water improvements, strategic planning, tax incentives, and self-help programs to increase the supply of affordable housing. ,.2.3 County Action Policy 63 Develop and implement a County -wide, cross -agency affordable housing plan. • Develop affordable housing options within existing towns and villages, near services, and critical infrastructure. • Propose and support amendments to the County's taxing powers as a means to increase the supply of affordable housing. • Revise the Zoning Code, Chapter 25, relating to'Ohana Dwellings and develop an Accessory Dwelling Unit policy aimed at facilitating affordable housing and aging -in-place opportunities. Evaluate and incorporate applicable policy criteria from City and County of Honolulu's Chapter 21 Accessory Dwelling Unit policy; see also www.accessorvdwellings.org as a resource for how other municipalities are handling accessory dwelling unit regulations. • Revise the building code requirements for renovating older houses to facilitate the redevelopment of affordable housing. Rationale: This policy seeks to improve coordination between the multiple governmental agencies that provide housing programs, and improve community access to information on the various housing resources available. Including the option to allow urban areas with adequate core infrastructure to further densify is an efficient use of space and County infrastructure resources, and can increase the affordable unit availability in areas that are more likely to be close to existing services and may increase the walkability and diversity of neighborhoods. Carefully revising the building code requirements for renovating older homes could increase the affordable housing stock by facilitating the efficient rehabilitation of older homes that would otherwise end up dilapidated and possibly vacant, or even torn down. The implementation of this policy would be instrumental in achieving the County's housing goals as stated in General Plan section 9.2. This policy is supported by General Plan Policy 9.3(u), with the revision of language that strengthens the policy from an investigative action to an implementation action. It addresses Community Objectives 5 & 6, and is supported by the following General Plan policies: • 9.3 (h): Formulate a program for housing that identifies specific mechanisms to implement the housing goals. • 9.3(m): Accommodate the housing requirements of special need groups including the elderly, handicapped, homeless and those residents in rural areas. • 9.3 (t): Ensure that adequate infrastructure is available in appropriate locations to support the timely development of affordable housing. 1021 Page S.2.4 Kokua Action Hawai'i Public Housing Authority, State of Hawai'i Kokua Action 48: Coordinate with County agencies in helping develop and implement a County -wide, cross -agency affordable housing plan. Rationale: See the rationale for corresponding Policy 63. s.2.:% Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 5.3 Improve the Roadway Network This section of the CDP prioritizes road connectivity, safety improvements to roads and bridges, a road -in -limbo improvement and adoption process, and guides road improvements toward multimodal transportation strategies. 5.3.3 Land Use Pnlir Policy 64 All subdivision in the Hamakua CDP planning area, including condominium property regimes (CPRS) and planned unit developments (PUDs), shall conform to connectivity standards of the Hawai'i County Code, section 23-28, 29, and 40. Rationale: In some communities, subdivisions were exempted from connectivity standards and subsequently became isolated 'islands' within communities, instead of contributing to the connectivity and walkability of their greater communities. The intent of this policy is to provide clear, place -based connectivity standards so that new roads contribute to the existing transportation network of streets, pedestrian, and bicycle access and integrate new development with the existing fabric of the community. 5.3.4 County Action Policy 65 Create a permanent Transportation Planner Position within the Planning Department's Long Range Planning Division to develop the County of Hawai'i's professional capacity to plan for transportation issues. Rationale: County of Hawai'i lacks professional capacity for transportation planning. Strategic transportation planning is crucial to fulfill the community's objectives of connected compact villages (Objective 5) via a rural transportation network (Objective 7). Modern transportation planning is focused on Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), which seeks to balance the need to move people efficiently and safely with other desirable outcomes, including historic preservation, environmental sustainability, and the creation of vital public spaces. Another focus of transportation planning is to develop "complete" transportation corridors under the "complete streets" movement.' In response to auto -centric design of transportation networks, complete streets encompass all users 1031 Page and modes of transportation in a more equitable manner. The complete streets movement entails many of the CSS principles as well as pedestrian, bicycle and older adult movements to improve transportation. The General Plan has called for county -wide inter -agency transportation planning since its inception in 1971, but the County has lacked the professional capacity to complete those policies. A staff transportation planner would be able to focus on implementing the various transportation policies within this plan, and in particular would be crucial in implementing a Complete Streets program and collaborating with State DOT in implementing the State Bike Plan. Policy 66 Identify suitable/priority locations for bicycle lanes and paths, walkways, and jogging paths, and set funding priorities (especially in coordination with roadway for improvements such as widening, restriping, ADA improvements, etc.) Rationale: This policy affirms the following General Plan policies: • 13.1.3(e): Develop a comprehensive, island -wide multi -modal transportation plan that identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies; • 13.4.3(b): Support and encourage the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as enhanced bus services and bicycle paths; 3.2.3(f): Consider the development of alternative means of transportation, such as mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, as a means to increase arterial capacity. The policy is needed in the interim of completing Policy 73 (Implement a Complete Streets Program) to direct County agencies to take advantage of opportunities to coordinate road improvements with pedestrian/bike path development. Policy 67 Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Planning Area. Rationale: The Hamakua Planning Area has a high concentration of aging bridges and many deemed "structurally deficient" by the Federal Highways Administration rating system. See Appendix V413: Community Building Analysis pages 87-92 for a discussion and a list of bridges. Of particular note is the Kalopa-Pa'auilo area, where eleven bridges in that community were recently deemed structurally deficient. The prevalence of deficient bridges throughout the Planning Area means these communities are vulnerable to bridge failures, traffic interruptions, and/or inaccessibility in the event of a natural disaster or localized infrastructure failure. This is a health and safety issue as well as a transportation connectivity issue. It is supported by General Plan Policy 13.2.3(d): "Support the development of programs to identify and improve hazardous and substandard sections of roadway and drainage problems." Policy 68 Develop a roads -in -limbo adoption process according to population, usage, alternative route/connectivity needs, and safety assessments. 1041 Page Rationale: The Planning Area has the highest number and mileage of roads -in -limbo in the County. The County's ability to make the necessary road improvements in order to be able to adopt these as County roads is encumbered by budget constraints. This policy provides a procedure for assessing the status of these roads in order to begin a strategic approach for settling the issues of adoption and maintenance. The policy is supported by General Plan Policy 13.2.3(m): Develop minimum street standards for homestead and other currently substandard roadways that are offered for dedication to the County to ensure minimal levels of public safety" and 13.2.3(d): "Support the development of programs to identify and improve hazardous and substandard sections of roadway and drainage problems." For more information on roads -in -limbo, see pages 94, 99, 114 of Appendix V4C, and pages 199-201 and 221 of Appendix V4A. See also Policy 49 for another policy relating to roads -in -limbo. Policy 69 Support and provide technical assistance to assist in the development of 'road improvement districts' in order to finance road improvements. (Refer to County Res No 320-10) Rationale: This policy is to address the County's budget constraints of improving substandard roads and opens up options for property owners to finance their own improvements. Supporting policy is County Res. No. 320-10, and by the following General Plan policies: • Policy 13.2.3 (b): Investigate various methods of funding road improvements, including private sector participation, to meet the growing transportation needs of the island; • 14.6.5.2.2 Course of Action (a): Improve substandard residential roadways through the County's Capital Improvement Program or by Improvement District; For more information see pages 34-35, and 114-118 of Appendix V4A. Policy 70 To improve safe pedestrian access and increase arterial capacity and connectivity in Honoka'a: ■ Make safety improvements to downtown Honoka'a based on Complete Streets and/or other evidence -based planning principles. o Improvements to include: additional pedestrian crosswalks on Mamane Street, additional sidewalk development (such as along Lehua Street), and safe, marked walkways to parking areas servicing downtown. ■ Complete the extension linking Pikake and Pakalana Street to provide arterial redundancy. ■ Explore alternatives in the management of Pakalana Street, such as its conveyance to the State Department of Education or its conversion to a one-way traffic pattern. (GP 13.2.5.4.2 (e)) ■ Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria Street by extending Kamani Street. GP 13.2.5.4.2 (f); Rationale: This policy is to improve connectivity within Honoka'a town and it affirms General Plan policies 13.2.5.4.2 (e); 13.2.5.4.2 (f); and 13.2.5.4.2 (g). In early 2016, planners attended a Blue Zone/Complete Streets walk-through of the downtown Honoka'a area hosted by Councilmember Valerie Poindexter and lead by Complete Street consultants. This tour of downtown Honoka'a identified various safety issues and potential improvements as noted in the policy above. 1051 Page 5.3.5 Kokua Action State Department of Transportation K6kua Action 49: Assess Highway 19 for passing opportunities and passing zones per DOT standards and implement these standards where feasible. (GP 13.2.5.3.2 (d)) Rationale: The Planning Area has relatively few safe passing lanes on Highway 19 from Honoka'a to Hilo. This K6kua Action is affirming General Plan policy 13.2.5.3.2 (d): Encourage the State to install additional passing lanes at various sections along Highway 19. K6kua Action 50: Develop turn lanes or other safety improvements at intersections (per DOT guidelines) on Highway 19; in particular assess turn lanes for the following identified locations: • Kalaniana'ole School and Onomea Scenic Route intersection in Papa'ikou; • Mill Road intersection in Papa'ikou; • Honomu Road intersection • Old Mamalahoa Intersection at the School/Pool/Transfer Station turn-off in Laupahoehoe; Rationale: This K6kua Action is to address safety concerns along the Highway 19. Several of the listed intersections access school areas, the speed limits in these sections of highway are often 45 mph, and the Onomea scenic route intersection headed toward Hilo has a curve in it that decreases visibility (this is the main access to Kalaniana'ole School). K6kua Action 51: Implement Bike Plan Hawaii Rationale: the State of Hawai'i 'Bike Plan Hawaii' can be found here: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/bike-plan- hawaii-master-plan/. This K6kua action is supported by the following General Plan policies: • 13.1.3 (e): Develop a comprehensive, islandwide multi -modal transportation plan that identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies. • 13.4.3 (b): Support and encourage the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as enhanced bus services and bicycle paths. • 13.2.3 (f): Consider the development of alternative means of transportation, such as mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, as a means to increase arterial capacity. K6kua Action 52: Continue to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall and shoreline erosion in the highway right-of-way and prioritize funding for mitigation. 1o6 Page Rationale: This k6kua action would enhance safety conditions along the highway and protect valuable infrastructure from erosion. In recent years, Hawai'i State DOT has invested millions of dollars installing rockfall mitigation strategies along the horseshoe gulches; this action acknowledges that additional mitigation is needed in various other locations to ensure the protection of existing infrastructure, and life and property. 5.3.6 Community Actioi. See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 5.4 Formalize Alternative Routes This section of the CDP prioritizes formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes. 5.4.2 County Action Policy 71 Improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. Rationale: This policy is to address the issues of the lack of alternative routes, lack of road redundancy, and the need for emergency routes for circumstances that result in the closure of Highway 19. Currently, the police open emergency routes temporarily using the Old Mamalahoa Highway, but some sections of it are not maintained adequately for 2 -wheel drive vehicular traffic. This policy is based on General Plan Policy 13.2.5.2.2(a): "Portions of the Old Mamalahoa Highway, especially those serving Pepe'ekeo and HonomG, should be improved to provide a secondary north -south route along the Hamakua Coast." 5.5 Develop Place -Appropriate Road Standards This section of the CDP prioritizes a flexible approach to road design appropriate for the Planning Area's rural character and small towns. 5.5.2 County Action Policy 72 Adopt rural road design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, flexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an area, including pavement width, unpaved shoulders/swales, rock walls, lighting, and landscaping featuring native plants. Allow these standards to be used on new or when improving existing rural roads to maintain community character. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP 13.2.3(1) and 13.2.3 (m)) Rationale: Current County road design standards are based on urban models and are inconsistent with the rural character of the region. They are also cost -prohibitive to develop for both the County and communities that may seek to use road improvement district strategies. This policy is reaffirming General Plan policies 13.2.3(1): "Adopt street design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, flexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an area and encourage a pedestrian -friendly design, including landscaping and planted medians," and 1071 Page 13.2.3 (m): "Develop minimum street standards for homestead and other currently substandard roadways that are offered for dedication to the County to ensure minimal levels of public safety." Policy 73 Implement a Complete Streets Program, including place -appropriate roadway design and sidewalk development for the Hamakua Planning Area. (Refer to County Resolution 171-11) Rationale: The State of Hawai'i has passed legislation requiring each County to adopt a Complete Streets policy that seeks to reasonably accommodate convenient access and mobility for all users of the pubic highways within their respective jurisdictions. The law requires the policy to include access and mobility choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists and persons of all ages and ability. Hawai'i County adopted Resolution 171-11 supporting the establishment of a Hawai'i County Complete Streets Policy and has initiated its development. This CDP policy affirms the importance of the Complete Streets program in designing safe, place -appropriate roadways for both rural and village applications. This is especially important in addressing safety improvements around the Planning Area's school facilities. See Policy 65 and Community Action 35. 5.6 Expand Mass Transit Facilities and Services This section of the CDP prioritizes bus system improvements, including adding intra -town routes, increase bus trips through the Hamakua Planning Area, and developing additional bus shelters. 5.6.2 County Action Policy 74 Implement the recommendations from the Kohala Center's study Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawai'i Island to optimize efficiencies and create new transportation alternatives, including: Optimize Public Transport with Technology; Partner with private enterprises for both rideshare and vanpool alternatives. Rationale: See the Kohala Center's Study, Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawaii Island here: http://kohalacenter.org/wp/wpcontent/uploads/2014/07/Research Hawaii Transit Study 20142df. This policy addresses the need to expand mass transit options for users while also focusing on a more efficient allocation of transit resources for the Planning Area. The policy addresses scheduling efficiencies and partnering with private enterprises to expand transit options for residents, commuters, and special needs residents. This policy is supported by General Plan policies: • 13.4.3 (a): "Improve the integration of transportation and land use planning in order to optimize the use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing and proposed mass transportation systems." 13.4.3 (b): "Support and encourage the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as enhanced bus services and bicycle paths." Refer also to General Plan policies 13.1.3(b); 13.1.3(c); 13.1.3(f). See also the State of Hawai'i Coordinated Public Transit — Human Services Transportation Plan, pages 31-55 (2001) (References: to be added to Appendix). 1o8 Page Policy 75 Provide rural transit centers within the Planning Area in areas of heavy user -ship, particularly provide shelter options at the following locations: • Pepe'ekeo, Near the Post Office • Laupahoehoe, near the Highway Overpass • Assess where to provide a bus shelter on Mamane Street in relation to Policy 76. Rationale: The County Mass Transit agency has been actively developing new bus shelters throughout the Island. This CDP policy is to prioritize the need for bus shelters in these heavily used and highly weather -vulnerable areas. For example, currently, riders in Rural South Hilo and North Hilo struggle to find shelter from the rain under the eaves of nearby structures, such as inside the Pepe'ekeo Post Office, or huddling under the Laupahoehoe pedestrian overpass. Policy 76 Modify existing and develop additional bus routes, as appropriate, with scheduled stops within the towns and villages where practicable; particularly: • Honoka'a: Mamane Street Rationale: See the policy rationale for Policy 105 and 106. See also the State of Hawai'i Coordinated Public Transit — Human Services Transportation Plan pages 31-55 (2001) (Note: to be added to Appendix). It is an identified service gap in the transit system to focus mass transit strategies on a fixed -route schedule that primarily stays on the Highway. Expanding the service area into the towns, as appropriate, would increase ridership and provide transit access to residents who find it difficult or are unable to get to the Highway location bus stops. This would achieve the intent of other General Plan Policies such as: 13.4.3 (a): "Improve the integration of transportation and land use planning in order to optimize the use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing and proposed mass transportation systems." Policy 77 Develop and/or collaborate with private owners to facilitate the development of Park -and -Ride facilities throughout the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: This policy is intended to accommodate commuters in the Planning Area. The majority of the employed residents of the Planning Area commute more than a half hour to their places of employment. The prospects for partnering with business owners or property owners to use underutilized parking areas (churches, undeveloped lots, etc.,) was explored at the CDP Small Town Revitalization Workshop held in HonomG in 2011. This policy is supported by the following General Plan policies: 13.4.2 (a): Provide residents with a variety of public transportation systems that are affordable, efficient, accessible, safe, environmentally friendly, and reliable; 13.4.3 (a): Improve the integration of transportation and land use planning in order to optimize the use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing and proposed mass transportation systems 13.4.3 (b): Support and encourage the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as enhanced bus services and bicycle paths. log Page 5.6.3 Communitv Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 5.7 Improve Water Infrastructure This section of the CDP prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water systems to support infill growth. -7.2 County Actio— Policy 78 Water system improvements shall correlate with the County's desired land use development pattern. Work with Department of Water Supply to ensure that adequate infrastructure is available in appropriate locations to support infill growth within Hamakua CDP growth boundaries. Towns identified in the Hamakua Planning Area where water availability may be inhibiting infill capacity are as follows: • Pepe'ekeo; • Hakalau-Wailea; • Honoka'a; Continue to evaluate growth conditions to coordinate improvements as required to the existing water systems. County water distribution systems shall not be extended outside the Urban Growth Boundaries established in the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map, with the exception of water designated specifically for and limited to agricultural irrigation and livestock. Rationale: This policy is based on the existing General Plan policies: • 11.2.2 (a): Water system improvements shall correlate with the County's desired land use development pattern; • 11.2.2 (e): Water system improvements should be first installed in areas that have established needs and characteristics, such as occupied dwellings, agricultural operations and other uses, or in areas adjacent to them if there is need for urban expansion; 11.2.2 (f): A coordinated effort by County, State and private interests shall be developed to identify sources of additional water supply and be implemented to ensure the development of sufficient quantities of water for existing and future needs of high growth areas and agricultural production; Currently the lack of available water is an impediment to infill growth in many of the Planning Area's towns and villages. See Appendix V413 pages 177-237. Policy 79 Develop an infrastructure prioritization designation such as an Infrastructure Priority Area (IPA) within the Hamakua CDP and designate Honomu, Laupahoehoe, Pa'auilo, and sections of Honoka'a as priority areas in need of wastewater service. 110 Page Infrastructure prioritization designations should be based on the following criteria: ■ The area contains a mix of residential and commercial zoning; ■ The area lacks a core infrastructure component (municipal or community water, wastewater, or roadways); ■ Redevelopment options (including the renovation of historic structures) and/or projected commercial and residential growth (including affordable, multi -family housing) is hindered by the lack of core infrastructure; ■ Highest priority should be given to areas that contain existing built -out parcels facing regulatory constraints relating to parcel size, areas with historic buildings and structures in need of renovation, and areas where affordable housing is lacking and development is impeded by the lack of necessary infrastructure. Rationale: This policy is in response to research and community comments on redevelopment impediments due to the lack of wastewater service availability and an inability for owners of some properties to comply with Dept. of Health regulations for individual wastewater systems on small, built -out parcels. The gaps in wastewater infrastructure are also identified as an affordable housing issue due to the fact that private wastewater systems for multi -family housing units can be cost prohibitive, and developing single-family housing units on lots large enough to support individual wastewater systems (lots must be a minimum of 10,000 square feet) can adversely affect affordability and also dictate lower density neighborhoods. This issue is also being researched through the separate General Plan Comprehensive Update process and is recognized as an island -wide problem affecting many historic towns in the County. This policy addresses wastewater gaps through an infrastructure improvement designation that prioritizes areas in critical need of core services. Creating an infrastructure improvement designation will facilitate prioritization and provide identifiable criteria for municipal capital improvement projects, and facilitate funding/grant opportunities. Policy 80 Develop wastewater systems at a cost-effective scale for small communities. Use infrastructure priority area criteria in prioritizing communities for critical infrastructure improvements. Rationale: This policy addresses the community's need for critical wastewater improvements and directs the County to work with the Department of Health to determine an appropriate and feasible alternative wastewater system for small town applications. This would be advantageous for small towns such as Honomu, which does not have the population base to support the costs of a traditional wastewater treatment plant. For more information on the need for centralized wastewater service, see the rationale for corresponding Policy 80, above. 5.8 Improve Environmental Management Facilities This section of the CDP prioritizes recycling education, waste diversion strategies, and transfer station facility and programmatic improvements. 5.8.3 county Action Policy 81 Promote recycling or composting of agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material through education, outreach, and incentives. ill IPage Rationale: This policy affirms the following General Plan policies: • 4.3 (d): Encourage the concept of recycling agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material; • 10.5.2 (f): Continue to encourage programs such as recycling to reduce the flow of refuse deposited in landfills; The community was supportive of recycling and composting enterprises at the Regional Workshops of 2012 (See the summary of workshop results from the 4.1.2012 CDP meeting minutes). Further, the policy is supported by the Hawai'i Zero Waste Plan, and the State of Hawaii Hawai'i Integrated Solid Waste Management Act (HRS§342G). For more information, see Appendix V413, pages 124-125. Policy 82 Incorporate greenwaste facilities at appropriate rural transfer stations. Particularly assess these facilities for greenwaste options: • Honomu • Pa'auilo Rationale: This policy is an affirmation of General Plan Policy 10.5.2 (h): Encourage the full development and implementation of a green waste recycling program, and is supported by the Hawai'i Zero Waste Plan, State of Hawai'i Integrated Solid Waste Management Act (HRS §342G). For more information, see Appendix V413, pages 124-125. Policy 83 Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honokaa Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station. Rationale: This policy is to address an identified need at the Honoka'a transfer station as identified during CDP research. For more information, see pages 122-126 of Appendix V4C. Policy 84 Increase recycling education and outreach online and through signage at rural transfer stations, including: ■ Facility schedules and what types of disposal/recycling/reuse options are available at each of the rural Recycling and Transfer Stations; ■ Up-to-date information on recycling events. Rationale: This policy is based on research performed through the CDP process that found it is sometimes difficult to determine the types of services available at the County solid waste facilities — particularly when it comes to special recycling events or which rural transfer stations accept whitegoods. The County maintains an excellent informational page at www.hawaiizerowaste.org, however some improvements to the information available online may be advantageous. Also, to ensure that waste streams are being diverted from landfills and not dumped illegally, an on- going program of educational outreach on anti -littering, recycling, reuse, and other waste reduction strategies should be prioritized by the County. Policy 85 Encourage new, and maintain and enhance existing community -County partnerships in managing recycling/reuse centers at County facilities to increase waste diversion. (Particularly at Laupahoehoe Recycling & Transfer Station) 1121 Page Rationale: This policy affirms General Plan policy 10.5.2 (f), "Continue to encourage programs such as recycling to reduce the flow of refuse deposited in landfills." It is also supported by the Hawai'i Zero Waste Plan and the State of Hawaii Hawai'i Integrated Solid Waste Management Act (HRS§342G). The community has expressed a desire to increase community and County collaborative management of facilities, and this policy encourages the County to continue to focus resources on managing these collaborative efforts. See Appendix V413: Community Building Analysis pages 124-125. See also affiliated Community Action 30. Policy 86 Ensure that County Recycling and Transfer Station Facilities are complying with best management practices to ensure pollutants are not contaminating natural resources such as soil, streams, and near coastal waters, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Rationale: This policy is to confirm and prioritize the need to be especially cognizant of the effects of waste facilities sited near sensitive environmental receptors, such as streams and coastal waters. Each of the Planning Area's five transfer stations are sited near streams and thus are susceptible to contaminating waterway resources with run- off/leachate during periods of heavy rainfall. Transfer station facilities are regulated by the Department of Health. This policy is supported by General Plan policies 4.3(b), "Reinforce and strengthen established standards where it is necessary, principally by initiating, recommending, and adopting ordinances pertaining to the control of pollutants that affect the environment," and 4.3(h), "Work with the appropriate agencies to adopt appropriate measures and provide incentives to control point and nonpoint sources of pollution." These best management practices are mandated by the Hawai'i Revised Statute rules §58.1-31. Policy 87 Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and offenders. See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/illegal-dumping/ Rationale: This action is based on numerous community comments relating to littering and illegal dump sites in the Planning Area. See the corresponding Community Action 31. 1Z_R_1Z Cnmmlinity Actinn See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 1131 Page 5.9 Improve Emergency Preparedness & Hazard Mitigation This section of the CDP prioritizes hardening of facilities, facilities assessments, and evacuation plans for isolated communities. 5.9.2 County Action Policy 88 County Civil Defense and State Civil Defense should ensure that communities within the Hamakua Planning Area are adequately served by emergency shelters. Rationale: The Planning Area is vulnerable to a wide -range of emergencies and disasters ranging from hurricanes, earthquakes, rockfalls, tsunamis, and floods. Hurricanes, above all others, are clearly the most dangerous and capable of inflicting enormous damage and loss of life. Hurricanes provide the greatest challenge to Civil Defense and emergency management agencies at all levels of government. It is also recognized that the shelter capacity local is not adequate to shelter the population within their home communities. The newly updated Hawai'i County Multi - Hazard Mitigation Plan of 2015 lists the following schools shelters: Hamakua District Honokaa High and Intermediate • Building A • Building N [Special needs + general population] • Building T [Special needs + general population AND pet friendly] • Building X Kalaniana'ole Elementary • Building A[Pet-friendly] • Building H • Building I • Building J [Special needs + general population] • Building E [Pet -friendly only] However, according to the Hawai'i County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan, none of the Planning Areas schools listed as shelters have been evaluated for safety by DAGs (see page 284). Policy 89 In coordination with the State Civil Defense Agency and in line with Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plans, harden critical facilities. • Laupahoehoe Fire Station Hardening; • Replace and relocate the Honoka'a Fire Station to Highway 19; • Harden Kula'imano Community Center (Pepe'ekeo) • Look for opportunities to combine hardening with other facility improvements, such as ADA improvements, etc. 1141 Page Rationale: This policy is supported by both the State and County's Multi -Hazard Mitigation plans and addresses Community Objective 6. See the rationale Policy 90, below, and Appendix V413, pages 128-132. Policy 90 County Civil Defense, in cooperation with Red Cross, FEMA, State Civil Defense, DOE, and DAGS, should conduct routine facility assessments for all emergency shelters in the Planning Area and keep the County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan emergency shelter references up-to-date. Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 88. Also, according to the Hawai'i County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan of 2015 in regards to the lessons learned from Tropical Storm Iselle (August 8, 2014) on page 17-8 and 17-9: "On August 7th through August 8th, 2014, Tropical Storm Iselle made landfall on the County of Hawai'i, which opened 12 public shelters throughout the county. Typically, a number of buildings at each school were available to be opened for sheltering. A variety of types of buildings were selected by school officials and utilized during Tropical Storm Iselle. Therefore, it was appropriate to examine the buildings that were chosen to be used as shelters in this event so that any immediate evaluation or operational lessons to be learned from Hurricane Iselle are identified. Overall, there was no damage observed at any of the shelters, but this could be attributed to the weakening of the hurricane by the time it reached the Big Island. It appears that in several cases buildings were selected despite not being on the approved Department of Education list of Tropical Cyclone shelter buildings. On the other hand, the Department of Education list of Tropical Cyclone shelter buildings had not been distributed across multi -agency stakeholders including Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross. There needs to be further clarification of what buildings are available and judged to be appropriate for use as hurricane shelters, which have an additional requirement of being sufficiently resistant to high winds while occupied. This is a distinctly different use than "shelters" used for other types of disasters or for post -disaster temporary mass care shelters. Some buildings customarily used for mass care purposes may not be appropriate for use as hurricane shelters. A coordinated itemized list of hurricane shelter buildings needs to be maintained. Information on buildings in the DOE list of shelters should be maintained to indicate whether it had been evaluated, whether deficiencies exist, and whether retrofits have been done. The list of buildings at each school should be prioritized by hurricane resistance and risk. This list should be regularly updated with versioning control metadata and periodically distributed to civil defense agencies, DOE staff, and ARC personnel involved in shelter operations. It is very likely during tropical storm and hurricane force wind speeds that power will be lost at the shelters. The procedure for furnishing emergency power generators and connecting them to the building switch should be exercised with DOE security and maintenance staff." This CDP policy is supported by General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (1), "Encourage the State to evaluate the disaster shelters' ability to withstand various natural disasters;" and 10.3.2 (j), "Mitigate hazards through the preparation of disaster assessment reports and appropriate follow-up on the assessment recommendations." Policy 91 Develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans specifically for Laupahoehoe Point and Waipi'o Valley, including evacuation plans. 1151 Page Rationale: This policy was developed from CDP research and community feedback. This policy is intended to address community concerns over being able to safely evacuate these isolated and geographically vulnerable areas when necessary. Both locations have winding, hazardous, single -lane roads as their only ingress and egress. Residents have noted that evacuating Waipi'o Valley has been problematic due to emergency vehicles attempting to enter the valley, while residents were attempting to evacuate using the same single -lane route. Residents of Waipi'o are often also evacuating livestock and have expressed the desire for more coordinated efforts in addressing how to efficiently evacuate, or even how and when they can safely shelter in place as appropriate. The policy is supported by General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (j), "Mitigate hazards through the preparation of disaster assessment reports and appropriate follow-up on the assessment recommendations;" and 10.3.2 (k), "Educate the public regarding disaster preparedness and response, especially proper responses for sudden impact hazards." For more information, see pages 131 and 138 of Appendix V413. Policy 92 Assess the feasibility of installing an emergency telephone for Waipi'o Valley residents and determine if additional emergency telephones are appropriate and feasible in other areas of low cellular connectivity. Rationale: This policy is to address the issue of low cellular and telephone connectivity in Waipi'o Valley for emergencies. However, emergency phones can be prone to weather-related failures and vandalism issues; therefore the County Highways division would need to assess the cost -benefits of installing land line emergency phones and where emergency phones should be sited. Some examples of isolated areas with emergency phones are the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (aka: Saddle Road, or Route 200), and the Hana Highway on Maui. This policy was developed from CDP research and community feedback. It is supported by General Plan Policy 11.3.2 (b), "Work with the telecommunications industry to increase the availability of emergency telephones throughout the island." For more information, see pages 129-139 of Appendix V413. Policy 93 Educate and prepare the public for disaster preparedness and response by increasing the number of CERT programs in the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: The County's Civil Defense Agency administers the Community Emergency Response Team or CERT program and the County's Fire Department conducts CERT training. CERTs are community-based, comprised of residents and businesspersons that have the local knowledge of their community and the fundamental skills to properly respond to an emergency. CERTs fall under the authority of and can be activated by Civil Defense and can be self -activated in an emergency until professional responders arrive. Because of the vulnerability of the Planning Area to various natural hazards and also to becoming isolated from the closure of the Highway 19, there is a significant need and relevance for CERT within the Planning Area. Also, there are currently three active CERTs in the Hamakua Planning Area, in Honoka'a, Pa'auilo, and Laupahoehoe. The policy is consistent with General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (k), "Educate the public regarding disaster preparedness and response, especially proper responses for sudden impact hazards." For more information on this, see page 135 of Appendix V413. Policy 94 Coordinate with FEMA and NRCS to address areas developed prior to flood regulations and riverine flood areas in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). (HCC Chapter 27) 1161 Page Rationale: The County Department of Public Works uses the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) toad minister floodplain management regulations and to mitigate flood damage, pursuant HCC Chapter 27, which meets the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Although the NFIP has significantly mitigated flood damages, major flood problems exist in areas developed prior to flood control regulations and building standards, in areas that are subject to flooding but not identified on the FIRMS, and areas with flood control improvements that are inadequate to contain or control larger floods by present standards. This policy seeks to prioritize the finalization of the FIRM maps for those areas developed prior to flood control regulations and to include riverine flood areas, as appropriate. This policy is supported by General Plan Policy 5.3 (c), "Update and improve the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and other flood maps in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as needed." For more information, see pages 158-159 of Appendix V4A. 5.9.3 Kokua ni-}i.,n Department of Education, Department of General Accounting and Services, State Civil Defense, and Federal Emergency Management Agency Kokua Action 53: Conduct routine facility assessments for all emergency shelters and prioritize funding for improvements. Rationale: This Kokua action is supported by General Plan Policy 10.3.2(i), "Encourage the State to evaluate the disaster shelters' ability to withstand various natural disasters." For more information on this, see pages 130-138 of Appendix V413. Hawaii Health Services Kokua Action 54: Request State CIP funding to harden Hale Ho'ola Hamakua (aka: Honoka'a hospital). Rationale: This is an identified need from the Hawai'i County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan (2010). It is also consistent with the following General Plan Policies: • 10.5.2 (a) Encourage the development of new health care facilities or the improvement of existing health care facilities to serve the needs of Hamakua, North and South Kohala, and North and South Kona. • 10.5.2(d): Encourage the State to continue operation of the rural hospitals • 10.5.2(e): Encourage the establishment or expansion of community health centers and rural health clinics. For more information, see pages 130-131, 141, 143 of Appendix V413. 5.9.4 Comm,mity Actin See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 1171 Page 5.10 Improving Protective Services This section prioritizes police, firefighting, and related facilities. Note: Sections 5.9 and 5.10 both relate to preventing, mitigating, and addressing emergencies and critical services for preserving life and property. 5.10.2 County Actior Policy 95 Actively expand Community Policing programs such as Neighborhood, Farm, and Business Watch programs. Rationale: This policy is to address the rise of crime (particularly thefts) throughout the region. It affirms General Plan Policy 10.3.2(g), "Encourage the further development and expansion of community policing programs and neighborhood and farm watch programs in urban, rural and agricultural communities." Research shows that these programs can reduce crime and resident fear of crime, as well as increase citizen satisfaction with police, resident involvement in crime prevention activities, and positive interactions between police and residents. For more information on this, see pages 136-139 of Appendix V413. Policy 96 Optimize use of the Pepe'ekeo substation to increase Police and Fire department presence in the Planning Area and improve emergency response times in Rural South Hilo. • Consider expanding or sharing North Hilo policing jurisdiction to include parts of rural South Hilo (Honomu and Pepe'ekeo) to increase response times in these rural areas; Rationale: This policy is based on consultation with community policing officers in the South Hilo district. Currently the police substation in Pepe'ekeo is not being used the majority of time and officers responding to calls within Rural South Hilo generally are traveling from other parts of Hilo Town. This results in longer response times to crimes in progress or other emergencies in the more distant areas of Rural South Hilo. This policy is consistent with General Plan Policy for South Hilo, 10.3.4.2.2 (a), "Expansion of Police, Fire, and emergency medical facilities should be considered in accordance with district needs." Policy 97 Work with community members to develop volunteer firefighter capacity for the Laupahoehoe Fire Station. Rationale: This policy was developed from CDP research identifying a recently developed gap in volunteer firefighter capacity in the North Hilo district. During the development of this Draft, there was not a volunteer firefighting team for Laupahoehoe. See also corresponding Community Action 33 in the CDP and Community Action Guide. Policy 98 Prioritize securing an emergency vehicle for Honoka'a fire station with the capacity for providing safe service to Waipi'o Valley. Rationale: This policy is based on a recently identified need for improved capacity for emergency vehicles to safely service Waipi'o Valley emergencies. 5.10.3 community Actior See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 1181 Page 5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services This section of the CDP prioritizes healthcare improvements, with an emphasis on advocating for system improvements at the State level. 5.11.2 County Action Policy 99 Develop a broad spectrum of care for the aging population of the area, including: • Increase age -in-place options; • Support expansion of programs such as traveling nurses, in-home care visits, meals -on -wheels, etc. (GP 2.3(x), (n)) Rationale: The Planning area has the highest percentage of people over the age of 65 in the County (17%) compared to the countywide age distribution pattern for persons over the age of 65 (14.5%). As the population continues to age, there will be a greater demand of housing types and services that allow residents to "age in place" in either their own homes or group home facilities. This policy focuses on developing a broad spectrum of care to enable aging or ailing residents of the Planning area to remain in their homes or communities for as long as they are able. Currently, the County sponsors or participates in various programs through the Parks and Recreation department and the Office of Aging. For more information on this, see Appendix V413, pages 79-86 and 142-147. 5.11.3 Kokua Action Rationale for this section: The following Kokua Actions are affirming existing General Plan policies (cited within each action) to encourage a continued focus on improving existing and developing new rural healthcare centers and programs in the Hamakua Planning Area. Health, Dental, and Vision Care Providers: The following Kokua Actions could be implemented by various health care providers such as: Kaiser Permanente, HMSA, Hawai'i Dental Service, Hawai'i Health Systems, Aloha Care Quest, Medicare, etc.,: Kokua Action 55: Develop new, expand, or improve existing community health centers and rural health clinics in the Hamakua Planning Area. (GP 10.5.2 (a, e)) K6kua Action 56: Expand the use of mobile health centers and services (health, screening, vision, dental, etc.) to rotate through the Hamakua Planning Area on a regular basis. (GP 10.5.2(e)) State of Hawaii Kokua Action 57: Continue operation of rural hospitals. (GP 10.5.2(d)) 1191 Page 5.12 Strengthen & Expand Education Facilities and Services This section of the CDP prioritizes education facility coordination between the State, County, and community. 5.12.2 County Actior Policy 100 Encourage joint -use of schoolyards, County parks, and other public facilities for community use for recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses. Rationale: This policy affirms General Plan policies 10.2.2 (b), "Encourage combining schoolyards with county parks and allow school facilities for afterschool use by the community for recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses," and the recreation policy of 12.3 (g), "Facilities for compatible multiple uses shall be provided." The Hamakua CDP is affirming these General Plan policies based on research demonstrating that joint -use strategies are an efficient way of collaborating between agencies and communities. Currently many communities in the Planning Area are benefiting from joint -use of facilities, and this policy seeks to support the continuance and expansion of these cooperative arrangements. The impediments and challenges involved with cooperative arrangements often involve liability and jurisdictional issues, however several joint -use organizations are active on the mainland endeavoring to help communities and municipalities deal with these challenges. Funding and technical resources are also sometimes available from various organizations that seek to expand recreation access to young people, particularly organizations focused on health and active living (e.g., Safe Routes to School). See the Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis pages 152-155. 5.12.3 KOKua Action State Department of Education K6kua Action 58: Work with the County of Hawai'i and community groups to expand facilities resource sharing opportunities / programs. GP10.1.3 (a); (b); 10.2.2(b) Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 100. K6kua Action 59: Continually improve existing educational facilities. Rationale: This action affirms General Plan policies: 10.2.4.2.2 (e); 10.1.2 (a); 10.1.3 (a); and 10.2.4.4(a). K6kua Action 60: Provide pedestrian walkways to and around all school complexes, and improve vehicular traffic management. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (c); 10.2.4.3.2 (a)) Rationale: See Policy 73, and related K6kua Action 59 and 61, and the General Plan policy 10.2.2 (a), as cited above. See also http://www.saferoutesinfo.org and https://www.bluezones.com/for more information. 1201 Page Kokua Action 61: Develop and implement a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Rationale: Kokua Action 60 affirms the cited General Plan policies and focuses attention on the need to improve traffic safety in and around the schools. For example, there continues to be no pedestrian walkway or crosswalk guard at the Highway 19/Onomea intersection at Kalaniana'ole School since the pedestrian overpass was damaged and permanently removed. This section of the Highway has lower visibility, traffic speeds of 45 mph, and no dedicated turn lanes. (See also Kokua Action 59, and 61). Hawaii State Legislature Kokua Action 62: Allocate sufficient funds to improve traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety improvements at all schools in the Hamakua Planning Area. Rationale: See Policy 73, and Kokua Actions 59-61. 5.12.4 Co......jnity Actio. See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 5.13 Expand Parks & Recreation Facilities This section of the CDP prioritizes recreation improvements and trail development. 5.13.2 County Action The following policies address Community Objective 6: "develop and improve [...] recreational facilities to keep our 'ohana safe, strong, and healthy." Policy 101 Conduct Park facilities condition assessments and prioritize improvement funding. Update the "County of Hawai'i Recreation Plan: to reflect newly identified recreational priorities. Specific needs identified include: • Assess court conditions for basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts and prioritize these improvements (e.g., Hakalau tennis courts; Pepe'ekeo basketball courts, etc.). • Identify parks in need of playground equipment and pavilions. • Assess and improve or develop new restroom facilities at the Waipi'o Lookout to ensure they are adequate for the number of users to the site and meet hygienic standards for maintenance and cleanliness. (GP 12.3 (f) & (e)) Rationale: This policy affirms the existing General Plan policy 12.3 (e), "Develop short and long range capital improvement programs and plans for recreational facilities that are consistent with the General Plan," and 12.3 (f), "The 'County of Hawaii Recreation Plan' shall be updated to reflect newly identified recreational priorities." The 1211 Page policy reflects a community goal of keeping the County's Recreation Plan up-to-date and providing transparency to the public on park facility conditions and priorities. The specific actions listed address specific facility improvements identified as community priorities. This policy is supported by General Plan policy 12.3(b), "Improve existing public facilities for optimum usage," policy 12.3 (h), "Provide facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children;" and Table 17 of the Appendix V413, and pages 156-160 for a preliminary assessment of existing facilities. Policy 102 Complete the following recreation projects: ■ Solar -water heating for Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool ■ Re -roof: Honomu Gym, Papa'ikou Gym, Honoka'a pool facility and lower and upper field concession buildings, Pa'auilo annex, Papa'aloa Gym/Annex, Papa'ikou gym/community center; ■ Convert the old Honoka'a courthouse facility to use for community meetings and functions. (Requires a management agreement with the State of Hawaii, and relates the intent of GP 12.5.4(a)) ■ Hazardous materials abatement at Papa'aloa Gym ■ Perform regular termite and other pest assessments/treatments at each Community Center and Parks facility. Rationale: This policy focuses budget priorities on completing these specific existing projects. The swimming pool solar -water heater improvement has been done at other County pools (such as Pahoa), and would likely increase facility use during the winter months. It has particularly been identified as an improvement that would increase participation in the school swimming program. The gym reroofing project is an important maintenance issue that would increase the use of the facilities - for example, prior to Honomu gym being reroofed; it needed to close during heavy rains. Replacing the Papa'ikou gym roof would protect and prolong the life of the buildings. The conversion of the old courthouse in Honoka'a into multipurpose rooms would increase the community's capacity to gather together; currently the main facilities for gathering are school facilities or NHERC facilities, which might not be available or amenable for all types of community functions. The hazardous materials abatement at Papa'aloa gym is a safety and capacity issue needed to remove the identified hazardous material. For some years now, sections of the gym have been required to be cordoned off from use, and this remains the case even after recent improvements were made to the same facility's outdoor recreation areas. This policy is supported by General Plan policy 12.3(b). "Improve existing public facilities for optimum usage," policy 12.3 (h), "Provide facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children;" and Table 17 of the Appendix V413, and pages 156-160 for a preliminary assessment of existing facilities. For more information, see Table 17 of the Appendix V413, and pages 156-160 for a preliminary assessment of existing facilities. Policy 103 Seek to combine Park facility improvements projects with other needed facility improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening, etc.) 1221 Page Rationale: While the County Parks and Recreation department is fiscally challenged in bringing all the Island's park facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, efficiently combining improvement projects would aid in accomplishing multiple objectives. This policy is supported by General Plan policy 12.3(b). "Improve existing public facilities for optimum usage," Policy 12.3 (h), "Provide facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children;" and Table 17 of the Appendix V413, and pages 156-160 for a preliminary assessment of existing facilities. Note: For information on prioritizing CIP funds for the Laupahoehoe boat ramp, see Policy 52. Policy 104 Develop a system of trails and paths for walking, jogging, and biking activities. • Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island wide route connecting major parks and destinations (12.3 m)) Rationale: Currently there are very limited opportunities in the Planning Area to walk, jog, or bicycle on dedicated paths (not combined with vehicular traffic). This policy addresses community priorities for recreation and access improvements (Community Objectives 1, 5, 6, 7) and reaffirms General Plan policies: 12.3 (o): Develop facilities and safe pathway systems for walking, jogging, and biking activities; 12.3 (m): Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island wide route connecting major parks and destinations; 12.3 (n): Establish a program to inventory ancient trails, cart roads and old government roads on the island in coordination with appropriate State agencies. See also Policy 73 for a policy on Complete Streets. Policy 105 Coordinate with the Hakalau community to investigate and pursue the redevelopment of the Hakalau gym facility for community use. Rationale: Currently there is no indoor community facility in Hakalau and both the old school facility and the County Gym are closed and have dilapidated into states of questionable usability. This policy encourages the County to work with the community in developing a plan to move forward on providing for recreation/community use of this property. Some of the options are to allow a community group to manage and use (including repair) the facility, allow the community to redevelop the property for community use (this would likely involve new construction), or redevelop the site for community use as a County funded project. This policy is supported by General Plan policy 12.3(b). "Improve existing public facilities for optimum usage," Policy 12.3 (h), "Provide facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children." 1231 Page Policy 106 Continue to improve parks and recreation outreach efforts for youth and senior programs in rural communities to ensure program and facility information is adequately available, promoted online through accessible websites and through other mediums, and kept up-to-date to facilitate maximum community participation. Policy 107 Develop walking paths around existing ballparks and other park grounds, as feasible. These walking paths should be level, paved footpaths that meet accessibility requirements whenever possible. Refer to Policy 104, and Kokua Action 23:,K6kua Action 50:, and Kokua Action 62:. 5.13.3 Kokua Action State of Hawaii Department of Education K6kua Action 63: Coordinate with the Hakalau community to pursue the redevelopment and community management options for the old Hakalau School property. See the corresponding Community Action 38 in the CDP and the Community Action Guide. See also: Bishop Estate, State of Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools See Kokua Action 23:: Explore options and collaborate with community groups to increase access to former sugar cane roads to be used as non -motorized trails where feasible and appropriate. Rationale: Many former sugar cane roads would make excellent trails if agreements can be reached between property owners and community groups interested in community-based collaborative management of the trails. See Kokua Action 26: Explore the feasibility of creating a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of Mud Lane into a scenic route. See related policies P93 & 94; based on GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c). Rationale: See the related Policy 56 and Policy 57 and their rationale. 5.13.4 Community Action See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 5.14 Enhance Telecommunications & Energy Infrastructure This section of the CDP guides telecommunication and energy infrastructure as high community priorities while also protecting scenic resources. For policies relating to promoting telecommunications and energy as economic sectors, see Section 6. 1241 Page 5.14.3 Land Use Policv Policy 108 When the County develops a scenic resources protection program, the underground siting of utility lines (power and communications) should be a condition of subdivision in identified viewshed areas. (HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2 (a), 11.3.3) Rationale: This policy seeks to protect scenic viewsheds and open spaces from development that impacts natural viewshed resources. It is supported by the following policies: General Plan 11.3.2(a): Encourage underground telephone lines where they are economically and technically feasible; • General Plan 11.3.3: In the development and placement of telephone facilities, such as lines, telecommunications and cellular towers, poles, and substations, the design of the facilities shall consider the existing environment, and scenic view and vistas shall be considered and preserved where possible; • See also Hawai'i County Code 25-2-75(a) & 76, and Community Objective 1. See also related viewshed policies at 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds. 5.14.4 County Actioi Policy 109 Collaborate with local businesses, community groups, and private enterprises to develop Wi-Fi service within appropriate towns. Rationale: This policy encourages the County to partner with community and private groups to increase access to Wi- Fi service within the Planning Area's towns. Currently, several towns in the Planning Area have limited cellular connectivity and thus are technological 'holes' for residents and visitors seeking online resources. A pilot program launched in Honoka'a through collaboration between the County, private businesses, and the Downtown Honoka'a Business Association is aimed at providing Wi-Fi access within the downtown area intended to serve as an economic boost in encouraging visitors and residents to stay (and shop) in the downtown area longer. Policy 110 Use alternative energy sources at County facilities within the Planning Area. ■ Add electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate facilities; ■ Add solar lighting in appropriate parking areas; ■ Add photovoltaic systems and/or solar hot water systems to appropriate facilities. Rationale: This policy focuses on the County administration leading by example by powering their facilities with alternative energy sources. Examples of this leadership can currently be seen in the use of solar lights in County parks, and the photovoltaic system on the remodeled County Building. This policy is supported by General Plan policy: 3.3 (k), "Strive to diversify the energy supply and minimize the environmental impacts associated with energy usage;" and the goals articulated in General Plan 3.2 (a), "Strive towards energy self-sufficiency," and (b), "Establish the Big Island as a demonstration community for the development and use of natural energy resources." 1251 Page 5.14.5 K6kua Action Hawaiian Telcom, Time Warner Cable, and other service providers K6kua Action 64: Prioritize rural broadband access in underserved areas in the Planning Area (e.g., rural and mauka areas). Rationale: See Policy 109. This policy is consistent with the intent of providing adequate communication connectivity articulated in General Plan policy 11.3.2 (d). Hawaii Electric Light Company K6kua Action 65: Expand Net -Metering (NEM), Feed -in -Tariff (FIT) programs, and other similar programs designed to lower costs and diversify power sources. Rationale: This policy is based on existing General Plan Policy 3.3 (o), "Support net -metering and other incentives for independent power producers." It expresses the community's goals on alternative energy production and lowering consumer energy costs. For more information, see pages 62-63 of Appendix V4C. See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 1261 Page E lauhoe mai nd wa'a; i ke kd, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke kd; pae aku i ka'dina. Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore is reached. Note: The State of Hawai'i takes an active role in economic development through various endeavors, initiatives, and programs. The role of the County of Hawai'i in economic development is much more limited. Relative to other counties and municipalities in other parts of the country, Hawai'i County is a small, rural countywith limited revenue sources and jurisdiction. The most direct role that Hawai'i County plays in economic development is through land use regulation and property tax policy. Otherwise, the County seeks to support economic development through the Department of Research and Development. The Department has economic development specialists who focus on business development, agriculture, energy, tourism, and film. It also maintains the County Data Book and provides small grants to advance local economic development. Most of Section 6 of the Draft CDP is organized by sectors — local agriculture, health and wellness services, creative, education and research, place -based visitor, local retail and town centers, and green industries. Though each sub -section typically includes policies and K6kua actions, growth in each sector will mostly be dependent on implementation of the Community Actions, which are detailed in the "Community Action Guide." As with the rest of the CDP, near the beginning of each subsection there is a section on Existing Policy. The existing policies for economic development compiled from the General Plan of 2005 are generally aspirational in nature and do not necessarily reflect a realistic impression of the County of Hawai'i's economic development capacity. As an example, General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (1) directs the County to: "Assist in the development of agriculture." This is a well-intentioned policy, but it is vague, varies upon interpretation, and does not provide guidance for any mechanisms to provide assistance to the agricultural industry. Due to the acknowledged limited capacity of County government to directly affect economic development, Section 6 focuses on K6kua Actions and Community Actions to advance community objectives. 6.1 Coordinate Regional Economic Development This section of the CDP guides the implementation of regional economic development strategies, including an education, enterprise development, and research network and regional strategies to increase "buying local." 6.1.3 County Action Policy 111 Develop a distinctive identity for the Hamakua region to enable public and private industries to promote it as unique within the State of Hawaii. (GP2.3 (o)) Rationale: This policy recognizes that the Hamakua region has a unique heritage and identity in the State of Hawai'i, it addresses Community Objectives 8-13, and it is an affirmation of General Plan policy 2.3 (o): "Promote a distinctive 1271 Page identity for the Island of Hawai'i to enable government, business, and travel industries to promote the County of Hawai'i as an entity unique within the State of Hawai'i." For more information on this, see pages 112, 120-124, 149, 181-184 of Appendix V4C. Policy 112 Commission a study of Economic and Financial Impact (EFI) Reviews and recommend integration of EFI Reviews into existing regulatory and approval processes (e.g., the Environmental Impact Statement process and community benefits agreements). Rationale: This policy balances 'Aina-related Community Objectives with Economic Community Objectives and is affirming the following General Plan Policies: 2.2 (h): "Promote and develop the island of Hawai'i into a unique scientific and cultural model, where economic gains are in balance with social and physical amenities. Development should be reviewed on the basis of total impact on the residents of the County, not only in terms of immediate short run economic benefits." • 2.3 (y): "Encourage new industries that provide favorable benefit -cost relationships to the people of the County. Benefit -cost relationships include more than fiscal considerations." Municipalities have long evaluated the impact development projects may have on such things as traffic and the environment. Some are now adopting policies that require that the economic and fiscal impact of developments of a certain size be evaluated as well. Economic impacts include the effect on local businesses, village/town commercial core, jobs, and wages. Fiscal impact refers to the impact on tax revenue and government costs. This policy adds economic/fiscal impact evaluations to the regulatory process for projects that already qualify for project plan reviews. For more information on this, see page 144 of Appendix V4C. Policy 113 Pursue brownfields assessment grants to complete the Phase I and II environmental assessment for high priority sites in the Planning Area. Rationale: Brownfield is the term used for all abandoned or underused sites where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or perceived presence of contamination. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers a Brownfields Program that empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. The issue of brownfields complicating redevelopment is particularly important in areas of previous industrial or intensive agricultural uses. The County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has identified potential brownfield sites in Hamakua, including old mill sites, baseyards, and fuel depots. There are four basic stages to brownfield redevelopment, starting with Phase I and II environmental assessment. Redevelopment, site planning, and construction can proceed when the pre -development assessments are complete. This strategy addresses the role of proactive remediation in order to encourage and enable redevelopment. Besides the Economic Objectives, this policy addresses Community Objectives 1, 2 in the'aina section. For more information on brownfields, see pages 47-49 of Appendix V413. 1281 Page 6.1.4 K6kua Action State of Hawaii Office of Planning K6kua Action 66: Align the clusters and priority projects in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with the objectives, policies, and actions in the Hamakua Community Development Plan. Rationale: This K6kua Action seeks to coordinate economic strategies between the State's Office of Planning and the Hamakua Community Development Plan. For more information on CEDS, see pages 33-34, 92-93, 123, and 125 of Appendix V4C. 6.1.5 Community Actio, See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture This section of the CDP guides efforts to strengthen the local agriculture value chain, including agricultural land acquisition, agricultural parks and water systems, the diversification of agriculture -based businesses on agricultural land, and agricultural tourism. See also Section 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open Space. .,.�.y County Actin_ Policy 114 Support the implementation of the County of Hawai'i Agriculture Development Plan of 2010. (Adopted via resolution no.61-11) In particular: • Marshal resources for key infrastructure projects that would broadly benefit the agricultural sector; • Serve as a liaison and ombudsman for local agricultural ventures and interests and government agencies at the county, State, and U.S. federal levels; • Provide extension and inspection services. Rationale: For more information on the County of Hawai'i Agriculture Development Plan, see pages 32-33 of Appendix V4C. Policy 115 Develop increased capacity for County -level agricultural specialists to liaise and coordinate with State and Federal Agencies in improving and implementing policy, increasing agricultural education, and promoting opportunities for expanding markets for locally grown products. Rationale: This policy is in response to the volume of comments received during the community input phase that requested information about agricultural education, agricultural policies, land availability, and agricultural parks. 1291 Page There appears to be a significant knowledge gap among the public regarding county, state, and federal jurisdictions, and available services in regards to agriculture. The intent of this policy is to direct better coordination of government services and information to adequately serve the agricultural industry. (See also Policy 42; Community Action 5). Policy 116 Encourage the establishment and continued operation of open farmers markets to allow local agricultural products to market their own products. Rationale: This policy is an affirmation of General Plan Policy 2.3 (u): "Encourage the establishment of open farmers markets to allow local agricultural producers to market their products." For more information on farmers markets, see pages 153, 35-37, 44, 47, 50, 59, 127, 14-143, 147 of Appendix V4C. Policy 117 Amend Hawai'i County Code, Section 15-72 to expand the designated list of parks authorized to allow farmers market permits to include parks in rural areas that lack appropriate commercial zoned lands for farmers markets. Rationale: This policy directs the County to expand an existing code to allow farmers market events to be held in parks in rural areas. Currently, Article 9 of Section 15, states this intent: "allow for the establishment of farmers markets at various County parks and facilities. Farmers markets will offer the general public the opportunity to buy and sell homegrown and homemade products and wares" and stipulates: • The director may establish reasonable limitations on the duration and frequency of any farmers market activities that may be allowed; • The department may apportion and/or delineate the area within the County park as the facility where the farmers market activity is allowed. The department shall provide a map of the farmers market site clearly delineating all farmers market spaces reserved for the exclusive use of any person granted a permit; • The following are authorized designated areas: (a) Waimea. (b) Kona. (c) Honoka'a County Park Complex. • Permit; fee. o (a) All responsible persons, eighteen years of age or older, shall be allowed to secure a permit on their own to sell their products and wares grown, produced or made on the island of Hawai'i in any of the designated farmers market sites subject to policies, rules and regulations established by the director. Permits shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and shall be based upon a fee of $5 per day. Each permit shall identify the permittee, the specific market space and site and the date(s) of said permit. o (b) No permit shall be issued for more than five consecutive days, nor shall any person be granted a permit for more than fifteen days in any given calendar month. The holder of a farmers market permit shall, upon request, show the permit to any law enforcement officer, park caretaker, or an administrator or manager contracted by the department therefor. o (c) Permit fees may be used by the department to enter into a purchase of services contract with a nonprofit organization for the administration and management of a farmers market program and/or site. 1301 Page (1993, Ord. No. 93-97, sec. 1.)15-73 As noted in the above ordinance, the only park in the Hamakua Planning Area listed as a designated area is the Honoka'a Park Complex. However, other rural parks in the Planning Area may be suitable for appropriately scaled farmers' market events. See also the above rationale for Error! Reference source not found.. Policy 118 Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5-72(a)(17) relating to "livestock production of piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock shall be [... ] located no closer than one thousand feet away from any major public street or from any other zoning district." ■ Define what qualifies as an "apiary"; ■ Determine if the minimum distance of 1000 feet from any public street or other zone is appropriate for each use referenced; recommend revision to minimum distance if research justifies adopting new minimum distances. Rationale: This policy is in response to community concern that the current zoning code may be arbitrarily setting unreasonable distance minimums for apiaries and piggeries, and that the County code does not clearly define what size of beekeeping or pig -keeping qualifies as an apiary or piggery. It is noted that there are numerous examples in other municipalities where minimum distances for beekeeping sites are less than 1,000 feet to a public road or other zoning designation; and it is recognized that the current distance could be negatively impacting small-scale agriculturalists in the Planning Area. Policy 119 Support the development of private, County, and State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) Rationale: Lands for agricultural parks are areas set aside by the State specifically for agricultural activities to encourage continuation or initiation of such agricultural operations. The State's Agricultural Parks Program makes land available to small farmers at reasonable cost with long-term tenure. The State Department of Agriculture currently operates four agricultural parks on the island, one each in the districts of Puna, South Hilo, Hamakua and North Kona. The County is also developing an agricultural park in Hamakua. This policy is an affirmation of General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (k), "Support the development of private and State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities." For more information, see pages 50, 55 of Appendix V4C. Policy 120 Cooperate with appropriate State and Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems. Rationale: This is an affirmation of General Plan Policy 11.2.2(j), "Cooperate with appropriate State and Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems in appropriate areas on the island." This is especially crucial as drought events negatively impact agriculture and are forecast to increase in the coming years. 6.2.4 K6R__. LCUOL. State of Hawaii Department of Education 1311 Page K6kua Action 67: Develop and support Farm to School programs and other programs designed to provide locally produced food to Planning Area schools. Rationale: Schools can serve as anchor institutions to provide a steady market for farmers and ranchers. Farm -to - School initiatives connect independent farms with programs to address the declining nutritional status of school meals. For students, such initiatives can provide increased access to fresh produce; a hands-on experiential learning opportunity; a link between the cafeteria, the farm, and nutrition education; and a foundation for building life-long dietary health. The Hawai'i Farm to School and School Garden Hui coordinates efforts to increase school procurement of local foods. For more information on this, see pages 36 and 147 of Appendix V4C. State of Hawaii, Department of Health (and Dept. of Ag — USDA) K6kua Action 68: Work with local farmers/producers to educate and facilitate the development and management of farmers markets within the Planning Area. (GP 2.3 (u)) • Increase safe food handling education opportunities tailored to farmers; • Increase transparency on policy and education on DOH rules relating to food production and food service. Rationale: One challenge for producers of local, value-added products has been the lack of predictability and transparency in the regulations placed on value-added products. This K6kua Action guides the Department of Health to focus special attention on producers and farmers market venders to ensure that these producers are given the knowledge and assistance necessary to create a successful and safe value-added product. State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture K6kua Action 69: Support the development of agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 118. K6kua Action 70: Cooperate with County and Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems in appropriate areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j)) Rationale: See the rationale for Policy 120. University of Hawaii at Hilo / Hawai'i Community College K6kua Action 71: Prioritize development of programs and research that increases local agricultural capacity, including marketing and other small business training. Rationale: The University of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Community College are leaders in local agricultural research and play a pivotal role in developing local capacity. This action focuses on developing programs and research to increase 132 local knowledge base and capacity to enable the agricultural industry to develop into a progressive and sustainable model. K6kua Action 72: Explore the feasibility of establishing an aquacultural program in the Hamakua Planning area for research, demonstration, and development purposes. (GP 2.4.2.2(i)) Rationale: This is an affirmation of General Plan policy 2.4.2.2 (i) to, "Coordinate with the University of Hawaii at Hilo to establish an aquacultural program along accessible areas of the Hilo coast for research, demonstration, and development purposes." This program may no longer be deemed feasible or advisable for the Hilo coast area, and so this guidance is adapted to suggest testing the feasibility of establishing aquacultural programs for possible land- based aquaculture programs within the Hamakua Planning Area. Hawaii State Legislature • See K6kua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land banks that counties can use to acquire tax -delinquent properties and use them to preserve agricultural land and open space. Rationale: Jurisdictions can acquire lots for non-payment of property taxes, remove or transfer development rights, and use a "land bank" to offer tax -delinquent properties to neighbors. Such lots can also be used for relocation purposes when other properties are acquired for future rights-of-way, public facilities, or land assembly. State legislation is necessary to enable land banks. For more information, see pages 126, 254 of Appendix V4A. 6.. Community Actioi. See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.3 Expand Health and Wellness Industry Health and wellness is an important and growing sector in the Planning Area. While the County is limited in its capacity to directly increase health and wellness as an industry, there are various approaches the County currently uses to address health and wellness through programs and outreach in coordination with various other agencies and organizations. See also Section 5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services for strategies that address healthcare and wellness services. 6.z.2 County Action See also: Policy 125: Encourage the development of small "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations, in particular those with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes. (GP 14.7.5.9.2(b)) z Comm, inity Actin See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.4 Promote the Creative, Education, & Research Sector This section of the CDP guides the development of a regional education, enterprise development, and research network. 1331 P a g L 6.4.2 County Action Policy 121 Promote and develop the island of Hawai'i into a unique scientific, environmental, and cultural model, where economic gains are in balance with social and physical amenities. Development should be reviewed on the basis of total impact on the residents of the County, not only in terms of immediate short run economic benefits. Rationale: This is an affirmation of General Plan policy 2.2(h): "Promote and develop the island of Hawai'i into a unique scientific and cultural model, where economic gains are in balance with social and physical amenities. Development should be reviewed on the basis of total impact on the residents of the County, not only in terms of immediate short run economic benefits." 6.4.4 K6kua _miction State of Hawaii, Workforce Development Division K6kua Action 73: Assist in the development of management and training programs to strengthen the skill levels of the workforce to be in step with existing and emerging industries. (GP 2.4.2.2 (e), 14.3.5.2.2 (b)) Rationale: This is an affirmation of existing General Plan policies 2.4.2.2 (e), "Assist in the formulation and implementation of management education and manpower training programs to strengthen the overall skill levels of its work force to be compatible with existing and emerging industries," and 14.3.5.2.2 (b), "Assistance to small businesses in obtaining loans and management education classes and manpower training programs shall be encouraged." 6.4.3 Community Actio,_ See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.5 Develop a Place -Based Visitor Industry This section of the CDP guides the development of a regional ho'okipa network — a place -based approach to community tourism. 6.5.3 Coup ity Action Policy 122 Encourage the development of a visitor industry that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua and with the environmental and social goals of residents. (GP 2.3(c)) Rationale: This is an affirmation of the following General Plan policies: • 2.3(c): "Encourage the development of a visitor industry that is in harmony with the social, physical, and economic goals of the residents of the County." • 14.7.5.9.2 (a): "The development of visitor accommodations and any resort development shall complement the character of the area." 1341 Page Policy 123 Encourage appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities. Some examples of appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities are ones that: • Directly promote Agriculture, Ecotourism, Health & Wellness; or Cultural Heritage, and/or... • Are Located near points of interest (as long as they will not detract from the natural beauty of the area or negatively impact the host community's privacy/public safety and rural lifestyle); and/or... • Offer an educational experience as well as recreational activities. Rationale: This policy addresses Community Objective 13 and is an affirmation of various General Plan policies. This policy is intended to expound on what is meant by the term "appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities". The General Plan Policies this policy is adapted from are as follows: • 14.2.3 (r): Encourage, where appropriate, the establishment of visitor -related uses and facilities that directly promote the agriculture industry; • 2.4.8.2 (e): Encourage eco -tourism and agricultural tourism as regional opportunities." Note - though this policy is listed for the South Kona district in the GP, it is an appropriate policy to affirm for the Hamakua Planning Area as it is the primary type of tourism the community articulated as appropriate for their region. • 2.3 (x): Encourage the health/wellness industry; • 14.7.5.3.2 (a): Encourage the development of small-scale visitor related facilities near points of interest; • 2.4.4.2 (b): Allow the development of limited visitor facilities that will not detract from the natural beauty of the area; • 14.7.3 (h): Encourage the visitor industry to provide resort facilities that offer an educational experience of Hawai'i as well as recreational activities. For more information on this, see pages 91-103 of Appendix V4C. Policy 124 Encourage the development of small "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations, in particular those with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes. Rationale: This policy addresses Community Objective 13 and is an affirmation of an existing General Plan policy 14.7.5.9.2 (b), "Encourage the development of small family or "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations" with the added preference for accommodations that would further the other themes and heritage priorities of the community. Note: while the original GP policy was focused on promoting bed and breakfast type visitor accommodations in Ka'G, this small scale accommodations industry was found to be amendable to the Hamakua Planning Area communities and small bed and breakfast establishments are preferred over the current related GP policy for accommodations in Hamakua District, which currently reads at 14.7.5.4.2 (b), "Consider small-scale retreat resort development." Policy 125 Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage, and agriculture. 1351 Page Rationale: This policy addresses Community Objective #13. Gathering together in festivals, events and community spaces is considered a key component in developing a thriving, place -based economy. While some heritage and agricultural events have been launched in the Hamakua Planning Area in the past, and while the County Dept. of Research and Development has often been helped promote these events, many of the events formerly held in the Planning Area have been unable to maintain a yearly schedule and thus fail to become a local tradition. This policy encourages the County to be an active partner in promoting these events in Hamakua. For more information, see pages 140-142, and 177 of Appendix V4C. See also Community Action 12, 40, and 44. Policy 126 Support the designation of sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway as a scenic byway through the State Scenic Byway Program. Rationale: Scenic Byways are "roads that tell a special story" and contribute to the legacy of Hawai'i. Local byways are sponsored by the Hawai'i Department of Transportation (DOT) and facilitated locally by a community sponsor that wishes to lead the preservation, protection and/or promotion of the byway with a Local Advisory Committee and Corridor Management Plan. Local byway sponsors and committees receive technical assistance and training from the State byways program and the National Scenic Byway Program. The Federal Highways Administration also has an Annual Discretionary Grant program corridor management, safety improvements, facilities, access improvements, resource protection, interpretation, and marketing. This policy is based on General Plan Policy 13.2.3, "Encourage the State Department of Transportation to establish special scenic routes within and between communities." See also Policy 45. Policy 127 Encourage and provide incentives for businesses to develop and promote public restrooms along Highway 19. Rationale: This policy is based on comments received from the public about the lack of amenities along Highway 19 between Honoka'a and Hilo. There is only one gas station with one, gender -neutral, over -used public restroom in that stretch. By providing more public restrooms along this route, it would provide a basic amenity that would serve as a community benefit, and give visitors an added reason to stop and shop at local businesses. For more information, see page 104 of Appendix V4C. 6.5.4 Kok.(a Action Hawai'i Tourism Authority K6kua Action 74: Encourage the development of a visitor industry that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua and with the environmental and social goals of residents. (GP 2.3(c)) • Encourage appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities (such as Bed and Breakfasts). Some examples of appropriate visitor -related uses and facilities are ones that: • Directly promote Agriculture, Ecotourism, Health & Wellness; or Cultural Heritage, and/or... • Are Located near points of interest (as long as they will not detract from the natural beauty of the area); and/or... • Offer an educational experience as well as recreational activities. ,361 Page Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage, and agriculture. See also: K6kua Action 10: Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, and waterfall views are preserved from development. K6kua Action 11: Consider adding/improving viewing locations and interpretive signage near the scenic bridges for safe parking and views of the areas' waterfalls and coastline. Work with the Hawai'i Tourism authority to improve signage on the Highway and identify safe viewing locations. 6.5.5 Community Actior See the Community Action Guide for more details about the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.6 Revitalize Hamakua's Town Centers This section primarily points to various policies throughout the CDP that encourage the rehabilitation and revitalization of the Planning Area's commercial centers. Policy 128 Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service-oriented industrial areas. Rationale: This policy is affirmation of General Plan Policy 14.4.5.4.2(b). This policy recognizes that there is a need for service-oriented industrial areas sited near population centers. Examples of service-oriented industries from the General Plan include, wholesaling, government facilities, printing, utility installations, iron works, and bakeries. These types of industries are usually located close to population centers and transportation facilities and provide for areas of diversified businesses and employment opportunities by permitting a broad range of uses, without exposing nonindustrial uses to unsafe and unhealthy environments. For more information, see pages 20-23 and 28-32 of Appendix V413. Policy 129 Develop underutilized private and public properties within existing towns to be used as gathering places, community gardens, open squares and markets, auxiliary parking lots (including park and ride areas), and parks (including pocket and art parks, and outdoor amphitheaters, etc.). Examples of underutilized parcels owned by the County are: ■ Honoka'a: TMK 4-5-005:010 on the corner of Mamane and Puakalo ■ Papa'aloa: TMK 3-5-003:035 next to the Papa'aloa Gym ■ '0'6kala: TMK 3-9-001:026 (Currently zoned Industrial) & TMK: 3-9-001:034 (between'O'6kala town and Highway 19. Rationale: During the course of CDP development and again during the community review of the Draft CDP, the community expressed the desire to strengthen their communities through gathering and collaborative projects (such 1371 PagL as community gardens) and other open spaces. Additional research through the CDP process has identified the parcels listed as underutilized areas owned by the County that may have potential for public use. 6.6.3 Community Actioi See the Community Action Guide for the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.7 Encourage Green Industries This section of the CDP guides sustainable, ecologically sensitive approaches to economic development. 6.7.3 County Action Policy 130 Support local training and education programs to develop green job growth; especially in renewable energy and natural resource management. Rationale: This policy is supported by the existing General Plan Policy, 2.4.2.2 (e), "Assist in the formulation and implementation of management education and manpower training programs to strengthen the overall skill levels of its work force to be compatible with existing and emerging industries" and 3.3 (c), "Encourage the expansion of energy research industry." It directs the County to support the development of green jobs and it is both in line with State of Hawai'i economic planning objectives and the CDP Community Objectives. See also the Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Plan, Goal 2: Strategic Actions: 1. Develop a more diverse and resilient economy, it directs this: "Provide incentives that foster sustainability -related industries, which include, but aren't limited to renewable energy, innovation and science -based industries, and environmental technologies." http://hawaii205O.org/index.php/site/sp_goals/P8/ 6.7.4 K6kua Action Hawai'i Electric Light Company K6kua Action 75: Encourage the continuation and expansion of HELCOs Net -Metering (NEM), their Feed -in -Tariff (FIT) programs, and other similar programs designed to lower costs and diversify power sources. Rationale: This policy is an affirmation of General Plan policy 3.3 (o), "Support net -metering and other incentives for independent power producers," and is supported by the intent of 3.4 (a), "Encourage the continuation of studies concerning the development of power that can be distributed at lower costs to consumers." For more information on this, see pages 61-65 of Appendix V4C. Hawaii State Legislature K6kua Action 76: Amend HRS to include greenwaste, composting, and fertilizer yards (utilizing only manure and soil) for commercial use as permitted uses on agriculturally zoned land. ,381 Page Rationale: This policy addresses a regulatory impediment to the development of commercial greenwaste, composting, and fertilizer yards on agriculture land. Currently, these land uses are permissible on agricultural land only after obtaining a Special Use permit from the State (if the property is over 15 acres), or a Use Permit from the County (for acreages under 15). Separately from land use regulations, these types of industries must also comply with State Department of Health regulations, which involve permitting, inspections, and continued oversight of the enterprise. Therefore, requiring a Special Use or Use permit is seen as adding additional scrutiny that may be cumbersome to developing these green industries, especially in comparison to very similar land uses on agricultural land that are currently allowed. Both the County Department of Environmental Management's Solid Waste Division and the Planning Department see these uses as appropriate permitted uses on agricultural lands, and are satisfied with the regulatory oversight these types of projects would receive from the Department of Health. See also, HRS 205-4.5(10); HRS 205-2(d)(7). This policy is supported by General Plan 4.3 (d), "Encourage the concept of recycling agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material," and 10.5.2. (f), "Continue to encourage programs such as recycling to reduce the flow of refuse deposited in landfills." For more information, see pages 122-126 of Appendix V4B. f- - r, Community Actin See the Community Action Guide for the rationale for community actions for this section. 6.8 Preserve Informal Economies and Living off the Land This section of the CDP preserves traditional subsistence living, reciprocity arrangements, and opportunities to live off the land. 6.8.3 County Action See the following previously cited Policies: • Policy 15: Identify and secure in public trust (fee simple or by easement) priority lands that achieve one or more of Hamakua's Objectives. o Seek to use conservation easement or acquisition opportunities through funding sources such as PONC, etc., once critical habitat areas are identified as priorities to protect. o Seek to protect with easements or acquire suitable important coastal lands that would protect viewsheds, provide the public with access to scenic viewing areas, or otherwise promote appropriate coastal recreation and subsistence. o Support the efforts of landowners in establishing conservation and agricultural easements to preserve important resources in perpetuity. • Policy 46: In regards to establishing a 'County of Hawai'i Public Access and Trail Program' with sufficient staff and resources; • Policy 48: Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i shall establish: public access to and along the shoreline to significant historic sites, public transit along the top of cliff, streams, mauka trails, facilities, and access to sites for gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes; 1391 Page • Policy 51: Reconstruct the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp to provide safe and adequate access to ocean resources for subsistence fisher -people and recreational users; • Policy 115: Encourage the establishment of open farmers markets to allow local agricultural products to market their own products. (GP 2.3 (u)); See also the following Kokua Actions: • Kokua Action 22: To facilitate greater public access to and along the shoreline and elsewhere, amend HRS 520, Hawai'i's Recreational Use Statute (RUS), to: o Decrease ambiguity and discourage frivolous lawsuits; o Encourage private landowners to voluntarily allow public access through incentives. • Kokua Action 23: Explore options for collaborative management with community groups to increase access to former sugar cane roads to be used as non -motorized trails where feasible and appropriate. • Kokua Action 38: Consider establishing a working group with surrounding land owners and the user -community to educate users and manage ATV use in the near -summit region. • Kokua Action 39: Work together, in partnership with hunting associations and other land stewards, to establish clear recreational hunting policies and disseminate education regarding these policies. K,8.4 rammunity A,+;^ See the Community Action Guide for the rationale for community actions for this section. 1401 Page REVISION SUMMARY FOR STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW r REVISION SUMMARY: INCLUDING PLANNING DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATIONS Planning Dept. Exhibit 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Purpose and Authority of the CDP........................................................................................................ 2 2. Recommended CDP Revision Process...................................................................................................2 3. Types of Input & Revisions.................................................................................................................... 2 4. Included in this Document....................................................................................................................3 5. How to Read this Document.................................................................................................................3 6. Revisions by CDP Section: ..................................................................................................................... 4 CDP Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns..................................................................4 CDP Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources.................................................7 CDP Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services.....................................................11 CDP Section 6: Build a Sustainable Local Economy.............................................................................12 1 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 1. Purpose and Authority of the CDP A Community Development Plan (CDP) is an official plan authorized by the County of Hawai'i General Plan that translates the broad goals and objectives of the General Plan to the unique needs and conditions of a region. CDPs are the forum for community input into establishing County policy at the regional level and coordinating the delivery of County services to the community. County of Hawai'i CDPs implement but do not supersede the General Plan. If the CDP and the General Plan are in direct conflict, the General Plan shall be controlling. The Hamakua CDP is adopted by County ordinance and is a long-range plan with a 20 -year time horizon. 2. Recommended CDP Revision Process The Hamakua Community Development Plan Draft was approved by the Steering Committee on December 19, 2016. To initiate the CDP review and adoption process, the Planning Director issued a memo requesting comment from a wide range of County, State, and Federal agencies in February 2017. Comments were also received from the Administrative Permits and Planning Division of the Planning Department, as well as a few community members who provided feedback during the Agency Review period (February 2017 -June 2017). 3. Types of Input & Revisions The comments and subsequent revisions to the CDP based on the feedback received during the Agency Review period can be summarized into the following categories: ■ Non -substantive: These include typographical errors, formatting inconsistencies, recommendations for clarifying language that did not change the intent or purpose of the strategy, and expressions of support for CDP strategies; ■ Substantive: Differences in interpretation or opinion about CDP strategies, recommended revisions based on changes in statute/code since the CDP was drafted, recommended changes based on further analysis of existing statute/code; ■ Lack of understanding: These include feedback that expressed a misunderstanding of CDP strategy or its application, lack of familiarity with CDP strategies and their inter -relationships, confusion about the relationship of the CDP and the GP, a lack of understanding about the rationale behind CDP strategies, or a lack of understanding about the jurisdiction of the CDP and/or the Planning Department. Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 4. Included in this Document This document is a summary of the revisions to the CDP based on the feedback received during the Agency Review period. It includes a few substantive revisions, but it primarily includes non -substantive revisions to demonstrate edits made based on agency suggestions, even if this revision did not change the intent or purpose of the strategy. Rationale for each revision is provided after the revision. What is not included in this summary: glossary edits/additions, format changes, minor clarifying language revisions that did not change the intent of the strategy, typographical corrections, edits to the names of entities listed, and edits to explanatory descriptions that do not change policy language or intent. 5. How to Read this Document The strategies are listed in the order that they are appear in the CDP and are listed by their corresponding CDP section. The strategy language itself is in italics, and if there is an explanatory description included with the strategy in the CDP, it will be shown in regular text. Revisions are shown in Ramseyer format (also known as "track changes" format). However, in cases where a strategy was heavily revised and the Ramseyer format makes it difficult to read, a revised 'clean' version of the policy will be shown after the edited version. The rationale behind the revision is also provided. If you have further questions on the background of any strategy, please refer to the Appendix V5 CDP Policy Rationale for more information. CDP draft and process documents can be found here: Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 6. Revisions by CDP Section: CDP Section 3: Preferred Land Use ^— Settlement Patterns Policy 1: With the adoption of the Hdmdkua CDP, Figures 2-13, are adopted as the Land Use Guide Map for the Hdmdkua CDP Planning Area. Future land use decisions in the Hdmdkua CDP planning area shall be consistent with the Land Use Guide Map, unless the CDP and the General Plan are in direct conflict, in which case the General Plan shall be controlling. As with the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates preferred future development patterns by indicating the general location of various land uses in relation to each other. To maintain consistency, the land use category definitions used in the CDP Land Use Guide Map are identical to those ebor+engyused in the 2005 General Plan LUPAG map. The CDP Land Use Guide Map also sets Urban Growth Boundaries for every town/village in the Planning Area where the Low Density Urban designation ends. Revision Rationale: Changes reflect clarity on the purpose of the Urban Growth Boundary. UGB also added to glossary and added a link to Policy 6. Policy 2: ^'„,., ,,."GQ .4 ve'e pg n*Land use designation changes that would result in new State Land Use Urban or new Countv zonina for residential. commercial. or industrial uses outside a desianated Urban Growth Boundary shall not be ec-Gte4 GbvG , f en ,.eGstG' G.eGs ^^^'approved within the Special ManagementArea. T49 is is „f4, et-eEdg +ti„ 1,,,.G6en 4 4 e 9 n 4, 949 G " (L 91 9 Gr -e n the „ffc-i GR,a Use o i:,.,, A4Gp. (HRS 205-A; GP 8.3(d)) Revised Policy 2: Land use designation changes that would result in new State Land Use Urban or new County zoning for residential, commercial, or industrial uses outside a designated Urban Growth Boundary shall not be approved within the Special Management Area. (HRS 205-A; GP 8.3(d)) Revision Rationale: We received comments from the Planning Division and Administrative Permit Division that the original language of this policy was ambiguous. The revision clarifies what is meant by 'new urban development' and stipulates clearly that land use changes that would create new urban uses outside UGB would not be allowed in SMA. Policy 4: In order to preserve larger lot agricultural lands for productive agricultural use, allow rural development on lands near urban areas where an intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is consistent with the surrounding uses and rural character. This is reflected in the location of "Rural" (R) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide Map, which is intended to 4 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 facilitate changes of zone to "R , .d.e.Q+:.f Gni 4gr-i .,.4,.--G� Dist -.:et. (94 ) e- the "Family Agricultural District" (FA). The intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is intended to serve as: • —A low density area that provides a transitional use buffer area between strictly residential and eengnq aTcommercially productive agriculture areas, and,- -A nd, —A mix of personal or family -scale productive commercial or subsistence agricultural use on all newly established parcels in the Rural area, and,- -Areas nd, Areas with parcels having a median size of between 2 – 3 acres but snot to facilitate subdivision of parcels less than 1 acre in size. r-eG 9e y 4 "„+"Agricultural areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary and outside designated Rural areas are to be preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty areas. See Policy 5, below. Revision Rationale: Comments from Planning Division noted that change of zone to FA is more appropriate since the State Land Use District for the areas designated to be Rural in the CDP are within the SLU Agricultural District; whereas the RA zone is intended to be used for areas within the SLU Urban or SLU Rural District. Other revisions shown were to provide clarity. Policy 5: In the CDP Land Use Guide Map, the Urban Growth Boundary between developed areas (designated "Low/Medium Density Urban") and lands designated as Agricultural or Rural 4tPport t Agr c6lt6*e LG ad" _e.r er are intended to be pGrceel speei icdirect growth in the Hdmdkua CDP planning area. Areas that are clearly beyond44e designated Urban Growth Boundaries shall be preserved as rural or agricultural lands to maintain open space, scenic view planes, and natural beauty areas. This policy clarifies that the urban gFewth boundary ta-blished- vi in the Hamakua CDP Land Use Pe4W Guide Map establishes PaF&2lspecific Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs WheReVeF r.--.,.+".i4j at the intersection between Urban and Rural/Agricultural land uses. The CDP strategy ofrgmapping parcel -specific Urban designations whenever possible adds clarity and specificity, increases transparency into the land use designation process, and more accurately reflects the County's and the Community's land use goals and intentions. Revision Rationale: The references to the two types of agricultural designations were simplified into "agricultural" areas. Comments were received from the Planning Division that since not all the UGBs are parcel -specific in the CDP, clarifying was language needed to the explanatory blurb following the policy. Policy 6: Until the General Plan identifies appropriate areas or criteria for Industrial development to occur in the Hdmdkua Planning Area, industrial uses may be permitted outside LUPAG Industrial designated areas through the following regulatory review processes: Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 • LUPAG Amendment and Change of Zone: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Urban district, a LUPAG amendment and change of zone request to the appropriate industrial zoning dcould be considered; the "Gnge 4zene 1449 -444 -he the ke GWGte the c*#e ete.s 4the pr-ep and evaluated on a case-by-case basis,- Special asis, Special Use: If the subject property is located in the State Land Use Agricultural or Rural District, and the project type is consistent with a permitted use of either limited -industrial (ML) or commercial - industrial zoning (MCX), the special use permit process would be the appropriate review mechanism to evaluate the specific parameters of the proposal and set any mitigating conditions. Any requests for Industrial uses shall be carefully evaluated for potential impacts and consistency with th.p G^^^r^' P'^^ CDP policies and objectives. Gf G -6c -64G,- ete , HRS 205 (including the egFland study bureau's detailed land agricultural land productivity rating), and the General Plan Pe4e,, 1 n n a ( ._ Industrial development shall be located in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure- (General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (e)). Revision Rationale: The Planning Division noted that a LUPAG Amendment would be necessary for this type of Change of Zone to Industrial so this language was added. The Planning Division also noted that use permits on highly productive Agricultural lands are not appropriate as per criteria set forth in HRS 205, and so the criteria was included to ensure consistency with State land use requirements. Policy 8: In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions in coastal areas, subdivisions &4G4should be encouraged to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant to HCCSection 25-6-20, in order to achieve CDP obiectives in relation to preserving open space, recreational areas, or RYFG' scenic views a s. Revision Rationale: Removed the "shall" due to it inferring a legal mandate that was followed by the less enforceable intent to "encourage" cluster developments; also edited for clarity to ensure intent of protecting viewsheds is clear. Policy 13: Angen4 Gh Gp ter- 2=5 4 theZen in fie Gn4 G lapter- 2:3 4 t -he =SY/94ro4_,;e.Q Ge 4e ke '"'4ke1441 Revision Rationale: Policy 13 was deleted after consultation with Planning Division and further analysis of State Land Use law in regards to minimum lot size in the SLU Agriculture District. This policy was deemed not feasible under current State land use regulations. Note: the subsequent Policy 14 (now Policy 13) was revised to remove the reference to Clustered Rural Subdivisions referenced in the deleted policy. Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 CDP Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources Policy 18: Amend and/or create County Codes and Planning Department Rufe-3 Mules to ^develop shoreline and building setbacks {fier-the H6n96k„^''^P A'^^^ ^^ r-eG ^+ the ^^"4^"+ 9eigh+ 4 the 4epe s ess thGn nn fee G n9iningung nn feet s^+H^, k sG4 ^ moi,,. 19),4 n9iningung 440 f ^+ p',,,. ^ address environmental, health, and safety "64{{ . 6'^+^Hwine4 9), ^ ^'^^i^^' ^ G'ysi-priorities. This shall A- Rly apply tE) PFE)PeFtieS that are lie-e-satedev.xithiR the SSIMA, and abUttiRg BF WithiR fi;.9P- h, Rdred acpci i vi cvvcri jai jai ca iccc BF icon, a is nere ine set as F "Re shall ew-rccc � -- -'-- ^- IM - ^^ ---'-i--' i - -'-i------ -'--- I— -- -t -'----1 ' -'-- ^- I--- - n n ■ Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff"—. " (HRS 205A-1, and HAR Section 13-222-2, Planning Department Rule 11.) and add references to "top of cliff" to Criteria for Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning Commission Rule 8. For setbacks on parcels with sea cliffs over 40' in elevation, the following setbacks are recommended: In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Plannina Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance of 40' from the minimum shoreline setback*, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject Parcel; or, b) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Plannina Dept. Rule 11. the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance equal to the anticipated 100 Years of erosion as determined by a coastal erosion study. This study, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis, shall be conducted by a licensed civil engineer. This policy shall only apply to properties that are located within the Special Management Area and abutting the shoreline. For lots with sea cliffs over 40' with an average lot depth of two hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line shall be determined by Planning Department Rule 11. The County of Hawai'i's current working definition of "top of cliff" is as follows: The "top of the Pali" (top edge of the sea cliff) is defined to be the highest elevation along the seaward boundary of a property where the relative change in the slope of the terrain towards the sea is in excess of twice the general slope towards the sea of the terrain along this highest elevation and that the terrain: (1) has a Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 general slope seaward of not more than 10%; (2) is reasonably safe for pedestrian access to and along its length; and (3) does not show evidence of being periodically exposed to natural elements, including, but not limited to, high surf, wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is essentially devoid of naturally occurring vegetation. See also Policy 19, Policy 20, and Policy 39 related to inland cliffs, and section 4.2.5 Kokua Action. * Note: In situations where the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11 would not reach the top of a sea cliff, the building setback should be a lateral setback distance of 40' from the top of cliff, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel. [This note will be displayed as a numbered footnote in the CDP] Revised Policy 18: Amend and/or create County Codes and Planning Department Rules to develop shoreline and building setbacks to address environmental, health, and safety priorities. ■ Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff" (HRS 205A-1, and HAR Section 13-222-2, Planning Department Rule 11) and add references to "top of cliff" to Criteria for Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning Commission Rule 8. For setbacks on parcels with sea cliffs over 40' in elevation, the following setbacks are recommended: a) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance of 40' from the minimum shoreline setback*, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel, or, b) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the building setback should include a lateral safety buffer distance equal to the anticipated 100 years of erosion as determined by a coastal erosion study. This study, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis, shall be conducted by a licensed civil engineer. This policy shall only apply to properties that are located within the Special Management Area and abutting the shoreline. For lots with sea cliffs over 40' with an average lot depth of two hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line shall be determined by Planning Department Rule 11. The County of Hawai'i's current working definition of "top of cliff" is as follows: The "top of the pali" (top edge of the sea cliff) is defined to be the highest elevation along the seaward boundary of a property where the relative change in the slope of the terrain towards the sea is in excess of twice the general slope towards the sea of the terrain along this highest elevation and that the terrain: (1) has a general slope seaward of not more than 10%; (2) is reasonably safe for pedestrian access to and along its length; and (3) does not show evidence of being periodically exposed to natural elements, including, but not limited to, high surf, wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is essentially devoid of naturally occurring vegetation. See also Policy 19, Policy 20, and Policy 39 related to inland cliffs, and section 4.2.5 Kokua Action. * Note: In situations where the minimum shoreline setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11 would not reach the top of a sea cliff, the building setback should be a lateral setback distance of 40' from the top of cliff, plus the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff within the subject parcel. [This note will be displayed as a numbered footnote in the CDP] 8 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 Revision Rationale: This policy was revised extensively based on comments from the Planning Division, Administrative Permits division, input received from the public, and further analysis on the building setbacks for steep slopes and cliffs. One main revision was to use both the authority of the shoreline setback combined with the authority of the zoning code to establish building setbacks for safety and environmental reasons (in this case for coastal and also for inland cliffs in the new Policy 39). The original policy was noted not to address: 1. Cases where the minimum shoreline setback did not reach the top of the cliff/pali; 2. The inclusion of the 'top of pati' language was tied to (original) Policy 22, but both policies were mutually dependent on each other for full implementation and so they were combined into Policy 18. Note: this policy provides recommendations for code and Planning Department rule amendments and requires follow-up actions; it does not provide a new shoreline setback in effect upon the adoption of the CDP. Original Policy 20: this policy related to prohibiting cesspools in the SMA; this policy was deleted because the Dept. of Health issued new rules essentially banning the construction of new cesspools in 2016, and passed Act 125 in 2017, which requires the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. Policy 22: When considering applications to consolidate and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the Director of Planning 4+G4should endeavor to keep the lot sizes consistent with the minimum lot size, and only permit lots less than one acre in the State Land Use Agriculture District and the County of Hawaii Agricultural District if the applicant clearly demonstrates that an unreasonable economic hardship cannot otherwise be prevented or land utilization is improved relative to the objectives and policies of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)). Revision Rationale: This policy was edited to remove the legal mandate language of "shall" when the verb used is to "endeavor" to keep the lot sizes consistent. This policy was not intended to be an absolute mandate as is evident by the language relating to allowing for "unreasonable economic hardship," etc. Policy 34: In the Hamakua CDP Planning Area, applications for Use Permits for wind energy facilities and telecommunications antennasLtowers shall include viewshed and, as appropriate, line -of -sight analysis to demonstrate how the request does not cause substantial, adverse impact to the community's character, including open space, public views, and areas of natural and scenic beauty, and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-60 & 64) Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 gneeu.c J c^Require the use of place -appropriate wireless concealment strategies in the development or upgrading of telecommunication towers as a way to mitigate visual impacts (e.g., cell towers disguised as palm trees). Revision Rationale: Based on comments from the Planning Division, this policy was strengthened to "require" concealment strategies be used when deemed appropriate, instead of merely to "encourage" them. This is based on further analysis of HCC 25-2-60 & 64. Policy 39: Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to establish building setbacks for inland cliffs. Recommended factors to consider for establishing setbacks include: ■ Slopes greater than 40% ■ Cliff height and geology type ■ Cliff identification and mapping strategies See related Policy 18 and Policy 40. Revision Rationale: This follow-up action was added after consultation with the Planning and Administrative Permit Divisions. The issue of building setbacks for inland cliffs is a health, safety, and environmental issue extremely pertinent in the Hamakua Planning Area (e.g., in the deep gulches). Currently there are no building setbacks for cliffs, and some development in close proximity to steep slopes has been noted and will continue if safety setbacks are not established. Kokua Action 19: Provide sufficient funding to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Pacific Islands Area (PIA), the Farm Service Agency, U.S. Forest Service (Laupahoehoe section of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adequately implement critical conservation programs-, including invasive species management and Rapid 'Ghia Death research and mitigation. Revision Rationale: These changes were made based on input received from the U.S. Forest Service. Policy 48: Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawaii shall establish: public access to and along the shoreline to significant historic sites, public transit along the top of cliff, streams, mauka trails, facilities, and access to &4esareas for gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes. Lands adiacent to Forest and Natural Area Reserves shall be assessed for public access potential and public access may be included as a condition of subdivision. (HRS §205A-26; GP 6.2(b); 7.3(a); 8.3(r)) Revision Rationale: This addition was based on input received from DLNR. 10 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 CDP Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Service, Policy 78: Water system improvements shall correlate with the County's desired land use development pattern. Work with Department of Water Supply to ensure that adequate infrastructure is available in appropriate locations to support infill growth within Hdmdkua CDP Urban GFrowth �-y oundaries. Towns identified in the Hdmdkua Planning Area where water availability ismay be inhibiting infill capacity are as follows: • Pepe'ekeo, • Hakalau-Wailea, • Honoka'a, Continue to evaluate growth conditions to coordinate improvements as required to the existing water systems. '^,^^County water distribution systems shall not be extended outside the gFBWth bewR ar- Urban Growth Boundaries established in the Hdmdkua CDP Land Use °e'iesier and °e4w uide Map, with the exception of water designated specifically for and limited to agricultural irrigation and livestock. Revision Rationale: The area of Ninole was removed from this list as it is noted the intent of the policy is specific to growth boundaries, which refer to urban growth boundaries; however, Ninole is in the Rural area State Land Use District and it is not designated as an urban growth area in the CDP Land Use Guide Map. Community Action 32: Coordinate with Civil Defense to develop emergency evacuation plans for , Laupdhoehoe, and the valleys of Waipi'o „wand 'Gup6h ,, ee PeintWaimanu. Revision Rationale: Waimanu Valley was added to this list for campers to be evacuated; based on input from DLNR. Community Action 34: For communities identified by DOFAW as Communities at Risk (CAR), develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and work towards gaining Firewise recognition. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/fire/community-risk-reduction/ http://www.firewise.org/usa-recognition-program.aspx Revision Rationale: This Community Action was added after input was received from DOFAW regarding wildfire risk in Planning Area communities. Policy 108: 4f When the Y..., ,+ :+4tii„ GQd . 4tii„ ec-Gt4 f fier- uti4t„ 4nes ipeb ,, . GH bens) is un4er-gr-eun4fier- the pbor-pese 4p-eser- 4ng 4„4 County develops a scenic resources, + protection program, the underground siting of utility lines (power and communications) 11 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 should be a condition of subdivision, in identified priority viewshed areas. (HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2 (a3 11.3.3) Revision Rationale: This policy was edited to facilitate implementation and set criteria for when underground siting of utility lines would be required; based on input from the Planning Division. Policy 110: Use alternative energy sources te-pe*,exat County facilities within the Planning Area. ■ Add electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate facilities; ■ Add solar lighting in appropriate parking areas; ■ Add photovoltaic systems and/or solar hot water systems to appropriate facilities. Revision Rationale: This policy was edited based on input received from the Department of Economic Development & Tourism & the Office of Planning relating to sustainability and energy conservation initiatives. CDP Section 6: Build a Sustainable Local Economy Originally Policy 115: Revision Rationale: This policy was deleted because it became unnecessary after revisions by the State Legislature to HRS 205 allow open farmers' markets and road side stands in the SLU Agricultural district as permitted uses. Policy 118: Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5-72(a)(17) relating to "livestock production of piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock shall be [..] located no closer than one thousand feet away from any major public street or from any other zoning district." ■ Define what qualifies as G " ' an "apiary"- ■ Determine if the minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any public street or other zone is appropriate for each use referenced, recommend revision to minimum distance if research justifies adopting new minimum distances. Revision Rationale: Reference to "piggery" was deleted upon further consultation with Administrative Permits Division; it was determined that Ch. 25 of the zoning code already defines the term piggery. 12 Hamakua CDP: Recommended CDP Revision Summary February 2018 Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawaf i POLICE DEPARTMENT 349 Kapi'olam Street • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720-3998 (808) 935-3311 Fax(808)961-2389 April 17, 2017 TO :MIC j E DIRECTOR, PLANNING DEPARTMENT �/ L_ _ FROM P UL K. FERREIRA, POLICE CHIEF SUBJECT: REVIEW OF THE HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (CDP) Paul K. FeeieLra Police Chief :'. Our staff has reviewed the Hamakua CDP and noted Policy 97 which references consideration in expanding the North Hilo District to include parts of rural South Hilo (Honomu and Pepe'ekeo) to increase response times in these rural areas. Our department reserves the right to make the final decision on such matters based on our operational requirements and requests involvement in any discussions regarding our district boundaries. Community concerns regarding response time may be directed to our South Hilo District Commander. If you have any questions, please contact Major Randy Apele, Area I Operations, at 961-2341 or via e-mail at Randy.Apele(a7hawaiicounty.gov. ABAli/170267 Planning Dept. Exhibit 4 "Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer" I I 1 Cal Kenneth Bugadb Jr. Deputy Police Chief e ,v 'Al 07 C co r=, o PLAN Our staff has reviewed the Hamakua CDP and noted Policy 97 which references consideration in expanding the North Hilo District to include parts of rural South Hilo (Honomu and Pepe'ekeo) to increase response times in these rural areas. Our department reserves the right to make the final decision on such matters based on our operational requirements and requests involvement in any discussions regarding our district boundaries. Community concerns regarding response time may be directed to our South Hilo District Commander. If you have any questions, please contact Major Randy Apele, Area I Operations, at 961-2341 or via e-mail at Randy.Apele(a7hawaiicounty.gov. ABAli/170267 Planning Dept. Exhibit 4 "Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer" I I 1 Cal Harry Kim Mayor April 24, 2017 RPR ?7 F, N 4 ENT l-, iJ I�`l �r V( I li rti 4r �flil County of Hawaii DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808) 961-8366 • Fax (808) 935-1205 E-mail: chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov TO: Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii FROM: Diane Ley, Director Department of Research & Development RE: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan Diane L. Ley Director Ron Whitmore-, Deputy Director E: Thank you for providing the Department of Research and Development with an opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). The Department has conducted a brief review and is pleased to note the detail in which the community has identified policies and actions that will support its vision for the future. The Department did not find any policies in the CDP that would conflict with existing County plans to support agriculture, energy or tourism, and since the Department does not have authority to enforce statutes or codes there are no known related conflicts. Assuming the Hamakua CDP is adopted as ordinance, the Department looks forward to actively working with other County departments, as well as State and Federal entities and the communities and businesses of the Hamakua district, to pursue appropriate initiatives that will lead to the implementation of the plan. Again, thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. Planning Dept. Exhibit 5 111238 Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Dear Mr. Yee: Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). The request for comments was transmitted to our office by letter dated March 15, 2017. The County's CDP program creates a framework for regional planning that provides residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to actively participate in planning for their communities. The Hamakua CDP planning area includes the Judicial Districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and parts of South Hilo, with the southern planning area edge bordering Kaiwiki and Hau Street. The planning area includes the towns of Kukuihaele, Honokaa, Paauilo, Ookala, Laupahoepahoe, Papaaloa, Ninole, Hakalaui/Wailea, Honomu, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, Paukaa, and all of the agricultural and conservation lands in between. In 2016, the Steering Committee for the Hamakua CDP formally recommended the Hamakua CDP for adoption. Following agency review, the CDP will go to the Windward Planning Commission for review and recommendations. The County Council will then consider the CDP for adoption by ordinance. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) offers the following comments on the Hamakua CDP. Priority Guidelines on Climate Change Adaptation. 'HRS § 226-109 addresses climate change adaptation priority guidelines. HRS § 226-109 should be acknowledged, integrated and referenced in the policies developed in Section 4, Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources; and in Section 5, Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services. Specifically, HRS § 226-109 should be referenced in Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on page 53, with Planning Dept. ,7Exhibit 6 'C •� q if- ig S.9 ..,—<..... ...� ..-•• - GCIVERNOR }•k ;;jj�1 { �`!'LUiSP:SALAVETOR � C C C �` DEPARTMENT OF B INE DIRECTOR J JJ -• , , . -._ •---MA{2Y ACICt tVANS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOUDIRECTOR �4 No. 1 Capitol District Building, 250 South Hotel Street, 5th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Telephone -;-(808) 586-2355 i.•w. L13.,w+-.w'+..rr-----w.� L'A�►_. y •''••N..1. .• p' Mailing Address. P.O. Box 2359, Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 �o•ttta•pCp .a�. .a, '•Fax:•'= '' .,(808J 586-2377 Web site dbedt hawail gov _ �_-,•,,., .,... __._,_._ • • •• • _t �� �w�._..,,,,,,,•....�. Y4....•r',;, ' .. i.f+T'..:,' Ref. No. P-15564 April 17, 2017 e:�z-� -_... :�: •�.} C Y Mr. Michael Yee, Director .........moi- � -� " -'� " ; . -. --•- • �.., r._.r..� Planning Department County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 -: cJ = Hilo, Hawaii 96720 ''z cin --t Subject: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) Dear Mr. Yee: Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). The request for comments was transmitted to our office by letter dated March 15, 2017. The County's CDP program creates a framework for regional planning that provides residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to actively participate in planning for their communities. The Hamakua CDP planning area includes the Judicial Districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and parts of South Hilo, with the southern planning area edge bordering Kaiwiki and Hau Street. The planning area includes the towns of Kukuihaele, Honokaa, Paauilo, Ookala, Laupahoepahoe, Papaaloa, Ninole, Hakalaui/Wailea, Honomu, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, Paukaa, and all of the agricultural and conservation lands in between. In 2016, the Steering Committee for the Hamakua CDP formally recommended the Hamakua CDP for adoption. Following agency review, the CDP will go to the Windward Planning Commission for review and recommendations. The County Council will then consider the CDP for adoption by ordinance. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) offers the following comments on the Hamakua CDP. Priority Guidelines on Climate Change Adaptation. 'HRS § 226-109 addresses climate change adaptation priority guidelines. HRS § 226-109 should be acknowledged, integrated and referenced in the policies developed in Section 4, Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources; and in Section 5, Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services. Specifically, HRS § 226-109 should be referenced in Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on page 53, with Planning Dept. ,7Exhibit 6 Mr. Michael Yee, Director Hawaii County Planning Department Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) April 17, 2017 Page 2 reference to an "assessment of impacts on hazard risk including flooding, tsunami, and coastal erosion and/or sea level rise over the life of the development." Priority guidelines to prepare the State to address the impacts of climate change, including impacts to the areas of agriculture; conservation lands; coastal and nearshore marine areas; natural and cultural resources; education; energy; higher education; health; historic preservation; water resources; the built environment, such as housing, recreation, transportation; and the economy should be included in the Hamakua CDP. 2. Priority Guidelines on Sustainability. The CDP does not expressly acknowledge HRS § 226-108, Priority Guidelines on Sustainability. The Priority Guidelines should be referenced as they are currently embedded throughout Sections 3,4,5 and 6 of the Hamakua CDP. With regard to addressing priority guidelines on sustainability, the CDP should also consider including policies that encourage the use of green building rating systems (such as LEED, the Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, Energy Star) or sustainable neighborhood rating systems for new neighborhood development, including but not limited to nationally recognized rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), Ecodistricts, Green Enterprise Communities or another comparable State -approved, nationally recognized, and consensus -based guideline, standard, or system. Priority Guidelines on Affordable Housing. HRS § 226-19 discusses State objectives and policies for socio -cultural advancement with respect to housing. HRS § 226-106 also addresses priority guidelines for the provision of affordable housing. To ensure alignment with State priority guidelines on affordable housing, Section 5.2, Expanding Affordable Housing Options, Policy 64, on page 76, should incorporate relevant State guidelines and reference both HRS § 226-19 and HRS § 226-106. 4. Transit -Oriented Development (TOD). Under HRS § 226-63 (c)(1) the Office of Planning (OP) within DBEDT is responsible for coordinating with the counties on strategic planning for TOD. The Hamakua CDP should address how it supports TOD or Transit -Ready Development (TRD), including policies that encourage mixed-use development and walkable density within one-half mile of transit stops. TOD or TRD zones should be identified on the HCDP Land Use Guide Maps on pages 39 to 49, or in a separate map series illustrating proposed TOD or TRD areas. OP encourages the development of mixed-use projects for new and infill development located in transit corridors in the State Urban District. Mr. Michael Yee, Director Hawaii County Planning Department Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) April 17, 2017 Page 3 5. Complete Streets. Section 5.3 of the Hamakua CDP (pages 73 to 80) should reference the relevant State and County Complete Streets policies, pursuant to Act 54, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009 and HRS § 264-20.5. The CDP should elaborate on the policies related to Complete Streets, including the key State Complete Streets principles: safety, Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), accessibility and mobility for all, use and comfort of all users, consistency of design guidelines and standards, energy efficiency, health, and green infrastructure. 6. Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Coastal Zone Management and Special Management Areas (SMA) are addressed in Chapter 205A, HRS, the CZM Act. a. Section 3.1.4, Land Use Policy, Policy 2, on page 35, of the Hamakua CDP states that new urban development shall be located away from coastal areas and the Special Management Area (SMA). The Hamakua CDP should define the term "coastal area." The coastal area can be much larger in size than the SMA, and may encompass offshore and land area. The Hamakua CDP should also provide a rationale on locating urban development away from the SMA, and list the expected advantages that may ensue from this new policy. Section 4.2.4, County Action, Policy 22, page 54-55, considers amending SMA rules to protect coastal resources. On page 55, the analysis recommends SMA boundary amendments to further protect known resources. The Hamakua CDP should provide site specific justifications for SMA boundary amendments. b. Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on page 53, seeks to limit coastal development to achieve Coastal Zone Management and CDP objectives and policies. The use of the term "limit coastal development" is vague and too broad. We recommend a more "refined definition of this term that could include the following: "Place special controls on development within an area along the shoreline." c. Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, page 53, contains an incorrect citation. The Policy states that "An assessment of impacts on coastal scenic and open space resources and view planes, including those outlined in the General Plan, the Community Development Plan, and other adopted plans, as well as the line of sight toward the sea from the state highway nearest the coast and along the shoreline. HRS § 205A -26(3)(E) should be listed as HRS § 205A -26(3)(D). Mr. Michael Yee, Director Hawaii County Planning Department Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) April 17, 2017 Page 4 7. CZM, Objectives and Policies. CZM Objectives and Policies for Coastal Zone Management are defined in HRS § 205A-2. a. HRS § 205A-2(2) discusses the protection, preservation, and, where desirable, restoration of those natural and manmade historic and prehistoric resources in the coastal zone management area that are significant in Hawaiian and American history and culture. Section 3.1.3, Existing Policy, Preservation of Natural/Cultural Resources, on page 34, should reference HRS § 205A-2(2). b. HRS § 205A-2(3) addresses Scenic and Open Space Resources, by protecting, preserving, and, where desirable, restoring or improving the quality of coastal scenic and open space resources. Section 3.1.5, County Action, Policy 14, on page 38, promotes open space buffers. HRS § 205A-2(3) should be referenced in this policy. Section 4.5, Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds, on pages 59-62, is also consistent with HRS § 205A-2(3), and the statute should be referenced as well. c. HRS § 205A-2(4) addresses the protection valuable coastal ecosystems, including reefs, from disruption and minimizing adverse impacts on all coastal ecosystems. Section 4.6, Protect and Enhance ecosystems and Watershed, on pages 62-64, is also consistent with HRS § 205A-2(4) and should also be referenced. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to comment. Should you have any questions, please call Nicola Szibbo of OP's Land Use Division at (808)587-2883 or Josh Hekekia of OP's CZM program at (808)587-2845. Sincerely, q\N,014- Luis P. Salaveria DAVID Y. ICE •cM;..•»••»••:.;•r fy GOVERNOR OF HAWAII •�P n 1959, 9� ot�ynd and,ya� i �c O � 8.8.8.•U9.1?GW�` STATE OF fIAWAH S�tleofHa+f°�t DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAND DIVISION POST OFFICE BOX 621 HONOT.INAL HAWAII 96809 April 20, 2017 County of Hawaii Planning Department Attention: Mr. Michael Yee, Director 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Mr. Yee: SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES CO\ITIISSION ON WATER RESOURCE ALANAGEATENT via email: planningAhawaiicounty.gov SUBJECT: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the subject matter. The Department of Land and Natural Resources' (DLNR) Land Division distributed or made available a copy of your report pertaining to the subject matter to DLNR Divisions for their review and comments. At this time, the DLNR has no comments to offer on the subject matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Lydia Morikawa at 587-0410. Thank you. Sincerely, Russell Y. Tsuji Land Administrator cc: Central Files Planning Dept. Exhibit 7 DAVID Y.IGE �� OF j, GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 6 Pf y'1959. 4 E�ynd and,yd ♦v 1 i {. .+ O STATE OF HAWAII S�teolHalf°� DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAND DIVISION POST OFFICE BOX 621 HONOLULU. HAWAII 96809 April 24, 2017 SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON BOARD OF L AND AND NATURAL RESOURCES C05IDIISSION ON NATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT County of Hawaii Planning Department Attention: Mr. Michael Yee, Director via email: planninaCa�hawaiicounty Do 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 v Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Mr. Yee: SUBJECT: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) Thank you for the Opportunity to review and comment on the subject matter. In addition to the comments previously sent you on April 20, 2017, enclosed are comments from the (a) Engineering Division and (b) Division of Forestry & Wildlife (2) on the subject matter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call Lydia Morikawa at 587-0410. Thank you. Sincerely, Russell Y. Tsuji Land Administrator Enclosure(s) cc: Central Files Planning Dept. Exhibit 8 DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR OFHANAI( ofynd and t, v D r�ateofHavtd� FR01V1: fe - SUBJECT: LOCATION: APPLICANT: 31 F N Cj I 2`3rkrjI►'1wEPIFIu STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT Or LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES LAND DIVISION POST OFFICE BOX 621 HONOi I JU L HAWAII 96809 March 30, 2017 MEMORANDUM DLNR Agencies: X Div. of Aquatic Resources _Div. of Boating & Ocean Recreation -LEngineering Division X Div. of Forestry & Wildlife _Div. of State Parks X Commission on Water Resource Management X Office of Conservation & Coastal Lands X Land Division — Hawaii District X Historic Preservation SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMUSSION ON }VATER RESOURCE nL KAGEATENT n _o Rus cl . Tsui, Land Administrat6 _1__ Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) Hamakua, N. Hilo & Parts of S. Hilo; Island of Hawaii; TMK: (3) various County of Hawaii, Hamakua Community Development Plan Transmitted for your review and comment is information on the above -referenced project. We would appreciate your comments on this project. Please submit any comments by April 19, 2017. The CDP can be found on -Zine at: http://www.haivaiicountycdp info/hamakua- cdp/recommended-cdp- anuary-2017 If no response is received by this date, we will assume your agency has no comments. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Lydia Morikawa at 587-0410. Thank you. Attachments ( ) We have no objections. ( ) We have no comments. (X) Comments e attaacl[ed. Signed: 'J Print Name: Date: _ ] / near - cc: Central Files ` DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING DIVISION LD/Russell Y. Tsuji Ref: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) COMMENTS The rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44CFR), are in effect when development falls within a designated Flood Hazard. The owner of the project property and/or their representative is responsible to research the Flood Hazard Zone designation for the project. Flood Hazard Zone designations can be found using the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which can be accessed through the Flood Hazard Assessment Tool (FHAT) (http://gis.hawaiinfip.org/FHAT). Be advised that 44CFR reflects the minimum standards as set forth by the NFIP. Local community flood ordinances may take precedence over the NFIP standards as local designations prove to be more restrictive. If there are questions regarding the local flood ordinances, please contact the applicable County NFIP Coordinators below: o Oahu: City and County of Honolulu, Department of Planning and Permitting (808) 768-8098. o Hawaii Island: County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works (808) 961-8327. o Maui/Molokai/Lanai County of Maui, Department of Planning (808) 270-7253. o Kauai: County of Kauai, Department of Public Works (808) 241-4846. Signed: Date: Morikawa, Lydia M From: MyersTremblay, Dietra Sent: Friday, April 21, 201710:37 AM To: Morikawa, Lydia M Cc: Sprecher, Irene M; Hauff, Robert D; Cogswell, James M Subject: DOFAW (Wildfire) Comments on the Hamakua Community Development !pn Hi Lydia, _. Per our discussion today, you will submit my comments below through Land Division. C') ��' 7 . - C7 f ►' submitting comments. She may either submit Irene Spmdher is als�lann n comments below. comments to you or submit them directly to Hain- RoOty. hank P� ;.,.__ Pursuant to the Land Fire Protection Law, Chapter 185, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is mandated to take measures for the prevention, control and extinguishment of wildland fires on Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) managed lands and is also required to cooperate with established fire control agencies of the counties and the federal government in developing plans and programs and mutual aid agreements for assistance for the prevention, control, and extinguishment of wildland fires on lands not managed by DOFAW. The Hamakua Planning Area includes several Communities at Risk (CAR) from Wildfires (see CAR map: htt www.hawaiiwildfire ore/fire-resource library )loe/communities at risk state map), including at least one CAR that is High Risk. Additionally, wildfire hazard assessments for this area ranks some communities in this area as High or Extreme Hazard dependent on the rating element used (see community hazard assessments for County of Hawaii - North: https://staticl sguarespace.com/static15254fbe2e4b04bbc53b57821/t/54ff73dee4b07ef14e0103c811426027486997/C ounty+of+Hawaii+%28North%29+Community+Hazard+Assessment+Maps compressed pdf). Although this plan mentions that natural disasters, include wildfires are a consistent threat, it fails to specify wildfire risk reduction approaches such as: I Voluntary or nonregulatory mitigation measures and tools, including establishing Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) for this area and working towards gaining Firewise recognition for communities in this area. In order for communities to be eligible for funds available through the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Grant Program, the area must have an approved CWPP. U.S. Forest Service funds to reduce communities' risk from wildland fire within the WUI are available through the WUI Grant Program and are awarded annually through a competitive process with emphasis on: 1) Hazardous fuel reduction in the WUI; 2) Information and education; and 3) Planning. 2) Involuntary or regulatory mitigation measures, including land use laws, subdivision design regulations, home ignition zone ordinances, and WUI Fire codes. These planning and regulatory tools can be used to provide better wildfire protection for new residential development. Land use planners and policymakers as well as community members who determine where and how growth occurs play an important role in safeguarding Hawaii's emerging communities from wildfires. Although this plan addresses land use and community infrastructure goals by concentrating future developments in the existing towns, villages, and subdivisions, it fails to specify that reducing urban sprawl can curb future growth from occurring in areas that are at higher -risk of wildfires. Risk reduction for new communities can be achieved by forming a wildfire planning policy that aligns land use and planning decisions with safe growth. However, the State of Hawaii does not have a wildfire planning policy that addresses growth management in respect to wildfire risk. This is an opportunity for Hamakua to use land use and settlement patterns as a wildfire risk reduction approach and advocate for safe growth. This plan addresses the protection of watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Wildfires in Hawaii are a threat to these types of natural resources Mauka to Makai. Over 98% of wildfires in Hawaii are human - caused. Furthermore, the percentage of land area burned annually in Hawaii exceeds the national average, and some years surpasses the 12 most fire -prone western states. Human -caused wildfires that occur in the WUI, especially in residential areas near native ecosystems and forested watersheds, concern natural resource managers. Human -caused wildfires that started near communities, but then spread toward and burned valuable conservation areas have occurred in Hawaii. This plan does not specify actions at the county level that would ensure development uses, including land use and settlement patterns, are compatible with reducing wildfire risk to Hamakua's conservation areas, including watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Lastly, in regards to Kokua Action 42 under 3.11 Land and Natural Resources in the Guidance to Agencies document, DOFAW is involved with several wildfire risk reduction efforts in collaboration with partners. This Kokua Action only addresses response. However, minimizing impacts to cultural and natural resources can also be achieved by implementing risk reduction programs, including prevention and mitigation measures. Dietra A. Myers Tremblay Acting Fire Protection Forester State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife 1151 Punchbowl St. Rm 325 Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone (808) 587-4186 Cell (808) 347-6740 Fax (808) 587-0160 DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 00-d 21dN,-a� O '�teofHa'+F'� STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE 1151 PUNCHBOWL STREET, ROOM 325 HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813 April 21, 2017 County of Hawaii Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 SUBJECT: Comments for the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON BOARD OF (AND AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONAGSSKON ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT KEKOA KALURAVA FWT DEPUTY JEFFREY T. PEARSON, P.E. DEPUTY DIRECTOR. WATER AQUATIC RESOURCES BOATDRI AND OCEAN RECREATION DUREAUOFCONVEYANCES COMML%IONON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CONSERVATION AND COASTAL LANDS CONSERVATION AND RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT ENGINEERMIG FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE HISTORIC PRESERVATWN KAH9OLAW E ISLAND �F��evE C4�D.GS51ox STATE PAPS —rl N CD Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). The Division of Forestry and Wildlife has the following comments for your consideration and incorporation as appropriate. The U.S. Forest Service's Institute for Pacific Island Forestry, in partnership with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), has an established research forest within the Hdrn ua community. The Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest (bttp://www.hetfus/page/home/�) was established in 2007 and includes portions of the Hilo Forest Reserve and Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve. The management of this forest supports research from a variety of educational institutes and agencies all focused on understanding Hawaii's tropical forests. The Division recommends the inclusion of this significant resource into the CDP and the development of corresponding policy and/or k6kua actions. Pursuant to the Land Fire Protection Law, Chapter 185, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is mandated to take measures for the prevention, control and extinguishment of wildland fires on Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) managed lands and is also required to cooperate with established fire control agencies of the counties and the federal government in developing plans and programs and mutual aid agreements for assistance for the prevention, control, and extinguishment of wildland fires on lands not managed by DOFAW. The Hamakua Planning Area includes several Communities at Risk (CAR) from Wildfires (see CAR map: http•//www hawaiiwildfire ore/fire-resource-library-blog communities -at -risk -state - man), including at least one CAR that is High Risk. Additionally, wildfire hazard assessments for this area ranks some communities in this area as High or Extreme Hazard dependent on the rating element used (see community hazard assessments for County of Hawaii - North: https:Hstaticl squarespace com/static/5254fbe2e4bO4bbc53b57821/t/54ff73dee4bO7efi4eOl03c8 /1426027486997/Caunty+of+Hawaii+D/D28North%29+Community+Hazard+Assessment+MVS.c omnressed.pdfl. DLNR DOFAW Hamakua Community Development Plan Although this plan mentions that natural disasters, include wildfires are a consistent threat, it fails to specify wildfire risk reduction approaches such as: 1) Voluntary or non -regulatory mitigation measures and tools, including establishing Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) forthisarea and working towards gaining Firewise recognition for communities in this area. In order for communities to be eligible for funds available through the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Grant Program, the area must have an approved CWPP. U.S. Forest Service funds to reduce communities' risk from wildland fire within the WUI are available through the WUI Grant Program and are awarded annually through a competitive process with emphasis on: 1) Hazardous fuel reduction in the WUI; 2) Information and education; and 3) Planning. 2) Involuntary or regulatory mitigation measures, including land use laws, subdivision design regulations, home ignition zone ordinances, and WUI Fire codes. These planning and regulatory tools can be used to provide better wildfire protection for new residential development. Land use planners and policymakers as well as community members who deteniiine where and how growth occurs play an important role in safeguarding Hawaii's emerging communities from wildfires. Although this plan addresses land use and community infrastructure goals by concentrating future developments in the existing towns, villages, and subdivisions, it fails to specify that reducing urban sprawl can curb future growth from occurring in areas that are at higher -risk of wildfires. Risk reduction for new communities can be achieved by forming a wildfire planning policy that aligns land use and planning decisions with safe growth. However, the State of Hawaii does not have a wildfire planning policy that addresses growth management in respect to wildfire risk. This is an opportunity for Hamakua to use land use and settlement patterns as a wildfire risk reduction approach and advocate for safe growth. This plan also addresses the protection of watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Wildfires in Hawaii are a threat to these types of natural resources Mauka to Makai. Over 98% of wildfires in Hawaii are human -caused. Furthermore, the percentage of land area burned annually in Hawaii exceeds the national average, and some years surpasses the 12 most fire - prone western states. Human -caused wildfires that occur in the WUI, especially in residential areas near native ecosystems and forested watersheds, concern natural resource managers. Human -caused wildfires that started near communities, but then spread toward and burned valuable conservation areas have occurred in Hawaii. This plan does not specify actions at the county level that would ensure development uses, including land use and settlement patterns, are compatible with reducing wildfire risk to Hamakua's conservation areas, including watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Comments generated from the Agency Guide of the CDP: Policy 43: We respectively request the inclusion of DOFAW as part of the watershed management goals and planning for collaboration. The Division is a major partner with the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, and manages significant forested watershed lands within the Hamakua District that would benefit from additional collaboration with the county and community. DLNR DOFAW Hamakua Community Development Plan Policy 44:-DOFAW strongly supports the encouragement of native and noninvasive planting alternatives for landscaping and restoration projects; however, we recommend utilizing the Hawaii -Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) available through Plant Pono (http://planipono.orgt) instead of Hawaii Administrative Rule 4-68. The HPWRA and Plant Pono was developed in partnership with DOFAW, Coordinating Group of Alien Pest Species, University of Hawaii, and the Urban and Community Forestry Council to quickly identify plants that are invasive or have a high likelihood of becoming invasive. The website is a more comprehensive list of invasive plants as well as provides numerous plant alternatives. Policy 49: DOFAW recommends expanding this policy to require persons requesting subdivision of their lands to provide vehicular and/or pedestrian public access easements to forest reserves, natural areas, shoreline, historic sites, and other public resources. The county's support with identification of paper and homestead roads that can provide this access, as well as the development of access routes, through acquisition as necessary, would assist with meeting the County's, community's, and Division's access priorities. Policy 56: DOFAW recommends that a feasibility study include access to the Hamakua Forest Reserve (Kea`a and Hanapai sections) along the scenic route. Policy 60: Waimanu Valley camping, Muliwai Trail and Kohala Forest Reserve information should be integrated with the support facilities for Waipio Lookout and the Heritage Corridor route. Policy 74: The planning and implementation of a Complete Streets Program would benefit from additional consideration for supporting green infrastructure that can enhance roadway, sidewalk, and bike path designs. Trees are an important component to a complete street; enhancing people's enjoyment of the area as well providing numerous economic and ecological benefits. Often times, the green infrastructure components are not included in the initial planning phase and design plans, which results in less than ideal conditions for growing and maintaining trees. Sufficient planting and growing spaces should be factored into early designs, as well as the utilization of native or non-invasive trees and plants. Policy 92: Waimanu Valley hikers and campers should be included in evacuation planning for this area. Further, the Division recommends seeking consultation and collaboration with the County Arborist Committee, or local arborists, to identify management needs for priority emergency routes, develop response plans for tree maintenance following disaster events, and support of educational material for residents on tree care that will improve their resiliency (also in support of Kokua Action 42). Policy 103: DOFAW recommends the incorporation of a recreation priority for the location, possibly including development and management of a firearm or archery target range. Kokua Action 19: The U.S. Forest Service should be included in the list of federal agencies that need sufficient funding to implement critical programs, in particular with their work at the 3 DLNR DOFAW Hamakua Community Development Plan Laupahoehoe section of the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest and support of Rapid `Ohi`a Death research. Kokua Action 31: The Bureau of Land and Natural Resources should be changed to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources within the table of contents and moved under the State Agencies section. Kokua Action 34: DOFAW recommends revising this action to the following: "Review possible inclusion of mamane-naio forest site from Mauna Kea Forest Reserve into the Natural Area Reserve System, including benefits to the natural resources as well as any impacts to community use and access to the area. Kokua Action 42: DOFAW is involved with several wildfire risk reduction efforts in collaboration with partners. This Kokua Action only addresses response; however, minimizing impacts to cultural and natural resources can also be achieved by implementing risk reduction programs, including prevention and mitigation measures. Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan. Should you require additional information from DOFAW, please contact Irene Sprecher at (808) 587-4167 or by email at irene.m..sprecher ,hawaii.gov. Mahalo S' c re , OM DAVID G. SMITH Administrator 4 DAVID Y. IGE Governor SHAN S. TSUTSUI Lt. Governor Mr. Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Mr. Yee: 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-2512 Phone: (808) 973-9600 FAX: (808) 973-9613 April 21, 2017 Subject: Review of the Draft Hamakua Community Development Plan The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has reviewed the Draft Hamakua Community Development Plan (Hamakua CDP) and offers the following comments. Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) designation within the Hamakua CDP The Hamakua CDP's Revised Land Use Guide Maps have "Important Ag. Lands" as a land designation (Section 3.1.7, figures 2-13). According to the accompanying Land Use Planner's Guide (pages 6-7) for the Hamakua CDP, lands identified as IAL were determined by the following: • Lands identified as "Intensive Agriculture" on the 1989 General Plan and Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide maps. • Lands identified in the Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) classification system as "Prime" or "Unique". • Lands rated "B" by the Land Study Bureau's "Detailed Land Classification — Island of Hawaii" (November, 1965). • The "coffee belt", according to input from area farmers. • State agricultural parks. While it appears that the IAL identification within the Hamakua CDP is intended to be separate from State IAL law (Sections 205-41 to 205-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)), this distinction is not clearly explained. We recommend the Hamakua CDP clarify the purpose and intent of its IAL identification. Identification of potential IAL as defined in State law involves three different processes - voluntary identification under Planning Dept. Exhibit 9 1161 4n / SCOTT E. ENRIGHT; .` -. „Chairperson_Board of Agriculture 3 7 7`17 APR O LLIS SHIMABUKURO-GEISER -' -- Deputy to the -Chairperson R�,-;;-. , , P. TENT State of Hawaii r-„ . - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE )I" ' ' . �,— " Vr i ir\tii�'r��i 1428 South King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-2512 Phone: (808) 973-9600 FAX: (808) 973-9613 April 21, 2017 Subject: Review of the Draft Hamakua Community Development Plan The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has reviewed the Draft Hamakua Community Development Plan (Hamakua CDP) and offers the following comments. Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) designation within the Hamakua CDP The Hamakua CDP's Revised Land Use Guide Maps have "Important Ag. Lands" as a land designation (Section 3.1.7, figures 2-13). According to the accompanying Land Use Planner's Guide (pages 6-7) for the Hamakua CDP, lands identified as IAL were determined by the following: • Lands identified as "Intensive Agriculture" on the 1989 General Plan and Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide maps. • Lands identified in the Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) classification system as "Prime" or "Unique". • Lands rated "B" by the Land Study Bureau's "Detailed Land Classification — Island of Hawaii" (November, 1965). • The "coffee belt", according to input from area farmers. • State agricultural parks. While it appears that the IAL identification within the Hamakua CDP is intended to be separate from State IAL law (Sections 205-41 to 205-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)), this distinction is not clearly explained. We recommend the Hamakua CDP clarify the purpose and intent of its IAL identification. Identification of potential IAL as defined in State law involves three different processes - voluntary identification under Planning Dept. Exhibit 9 1161 Mr. Michael Yee April 21, 2017 Page -2- Section 205-45, HRS, State public land identification under Section 205-44.5, HRS, and county identification under Section 205-47, HRS. State public lands, such as State Agricultural Parks, are not a part of the county identification process under Section 205- 47, HRS. If the Hamakua CDP's Revised Land Use Guide Maps are intended to be considered draft maps for the County IAL identification process in Section 205-47, HRS, it should explain how the County's process is consistent with State law. Land Use Policies on Agricultural Development The DOA is pleased to find language in the Hamakua CDP that supports preventing the encroachment of urban sprawl within agricultural lands. The DOA notes the Hamakua CDP's "Land Use Policy Intent" is to: "designate, protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment"; "ensure that development of important agricultural land be primarily for agricultural use"; and, to "discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands". (Hamakua CDP section 4.3.2, page 56). Land Use Policies related to agricultural lands include: • Policy 23: Development and construction in "Important Agricultural Land" and "Extensive Agriculture" areas shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities unless otherwise permitted by law. • Policy 25: The Planning Commission shall include in any Special Permit approval (or recommendation for approval to the State Land Use Commission) appropriate performance conditions to achieve Hamakua CDP objectives and implement Hamakua CDP policies. • Policy 26: Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a farm subdivision pursuant to Hawaii County Code section 23-112. The DOA looks to county CDPs for providing the county's policies and recommendation for future preferred land use restriction and guidance in reviewing various land use issues, including subdivision applications, petitions to designate land as IAL, and special use permits. We recommend that consideration be given to including language within the land use policies on Agricultural Lands & Open Space that discourages the subdivision and subsequent development of "fake farms" or "gentlemen's estates" within the Hamakua CDP's identified IAL. This inclusion would help align the policies on Agricultural Lands & Open Space more closely with its intent to "protect and maintain important agricultural lands from urban encroachment" and to "discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands". Mr. Michael Yee April 21, 2017 Page -3- Should you have any questions, please contact Earl Yamamoto at 973-9466, or by e- mail at earl.j.yamamoto@hawaii.gov. Z�-fel*y, Board of Agriculture Mercado, Keiko J r'ju From: Heidi_Meeker/FacilDev/HIDOE@notes.kl2.hi.us Sent:Tuesday, April 18, 2017 4:15 PM N�AP'i'lil':' "P,T{v1c,�NT To: Mercado, Keiko J�1t.lPv 0'r H��ti'JAII Subject: DOE comments on Hamakua CDP Keiko, thank you for all your assistance these last 2 days. Le Ana Gloor, Planner County of Hawaii Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Ms. Gloor, The Department of Education (DOE) had limited ability to access the Hamakua Community Development Plan for review. It was difficult to access the report on line, navigate within the report, and print out pages. We appreciated the opportunity to review the document and would like to offer just a few comments. It is gratifying that the Hamakua community is interested in developing and improving educational opportunities. DOE supports the 5.12.3 Kokua Action requested of the department, but wishes there had been some acknowledgment of DOE's responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment for its students. The sharing of school facilities with the County and community groups has to come after educational priorities are met. Schools have to provide a safe environment which is not always compatible with wide open public access, particularly during school hours. Schools cannot always be expected to provide maintenance and repair of facilities being heavily used by the public. Schools are also required to follow administrative rules regarding public use of school facilities. In regard to 5.13.3 Kokua Action, DOE is currently working with the Hakalau community concerning the eventual return of the Hakalau school campus to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. DOE cannot maintain, police, and be liable for property that is no longer an operating public school. If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Meeker of the Facilities Development Branch at (808) 784-5095. Kenneth G. Masden Public Works Manager Planning Section - Facilities Development Branch Department of Education Planning Dept. Exhibit 10 �E o�•yq i DAVID Y. IGE ��=; i � VIRGINIA PRESSLER, M.D. GOVERNOR OF HAWAII " DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AYE.'.; ....... 9 TMG.E°. STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH nrepy,pFile refer 10: File P. 0. BOX 3378 HONOLULU, HI 96801-3378 EPO 17-075 April 20, 2017 Ms. LeAna Gloor, Project Manager County of Hawaii Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Email: planning@hawaiicounty.gov Leana.Gloor@ hawaiicounty.gov Dear Ms. Gloor: SUBJECT: Hamakua Community Development Plan Review The Department of Health (DOH), Environmental Planning Office (EPO), acknowledges receipt of your plan to our office via our District Health Office, Hawaii Island and the Hamakua CDP web link: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.usMebLink/PDF/1 3ntcmwnkhw5nngge2bcqtgf/l 47/Recommended%2OHamakua%20CDP :pdf We understand from your Memorandum dated March 15, 2017 that our DHO Hawaii Island received that, "The General Plan is the County of HawaiTs policy document for the long range comprehensive development of the County. Chapter 15 of the General Plan (2005 edition, as amended) establishes the County's CDP program to create a framework for regional planning that provides residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to actively participate in planning for their communities. The Hamakua CDP planning area includes the Judicial Districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and parts of South Hilo, with the southern planning area edge bordering Kaiwiki and Hau Street. The planning area includes the towns of Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Pa'auilo, 'O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Hakalau/Wailea, Honomil, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, and Pauka'a, and all of the agricultural and conservation lands in between. In late 2016, the Steering Committee for the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) formally recommended the Hamakua CDP for adoption. Following agency review, the CDP will go to the Windward Planning Commission for review and recommendations. The County Council will then consider the CDP for adoption by ordinance. Importantly, the Hamakua CDP is the community's plan, with guidance and direction provided by the CDP Steeling Committee. The Steering Committee is a volunteer advisory board composed of a diverse, representative mix of community members. Now that the Steering Committee has recommended approval, the County can consider the CDP for adoption. Since CDP's are adopted by ordinance, we must ensure that they are consistent with existing statutes, codes, and plans. Agency review is therefore critical." In the development and implementation of all Community Development Plans, EPO suggests review of DOH Strategic Planning. A copy of the DOH Strategic Plan (2015-2018) is available at: hftp://health,hawaii.gov/opppd The Environmental Health has strategic Plans to help achieve the Governors Environmental Plan (2015-2019) see: http://governor hawaii.-gov/action-plan/environment. A brief summary of environmental health activities in line with the State Environmental initiatives are provided at: http://health.hawaii,gov/epo/strategic Planning Dept. Exhibit 11 \ 'I Ms. LeAna Gloor, Project Manager Page 2 April 20, 2017 For all projects, EPO strongly recommends regular review of State and Federal environmental health land use guidance. State standard comments and available strategies to support sustainable and healthy design are provided at: http://health.hawaii.gov/epo/landuse. Projects are required to adhere to all applicable standard comments. EPO has recently updated the environmental Geographic Information System (GIS) website page. It now compiles various maps and viewers from our environmental health programs. The eGIS website page is continually updated so please visit it regularly at: http://health.hawaii.gov/epo/egis. In 2015, Hawaii passed Act 97 which amended Hawaii's Renewable Portfolio Standards by setting a goal for Hawaii to become one hundred percent renewable by the year 2045. To reach this goal Hawaii should transform its transportation sector from the use of fossil fuels to renewable fuel, electric vehicles (EV)s, and bicycles. To address "range anxiety" and facilitate the adoption of EVs, it is essential that EV charging stations be added to any planned parking areas open to the EV driving public. All efforts should be made to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, reduce vehicle miles travelled (VMT's), encourage alternative modes of transport and increase physical activity. EPO also encourages you to examine and utilize the Hawaii Environmental Health Portal at: https:Heha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov. This site provides links to our e -Permitting Portal, Environmental Health Warehouse, Groundwater Contamination Viewer, Hawaii Emergency Response Exchange, Hawaii State and Local Emission Inventory System, Water Pollution Control Viewer, Water Quality Data, Warnings, Advisories and Postings. We note your mention of the DOH, Clean Water Branch (CWB) on page 64, under Kokua Action 14: Complete a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for the Planning Area's coastal waters". DOH CWB would like to assist in this action. Kokua Action 15: Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Impaired Steams. (Clean Water Act — 303d). Our CWB monitoring section would like to assist in this action as well. We suggest you review the requirements of the CWB (Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 11-54-1.1, -3, 4- 8) and/or the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (HAR, Chapter 11-55) at: http://health.hawaii.gov/cwb. If you have any questions, please contact the Clean Water Branch (CWB), Engineering Section at (808) 586-4309 or cleanwaterbranch@doh.hawaii.gov. If your project involves waters of the U.S., it is highly recommended that you contact the Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch at: (808) 835-4303. We note your initiative to (Section 5.7, page 80) improve Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to prioritize the improvement of existing potable water and wastewater systems to support infill growth. Our DOH Safe Drinking Water Branch (SDWB) and Wastewater Branch (WWB) would like to assist you in this objective. Please note that all wastewater plans must conform to applicable provisions (HAR, Chapter 11-62, "Wastewater Systems"). We reserve the right to review the detailed wastewater plans for conformance to applicable rules. Should you have any questions, please review online guidance at: http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater and contact the Planning and Design Section of the Wastewater Branch (WWB) at (808) 586-4294. We are encouraged by the fact that your plan mentions renewable energy and sustainability. For questions in regards to reducing harmful air emissions and monitoring, including mapping, existing emissions please contact the Clean Air Branch via e-mail at: Cab.General@doh.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-4200. A phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and site investigation should be conducted for residential development or redevelopment projects in current or formerly used industrial areas and on formerly and currently zoned agricultural land used for growing sugar, pineapple or other agricultural products. If the investigation shows Ms. LeAna Gloor, Project Manager Page 3 April 20, 2017 that a release of petroleum, hazardous substance, pollutants or contaminants may have occurred at the site, the site should be properly characterized through an approved Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH)/Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office (NEER) soil and/or groundwater sampling plan. Please refer to Sections 3 and 4 of the NEER Office Technical Guidance Manual http://www.hawaiidoh.org. If the site is found to be contaminated, then all removal and remedial actions to clean up hazardous substance or oil releases by past and present owners/tenants must comply with State Law (HRS, Chapter 128D, "Environmental Response Law", Chapter 451, "State Contingency Plan"). To identify HEER records related to the property, visit http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/eha-cma/Leaders/NEER/public-records. For information on site assessment and cleanup programs review: http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.Qov/eha-cmaJLeaders/HEER/site-assessment-and-cleanup- ro rams. Any specific questions should be directed to the HEER office at (808) 586-4249. For any matters regarding safe food handling education and increasing transparency on policy and education regarding DOH rules on food production and service (Kokua Action 68 - page 94) please review the updated Sanitation Branch website: http://health.hawaii.gov/san, contact the DHO Hawaii or our Honolulu based Sanitation Branch. You may also wish to review the draft Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) viewer at: http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/oegc-viewer. This viewer geographically shows where some previous Hawaii Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) {Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 3431 documents have been prepared. To better protect public health and the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a new environmental justice (EJ) mapping and screening tool called EJSCREEN. It is based on nationally consistent data and combines environmental and demographic indicators in maps and reports. EPO encourages you to explore, launch and utilize this powerful tool in planning your project. The EPA EJSCREEN tool is available at: http://www.epa.gov/eiscreen. For older structures, containing lead paint and or asbestos that need to be removed please review the information on our Indoor Radiological Health Branch website: hftp://health.hawaii.gov/irhb contact the DHO Hawaii or our Indoor, Radiological Health Branch in Honolulu. For information on hazard evaluation and emergency response activities please see our HEER Office website at: http://eha-web.doh.hawaii.gov/eha-cma/Orq/HEER For information on our various DOH supported recycling programs and solid and hazardous waste management please see our website: http://health.hawaii.gov/shwb Hawaii's climate is changing. Sea level rise and the associated coastal impacts have the potential to harm an array of natural and built environments in Hawaii. For additional information on projected sea level rise in Hawaii, EPO recommends that you visit the following informative links: • State of Hawaii Climate Adaptation Portal: http://climateadaptation.hawaii.gov • University of Hawaii, Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, Coastal Geology Group: hftp://www.soest.hawaii.edu/coasts/index.html • US Environmental Protection Agency — Climate Impacts on Coastal Areas: https://www.opa.gov/climate impacts/climate-impacts-coastal-areas Ms. LeAna Gloor, Project Manager Page 4 April 20, 2017 We request that you utilize all this information on your proposed project to increase sustainable, innovative, inspirational, transparent and healthy design. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Mahalo nui loa, aura Leialoha Phillips Mc ntyre, AICP Program Manager, Environmental Planning Office LM:nn Attachment 1: Environmental Health Management Web App Snipit of Project Area: hftp://health.hawaii.gov/epo/egis Attachment 2: Clean Water Branch: Water Quality Standards Map - Hawaii Attachment 3: Wastewater Branch: Act 120 Cesspool Tax Credit Web App Snipit of Project Area Attachment 4: Historic Sugarcane Map of Project Area Attachment 5: OEQC viewer (of past EA's, EIS's in area) Attachment 6: U.S. EPA EJSCREEN Report for Project Area c: DOH: DDEH, DHO HI, EMD, CWB, SDWB, WWB, CAB, SHWB, EHSD, SAN, IRHB, Vector (via email only} Attachment 1: Environmental Health Management Web p it of Proiect Area: cwpmr. 1 �% non" V, Inactive Landfills 0 Air Quality Monitoring Sites Water Quality Monitoring Sites Hawaii State House Districts Hawaii State Senate Districts State -Senate -Districts 2010 Census Designated -/� Places (CDP)-CDPs�2010 m rt y atotiaNn � 190: `\* + • rP �- .,✓ cwpmr. 1 �% non" V, Inactive Landfills 0 Air Quality Monitoring Sites Water Quality Monitoring Sites Hawaii State House Districts Hawaii State Senate Districts State -Senate -Districts 2010 Census Designated -/� Places (CDP)-CDPs�2010 f� w � '" 3 Nautical Mile Boundary �- .,✓ ' Streams - DAR_Streams Perennial t :a,.�... Non -Perennial Water Quality Classification + A AA Underground Injection Control ,�P�i- Line Attachment 2: Clean Water Branch: Water Qualit Standards Map - Hawaii _ a r �ta�caii Dcpartmcnt of Ilcalth 'RAFTRAFT Water Quality Standards Map � 1 t` ISLAND OF IIAWr\I'i k-, r ¢ , 1 •� *d y3�ee '� i i I , sr ✓� (,� 6 i zofi � �.} +•. 1 Al1M6 mmis a g.o, pec reWe con aH.Sum VAW OuAty 9landaN et lari nHnaY MYnmtWeMa Riles Akar M�19 -Tmg Wq." ltv! V&W O�uYl�y 5 e ot aArwenouMu i 1 _ ., P � ri a f YJ Cyt x f € }{ :a. cerins .�''r 'alFt� z QualityStandards Classifications ; Inland Classifications -+�•-^-� hila 1 l4tarn! 8 w61.bodift CYnss 2 aerrrns a wahnEodks x MarineClassiFcatlons J 9&.1&!d by 700.@allwm mntar .z .�. �AA rw.x ix. * s t � 9 we 8ariLry Linc. AtbM t*AkeA aitYin AAa Frere bul oultkle Of am 1 awetltan conA&. am *A pd in HW i gbk Ooedc Attachment 3: Wastewater Branch: Act 120 Cesspool Tax Credit Web App Snipit of Project Area 4s •vt, e,wre ®.. Filter V51ap Location, 61-3251 Maluokalari SL ftmea. HI 56143. USA 91 S!Y°N sus +4th no Ix wbn Hamekw Land Sale KMwlalele IFEA. FONSI) El,.M—W /asaurrcm iAg-1: Hamakpa Land sale Kohalelele (DEX AFNSU FJ hmmerW tllC w*m k4gmye HAMM(Wk ROADMAINS BASEYARD (WAAFNSI) Em*—WAO"s ttnt (ADwyl Thirty Meter Telescope (FEIS) En*-W Inwi Slalelrent (Aaarcyi UH 24 INCHTELESCOPE OBSERVATORY REN(VATt)N (FEA. FONSI) Emily W Awttr M tylpkatnl Rawea Bet Rand Rockta5 Maukw (FEM FONSI) Emt--W Aaeaeal gyrus ny Attachment 6: U.S. EPA EJSCREEN Report for Project Area 9% PMfKJW EJSCREEN Report aversion 2016) 1 mile Ring Centered at 19.997429,-155.28980$, HAWAII, EPA Region 9 Approximate Population: 6 Input Area (sq. miles): 3.14 Selected Variables State Percentile LPA Region Percentile USA Percentile EJ Indexes EI Index for PM2.S NIA NIA WA EI Index for Ozone NIA WA MA EJ Index for NATA" Diesel PM 12 35 58 EI Index for NATA" Air Toxics, Cancer Risk 27 455 67' El index for NATA' Respiratory Hazard Index 22 40 63 EJ Index for Traffic Proximity and Volume 34 44 67 EJ Index for Lead Paint Indicator 64 65 78 EJ Index for Superfund Proximity 35 65 EJ Index for RMP Proximity 44 46 68 EJ Index for Hazardous Waste Proximity' WA MA MA EJ Index for Water Discharger Proximity 16 39 60 m c � s u a N EJ Index for the Selected Area Compared to All People's Blockgroups in the StateJRegion/US `?s 4"'i N'i r 4N'9 r N 4, State percentale Percentile a USA Perte�rtrfe This report slows the values for emiroamental and demographic indicators and USCR£EN indexes. it shows eftiroamentai and demographic rase data yeg_, the estimated concentration at ozone in the all, and also sho vis what percentile each raw data value represents. These percentiles provide perspective on how the selected block group or buffer area compares to the entire state. EFA region, or nation. for example, If a given location Is at the 95h percentfie nationwide, this means that only 5 percent of the US population has a Ngtwa block group value than the average person in the location being analyzed. The years for which the data are available, and the methods used, vary aerws these indicators. Important caveats and urxertainties apply to this screening -level information, so it is essersiiai m understand the limitations on appeopriate intewetations and applications of these Indicators. Please see EISCREEN documentation €or discussion of these Issues before using reports. Rpri[ tib, 2017 1/3 EJSCREEN Report (Version 2016) Aq-y EIRK, &A u," — F, ,,, � I mile Ring Centered at 19.997929,-I55.289908, HAWAII, EPA Region 9 Approximate Population: 5 Input Area (sq. miles): 3.14 77,777, 7 P", wo' A061,5 20 17 + 0 21 Sites reporting to EPA Superftmd NPL a Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) I G Aprd 06. 2017 213 •iP'XWO 1 mite Ring Centered at 19.947929,-155.259808, HAWAII, ERA Region 4 E)SCREEN Report (Version 2016) Approximate Population: 5 Input Area (sq. mites): Mill 0 Selected Variables Value State Avg. % in State EPA Re � A %!te in EPA Re ion USA Avg. %fie in lie USA Environmental Indicators Particulate Matter (Pm zs inpWrn') NIA NIA NIA 9.37 NfA 9.32 NIA Ozone (ppb) NATA` Diesel PM (ppm') NIA 0.0048 NIA 0.149 WA 1 51 0.978 NAA <511h 47A 0.937 NIA <50th NATA' Gamier Risk (Nfetirte disk per tnlilion) 1NATA' Respiratory Hazard index 24 0.47 34 1 0 0 43 21 <50th <5pth 40 1.8 <50th <50th Traffic Proximity and Volume (dally traffic munt/distanceto road 28 M 31 1100 22 594 31 Lead Paint indicator (%Pre-I9WHousing) 0.28 0.16 75 0.24 63 0.3 59 Su Allred Proxirni skec=Omdistance) 0 6.098 29 OAS 13 0.13 16 RMP Proximity (facilitycountAm distance) 0.11 0.18 57 0.57 22 0.43 31 Hazardous Waste Proxim[ ' (faclity countAm dtuanna NIA 0.14 NSA 0.14 WA 0-11 WA Water Dischar er Proxim[ty (facifity countArn distance 0.01 0.341 0.2 1 Demographic Indicators Demographic Index 47% 52% 35 47%1 52 36% 71 fAnority Population 58% 77% 17 58% 49 37% 73 Low Income Population 36% 26% 73 36% 54 35% 57 tin Istiral lsaiatedP uiation Population With Less Than High School Education 0% 7% 6% 9% 23 50 9% 17% 19 33 5% 14% 44 37 Population Under 5 ears of age 5% 6% 43 7% 40 6% 44 Population over 64 years of age 12% 15% 34 13% 56 14% 46 *The National -Scale Air Toxic Assessment INATA) is EPRs ongoing, comprehensive evau.ation of Aix toa'srs in the United States. EPA deue;optw the NATA to prioritize air touts, emission sources, and locations of interest for funhet study. It is important to remember that NATA provides twoad estVrnstes of health resets oa,er geographic areas of the country, not definitive r sits to specific individuals or locations. store information on the NATA analysis can oe found at: helps f/wvAv.epA.gov/natlou>.at-air-t®aacrassessment. The hazardous waste environmental indicator and the cotrespording EJ mclex will appear as NIA 4 there are no hazardous waste facilities within 50 km of selected location_ For additional information, see: www.epa.gov/environmentatiustice EtscREEN is a screening toot for pre -decisional use only. It can help identify areas that may warrant additional consideratlon, anatvus, or outreach. it does not provide a basis for decision-making, but it may help identify potential areas of EJ concern. users should keep in mired that screening tools are subject to Substantial unte"nty in their demographic and environmental data, particularly when looting at small geewa0k areas. important caveats and uncertainties apply to this screenlog-level Information, so it is essential to understand the limitations on appropriate inte(premrions and applications of these indicators. Please see E€SCREEN documentation for discussion of these issues before using repasts. This screening tool does not provide data on every environmental Impact Asad demographic factor that may be relevant to a parkular location. EISCREEN outputs should be supplemented with additional information and local knowledge before! taking any action to address potential Eh cauems- Apra OB, 2017 3/3 Mercado, Keiko Ini17 00o n; nn r• �� From: Tatsuguchi, Ken <ken.tatsuguchi@haw '.i. �,, - ,- '- Sent: Friday, April 07, 201710:51 AM J��JN i Y OF HAWAII To: Gloor, Leana Subject: Hamakua CDP Hi LeAna, My office will be coordinating the review of the subject plan and that we'll be also coordinating with our Highways Division Hawaii District Office. Emailed you to check in with you if there's anything specific or issues that you'd like us to consider. Also, wanted to check if you'd like our Airports and Harbors Divisions to review; but don't think so since didn't see anything that is under their jurisdiction. I've reviewed all the documents, and don't have any major comments. I would like to discuss further on the next steps on the County and HDOT pursuit of County Actions 65-71 and Kokua Actions 49-52, later. Also, wanted to let you know my office is currently procuring consultant services for a Hamakua Coast Corridor Study. And, when we get moving the subject plan along with other County plans will be used to provide a lot of the context for the transportation needs in our Study. And, would like to include the County staff in its development. This Study proposes to come up with projects and strategies to improve operations and maintenance of this route. The length of the study is from Hilo to Waimea — 50 miles. It will also consider historic/cultural, flora/fauna, and flooding issues along the corridor. Transportation -wise it will be considering both regional and localized/community surface transportation needs for all modes — vehicles, freight, bike, ped and transit. Thank you, Ken Ken K. Tatsuguchi, P.E. Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division, Planning Branch 869 Punchbowl St, Rm 301 Honolulu, HI 96813-5097 Phone: (808) 587-1830 Fax: (808) 587-1787 This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure or distribution by unintended recipients is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient please destroy all copies of the original e-mail message and contact the sender by e-mail reply. Thank you Planning Dept. Exhibit 12 1f 1239 Crr'y•1959 „'••,1� V e L J� OFFICE OF PLANNING STATE OF HAWAII 235 South Beretanla Street, 6th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Mailing Address P O Box 2359, Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 Ref. No. P-15563 April 10, 2017 Mr. Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR LEO R. ASUNCION DIRECTOR OFFICE OF PLANNING Telephone (808) 587-2846 Fax (808) 587-2824 Web http //planning hawau gov/ Subject: Review of the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP) Dear Mr. Yee: Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Hamakua Community Development Plan (CDP). The request for comments was transmitted to our office by letter dated March 15, 2017. The County's CDP program creates a framework for regional planning that provides residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to actively participate in planning for their communities. The Hamakua CDP planning area includes the Judicial Districts of Hamakua and North Hilo, and parts of South Hilo, with the southern planning area edge bordering Kaiwiki and Hau Street. The planning area includes the towns of Kukuihaele, Honokaa, Paauilo, Ookala, Laupahoepahoe, Papaaloa, Ninole, Hakalaui/Wailea, Honomu, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, and Paukaa, and all of the agricultural and conservation lands in between. In 2016, the Steering Committee for the Hamakua CDP formally recommended the Hamakua CDP for adoption. Following agency review, the CDP will go to the Windward Planning Commission for review and recommendations. The County Council will then consider the CDP for adoption by ordinance. The Office of Planning (OP) offers the following comments on the Hamakua CDP. Priority guidelines on Climate Change Adaptation. HRS § 226-109 addresses climate change adaptation priority guidelines. HRS § 226-109 should be acknowledged, integrated and referenced in the policies developed in Section 4, Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources, and in Section, Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services. Specifically, HRS § 226-109 should be referenced in Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on page 53 with reference to an "assessment of impacts on hazard risk including flooding, tsunami, and coastal erosion and/or sea level rise over the life of the Planning Dept. Exhibit 13 110 9 41 Mr. Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii April 10, 2017 Page 2 development." Priority guidelines to prepare the State to address the impacts of climate change, including impacts to the areas of agriculture; conservation lands; coastal and nearshore marine areas; natural and cultural resources; education; energy; higher education; health; historic preservation; water resources; the built environment, such as housing, recreation, transportation; and the economy should be included in the Hamakua CDP. 2. Priority Guidelines on Sustainability. The CDP does not expressly acknowledge HRS § 226-108, Priority Guidelines on Sustainability. The Priority Guidelines should be referenced as they are currently embedded throughout Sections 3,4,5 and 6 of the Hamakua CDP. With regard to addressing priority guidelines on sustainability, the CDP should also consider including policies that encourage the use of green building rating systems (such as LEED, the Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, Energy Star) or sustainable neighborhood rating systems for new neighborhood development, including but not limited to nationally recognized rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), Ecodistricts, Green Enterprise Communities or another comparable State -approved, nationally recognized, and consensus -based guideline, standard, or system. 3. Priority Guidelines on Affordable Housing. HRS § 226-19 discusses State objectives and policies for socio -cultural advancement with respect to housing. HRS § 226-106 also addresses priority guidelines for the provision of affordable housing. To ensure alignment with State priority guidelines on affordable housing, Section 5.2, Expanding Affordable Housing Options, Policy 64, on page 76 should incorporate relevant State guidelines and reference both HRS § 226-19 and HRS § 226-106. 4. Transit -Oriented Development (TOD). Under HRS § 226-63 (c)(1) OP is responsible for coordinating with the counties on strategic planning for TOD. The Hamakua CDP should address how it supports TOD or Transit -Ready Development (TRD), including policies that encourage mixed-use development and walkable density within one-half mile of transit stops. TOD or TRD zones should be identified on the HCDP Land Use Guide Maps on pages 39 to 49, or in a separate map series illustrating proposed TOD or TRD areas. OP encourages the development of mixed-use projects for new and infill development located in transit corridors in the State Urban District. b. Section 4.2.3,Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on nate 53, seeks to limit Mr. Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii April 10, 2017 Page 3 Complete Streets. Section 5.3 of the Hamakua CDP (pages 73 to 80) should reference the relevant State and County Complete Streets policies, pursuant to Act 54, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009 and HRS § 264-20.5. The CDP should elaborate on the policies related to Complete Streets, including the key State Complete Streets principles: safety, Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), accessibility and mobility for all, use and comfort of all users, consistency of design guidelines and standards, energy efficiency, health, and green infrastructure. 6. Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Coastal Zone Management and Special Management Areas (SMA) are addressed in Chapter 205A, HRS, the CZM Act. a. Section 3.1.4, Land Use Policy, Policy 2, on page 35 of the Hamakua CDP states that new urban development shall be located away from coastal areas and the Special Management Area (SMA). The Hamakua CDP should define the term "coastal area." The coastal area can be much larger in size than the SMA, and may encompass offshore and land area. The Hamakua CDP should also provide a rationale on locating urban development away from the SMA, and list the expected advantages that may ensue from this new policy. Section 4.2.4, County Action, Policy 22, page 54-55 considers amending SMA rules to protect coastal resources. On page 55, the analysis recommends SMA boundary amendments to further protect known resources. The Hamakua CDP should provide site specific justifications for SMA boundary amendments. b. Section 4.2.3,Land Use Policy, Policy 18, on page 53, seeks to limit coastal development to achieve Coastal Zone Management and CDP objectives and policies. The use of the term "limit coastal development" is vague and too broad. We recommend a more refined definition of this term that could include the following: "Place special controls on development within an area along the shoreline." c. Section 4.2.3, Land Use Policy, Policy 18, page 53 contains an incorrect citation. The Policy states that "An assessment of impacts on coastal scenic and open space resources and view planes, including those outlined in the General Plan, the Community Development Plan, and other adopted plans, as well as the line of sight toward the sea from the state highway nearest the coast and along the shoreline. IIRS § 205A -26(3)(E) should be Mr. Michael Yee, Director Planning Department County of Hawaii April 10, 2017 Page 4 listed as HRS § 205A -26(3)(D). 7. CZM, Objectives and Policies. CZM Objectives and Policies for Coastal Zone Management are defined in HRS § 205A-2. a. HRS § 205A-2(2) discusses the protection, preservation, and, where desirable, restoration of those natural and manmade historic and prehistoric resources in the coastal zone management area that are significant in Hawaiian and American history and culture. Section 3.1.3, Existing Policy, Preservation of Natural/Cultural Resources, on page 34 should reference HRS § 205A-2(2). b. IIRS § 205A-2(3) addresses Scenic and Open Space Resources, by protecting, preserving, and, where desirable, restoring or improving the quality of coastal scenic and open space resources. Section 3.1.5, County Action, Policy 14, on page 38 promotes open space buffers. HRS § 205A- 2(3) should be referenced in this policy. Section 4.5, Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds, on pages 59-62 is also consistent with HRS § 205A-2(3), and the statute should be referenced as well. c. HRS § 205A-2(4) addresses the protection valuable coastal ecosystems, including reefs, from disruption and minimizing adverse impacts on all coastal ecosystems. Section 4.6, Protect and Enhance ecosystems and Watershed, on pages 62-64, is also consistent with HRS § 205A-2(4) and should also be referenced. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to comment. Should you have any questions, please call Nicola Szibbo of our Land Use Division at (808)587-2883 or Josh Hekekia of our CZM program at (808)587-2845. Sincerely, Director I b0 �MuP KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS® April 19, 2017 Mr. Michael Yee Planning Director County of Hawai'i Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 E: haniakua@hawaiicounty.gov RE: Comments from Kamehameha Schools to: - Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan (2/27/2017) (the "RCDP") Dear Mr. Yee: Kamehameha Schools (KS) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments through the community review process for the Hamakua Community Development Plan. As a private charitable, educational trust endowed by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, KS' mission is to create educational opportunities in perpetuity to improve the capability and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry. KS respectfully submits the following comments to the Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan. Amend References to "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools" As identified in our previous comments submitted via correspondence dated June 15, 2016, pages 69, 71, and 88 of the HCDP refers to and uses the term "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools". KS requests that all references in the HCDP to "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools" be amended to read simply: "Kamehameha Schools". KS reserve its right to amend or supplement this or any letter, comment, or question and to comment on and participate in the development of any subsequent plan, report, document, action, or activity undertaken in connection with the HCDP. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss any of the matters or issues raised in this letter, I can be reached at (808)982-0832 and Ieokamot@ksbe.edu. Sincerely, ---- - - - - — - - - z - 6 Leanne O amoto, Asset Manager Community Engagement & Resources – Hawai'i Island Planning Dept. Exhibit 14 895 KAUHUILA Rona, HILO, HAWAII 96720 nLEPHoNE (808) 982-0830 FAY (808) 982-0845 Founded and Endowed by the Legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop -L C:u Dear Mr. Yee: Kamehameha Schools (KS) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments through the community review process for the Hamakua Community Development Plan. As a private charitable, educational trust endowed by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, KS' mission is to create educational opportunities in perpetuity to improve the capability and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry. KS respectfully submits the following comments to the Recommended Hamakua Community Development Plan. Amend References to "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools" As identified in our previous comments submitted via correspondence dated June 15, 2016, pages 69, 71, and 88 of the HCDP refers to and uses the term "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools". KS requests that all references in the HCDP to "Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools" be amended to read simply: "Kamehameha Schools". KS reserve its right to amend or supplement this or any letter, comment, or question and to comment on and participate in the development of any subsequent plan, report, document, action, or activity undertaken in connection with the HCDP. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss any of the matters or issues raised in this letter, I can be reached at (808)982-0832 and Ieokamot@ksbe.edu. Sincerely, ---- - - - - — - - - z - 6 Leanne O amoto, Asset Manager Community Engagement & Resources – Hawai'i Island Planning Dept. Exhibit 14 895 KAUHUILA Rona, HILO, HAWAII 96720 nLEPHoNE (808) 982-0830 FAY (808) 982-0845 Founded and Endowed by the Legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop -L Domian, Jesse From: Albert Nakaji <waltz@hawaiiantel.net> Sent: Monday, April 03, 2017 2:55 PM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: Message For Director Yee Director Yee, It was my pleasure to meet you at the meeting held at the Papaikou Community Center on March 17th. Thank you for the opportunity to receive our input and to share your thoughts as well. I am forwarding you this email from Jack Lockwood, a retired USGS geologist and now consulting geologist in private practice. He was responding to my question and concern regarding the language contained within the Hamakua CDP relating to setback for cliffs. While I realize it is already 11:59 before the adoption of the CDP, I wanted to make one last attempt at making the language more meaningful and appropriate. I will also be meeting with Council Chair Poindexter to discuss this matter. As a bit of background, I expressed concern over the language stating that a "licensed engineer" be required for determining whether a cliff was stable, and further suggested that this leaves open the possibility of any licensed engineer, including those completely unqualified and in an unrelated field (E.G., nuclear engineer, electrical engineer, systems engineers, bio -engineers, chemical engineers, etc), to serve as the "qualified" person. My concern was met with response from staff saying that they would not be qualified to determine who might be a qualified licensed engineer, so it was left unspecified. My thinking was that it is staff's responsibility to determine which qualifications (I.E., what kind of licensed engineer) was appropriate and necessary. To leave such determination unspecified would allow for too much of a "loop hole" and represents, essentially, dereliction of their duties. To be clear, this is not meant to be criticism, but a sincere attempt to make this specific section effective for the intent. I ask your consideration and appropriate action. Thank you. Never tell me "No can", only tell me how can. "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin "When going through hell, keep going. If you stop, you'll be stuck there" Some minds are like concrete. Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. There is an incredible number of people who are especially adept at the impossible. They can tell you a million and one reason why something cannot, or should not, be done. Then, there are a few who will tell you how something can possibly be done. Would you prefer to live your life believing only impossibilities, or to live a life of possibilities? Planning Dept. Exhibit 15 Albert A. Nakaji 110713 27-319 Kaieie Road Papaikou, HI 96781 -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Shoreline setbacks Date:2017-04-03 12:34 From:Jack & Marti Lockwood <halepuhau@twc.com> To:Albert Nakaji <waltz@hawaiiantel.net> Cc:esther.imamura@hawaiicounty.gov, bethany.morrison@hawaiicounty.gov Albert: Thanks for alerting me to that proposed "Rule 11" change. Here is my reaction to this poorly worded and ambiguous proposed change about shoreline setbacks -(below) - use as you wish with County officials. 4.2.4 County Action Policy 19 Amend Planning Department Rule 11 to establish shoreline setbacks for the Hamakua CDP Planning Area at the earliest stages of the land use planning and development process. The minimum shoreline setback from the top of cliff shall be either: a) No less than the height of the slope (cliff, or Pali) (1:1 horizontal to vertical). In cases where the height of the slope is less than 40 feet, a minimum 40 -foot setback shall apply; or, b) A minimum of 40 feet, plus a safety buffer determined by a coastal erosion study conducted by a licensed engineer, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis. First and of most importance: No one has ever defined what "cliff" means - nor where the "top of cliff" lies. Where there's 200' vertical cliff face (90 degree) with sharp dropoff that point is obvious - but what about a cliff with a 80 degree slope? 45 degree slope? 20 degree slope? Most "cliff" faces I have seen with 45 degree slopes or less are inherently stable, and 40' setbacks are more than enough - 20' adequate for 70 yr time spans envisioned. Trying to relate setbacks to "cliff height" alone is wrong - does that mean a relatively gentle, stable, vegetated slope with no signs of instability, that begins 300 feet above sea level should have a 300' setback? Safe setbacks at the 20' State minimum probably OK for that situation in most cases Setbacks have to reflect the danger of mass failure of a cliff face - but "not all cliffs are created equal". Geologic factors affecting stability vary greatly, and must include assessment of evidence for recent cliff failure or of pre -collapse dangerous erosion. So far as having slope stability conducted by a "licensed engineer", that is unfortunate. Only "Engineering Geologists" would be the sorts of engineers who might be qualified to make judgements. Geologists are not "licensed engineers" but with proper experience and geologist license would be better prepared than engineers for such determinations. I hope these brief words are of use. I strongly feel that the proposed change to defining setbacks is inappropriate. Jack J. P. Lockwood Harry Kim Mayor Michael Yee Director Daryn Arai Deputy Director County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 1 Monday, February 26, 2018 2 DRAFT Meeting Minutes 3 4 CALL TO ORDER 5 Vice Chair Gomes called the Hamakua Community Development Plan (HCDP) Steering Committee (SC) 6 to order at 5:13 p.m. in the North Hawaii Education and Research Center (NHERC) Conference Room. 7 ROLL CALL 8 Steering Committee Members Present: Glenn Carvalho, Farrah -Marie Gomes, Brad Kurokawa, Lorraine 9 Mendoza, Ka'iulani Pahi'o 10 Steering Committee Members Absent -Excused: Scott Enright, Jason Moniz, Craig Neff 11 Staff: Director Michael Yee, April Surprenant, CoH Planners: LeAna Gloor, Keiko Mercado, and Eric 12 Cook. 13 Members of the public: 26 members of the public were in attendance. 14 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. CDP Planner, LeAna Gloor, announced that the County of Hawaii Planning Department CDP websites were down and that the web hosting service was working to resolve the issue. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: 6 members of the public provided testimony on agenda items. 1. Kalani Lyman, representing Papa'ikou, provided testimony on business item #1. His main concern was with the development of agricultural land in Papa'ikou. Mr. Lyman explained that his family has lived in Papa'ikou for 6 generations. He expressed concern about agricultural land being bought and subdivided into many lots for housing. He expressed that he does not want to see Hawai'i Island overdeveloped and become crowded with traffic issues. 2. Jim Cain, representing himself, provided testimony on business item #1. His main concern was with Community Action 32. Mr. Cain stressed the need to develop evacuation plans as well as proactive stream management plans. 3. Tony Guiteras, representing himself, provided testimony on business item #1. Mr. Guiteras expressed concern about public access to the Papa'ikou Mill. He stated that he would like to see the agricultural land remain as such. He also stated that the community in Papa'ikou would like to see that development happen above the highway, preserving viewplanes to the coast. Planning Dept. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Exhibit 16 Page I 33 4. Robert Nishimoto, representing himself, provided testimony on business item #1. He stated 34 that he is a resident of Ninole. Mr. Nishimoto inquired about Policy 18. He questioned the 35 reasoning for requiring a licensed civil engineer and not a geologist to perform a lateral safety 36 buffer, cliff stability and/or geological analysis. Ms. Gloor responded to his inquiry and 37 explained that topic would be covered in a discussion later in the meeting. 38 5. Connie Fay, representing Ahualoa Community Association, provided testimony on business 39 item #1. Ms. Fay expressed her concern that the spirit of the CDP document should represent 40 the needs of the people who live in Hamakua. She stated that she believes the maps within the 41 CDP are not accurate for the Ahualoa area. She additionally stated that she would like the 42 County to walk the Hamakua area to ground -truth road and trail accessibility. 43 6. Carlton Loving, representing Honomu, provided testimony on business item #1. His concern 44 was with Policy 22 and the change in verbiage from "shall" to "should". He expressed concern 45 that the change in language will take the teeth out of the policy. 46 47 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 48 Chair Kurokawa moved to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2017 meeting, as submitted. Second by 49 Committee Member Lorraine Mendoza. The motion to approve the minutes as submitted passed with 50 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. 51 REPORTS AND OTHER PRESENTATIONS: None. 52 53 54 BUSINESS: 55 56 The following business item is reviewing the Revision Summary of the Recommend Hamakua 57 CDP, which can be found here: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/92120/Pagel.aspx. 58 59 1. Review of Agency Comment on the "Recommended Hamakua CDP" and of Revisions 60 Recommended by the Planning Director: CDP Planner, LeAna Gloor, presented an overview of 61 the agency comments and Director's recommendations to the HCDP. Ms. Gloor stated that the 62 last meeting was in December 2016, in which the steering committee voted to approve the 63 HCDP. Since then there have been agency reviews and suggestions by the Planning Director. 64 From February to June the HCDP was in agency review. Ms. Gloor explained that not all the 65 changes made in agency review were substantive, that many were typographical or naming 66 errors, and clarification of language. Some revisions were made because of changes in state 67 legislature, and that no maps within the HCDP were revised. 68 Ms. Gloor presented the revisions made to Policy 1 regarding the urban growth boundary. 69 Chair Kurokawa inquired if the urban growth boundary will be added as a symbol to the maps. 70 Ms. Gloor stated that we will provide clarity with the maps and that the urban growth 71 boundary will be added into the legend when the maps are updated. 72 Ms. Gloor presented revisions made to Policy 2 and Policy 4. Chair Kurokawa inquired about 73 Policy 4 and if there would be changes to allowed uses when rezoning a parcel from rural to 74 family agricultural. Ms. Gloor explained that the changes were made to be in agreement with 75 State Land Use Districts, and it was not addressing a change to the allowed uses. www.hiplanningdept.com hamakua(a�hawahcounty.Qov Page 2 76 Ms. Gloor presented the revisions made to Policy 5, Policy 8, and Policy 13. Chair Kurokawa 77 commented on the deletion of Policy 13. He stated that he understood it was removed to be in 78 line with State Land Use Laws but disagreed with the limitation on planning strategies within 79 State Land Use Laws and expressed that he hoped in the future the State Land Use laws 80 regarding minimum lot size in the Agricultural District could be revised to allow for clustering to 81 protect natural resources. 82 Ms. Gloor presented the revisions made to Policy 18, Policy 20, Policy 22, and Policy 34. She 83 spoke to an earlier question regarding Policy 18 and the requirement of a licensed civil 84 engineer to perform cliff stability and geological studies. She stated that the policy requires a 85 licensed civil engineer because the state of Hawai'i does not license geologists or other types of 86 soil scientists, and it is common in other states to require a licensed professional perform the 87 studies. Chair Kurokawa stated that he would like to see the County suggest a more specified 88 professional than a civil engineer and Ms. Gloor stated that since the policy is calling for a 89 future change in code and department rule, the exact wording of the rule/code change is still 90 to be determined and it is possible that further clarifying requirements can be added through 91 that public process of revising the code/rule to ensure that civil engineers have specific 92 geotechnical experience. 93 Committee Member Pahi'o expressed concern about consideration for inland cliff setbacks and 94 not just shoreline setbacks. Ms. Gloor explained that inland cliff setbacks are covered in Policy 95 39. 96 Ms. Gloor discussed Policy 39 and Policy 48. Chair Kurokawa inquired about the 40% slope 97 standard originated in Policy 39, and Ms. Gloor explained it was based on the similar guidance 98 used by other municipalities for slope setbacks. 99 Ms. Gloor presented the revisions made to Kokua Action 19 and Policy 78. Chair Kurokawa 100 inquired about Policy 78. He noticed that Honomu was not on the list and asked how they 101 determine where water availability may be inhibiting infill capacity. Ms. Gloor responded that 102 those communities listed in Policy 78 were previously identified as areas that may have water 103 issues that inhibit infill capacity, but that does not limit the Policy from applying to other 104 communities in the future who may have, or develop, water capacity issues that inhibit infill 105 growth. 106 A member of the public asked how Ninole will change when more houses are built. Ms. Gloor 107 responded that she was not clear about the question, but if it is referring to recent 108 development in Ninole, that development was based on existing zoning and there is nothing in 109 the CDP to facilitate growth in Ninole. 110 Ms. Gloor presented the revisions of Community Action 32, Community Action 34, Policy 108, 111 Policy 110, Policy 115 and Policy 118. 112 A member of the public inquired about Policy 18 and asked why parcels with cliffs over 40 feet 113 have recommended setbacks and not cliffs that are less than 40 feet in height. Ms. Gloor 114 answered that 40 feet relates to the current minimum setback. 115 Committee Member Carvalho expressed concern over the change in verbiage from "shall" to 116 "should" for policies 8 and 22. He believed that the committee was very deliberate about when 117 they chose to use the word "shall" and that removing it would take some of the teeth out of www.hiplanningdept.com hamakut0hawaiicounty.-ov Page 3 118 the policies. He expressed he would like to see the verbiage to remain as "shall". Ms. Gloor 119 explained that the changes in verbiage were recommendations from Corporation Council and 120 these two policies were not originally intended to be mandates. 121 Chair Kurokawa (in relation to Policy 108) expressed concern that the State and County are not 122 doing anything to preserve viewsheds. He stressed the need to identify and protect scenic 123 resources in future planning so that Policy 108 could be implemented. 124 A member of the public stated her concern with the dairy farming operation in O'okala; that 125 there is no policy that addresses the number of animals dairy farms are allowed to keep. She 126 asked if there is anything that can be done to amend the CDP to address the dairy farm 127 situation in O'okala. Ms. Gloor responded that the focus of the meeting is not to revise the 128 CDP, but to review the agency comments and revisions. She explained that the situation with 129 the dairy was not an issue during the creation of the CDP, therefore it was not addressed in the 130 CDP and there are other appropriate mechanisms to address issues with farming practices. Ms. 131 Gloor pointed out that there are other policies in the CDP related to watershed protection that 132 may relate to the dairy issues, but that the dairy is not specifically addressed in the CDP. 133 Councilwoman Poindexter addressed commented that there are ongoing efforts to resolve the 134 dairy issue separately from the CDP. 135 Councilwoman Poindexter inquired about Policy 118. Ms. Poindexter asked if the policy 136 included confined animal feeding operations for cattle and other livestock other than pigs. Ms. 137 Gloor stated that community originally was concerned about the minimum distance 138 requirements for beekeepers — for example, the requirement for bee hives to be 1,000 feet 139 away from public roads might not work for our small beekeeping operations. Ms. Gloor 140 pointed out that other amendments to the code may be appropriate to address other farm 141 issues, but this particular policy was focused on how the zoning requirements of minimum 142 distances affect the operations of small farms. 143 2. Discussion of Steering Committee Roles during CDP Adoption: Ms. Gloor announced that the 144 recommended HCDP is to go before the Windward Planning Commission on April 12, 2018 at 145 5:30 p.m. at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center conference room. Ms. Gloor 146 stated that it will be agendized as a CDP meeting and she invited and encouraged both 147 Committee Members and members of the public to attend. 148 Ms. Gloor presented the process of the Planning Commission review of the HCDP. The first 149 hearing is Thursday April 12th, 2018 at the North Hawaii Education Research Center at 5:30pm 150 and the second hearing will be Thursday May 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. at the Aupuni Center conference 151 room in Hilo. The first hearing will primarily involve a presentation to the commission about the 152 CDP and it will take testimony from the public. The second hearing is the opportunity for the 153 commission to discuss the CDP and vote on recommending it to the County Council. 154 Committee Member Carvalho asked if the Steering Committee would be meeting again after 155 the February 261h meeting. Ms. Gloor replied that there is not another anticipated meeting for 156 the Hamakua Steering Committee prior to the Windward Planning Commission meeting. 157 Committee Member Carvalho asked if Steering Committee members have to accept the 158 proposed changes to the HCDP if they do not agree with them. Ms. Gloor responded that if 159 committee members have issues with the Planning Director revisions, the planning team would 160 be interested in hearing about them. She stated that the Planning Department would not want www.hiplanningdept.com hamakutahawaiicounty.-ov Page 4 161 to move forward a CDP that the Steering Committee would not stand behind. She also stated 162 that all testimony on the revisions would be presented to the Planning Commission. 163 Vice Chair Gomes stated that she believed the united voice of the Steering Committee stands 164 with the approval of the HCDP. Vice Chair Gomes stated that any further comments that a 165 Steering Committee member chooses to make is up to the individual to speak as a citizen, 166 unless there is a request to open up the vote again to discuss substantial issues with the HCDP. 167 She announced that it could be opened up for discussion if there were any Steering Committee 168 members who feel that any of the revisions warrant further debate. 169 Committee Member Carvalho expressed disappointment that the Steering Committee does not 170 have the final say in approval of the Hamakua CDP. Chair Kurokawa asked Committee Member 171 Carvalho if he was uncomfortable with something other than the recent revisions. 172 Committee Member Carvalho stated that he thought the Steering Committee was not given 173 enough time to review and reflect on the revisions to the HCDP. Mr. Carvalho suggested that 174 the Steering Committee take more time to review the revisions and that they meet again to 175 discuss those changes. 176 Chair Kurokawa stated that he had voiced his opinion on the changes and that he accepted the 177 revisions to the HCDP. Vice Chair Gomes stated that she approved of the revisions and would 178 stand by the recommendations of the Planning Director. 179 Ms. Gloor announced that if the Steering Committee would like to revisit the revisions to the 180 HCDP for discussion, they are welcome to do so, although it would need to be at a separate 181 agendized meeting. 182 Vice Chair Gomes stated that a vote could not be taken on the revisions to the HCDP because it 183 was not on the agenda and she asked Steering Committee members to address the issue of a 184 future CDP committee meeting with Planning Staff via email if there is a desire to continue the 185 discussion of the revisions to the HCDP. 186 AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: Planning Commission review of the HCDP on April 12, 2018. 187 188 ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chair Gomes adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. I:• 190 All Action Committee information can be viewed and downloaded from our website: 191 http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp 192 www.hiplanningdept.com hamakutahawaiicounty.-ov Page 5