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www.hiplanningdept.com kona@hawaiicounty.gov Page 4 <br />maintaining the word “shall” in many of the CDP policies might be necessary to get what the community wants. <br />2. Nalani Merrill, representing herself, testified on agenda item 3. Ms. Merrill shared her general skepticism for the effectiveness of the CDP unless it contains legally binding language. She expressed wanting to see bike and pedestrian ways along the Keauhou bypass road, and sidewalks in front of Ho‘okena Elementary School. She expressed her support for maintaining the “shall” in the policy Mr. Sogi spoke about and wanted to see Māmalahoa Highway widened from Keālia down to Ocean View. <br />The Action Committee engaged with Ms. Merrill and asked her clarifying questions. Chair Young suggested that the Action Committee could look up widening or bike/pedestrian trail solutions for specific roads in a case by case basis but didn’t feel that there is a universal policy or solution that could solve every roadway problem. <br />3. Gunnar Hillart, representing himself, testified on agenda item 3. Mr. Hillart introduced himself as a Holualoa resident and expressed wanting to see more mauka-makai roadways from Holualoa down into Kona. He explained the 6 mile stretch of road lacks connectivity which could cause major issues in the event of a road closure. In particular, he explained that he would like to see Keolani Dr. opened for the public as a connector from Holualoa to Hienaloli Road, and Hiona Street connected to the proposed extension of Hienaloli Road. <br />Community member Lele Kimball stated that connectivity does not always need to be in the form of a roadway but could be a walking or biking route. She explained these roads could double as emergency vehicle access when needed. <br />Nalani Merrill asked about Old Government Road which runs from Ho‘okena Beach Road up to the transfer station and has been blocked by a gate. Ms. Merrill asked why the road was closed and if it would be possible to reopen it at least as a bike/pedestrian trail. Another closed road discussed was Waiea Road which runs mauka from Māmalahoa highway in the same area. They discussed some tools to empower members of the community to work toward opening bike paths such as the 1892 Highways Act. Staff and the Action Committee agreed to look further into these questions as well. <br />Community member Malia Kipapa asked clarifying questions about the General Plan and the Kona CDP. She inquired about a parcel of land owned by her family close to Magic Sands beach and adjacent to a proposed public park in Kailua-Kona, which they hope to turn into an extension of the park for use by the community. They discussed different strategies to accomplish this goal including teaming up with a nonprofit organization, seeking grant money, and working with the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission [PONC] for the acquisition of land to be used as a community park. <br />Chair Young asked Malia to send more information to the Action Committee so they can help her consider an effective course of action. Staff Planner Childs suggested notifying the Action Committee if they submit a nomination to PONC so they could consider supporting them in that process. <br />Staff Planner Childs shared with community members present how they can be more involved with the General Plan and CDP comprehensive review in the future.