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2. Mr. Scott Malis, representing himself, provided testimony on agenda items 1&2. Item 1: Mr. Malis stated that while farming is a concern, it cannot be addressed until we first address reestablishing access to farmlands. He also stated that he believed farmers should be allowed to return to their land and begin farming again. "Being covered by lava does not mean the land is useless, all of the farmland we have was once covered by lava." Item 2: Mr. Malis stated that he would like to see the roads that make up 4 -corners reopened. He believes that reopening these roads would draw more tourism to the area, which would then in turn bring more money back into the communities of Puna. Mr. Malis stated that it was his understanding that FEMA would pay for 75% of the road reconstruction and the State of Hawai'i would pay for the other 25%, we (the County) just need to request it. 3. Ms. Hannah Hedrick, representing the Upper Puna Emergency Response and Preparedness Team, provided testimony on agenda item 2. Ms. Hedrick requested that an update on general emergency response and connectivity issues be added to the March Action Committee meeting agenda. Ms. Hedrick also shared that she is currently updating the Upper Puna Connectivity and Emergency Response Plan as well as working on a proposal for inter -subdivision connectivity and development of a linear park at the Fern Forest, Eden Rock connectivity point. 4. Ms. Eileen O'Hara, representing herself, provided testimony on agenda item 2. Ms. O'Hara stated that the critical action needed in recovery is the reopening of roads. She emphasized the need for more than one way in and out of Leilani Estates and the need to reopen Highway 132. Ms. O'Hara also stated that Senator Russell Ruderman would be submitting a bill requesting $15,000,000 to reopen Highway 132. 5. Mr. Kepa Kaeo provided testimony on agenda item 2. Mr. Kaeo stated there are many cultural sites that Native Hawaiians need access to. Due to the eruption event they do not currently have access. He asked whether any recovery funds had been distributed to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). If yes, how could one access those funds. Mr. Kaeo stated that they currently know of approximately 40-50 displaced Native Hawaiians who are in need of homes. He is hoping that recovery funds could be used to provide housing for these individuals. 6. Ms. Smiley Burrows, representing Kapoho Crater, provided testimony on agenda item 2. Ms. Burrows emphasized the importance of reopening the inundated roads in lower Puna including Highway 132, Highway 137, and Pohoiki Road connecting to Highway 132. Ms. Burrows had started a community petition to get Highway 132, Highway 137, and Pohoiki road reopened. 7. Mr. Kumalani Kekipi, provided testimony on agenda item 2. Mr. Kekipi shared a proposal developed by the "Pahoa Community Cultural Revive Project". The proposal calls for the creation of a cultural community gathering center at the former site of Luquin's Mexican Restaurant and the Akebono Theater and would help stimulate the local economy and promote Hawaiian culture. He also shared that a stage had been built at the site and that they were eager to move forward as a community gathering place. 8. Ms. Braja Tarletz, representing Gaia Yoga Gardens and Pu'a'a Community and Roads Association, provided testimony on agenda item 2. She stated that she and other residents in her area needed Railroad Avenue to be reopened. Ms. Tarletz shared that the closing of www.hiplanningdept.com puna(dhawaiicounty.-ov Page 2