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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0207.002 2024-2026P / L.AAG 8i11 uo COW = Sent: Monday, April 14, 2025 1:07 PM To: Subject: FW: FW: Bill 40-Ordinance: Applicant Ho'oulu Lahui Testimony/Letters of Support Tuesday April 15th 2:30 p.m. From: Susan Osborne Sent: Monday, April 14, 2025 1:05 PM Subject: Re: FW: Bill 40-Ordinance: Applicant Ho'ouIu Lahui Testimony/Letters of Support Tuesday April 15th 2:30 p.m. Aloha My name is Susan Osborne and I am the Co -Founder and representing the Applicant Ho' oulu Lahui as a co -presenter with John Pipan from Land Use Hawai' i. Sid Fuke will also be joining us as a presenter on behalf of the owner, Nani Mau. Mahalo Susan Osborne Comm. Ref. To: _ Ref. Dade From: Susan Osborne Sent: Monday, April 14, 2025 8:12 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 40-Ordinance: Applicant Ho'oulu Lahui Testimony/Letters of Support Tuesday April 15th 2:30 p.m. Attachments: Rezone HL LOS County C Combined.pdf Aloha, Please find attached the compiled letters of support/testimony on Bill40 Amending Section 25-8-33 (City of Hilo Zone Map) Article 8, Chapter 25 changing the Zone map from Ag-10 (A-1Oa)to Ag 5 (A-5a) at Pana' ewa, Hilo Hawai' i. Mahalo, Susan Osborne C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Alto -or William V. Brilhante,Jr, Alnnagilig Direclor Merrick Nishimoto Depnh' '11(ma gilts Dire cmr County o f Ha va i'i - Office o f the Mayor 25 iAupuni Sit cel. Suite 2603 • I Iilo, I Iimai'i 96720 • Phone (808) 961-8211 • I'ax (808) 961-6553 KONiA: 74-5044 Anc KcohokaloIc IINN )- Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Ilawai'i 967,10 Phone (808) 323-1444 • Pax (808) 323-d440 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Ifilo, I lawai`i 96720 February 26, 2025 Aloha. The Mayor's office presents this letter in I'ull support of the Change ol'Zone Application (Pl,- RI;Z-2024-000070) request 1orAgricu1tura1-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: I lo`oulu-1,51-lui on 'lax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South 11i10, 1lawai`i. this is the first important milestone in the process ol'rczone, and subdivision to ensul•e a permanent home for Kua O Ka Lea Charter School and its supporting non-profit. Ilo`oulu-Lahui. Ili 2018 the 600-acre campus was inundated by the Kilauea eruption and the organizations relocated to this site at the Nani Mau Gardens. They have cnsurcd that the Facility has been brought up to code and have secured an 'F Occupancy and the Use Permits necessary to operate the school in Agriculttu-e Zone. Mahalo liar your consideration and support of this important step supporting Kua O Ka 1,51 Charter school in their long-term recovery li-orn our natural disaster. Mahalo, C. Kinio Alamcda, Ph.D. Mayor Comm, of I la ai i is an 1fgoal ( )ppolli mh I'rov ido and Pmplo\C1 JILL N. TOKUDA 2ND DIsIRICT, HAWAII WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE: 1006 LONGWORTH HOUSE i1FFICE BUII. DING WASI IIN ,TON, DC 20515-1102. (202)225-4906 DISTRICT OFFICE 700 BISHOP STREET, SUITE 1902 WWI UI.II, HAWAII MBI3 (908)746-6220 hPP'�Itukudo.houfie ;Tov J w r V% #)0115C of Atprewltahbtq Ulagbiifgtoir, RIC 20515-1102 March 3, 2025 Mr, Louis Daniele III Chair, Windward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi St, Ste 3 Hilo, HI 96720 COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE SDPCOMMITIEE ON C;ONSEfiVANON, RESEARCH, AND RIOTECIINOLOGY SUPCOMMITIT,E ON NN TRHION, FOREIGN AGRICUI it RE, AND HORTICUt TURF SUPCOMAIOTEE ON LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, AND POUt TRY COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEI. (VICF RANKING (14EMBER) SUBCOMMITTEF. ON READINESS SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC RE: Change of Zone (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request.for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-S Acres (A-5a) by the ApplicantHo'oulti-Lilnd on Tax A9ap Key: (3) 2-2- 048: 013 (por) at Pana `eAva Farm Lots South Hilo, Haivai 'i. Dear Chair Daiuele: I have long been a strong supporter of our Hawai `i Charter Schools since their inception. In 2018, when the Kilauea eruption inundated the Kua O Ka La Charter School campus, I assisted and supported Ms. Susie Osborne through those challenging times. I was happy to learn of their successful relocation to Pana`ewa at the Nani Mau Gardens from their current location. Securing a permanent home is essential for the students, their `ohana, and their staff, providing critical stability as they continue to rebuild. The rezone of this property from Ag 10 to Ag 5 will allow for the five acres to be subdivided and acquired by HO`OLIIU Lahui, the school's supporting non-profit organization. Ho`oulu Lahui is awaiting congressionally directed funding submitted through Senator Mazie K, Hirono`s office at this time. If these fiends are approved and allocated, they will provide the balance needed for the completion of this acquisition. My office has assisted Ms. Osborne with the application process, and I will continue to work towards ensuring they receive this vital federal support. I respectfully urge your full and fair consideration of this pending application under your review. Mahalo for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Ji l . Tokuda tuber of Congress PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER The benate Ro `RI)a Relichoa STATE CAPITOL HONOLULU, HAWAI`I 96813 April 10 2025 Senator Lorraine Inouye State Capitol 415 South Beretania St., Room 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 February 27. 2025 Re: Support for Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Aloha County Council members, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for this important Rezone Application on Makalika Street in my District 1, Hawai'i Island. The rezone, and subsequent subdivision and acquisition by its affiliated Ho'oulu Lahui will ensure that Kua 0 Ka La Charter School has a permanent home. They have suffered great trauma from the loss of their campus in Puna to the Kilauea eruption. I have visited the school on several occasions and have been greatly impressed with the facilities, the respectful youth and I appreciate the small Hawaiian focus and values the school provides our community. This is an important community school and facility that is fully supported by the surrounding community. Mahalo for your approval of this Rezone application. Sincerely, Senator Lorriane R. Inouye Senate District 1, Island of Hawaii Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 7, 2025 Aloha Chair Inaba and Council members, On behalf of the Ho'oulu Lahui Board of Directors, we are pleased to provide this letter of support for our Rezone Application for a Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Ho'oulu Lahui is an educational 501c3 non- profit organization that was formed in 1995. We have provided cultural education programs for the Puna community since that time. Our successful programs led to the formation of Kua O Ka La Charter School and we then raised the fiends to build our offices and school campus in Puna. It was tragic to lose our 600 acre wahi pana to the Kilauea eruption but we successfully relocated the school to the Nani Mau Gardens and raised the funds to bring the facility into code compliance. We have subsequently negotiated a Development and Purchase Agreement with Nani Mau owner Cindy Cui so that the school is ensured a permanent home for generations. This rezone if the first important step to realizing this dream. Upon the successful rezone, we will subdivide out 5 acres and then Ho'oulu Lahui will acquire its current facility that the school occupies. I may not able to be present for this hearing on Monday March loth but authorize Founder Susie Osborne to represent our organization in all matters pertaining to this hearing and application. We implore your approval of this rezone application! Mahalo, 3o(nson weonekru.a 7Calawe Johnson Keonelehua Kalawe Board President: Ho'oulu Lahui In 2018, the Kilauea eruption consumed the Kua O Ka Lti Charter School campus in Puna. Our school moved to the Nani Mau Gardens. We are so graterul for this opportunity oi'stability For our school through the rezone, subdivision and acquisition process ol'the property bclbre you today that will occur through our supporting non-prolit 110'OIIII► Luhui. The 'ohana of Kua 0 Ka L:i are in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-L:flud on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, HawaH. NAME Email Address. �) p -anti NAME. Email Address Ono- V7 -77 77A 7Ca 4.) - C i , m re"17 (" ( ) v, -A April 10, 2025 The Keaukaha Pana`ewa Farmers Association (KPFA) is a Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) Homestead Association controlled by beneficiaries (as defined by the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act, 109 Stat. 537). KPFA is registered as a Homestead & Beneficiary Association (HBA) with the U.S. Department of the Interior under 43 CFR §§ 47.10 and 48.6. We represent over 1,000 native Hawaiian Homestead Lessees and their `ohana residing on Hawaiian Homes Trust Lands in Pana`ewa, Hawaii Island. Our 285 agricultural lots range from 5 to 40 acres across 1,615 acres of Hawaiian Homes Trust Lands. Our programs also serve our sister residential community of over 1,200 Native Hawaiians on 311 lots on 411 acres of Hawaiian Home Trust Lands. Our mission is to support, motivate and educate Keaukaha Pana`ewa agricultural lessees to establish a viable sustainable farm community; preserve Hawaiian culture; achieve self- sufficiency, pono management, and respect for the `aina (land). This past November 2024, Kua O Ka La Chatter School and Ho'oulu Lahui Co -Founder Susie Osborne attended and presented at our annual meeting of Panaewa lessees. Over 50 attendees were present. She shared the journey of the schools recovery from the loss of their campus to the 2018 Kilauea eruption. The move to Makalika Street also encompassed needing to secure funding and significant work to ensuring County and State compliance with the facility. We learned about the Agreement in place with Nani Mau owner to rezone, subdivide and acquire the 5 acres where the school exists now. Our community organization whose many properties are surrounding neighbors, are in full support of Ho'oulu Lahui and Kua O Ka La rezone, subdivision and use permit process. Securing this property will provide culturally based educational opportunities for our Panaewa, Hilo and Puna community youth and 'ohana. The school buses the majority of their students to the campus and we do not feel any adverse impacts from this small school in our neighborhood. Susie Osborne has also become an Advisory member to one of our important initiatives, the Panaewa Hub Site focusing on the development of a polyforestry food forest, and community garden to grow our own food for self-sustainability and economic food security. We hope to engage the school students in these hands- on educational opportunities. We stand in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Laliui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, Maile Luuwai President Keaukaha Pana`ewa Farmers Association Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director Last Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 10, 2025 Aloha County Council Members, My name is Bob Matsuda and I am the immediate neighbor to the property in consideration to be rezoned, the Nani Mau Gardens. I am also President to the neighborhood Kunli'ai group which is organized to provide community information and SUPPOI't. We also meet Im social gatherings. I have had the great opportunity to be invited on the Kua O Ka La campus several times. I first attended their Makahiki event, a celebration OI'the students culture and learning. It was such a heartfelt gathering of families watching theil' S1Udents perlorm and I felt so uplifted and happy to witness Iirst hand this wonderful small school. The students were so respcetlt►I and the operations were so organized. was then invited to and attended the collllllllllity Milo rational Open house to shale about this project rezone, subdivision and acquisition process resulting in a permanent home fbr the school. I Understand how important this is and what a wonderful opportunity for Our conlnrlLill ity. All Of our surrounding conlnlunily has received the colorful inl'ormational flyers and the letter From the planner with the in1'ornlation about this rezone. We have a phone tree and have called all of our conlnlunily neighbors. There is absolutely no concern that we have come across lot, this initiative. Please accept my testimony in 11111 support ol'the Change of'Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024- 000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant I-10`OU11.1-1,5111.1i on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, Bob Matsuda President: Panaewa Kumi' ai C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. n/ayor ale;e„' :w William V. Brilhaute, Jr. Managing Direclor = :•�.� f •NfAJ� West Hawaii Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole HNvy Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Phone (808) 323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563 April 11, 2024 County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT Aloha e County Council Members, Jeffrey W. Darrow Direclor Michelle S. Ahn Deputy Direclor East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 I kindly submit this letter of support for Ho`oulu Lahui regarding the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) requesting to change the zoning of TMK (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) from Agricultural-10 Acres to Agricultural-5 Acres. Ho`oulu Lahui and its affiliate Kua O Ka La Public Charter School lost their campus and symbolic home during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Further, many families that make up the school's community also lost everything they had during this historic eruption. Nonetheless, I have seen the resilience, creativity, and tenacity of this organization and its leaders to rebuild over the six years since the eruption. The School serves as a vital resource to the Puna community and a close partner to the County in our recovery efforts following the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption. The County's Disaster Recovery Division provided $500,000.00 to their efforts through the Kilauea Recovery Grant Program for Ho `oulu Lahui Noho Pa `a to support the rezoning, subdivision, and eventual acquisition of the school site by the Applicant. Approval of this rezoning will achieve a critical step to securing a permanent home for the School to further cultural revitalization and education for our keiki. We appreciate your consideration and support for this Change of Zone Application. If you have any questions regarding this letter of support, please contact me at (808) 961-8174 or douglas.le@hawaiicounty.gov. Warm regards, Douglas Nam Le, AICP Disaster Recovery Officer wunv.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planningCa)liaxvaiicounty.gov Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 10 2025 Aloha County Council Members, My iianlc is Loraine 'I erada and I am live on Makallka Stl'Cet 1USt ClOW11 the road from the school Property at Nani Mau Gardens in consideration to be rezoned. I am also the Treasurer ibr our local Kunli'ai neighborhood group, organized to support our c0n1111unity. first received an informational 11yer about the Rezone, and Subdivision process being undertaken by 1-10'oulu 1,51Iui With the intention of then acquiring the 5 acres for a permanent home Im the Charter School Kua 0 Ka La. 1 also received a letter from Land Use Planning about this Initiative. hater, I was invited to an informational open house held at the school to welcome and inform the Co111111C1111ty about the process being undertaken. We had an extensive presentation by school founder Susie Osborne and then walked about the school campus and garden area. I IOneslly, until I received this information, I was not even aware that the school had been there for over 6 years. `There is absolutely no impact of traffic, noise of any concerns Whatsoever. I WCICOIIIC the school SCCCII'Illg a PCI'111ancnt home and the 0pp01'tU1lIt1CS this IaCllity Will PI'CSCIlt for OUI' C011llllllllity. I am in lull support ol'your approval to rezone this property from ng 10 to Ag 5, the subdivision and further acquisition by 110'OUlu Lahui. Mahalo, Loraine Terada Treasurer: Panaewa Kumi' ai Patti Pinto PO Box 711382 Mountain View, HI 96771 pintonian0Z.gmail.com RE: HO'OULU-LAHUI CHANGE OF ZONE APPLICATION NO. PL-REZ-2024-000070 April 10, 2025 I am writing to strongly support the request to rezone the property from Agricultural 10- acre (A-10a) to Agricultural 5-acre (A-5a). As the coordinator for Hawaii County's Kilauea Recovery Grant Program, which has awarded substantial grants to this project, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress made in rebuilding Kua O Ka La. This school, the only one displaced by the 2018 Kilauea eruption, was left without a home. Through unwavering dedication, Susie Osborne has led the successful relocation, renovation, and reopening of the school, establishing a strong foundation for its future sustainability. Kua O Ka La serves its community of students and their families with a unique curriculum that is well supported by this beautiful site. The school will continue to be excellent stewards of the property. It has been an honor to be a part of the rebirth of this school. Approving this zone change aligns with County codes and long-term goals, ensuring the continued success of Kua O Ka La. I urge you to support this request and help solidify the school's future in our community. Patti Pinto (Recovery and Redevelopment Assistant, Disaster Recovery Division) Unwry 23, 202.5 Re: Letter orsupport Rw the Rezone t'ro►n Ag;. 10 to Ag; 5, Special Use Permit and Subdivision Application by 1lWoulu I[Ahui for the NOW Mau Gardens in addressing; the suture acquisition ors acres at Nan! Mau Gardens, Pannewa, Hilo. Aloha, In 201 H, Kuu O Ku I New Century Public Charter School lost its 600 acre campus in Lower Puna clue to the Kiknrca eruption that destroyed hundreds orhomes and this one public charter school. The Rotary Clubs or Ham I lawai' i including the Rotary Club or South Hilo, gathered together and determined to support the school as a major collaborative project. We understood they had relocated to the Nani Mau fllcility which was very run down and needed a lot orrcpairs including; walls and window replacement Broil termite damage, and installing; air conditioning systems. Rotary Clubs statewide and a sister club in .lapan raised over $80,000.00 and local club members gathered for several weeks with manpower and were able to get the repairs completed in order fur the students to be in the classrooms on time gin' the school year. We have continued to track the progress orthe school and have provided continued support ortheir short term recovery and are happy to learn that the opportunity is in place for a per imnent campers through the :requisition ol'5 acres at TO current locution through their supporting non-profit I lo'oulu La`hui. As such, we understand the inlpCr'atiVe need rot' bOth I10'Otrlll 1.,51iui and the partnering Kua 0 Ka 1,5 ('barter School to have a pernulncnt home in addressing; their long ter'rll waivery and sustainahi%. This letter is in rule support ore lo'oulu LaiNK application Ibr rezone , special use permit and subdivision application. Thank you 161. your consideration orsupport to this final step orprovide disaster recovery by securing a permanent home liar I klm lu L5Wd and,KL1a 0 Ka Lrt Charter Sehool. F Mahal_ -- Claudia Boucher -(J Presidcnl: Rotary Club or South I till dotloop signature verification Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 10, 2025 Aloha Chair Inaba and County Council Members, Re: Testimony in full support of the Rezone Application by Ho'oulu Lahui. My name is Catherine Rehberg and I am the Past President of the Rotary Club of South Hilo. Our club was instrumental in the fundraising, coordination and project implementation to support Kua O Ka La Charter School in their relocation efforts to the Nani Mau Gardens in Pana'ewa after the loss of their school campus in Puna to the Kilauea eruption. It was a powerful service project and very impactful for the school. I then became a parent of a Kua O Ka La student. He loved his school experience there. We are grateful for this opportunity to see the school have a secure home for the future. The successful rezone will then allow for Ho'oulu Lahui to subdivide and acquire the 5 campus acres. I did also receive regular updates on the progress of the schools recovery at our Rotary meetings. The school is in a wonderful location with no impact to the surrounding community over the past 6 years. I fully support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-lOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Ho'oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, HST 3/2512:21 PM d 151L-JEW0-RUEB-Y140 Catherine Rehberg College of the Environment Arntzen Hall 217 - MS 9085 516 High Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225 (360) 650-3284 - Fax (360) 650-7702 Urban & Environmental Planning & Policy 11 April 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Director, County of Hawaii Planning Department East Hawaii Office 101 Puahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A- 10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2 2- 048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Aloha mai kakou, I am writing to express my full support for Hdoulu Lahui's application for change of zoning (PL-REZ-2024-000070) from Ag-10 to Ag-5 in order to support the continuity of Kua o ka La Public Charter School (KOKL). As a professor of urban planning at Western Washington University and a registered Architect in Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, I bring both professional expertise and cultural perspective to this endorsement. As a Kanaka Maoli architect and planner, I reached out to Susie Osborne and Kua O Ka La after learning about the loss of their Puna campus to Pele during the 2018 Kilauea eruption and lava flows to offer my kokua and mana'o in support of recovering this vital educational institution for the community. Since 2019, I have supported the concept design and planning for the Nanawale education center for Ho'oulu Lahui (HL) and have assisted HL with strategic planning for the KOKL campus in my capacity as a principle of Metaamo Studio. My involvement with this project has given me intimate knowledge of both its challenges and its tremendous potential for the community. While it is not possible to return to the 600-acre coastal campus where students could learn directly from the 'aina, the facilities at Nani Mau Gardens provide many similar aspects, including greenhouses and ponds, to support a land -based pedagogy that honors Hawaiian culture and values. This location represents a vital opportunity to ensure the school's long- term stability after the devastating loss of its original campus. College of the Environment Arntzen Hall 217 - MS 9085 516 High Street, Bellingham, Washington 98225 (360) 650-3284 - Fax (360) 650-7702 Urban & Environmental Planning & Policy Since my initial connection with Susie Osborne and KOKL in 2019, I have become a board member of Ho'oulu Lahui and am deeply invested in seeing this work continue. The proposed zoning change is essential to establishing a permanent home for the school that will support community needs and provide quality education for students for generations to come. I also wish to note my familiarity with Hawaii County planning processes. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with the long-range planning team for the County of Hawaii on housing research for Micronesian communities (2019) and on Kilauea recovery efforts from 2020 through 2022, working with Bob Agres and Keiko Mercado. This experience has further informed my understanding of the importance of thoughtful land use decisions that support community resilience. The requested zoning change aligns with both the immediate needs of the school and the long- term educational and cultural interests of the community. I strongly urge the approval of this application, which will enable Ho'oulu Lahui to continue its vital educational mission in a stable, permanent location. I remain committed to supporting Ho'oulu Lahui through this process and am available to provide any additional information that might assist in your consideration of this application. Na`u me ka `oia`i`o, James Miller Associate Professor of Urban Planning, Western Washington University Registered Architect: Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington Board Member, Ho'oulu Lahui Principal, Metaamo Studio James.miller@wwu.edu 1 360-650-2592 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 9, 2025 Aloha County Council members, My name is Connie Ichinose and I am the Past President of the Rotary Club of Hilo. For over 100 years our club has served the Hilo community with the motto of "Service Above Self." We were chartered in 1920 and are the second oldest club in the State of Hawai i. This year marks the 103rd year of service and we are honored to continue this long tradition of service to our community. In 2018, we convened the Rotary Clubs of East Hawaii and undertook a large collaborative project to assist Kua O Ka La Charter School with their relocation and recovery efforts after losing their campus to the 2018 Kilauea eruption. We raised substantial funds and provided manpower for 3 weeks to ready the school site for students. It was so rewarding to see the students in their new home on time for the next school year. We have subsequently been engaged with the school through our peace pole initiative, installing a pole on then campus and starting off the International Day of Peace annually with their students at the peace pole. It is a wonderful collaboration. The school is successfully established now for over 6 years in this community and it is truly an asset for all. I am pleased that the school has an opportunity through their supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui to secure a permanent home through this rezone, subdivision and then acquiring the 5 acres of the current school site. I have been kept informed of this process by Founder Susie Osborne. I wholeheartedly support this application by Ho'oulu Lahui for a Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A- 5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your consideration and support in approving this rezone. G'ftv1c111"ease Connie Ichinose Board Member/Membership Chair/Vocational Chair: Rotary Club of Hilo District 5000 Membership Chair 9 April 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Director, County of Hawai'i Planning Department East Hawai'i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Re: Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2- 048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. To Whom it May Concern, It is without hesitation that I write this letter in full support of Ho'oulu-Lahui's (and the Charter School is supports, Kua O Ka La) application for Change of Zoning (PL-REZ-2024-000070) from Ag-10 to Ag-5. I am a registered Architect in Oregon and Washington states and have been teaching architecture, urbanism, and community resilience for nearly two decades, in programs including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Portland State University, and University of Oregon, among others. When I'm not teaching, I'm practicing out in the field with my firm, Metaamo Studio, in support of community projects in places stretching from East Asia, the Pacific Atolls, the Pacific Northwest, and here in Hawai'i County. As part of my work, I'm often traveling and working with communities around the globe, and am always in search of meaningful examples of community resilience in action that can provide inspiration and example to our work and students. When I first learned of Kua O Ka Las story and work in September of 2019 when I was visiting Hawai'i County, I immediately knew that it was special, and one of the most innovative examples of ground -up community resililence I have come across. Testament to this example of resilience has been the fact that the school and community -- despite having been deeply set back after losing their 600 acre campus and facilities by the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption -- is still serving and inspiring students and the community as they adapt to their new home at Nani Mau. Since Ho'oulu-Lahui and Kua O Ka La's mission inspired us as well, we have been working over the last several years to provide design and technical support where we can, and will continue to do so in the future. We have been thrilled to follow the successes and believe that this change of zoning will be a key step in ensuring that the organization can continue to inspire and serve, and grow deeper, permanent roots. Mahalo for your consideration in this matter, and in helping this incredible organization thrive. Sincerely, Matthew BUNZA Founding Principal, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, Registered Architect (OR, WA), M. ARCH (MIT), Urban Design Cert (MIT), B.A. ARCH (PSU) 1A0■ METAAMOSTUDIO 1107SEWASHINGTONST.SUIrEa�5,PORTL4NDOR-7214 1V1�VV\V. �ETAA1V40.Cpn.-i Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 11, 2025 Aloha County Council Members, My name is Esther Cazimero and I am a consultant with the Nani Mau Gardens. I have been acquainted with and working alongside Kua O Ka La Charter School Founder Susie Osborne for the past several years and have really enjoyed the Hawaiian focused Charter School as our neighbor here at Nani Mau. I was happy to learn that Nani Mau owner Cindy Cui established an agreement with the schools supporting non- profit Ho'oulu Lahui for the property acquisition in support of the schools stability for generations. This requires the property to be rezoned to Ag 5, subdivided and then the acquisition will occur. Cindy is also an educator and a visionary who clearly sees the opportunities for the many collaborations that can emerge with the school in the future. I have also been assisting Susie Osborne with the community informational outreach about the this process which she has been diligent about. I introduced her to our Kumi'ai President Bob Matsuda, and I assisted Susie with the coordination and implementation of the open house for the community at the School. This event was well received and supported by the community and I have heard of no concerns emerge whatsoever. We are pleased to have this important community school continue to be here. It has been here for over 6 years now and there is no negative impact to the community. I fully support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your support in approving this Rezone Application. Esther Cazimero Consultant (808)222-9684 kuakanaka@gmail.com April 10, 2025 Aloha, Ku-A-ICanaka LLC is a Social Enterprise located on Hawai' i Island that focuses on culture -based education, sustainable native and local food production and food security. In these endeavors Ave work closely with our educational non-profit affiliate EA Ecoversity, which provides tuition -free, culture -based post -secondary education to young island residents. We started out over 40 years ago, creating innovative, culture -based educational programs that meet the needs of island children. This includes founding Kanu O Ka 'Aina Charter School in Waimea in 2000, and leading the Hawaiian Charter School movement Na Lei Na'auao, supporting and encompassing 17 Hawaiian -focused Charter schools on three islands, including Kua O Ka La. We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Kua O Ka La and its non-profit organization Ho'oulu Lahui, including partnering on a multi -million dollar Federal grant to develop our online professional development courses for Charter and DOE teachers. Despite the tragic loss of their campus to the Kilauea eruption, Ho'oulu Lahui and Kua O Ka La have persevered and worked tirelessly to ensure their new campus site at the Nani Mau Gardens in Panaewa is legally compliant for public school education. Charter Schools are not provided any financial support for facilities and it is quite remarkable that Ho'oulu Lahui is now in a position to rezone, subdivide and acquire 5 acres at Nani Mau in order to provide the school, staff and students stability for generations. We are in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A -I Oa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho'oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your consideration and full support of this imperative step in both organizations long term recovery. This will be a community educational facility providing Education with Aloha, so needed in these challenging times. Ku Kahakalau, Ph.D. Owner and Chief Executive Officer Ku-A-Kanaka LLC Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 8, 2025 To Whom It May Concern: Please accept this strong letter of support for Ho'oulu Lahui's application for the rezone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. I have been the Culinary Arts instructor at Kua O Ka La since its inception and have worked closely with applicant Ho'oulu ldhui in support of the schools programs. I am a resident and endured the 2018 eruption that impacted our community so very much. We worked hard to relocate the school 6 years ago to the Nani Mau Gardens in Pana'ewa and are now very settled at this safe and welcoming site. We are so grateful to Nani Mau owner Cindy Cui, for this opportunity to rezone, subdivide and acquire the 5 acre, school site parcel. This is such a great asset for this Pana'ewa community nestled amongst Hawaiian Homelands. The success of this process will provide stability for the school and peace for the current staff, students and 'ohana who have endured so very much. We can provide cultural and place based education with confidence. Please approve this Rezone application by Ho'oulu Lahui. Mahalo, Mariposa Blanco 3 - 7j 2 Culinary Instructor: Kua 0 Ka La Charter School Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning; Director East 1-lawai'i Office 101 I'auahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, I-lawai`i 96720 April It, 2025 Aloha Council Members, I am providing this letter in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A -I Oa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant I-1o'oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, I-lawai'i. This will be an important step towards providing a permanent campus for Kua O Ka La Charter School in Pana'ewa adjacent to Nani Mau Gardens. As you recall, the campus on the coast of Puna was inundated by lava from the 2018 'Ai La'au/Lower East Rill Zone originating in Leilani. Despite this devastating effect of losing the campus, this small Hawaiian focused charter school continued and continues to serve students in Puna, Hilo and South Kona. My younger son was a student there and is now enrolled at Hawai' i Community Cotlege's metal fabrication course. I was a Hawaiian Cultural Educator at Kua O Ka La focusing on Hawaiian canoe sailing. am also a member of the Soka Gakkai-USA Hilo Buddhist Center located just down the street at 695 Makalika Street. Founder Susie Osborne has made consistent efforts to inform the neighbors about the plan including the Soka Gakkai members. I have been driving past this school and the prior charter school for a long time and have never observed any problems that would warrant denial of this application. This is not something new and different and will ensure stability for this important educational community school. Please let us lay the foundation for perpetuating the good works of this school into the future for generations. Me ka ha'aha'a j�'�J�r � � �' �1' Captain iko Kitazawa'l Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 12, 2025 Dear members of the County Council, My name is Monika McCune and I have been the Regional Administrator of Health Information Services at East Hawai' i Health Systems since December, 2020 and I also sit on the Kua O Ka La Governing Board of Directors. This past year, our hospital convened a Leadership Day at the Nani Mau Garden Restaurant facility. Over 150 leaders attending this inspiring day. I worked with Founder Susie Osborne and Principal Ditcher to coordinate students coming over to present to the group before Lunch. The students provided an ' oli mahalo chant, thanking the leaders for their work in our community and then Susie Osborne presented the good news and process being undertaken to ensure the school has a permanent home at their current location on a portion of the Nani Mau facility. The group clapped with enthusiasm and happiness with this news. This is our community in recovery and many of these folks are neighbors. As a Board member, I have been kept informed every month as to the process of the rezone, subdivision and then acquisition being undertaken by our supporting non-profit Ho' oulu Lahui. We fully understand and support this process as it is imperative the school, families, teachers and students have a secure and permanent home for generations. Before you today is the first milestone and imperative step in this process of acquisition. I am providing this letter in full support of the application by Ho' oulu Lahui for a Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-1Oa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Sincerely, VV rLe. Monika McCune Kua 0 Ka La Governing; Board member PLihoa Lava Zone Museum 15-2833 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa,111, 96778 April 8, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director Fast Ilawai'i office 101 Pauahi Strcet, Suite 3 1lilo, Ilawai'i 96720 Aloha Council members, The Pahoa Lava Zone Museum emerged as a result of the 2018 Kilauea eruption which consumed over 600 homes, thousands of acres of agriculture lands, business and one Charter School, Kua O Ka La. Our Exhibits were largely featured at Jeggar Museum and were donated by the Museum when their facility became inoperable and consist of videos, still photos and unique specimens from the 2018 eruption. We are all too familiar with the trauma our community endured from the eruption and it was no easy feat for the school to successfully relocate to their current location at Nani Mau Gardens. We have watched the school from it's inception and it provides an important alternative public charter Hawaiian focused education for the community and it is fitting that they are now in Pana'ewa surrounded by Hawaiian Homelands. We are in strong support of this first step of rezoning the applicant property which will then allow the property to be subdivided and acquired by the schools supporting non- profit Ho'oulu Lahui. The families, students and staff need and deserve this stability. We arc providing this testimony in strong support of the Change of Zone Application (PL. REZ- 2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A -I Oa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant I lo'oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Kev: (3) 2-2-049:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South INO, I lawai'i. Mahalo 1i61. your consideration. John Olson President: P5110a Lava Zonc Museuru, .let trey W. t)arro\\r Planning Director f?ast Ilavvai'i Orrice 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 11110. 1N"M 'i 96720 March 5, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning; ('ommissioners. 1 una a long time resident and community leader in the Puma Region. I ani also a Parent ofa former Kun O Ka I& s►ident. Our gamily has great aloha liir this I lawaiian l'oenscd school and it was challenging IN us w witness the lava inundate the school. We have bun deeply engaged with the: school since its inception in 2002. My Wher w,as an art ►cacher al me school site in Puna, Painting murals on their buildings with students, which he also continued at their new location at Nam Mail Gardens in I'aua,cwa. I have also been very engaged in the Recovery initiatives with the ('owny and Schools (y_ Founder Susie Osborne has also been very engahul in Army ol'Ihe Cole recovery Projects "c)tuluig 'Paint the Town" and the -1 NO I lalaw i ' F'.conornic Recovery Plans. II is astonishing to sec that sonic or the people who lost the nunt, h w also given the most back IN our eonuiiuniIics recovery, Susic Oshonic lost her home, her aninials und her school that she built I'roni scratch. I have also colinboraled on several grants With I lo'oulu I.51111i. the schools supporting non-Prolii and Rcone Applicant, I ani so grateful that the school was able to re-establish Iheniselves at this nevv location and especially happy when vve learned that owner ('incly ('ui agreed In the Rcrone, Subdivision and Acquisition ol'the 5 acres in order IN the school to have stability I61. generations. I fully sul)Porl ofthe Change orZonc Application (PIALA2024-OWU70) request lorAgricultu al -Ill Acres (A-I0a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the ApM&ant I lo'oulu-L;ihui on "I-ax Map Key; (.3) 2-2-048;013 (pot.) at I'ana`cwa rarm Lots South I lilo, Ilawai'i. Mahalo for your consideration. - v Amedeo MafoR Hale Halawai Project Director Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 April 8 2025 Aloha County Council members, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for Ho`oulu Lahui's application for the rezone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. My name is Ku`uhiapo Jeong, and I serve as the Council Legislative Assistant to Councilwoman Ashley L. Kierkiewicz of Council District 4. It continues to be a privilege to work alongside Ashley, whose open-door policy and hands-on, boots -on -the -ground approach have made a tangible difference in our communities. Our office spearheaded Activate Puna, a community revitalization and pono placemaking initiative, and we have been instrumental in securing and directing critical funds for the ongoing 2018 Kilauea Eruption recovery efforts. Through this work, we have brought government and community together, fostering solutions that truly serve our communities. One of the most profound partnerships I have been engaged with is Kua O Ka La Charter School and their supporting nonprofit, Ho`oulu Lahui. Their relocation to Nani Mau Gardens six years ago was a major milestone, and ensuring their facility's compliance with County codes has been no small feat. This school and its community have endured unimaginable hardships —yet they continue to thrive. Raised in `Aha Punana Leo, Ke Kula O Ndwahiokalani`6pu`u, Kamehameha Schools, Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua, and Halau Ka Lehua Pua Kama`ehu, I know firsthand the power of securing spaces that uplift our Hawaiian community —especially our keiki. Kua O Ka La needs a kahua— a solid foundation —to ensure its long-term recovery and sustainability. I strongly urge the Commissioners to approve this rezone application by Ho`oulu Lahui, enabling Kua O Ka La to subdivide and acquire the five existing campus acres. This is more than a land use decision —it is an invesinient in education, culture, and the future of our Lahui. Mahalo, Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI.96720 April 10, 2025 Re: Letter of strong support for Ho'oulu Lahui`s application for the rezone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-1Oa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Aloha, My name is Mina Viritua Jr. and I was born and raised in Puna. In February 2024, the County of Hawai'i, in collaboration with the Rezone Applicant Puna 501 c3 Organization Ho`oulu Lahui, announced that they were been awarded an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow for a 30-month fellowship. After a rigorous interview process, I was selected to be the Fellow for this recovery project. This position is a dream come true for me. I am to contribute to the economic recovery and well-being of our recovering community that has shaped me. The ERC Fellowship program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). The program aims to build capacity in economically distressed areas across the U.S. while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders. Each Host Organization is matched with a Fellow to work with communities in the implementation of community -based economic development projects. In a statement, Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), expressed the significance of ERC, stating, "ERC is more than a fellowship; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic partnerships deeply needed to produce lasting social and economic impact. By investing in capacity building and leadership development, facilitating knowledge sharing and partnerships, the ERC program will set the stage for the future of economic development and a new age of collaboration in the economic development field." Over this past year, I have worked closely with the communities recovery from the Kilauea eruption that severely impacted Kua O Ka La Charter School and my host; schools supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui. They have not only survived but are thriving in their location for the past 6 years at Nani Mau Gardens. We are all sincerely focused and committed to our communities long term recovery and stability and this rezone approval is critical to ensuring that Ho'oulu Lahui can subdivide and acquire their 5 acre campus. I implore your approval of this Rezone application being considered. Me ka mahalo, Mina Viritua Jr. ERC Fellow 3/4/2025 Mainstreet Pahoa Association 501(c)6 Main Street Pahoa P.O. Box 1189 Pahoa, Hawaii 96778 April 10, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director Last Ilawai`i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 1lilu, Hawaii 96720 Aloha Comity Council Members, The Mainstreet Pahoa Association (MPA) is a community organization that advocates for Pahua, Hawaii's historic lows, The MPA connects citizens, businesses, non -profits, and government representatives. Our primary goals include: Advocating for Pahoa's historic town, hosting the annual Pahoa I loliday Parade and working will the Jaggar Museum to lend exhibits to the MPA. Main Street Pahoa was formed to help the community after the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that devastated the local economy. The eruption also exacerbated issues with mental health, homelessness, and crime. The COVID-19 pandemic htrther complicated these problems. We needed to respond to the many challenges facing the massive loss to our community businesses, infrastructure and families. Kum O Ka La ('harter School was inundated by the lava and they fortunately were able to relocate to Pana'ewa at the Nani Mau Gardens which previously hosted a Charter School. This was very traumatic to the many families, staff and students that were part ofthis important school. We are so pleased that they will be able to Find stability through the rezone, subdivision and acquisition process. We arc in full support of the Change ol'Zone Application (PL.-REZ-2024-000070) request IorAgricultural-10 Acres (A-I0a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant I lo'oulu-Lahui Oil Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'cwa farm Lots South Hilo, Ilawai'i. Sincerely, jG Kevin Kushel President: Main Street Pahoa Panaewa Hawaiian Home Lands Community Association (PHHLCA) 132 Kaieie Place Hilo Hawaii 96720 Tele: (808) 938-3330 Email:panaewahhlca@gmaiI.com April 10, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Aloha nui, The PHHLCA was formed in 1980. We are recognized as a Hawaiian Beneficiary Association (HBA) by the 2016 43CFR 47&48 which allows us to be a part of a team consisting of the DHHL, Department of the Interior and us, as consultants. Monitoring federal laws protecting historic sites & preservations as well as protection of our iwi kupuna. We are also here to better conditions of native Hawaiian beneficiaries pursuant to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act 1920, amended 1921. I have history with Kua 0 Ka La Charter school and Ho'oulu Lahui when this school was located at Puaala'a, Puna that was eventually devastated by lava flows. After many years of Ho'oulu Lahui's hard work it's great to know that KOKL Charter school is moving forward in securing a permanent home. This small Hawaiian focused Charter school provides an important educational institution for our community beneficiaries. Right down the road location makes our homestead community know that our keiki, opiopio and 'Opio will have their basic educational needs met. The Panaewa Hawaiian Home Lands Association (PHHLCA) is in strong support of Ho'oulu Lahui application of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-00070) request for Agriculture-10 (A-10a) to Agriculture-5 Acres (5-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Panaewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. The rezoned 10 acre to the five -acre parcel will become HOME to the families that register with Kua 0 Ka La, how CORRECT is that!!! NANA I KA PONO! Mahalo, Ka4kUa u. AW&e i dam Kauilani Almeida, PHHLCA President