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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.201 2024-2026From: A A Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 7:54 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Help protect local property rights General Plan 2026 Attachments: 2026 Big Island General Plan.pdf Please read and support General Plan 2026 - Protect local property rights Mahalo P/Pc. ED bit (/I cam.'f7a Comm. o.V L' IJ I Ref. To: Ref. Date' I P - 7 2n26 From: Georjean Adams Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 2:11 PM To: Council Testimony Cc: Hustace, James Subject: Re: Bill 66 April7, 2026, hearing on Bill 66 by the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Comments: I am opposed to the proposal to adopt Communication 372.192 ("the 2026 revision") as Bill 66 in lieu of the Planning Department's Draft General Plan 2045. While I appreciate the effort made as described in Communication 372.195 to simplify the length and detail in the Draft General Plan 2045, 1 think too much is being lost by way of useful operational guidance to the Planning Department and Commissions. It also undermines the integrated, outcome -based philosophy of the Draft General Plan 2045. Some of my concerns: - I agree there are excessive operational plans and details in the 2045 document. Some of these will inevitably change as new scientific knowledge and natural and political conditions change over time. But these do serve as illustrations of applying the General Plan. - There are no weights and targets amongst the plethora of factors to be considered in the 2026 revision. Targets, even if aspirational, do help users when providing justification and progress for proposed land use changes. More direction on the priorities and acceptable trade-offs needs to be provided. Some of that policy guidance can be done by giving illustrations of the programs as are currently described in the Draft General Plan 2045 . Laying out our current targets in the General Plan would also compel future Councils to be explicit about why they may want to revise the targets and basic policies. - It is distressing to see consideration of climate change and sustainability being subsumed into the general terms of the 2026 version. These are existential concerns that require plans to be evaluated for short and long term impacts (risks and benefits) across our island and across departments. - The 2026 revision does not encourage the use of public -private projects to achieve effective and innovative solutions (eg, Puako community cesspool remediation proposal). Another result of shifting from an outcomes -based approach. - No new zoning maps have been offered for public review. The proposal to collapse to 4 zoning types is not likely to provide sufficient guidance. - Years of public input appear to have been collapsed into generalities. - At best, the 2026 revision can be considered an alternate overview document, but it is not a useful General Plan for the Planning Department and its Commissions, nor the Council or the public. As well, I assume the Planning Department will be developing numerous explanatory and application tools based on the adopted General Plan for use by agencies and the public. I support adoption of the Draft General Plan 2045, as modified by recommendations of the Planning Commissions, as our current Hawaii County General Plan. In addition, Council should commit to routinely (biannually?) revise the General Plan to make it reflect best practices applicable to our County's needs. Georjean Adams South Kohala From: Mary Afable Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 11:01 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support intact General Plan 2025 Subject: Bill 66—Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Mary Afable and I live in Hilo. I support the Council's adoption of the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact. I am opposed to the amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the bioculturalstewardship provisions. As current events have demonstrated, Hawaii County needs to prepare for future problems with energy availability and affordability. The 2045 General Plan will result in clean transportation /clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. The time to start working for a secure energy future is now! Respectfully submitted, Mary Afable 1313 Kumukoa Street, Hilo From: Mele Akua Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:20 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, As a Hawaii island resident, I support the new General Plan 2026, as it provides guidelines for community input and engagement, encouraging agriculture and food security, and supporting home ownership. Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. From: zooby dooby Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 7:08 AM To: Mayor's Office Executive; Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Subject: Support GP2026 Please Don't allow the United Nations to take over anything. They are Not acting with any best interest to freedom. I don't like the idea of no rights. Do you? Look How United Nations handled Covid. And wanted vaccine passports. Now exposed, the jabs are dangerous. I believe the Globalists behind the United Nations are evil. So protect our sovereignty at all cost please Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This Level of complexity can create uncertainty for proper y-o-w- ers and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo foryour time and service. From: Ron Roberta Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 8:05 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support for the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Michelle Galimba, and members of the County Council, ' My name is Roberta Baker and I live in Hilo. I support adoption of the General Plan 2045. 1 urge rejection of a proposed amendment that guts key provisions of GP 2045. GP 2045 has a stand alone climate chapter (Chapter 3) which is one of the plan's most significant advances over the 2005 plan. Planning Director Zendo Kern noted that the 2005 plan doesn't address climate change at all. The new plan is designed to remedy that omission. FIRS §226-109 establishes climate change adaptation as a priority guideline that county plans must consider. The proposed amendment removes the climate chapter. This removal doesn't eliminate the County's exposure to coastal hazards, wildfires, drought, and intensifying storms. It just removes a framework for responding to them. I respectfully urge the Hawaii County Council to reject the proposed amendment and pass the Hawaii County's General Plan 2045 in its present form. Mahalo, Roberta Baker Member, Citizens Climate Lobby -Hawaii, and the Union of Concerned Scientists From: Vic Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 5:44 AM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. I have been a long-time resident of the Big Island (over 47 years). During my residency I have worked, owned properties, built homes, owned and operated an electrical contracting business, employed people, paid taxes, obeyed the laws, VOTED and much more. Over the years, I have seen the increase of regulations and bureaucracy in State and County governmental agencies and public utilities, and have had to deal with the results of rules promulgated by elected and unelected "experts" and officials, many of whom have little practical experience in the arenas that they are controlling. Please do not allow the County of Hawaii to become a vassal state of the UN, the WEF and/or other world organizations that have no rightful or vested interest in the decision -making process of our island. I will be monitoring the decisions of public officials concerning this decision, and will be voting accordingly. Thank for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Victor R. Becker From: Kiliwia Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 4:44 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. } Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to howwe can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for pro aoily owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. This affects the entire Republic for these United States of America which we are all part of. Our representatives are here to serve our community and have taken an oath to the office to protect and serve the people of this great land! From: Cody Cloud Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 4:54 PM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Aloha Council Members, I came across this call to reach out just as the deadline for emailing this proposal is due the following day. Each of us has a voice and a responsibility to the next generation and the ones to follow which is why I am forwarding this plan along with many others. Please consider the following that is in support of the General Plan 2026. Our choices today from the smallest of interactions with others to writing legislation all affect the world our children and their children will live in. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. From: Lisa Cooper Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 12:16 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the 2045 General Plan Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Lisa Cooper. I live in Hilo. I'm writingto ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. I care about this because Hawai'i Island's dependence on imported fossil fuels keeps my electricity and gas spending high. A General Plan without energy self-sufficiency targets won't change that. I care about this because the 2045 General Plan includes commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness. Removing them leaves the County without measurable goals for protecting communities from the next disaster. I care about this because I support Hawai'i's transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. I care about this because low-income and rural communities on Hawaii Island pay the highest energy costs and have the least access to infrastructure. The 2045 General Plan's equity provisions direct County investments to the communities that need them most. Stripping those provisions removes the accountability for equitable outcomes. I care about this because I support clean transportation /clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. I humbly ask thatyou support Bill 66 - the 2045 General Plan. From: Mac Cooper Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 3:00 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 My name is Thomas Cooper and I live in Hilo. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. The quantitative monitoring framework is particularly important in light of the Navahine settlement which will require compliance with interim emission reduction targets through 2045. It will be far easier for the county to use the targets and accountability structures in the Genera; Plan 2045 that have been developed locally, rather than have to comply with court ordered compliance checks. I care about this because I support HawaiTs transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. I care about this because low-income and rural communities on Hawa!'i Island pay the highest energy costs and have the least access to infrastructure. The 2045 General Plan's equity provisions direct County investments to the communities that need them most. Stripping those provisions removes the accountability for equitable outcomes. I care about this because I support clean transportation and clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. Again, please support Bill 66 and keep the General Plan 2045 without amendment! Thanks you Thomas (Mac) Cooper Mac Cooper macatflex@gma!I.com Hilo, HI 96720 From: Brandon Cranfield Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 3:58 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, I am writing to formally express my support for the General Plan 2026. Residents require a plan _that is clear, practical, and provides certainty, particularly regarding property use. The General Plan 2026 offers a focused and understandable framework that promotes consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex. Its extensive goals and broad policy language may lead to unpredictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. Such complexity creates uncertainty for property owners and complicates long-term planning for residents. A general plan should provide clear guidance and support those who live and invest in this island. I ask for your support of the General Plan 2026 as a balanced and workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Thankyou foryour time and service. Best regards, Brandon Cranfield From: Karah Creekmore Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 10:05 AM To: Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Hustace, James; Inaba, Holeka; Villegas, Rebecca; Galimba, Michelle M.; Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Dear Council Members, I respectfully ask that you support the General Plan 2026. As a resident, it is important to me that our island has a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own propert... Karah Creekmore Direct: (808) 283-0564 Email: therealkarahcreekmore@gmail.com "Helping Families Build Wealth & Protect Their Financial Health" From: Robert Culbertson Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 8:03 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather Subject: General Plan Updates: Oppose COM 372.192, Conditional support for Bill 66, Draft 2 Aloha Chair Kierkiewicz and committee members, Bill 66, Draft 2 needs to be improved to include standards along with objectives, policies, and actions that better address wastewater, flooding, and public access and trails, as well as historic, cultural, environmental, and other public trust resources in particular. Much of this information has already been submitted to the Committee in prior Communications and testimonies. 'Gut and replace' simplifications don't cut it! Any fundamental changes, such as those proposed here, require adequately noticed public interests to again participate at a meaningful level. Thank you, R A Culbertson Honokaa Testimony in opposition,of "Proposed Amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2" Aloha! Firstly, I am compelled to clarified that the "Proposed Amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2", is in fact the third draft. The first being the GP40 which was severely altered under Zendo Kern's direction without Public oversight to then be known as GP45. In other words, the very process that culminated in presenting the GP45 to the public, as well as any offshoot of it, are procedurally illegitimate as they are not lawfully associated with the original community consultation record. The "Gut and Replace" tactics Kern employed to edit the GP40 was done after the Hawai'i Supreme Court had ruled against such in 2021, stating that it violated the constitution by circumventing the requirement -for multiple readings and public hearings, thereby reducing public confidence in government. This entire process constitutes a serious crisis in public confidence. The appointment of real estate agent, Zendo Kern as Planning Director remains an unresolved charter violation as he did not meet the minimum qualifications required under the Hawai'i County Charter, not to mention having notable conflicts of interest. Another ongoing violation is the Planning Department's failure to deliver on its promise to create a Hilo Community Development Plan and CDC since 2005 while 45,000 Hilo residents remain unrepresented. The infractions of the Sunshine Law that have permeated the process also render it invalid according to Hawai'i Revised Statutes § 92-3 which mandates public participationin all government decision -making and Hawai'i Revised Statutes § 92-7 requiring proper public notice for meetings and discussions affecting all public land use. The introduction of land re -designations into Hawaiian Home Lands affairs, a Federal Program where the State has no jurisdiction, is also out of step as it betrays the best interest of Hawaiian beneficiaries and the State and County's fiduciary duty to protect them. I will not speak here of the ongoing illegal occupation, which remains the biggest elephant in the room. In any case, some are left to wonder if this inconsistent process represents your constituent's interests less than those of non- resident "Stakeholders", UN Agendas, unelected officials from foreign NGO's like the WHO and the WEF and/or undisclosed corporate interests that could be granted unlawful access to public trust resources and privately owned property which would be unconstitutional. The bottom line is that the GP45 and all subsequent drafts are illegitimate as a direct result of the GP40 being altered after the original community consultation record. Respectfully, myself and others are suggesting that you defer Bill 66 to avoid any further public injury and/or legal ramifications therefrom, as the matter begs further investigation before passing this or any other associated bill, particularly upon first reading. Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Aina i ka Pono o Hawai'i. Mahalo and Aloha Millicent Cummings, Hilo Resident From: Dave Cuthbert Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:55 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: BILL 66 written testimony Aloha Councilmembers, I live in Lower Puna, Ashley Lehualani Kierkiewicz's 4th District Tomorrowyou will be considering General Plan 2045 as well as Councilmember Kierkiewicz's shortened 2026 - 2045 proposed amendment. I strongly urge you to reject the 2026 - 2045 71-page replacement submitted by Councilmember Kierkiewicz that has had no public input process and therefore lacks legitimacy. It removes climate change, population projections, Natural Beauty Sites, and detailed land use guidance entirely. It has no Land use maps which are essential for effective planning. I am very concerned that the 2026 Plan removes the 2045 Plan's extensive discussion of sea level rise and more intense storms. The 2026 proposal doesn't make the general plan more actionable-- it makes it less useful as a planning tool and effectively guts the decade of public input that shaped the 2045 document. Please accept the 2045 Plan, which does a lot of important things related to biocultural stewardship, climate change and climate health, and sustainable development of resilient communities. I insist that any amendments made to the existing 2045 Plan happen through a transparent, public process— not a wholesale substitution developed without community input. Thank you for considering my testimony. David Cuthbert - 12-326 W Pohakupele Loop Pahoa, H196778 From: Betsy Duerr Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 11:43 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony on Bill 66: Further input and improvements to both General Plans is needed before approval Aloha Council Members, I am alarmed at that vote on choosing between two flawed General Plans is immediately before us. I have studied the original General Plan 2045 and found it a UN road map to smart city. I am 72 years old and my husband and I have lived and raised a family in our Honolii Pali home for over 41 years. In October of 2023 at the dog and pony show being put on by the county to promote the new general plan, I noticed that the future land use of our property had been changed from low density urban to natural and recreational. Our own family home we are hoping to leave to our ohana has been re- disignated without compensation or consent, negating our rights of private property ownership. This drastically lowers our future property value and opens the door to unsolicited rezoning. Throughout the plan (pgs. 66, 78, 86, 88, 225) there are references to "smart growth strategies" and "smart growth development' and "smart growth principles" which suggest direct reference to Smart Cities aka UN Agenda 21, now UN Agenda 30. If you aren't educated on Smart or 15 Minute Cities, I invite you to do your own research into its restrictive and surveilled implementations and ask yourselves if this global agenda is pono for the Big Island of Hawaii. On page 188 (40.8), there is the requirement that "All County, departments collaborate with the County Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) as the lead agency to ensure the integration of the County's goals of sustainability, climate resilience, and equity in all county operations and planning initiatives." This is an appointed, not elected, agencythat is now responsible for the implementation of the regulations of the smartgrowth principles we will be subjected to. I t am disturbed this new overseeing entity will null and void all public input and leave crucial decisions for our island to unelected officials. Finally, the plan, on page 29, claims to be "based on community driven values, goals, and objectives". Yet, the District of Hilo, where I reside as well as over 22% of the Big Island, has no Community Development Plan. Hilo has never been represented in CDP process. Why is that? We too are entitled to our voice and input into our future. I read Ashley Kierkiewitcz's General Plan replacement (2026 Plan). While UN Agenda 30 wasn't blatantly evident. I found it to be wanting of details, especially in the absence of land use maps. I would need to study the land use maps before I could give it my support. I just today obtained a pdf of the revision of General Plan 2045 ,and haven't been able to thoroughly review it. The maps were difficult to read. From what I could tell our property is now back to low density urban. You tell me? Please postpone the vote on the General Plan. Hilo needs representation on this matter. And there needs to be more public debate and discussion on approving a plan for the future of our island. Mahalo foryour time and attention, 3 Adriana E. (Betsy) Duerr 99 Honolii Pali Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 987-0824 _ betsyduerr@gmail.com From: Robert Duerr Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 10:34 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony Bill 66 Aloha Hawaii County Council, As a District 1 Commissioner for the Game Management Advisory Commission (GMAC( I have problems with Bill 66 and the revised draft of the County General Plan. GMAC is concerned about Bill 66's public access and objective standards and procedures. Hunters, fishers, gatherers and cultural practitioners of sustainable resources need standards and procedures to provide for and enforce public access standards and laws. On another note I had difficulty and was not able to download the County Weblink PDF file for Bill 66. Mahalo, Robert Duerr District 1 GMAC Commissioner AlbatrossNews Senior Active Outdoor Writers of America Association Hilo, Hawaii surf77@me.com From: Davina Mar Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:22 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, As a fulltime resident on the Island of Hawaii the past 25 years, I write you todaywith this request. Please support the General Plan 2026. We the Residents of Hawaii need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable frameworkthat supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This Level. of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance, not confusion, that supports the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. With Aloha & Gratitude, Donna "Davina" Dufault From: Susan Dursin Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 1:45 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: General Plan 2045 TO: Council Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai' i County Council FROM: Susan Dursin, Captain Cook, Hawai' i I respectfully urge you to approve the general Plan 2045 as is. Do not accept those questionable and even dangerous amendments that threaten the forward -looking planning completed in 2024. Accepting the amendments devalues the lengthy, challenging process which involved so many people with experience in planning and others who are caring, knowledgeable members of the community. The Big Island has made great steps forward in dealingwith 21 st century challenges. Please do not sabotage the hard work that went into this very promising plan. Sincerely, Susan Dursin From: Dan and Shannon Fisher Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 5:20 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Oppose GP 2045/ Support GP 2026 We have testified in person and through email on several occasions, against the GP 2045 for the following reasons; The plan is vague except for the controversial issues regarding home/land ownership and green space issues that would take away land for farming and homeownership. The GP 2045 heavily talks about no fossil fuels, an unattainable goal here in Hawaii. A lot of the climate crisis issues are nonexistent and invalid. There are no real solutions evident in the GP 45 in regards to building up our farming industry to provide food not only to residents but could be exported. Farming and Hawaiian cultural practices would become rare and potentially non-existent. In support of the 2026 model we see a simpler plan movingforward that addresses some of these issues and may be more sustainable for Hawaii island. The 2026 plan looks supportive of property rights, provides accountability and supports the needs of our residents. In conclusion please oppose the GP 2045 and move the GP 2026 forward. Mahalo, Dan and Shannon Fisher 808-345-4449 From: Adam Frankel Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 10:23-AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support the General Plan 2045 I care about this because Hawai'i Island's dependence on imported fossil fuels keeps my electricity and gas spending high. A General Plan without energy self-sufficiency targets won't change that. Adam S. Frankel, Ph.D. Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium 59-255 Ala Kahua Dr PO Box 6804 Kamuela, HI 96743 www.hmmc.org adam.frankel@me.com 808-209-0362 1 live in the ahupua'a of Kahua Member of: League of Conservation Voters 350.org Union of Concerned Scientists American Association for the Advancement of Science Acoustical Society of America Society for Marine Mammalogy From: CATHERINE GARCIA Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 5:49 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. From: Morgan Gerdel Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 9:05 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 To: counciltestimony(d)hawaiicounty.gov Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Morgan Gerdel. I live in Volcano. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact. 1. I care about this because I support clean transportation /clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet'electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. I have an EV myself and it saves on fuel cost and allow me to charge from my home solar system. 2. 1 care about this because I support HawaiTs transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General. Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. 3. 1 care about this because the 2045 General Plan includes commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness. Removing them leaves the County without measurable goals for protecting communities from the next disaster. 4. 1 care about this because low-income and rural communities on Hawai'i Island pay the highest energy costs and have the least access to infrastructure. The 2045 General Plan's equity provisions direct County investments to the communities that need them most. Stripping those provisions removes the accountability for equitable outcomes. Mahalo, Morgan Gerdel AIA Volcano, HI From: Robert Golden Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 12:15 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony in Support of a Balanced Approach to Hawai'i County General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Robert Golden, Executive Director of Puna Rising'Ohana, a 501(c)(3) organization serving the Puna District. Our work focuses on strengthening local economic resilience, supporting small businesses, and building community -based systems that reduce dependence on external resources. I support the intent of long-range planning reflected in the General Plan 2045, particularly its goals around sustainability, housing, and climate resilience. However, I respectfully offer several considerations to help ensure the plan is both effective and implementable. First, implementation must be grounded in current infrastructure realities. In areas like Puna, we continue to face limited road capacity, lack of sewer systems, and constrained water infrastructure. Policies that encourage increased density or shifts in land use must be aligned with a clear, funded pathway for infrastructure expansion. Without this alignment, the plan risks creating expectations that cannot be met. Second, rural communities are already developing practical, localized solutions that contribute to the very goals outlined in GP 2045. Through initiatives such as community markets, entrepreneurship training, local food production, and cooperative economic models, residents are reducing infrastructure strain while strengthening economic self-sufficiency. These models should be recognized as complementary strategies within the plan, not treated as peripheral. Third, flexibility in land use is essential for rural resilience. Many residents in Puna rely on home -based businesses, small-scale agriculture, and mixed -use activities to sustain their livelihoods. Policies that unintentionally restrict these activities could undermine local economic stability and increase hardship in already vulnerable communities. Fourth, the success of this plan depends on public trust. A plan that is perceived as too top - down or disconnected from lived experience may face resistance, slowing implementation. Continued engagement with community -based organizations and incorporation of Community Development Plans will strengthen both the plan and its acceptance. In closing, I believe Hawaii Island has an opportunity to lead with a balanced approach —one that supports smart, compact development where appropriate, while also investing in and learning from the resilience already present in rural communities. The strongest General Plan will not only articulate a vision for the future, but also build upon what is already working today. Mahalo for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Robert Golden PUNA RISING Robert Golden Executive Director Puna Rising T: (917) 447-3700 E: rgolden46na.gmaii.com PunaRising.com C The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future. 2 From: Bonnie Goodell Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 9.42 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the 2045 General Plan aloha Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz 1 am Bonnie Goodell of Volcano Please pass the 2045 General Plan intact in its final draft form.' Do NOT pass amendments that remove the accountability benchmarks, energy and resilience framework, or the bio-cultural stewardship provisions. Our community members and institutions that have put so much into this will be guided by their own work, this plan. Let us not disrespect their Mana'o. Mahalo, Bonnie Goodell. From: Martin Gour Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 6:22 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Unconstitutional Bills I oppose bill #s GP 2045,147, and support the impeachment of Josh Green, Heather Kimball, Jill Tokuda, Mazie Hirono, and Brian Schatz. Both of these bills infringe, Dictate, and interfere with American Citizens Constitutional Rights. NOT PRIVILEGES! Both Senators of Hawaii have voted against the People by holding American Workers Hostage from their paychecks, while collecting their own. This is unacceptable as our senators, governors, and council members are supposed to work for the people. NOT THEMSELVES, or the Party they represent. Both senators, our congressmen, our governor, and the people who are Supposed to Represent "We The People", have only served their own interests, and Failed, Broken, and are in Contempt of their Sworn Constitutional Oaths to uphold, protect, defend, and follow the Constitution Of America. From a concerned American Citizen. Sent from my iPhone , From: DonnaGrabow Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 11:34 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Please Support General Plan 2026; and Oppose GP2045 To: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov The G.P. 2045 promotes psuedo-environmental laws (using global warming as an excuse) that would limit how owners use their land. The plan has no clear solution of compensation when owners rights are reduced. Unelected planners and departments of Hawaii would gain significant control over land use decisions The plan would act as a long-term "blueprint" guiding zoning, development, and funding decisions, shifting real power toward planning bodies and policy frameworks rather than directly elected representatives —raising concerns about representation and local control. Policies suggest requiring developers (and indirectly property owners) to fund infrastructure, raising concerns about fairness. This plan should be thrown out and the new General Plan 2026 plan put in its place. Submitted by Donna Grabow, Hilo I From: Stephanie Hall -Morin Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 7:37 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Adopt the current GP 2045 - need measured accountability I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject a proposed amendment that seeks to remove quantitative benchmarks and replace these with generalizations that have little or no measurable accountability. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fossil fuels. The General Plan 2045 includes targets that align with the state mandate. Removing these target via the proposed amendment puts the County out of step with state law and out of step with efforts to mitigate the escalating climate crisis. Today, Hawaii is experiencing the adverse effects of extreme weather with damage estimates topping over $2 Billion from the Kona -low events of March 2026. These weather extremes, with help from climate change, are currently being replicated elsewhere around the Pacific rim, with severe floods in Aotearoa New Zealand and northern Australia, and an unprecedented spring heat wave in the southwestern US. A warmer world exacerbates extreme weather events; floods, droughts and heat waves. The General Plan 2045 has a chapter (Chapter 3) devoted to climate change while the proposed amendment fails to even include the words "climate change' or even "climate" except in a brief reference to the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCAR). I respectfully urge Hawaii County to approve Draft 2 of the General Plan 2045 in its present form and vote down the proposed amendment that removes key energy targets, equity benchmarks, and entire sections developed over years of planning commissions' work and broad community involvement. Mahalo for your consideration. Stephanie Hall -Morin t From: Greggory Hammond Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 12:19 PM To: / Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents across Hawai'i Island need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially regarding how we can use and steward our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making, transparency, and accountability. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with an extensive set of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land -use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create unnecessary uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents, farmers, and small land stewards to plan responsibly for the future. A clear land -use policy is essential not only for individual property rights but also for maintaining a stable, thriving local economy and supporting responsible agriculture and housing. When policies become too broad or ambiguous, it places additional strain on both residents and the departments tasked with implementation. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live, work, and invest in this island. The General Plan 2026 represents a balanced, workable approach that aligns with these needs while respecting the community's rights and responsibilities. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a practical and reliable path forward for Hawaii Island. Mahalo for your time, your service, and your continued commitment to our community. Gregg Hammond in Kona From: Cory Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 9:56 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: oppose Comm 372.192 Gen Plan PCPLUED opposition to Communication 372.192 re. General Plan for Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development 1:30 PM Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Hilo chambers Aloha Councilmembers, Councilmember Kierkiewicz is to be commended for her in-depth review of the General Plan. However, I concur with comments from Nancy Pisicchio, Chris Yuen, and Sierra Club, so please vote no on Communication 372.192. Instead, please add to Bill 66, draft 2, with amendments from Na Ala Hele and the Game Management Commission, and vote yes on that. Also please consider adding to the final General Plan, as an appendix or as a link, Ms. Kierkiewici very helpful Communication 372.032, a comparison of all Goals, Policies, Standards, Objectives, and Actions from the 1971, 1989, 2005, and Draft 2045 General Plans. Mahalo, Cory Harden From: christine harker Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 2:13 PM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. We know that most people will never read something that is lengthy and vague. The 2026 is more simple and easier to execut. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Sincerely, From: heyhew Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 1:01 PM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kabealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: SUPPORT THE General Plan 2026 to Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, It is crucial for a General Plan to promote and safeguard the PUBLIC INTEREST and welfare of the County AS A WHOLE. That is why I am writing to you to encourage you to support the 2026 General Plan. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency than the General Plan 2045. The GP 2045 contains obscure and broad policy language that make it significantly more complex. Without clear, straightforward policies and wording, property owners are likely to be shut out of decision -making (as we are currently seeing in tragedy -stricken areas) that directly infringes on their rights, and makes it difficult to plan ahead and protect their investment. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Sincerely, Adrienne Hew March 23, 2026 To County Council Planning Commissioners In FAVOR of General Plan 2026 Jeff Darrow — Planning Director and Kimo Alameda - County Mayor When I first began to read and OBJECT to the GP 2045 I went to the last public meeting in my district in Peepeekeo with perhaps another 30 or so people. 25 I think signed OPPOSITION to it in AUGUST of 2024 — the whole room spoke loudly then. Myself and many others, have been saying the same thing at Planning Commission Meetings, County Council Meetings and in personal meetings with many of you. Everyone I talked to in the process felt they had NO SIGNIFICANT MEANINGFUL SAY about anything in the document that I have come to disdain. Reflect for a moment what would have happened if the signatures represented were listened to before the Planning Commission — it could have and should have in my opinion slowed the roll right then — we'd be having a different conversation, and have spent a lot less valuable time and resource if those signatures represented people who were heard. HOWEVER - Someone listened to what a caring and engaged bunch of individual Citizens were saying 1.5 years ago. A Council Person heard that what we want is a General Plan that is FOR us and BY us! (Crazy huh?). This current document is not perfect, and the PEOPLE need to be involved through the next stage, but it makes a strong effort to serve the interests of our County, is much more concise and clear, and it especially leaves out the United Nations authored input that made up'/4 of the previous document. Can I say that the ETHOS for our County is that its all about the people? Like for real. People bring innovation, pay taxes, pay the wages of its public servants and can solve their own problems and care for each other better than any other body (for sure preferred to ICE and to FEMA!). That is the ETHOS that will serve the amazing people the General Plan is written to serve. I've included as attachments, for your review the document signed 1.5 years ago that I referenced above and another short read (30 minutes) entitled 'Understanding Agenda 2 1 " Which I gave each one of you and which shows that the majority of GP 2045 was authored by an UNELECTED body of people known as the UN — the parts that were authored by the Planning Department or others worked around the construct ethos and outline of environmental policy and STG's — its not by us and for us. Not our worldview. To the UN, The WEF, The Globalists and Technocrats (In the GP2045 these are referred to as STAKEHOLDERS!) If we want your advise, we'll ask you, thanks. Come feed the homeless with us. Mahalo Nui for your support of GP 2026, that we will have a plan OF, BY and FOR the people. The attachment has 25 signatures from your districts that ask you to serve them, call them, represent them. They showed up, it matters. They matter. I know you have a lot of poorly attended meetings, thank you for your service in that capacity and especially thank you for listening intently when they (we) do! Blessings, favor, wisdom and anointing as you serve. Kevin Petition for Hawaii Coun General Plan 2045 Sim Jac 1 do not consent to this general plan t My name is _ ._,__ 2. The plan as it is decreases personal property rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and Process - increases those of the state and 'STAKEHOLDERS' without due process. I do eM consent. 3. Numerous points of the plan violate constitutionally guaranteed rights and I raj illegal and unlawful 4. The general plan must uphold the spirit and the letter of the law of the Constitution For the united States of American and the Bill of Rights and that of Hawaii,infringement tect On rights those rights violates the oaths of office of those entrusted to guard guar 5. I will only agree, to a plan and to language that represent the values and concerns of the peop' of this island. I do not consent to any Global imperatives. 6. In addition the illegal occupation of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the United States of America continues to abrogate the international laws of occupation and the rights of Hawaiian nationa and their claims to the land This plan adds further insult to injury to my Hawaiian fliends. This document is labeled'final draft' and it has been stated that it will go as it is to the Count Council, this means that our testimony, thought politely acknowledged has no influence on t final product. Though available since July in its current form, all testimony in the last 3 months likewise has not had opportunity to impact the final document. The public review period must be extended and our valid and significant concerns addressed; anything les cannot be other than manufactured consent and a breach of the public trust. I do not consent. If you agree with these statements please sign below. NAME: ii�'P in DOMICILE — Where do you live? i ln. E J Gt s�— }L,ar. Fifth Printing! Updates and Additions New Section on Regionalism Ighk Understanding ustainable Development Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Table of Contents: Introduction ............................................ What is Sustainable Development? ......... Historical Development and Origins ....................... The Antithetical Foundations of Liberty and Sustainable Development Implementing Sustainable Development ............... Equity: Using the Law to Restructure Human Nature ........... Economy: The Redistribution of Wealth and the Creation of Public Private Partnerships Environment: Nature Above Man .............................. Educating Youth: Molding the Minds of Tomorrow Understanding Sustainable Development Agenda 21 ......I Introduction 2 2 You may have heard people talking about Sustainable Development — in public meetings, on television and on the radio. Consultants talk about it, university professors 4 lecture on it, and at all levels of government, it is now 6 being mandated. But what is Sustainable Development? 7 That is precisely the question this guide is intended to address. In the following pages, you will read of 8 the origins of Sustainable Development, its theoretical .9 underpinnings, its major programs, and how it is 10 implemented. Stakeholder Councils: Restructuring American Government ........... 11 ICLEI.......................................................................................................... 13 Regionalism............................................................................................... 15 FundingSources........................................................................................ 19 PoliticalSupport........................................................................................ 19 Sustainable Development Land Use Programs ............. 21 The Wildlands Network........................................................................... 21 Smart Growth 23 NAFTA Superhighway Trade Corridor and Toll Road System .......... 25 What You Can Do .......................................................... 26 Six Practical Steps to Restore and Protect Liberty .............................. 27 Freedom Advocates`- P.O. Box 3330 - Freedom, CA 95019 831.684.2232 Fifth Printing (Updated) - 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 Freedom Advocate& Ie a 501(c)(I) public bongo% corporation. your tax deductible contribution is valuable for the coetinuarlon orour work. 0C.111itbt3013. Freedom Advocue&.org When you have finished reading this document, you will have the knowledge necessary to begin identifying the vast array of Sustainable Development programs that exist and continue to arise. Please recognize this document for what it is: a unique opportunity to learn more about Sustainable Development. Then you can make a difference in your town by supporting present and future actions that restore and protect the rights and well-being of you, your family, and your neighbors. More information on the nature and consequences of Sustainable Development is available from Freedom Advocates. http://www.FreedomAdvocates.org Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 What is Sustainable Development? The most common definition of Sustainable Development given by its proponents is a statement found in the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future, released during the 1987 United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development: "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." - Gro Harlem Brundtland Historical Development and Origins Even the term "sustainable" must be defined, since on the surface it appears to be inherently positive. In reality, Sustainable Development has become a "buzz" term that refers to a political agenda, rather than an objectively sustainable form of development. Specifically, it refers to an initiative of the United Nations (U.N.) called Sustainable Development Agenda 21. Sustainable Development Agenda 21 is a comprehensive statement of a political ideology that is being progressively infused into every level of government in America. Known around the world simply as Agenda 21, this initiative is "a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts [sic] on the environment." Agenda 21 was unveiled in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), commonly 1. http://www.un.orgiesaidsd/agenda2l/ - 2 Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21. ....... , ,. "__"." known as the Rio Earth Summit, where more than 178 nations • ,,. adopted Agenda 21, and pledged to evaluate ` progress made in .,., '._.._...- ..,._:.,._.... implementing the - plan every five years ......�,., :,...:. .., °.,N....... thereafter. President George H. W. Bush was the signatory for the ••�•°•-•_"�_°-`�I United States.' Although Congress authorized »'+r the implementation ='-- of Agenda 213(as a soft -law policy ` ^-•� recommendation °-not a treaty - it needs no Image 1, The United Nations uebsne clearly ratification), in 1993, displays Agenda 2/ documents President Bill Clinton established, by Executive Order 12852, the President's Council on Sustainable Development 2. http://www.c-sp=video.org/program/RioEarthSum 3. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) submitted a resolution (H.f. Res. 166) to the I03rd Congress on March 29, 1993 urging the President and Congress to ••assume a strong leadership role in implementing the decisions made at the Earth Summit by developing a national strategy to implement Agenda 21 and other Earth Summit agreements...:' Though that bill stalled in the Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Trade and Environment, its recommendations have been implemented through various actions by the President, and Congress. 4. "Soft law" policy is not binding. This is a common procedure in the U.N.'s policy development strategy. "Soft law" documents are quite often followed by treaties or covenants, which are binding international law; alternately, soft law can find immediate application through local legislation or policy without an internationally binding agreement. _ 3 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 (PCSD) for the purpose of implementing Agenda 21 in the United States. The PCSD operated through 1999, but its actions to promote Sustainable Development have taken root, and now exert an increasing influence across America. International organizations such as the U.N., and its accredited Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs), generally consider Sustainable Development and Agenda 21 to be synonymous. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion and equivocation, Sustainable Development will be the term used throughout this document to refer to both. Agenda 21 will only be used to refer to the actual document from the Rio Earth Summit. At times the political agenda embodied in Sustainable Development is implemented under other names for purposes of political expediency. J. Gary Lawrence, a planner for the City of Seattle and advisor to the President's Council on Sustainable Development said in 1998, "Participating in a U.N. advocated planning process would very likely bring out many... who would actively work to defeat any elected official... undertaking Local Agenda 21. So we will call our process something else, such as "comprehensive planning," 'growth management, " or "smart growth."' The Antithetical Foundations of Liberty and Sustainable Development "Property must be secured, or liberty cannot exist" — John Adams It has long been known that liberty is tied to the institution of private property. The Decalogue codified private property in four words: "Thou shalt not steal." "Private property and freedom are inseparable:" — George Washington 5. Lawrence, J. Gary, The Future of Local Agenda 21 in the New Millennium, The Millennium Papers, UNED-UK, Issue 2, (1998), 3. —q— Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 The institution of private property is understood by those who participate in the American Experiments as its principles are included in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.7 The right to property as outlined in those documents are premised on an owner's determination of its use, provided that such use does not disturb the equal rights of another. "...all Men ... are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." — The Declaration of Independence Which Philosophy of Rights? 6. Soapes, Emily Williams. "The American Experiment: Living with the Constitution." Prologue: Journal of the National Archives 19, no.3 (Fall 1987): 185-189. 7. See also Machan, Tibor, Private Rights & Public Illusions, Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick (1995). — 5 — Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 In contrast to the unalienable rights protected in America's founding documents, the United Nations' Charter and the Declaration of Human Rights are based on a very different idea: rights are granted and rescinded by men. The Sustainable Development political agenda originates in the founding documents of the United Nations. This isn't surprising, since the myriad countries represented in the drafting of Agenda 21 have widely divergent forms of government, and must have a point of agreement (a "least common denominator") to rally around — and the U.N. Charter provides that point. However, for progress to be made in implementing Sustainable Development in the United States, unalienable rights such as the right to property must be eroded, attacked, and struck down altogether.",' Implementing Sustainable Development The authors of Agenda 21 have said it will affect every area of life, grouped according to three objectives: Equity, Economy, and Environment (known commonly as the "3 Es"). By defining these terms vaguely, a litany of abuses have resulted. Furthermore, by rubber-stamping pre -conceived plans, using manipulative "visioning" sessions to garner the appearance of public buy -in, and acquiring grants from sources with questionable motives, the entire process of implementing Sustainable Development policies is suspect. 8. Nullification of the right to the reasonable use of one's property affects by extension the right to private action and the freedom of expression. Shaw, Michael, What is Private Properly? Liberty Garden (2003). 9. Heywood, V.H. (ed.). Global Biodiversily Assessment. United Nations Environment Programme. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1995): 767, 782. This document likewise condemns "inappropriate social structures" (p 763), golf courses (p 970), and the attitudes toward nature found in `Judeo-Christian- Islamic religions" (pp 766, 838). - 6 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Equity: Using the Law to Restructure Human Nature The authors of the Sustainable Development action plan recognized that their environmental and economic objectives, and the corresponding transformation of the American system of equal justice to a system of "social" justice, are radically divergent from the views and objectives of the average person. Therefore, in order to achieve their objectives, they call for a shift in attitudes that can be seen in the educational programs developed by its proponents. This is the premise of Sustainable Development: That individual human wants, needs and desires are to be conformed to the views and dictates of the community (Communitarianism). Harvey Ruvin, Vice Chair of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and Clerk of the Circuit and County Court in Miami -Dade County, Florida has said, "individual rights will have to take a back seat to the collective" in the process of implementing Sustainable Development.1° 10. Pares, Joan, unpublished report, UNCED Rio+10 Summit - Johannesburg, South Africa (2002). - 7 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Economy: The Redistribution of Wealth and the Creation of Public Private Partnerships "...current lifestyles and consumption patterns of the affluent middle class — involving high meat intake, use of fossil fuels, appliances, home and work air conditioning, and suburban housing are not sustainable." — Maurice Strong, Secretary General, U.N. Conference on Environment and Development, 1992. (Also known as the Rio Earth .Summit, where Agenda 21 was unveiled.) According to its preamble, "The developmental and environmental objectives of Agenda 21 will require a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to developing countries." Language throughout Agenda 21 erroneously assumes that life is a zero -sum game (the wealth of the world was made at the expense of the poor, making them even poorer). This critique of economic ills denies the ingenuity of private action, individual determination, and truly free- market innovation, and leads inevitably to the conclusion that if the conditions of the poor are to be improved, wealth must be taken from the rich. Sustainable Development embodies this unjust redistribution of wealth both in theory and in implementation, effectively lowering the standard of living for poor and middle class people. The Draft Covenant on Environment and Development states in Article S: "equity will be achieved through implementation of the international economic order ... and through transfers of resources to developing countries...." In fact, such justification covers up the real transfer of power and resources to the elite cabal that drives world government. In addition to its appeal for the international redistribution of wealth, Sustainable Development is actually restructuring the economy, molding it not on private enterprise but on public private partnerships. Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Public Private Partnerships bring businesses desiring the protection offered by government's legalized force together with government agents that want the power that comes with economic control. The power of economics, and the force of government, must serve as a check and balance on each other; combining the two will ultimately result in tyranny. Free enterprise is lost amid subsidies, incentives, tax -breaks, and insider privilege, and with it goes the notion that the customer is the final determiner of how resources are allocated in production. The Sustainable Development "partnerships" involve some domestic corporations, most multinational, many tax-exempt foundations, select individuals, and collectivist politicians and their administrations. Environment: Nature Above Man Americans support laws and regulations that are designed to effectively prevent pollution of the air, water, or the property of another. Yet, it is increasingly clear that Sustainable Development uses the environment simply as the means to promote a political agenda. For example, Al Gore says that Sustainable Development will bring about "a wrenching transformation" of American society." Sustainable Development is ostensibly concerned with the environment; it is more concerned with restructuring the governmental system of the world's nations so that all the people of the world will be the subjects of a global collective. Many of its proposed implementation strategies require the surrender of unalienable rights. 11. "Minor shifts in policy, marginal adjustments in ongoing programs, moderate improvements in laws and regulations, rhetoric offered in lieu of genuine change — these are all forms of appeasement, designed to satisfy the public's desire to believe that sacrifice, struggle, and a wrenching transformation of society will not be necessary." Gore, At, Earth in the Balance. Plume (1993): 274. Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 This fact alone casts a serious shadow of doubt on the motives of Sustainable Developers who would discard the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property in order to pursue dubious programs." When Sustainable Development is implemented, ordinary people will be left unprotected from de facto decrees placing nature above man, while relegating man to the status of a "biological resource.."" Educating Youth: Molding the Minds of Tomorrow "All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth." — Aristotle To ensure continuing support of their anti -human programs, Sustainable Developers mold the minds of the next generation. Chapter 25 of the U.N. Sustainable Development Agenda 21 calls for the need to "enlist and empower children and youth in reaching for sustainability." Even a cursory look at the federally -mandated curriculum being taught in classrooms would show that the doctrines of Sustainable Development are finding their way into every subject. French classes teach students to "save the earth;" economics classes feature lectures that discourage individual initiative in the marketplace and decry private ownership; history classes obscure the importance of America's founding documents; mandatory "service -learning" programs enlist students to work for government -approved Sustainable Development partner organizations. 12. of. Taylor, Jerry, Sustainable Development: A Dubious Solution in Search of a Problem, Cato Institute (2002). 13. Bureau of Land Management, Internal Working Document for ecosystem management, (March 1994). - 10 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 The list goes on and on. While taxpayers foot the bill for the increasing costs of government education, parents are increasingly shut out of decisions crucial to the molding of their child's mind. Controversial programs designed for "values clarification" are being performed in government schools that employ powerful behavior control techniques and peer pressure to make a developing child question his or her individual worth and values, and are designed to disrupt parental oversight in the upbringing of their children." Stakeholder Councils: Restructuring American Government 9 believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations." —James Madison The way that Sustainable Development is carried out in local communities around the world is particularly alarming, especially to those who seek accountability in government. Operating within a system of stakeholder councils, organized to give third parties a "stake" in the control over property in neighborhoods, proponents of Sustainable Development systematically promote their own ideas and marginalize any local opposition, particularly those individuals who advocate the freedom to use and enjoy private property. The product of a stakeholder council, often called a "consensus statement" or a "vision statement," is typically approved by local governments without question, requiring citizens to submit to the predetermined conclusions of a non -elected regional authority that is not accountable to the voters. 14. http://www.freedomadvocates.org/articles/education_ transformation/ spins _high_school_%22erosses_the_line%22_with-secret_behavior_control_ exercise 200609273211 _ i1 Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Stakeholder council meetings are typically arranged under the auspices of soliciting input from community members on a project. This project may be initiated by local public officials, local, regional or national non-profit organizations, NGOs, and/or public private partners." Anyone from your next -door neighbor to someone from another town initially promotes the "visioning" plan or process. Realize that these smiling faces are not working in your best interest. They are typically connected politically or through their careers to a group working with an agenda. A typical stakeholder council meeting is run by a trained facilitator.'" It is not the facilitator's job to make sure that all views are entered into the record. His job instead, is to guide the group to arrive at a consensus on the project. The consensus process uses the Delphi Technique and has no mechanists for recording minority views. Since he is being paid by the organization responsible for the project, it is in his interest to arrive at a consensus sympathetic to the desired outcome of the project. Tactics vary between the facilitators, but consensus generally is reached by using subtle means to marginalize opposition, such as recording only the "good" ideas, and allowing criticism only for the "bad" ideas." A Sustainable Development stakeholder meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, was adjourned with a frank admission by the paid facilitator that they had not reached the consensus that he needed to support the predetermined plans." 15. Recall that civil society actors and many Non -Governmental Organizations are accredited by the U.N., making them international, or multinational in their political purpose. In this sense, they might be more appropriately called "Global Governance Organizations." 16. Professional facilitators are frequently paid thousands of dollars for only a few hours of work. 17. Eakman, B.K. How to Counter Group Manipulation Tactics: The Techniques of Unethical Consensus -Building Unmasked. Midnight Whistler Publishers, Raleigh, N.C., 2011. 18. Dill, Bob, Land Use Leaders Declare Defeat; Wrong Consensus Reached, Meetings Cancelled, Times -Examiner, Greenville, South Carolina. Steven Lips, the meeting organizer, announced that "the consensus is that we don't have enough people to make change. As far as I am concerned, our meeting is done." I'm Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 1.1 n 1. DELPp� TECOgIpr �� � v�`ll� FACLLI TT' I 1f' i r � Why all the effort to gain support for programs few citizens want? The answer to this question lies in the origin of each specific project. Sustainable Development projects are often initiated at the directive of NGOs or non-profit organizations that have — or create — fear over problems that are portrayed as a crisis: development near a riparian corridor, poor water management infrastructure, or too many cars on the freeway are common examples. ICLEI Once a problem has been identified, every NGO, non-profit, and local government body has a vast stock of Sustainable Development solutions at hand, provided by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). Indeed, ICLEI has a veritable treasure trove of boilerplate solutions for change agents, enabling them to "identify" problems with the goal of implementing predetermined outcomes that advance Sustainable Development policies.19 19. of. Taylor, Jerry, op cit. aJR� Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability is directing policies that cause: • stack 'am and pack 'am surveilled housing • traffic congestion • inaccessible open space • managed control over our lives • mismanagement of water supplies • prohibition on natural resource management that leads to increased fire hazards and private property restrictions Image 1: ICLEI, aka The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ICLEI was launched in 1990 at the World Congress of Local Governments for a Sustainable Future. ICLEI is headquartered in Bonn, Germany and has offices around the globe, including a U.S. office in Oakland, California. Its stated mission is to provide policy recommendations to assist local governments in the implementation of Sustainable Development. ICLEI was instrumental in the development of Agenda 21, having drafted Chapter 28 in 1991 in preparation for the 1992 Earth Summit. ICLEI reaffirmed its dedication to the U.N. 2002 Earth Summit mandate: "Local Action 21 strategies will ensure the unwavering, systematic implementation of local action plans over the next decade."ra Essentially, Sustainable Development claims knowledge of all sustainability issues and has stock solutions that can be applied in Stockholm, Boulder, Santa Cruz — indeed, anywhere. Around the world, ICLEI is responsible for communicating with 20. Otto -Zimmerman, Konrad, Local Action 21: Motto, Mandate, Movement, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, Toronto (2003): 2. See [CLEI's website for more information: http://www.iclei.org. — 14 — Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 local special interests to translate international policy objectives into local and regional legislation." Every county in America now has Sustainable Development directives guided by federal agencies, NGOs and/or ICLEI. The number of communities with citizens working to remove ICLEI is expanding as people begin to tie the links between ICLEI and Sustainable Development." Regionalism, The political structure of America has been transformed. This has occurred quietly over the last 50 years without public awareness of the mechanisms underlying the change. Today, the effect of a communitarian philosophic approach to government dominates public expectations and legislative agendas. Gone are the days when government was limited, where individuals were politically acknowledged to possess unalienable rights, and where money was honest. At the core of this transformation is the political process of "regionalizing" the country. Political regionalists is the antithesis of representative government. Regionalism restructures or reinvents the operation of government. Regionalism is the "blueprint" for your serfdom. It has infiltrated cities and counties everywhere, affecting transportation, water, farming and land use systems... literally every aspect of your life. Regionalism is being used to destroy traditional political boundaries, such as county lines. Regionalism ushers in a transformed system of 21. Note that ICLEI's objectives presuppose the notion that the goal of improving the conditions of the world can only be achieved through legislation, denigrating the intelligence and ingenuity of individuals in facing their particular circumstances, and placing them under the increasing oversight of government planners. 22. http://www.freedomadvocates.org/articles/illegitimate_government/iclei_ primer%3a_your_town_and_ freedom_ threatened_20090804364/ 23. From Michael Shaw's lecture series (Part 1) "The Ultimate War: Globalism vs. America," available at: http://wwwYmedoniAdvocates.org. — 15 — Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 governance that ultimately abolishes private property. Let's take a look at an excerpt from the United Nations' Agenda 21 document concerning transportation planning: Earth Summit -Agenda 21: The United Nations Programme of Action Chapter 7 - Human Settlements Section 7.52: Promoting... urban transport systems... should be a comprehensive approach to urban -transport planning and management. To this end, all countries should: ...encourage development patterns that reduce transport demand Adopt urban -transport programmes favouring high - occupancy public transport... Encourage non -motorized modes oftransport by providing safe cyclemys and footways in urban and suburban centres... Towns across the country are adopting these transport systems. This is because these systems are imposed upon locales by a regional level of government largely unknown and when known, underestimated. Regionalism might sound benign, but the consequences must be understood by freedom loving people or liberty will be trampled. Citizens must know about the following regional planning and development agencies: • Council of Governments (COG) • Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Council of Governments (COG) COGS are region -wide associations of local governments - regional bodies, typically defined to serve an area of several counties to - 16 - Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 address issues such as regional and municipal planning, economic and community development, cartography and Government Information Systems (GIS), hazard mitigation and emergency planning, aging services, water use, pollution control, transit administration, and transportation planning. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) MPOs are federally mandated and, like COGS, are the instruments for restructuring American government. They are setting up an infrastructure for a new economic system based on public private partnership to replace free enterprise. COGS and MPOs are federalized organizations that break down America's constitutionally formulated government structure. Their purpose is to control and direct local government from behind the scenes. Today, they propel the federal injection of the globalist agenda into local government policy and thereby negate the protections afforded by our constitutional system of government. In the words of Charlotte Iserbyt, former Department of Education official and author of The Deliberate Dual Down of America, "Regionalism is Communism.14 Regionalism promotes soviet style councils that develop policy that is then rubber-stamped by elected officials, with no meaningful public oversight. It is an extra level of government that operates outside the provisions of the Constitution, thus advancing globalist objectives whilst insulating most elected officials. 24. Iserbyt, Charlotte. "Regionalism is Communism." NewsWilhViews.com, February 4, 2004, http://www.newswithviewe.com/iserbyt/iserbytl3.htm. — 17 — Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 In short, regionalism works to advance the globalist goals of political restructure: • To implement a step-by-step approach to the abolition of private property; • To promote the relocation of people from rual areas to Smart Growth urban centers; • To conscript public private partners and mandate community volunteerism. Consequently, government no longer operates the way traditional eighth grade textbooks explained it. Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Funding Sources The list of money sources for the implementation of Sustainable Development is impressive. American taxes fund the federal agencies' present focus: implementing Sustainable Development. Thousands of NGOs are accredited by the United Nations for the purpose of implementing Sustainable Development in America, and are given massive tax advantages. Some of these NGOs are the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, the American Planning Association, the National Teachers Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. After government and non-profit funding schemes, the third "leg" of the Sustainable Development financial insiders is a group of tax- exempt foundations. These include the Rockefeller Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts, the Turner Foundation, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the McArthur Foundation, Community Foundations, and many more. Political Support When President George H. W. Bush signed the Rio Accords at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, he pledged the United States government's support for Agenda 21. A year later, when President Bill Clinton created the President's Council on Sustainable Development by Executive Order 12852, he laid the foundation for a proliferation of federal agencies and local "stakeholder" councils that would set out to reinvent government. The same trend continues through both Republican and Democratic leadership, including Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 As Sustainable Development policies permeate every county in America, it has become apparent that the conflict is not a dynamic of Republican vs. Democrat, liberal vs. conservative, or left vs. right. In fact, the implementation of Sustainable Development is occurring on a bi-partisan basis. THE CONTEMPORARY DIALECTIC BRINGING A GLOBAL GREEN CARTEL TO AMERICA COLLECTIVIST ONE WORLD �, LEFT yG'PyG� �F�r��c COLLECTIVIST ONE WORLD RIGHT 2,�vr QP�' • I Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Sustainable Development Land Use Programs Sustainable Development is a plan for global control including the restriction of land use and resource extraction. The land use element of Sustainable Development calls for the implementation of two action plans designed to abolish private property: the Wildlands Network and Smart Growth. Upon final implementation of these plans all human action is subject to control. Since all things ultimately come from natural resources on rural lands, the transfer of the landscape from private control to government control will make it easy for government and its partners — NGOs, foundations, businesses, and corporations — to control what we have, what we do, and where we go. The transformation of free societies into collectivized societies through Sustainable Development ensures the dominance of a ruling elite which, by definition, excludes all but a very select few. The Wildlands Network The Wildlands Network (aka Wildlands Project) is the plan to eliminate human presence on "at least" 50 percent of the American landscape,26 and to heavily control human activity on most of the rest of American land. Examples of the piece -by -piece implementation of the Wildlands Network include road closures, the policy of breaching dams and the adoption of United Nations World Heritage Sites — which 25, Reed Noss, who made this assertion in 1992, reiterated his commitment in a recent interview: "Fifty percent is an estimate I made years ago of the proportion of an average region that would need to be managed for conservation in order to meet well -accepted conservation goals ... [It] turns out I was pretty much on the mark..." (Range Magazine, Fall 2003, p42). Noss has been the Science Editor for Wild Earth, the quarterly publication of the Wildlands Project. 21 Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Simulated Reserve and Corridor System to Protect Biodiversity As Required by the UN Convention on Biological Divanity, Wildlantls Project, UN and US Man and Blospbere Programs and world Heritage Program as a Vital Stop In Attaining Sustainable Development Core Reaarvaa 8 Car" don .t -' Little to no human use ,v Buffer Zones -Highly Regulated UaeE' Normal Use Border 311La Paz Sidebar Mgnemmu Indian Reservations of NAFTA-200 Mile Wide International Military Reservations Zone of cooperation 0 Smart Growth -Human Settlements Taken From: TM1e inibtl Nzz.3: Conventionon Bido9itheDiveraly.Adide Ba-e:S Holia,Cor Globalo,nurenily beeaem Pboc- 19.a]3.]:9. Man one Somthe e, HighSundCo Plan,eloor V.-26 Jcvnam Prog 98r1w, and tWidl ntle Borden 2t; Ngdeur of 1992 Mm tie high percentage ge o LOL of fer sin&vnwey; e5 June, 1995, p9 very high T1 antlostgeofedral lanro OTEFDoTM1e veryhigh apfienteleoftefpozoneIn the Weal le We to Ib verY a19M1 percemepe of Federal lane NOTE:Oo net use IM1b mapbr119 eeUb Wvotea. eopyngnt 199], EnNmnmenlal Gerepectiwe. no. (re])9a9.Do's Image 3:: Prepared by Dr. Michael Coffman, Environmental Perspectives, Inc. are systematically being restricted and closed to use. "Conservation biologists now agree that protecting isolated pockets of habitat isn't enough to protect our bears, jaguars, beavers, birds and other wildlife — the only way to protect them is to practice conservation on a continental scale," announced Wildlands Project Executive Director, Leanne Klyza Linck, at the Society of Environmental Journalists Conference on September 12, 2003. The most significant tools of the Wildlands Network is the rapidly expanding imposition of habitat "protection' provisions under the -22_ Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21. Endangered Species Act, the adoption of "conservation easements" and direct land acquisitions from battered "willing sellers." The Wildlands Network seeks to collectivize all natural resources (e.g., water) and centralize all use decisions under bureaucratic direction, often implemented through public private partnerships. Smart Growth The rural land use plan embodied in the Wildlands Network is inextricably tied to its urban counterpart, Smart Growth. As human beings are barred from rural land, there will be a concentration of human activity in urban areas. Through Smart Growth, the infrastructure is being created for a post -private property era in which human action is subject to centralized government control. With the combined implementation of Smart Growth and the Wildlands Network, humans will be herded into urban centers and the animals will run free. Sometimes called "comprehensive planning," "growth management,"'" "New Urbanism," or "Sustainable Communities," Smart Growth is the centralized control of every aspect of urban life: energy and water use, housing stock and allocation, population levels and control, public health and dietary regimens, resources and recycling, "social justice" and education, toxic technology and waste management, transportation modes and mobility restrictions, business and economic activity including capping and trading energy. Smart Growth policies include: • Transportation plans that reduce freedom of mobility, forcing people to live near where they work, and transforming communities into heavily -regulated but "self-sufficient" feudalistic "transit villages." 26. `....we call our [U.N. advocated planning) processes something else, such as comprehensive planning, growth management, or smart growth." Lawrence, J. Gary, DIP cit. -23 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 • Programs to herd citizens into tax -subsidized, government controlled, mixed -use developments" called "human settlements." These settlements are sometimes distinguished from one another by how productive or useful the citizens are for society.2' Heavy restrictions on development in most areas and the promotion of extremely dense development, constructed and managed by government "partners" in other selected areas, typically focused on transit hubs. Rations on public services, such as health care, drinking water" and energy resources (and sources). A typical day in the Orwellian society created by Smart Growth would consist of an individual waking up in her government - provided housing unit, eating a ration of government -subsidized foods purchased at a government -sanctioned grocery store, walking her children (if she has any) to the government -run child care center, boarding government -subsidized public transit to go to her government job, then returning to her quarters later that evening. 27. The lure of paying as little as $150 per year in taxes on properties valued at $1.5 million has led to high occupancy in some developments in Portland, Oregon, for example. 28, The Smart Growth plan for Richland County, South Carolina, for example, distinguishes between `employment -based villages," and "non - employment -based villages," with special gated communities set aside for the wealthy individuals responsible for the plan. Most of the "non -employment - based villages" are slated to be built in areas currently populated by the descendants of liberated slaves. 29. Reasonable access to water in urban areas is defined as "the availability of 20 litres per capita per day at a distance no longer than 1,000 metres." Global Water Supply and Assessment Report 2000. SZ! Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 NAFTA Superhighway Trade Corridor and Toll Road System Terri Hall, founder of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TexasTURF.org) prepared the following in her article:"' Some have tried to convince the public that the Trans -Texas Corridor and NAFTA Superhighways are dead, never existed or are even a myth. Yet, Congress recently passed a new, two-year federal highway bill called Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21" Century (MAP-21) that not only gives priority funding to these "high priority" trade corridors, but also makes it easier to hand them over to private multi- national corporations using controversial public private partnership contract arrangements that promote and enhance the tolling of America at the taxpayer's expense. Now three intercontinental U.S. corridors are planned by the federal government, as illustrated by this map. 2012 House -Senate Transportation Conference MAP-21 NAFTA TRADE CORRIDORS � � „ CPNMIE% aa�.m.n•w ■ ncevi.as ■ i 30. Hall, Terri. "MAP-21: Congress-Obama expand NAFTA Superhighway Trade Corridor and Toll Road System;' July 17, 2012, http://216.235.200.227/ page.aspx7pid=668. —25 — Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 What You Can Do "Once again a majority of this court has proved that if enough people get together and act in concert, they can take something and not pay for it.... But theft is still theft. Theft is theft even when the government approves of the thievery.... Turning a democracy into a kleptocracy does not enhance the stature of the thieves; it only diminishes the legitimacy of the government." - Justice Janice Brown, dissenting opinion, .San Remo Hotel v. City and County of San Francisco" Sustainable Development is restructuring our lives and is targeting our children through an educational regime that seeks to develop collectivist attitudes, values and beliefs. Sustainable Development documents call for the abolishment of private property" and the freedom that private property supports. It supplants long-standing state laws and causes irreparable harm to our economy and our society. If individual members of our society do nothing, the continuing loss of liberty will result in increasing social confusion and discord, rising resource shortages, financial decay and a dimming future for us and our posterity. The looming battle of ideas should be recognized as a classic - and perhaps ultimate - battle between Liberty and Tyranny. The social, economic, and political transformations Sustainable Development requires will mean the suppression of unalienable rights for all people" 31. No. S091757., SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA, 27 Cal. 4th 643; 41 P.3d 87, March 8, 2002. 32. Heywood, V.H. (ad.). op sit. 33. For a more comprehensive discussion of this topic, see the Freedom 21 Alternative to the U.N.'s Agenda 21 Program for Sustainable Development. http://www.freedom2l.org/un-alternativc.htm -26- Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 If Americans, with your help, come to a timely understanding of the threat and face the challenge squarely, the deceptive fraud of Sustainable Development will quickly come to light. Together, we will rise to restore Liberty through a renewal of reason and respect for the dignity of individual determination. The future of the freedom once taken for granted in America depends on us recognizing and countering the threats of Sustainable Development. Six Practical Steps to Restore and Protect Liberty 1. Recognize and resist the trend to replace political boundaries with "regional governance." Recognize that this form of government leads to a breakdown of accountability to the citizenry. Know, expose and withdraw from your local Council of Governments (COG). Can the COG! 2. Refuse local government receipt of federal or state money for new Sustainable Development programs because they breach the American system of federalism and raid the treasury. Withdraw from established Sustainable Development programs. 3. Avoid local government partnerships with the federal government, NGOs, foundations and corporations that advance the anti -liberty Sustainable Development agenda. Do not surrender your town or county to the insider privilege of Sustainable Developers and their monied interests. 4. Understand and enforce the role of public officials in your community to administer government in a manner that protects individual liberty and ensures equal justice. 5. Know and understand the Constitution, to which elected officials swore an oath with particular attention to Article 1, Section 8, the 91h and 101h Amendments, which address the limitations on federal power, and the 141h Amendment, which limits the states' police power. 6. Kick ICLEI out of your town and the regional COG organization. Neutralize all ICLEI infected law or "policy." Learn about your state's Misprision of Treason statute. Seethe ICLEI Primer and FAQs at: www.FreedomAdvocales.org. Visit the website for more information. - 27 - Understanding Sustainable Development — Agenda 21 Freedom Advocates Store Pamphlets: Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 - Sunalaabl< You may have heard people talking about Sustainable Development - on,,, Amen! in public meetings, on television and on the radio. Consultants talk -AGaane 21- about it, university profession lecture on it, and government entities are -- increasingly implementing it. But what is Sustainable Development? That is precisely the question this pamphlet is intended to address. Bulk Pricing: I - 100 copies $4.00 each )01 - 1000 copies $3.00 each 1001,copies Cell: 831.684.2232 - Sustainable Development: Sustaiaall Global to Local Action Plans PPVelOf/l l,ntSdo:'- Thistherough expose is the third in aseries of Freedom Advocates Global to Local pamphlemIt provides an analysis of how sustainable policy invades and Action Plans directs your county through its global to local action plan. Thebooklet rs designed to provide information that you and others need in order to preserve liberty at the local level. 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Please and on: __ Understanding Sustainable Development - Agenda 21 Sustainable Development: Global to Local Action Plans War on Reason Audio CD sets UNsustainable Cartoons America's Choice DVDa Total Items Total Price with Shipping Name: Address: City: __ ______-_---_--__ State:_____ Zrp._--______ Phone: -- Email: Enclosed is my check or money order for $ Please make checks payable m: Freedom Advocates- . P.O. Box 3330 Freedom, CA 95019 831.684.2232 831.685.1472 (Fax) www.FreedomAdvocates.org From: chris hi Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:13 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Please be prepared for the Iran war energy shock and fertilizer shortages. Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. It was modeled after the older General Plans that were written by the people of Hawaii, for the people of Hawaii. On the other hand General Plan 2045 shows the influence of the UN Agenda 2030. The UN is partnered with the World Economic Forum. Their highbrow sustainable goals are not practical for our survival especially in light of the Iran war. In the older times Hawaii was more self-sufficient. Right now Hawaii imports 85%to 90% of its food. In addition the food is transported over 2,000 miles. That is not sustainable in an Iran war energy shock and fertilizer shortages that are just starting. We need a plan that says "GROW FOOD" even more so than the older plans. I think we should have lots of fruit trees in public places. In Vietnam there are fruit trees in the median strip of streets. Brave Al, "The ongoing Iran war has triggered a severe global energy and food crisis, with far-reaching economic consequences. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz —a critical maritime chokepoint—has disrupted the flow of 27% of global oil exports, 20% of global LNG, and 20-30% of global fertilizer exports, leading to a historic supply shock." Brave Al, "Petrochemical fertilizers play a critical role in supporting the global population by significantly increasing crop yields. ... SYNTHETIC FERTILIZERS CURRENTLY SUPPORT APPROXIMATELY HALF OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION..." Thank you for reading my email. Please keep the mantra of "GROW FOOD" in mind. Mahalo, Chris Hirose From: fred hofer Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 8:06 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: New general plan 2026 much betted than proposed general plan 2045. I, Fred Hofer, strongly support the "new general plan 2026" and equally strongly oppose that other "general plan 2045, which violates the constitution, goes contrary to common sense. Decency and civil & property rights Here some of my reasons: with that "general plan 2045"; * Property rights can be restricted without clear compensation * The plan promotes environmental and cultural land protections that can limit how owners use or develop their land, yet concerns have been raised about "no clear compensatory mechanism" when rights are reduced —raising Fifth Amendment takings issues. * Unelected planners gain significant control over land use decisions * The plan acts as a long-term "blueprint" guiding zoning, development, and funding decisions, shifting real power toward planning bodies and policy frameworks rather than directly elected representatives — raising concerns about representation and local control. Broad, vague language allows expansive government interpretation * Critics note the plan uses terms that are not clearly defined, which can lead to subjective enforcement and expanding regulatory control —potentially violating due process protections. Future laws, zoning, and funding will be tied to this plan * The plan explicitly requires implementation through zoning changes, ordinances, and budget decisions, meaning it becomes the foundation for future regulations that can directly impact homeowners, propertyvalues, and land use rights. * Development approvals may be conditioned on costly requirements * Policies suggest requiring developers (and indirectly property owners) to fund infrastructure (roads, wastewater, etc.) as a condition of approval, which can act as a financial burden or barrier to property use —raising concerns about fairness and equal protection. Therefore: *this plan should be thrown out and the new General Plan 2026 plan put in its place! It's not perfect but it's 1000'x time better! Thankyou foryour consideration From: Ken Honma Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 8:14 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Protect Local Property Rights Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Protect Local Property Rights Dear Hawaii County Council members, Council person Ashley Kierkiewicz has created General Plan 2026 and followed the will of the majority of the people, wlio, testified against General Plan 2045. The mandate and the will of the people is clear and General Plan 2026 must be implemented by the County Council. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. General Plan 2026 stripped out the illegal and insidious WEF and United Nations language thatwould have given control of Hawaii County land use to outside, foreign institutions. These foreign ideologies would have controlled the priorities within Hawaii County through new zoning and codes; leaving; little recourse for the inhabitants of Hawaii County. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for acting on behalf of the Inhabitants of Hawaii County. Ken Honma Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 1:02 PM To: James Hoover Cc: Council Testimony Subject: RE: Testimony to Reject Bill Amendments From: James Hoover Sent: Monday, April 6, 202611:58 AM To: Council Remote Testimony<councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov> Subject: Testimony to Reject Bill Amendments Aloha Councilmembers, My name is Cody Hoover (but I go by middle name James), and I live in Hilo, in Jenn Kagiwada's 2nd district. Tomorrow you will be considering General Plan 2045 as well as Councilmember Kierkiewicz's shortened 2026 proposed amendment. I strongly urge you to reject the 2026 71-page replacement submitted by Councilmember Kierkiewicz that has had no public input process and therefore lacks legitimacy. It removes climate change, population projections, Natural Beauty Sites, and detailed land use guidance entirely. It has no land use maps which are essential for effective planning. I am very concerned that the 2026 Plan removes the 2045 Plan's extensive discussion of sea level rise and more intense storms. The 2026 proposal doesn't make the general plan more actionable— it makes it less useful as a planning tool and effectively guts the decade of public input that shaped the 2045 document. Please accept the 2045 Plan, which does a lot of important things related to biocultural stewardship, climate change and climate health, and sustainable development of resilient communities. From: Judy Howard Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:42 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Kimball, Heather Subject: Bill 66, Planning, Land Use and Economic Development, April 7, 2026 1:30 p.m. Aloha. I read with alarm Chris Yuen's opinion piece in the West Hawaii Today. I am appalled that the council would even consider bypassing the efforts of so many citizens and the experts employed or consulted by the county in coming up with the draft 2045 Plan. For all the reasons stated in Yuen's article, and the following, I strongly oppose adoption of "Plan" 2026 and urge the council to either approve Bill 66 as is, or follow appropriate procedures to amend it. 1. The 2026 "Plan" would allocate far too much discretion to the council. Council members come and go, and are generalists. They may see a portion of the elephant, but they do not perceive the entire creature. The taxpayers pay the salaries of planners who are educated and trained to consider the big picture, and who are also far more insulated from political pressure than council members. 2. The 2026 "Plan" invites corruption, because it places too much land use decision making authority in the hands of politicians (you). 3. The 2026 "Plan" would not serve economic development, which is apparently part of this committee's brief, because only the most foolhardy investors would commit resources to projects that could be approved or denied on the whim of the council. 4. This could go on for much longer, but I am a private citizen with a living to earn. In closing, I question whether the proposed 2026 "Plan" is even legal? I am certain that there are non- profits who would be more than happy to test that issue in court. Mahalo, Judy S. Howard 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Ste D-104 Kamuela, HI 96743 (808)885-5588 i From: DJ P-Love Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:44 AM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather, Kierkiewia, Ashley; Hustace, James; Inaba, Holeka; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. The concern in our communities is rising, the threat of losing our ability to secure future housing and freedom to plan our lives is at risk! Please please pay attention and be mindful of the peopte, not just words on paper or those who may be pressuring different outcomes. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goats and broad policy language that may Lead to less predictable outcomes in future Land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan forthe future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. MahaLo foryour time and service. Pamela Huggins, Publisher HIRBD - Hawaii Island Regional Business Directories 808-895-8769 pamela(ohirbd.com http://hirbd.com/ From: kanaloaleohano Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 10:53 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Oppose GP 2045 / Support GP 2026 This letter is to request that YOU, you member of the County Council, Oppose "GP 2045" and Support "GP 2026". It is impossible to imagine why the County Council is still talking about trying to implement the globalist, imprecise, thieving, "2045" proposed plan, despite heavy opposition from akamai, informed, non-communist Hawaiians, Keppani, Pake, Haole, Portagee, Pillipino and all other loving people here -- unless heavy-duty money rewards and / or threats have been promised to Council members by shadowy unknown entities. HAVE A SECRET VOTE but get rid of 2045 and implement the plan referred to as 2026 — keep Aloha in our County, allow people to keep their own land, and firmly shove the globalists and communists back where they came from. Mahalo From: Amara Karuna Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 7:02 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Please disregard the General Plan 2045 and adopt the General Plan 2026 Plan Aloha, Please disregard the General Plan 2045 and adopt the General Plan 2026 Plan instead. The General Plan is not just a vision document —it directly guides future zoning, regulations, and development decisions across the island. The 2045 Plan is an extensive, long-term framework that introduces broad policies tied to land use, infrastructure, and development over the next 25 years. It contains vague language, unclear definitions, and policies that could significantly expand regulatory control without clear limits or accountability. In contrast, the 2026 Plan offers an opportunity to move forward with a framework that is more clear, focused, and aligned with protecting local residents, property owners, and practical implementation. The County should prioritize a plan that: • Is clear and easy to understand • Protects local property rights and uses • Provides accountability and measurable outcomes • Reflects the needs of residents —not just long-term policy goals For these reasons, I strongly encourage the Council to move forward with the 2026 General Plan and set aside the 2045 version. Mahalo for your consideration. Amara Karuna, Pahoa, HI From: Rebecca Kauwe Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 4:46 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive;josh.green@hawaiicounty.gov; brentonawa@gmail.com Subject: Subject: Request for Further Investigation and Temporary Pause on Development -for- Profit Neutral Position —Request for Further Investigation & Pause on Development -for -Profit Including Notice of Public Publicization Aloha Chair, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, and Department of Planning Leadership, Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony. I am writing today neither in support of nor in opposition to the General Plan. Instead, I respectfully request that your respective bodies initiate further investigation into the conflicting legal frameworks that exist across state, county, and federal systems, including the conflict created by federal dual sovereignty, and consider a temporary pause on approving new development -for -profit projects and major investments until these conflicts are properly reviewed and understood. I also wish to inform you that I will be publicly sharing and publicizing this testimony so that the broader community may understand the legal, historical, and safety concerns that affect all residents of Hawai'i. Transparency is essential, and public awareness is a necessary part of responsible governance. My purpose in submitting this testimony is to bring these legal conflicts into public view so that the County may make informed decisions grounded in clarity, accuracy, and long-term responsibility. 1. Maui Fires and Recent Floods Demonstrate the Consequences of Unclear Responsibilities The devastation on Maui and the recent floods across Hawai'i Island and Maui revealed significant gaps in coordination, preparedness, and land -use responsibility. These events showed what happens when: • ' land management responsibilities are unclear • emergency planning is inconsistent development outpaces understanding • government systems do not align Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and communities displaced. These tragedies demonstrate that Hawai'i cannot afford decisions made without full clarity and accountability. 2. Federal Dual Sovereignty Creates a Direct Legal Conflict Federal law acknowledges one legal reality, while State and County practice operate under another. Through the U.S. Apology Resolution (Public Law 103-150), the United States admits that: the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was illegal the United States participated in it Native Hawaiians never relinquished their claims to sovereignty or national lands This acknowledgment establishes a federal recognition of the continued existence of Hawaiian national rights, creating a dual -sovereignty conflict with State and County assumptions of exclusive jurisdiction. This contradiction affects every land -use decision made today. 3. No Treaty of Annexation Exists The U.S. Congressional Record confirms that the Senate never ratified a treaty of annexation for Hawai'i. Ajoint resolution cannot annex a sovereign nation under international law. This creates unresolved questions regarding: • land title • jurisdiction • planning authority development approvals These contradictions must be addressed before further development -for -profit proceeds. 4. Hawaiian Kingdom Law Recognized National Lands That Were Never Lawfully Ceded Under Hawaiian Kingdom statutes: • Crown Lands and Government Lands were national lands held intrust for the Hawaiian people • Kuleana and Konohiki lands were protected bylaw These lands were never transferred by treaty. Their legal status remains unresolved. This is not only a legal issue; it is a cultural, historical, and generational issue that affects all residents of Hawai'i. 5. A Temporary Pause on Development -for -Profit Is Necessary Until these legal conflicts —including federal dual sovereignty —are fully investigated and understood, I respectfully request a temporary pause on approving new development -for -profit projects and major investments. This pause is not intended to halt progress. It is intended to prevent harm. It is also a safeguard against significant financial risk. The Honolulu rail project demonstrated how unresolved legal and planning issues can escalate into millions of dollars in unexpected costs. A pause now can prevent similar burdens on Hawaii Island taxpayers and residents. 6. Request for Action I respectfully ask that the County Council, Planning Commission, and Department of Planning: 1. Initiate a formal investigation into the conflicting legal frameworks at the state, county, and federal levels, including the conflict of federal dual sovereignty. 2. Bring these issues into public view so that the people of Hawaii can understand the legal foundation of the lands being developed. 3. Ensure that future decisions are grounded in clarity, accuracy, and responsibility. 4. Consider the lessons of the Maui fires and recent floods as evidence of why Hawaii cannot afford further risk. Mahalo for your time, service, and thoughtful consideration of this request. I submitthis testimony with respect for our communities, our `aina, and the generations who will inherit the decisions made today. As noted above, I will be publicly sharingthis testimony to support transparency and community awareness. Sincerely, Rebecca Kauwe Kailua Kona, Hawaii 03 1T;. r • :n. . r Phone: (808) 491-3592 F Greetings County Council members, This is in support of the proposed Plan 2026 and in opposition to the General Plan 2045. For reference, I live in Ainaloa and a have a small orchard in Hawaiian Acres. Giving significant credit for this massive undertaking, the 2026 plan compiled by chair Kierkiewicz appears to be a locally informed, manageable document consistent with prior plans and community feedback. The planning department has not reported on much simpler plans for over a decade nor is there rationale provided for the divergence from prior plan models. The absence of progress reporting based on the comparatively simpler goals and objectives of past plans creates a further concern for the 20 year GP 2045. The feedback collection from 2015-2020 community meetings and charrettes is not consistent with many of the 2045 plan objectives and is inaccurately being cited as justification for many the proposed changes. Much of the solicited feedback was given via specific choice selections and the captured commentary did not request things like zoning redesignations, electric vehicle mandates or increased density centers. With regard to much discussed re -designation of certain extensive agriculture land to natural land: The definition of natural in the 2045 plan relies on topographical description of land and does not consistently correlate to the areas proposed for re -designation It appears that the adjustment is boundaried by specific associations and areas with the same topography adjacent to the'natural' areas are not being redesignated. For example- Tiki Gardens but not Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres but not Orchidland, Fern Forest but not Fern Acres etc. s there are no answers to questions related to impact (value, future land use, loan and grant eligibility etc.) 3 supporting extensive ag land owners in enhancing growing opportunities and land improvement for food production is beneficial for the community and consistent with food security initiatives The fiduciary responsibility of the council obligates its action to be in the best interest of the men, women and children living here. Committing the county for the next 20 years to an unwieldy, opaque and massively confusing plan- largely generated by a consultant absent from public engagement - conflicts with this obligation. Support for the proposed 2026 plan is much more consistent with the responsibility of the council and does not contain the controversial and potentially harmful elements contained in GP 2045. Vote yes to move the proposed 2026 plan forward and vote no on GP 2045/bill 66. Mahalo for your time, Kate Kennedy From: Lisa Kerman Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 4:13 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Hawaii General Plan Dear Council, I support GP 2026 and am fully against GP 2045. Stop the overreach! Lisa Kerman Sent from my !Phone From: Janet King Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 8:34 AM To: Council Testimony, info@hawaiieva.org Subject: Support the 2045 General Plan To Maui County Council, Please support the 2045 general plan. My name is Janet King and I live in Kihei, I have an electric vehicle and solar panels and would like more support protecting our environment and reducing energy costs. The 2045 general plan needs to be adopted with measurable targets and accountability for reducing our energy costs. Thankyou Janet King From: Leanne Kirk Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 11:55 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Dear Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii County Council, My name is Leanne (Iseri) Kirk. I live in Hilo, Hawaii. I am writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. I care about this because I care about the future of our environment for the next generation and future generations. I support clean transportation and clean, affordable energy. Environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy include:1) Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution, and 2) Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. Thank you very much for your time. Leanne (Iseri) Kirk, Hilo, Hawaii From: Sarahlee Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 10A2 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: General Plan for Hawaii County Referencing 2026 GP COM 0372.195.2024-2026 Dear Council Members, Please Vote for General Plan 2026 The GP2026 plan policy framework has a streamlined format that gives clear progressive and harmonious delineation to what the General Plan is designed to implement and provides for as streamlined and very efficient governmental body. General Plan 2045 does not! Reading through the above reference I was impressed at the thoughtfully detailed review of information organized and laid out in a way that is helpful and gives velocity to implementation of goals in an understandable way. It simplifies the understanding of priorities and how they will be directed. The outline in this plan for community involvement and consideration in the planning for life on the island is paramount to a success and a balance in the power structure for effective forward momentum in a timely fashion. We appreciate having our voices recognized and considered as a Living valuable intelligence that has much to offer in a broader perspective on current issues that can be a gain for the County governmental body. Please do not pass bill 147. The community relies on opportunities to be self sustaining and working together with rights and respect. Changes with detrimental financial impacts to homeowners and to the privacy and livelihood of an individual is not progressive. Many visitors or family that want an 'Aloha' experience and the intimacy of feeling the embracement of the island in a personal way. Government should be trim and responsible in larger capacity to oversee the protection of our rights as individuals that create strengths in ways you might overlook. Instead work with the community on issues around any controversy's to bring more beneficial results. The impact of the cost of housing has had devastating effects on those who live and work on the Island. Shortly after Covid a new property assessment software was introduced here on the Big Island, allover the US and maybe further. Property values doubled and in some cases tripled by unreasonable amounts and unreasonable timeframes. If you follow the money and business trail you will find BlackRock behind this software and leaves room for investigation to the orchestration of valuations and steering public migration. This is NOT in the islands interests to maintain our Island community. Let's take time to look at what is influencing the things that come about in the big picture. We have a choice in how to live and direct our lives from the heart. Thankyou Sarahlee Kittons From: Hello ... Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 5:45 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: General Plan Aloha Council Members, As my representative please OPPOSE 2045 General Plan. Instead, SUPPORT 2026 General Plan. Mahalo, Yuki Klahr Kau District From: michael kolivosky Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 4:15 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Adopt the General Plan 2026 Please set aside the General Plan 2045 and adopt the General Plan 2026 instead. The General Plan is not simply a vision document. It is the framework that will guide future zoning, regulations, and development decisions across the island, with real consequences for residents and property owners. The 2045 Plan is an overly expansive long-range framework that introduces broad policy language affecting land use, infrastructure, and development for the next 25 years. It relies on vague terms, unclear definitions, and open-ended policies that could be used to justify expanded regulatory control without clear limits, meaningful accountability, or predictable outcomes. The 2026 Plan is the better course. It offers a more direct, understandable, and practical framework that is better suited to protecting local residents, preserving property rights, and ensuring responsible implementation. The County should adopt a plan that: • Is clear and easy to understand • Protects local property rights and uses • Provides accountability and measurable outcomes • Reflects the needs of residents, not just long-term policy goals For these reasons, I strongly urge the Council to reject the 2045 Plan and move forward with the 2026 General Plan. Mahalo for your consideration. Michael Kolivosky From: Marianna Kovalev Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 7:33 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony for GP 2026 and Against GP 2045. Sent from my Whone To whom it may concern. I testify for Hawaii General Plan 2026 and Against GP 2045. Sincerely. Marianna Kovalev. From: Thomas Kraft Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 9:50 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 - Support the General Plan Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii County Council. My name is Thomas Kraft and I live in Ranchos Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. I'm writing to askthe council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its target and accountability structure intact. I care about this because I strongly support Hawai'i's transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. Mahalo, Thomas Kraft, Ranchos HOVE Brad Kurokawa PO Box 402 Honomu, HI 96728 brad.kurokawa@gmail.com April 6, 2026 Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, Economic Development C/o Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Re: Opposing Communication 372.192 (draft General Plan 2026) Aloha Chair Kierkiewicz and committee members, Mahalo for your service and efforts on the monumental task of finalizing our County's General Plan. Many of us who have participated in the effort over the years know it is not an easy task. 1 am opposed to COM 372.192 which proposes to do what appears to be a wholesale replacement amendment of Bill 66 Draft 2.Others have testified about the legality, lack of comprehensiveness including standards, the absence of land use maps and its simplification of land use classification to name a few shortcomings. I do applaud the general policy and action guidance the proposed Appendix A provides to the various County departments and leadership to ensure integrated coordination towards implementation of the General Plan. While the General Plan 2026 effort is no doubt well intentioned my main concern is that it negates the efforts and input of so many participants involved in the General Plan update from agencies, partner organizations, consultants and community members who attended numerous workshops and meeting over the years while still falling short of being a comprehensive General Plan. I know you and other council members value the importance of accountability and transparency in community process as it is one of the main emphasis in the proposed Appendix. As a longtime community advocate who sits on the Hamakua CDP Action' committee and retired professional landscape architect/planner I, urge you to vote against COM 572.192 and continue discussions towards improving the Draft General Plan 2045 as part of the Bill 66 Draft 2 effort. We all know even that plan and process was imperfect but it has a stronger foundation because it has already undergone much of the necessary messiness of public scrutiny to date. Imua! Mahalo for your consideration and your continued service to our communities. Gratitude and Warm Aloha, Brad Kurokawa From: Clemson Lam Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 10:31 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Hustace, James Subject: Bill 66 < Support the 2045 General Plan Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Clemson Lam. I live in Waimea. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. I care about this because Hawai'i Island's dependence on imported fossil fuels keeps my electricity and gas spending high. A General Plan without energy self-sufficiency targets won't change that. I care about this because the 2045 General Plan includes commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness. Removing them leaves the County without measurable goals for protecting communities from the next disaster. I care about this because I support HawalTs transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. I care about this because low-income and rural communities on Hawaii Island pay the highest energy costs and have the least access to infrastructure. The 2045 General Plan's equity provisions direct County investments to the communities that need them most. Stripping those provisions removes the accountability for equitable outcomes. I care about this because I support clean transportation /clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. Mahalo, Clemson Lam Waimea From: Lorna Larsen-Jeyte Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 3:38 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 Is Pilau Aloha Chair Inaba and members of the Hawai'i County Council My name is Lorna Larsen-Jeyte and I reside in Volcano where I have lived for 40 years I am writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the bioculturat stewardship provisions. I don't believe the General Plan 2045 is broke! Therefore please don't change it! This revision does not have self-sufficiency targets. Leave the commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness! I support clean energy and have 38 pvc panels on my roof. I walk the walk and LOVE having them. Geothermal is good to, as long as we place the vents in the right place! Please don't pass this Bill 66. Mahalo nui Loa Lorna 1 From: April Lee Broker Kohala Real Estate & 2nd Home Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 12:03 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony re The General Plan HRS 92-3.5 GET RID OF ALL "Should" in the entire document!) Pg 41(7) Alternative ownership and partnership models may be appropriate in some cases. The County should evaluate opportunities for public, cooperative, or public - private ownership or partnership models that could improve local control, service quality, or affordability, where feasible and consistent with applicable law. Pg 22 should is especially aggregious: Article 3. Public Access. Section 3- 3- 1. Policies. 5) Access is essential to cultural practice and continuity. Traditional and customary Native Hawaiian gathering, access routes, and cultural practices should be recognized, respected, and accommodated in the planning and management of public access. 7) Subsistence access supports food gathering and land stewardship. Public access policies should recognize the role ofhunting, fishing, and gathering in local food security, cultural practice, and active land stewardship, and support safe and appropriate access to designated areas in coordination with responsible agencies. 8) Access must remain usable across generations. Public access infrastructure should be clearly marked, safely designed, and regularly maintained to ensure long-term usability and public benefit. Section 3- 3- 2. Actions. a) Effective access planning begins with knowing what exists. The planning depar Section 3- 3- 2. Actions. a) Effective access planning begins with knowing what exists. The planning department shall identify, map, and maintain an inventory of existing and potential public access points, including beaches, shorelines, trails, open spaces, and commonly used access routes. b) The development process shall require the dedication or preservation of public access easements where allowed by law as part of subdivision, zoning, or development approvals as appropriate. c) Access improvements should be functional, safe, and context -sensitive. The department of Public Works, in coordination with other County departments, shall improve and maintain County -owned access points, including signage, pathways, parking, and basic safety features appropriate to the settin Nowhere is there a requirement to post the accounting of monies taken in and paid out (especially wherein the County paid Contractors over $1o,000 for any work on behalf of the County). We require this financial disclosure & publication of same for all citizens to see. The property taxes being paid in warrant this like never before! The short time frame allowed to review this 70 page document prior to this meeting is insulting and creates suspicion that there is something attempting to be done without allowing the public adequate scrutiny. There is no guarantee in this document that the public will be in control of our frequency environment. We also must have protections for the cessation of harmful pesticides being applied to our properties without notice. Currently this is not carefully delineated. Please put in that The County will assist with Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship in eradicating the fire ant, coqui frog, mongoose & controlling the pig population!! Affirming a Healthy Happy Abundant Year for YOU! April Kohala Real Estate & 2nd Home Services Hawaii Property Solutions, Personalized for You.' April K. Lee, RB, BA, CCIM P.O. Box 190705; Hawi, HI 96719-0705 C: 8o8.989.5995 0: 8o8.889.5505 E: KohalaRealEstateand2ndHome(&pm.me See the best -priced listing in Mauna Lani Resort https:/Iwww.kre2.com/featured-properties.html From: Marlies Lee Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 11:07 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Yes to General plan 2026 Aloha, I don't agree with making decisions today for 2045! Times will change, so why bother and waste time and money planing for 451 Let's go 1 step at a time and deal with issues that are relevant now. Marlies Lee Sent from my Whone From: Stan Lee Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2026 12:41 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii Council Council My name is Stan Lee and I live in Pahoa. As a EV driver since September, 2022, 1 care about this because I support clean transportation / clean and affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan includes fleet electrification targets, transit improvements, and energy diversification commitments that directly affect us. Thank you very much for your time. Sent from my Wad Date: April 6, 2026 TO: Hawaii County Council FROM: James M. Leonard SUBJECT: BILL 66 ; Testimony in SUPPORT of the Hawaii General Plan 2045 Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Hearing of April 7, 2026 and Communications 372.30 Committee Chairperson Kierkiewicz and Council Members; My name is James Leonard and I live in Hilo where I have resided and worked for over 36 years. As a professional land use planner, I worked with the Hawaii County General Plan always at "top -of -mind, as this document serves as a guide for all land use decisions and all land use applications need to address the proposed action's compliance with the goals, policies and standards of the General Plan. I am writing to urge you to ADOPT the Hawaii General Plan 2045 (Plan) as proposed in Bill 66, with its targets and accountability structures intact and, importantly, to reject any amendments that would remove the qualitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework or the biocultural stewardship provisions of the Plan. These elements of the proposed General Plan 2045 are, in fact, what make the plan so pertinent, relevant and potentially so effective as a long- term planning document for the County. Importantly, it includes suggested programs, specific actions and the necessary interagency coordination needed to achieve the stated objectives of the Plan. Without these, the General Plan would just be filled with some general aspirations that will never lead to achieving much, if any, of the stated goals of the Plan. I would also like to point out that the Draft 2045 General Plan is the product of an extensive public participation process that involved numerous public workshops and hearings and included an extremely accessible and transparent on-line review process in its initial formation that allowed for meaningful input from the residents throughout the County, especially for those who might live in remote areas or have difficulty in attending the workshops and or hearings on the Plan. To reject or reformulate this document at this step would be to ignore the extensive professional and public input that has gone into the proposed General Plan over its 11-year preparation process. To disregard this effort will certainly lead to a weaker and less effective and meaningful plan and risks engendering a sense of resentment and disinterest from the many residents that were part of this effort. Thank you for the opportunity to present my testimony on this matter before the Council. From: Noelle Lindenmann Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 6:49 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 testimony Aloha County Council I write in support of Bill 66 and in opposition to the proposal to adopt Communication 372.192 in favor of the 2045 plan. The 2045 general plan has had many rounds of discussion with local community members and various other organizations that are impacted by the plan. The 2026 plan is merely a remove and replace, without any public input. Please allow the experts to share insight and move 2045 forward. Thank you, Noelle Lindenmann, Kailua-Kona Noelle Lindenmann (she/her/hers) e. noelle.royeriygmail.com // talleirli�uw.edu From: Scooter Lowrimore Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 8:44 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Michael Lowrimore. I moved to Kealakekua 8 years ago from Seattle and fell in love with the ocean and the people of this island. It is my home now, and when I first heard the words malama aina, and learned what it means, I put my heart into this community. Caring for our land to me means being thoughtful of how we sustain our beautiful land and sea, and so 1 decided to invest in solar and I am now prepared to transition from fuel to an EV vehicle. I already have my level 2 charger installed, Yay! I'm hoping our island (and state) continue to strive for independence from oil and continue to grow our charging stations. I believe that the more convenient charging becomes (especially Supercharger that 1 think only take 20 minutes to charge a battery) will help people see that there is no longer anxiety in traveling around our island, plus of course, being leaders in something this important will have such a positive impact. So I am writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact. Mahalo, Michael (Scooter) Lowrimore Kealakekua, HI (808)747-3040 From: Muftiah Martin Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:49 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support General Plan 2045, reject replacement Plan 2026 Aloha Councilmembers, I live in Orchidland, Matt Kaneali'i Kleinfelder's 5th District Tomorrow you will be considering General Plan 2045 as well as Councilmember Kierkiewicz's shortened 2026 proposed amendment. I strongly urge you to reject the 2026 71-page replacement submitted by Councilmember Kierkiewicz that has had no public input process and therefore lacks legitimacy. It removes climate change, population projections, Natural Beauty Sites, and detailed land use guidance entirely. It has no land use maps which are essential for effective planning. I am very concerned that the 2026 Plan removes the 2045 Plan's extensive discussion of sea level rise and more intense storms. The 2026 proposal doesn't make the general plan more actionable — it makes it less useful as a planning tool and effectively guts the decade of public input that shaped the 2045 document. Please accept the 2045 Plan, which does a lot of important things related to biocultural stewardship, climate change and climate health, and sustainable development of resilient communities. I insist that any amendments made to the existing 2045 Plan happen through a transparent, public process— not a wholesale substitution developed without community input. Thank you for considering my testimony. Muftiah Martin 16-1006 40th Ave. Kea'au, HI 96749 From: janet Matlock Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 10:53 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: OPPOSE Communication 372.192, with CONDITIONAL Support of Bill 66, Draft 2 Aloha Members of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, Mahalo for continuing to work towards an updated, comprehensive General Plan for Hawai'i Island. Bill66, Draft 2, "draft General Plan 2045," the latest iteration of this process, continues to need your improvements as outlined previously by significant expert and public testimonies at the Planning Commission and Council Committee levels. Included in these issues are wastewater treatment and flooding concerns, along with protecting the public trust and access issues that make Hawaii, Hawai'i. The proposed "draft General Plan 2026" sends this entire years -long process back to the drawing board unnecessarily. Among many concerns, it deletes forward -looking concerns such as climate change and population growth projections. Maps -- the backbone of planning -- haven't been provided. Zoning is reduced to four broad categories. While simplifying a General Plan might seem to make it more accessible, omitting key guidance likely would only increase confusion and possible contention on a practical level. I encourage you to continue the process toward refining and clarifying important issues in Bill66, Draft 2 ("draft General Plan 2045") and reject Communication 372.192 ("draft General Plan 2026"). Mahalo for your consideration, janet Matlock Kailua Kona From: Terry McDonald Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 11:51 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Galimba, Michelle M. Subject: SUPPORT Bill 66 draff 2, Against Amendment A Chairwoman Kiel'kieWICZ I'm writing you in strong Support of Plan 2045. A bit of my background. For 40 of my 45 years of work experience I have been a small business owner working in the building and development business, and the last 20 years in a more typical real estate enterprise. As a business owner and serial entrepreneur, I believe I am "genetically" predisposed to hate all regulations in general, and zoning rules, and General Plans in particular. I've applied for and won, and lost, zoning variance requests. My work life would have been much easier without zoning rules. However, my one consolation was all of my competitors had to play by the same set of rules. There was a level playing field. That is what a good Plan should do, give everyone the same set of rules. Plan 2045 does that, this "Amendment" does not. Now, living in Hawai'i, my view is quite different. As I've seen this island- and I've visited every corner, it has generated a lot of questions around land use, and the obvious lack of sufficient zoning. Suffice to say, Hawaii County needs Plan 2045. This Amendment, or Appendix, though generally positive in tone, would have been innovative in 2023 when Council was asked for input. Now this Appendix, created in one office reads like an intentionally toothless "Plan," while actually gutting Plan 2045. In fact I'd call it more of a "concept of a plan" but that is only because that sounds slightly better than calling it a "group of suggestions." There are two purposes to a plan as I see it. First is to come to a consensus on what's best for the island, then implement it with enough teeth so everyone, homeowner, local business and developer is on the same "playing" field and can count on it not being too easy to change. Who benefits from such an Appendix? Real estate developers, and inevitably the billionaire class. Not Hawai'i, or Hawaiians. The Amendment some call Plan 2026, is better seen if you look atwhat is Not included. The professionals will write the detailed list of deficiencies, here arejust a few, that struck me as particularly poorjudgement: All previous plans, 1971 and 2005, protect the island's "beautiful places," Not Plan 2026. How is Hawai'i, "Hawai'i," without protection for sacred places? This is not an accidental omission, developers would love to get access on their private property. There are no Zoning Maps- without Zoning maps this Appendix is a suggestion. Plan 2045 has the maps, fair or unfair to everyone. There is no follow through on the State commitment to renewable energy, leaving us totally dependent on imported oil with no enforcement mechanism for change. Not so with Plan 2045. And then there is the lack of mention of the island's greatest danger- climate change and the accompanying impact of bigger storms and sea level rise that impacts all of our land use and infrastructure. Others, like those in Waashington, maybe able to bury their heads in the sand about climate change, but as an island people, Hawaiians can not. Just take a look back at our recent Kona Low. Or our exposed coastlines. No plan like this is ever perfect- but even with imperfections it is essential to moving life on this island forward. Say, I'd ask you as an individual and on behalf of Indivisible to say, No to this Amendment, but Yes to 2045, and work with our Planning Department to tighten it up. I know it is election year. You will need to move together. Time to pass it and move the island forward. Thankyou 'ferry McDonald 704-39o-622i Facilitator Indivisible Hilo One "Where Law Ends, Tyranny Begins" Co -Lead East Hawaii Indivisible From: Simmy Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 6:23 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Oppose Communication 372-192 (" draft General Plan 2026") Aloha County Council, Please Oppose Communication 371-192 (" draft General Plan 2026") We need to make an effort to get it right now as this is for the future generation. It's our Kuleana to do our best for the future generation. Important is: #1 The land use, and suggesting the maps aren't binding. This is Hew@, and it will be a free for all, and won't be consistent practice of the goal what first sought, General Plan. #2 Natural resources conservation. Our Island will flourish the more we protect our land. Climate change is a fact and not to be ignored. Preserve and Protect is our Hope to survive all the challenges ahead. #3 Concentrate priority of Preservation of Scenic Beauty, Open Space, and Scenic Resources. Continue to be discussing as this Draft Needs More Input and Changes. Let's do itwith justice, balance, and righteousness. Ensure this benefits the public and mainly the future of our Keiki's. "KEEP KONA COUNTRY" Mahato, Simmy McMichael Kailua Kona, HI From: Michelle Melendez Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 4:31 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Oppose GP 2045 and Support GP 2026 I respectfully urge you to support the 2026 General Plan and oppose the 2045 version. The 2026 plan is a step in a better direction. It is more grounded, more practical, and better aligned with the needs of local residents. It supports agriculture, reflects real community conditions, and avoids overly broad or vague policy language that can lead to unintended restrictions. In contrast, the 2045 plan raises serious concerns. Its expansive and unclear policies risk increasing control over land use, creating uncertainty for property owners, and shifting decision -making away from the people it impacts most. Good planning should be clear, balanced, and accountable. The 2026 plan moves closer to that standard, while the 2045 plan does not. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to support the 2026 General Plan and not advance the 2045 plan. Mahalo, Michelle Melendez Freedom Activist 15x Award -Winning Author Books: End Dieting Hell: How to find peace in your body and release the weight Order here (Won 4-awards) Great Maui Land Grab: What caused the Maui fire and is your home next? Available here (Finalist in American Book Fest: True Crime) NEW: The Death Of Freedom: What happened to America and how to save it! (#1 New Release) Get it here From: Mitatrun Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:59 AM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt, Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, I am a local Big island resident of 39 years Please support the General Plan 2026. My Ohana and I strongly oppose General Plan 2045. Do not Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is not a good fit for land owners of Hawaii, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that can lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. The level of unclear complexity can create uncertainty for property owners it is not right to pass vague legislature and make bills that are not clear. that are difficult to understand and make it impossible for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. I strongly support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. I email to encourage you to do the right thing for the people and also support General Plan 2026! Mahalo for your time and service. SIERRACLUB HAWAI I ISLAND GROUP April 4, 2026 Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, Economic Development c/o Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo 111 96720 Re: Opposing Communication 372-192 ("draft General Plan 2026") Aloha Chair Kierldewicz and committee members, The Sierra Club of Hawai'i, Hawaii Island Group ("HIG") would first like to acknowledge the time and effort invested by the Chair and her staff in producing Communication 372.192. HUG was impressed and hopeful by the initial effort which resulted in the large Excel spreadsheet that enabled comparison of each General Plan from the initial General Plan in the 1970s to the most recent draft GP2045. However, as former Planning Director Chris Yuen stated in his written testimony to this Committee, COM 372.192, "General Plan 2026" has significant flaws. HIG agrees. Therefore, HIG is in strong opposition to COM 372-192 proposing a "gut -and -replace" amendment of Bill 66 Draft 2 for the following reasons. COM 372.192: L Violates Section 16.1.(10) of the current General Plan, "Comprehensive Review", as it is an amendment proposing to "substantially change the general intent or subject matter" Bill 66, Draft 2. Therefore, it is an interim amendment as defined under Section 16.2 "Interim Amendments" and cannot be processed as part of the General Plan Comprehensive Review process. 2. Removes narratives, goals, objectives, policies, and actions that are essential to a functioning, relevant, and actionable General Plan. 3. Contains narratives that mischaracterize the purpose and function of the county General Plan, as do COM 372.194 and 372.195. 4. Does not comply with Hawaii Revised Statutes 226-58(b)(2): "Contain implementation priorities and actions to carry out policies to include but not be limited to land use maps, programs, projects, regulatory measures, standards and principles, and interagency coordination provisions." S. Does not comply with county Charter Section 3-15 which states the General Plan "shall" contain a statement of "standards and principles". 6. Not only removes natural beauty sites, but makes no reference to the excellent report produced in 2016 by Planning Department consultants, the "Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project".1 P 0 Box 1137 Hilo, HI 96721-1137 i hamiiislandsierraclubLftmail.com sierraclubhig.org 7. Is proposing a "simplifcation" of the General Plans, land use maps that would render them useless and unable to serve their basic essential purpose and function to provide guidance for future rezonings. 8. Removes all explicit mention of climate change, even as our island has suffered unprecedented rainfall events and flooding causing huge economic losses and damage to infrastructure, including schools. 9. In'general, lacks sufficient actions to implement General Plan objectives and policies. In addition, HIG agrees with the testimony provided to this Committee by former council member Nancy Pisicchio, who was intimately involved in the General Plan Comprehensive Review Process that resulted in the drafting and passage of our current General Plan. In particular, HIG agrees with her description of the key purposes of the General Plan as follows: "Key Purposes of the County of Hawaii General Plan • Long -Term Vision: Defines the county's physical, social, and economic evolution over 20-30 years. • Policy Guidance: Establishes official policies and programs that direct public and private development together with infrastructure and services, ensuring consistent and coordinated decision -making. • Implementation Priorities: Provides a structure for future collective action, such as legislative decisions, funding priorities, and program development. • Regulatory Consistency: Ensures compliance with the Hawaii State Planning Act, which requires a General Plan to guide local planning decisions, including county zoning." For these and many other reasons, HIG strongly urges this Committee to vote against COM 372.192 and continue its discussions and decision -making process to amend and improve Bill 66, Draft 2. Mahalo for this opportunity to testify. - "The Count of HawaPi Planning Department initiated a comprehensive review of the General Plan in February 1015. As required by HRS §226-58 and Hawai'i County Charter §3-15, the Plan must include, among other things, objectives, policies, and implementation actions far land use, natural resources conservation, and the preservation of scenic beauty, open space, and other scenic resources The County of Hawai i contracted Planning Consultants Hawaii to conduct an inventmy of the Cotmty's scenic resources along its State Highways and select County roadways. The "Scenic Resources Inventory andMapping Project" accomplished the following objectives. 1. Identified and inventoried Hawaii County's scenic, viewshed and open space resources using digital photography and Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS); 2. Mapped the .scenic resources using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and for use wilh geodesign-based scenario modeling (1.e., CommunityVtz); and 3. Described and prioritized the .scenic resources using prescribed suandards and practices " From: temjr Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 4:49 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, I respectfully urge you to back the General Plan 2026. Our community deserves a planning document that is straightforward, realistic, and delivers real predictability — particularly regarding private property rights and how land can be utilized. The 2026 plan presents a more streamlined and comprehensible approach, fostering uniform decisions and openness in the process. On the other hand, the General Plan 2045 stands out for its added layers of intricacy, including an extensive array of objectives and wide-ranging policy phrasing. This could translate to more variable and less foreseeable results when it comes to land -use approvals and permitting in the years ahead, heightening doubts for landowners and complicating long-term planning for families and residents. At its best, a general plan should deliver unambiguous direction rather than added ambiguity, while truly serving those who call this island home and contribute to its future. I ask that you choose the General Plan 2026 as a sensible, effective option that builds clearer understanding and stronger assurance for everyone in our community. Mahalo for your dedication and for considering this perspective. Sincerely, Tom Moore From: Bernard Moret Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 10:41 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Bernard Moret. I live in Hawaii County, in Waimea. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, for three main reasons. 1. With current events unfolding in the Middle East, it is more important than ever to reduce our state's and our county's dependence on imported fossil fuels. Transitioning to renewable energy is the only viable long-term solution to both economic and geopolitical problems centered around fossil fuels. This transition is particularly crucial for the state of Hawaii, given its geographic isolation, and even more so for the County of Hawaii, given that it must rely on shipments from Oahu, adding another link in a fragile chain. 2. 1 am also committed to clean, inexpensive, and low -noise electric transportation, on land and in the air. However, the promise of non-polluting, inexpensive transportation depends on electrical power generation from renewable, non-polluting sources. 3. Last, but not least, I care about the fate of our disadvantaged fellow citizens living in the County, facing ever-increasing energy costs from non-renewable fossil fuel sources. The US today is a net producer of oil and thus could afford to stabilize energy costs, but that state of affairs is not going to last for even one generation, what with the hugely increasing demand caused by Al centers and the increasing sales of US oil to other countries. Without an accelerated transition to renewable energy, our disadvantaged fellow citizens will face serious hardship in the near future. Mahalo, Bernard Moret From: BEVERLY MORGAN Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 3:55 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: The 2045 Agenda To Whom It May Concern: As I understand our Current Situation with regarding "Government," Hawaii is still under The US Constitutional Republic until it is given its Sovereignty. Similar to "We The People" and our Sovereignty from our "Corporate Straw Man" via 1913 Birth Certificates. The US Inc. is Bankrupt and we have returned to our God Given unalienable rights! The 1985 Chevron Doctrine was deemed Null & Void by the Supreme Court in June of 20241 With that all 3 Letter Unelected Agencies are too, Deemed Null and Void! According to my Attorney, Maritime Attorneys, Esquires, and Judges from The BAR AKA British accreditation Agency pursue their "Judgement" from this Chevron Doctrine which again, is NO Longer Valid as we have returned to Common Law or God's Law. According to National LibertyAlliance.Org There have been A Lot of Arrests via JAG and as I understand things we are currently under COG and have been for quite sometime. My Conclusion is actually a question: Are you serious or are you all part of this "Wag The Dog," type Movie? 1 If you are serious than I recommend you have your "Constitutional Republic" "Bond of Liability" ready as you personally can be liable for Millions should a "Class Action Suit," be brought against you for Crimes Against Humanity! We don't want that. We want Ho'oponopono, Love and Honesty! Your Kokua is Greatly Appreciated Beverly "Laynie" Morgan Patriot USA From: james morgan Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 1:58 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony For Plan 2026 I am writing to submit personal testimony as Undecided as to differ Plan 2026 for further assessment of applicability for General Plan 2045. Where I do see rational and reasonable application of Plan 2026 in regards to focusing the range of scope for effectiveness, as well as allowing a more "organic" application toward Land Use and Zoning (for which 1 do agree with), I do find it's lack of specificity concerning toward the focus of direction. I see a potential of too much wiggle room, for any potential formative change to get traction on, ultimately affecting our future outcomes. Thank you for considering my general concern. James Morgan Volcano Resident From: Lark Morin Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 10:05 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is LarkJ. Morin Canico, and I live in Kea'au. I respectfully urge the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject any amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. • Hawai'i Island's dependence on imported fossil fuels directly impacts my cost of living. Without clear energy self-sufficiency targets, this plan will not meaningfully reduce those costs. • The 2045 General Plan includes commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness. Removing these provisions leaves the County without measurable goals to protect our communities from future disasters. I strongly support Hawai'i's transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to worktoward reducing dependence on imported fuel, and the 2045 Plan aligns with that mandate. Removingthese targets puts the County out of step with state law. • Low-income and rural communities on Hawai'i Island face the highest energy burdens and the least access to infrastructure. The Plan's equity provisions ensure investments reach the communities that need them most. Removing them weakens accountability for equitable outcomes. • The Plan also supports clean transportation and affordable energy through fleet electrification, transit improvements, and diversification of energy sources investments that directly impact our daily lives. This plan represents a critical opportunity to move Hawai'i Island toward a more resilient, equitable, and energy -secure future. I urge you to keep these provisions intact and adopt the General Plan 2045 as written. Mahalo, Lark J. Morin Canico, MAOM, SPEC-OL, SC-FLST Lecturer, Division of Humanities Faculty Advisor, HOSA-Future Health Professionals University of Hawaii at Hilo Health Education Specialist Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs University of Hawaii System P: (808)932-7139 1 UH System P: (808)932-7113 1 UH Hilo E: licanicoftawaii edu University of Hawaii at Hilo 200 W. Kawili Street Hale Kiho'iho'i, RM 206 1 UH System Office Kanaka'ole Hall, RM 2431 UH Hilo Office Hilo, HI 96720 UNIVERSITY of HAWAiT SYSTEM From: Noel Morin Sent: Saturday, April 4, 2026 7:09 AM To: Council Testimony; Clerk -Council; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis M; Kierkiewicz, Ashley, Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James Subject: Support the adoption of General Plan 2045 (Bill 66 Testimony) Dear Hawaii County Council, My name is Noel Morin. I live in Hilo. I am the President of the Hawaii EV Association, the Board Chair of Sustainable Energy Hawaii; a co-founder of Think BIG, a Hawaii Red Cross Board Member, and a state coordinator of Citizens' Climate Lobby. I care about our resilience, sustainability, and intergenerational well-being. I'm writing in support of adopting the General Plan 2045 (GP 2045). 1 am against changes that remove quantifiable targets or restructure the plan in ways that weaken it and remove accountability for actions. GP 2045 took over 10 years to define, over countless workshops, meetings, and engagements. I understand there were over 7000 public comments. Importantly, the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions voted to recommend adopting GP 2045 after several public hearings. The Windward Commissionproposed 12 amendments; the Leeward Commission proposed 37. Every amendment adds to the plan. None of their amendments removes a target or strips a chapter. Targets are Must -Haves We spend roughly $1 B annually on imported energy for electricity and transportation. Even if we exclude aviation fuel, our residents and businesses spend more than $700 million on electricity and ground transport. Our economy and well-being are currently dependent on ships bringing in oil. Our way of life, health, and socio-economic well-being are dependent on imports: To change this, we need aggressive plans with targets. GP 2045 contains the County's first measurable benchmarks, e.g., a 100% renewable County fleet by 2035 (which would reduce fleet operating costs by40%), a 50% increase in transit ridership (which would increase transportation access, reduce congestion, and reduce pollution), and net -zero emissions by 2045 (which would eliminate our dependence on energy imports). These (and other targets) are all critical to facilitating a transition to an energy -secure, efficient, and healthy Hawaii Island. A plan without targets is merely a promise without a deadline. Here's the list of targets I found in GP 2045: • Objective 7: Net -zero County emissions by 2045 • Objective 7: 100% renewable County fleet by 2035 • Objective 7: Mass Transit net zero fleet by 2035 • Objective 7: Support 100% renewable ground transportation statewide by 2045 • Objective 18: Increase mass transit ridership by 50% by 2045 • Objective 19: Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) • Objective 33: Achieve zero waste by 2045 • Objective 35: Park facilities within a 10-minute walk in urban areas, 10-minute drive in rural communities • Objective 36: Each community has access to healthcare facilities, programs, or community - based care • Objective 34: Each community has access to a wide range of educational opportunities • Objective 37: Increase housing units addressing a range of AMI • Action 6.a: Create a climate change dashboard and portal Each of these is a meaningful target that creates accountability for changes benefiting future generations. The proposed amendment removes targets. GP 2045 is compatible with state law. HRS §226-18, which requires planningtoward the elimination of imported fuel dependence. HRS §226-109 establishes climate adaptation as a state priority. A county plan without energy targets, climate provisions, or measurable benchmarks doesn't meet these requirements and would be incompatible with the HRS. GP 2045 Addresses Issues We Care About However, the proposed amendment either removes entirely or dilutes plan components that are designed to address important issues. GP 2045 dedicates an entire chapter (Chapter 3) to climate change, covering topics such as sectoral emissions, energy costs, dependence on energy imports, critical projections of hazards related to wildfires, flooding, and shoreline inundation, as well as impacts on underserved communities. Having a dedicated chapter for this area provides us with an integrated system that allows for energy, land use, transportation, and hazards to be assessed systematically. This allows us to create synergies across solutions and, importantly, avoid unexpected and undesired consequences. I don't see this handled in any meaningful way in the proposed amendment. GP 2045 emphasizes education as a standalone topic (Section 4.4.5). It establishes the County's responsibility for educational facility performance and links it to community well-being. Consider the implications of land -use decisions on Where schools are built, zoning for school sites, and traffic and transportation considerations around schools. Without this, we risk losing the ability to coordinate land use with future community educational needs. The proposed amendment does not address these important concerns. GP 2045 prioritizes equity. Its framework (Objective 6) is a policy commitment to ensure that communities with the highest burdens and the least resources receive the needed investments. It aims to address the needs of the underserved and poor. Without this, the plan will have no mechanism to ensure that County programs and resources reach communities that need them most. The proposed amendment removes this much -needed framework. GP 2045 enables integrated systems. It dedicates a section (Section 4.6) to Integrated Systems. This is very important, as it ensures that decisions and outcomes take into account the overall system. Without this, we risk operating in siloes, wasting resources, and dealing with undesired consequences. Transportation Planning must coordinate with Energy Planning. Hazard mapping must connect with land- use decisions. For example, this can lead to our County approving development in an area at high risk of flooding because land -use rules don't adequately account for the hazards. An integrated system creates a structure for systemic decision -making. The proposed amendment does not enable an integrated system. The proposed amendment dramatically reduces the scope of the plan. It undermines its legal defensibility because the removed sections contain findings that form the basis of zoning decisions and investment priorities. GP 2045 Can Be Improved The proposed amendment includes useful elements, such as Green Fee revenue direction and a homelessness article. Additionally, there are areas we can address more effectively. These can be included as future amendments to GP 2045. Here are areas to consider: • Energy efficiency • Tracking of fuel imports Geothermal energy as a resource • Pre -Disaster Recovery Planning • Community emergency hubs (e.g., specially equipped schools and other public facilities) I respectfully urge the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 as recommended by both Planning Commissions, incorporate the Planning Director's amendments, and reject amendments that remove the plan's measurable targets and structures and frameworks designed to instill accountability for outcomes we (including future generations) deserve. Mahalo for your consideration and your service to our community. Noel Morin Noel Morin Climate, Sustainability, and Resilience Advocate Hilo, Hawaii (808) 987-7428 1 noelgmorin@gmail.com Save mvcontact From: Maki Morinoue Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 8:07 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony for Communication 372.192 & Bill 66, Draft 2 Aloha Chair Kierkiewicz and Committee Members, I oppose Communication 372.192, the "draft General Plan 2026," and conditionally support Bill 66, Draft 2, the "draft General Plan 2045," with much -needed improvements. Communication 372.192 violates HRS §226-58 and County Charter requirements by failing to follow the proper process with state and county agencies and to obtain public input in an appropriate manner. It removes essential narratives, goals, objectives, standards, policies, and implementation actions that are fundamental to a functioning General Plan. Perhaps most troubling, it deletes all explicit mention of climate change despite our island's recent devastating flooding and infrastructure damage. It also removes the inventory of natural beauty sites and ignores the excellent 2016 Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project. The proposed land use maps would be rendered useless by reducing fourteen categories to only four, providing no meaningful guidance for future zoning decisions. This "gut -and -replace" approach violates the General Plan Comprehensive Review process and lacks sufficient implementation actions to be effective. I will say the entire General Plan process was a massive reck and many of us in the community, along with our planning commissions, voiced our great frustrations with the lack of community outreach and communication. It was one-sided, more about us having to learn and navigate a complicated system than about listening to our community ask. Lacked the ability for community discussions; in fact, it was designed to silence community learning and discussions. Yet many still diligently followed the process and managed to contribute, even when others didn't understand how to keep up with the complex system or didn't have the time. Bill 66, Draft 2, has been thoroughly vetted by Planning Commissions and has been available to the public for over a year. It covers essential General Plan elements and provides comprehensive guidance that our county needs. However, it requires improvements to better include standards along with objectives, policies, and actions that address wastewater management, flooding and stormwater infrastructure, public access and trails, and the protection of historic, cultural, environmental, and other public trust resources. Much of this information has already been submitted to the Committee in prior communications and testimonies. I respectfully urge you to reject Communication 372.192 and instead work collaboratively among yourselves and with the public to make targeted improvements to Bill 66, Draft 2. Our island deserves a thoughtfully developed General Plan, not a hasty rewrite that abandons years of professional work and community input. Mahalo for your consideration, Maki Morinoue Holualoa, 96725 Maki Morinoue Share your ALOHA "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, 'Aloha," From: Stephen Munkelt Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 5:39 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 Support General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Stephen Munkelt, and I live in Kailua-Kona. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions. I care about this because I Support Hawai'i's transition to locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Removing them puts the County out of step with state law. I also care about this because low-income and rural communities on Hawai'i Island pay the highest energy costs and have the least access to. infrastructure. The 2045 General Plan's equity provisions direct County investments to the communities that need them most. Stripping those provisions removes the accountability for equitable outcomes. Stephen A. Munkelt Kailua-Kona, HI.96740 Cell: 530-277-8508 From: Mojo Hedonisia Hawaii Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 5:37 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, My name is Mojo Mustapha. I live in Pahoa Hawaii. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact. a volcano refugee who lost my home and business after the 2018 Kilauea eruption, I'm living \ off -grid in the Puna District eight years after the flow. As an EV owner who used part of my FEMA money to purchase an EV in support of Hawaii's clean energy goals, I rely on renewable energy and public electric vehicle chargers for mobility and basic access, so county policies directly shape my ability to live sustainably and affordably. [ care about this because Hawaii Island's dependence on imported fossil fuels keeps electricity and fuel costs high for everyone, including off -grid residents like me. A General Plan without clear energy -independence targets will not change that. [ care about this because I support clean transportation and clean, affordable energy. The 2045 General Plan's commitments, fleet electrification, transit improvements, and energy diversification, are essential steps toward a sustainable and equitable future. I care about this because I support our island's transition to locally generated clean energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires counties to reduce dependence on imported fuel, and the General Plan's targets help fulfill that legal and moral obligation. Removing those goals would put Hawaii County out of alignment with state law and with the spirit of local energy sovereignty. I care about this because the 2045 General Plan strengthens community resilience and hazard preparedness. Without measurable commitments, our island will be less prepared for future eruptions, storms, or energy disruptions. I care about this because low-income and rural communities, like those of us still rebuilding in Puna, bear the highest energy costs and have the least infrastructure access. Plan's equity provisions ensure that county investments reach the people who need n most. Removing those provisions would eliminate critical accountability for fair and outcomes. For those of us who have lived through disaster and continue to rebuild sustainably, these goals are not abstract, they are a roadmap for survival and resilience. I respectfully urge the Council to uphold and strengthen the clean -energy, resilience, and equity commitments in the 2045 General Plan. Respectfully, Mojo Mustapha Volcano Refugee & Off -Grid From: Jennifer Navarra Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 9:33 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testinony Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii County Council, My name is Jennifer Navarra, and I live in Volcano on Hawai'i Island. Through my workwith Zero Waste Hawai'i Island and the Volcano community, including efforts to protect native forest with the Volcano Community Association, I see firsthand how deeply our communityvalues caring for this'aina and preparing for the impacts of climate change. I respectfully urge you to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its measurable targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove these critical elements. I recently became a parent, and this has only deepened my commitment to ensuring that Hawai'i Island remains resilient, healthy, and livable for future generations. We need a plan that reflects the long-term needs and values of our communities —not one that removes the very benchmarks that guide meaningful action. Mahalo for your consideration, Jennifer Navarra Volcano, Hawai'i Island Aloha Hawaii County Council, 1 support adopting the General Plan 2045 (GP 2045): 1 am against changes that remove quantifiable targets or restructure the plan in ways that weaken it by removing accountability and measures for actions. General Plan 2045 Can Be Improved The proposed amendment includes useful elements, such as Green Fee funding targets. There are areas the plan could address more effectively. These can be included as future amendments to GP 2045. Areas to consider: • Energy efficiency (county buildings and functions. (streamlining energy permitting) • Tracking of fuel imports (measures are critical for improvement) • Geothermal energy as a resource (enabling research and development) • Pre -Disaster Recovery Planning (flood, fires, and high wind events) • Community emergency hubs (specially equipped schools and other public facilities) I respectfully urge the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 as recommended by both Planning Commissions. Incorporate the Planning Director's amendments, and maintain the plan's measures, targets, interim deliverables that are designed for accountability of outcomes. These are needed and desired. Mahalo for your consideration and your service, Keith Neal Waimea From: Prophets Cave Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 11:56 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: The Big Island General Plan The reasons for rejecting 'Big Island General Plan" are many. The overarching and over reaching of the Hawaii corporation governance no longer has an active charter to lawfully operate in any capacity and must dissolve or be tried by the organic Hawaiian constitutional Grand Jury. It is obvious to this body that the corporate governance body has not and will not govern itself. This has always been the purpose of the republic. Property rights can be restricted without clear compensation. Here are a short list of grievances with the Big Island General Plan... The plan promotes environmental and cultural land protections that can limit how owners use or develop their land, yet concerns have been raised about "no clear compensatory mechanism" when rights are reduced —raising Fifth Amendment takings issues. • Unelected planners gain significant control over land use decisions The plan acts as a long-term "blueprint" guiding zoning, development, and funding decisions, shifting real power toward planning bodies and policy frameworks rather than directly elected representatives —raising concerns about representation and local control. • Broad, vague language allows expansive government interpretation Critics note the plan uses terms that are not clearly defined, which can lead to subjective enforcement and expanding regulatory control —potentially violating due process protections. • Future laws, zoning, and funding will be tied to this plan The plan explicitly requires implementation through zoning changes, ordinances, and budget decisions, meaning it becomes the foundation for future regulations that can directly impact homeowners, property values, and land use rights. • Development approvals may be conditioned on costly requirements Policies suggest requiring developers (and indirectly property owners) to fund infrastructure (roads, wastewater, etc.) as a condition of approval, which can act as a financial burden or barrier to property use —raising concerns about fairness and equal protection. Sent with Proton Mail secure email. From: Janice Glennie Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 3:27 PM To: Council Testimony, Villegas, Rebecca Subject: New General Plan draft Aloha council members, Mahalo for working tirelessly on the creation of an updated General Plan. Unfortunately, it seems we've gone a bit off the rails with the idea of starting a new plan that appears to be at least partly based on the conspiratorial fears and longings of a small but vocal group of uninformed people. Until I've read the entire document, I'll only comment on one issue. That is, climate change. If we eliminate language and efforts aimed at solving the crises it's creating, we are also giving up ourfuture and the future of our keiki to one based one delusion. Science is an evolving process, but it's far better to use it than move into a future based on believingthat the last catastrophic storm to hit our state was created by the Deep State or fantasy "other" than ourselves —the flawed, insatiable, emotionally -driven and gullible human beings we are. Onlywide- awake humans can stop the devastating affects of climate change by first acknowledging its existence. We must start in our own back yard by doing our best to reduce human actions that increase its occurrence and harmful affects while readying ourselves in as many ways as possible through the use of sensible, science -based land use planning and emergency preparedness that will help protect us, our keiki and their future. I'm all for moving forward with a plan, but not one that's going to take another 2 years to write and amend. It seems more sensible and efficient to go back to the draft that was presented to the public before the new incarnation that was recently introduced by council member Kierkiewicz. Despite her desire to help move the process forward, at first blush, this isn't the plan we should be supporting or starting over with in hopes of amending it back to health since the same loud voices that helped undermine its value will likely remain involved and opposed to its logical parts ad infinitum. With that, I'm looking forward to seeing the entire draft, hearing public testimony, and providing more of my own mana'o. Mahalo again for hearing my testimony. Bestregards, Janice Janice Palma-Glonnio P.Q. gox4849 KAu.-Kona, H-iwai'i 96745 John Pelletier Ahupua'a'o'0'oma, Kailua-Kona, HI April 5, 2026 jdp2766@gmail.com Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: Communication (COM) 372-192, Amends Bill 66 Draft 2. Aloha nui kakou, aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and members of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, I'm John Pelletier, a resident of Kona, and I'm testifying in opposition to COM 372-192. COM 372-192 (the 2026 General Plan) is a complete rewrite of Bill 66, Draft 2 (the 2045 General Plan). In this rewrite, substantial portions of the 2045 General Plan are removed, so much so that its adoption could place the County in violation of state law. In COM 372-195, the author of the 2026 General Plan justifies removing large portions of the 2045 General Plan by arguing that programs and projects do not belong in a general plan. However, this directly contradicts Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §226-58(b)(2), which states that county general plans should contain "implementation priorities and actions to carry out policies to include but not be limited to land use maps, programs, projects, regulatory measures, standards and principles, and interagency coordination provisions" Additionally, HRS §226-58(b) states that county general plans in the State of Hawai'i "shall be formulated on the basis of sound rationale, data, analyses, and input from state and county agencies and the general public, and contain objectives and policies as required by the charter of each county". The 2045 General Plan reflects this through extensive collaboration, as documented in its section entitled "Acknowledgments" In contrast, the 2026 General Plan was developed without comparable agency involvement, professional planning input, oryears of public engagement, raising serious concerns about compliance with HRS §226-58(b). For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to oppose COM 372-192. Mahalo for your time and consideration of my testimony. Ke aloha no, John Pelletier From: Doug Perrine Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 10:43 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support the 2045 General Plan without cuts to sustainability targets Aloha Council Members - I am a resident of Kailua Kona, where I have been generating my own electricity through rooftop solar, and using it to power my vehicles for 15 years now. This has enabled me to attain significant savings in energy, transportation, and vehicle maintenance costs, and has benefitted the entire community through reduced air pollution and potentially reduced electric rates. County policy to encourage a transition to clean energy will enable more of our residents to share in these benefits. As climate change has started to unleash devastating impacts on our communities through such events as the recent Kona low storms, the Lahaina fire, etc., and as we are facing steep increasesin gas prices and electric bills due to soaring fossil fuel prices prompted by the war in Iran, this is no time to strike all of our climate, energy, sustainability, and resilience goals from our general plan. We need these more than ever. Every vehicle converted to electric power saves lives due to reduced incidence of cardiac disease, asthma, miscarriages, and other severe health impacts from breathing the pollutants emitted by fossil -fuel burning vehicles, not to mention lives lost in combat prosecuting destructive wars fought over fossil fuel resources. Joining the fossil fuel lobby and the Trump administration in attempting to roll back our conversion to clean energy does not align with the values of the vast majority of citizens of Hawaii County. Please adopt the 2045 General Plan with its benchmarks and accountability structures intact. Mahalo, Doug Perrine Doug Perrine 76-223 Haoa St Kailua Kona HI 96740 l a n d l i n e: 808-329-45 23 perrine@hawaii.rccom douglasperrine@yahoo.com www.dougperrine.com Nancy Pisicchio 74-5576 Pawai Place, Suite J, Box 695 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 April 4, 2026 Subject: Agenda Item- Bill 66, draft 2 Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, I am submitting my testimony in strong opposition to the proposed amendments ("Appendix A") to Bill 66, draft 2, set forth in Communication 372-192. In the process of updating the County of Hawai'i General Plan, it was critical to examine where we are in order to determine where we need to go. Recognizing this need for accountability, the Hawaii State Planning Act mandates that "County general plans shall be formulated on the basis of sound rationale, data, analyses, and input from state and county agencies and the general public, and contain objectives and policies as required by the charter of each county (HRS 226-58 (b), County general plans). Page 2 of the 2045 General Plan (draft 2) is titled "Acknowledgments." The purpose was not to provide "thanks" to those who assisted in drafting the Plan, but to identify the collaborative contributions of Federal, State, and County agencies and professional planning consultants as directed by the requirements of HRS 226-58. In my opinion, the approval of the proposed amendment recommended in COMM 372.192 would violate HRS Chapter 226-58 because state and county agencies, planning consultants, and years of public input were not part of the drafting process. Therefore, the current contents of Bill 66, draft 2, cannot legitimately be eliminated and replaced with a collection of new Policies and Actions that were recently presented as "Appendix A" in COMM 372.192. Doing so would surrender the General Plan to a series of limited political preferences lacking in measurable or collective accountability. Furthermore, the text of the document presented in COMM 372.192 is structured as an instruction book directed to the County government, with most Policy and Action statements beginning with the words "The County shall..." or "The County should..." This undermines much of the purpose of the General Plan, which is intended to provide a collective guide for collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, private and non-profit groups, together with the residents of this special Island. Key Purposes of the County of Hawai'i General Plan • Long -Term Vision: Defines the county's physical, social, and economic evolution over 20-30 years. • Policy Guidance: Establishes official policies and programs that direct public and private development together with infrastructure and services, ensuring consistent and coordinated decision -making. • Implementation Priorities: Provides a structure for future collective action, such as legislative decisions, funding priorities, and program development. • Regulatory Consistency: Ensures compliance with the Hawai'i State Planning Act, which requires a General Plan to guide local planning decisions, including county zoning. The County of Hawai'i is long overdue for an updated, coordinated, and comprehensive blueprint for vision -building and decision -making. The 2045 General Plan (draft 2) includes chapters on land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, public utilities, and economic development. The Plan also acts as a comprehensive guide for managing growth and maintaining the county's unique character. And the General Plan also has the legal authority to guide responsible development while protecting our Island's special natural and cultural resources. Collective Kuleana A successful General Plan provides a collective structure for the community and decision -makers to look beyond immediate concerns, identify options for how best to proceed, and move towards a better future. I hope the Council will not take the course requested in COMM 372.192 but instead work collaboratively to make further improvements and then adopt Bill 66 draft 2, the 2045 General Plan. Respectively, Nancy Pisicchio 2 From: Juhl Rayne Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 2:21 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: vote for GP2026 and trash the 2045 aloha vote for GP2026 and trash the 2045 mahalo, JuhlRayne From: Ron Reilly Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 4:28 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 — Support for the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Michelle Galimba, and members of the County Council, My name is Ron Reilly and I live in Volcano Village. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reiect a proposed amendment that seeks to remove quantitative benchmarks and replace these with generalizations that have little or no measurable accountability. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fossil fuels. The General Plan 2045 includes targets that align with the state mandate. Removing these target via the proposed amendment puts the County out of step with state law and out of step with efforts to mitigate the escalating climate crisis. Today, Hawaii is experiencing the adverse effects of extreme weather with damage estimates topping over $2 Billion from the Kona -low events of March 2026. These weather extremes, with help from climate change, are currently being replicated elsewhere around the Pacific rim, with severe floods in Aotearoa New Zealand and northern Australia, and an unprecedented spring heat wave in the southwestern US. A warmer world exacerbates extreme weather events; floods, droughts and heat waves. The General Plan 2045 has a chapter (Chapter 3) devoted to climate change while the a proposed amendment fails to even include the words "climate change' or even "climate" except in a brief reference to the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCAR). I respectfully urge Hawaii County to approve Draft 2 of the General Plan 2045 in its present form and vote down the proposed amendment that removes key energy targets, equity benchmarks, and entire sections developed over years of planning commissions' work and broad community involvement. Mahalo, Ron Reilly, Volcano Village Volunteer, co -State Coordinator, Citizens' Climate Lobby -Hawaii citizensclimatelobbyhawaii.org From: Ruth Robison Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 3:21 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: In Support of the General Plan 2045, Bill 66 Dear Chair Kierkiewicz and Members of the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development: My name is Ruth Robison and I live in Hilo. I strongly support Bill 66. 1 urge the County Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact. The General Plan 2045 took 11 years to develop, through a process that involved the County government, planning commissioners, and community members across the island. Many public workshops, draft reviews, and comment periods were held starting in 2015. The final draft was released in 2024. There is a proposed amendment to Bill 66, which would significantly change the General Plan 2045. The amendment removes the plan's chapter on energy, sustainability, and resilience. It removes every measurable target, including the commitment to eliminate fossil -fuel electricity generation, the County fleet electrification timeline, the transit ridership goal, and the zero -waste target. It removes the "just transition" equity framework. It removes the biocultural stewardship structure that took years of community input to build. It removes accountability. The proposed amendment would significantly reduce the value of the general plan. I strongly support HawaiTs movement toward energy independence through locally generated clean energy, including geothermal, solar, and wind. State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that are aligned with that mandate. Removing them puts the County out of alignment with state law. Please approve the General Plan 2045 which was created through an extensive eleven -year, multi -stage process. Thank you for the opportunity to testify and thank you for your service to the people of Hawaii County. Sincerely, Ruth Robison Hawaii County District 02 Ruth E. Robison, Ph D International Educator (Retired) 1 I BELIEVE The Gen Plan 2026 is better than the 2045 Plan. The clarity, practicality and tl '.026 provides greater certainty over what landowners can do on their OWN properties I BELIEVE SOU FEEL THE SAME. The General Plan 2026 provides a framework that is understandable and ;Iuttered. The 2026 plan offers reliable decision making, and most importantly, transparency. Thel ,eneral Plan 2045 IS NOT What we want, the complexity can cause confusion for landowners an( nake it more difficult for them to plan for their future. Our general plan should provide clear goals < iirections, and not cause confusion. The General Plan should support the people who live and inv n our island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provid treater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for vour time and service. 0 From: Tracy Sawada Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 8:55 PM To: Council Testimony Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 - Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, 1 am a resident of Holualoa born and raised in the islands. Hawaii has always been my home and as such I am very concerned about the two General Plans being considered. Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a Large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to Less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This Level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Thank you very much! Tracy Sawada Sent from my iPad From: Christy Schuerch Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2026 12:33 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Draft 2045 General Plan Aloha Chair and Members of the Hawai'i County Council, Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony. I write as a member of the Volcano Overlay Committee, graduate of the UH Forest Stewardship Program and an active volunteer growing native plants for restoration work with Three Mountain Alliance. I write in strong support of the Draft 2045 General Plan as currently presented, and in opposition to any amendments that would have the effect of weakening its clarity, structure, and effectiveness as a guiding document for our island's future. We are at a critical moment. The impacts of climate change are no longer distant concerns —they are already shaping daily life across Hawai'i Island. From coastal erosion and rising seas to wildfire risk, water constraints, and increasing pressure on our natural systems, the challenges ahead are real anc accelerating. In this context, the County's role is essential. A well -crafted General Plan is one of the most important tools we have to ensure long-term community resilience, public safety, and responsible stewardship of our limited resources. The Draft 2045 General Plan fulfills that role. It meets the requirements set forth in HRS §226-58 and Hawai'i County Charter §3-15 by clearly addressing land use, population patterns, infrastructure, environmental constraints, and long-range development. It is grounded in data and analysis, reflects extensive public and agency input, and provides a map -based framework that offers the spatial clarity needed to guide future decisions. Equally important, it includes implementation priorities and actions —ensuring that it is not simply aspirational, but practical and usable. This level of clarity and structure is essential. The General Plan is not just a policy document —it is the foundation for zoning, subdivision decisions, capital improvements, and public investment. Without sufficient specificity, it cannot function effectively in that role. For that reason, I have concerns about potential amendments that would make the Plan more generalized or flexible without providing clear direction. In particular, amendments that do not: Clearly define desired population distribution and physical development patterns Provide guidance on density, location of growth, and infrastructure alignment Establish measurable outcomes and implementation discipline risk undermining the Plan's effectiveness. A framework that is too broad or open-ended can lead to inconsistency in decision -making, increased reliance on case -by -case interpretation, and reduced confidence in the planning process overall. Hawaii Island faces unique challenges —finite land, fragile ecosystems, and communities deeply connected to place. These realities require thoughtful, coordinated planning. Individual decisions about land use and development inevitably affect the broader community, and it is the responsibility of the County to provide a clear and balanced framework to guide those decisions. The Draft 2045 General Plan, as written, does this well. It reflects a serious and collaborative effort to align growth, infrastructure, and environmental realities in a way that positions Hawai'i Island to navigate the coming decades responsibly. I respectfully urge the Council to adopt the Draft 2045 General Plan as currently proposed, and to avoid amendments that would reduce its clarity, discipline, and ability to serve as a reliable guide for future decision -making. Mahalo for your time and for your service to our island community. With respect, Christy Schuerch, Volcano, Hawai'i C.G0 OurChildren's JV Trust Youthv Gov TESTIMONY IN OPPOSITION TO AMENDMENTS TO BILL 66 (2045 GENERAL PLAN) April 6, 2026 1 Hawai`i County Council Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Members of the Hawaii County Council, My name is Doorae Shin, and I serve as the Navahine Settlement Coordinator at Our Children's Trust. On behalf of the thirteen youth plaintiffs we represent in Navahine v. HDOT, in partnership with Earthjustice, I am writing to respectfully urge the County Council to adopt the 2045 General Plan with its climate, energy, and accountability provisions intact, and to reject amendments that would remove measurable targets and implementation frameworks, including the commitment to eliminate fossil -fuel electricity generation, the County fleet electrification timeline, and the transit ridership goals. Four of the youth plaintiffs are from Hawai `i Island and, thus, their constitutional rights, affirmed in the Navahine settlement agreement, will be harmed by any decisions that weaken or eliminate critical measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the climate emergency. Moreover, the rollbacks under consideration would contradict and undermine state law requiring net negative emissions "within the State as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045." HRS § 225P-5. The Navahine settlement, which requires the agency to achieve zero emissions in ground, marine and inter -island transportation no later than 2045, was entered to protect children's constitutional rights to a life -sustaining climate system and to preserve Hawai`i's public trust resources for present and future generations. It is imperative that County plans align with the settlement to ensure every level of government is working toward climate justice for Hawai `i's youth. Removing targets and frameworks that support decarbonization would undermine coordinated, statewide progress and delay urgently needed action. It would also put the County at risk of violating its legal obligations under the Hawaii Constitutional and state law. The proposed amendments in Bill 66 would significantly weaken the General Plan by eliminating key goals for fleet electrification, transit ridership expansion, and vehicle miles traveled reduction, which are all necessary components to decarbonize transportation as mandated by law. HRS § 225P-8. Including these targets is essential to ensuring the County can effectively respond to the climate crisis, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve transportation affordability, and invest in resilient, locally grounded infrastructure. www.oLirchildrenstrLLst.org OurChildren's y ow Trust Youthv Gov The 2045 General Plan reflects over a decade of community input and provides a roadmap for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. Stripping its measurable goals and accountability structures would leave the County without clear direction at a time when clarity and commitment are most needed. It would also violate state law and the constitutional rights of Hawai`i's residents, including youth in particular who will be saddled with the consequences of poor planning decisions made today. Mahalo for your consideration and for your leadership in protecting Hawai`i's future. With aloha, Doorae Shin Navahine Se ement Coordinator Our Children's Trust www.ourchildrenstrust.org From: Vallaeia Springs Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 8:33 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather,jennifer.kagiwala@hawaiicounty.gov, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. We appreciate all of your efforts to make this General Plan 2026 a reality. Mahalo for your time and service. From: Miki StIaurent Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 11:17 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Oppose GP 2045 / Suuport GP 2026 as a replacement Aloha, As a longtime resident, constituent and Kupuna of Hawaii, I oppose the vague 300 page General Plan 2045 that lists 400 goals to be accomplished by 2045. Instead, I urge you to vote for a more manageable and clearer 70 page General Plan 2026 for the State of Hawaii that aligns more to what I and other homeowners would better support when it is implemented. Therefore, I wholeheartedly encourage the County to prioritize a plan that: . Is clear and easy to understand • Protects local property rights and uses . Provides accountability and measurable outcomes . Reflects the needs of residents —not just long-term policy goals For these reasons, I strongly encourage the Council to move forward with the 2026 General Plan and set aside the 2045 version. Mahalo for your consideration Yolanda St, Laurent From: Jasmine Steiner Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 12:07 PM To: Council Testimony; Clerk -Council; council@hawaiicounty.gov Subject: Subject: Strong Opposition to Bill No. 66 (Hawai'i County General Plan 2045 Demand Full Rejection: This Plan Is Riddled with Loopholes and Fallacies, Not Aloha 'Aina Dear Honorable Members of the Hawai'i County Council, I am writing as a lifelong resident of Lower Puna to strongly oppose and demand the immediate rejection of Bill No. 66 (Draft 2), the proposed ordinance adoptingthe County of Hawai'i General Plan 2045 and repealing the 2005 General Plan. This document must be thrown out entirely. It is not a plan for our island's future —it is a blueprint laced with loopholes and fallacies that will accelerate industrial exploitation under the guise of "sustainability." This is not aloha. It betrays our'aina, our rural communities, and our kuleana to future generations. The Plan's own language exposes its fatal flaws. In Element 5: Public Utilities, Article 5 (Energy and Electricity), Policy 4, it states: ` "Renewable and locally generated energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, waste -to -energy conversion and other appropriate technologies, should be supported where they make sense for the island and are compatible with community context." This is a glaring loophole. "Where they make sense" and "compatible with community context" are completely subjective. They hand unelected planners and developers a blank check to approve geothermal expansions or new facilities —exactly like the ongoing harms from Puna Geothermal Venture —while claiming "renewable" virtue. The same section's Policy 10 doubles down: "The County should coordinate land use decisions with the siting and expansion of energy facilities and transmission infrastructure needed to serve planned growth." "Should coordinate" is not protection; it is permission for industrial intrusion into rural and agricultural zones. The fallacies run deeper. The Plan repeatedly claims to "Malama 'Aina," protect Important Agricultural Lands, preserve rural character, and honor cultural resources. Yet every safeguard is gutted by vague qualifiers: "Where feasible" appears throughout (e.g., stormwater reuse, green infrastructure, agricultural water support). Protections "should" be applied instead of "shall." Cultural consultation is required only "as appropriate." Rural lands are to be shielded from "incompatible development," but Element 8 (Land Use), Article 3 allows "agriculture -supporting activities" and "value-added operations" without strict limits on scale or industrial creep. Element 2 (Economy) pushes "diverse industries" and economic growth while Element 3 only "encourages" preservation of connected working landscapes. These are not safeguards —they are escape clauses. The document touts food security and "working Landscapes" in one breath, then coordinates land use with energy expansion in the next. It pretends growth can happen "within the limits of the island" while embedding policies that have already desecrated Puna's wahi pana, contaminated our air and water, and threatened off -grid family farms. That is the core fallacy: calling industrial geothermal "renewable" and "compatible" when it has proven incompatible with our health, culture, and true self-reliance. This General Plan does not reflect the voices of Puna, the post-2018 eruption reality, or the public trust duty under the Hawaii State Constitution and County Charter: It is corporate -friendly window dressing that will fragment agricultural lands, greenlight more desecration of Pele's domain, and erode the very rural character it claims to protect. 1 demand you throw Bill No. 66 out completely. Reject it at the earliest opportunity. Send it back to the drawing board for a genuine community -driven plan that includes: Strict, enforceable prohibitions on industrial -scale energy facilities in rural, agricultural, and conservation districts; Mandatory, binding cultural and communityveto rights for Native Hawaiian practitioners and lineal descendants; Ironclad protections for Important Agricultural Lands with no "feasible" or "should" loopholes; Removal of all subjective qualifiers that prioritize developer "compatibility" over'aina. Our island deserves a General Plan rooted in true aloha'aina—not this one. Mahalo nui for your kuleana to protect the public trust. I urge you to stand with the people of Puna and all of Hawai'i Island by rejecting this flawed document. Aloha'aina, Jasmine Steiner Pohoiki Road 8084910801 ea a unaPgmail.com [We Are Puna / KahuPuna / Aloha activism Sara Steiner 13-430 Pohoiki Road P.O. Box 1081 Pahoa, HI 96778 808-936-9546 pall 01 tod"10D2mail.com April 7, 2026 Hawaii County Council Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development RE: OPPOSE BILL 66 — Hawaii General Plan 2026-2045 Aloha County Council, Ashley, The County Council should be wasting no more time on this New World Order plan to steal the water and land use from the residents. This 2026 draft is just the SAME THING as the 2045 plan, just a couple hundred pages of duplicity and citations removed. We don't know who all wrote the 2026 draft. WHERE IS THE DUE PROCESS AND NOTIFICATION TO LANDOWNERS? I can find no new maps, so we assume that the old 2045 maps are what the 2026 draft is going off of and this is not acceptable! The 2026 version still takes tens of thousands of acres of AG" land to "Natural" and thinks the County should dictate what plants can grow and what invasives must be removed from your land. Also, the lava overlay maps are junk and the map shows lava on my Pohoiki Road land where there is no lava. Anyone on the new lava flow is automatic "Natural" now because the "views are so epic" that nobody should be able to do anything but leave it natural... If the map is wrong on my 10 acre parcel, how many tens of thousands of other TMK are iaffected? The 2026 version increases the zoning from Industry to Heavy Industry on Hawaiian Homelands in Keaukaha, who already smells the poop from all you Hilo Residents and Businesses and Hotels whenever there is a spill or other problem. In fact, there is no mention of Hawaiin Home Lands in the 2045 GP maps. WHERE IS THE EVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE and respect for landowner rights.? The 2026 plan does not appear to recognize climate change or sea level rise on the windward side and shows the preferred urban development area is to occur downtown Hilo Bayfront and Golf Course. REALLY?? In a tsunami zone you are going to build apartments for all the people because we all are supposed to live in clusters then get wiped out in the next tsunami with all the weather manipulation going on, you need to move your heavy industry inland because the water level seems to be rising and the tides as well, with all the extreme weather geoengineering going on you don't need the seniors and families all in a tsunami zone!!! with no cars cause we all live and walk and shop in the same place. The 2026 plan notes the County doesn't want to have to upkeep the existing roads and infrastructure and therefore isn't going to allow developments anywhere but in existing urban areas. I guess the County is in such bad shape need the general funds to keep paying their raises and perks and retirements and insurances for county workers who already take 75% of the General Fund of both the State and County budgets. So, the way to do that is going to be to stop maintaining areas that are already barely maintained, coincidentally where the poorest people live and herd them into concentration centers once we can't afford the land taxes on land we don't get to use as we need and the substandard roads are car wreckers... The plan alludes that we the people can't take care of our lands or water and therefore the county is going to step in an save everything and we just let you take control of the land, air and water and do and move where the County says and be happy about it. Both the Hawaii County Planning Department and the County Council have had YEARS of negative testimony on this plan, and now we have this 2026 Plan that has never been vetted by anyone in the public forum. There is no citations and no signature of authors. Where were you in 2020? It appears there is alreay a 2040 Hawaii General Plan that had years of work on it. If you google 2040 Hawaii County Plan it is there for all to see! I'm attaching an article from Kona Chamber of Commerce and other Planning Department website search so you can see for yourself that the 2040 GP began formualtion and review beginning in 2015 and continued through July 2020 until POOF — Covid happens and then POOF,2yearsisgone and all of a sudden in 2023 the Planning Department replaces the 2045 GP replaces the 2040 as if it never existed!, the 2040 plan was not mentioned in the 2045 plan!! Let's refer this matter back to the Planning Department and check the paper trail and see how the 2045 plan replaced the 2040 plan during the covid reset! Let's see who replaced the plans and ask why and examine the changes and report it to the County Council!!! You can't make backdoor changes in people's zoning and the respective real property tax implication of the changes without due process. Notice of any proposed plans with maps shold be provided to the people and should be provided with next yearly county tax assessment with a contact to the proposed plan and and a schedule for people to take off work if they want to comment in person. Sincerely, Sara Steiner 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of `K Kona=Kohala � CHAMBER OF COMMERCE v) Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline (https All News Releases (https://www.kona-kohata.com/news) July 01, 2020 Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline The Planning Department appreciates the communities and stakeholders that were part of the robust public outreach in 2019 on the Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update. A variety of community engagement activities produced valuable input that is actively shaping the next draft. Later this year Planning Department will conduct another round of public workshops, and I urge residents and stakeholders to be a part of this critical planning process. Hearing and listening to the many voices of our communities is integral to developing a General Plan that is reflective of the land use patterns which support a sustainable and thriving Hawaii Island. Michael Yee Planning Director Outreach for Public Comment The General Plan 2040 strives to position Hawai'i Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. Given this strategic importance, the Planning Department performed community outreach during August — October 2019 to solicit public comment. Members of the public and several governmental agencies submitted comments in writing, and in -person remarks were captured during the following events, which presented key messages on goals, policies and actions for each section of the plan. • Speak -Out Events in large community venues (Hilo, Kona, Na'alehu and Waimea). https:/lwww.kona-kohala.com/newaldetails/hawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-publio-comment-and-revised-timeline 1/7 416126, 10:32 AM Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kchala Chamber of aiaak Eventsin sm II co munit venues (Captain Cook, Honoka'a, Kailua-Kona, �railoa). ()Plan CDP Action Q�aQ�h�Q��rce, the Waimea Community Association, V) the Board of Water Supply, the Cultural Resource Commission, and the Environmental wpm oycncn� v�nunwow.i. • Topic -Focused Workshops to provide focus on Economic Development, Infrastructure, Land Use and Natural Resources (Hilo, Kailua-Kona). • Coffee Hour Presentations to County and State governmental bodies. Summary of Public Comment Section of Plan Comment Themes (Total Comments/ Percent Prompting Revisions) Introduction Clarify GP authority, the future of CDPs, and relationships between (47/100%) County plans; Provide rationale for policies containing "shall" Natural Resource Clarify County's role in planning and management Planning (679/23%) Infrastructure Planning Align land use and infrastructure capacity; Add infrastructure (775/27%) maps; Address deficiencies related to wastewater and solid waste Economic and Address food planning, aging -in -place, and changes in tourism; Opportunity Planning Identify locations of affordable housing (648/44%) Community Address deficiencies with historic preservation, access for disabled Placemaking (648/44%) persons, and restricted access to unique resources; Add trail maps; Clarify service levels for parks, fire, police Land Use Planning Align land use with infrastructure capacity and Kona CDP; Clarify (759/100%) definitions; Include hazards in land use mapping; Include rationale for land use designations, adding one for STVRs and revisiting Mahukona & Discovery Harbor Implementation Prioritize CIP projects; Expand funding/financing options; Address (149/98%) GP/budget relationship; Clarify implementation time frames and agency roles Miscellaneous Summarize what has changed from 2005 GP (244/99%) Revised Timeline of the General Plan Comprehensive Review The original timeline envisioned completion of the comprehensive review by end of calendar year 2020. Four factors have extended the timeline of the General Plan comprehensive review: 1) Higher than expected volume of public comments; 2) Significant effort required to synchronize the General Plan with Kilauea Recovery planning and to update to the Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan; 3) Re- https:IAw .kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawa"county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-publio-comment-and-revised-timeline 2/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of ... work. almi halain processing Short -Term Vacation Rentals rrn'DF duction in Long -Range Division staff 0 o r��//�d�}}�f}} for COVID-19 leave and transition to The following target dates are set for the remaining steps of the formal adoption process: Public Workshops: December 2020/January 2021 Planning Commission Hearings: June 2021 County Council Hearings: September 2021 Updates to these target dates will be communicated on the General Plan website at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan (https://www. planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan). For more information contact the Planning Department, County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8288. Email: genera/p/an@hawaiicounty.gov(mailto:generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov). Those interested in keeping current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for General Plan eNews at https.11www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-visionlcommunity- planning/general-plan/connect (https://www.planning.hawaiicountygov/big-island-vision/community- planning/general-plan/connect). Business Directory (https://w\xtw.kona-kohala.com/List/) Events Calendar (https://wwwkona-kohaLa.com/events/) Hot Deals (https://www.kona-kohala.com/hotdeaLs/) Member To Member Deals (https://www.kona-kohala.com/MemberToMember/) Job Postings (https://www.kona-kohala.com/jobs/) Contact Us (https://vwwv.kona-kohala.com/contact/) https://www.kona-kahala.com/news/detaiisthawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-publiccomment-and-revised-timeline 3/7 4/6126, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of A:j ALTRES" GOODFELLOW BROS. aaaaaaaaaaaaaa�irrrrrrrrrrrrr E: S 'I A E7 L I S H E E) 1 9 2; i w.. Hawaii LIFE FLIGHT Community NETWORK - FEDERAL CREDIT UNION �!/pska HAWAIIAN AMERICAN 10,4D 58VIr1g5 g8f1iC DR,.E,,AnMS 6 j/ KTA SUPER STORES CANTOR BROS. Transport Services. Inc. Aink wow naru nwwwrr FIRST ISLAND anotech REALTY LLC n%►WA,ii Hawaiian 7_ Ak Electric ��,31071az ORCHID 4q 4 hfs ■ cu R s� 4 4.IS Y'frlf Rll6 CNY61} UNION Hawaii Island , Kamehameha Is ,e r V I C e is R a w a I I Community Health Center Sehools- 1 o K I Njr�V .c P(")Pq ho https:/Av .kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawai-Fcounty-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-publio-comment-and-revised-timeline 4/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of 1V A I V V V l A V A V �� hp(jH N ^j��aL0 KONA COMMONS l.i/1DER V) VY' �PCM'!Y 4PNrYttnz fltr N^^flan.'ItM1^IS - `► RES nnnvfvn Ices RESORT J�i:�ut�'1WESt;V, Pacific Waste • Jtadia ^Kaepanr Hawaii Heaehhp° f F I N A N C I A L Be r " MISS. a4P7(geTek � Erick Inc. s ,.e.^ ;, GaPanl comra<Ung Kona-Kohala c�nNmlacs eoura[ace ISLAND LIFESTYLE tr. CU HAWAII SiteOnel LANDSCAPE SUPPLY S tranger Together "�`-�"�'�� The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaii. Aliai Circle members are elite, active and influential business leaders committed to the economic health and prosperity of our community. (https://www.kona-kohala,com/alii-circLe-members) https:llw .kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 5/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline -News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of... (https://wwwjgdpubs.com/epubs/KonaKohaLaChamber/TheSource/) Click here to read The Source (http://wwwjournalgraphicsdigitaLpubLications.com/epubs/KONA- KOHALA%2oCHAMBER%2oOF%2oCOMMERCE/TheSource2022/viewer/desktop/#page/1) Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce 0 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy. Suite #208 , Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (https://maps.googLe.com? q=75-5737+Kuakini+Hwy.+Suite+%23208+•Kailua-Kona+H l+95740) t. 808, 329.1758 (tel:(8o8) 329-1758) OW infooa kona-kohala.com (mailto:infope kona-kohala.com) https:lt n .kona-kohala.com/news/detailsthawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-updatesummary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 617 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of � f f Cypw na ommerce) (https://x.com/KonaKohalaCC) CHAMBER OF COMNVCE (httr)s://www.Linkedin.com/company/kona-kohaLa-chamber-of-commerce?trk=companylogo ) (https://www.instagram.com/konakohaLachamber) © Copyright 2026 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. Site provided by GrowthZone (http://www.growthzone com) - powered by ChamberMaster (http://www.chambermaster,com) software. https:ltwww.kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 7/7 4/6126, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of Kona=Kohala � CHAMBER OF COMMERCE v� Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline (https All News Releases (https://www.kona-kohata.com/news) July 01, 2020 Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline The Planning Department appreciates the communities and stakeholders that were part of the robust public outreach in 2019 on the Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update. A variety of community engagement activities produced vaLuabLe input that is actively shaping the next draft. Later this year Planning Department will conduct another round of public workshops, and I urge residents and stakeholders to be a part of this critical planning process. Hearing and listening to the many voices of our communities is integral to developing a General Plan that is reflective of the Land use patterns which support a sustainable and thriving Hawaii Island. Michael Yee Planning Director Outreach for Public Comment The General Plan 2040 strives to position Hawaii Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. Given this strategic importance, the Planning Department performed community outreach during August — October 2019 to solicit public comment. Members of the public and several governmental agencies submitted comments in writing, and in -person remarks were captured during the following events, which presented key messages on goals, policies and actions for each section of the plan. • Speak -Out Events in large community venues (Hilo, Kona, Na'alehu and Waimea). https://wv-nN.kona-kohala.com/newsldetailslhawaFFcounty-general-plan-204D-update-summary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 117 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of iDa k- Events in sm I rA munit venues (Captain Cook, Honoka'a, Kailua-Kona, a ifo alkoloa). C ytaity Development Plan (CDP) Action s,�aQ�h���tQrce, the Waimea Community. Association, V) the Board of Water Supply, the Cultural Resource Commission, and the Environmental ivunuavnici vvn uuroawn. • Topic -Focused Workshops to provide focus on Economic Development, Infrastructure, Land Use and Natural Resources (Hilo, Kailua-Kona). • Coffee Hour Presentations to County and State governmental bodies. Summary of Public Comment Section of Plan Comment Themes (Total Comments/ Percent Prompting Revisions) Introduction Clarify GP authority, the future of CDPs, and relationships between (47/100%) County plans; Provide rationale for policies containing "shall" Natural Resource Clarify County's role in planning and management Planning (679/23%) Infrastructure Planning Align land use and infrastructure capacity; Add infrastructure (775/27%) maps; Address deficiencies related to wastewater and solid waste Economic and Address food planning, aging -in -place, and changes in tourism; Opportunity Planning Identify locations of affordable housing (648/44%) Community Address deficiencies with historic preservation, access for disabled Placemaking (648/44%) persons, and restricted access to unique resources; Add trail maps; Clarify service levels for parks, fire, police Land Use Planning Align land use with infrastructure capacity and Kona CDP; Clarify (759/100%) definitions; Include hazards in land use mapping; Include rationale for land use designations, adding one for STVRs and revisiting Mahukona & Discovery Harbor Implementation Prioritize CIP projects; Expand funding/financing options; Address (149/98%) GP/budget relationship; Clarify implementation time frames and agency roles Miscellaneous Summarize what has changed from 2005 GP (244/99%) Revised Timeline of the General Plan Comprehensive Review The original timeline envisioned completion of the comprehensive review by end of calendar year 2020. Four factors have extended the timeline of the General Plan comprehensive review: 1) Higher than expected volume of public comments; 2) Significant effort required to synchronize the General Plan with Kilauea Recovery planning and to update to the Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan; 3)Re- https://www.kona-kohala.com/news/delails/hawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update ummary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 2/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline -News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of... again processing Short -Term Vacation Rentals Ufl'y� duction in Long -Range Division staff for COVID-19 leave and transition to work. The following target dates are set for the remaining steps of the formal adoption process: • Public Workshops: December 2020/January 2021 • Planning Commission Hearings: June 2021 • County Council Hearings: September 2021 Updates to these target dates will be communicated on the General Plan website at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan (https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan). For more information contact the Planning Department, County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8288. Email: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov (mailto:generalplan@hawaiicountygov). Those interested in keeping current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for General Plan eNews at https://wwwplanning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community- planning/general-plan/connect(https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community- planning/general-plan/connect). Business Directory (https://www.kona-kohaLa.com/List/) Events Calendar (https://wvwv.kona-kohata.com/events/) Hot Deals (https://www.kona-kohaLa.com/hotdeaLs/) Member To Member Deals (https://\)vwwkona-kohaLa.com/MemberToMember/) Job Postings (https://w\x(w.kona-kohaLa.com/jobs/) Contact Us (https://wnww.kona-kohaLa.com/contact/) https://www.kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawal-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 3/7 4/6126, 10:32 AM Hawal l County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of ... : A ALTRES`"' GOODFELLOW BROS. E S T A f 1_ 15 H E D 1'-) 2 1 Morn r P/Aww ,00 /Ll�.ii''� _ Hawaii }. LIFE FLIGHT Community NETWORK- '..30L FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AL jV Alaska HAWAIIAN. AMERICAN 10.9 AIRLINES AIRLINES Savings Bank DREAMS 1, —� CANTOR BROS. Transport Services, Inc. 0 YJ4 ORCHID &NQ E! Service s away yanotechn SUPER FIRST ISLAND FEALTY, LLC MN .0. MYNVM y'Aw441 # Hawaiian Electric w w hfsku Fos wtnr Fnl cFt W711110n Hawaii Island Community Health Center P \Kamehanicha 'I I t1 y.%MJP Ago K T1VC'_Cr .4;pnPC https:llw .kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawai-i-county-general-plan-204O- pdate ummary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 4/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of C1,70 NrHNA BER Q r�or,lA COMMONS "nwnwsSnVie�"i ari uawc vnHtrvGa (/) �� ` !x>wcv' wHrtn!nS Nr )flnant,�an^. MrlvfVrl KCl=1 RESORT Southwest* ...p., HA waste � O 9 Stadia °Kann+ng kawall ILeauai+ui"" • 0 F I N A N C I A L Bet, C H�...�?_t "igeTelrC Erick. Inc. ISLAND ► CU HAWAII LIFESTYLE SiteGne LANDSCAPE SUPPLY Changer 9¢Neti�ar T(}RF:ILDtiI}N The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaii. AIVi Circle members are elite, active and Influential business leaders committed to the economic health and prosperity of our community. ei r (https://www.kona-kohala.com/aLii-circLe-members) https:llw .kona-kohala.com/news/details/hawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-public-comment-and-revised-timeline 5/7 4/6126, 10:32 AM Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of ... (https://vwwvjgdpubs.com/epubs/KonaKohaLaChamber/TheS,. /) Click here to read The Source (http://wwwjournatgraphicsdigitaLpubtications.com/epubs/KONA- KOHALA%2oCHAM BER%2oOF%2oCOMM ERCE/TheSource2o22/viewer/desktop/#page/i) Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce G 75-5737 Kuakini Hwy. Suite #208 , Kailua-Kona, HI 9674o (https://maps.googLe.com? q=75-5737+Kuaki ni+Hwy.+Suite+%23208++Kailua-Kona+H I+g674o) �. 808. 32g.1758 (te[Mo8) 329-1758) 04 infoCa kona-kohala.com (mailto:infopa kona-kohala.com) https:llw .kona-kohala.com/news/detailslhawai-kounty-general-plan-2040-updatesummary-of-public-comment-and-revis(. 1-timeline 6/7 4/6/26, 10:32 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline - News - Kona-Kohala Chamber of O merce) (https://x.com/KonaKohaLaCC) CHAMBER OF COM v) (htt.Ds://www..Linkedin.com/company/kona-kohaLa-chamber-of-commerce?trk=company_logo ) It (https://www.instagram,com/konakohalachamber) © Copyright 2026 Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. Site provided by GrowthZone (http //www.growthzone.com) - powered by ChamberMaster (http://www.chambermaster.com) software. https:llw .kona-kohala.com/news/detailslhawai-i-county-general-plan-2040-update-summary-of-publio-comment-and-revised-timeline 717 4/6/26, 10:30 AM General Plan I Hawaii County, HI Planning General Plan General Plan 2045 The Final Recommended Draft of the Hawaii County General Plan 2045 has been officin I ranslnitted to the County Council for its review and decision -making. This version reflects years of community input, technical analysis, and agency collaborati, At will guide land use, infrastructure, environmental protection, and community development islandwide forth( IeXt20years. • Access the Draft General Plan 2045 on the Konveio platform here. • Access the Draft General Plan Land Use (GPLU) Maps here. https://www.planning.hawaiicountygov/general-plan-communKy-planning/gp 1/5 4/6/26, 10:30 AM General Plan I Hawaii County, HI Planning • Download a PDF copy of the Draft General Plan here. Planning Commission Review of Draft General Plan 2045: The Leeward Planning Commission and Windward Planning Commission have finished reviewing the Draft General Plan 2045• • Windward Planning Commission General Plan Review Recommendation Letter • Leeward Planning Commission General Plan Review Recommendation Letter What is the General Plan? The County of Hawai`i's General Plan is the blueprint that guides the long-term development of Hawaii Island. It considers the needs of the entire island, and provides a sound growth strategy that directs future opportunities related to land use, zoning amendments and capital expenditures. The General Plan strives to position Hawaii Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. GENEFr.A1L PLA4N FUNCTVCNAsd'L C(; N114m1.aVN Y AREAS, PLANS DFwVIELt:DPMEN'11 IMPROVEMENT PLANS PLANS OPERAI;TVNG CAPITA ,. LAND USE �IIVIPIOVIE'llil.�t�e,�1 DEVELOPMENT �3UIDGIF-f *Ih'a(),GIP, r0l (C111:'') CODES 2005 General Plan The current General Plan was adopted in 2005 and continues to define our County structure and future growth. Please visit our 2005 General Plan page for more information about the plan's content. 2005 GENERAL PLAN https://w .planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp 2/5 4/6126. 10:30 AM General Plan I Hawaii County, HI Planning General Plan Comprehensive Revi t' We are currently engaged in the comprehensive review of the Final Draft General Plan 1,;. More information can be found on our Comprehensive Review page. 1:4 MY I t►r.V General Plan FAQs Q: When did the comprehensive review update process begin? A: The Planning Director initiated the comprehensive review of the County of Haig, i i General Plan (GP) (zoos edition, as amended) on February 6, 2O15, pursuant to sections 3-15 and 6-- (b)(2) of the Charter of the County of Hawaii and section 16.1. of the General Plan. Q: What happened to the 20i9 Draft General Plan? A: The 2oig draft was presented in workshops around the island in every district. ' .also hosted topic - focused workshops in Hilo and Kona. We received almost 4,O0O comments and h; created another draft to address the feedback. Q: Will changes from the 2019 Draft be shown? A: The draft includes revisions to address the feedback that was received on the .N �t 2otg draft. Q: How does the General Plan impact different parts of our island? A: The General Plan serves as the overarching policy document that guides devel on I, land use, and resource management across the entire island. The plan encourages growth in a it b existing infrastructure while minimizing impacts on sensitive environments and agricul I lands. While the General Plan outlines island -wide policies, it allows for flexibility to address the i lue needs and character of individual regions, ensuring that rural, urban, and coastal areas are all consider ud. It provides the foundation for more localized community development plans (CDPs), which reflect the specific priorities of different parts of the island. In this way, the General Plan balances island -wide v i s11 with community -level input. Q: What revisions have been made to the Land Use Map and how will those be implemented? A: The General Plan Land Use (GPLU) Maps have been revised based on the input received on the August 2ot9 draft maps that were available at that time. The GPLU Maps have also incorl rated community feedback since the release of the 2023 Draft. Q: How does the General Plan relate to the Zoning and Subdivision Code Update? https:/tw .planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-mmmunity-planning/gp 3/5 4/6/26, 10:30 AM General Plan I Hawaii County, HI Planning A: This General flan update has been ongoing since 2015 and one of the biggest implementation factors has been updates to our codes. There was an opportunity with funding to get the code updates started. The General Plan is prioritized to be completed first and then inform that code update process. Q: What is the Gene r:d Plan adoption process? A: The Final Recommended Draft was released on July 29, 2024. Following the end of the last public workshop (September 5 webinar), the public will have until September 26 to submit comments on the Recommended Draft. In accordance with the 2005 General Plan, Section 16.1, the Recommended Draft and supporting , i i aterials will be submitted to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions. The community will I iave the opportunity to testify during those hearings. After the Planning Commissions complete their process, the package will go to the County Council for review and adoption, which will also be open for public testimony at the public hearings. Q: What is the relat i t rriship between the General Plan and Community Development Plans (CDPs)? A: The General Plan represents the highest level of the County Planning System and contains long-range strategies for the entire County. The CDPs translate broad General Plan statements to specific actions as they apply to specific geographical areas. They serve to provide a forum for community input to reflect the character of each community. Inquires about the Geuu•al Plan Comprehensive Review may be directed to our Long Range Planning team at (808) 961-8288 or GencralPlan@hawaiicounty 90Y. Mailing List Input your email below to receive updates on the General Plan and/or Community Development Plans. These are low -volume lists for in formational purposes. We will not share your information with any person or entity for any reason. eNotification Signup I Change eNotification Preferences Email Address * Retype Email Add Tess * https:thw .planning.hawaiicourity.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp 415 4/6126,10:30 AM General Plan I Hawaii County, HI Planning First Name Last Name General Plat HAmdkua CDP Hilo CDP Ka'fi CDP Kona CDP North Kohala CDP Puna CDP South Kohala CDP Subscribe to All Emails EJI'm not a robot reCAPTCHA SUBM17- https:/fwww.planning.hawaiicountygov/general-plan-communky-planning/gp 5/5 4/3/26, 9:52 AM Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline I County News I Hawaii County, Hl County of Ha -A ;1 `i News Hawaii Coun ty General Plan 204O Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline Post Date: cr-'u l./2020 3:36 PM The Planning Departnlet appreciates the communities and stakeholders that were part of the robust public outreach in 2019 on the Hawaii County General Plan 2040 Update. A variety of community engagement activities produced valuable input that is actively shaping the next draft. Later this year Planning Department will conduct another round of public kshops, and I urge residents and stakeholders to be a part of this critical planning process. Hearing and lis i ng to the many voices of our communities is integral to developing a General Plan that is reflective of the land use patterns which support a sustainable and thriving Hawaii Island. Michael Yee Planning Director Outreach for Public Comment The General Plan 2040 s , es to position Hawaii Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening conur i ry foundations. Given this strategic importance, the Planning Department performed community outreadi governmental agencie events, which presence ❑ Speak -Out Events ❑ Mini Speak -Out IDS Panaewa, Pahoa, Vol(. ❑ Community Grool Kohala Chamber of (_ Resource Commissioi ❑ Topic -Focused Wo Resources (Hilo, Kai It ❑ Coffee Hour Preset Summary of Public C, Section of Plan, (To t. Introduction (47/100 rationale for policies ,, August — October 2019 to solicit public comment. Members of the public and several Witted comments in writing, and in -person remarks were captured during the following messages on goals, policies and actions for each section of the plan. � re community venues (Hilo, Kona, Na`alehu and Waimea). i n smaller community venues (Captain Cook, Honoka`a, Kailua-Kona, Kapa`au, illage and Waikoloa). n cations to the Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committees, the Kona- ,, rce, the Waimea Community Association, the Board of Water Supply, the Cultural the Environmental Management Commission. ,ps to provide focus on Economic Development, Infrastructure, Land Use and Natural o a). ,its to County and State governmental bodies. (!nt: i nients/ Percent Prompting Revisions) Comment Themes arify GP authority, the future of CDPs, and relationships between County plans; Provide i ning "shall' https://www.hawaiicounty.gov'i ,umponents/News/News/2296/720 1/3 4/3/26, 9:52 AM Hawai'i County General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline I County News I Hawaii County, HI Natural Resource Planning (679/23%) Clarify County's role in planning and management Infrastructure Planning (775/27%) Align land use and infrastructure capacity; Add infrastructure maps; Address deficiencies related to wastewater and solid waste Economic and Opportunity Planning (648/44%) Address food planning, aging -in -place, and changes in tourism; Identify locations of affordable housing Community Placemaking (648/44%) Address deficiencies with historic preservation, access for disabled persons, and restricted access to unique resources; Add trail maps; Clarify service levels for parks, fire, police Land Use Planning (759/100%) Align land use with infrastructure capacity and Kona CDP; Clarify definitions; Include hazards in land use mapping; Include rationale for land use designations, adding one for STVRs and revisiting Mahukona & Discovery Harbor Implementation (149/98%) Prioritize CIP projects; Expand funding/financing options; Address GP/budget relationship; Clarify implementation time frames and agency roles Miscellaneous (244/99%) Summarize what has changed from 2005 GP Revised Timeline of the General Plan Comprehensive Review The original timeline envisioned completion of the comprehensive review by end of calendar year 2020. Four factors have extended the timeline of the General Plan comprehensive review: 1) Higher than expected volume of public comments; 2) Significant effort required to synchronize the General Plan with Kilauea Recovery planning and to update to the Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan; 3) Re -deployment of some Long -Range Division staff to assist in processing Short -Term Vacation Rentals and resulting petitions to the Board of Appeals; and 4) Reduction in Long -Range Division staff capacity since March because of personal requirements for COVID-r9 leave and transition to remote work. The following target dates are set for the remaining steps of the formal adoption process: ❑ Public Workshops: December 202o/January 2021 ❑ Planning Commission Hearings: June 2021 ❑ County Council Hearings: September 2021 Updates to these target dates will be communicated on the General Plan website at https: //www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan. For more information contact the Planning Department, County of Hawaii for Pauahi Street, Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8288. Email: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov. https://v .hawalimunty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2296/720 2/3 4/3126, 9:52 AM HawaN COUnty General Plan 2040 Update Summary of Public Comment and Revised Timeline I County News I Hawaii County, HI Those interested in keeping; current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for General Plan eNews at https://www.p I:, tining.hawaiicounty.gov/big-island-vision/community-planning/general-plan/connect •.- r r " Iii�3� https://www.hawaiicountygov/Hon, ,,;ornponents/News/News/2296/720 3/3 From: Harvey Stone Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 4:51 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: testimony Bill 66 RE: Bill 66 (Draft 2) Amendment to General Plan 2045 Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development April 7,2026,1:30pm Testimony I stand in strong opposition to the amendment in Communication 372.192, and in support of the Draft 2045 General Plan as currently written. We live on an island where climate change is not abstract —it is already here. We see it in our coastlines, our water systems, and our increasing vulnerability to fire and extreme weather. In this reality, government has a clear responsibility: to ensure the long-term safety, resilience, and well- being of our community. That responsibility reflects our core values—kuleana, malama, and pono. Now, more than ever, our community needs strong leaders who demonstrate these core commitments. The current Draft General Plan honors that responsibility. It is grounded in data, shaped by community input, and provides clear direction for land use, infrastructure, and development. It meets the legal requirements of both State law and our County Charter, and it gives us a roadmap to move forward responsibly. The proposed amendment, however, does not. It is too broad, too flexible, and lacks the specificity needed to guide real decisions. It does not clearly define where and how growth should occur, and it risks turning our General Plan into something open to interpretation rather than a firm foundation for action. That creates inconsistency, uncertainty, and ultimately weakens our ability to respond to the very challenges we face. This is not about limiting individual freedom —it is about honoring our shared responsibility to care for this island and each other. Without clear and thoughtful planning, we risk losing what makes Hawai'i Island so special. In this instance, government is the solution and not the problem. We need strict guidelines to ensure we have safe water, strict building codes, well maintained infrastructure. Ensuring a sustainable and resilient future is not different. I respectfully urge you to adopt the Draft 2045 General Plan and reject the proposed amendment. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Mahalo for your time and for your service. KOHALA COAST COMMUNITY FUND FO MERLYK IPOND BRIDGES Harvey Stone Executive Director �e harvey@kohalacoastfund.org ® kohalacoastfund.org © 360.961.0177 From: rterry Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 7:40 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony for 4/7 Meeting of Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use & Economic Development, Bill 66, Adopting the General Plan 2045 and Repealing Ordinance 05-025. April? Meeting of Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use & Economic Development, Bill66, Adopting the General Plan 2045 and Repealing Ordinance 05-025. Dear Chair Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Galimba and Committee Members: As a scientist and planner, I have followed the development of the new General Plan by reviewing drafts, attending meetings, asking questions and making suggestions. The Hawaii County Planning Department has done great work in the General Plan 2045 in summarizing the major issues facing our County and developing objectives, policies and actions for the County Departments and the County Council to address these issues. We are at a critical juncture in the planning process where we need to decide whether to carry forward finalizing the GP 2045 or suddenly adopt a new, slimmer plan, discarding the years of systematic and careful research and public and agency vetting that went into the GP 2045. I guess the newly -introduced GP 2026 was developed to simplify a plan down to its basic principles, removing specific actions that could in theory emerge as needed in laws, regulations, policies and further plans. However, this process has removed many of best elements of the GP 2045 that would ensure these principles are carried forward into action. They have been replaced with fairly generic statements that will not provide the guidance the General Plan is meant to offer. There are a number of subject areas that are not adequately fleshed out, including scenic views, population, land use maps, sustainable communities, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and others. In this letter, I will focus on one crucial element that is omitted in the GP 2026, which by itself is reason enough to pause this whole process. Human -induced climate change caused by increasing greenhouse gases is the existential issue for our world's environment. Warming sea and air temperatures, increasing ocean acidity, rising sea level, longer and worse droughts, wild weather swings, more frequent hurricanes, stronger winds, and increased wildfires are very predictable consequences of increasing atmospheric CO2 and methane. This dire outcome is simple to model, readily apparent in the meticulously documented historical climate record of our planet, and clearly happening to us right now. To deny this is to ignore the obvious facts, many of them gathered from the world -class research conducted by scientists here in Hawaii. Hawaii is not immune to the very worst effects of climate change. We need to acknowledge this reality in our fundamental planning document —the General Plan. We also must creatively and proactively adapt to climate change and do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will look in vain in the GP 2026 for acknowledgment of climate change or sea level rise and any strategies to cope with them. By contrast, the GP 2045 offered a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities we face as we adapt to climate hazards and build systems to withstand current and future climate change impacts. The GP 2045 does not simply recite global talking points - it meticulously factors in our unique environmental, economic, social and cultural context (Tables 12-15). The GP 2045 provided a set of general objectives backed up by policies and very specific actions that will adapt to climate and improve our environment and also save lives, property and dollars. Here is a selection of actions our County can focus on to achieve them: • Increase transparency of government actions by creating a climate change dashboard and portal to track the implementation of climate action. • Engage communities by incorporating place -based knowledge and qualitative data to guide implementation priorities and decision -making. • Develop and provide incentives for new development/redevelopment to pursue certification for "green" site planning, construction, and post -construction practices. • Adopt policies and strategies across all County departments to reduce GHGs and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. • Develop a County purchasing policy to prioritize products with low emissions over their lifecycle and resiliency to the impacts of climate change. • Develop and implement incentives for energy -efficient or green design standards. • Prioritize urban tree inventories for primary urban areas such as Downtown Hilo, Waimea, and Kailua-Kona, and develop procedures to include street trees as part of public capital improvement projects. • Develop energy benchmarking standards for County buildings. • Develop and implement an electric vehicle charging plan with a station network map that identifies regional gaps in service. • Create a fleet transformation plan for each County department. • Develop and implement a streamlined framework to report annual energy use of all County facilities and all new County vehicle purchases. • Conduct detailed vulnerability mapping of existing and planned infrastructure. • Support and partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders on research for adaptive policies and technology that increase resilience. • Incorporate appropriate green building or climate -resilient specifications into competitive bids. • Adopt a land acquisition program with potential leaseback options for the purchase of hazard prone locations or those with beneficial attributes for climate adaptation and mitigation. • Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to implement environmentally beneficial upgrades for wastewater, irrigation, and/or landscaping, including sea level rise, storm, and other climate change considerations. None of these actions are included the GP 2026. There is a statement that "The County should coordinate hazard planning with infrastructure investment, emergency management, and capital improvement programs to reduce risk and improve long-term resilience," but very little else, and no specific actions. There is no roadmap to get us out of the mess i e have gotten into. We need to reverse climate change to the degree possible and adapt to the adverse effects we cannot eliminate if we want to retain a livable county and also save tritlions of dollars. Our shoreline policies and regulations must account for sea level rise erasing our harbors, beaches and wastewater infrastructure. We need to ensure we do not stress the life-giving coral reefs anymore than necessary as they face the peril of warmer, more acidic seas. We need to prepare for more hurricanes and stream floods, but at the same time more severe droughts and more fire danger. The General Plan has a big part to play in this as it guides our most impactful decisions. This is notto say that the GP2026 lacks all merit. Reducingthe bulk of the GP 2045 by addressing redundancies and sidetracks is probably a good idea. There are also some interesting new ideas regarding creative industries in the GP 2026. But I suggest that the Council should utilize the 2045 Plan as the basic framework and then edit it to improve the plan, clearly indicating deletions and changes for the sake of transparency and reasoned analysis. Thankyou for considering my testimony. Ron Terry Hilo, Hawaii hiloronterry@gmail.com From: sharkgss Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 6:00 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: OPPOSE GENERAL PLAN 2045 - SUPPORT GENERAL PLAN 2026 Aloha Council Members, I have reviewed the 2026 General Plan (GP) submitted by Ashley Kierkiewicz. It is a much clearer, streamlined, and practical document than the previous plan submitted by the planning department in 2025. The GP 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the GP 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that leans outside the scope of constitutional rights and will lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. The 2045 GP was based on a template provided by the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals and not representative of the people. On March 7, 2025 the United States rejected the UN Sustainable Development Goals and was described by Edward Heartney, Minister Counselor to ECOSOC at the US Mission to the United Nations "a program of soft global governance inconsistent with US sovereignty and adverse to the rights and interests of Americans" The level of complexity of the 2045 GP has created great concern for property owners and 100% of testimony was against this plan in previous meetings and should absolutely NOT move forward. A GP should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. I encourage you to support the GP 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your consideration on this very important decision for the future of Hawaii Island. Regards, Donna Thompson Kamuela, HI Sent with Proton Mail secure email. From: Tara Thralls Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 4:02 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer, Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. I prefer the General Plan 2026 over the General Plan 2045 for several reasons. I like the clarity, practicality and that the 2026 provides greater certainty over what landowners can do on their own properties. The General Plan 2026 provides a framework that is easily understandable and not cluttered with too many words, taking up too many pages. Also, the 2026 plan offers reliable decision making, and most importantly, transparency. The General Plan 2045 is has a broader scope, and way more goal than are necessary immediately. It is nebulous regarding future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can cause confusion for landowners and make it more difficult for them to plan for their future. Our general plan should provide clear goals and directions, and not cause confusion with nebulous goals. The General Plan should support the people who live and invest in our island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. TARA THRALLS From: Christina Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 6:27 AM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Christy Tseu PACIFIC SCIENCE A Quarterly Devoted to the Biological and Physical Sciences of the Pacific Region Volume 77 • Numbers 2-3 • July 2023 Official Journal of the Pacific Science Association e 1 A 60-Year Record of Plant Colonization on Alpine Lava Flows, Maunal 5. a'' Hawaii: Climate Change, Substrate Control, and Human Disturbances n z l0 s essica A. Kirkpatrick,¢ Marie M. McKenzie,' 3obn E. s dames 0.uvik, ' Brett T. Rodomsky, s and Dieter Mueller -Dom bois9 n, Banes,6 Sonia P. yuvik,2 Katbryn Y. Akamine,7 Sohn P. Lockwood, 3. Abstract: Between 1958 and 2018, multiple roadside surveys were conducted on as the upper altitudinal limits of the alpine Maunaloa (now preferred Hawaiian language spelling of Mauna Loa) vascular flora from near tree line (2,525 m) to V. the NOAA Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) at 3,397 m. Five native plant species U. were encountered in 1958 on numerous sparsely vegetated historic and ty prehistoric basaltic lava flows. A resurvey of the roadside 50 years later (2008) m yielded 22 species including nine new native species and eight aliens. The aliens sites di ia. were limited to a few individuals at disturbed by human activity. Here, floristic change along the transect was reassessed after 60 years (2018), recording 2. a total of 30 species with 15 natives and 15 aliens. Floristic diversity and shifts in act _ aldtudinal limits are evaluated in relation to well documented and dramatic local al- climate change over recent decades, an disturbance. cee Theresults in influences ndic to that )9: substrate -control and increasinghuman mediated p p gu le lava pressure,ra to age s and textural d disturbance exert greatong er human than rapid oclimate tterns of plant distribution and diversity in this change in explaining current pa hyper-arid, alpine environment. This long-term monitoring effort of and reinforced a more general moisture/ alpine lava flows has also informed substrate -control model for early primary succession extending to subalpine mountain elevations involving the two dominant lava flow textural classes: `a`a and paboehoe. Keywords: native/alien alpine plants, primary succession, species invasion, Maunaloa, Hawaii, climate change, lava flow substrates, human impact FossExc (1959) DocuMENTED the 1958, upper basaltic lava flows above tree line along a altitu inal limits ohialpine and prehilar sornc the rouy ctive volcanodrive oMaunaloa (betwead ascending the n slopes525 speci tMannscript accepted 1 June 2023. HI 96720, USA 'Geography and Environmental Studies, UniwrsiOR 97365, oSA. 30regon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Newport,Lands ohakulo0, Colorado State University, 100-172 4Center for Environmental Management of Military �- University Ave, Fort Collins, CO 8052, USA. College Pearl City, 11196782, USA ssocial Science Division, Leeward Community 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, USA 6NOAA/Global Monitoring Laboratory, retired, 'Pacific Island I&M Network, Hawaii Nsdonal Park, HI 96718, USA. sDepartment of Geology, University of Hawai i-Hilo, HI 96720, USA °Depactme t of Botany, (email: University of Hawa'i du) oa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. toCouesp B Pacific Science (2023), -1, 77, no. 2-3:187-208 doi:10.2984/77.2.5 ® 2023 by University of Hawal 1 Press. All rights reserved. 187 (A) a c 3 { l N _T S E MLO Minimum Temperature (1956-2019) Linear Trend: 1956-1995: 0.060-CNr, F`0.001 Rt =0.631 1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 Year Days/Year With Minimum Temperatures z O°C Linear Trend: 1956-2019: -1.07 daystyr. PQ.001 .55- 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 Year �K trends at MLO, 1956-2019: (A) annual mean minimum temperature; (B) days/year with From: Joy Van Bergen Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 11:27 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Please support General Plan 2026 Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. As you tie up property in red tape, you tax the people of Hawaii to a point where they have no choice but to leave. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Joy Van Bergen Trask Commercial Realty LLC 808-557-1491 From: Ken Van Bergen < kenvan Bergen @gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 4:45 PM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is far too complicated and broad based objectives that really don't belong in County level general plan. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Ken Van Bergen 808-557-9016 kenvanbergen@out/ook.com From: khandro Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 10:55 AM To: Council Testimony Cc: Galimba, Michelle M. Subject: Bill 66 - Support the 2045 General Plan My name is Wendy Vance. I live on the Moku o Hawai% in the mokupuni of Ka'u and the ahupua'a of Kiolaka'a. I am a resident of Hawaii for 50+years. I implore the council to adopt the 2045 General Plan with its measurable targets and accountability structures intact. The current 2005 General Plan is 21 years old. It was written before the Kilauea eruption, COVID, the Lahaina fires, and the increasingly intense and frequent storms. It doesn't mention electric vehicles, storage, geothermal expansion, or sea level rise. It doesn't address climate adaptation. It does not acknowledge our state's 100% renewable energy mandate. The'2045 General Plan took 11 years to develop, a long process that involved the County, planning commissioners, and community members across the island; many public workshops, draft reviews, and comment periods were held starting in 2015. The proposed amendment to Bill 66 would substantially rewrite the 2045 General Plan before the Council votes on it. The amendment removes the plan's standalone chapter on energy, sustainability, and resilience. It removes every measurable target, including the commitment to eliminate fossil -fuel electricity generation, the County fleet electrification.timeline, the transit ridership goal, and the zero - waste target. It removes the "just transition" equity framework. It removes the bio-cultural stewardship structure that tookyears of community input to build. It removes accountability. The proposed changes would negatively impact the general plan. For all the reasons mentioned above I beseech the County Council to honor the work done by the community, the County, and the planning commissioners and adopt the 2045 General Plan intact! Mahalo, Wendy Vance From: austin walker Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 2:07 PM To: Council Testimony, Kimball, Heather, Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This Level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. From: Dianna Walker Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:01 AM To: Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii- Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers amore focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. Please keep the planning as simple as possible so that the average citizen can understand and be able to have a voice in the process. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Dianna Walker Sent from my iPhone From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Pete Walker Monday, March 23, 2026 9:42 AM Council Testimony Mayor's Office Executive 2026 general plan Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please support the General Plan 2026. Residents need a plan that is clear, practical, and provides certainty —especially when it comes to howwe can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers amore focused and understandable framework that supports consistent decision -making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language that may lead to less predictable outcomes in future land use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future.) thinkwe should keep our planning as simple as possible so that the average citizen can understand and be heard in the process. A general plan should provide clear guidance —not confusion —and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach that provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. Norman Walker Sent from my iPhone From: Kimiti Wang'oo Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:47 AM To: Planning Internet Mail Subject: General Plan 2045 and 2026 Proposed Amendment May I submit my opposition to the proposed 2026 replacement by council member Kierkiewicz to the General Plan 2045. Public long term planning requires a road map based on public input and abroad sense of community welfare. The proposed changes limit the scope of future options for the residents of Hawaii County, focuses on narrow interests, and guts important cultural and science based language from the general plan. It is better suited for short term implementation tactics than for long term strategic planning. Please vote no on this proposal and keep to the original plan informed by public participation over several years. Elements of the councilwoman's proposal can be discussed in the implementation phase as needed. Sincerely, Kimiti Wangoo 16-1006 40th Ave Keaau Hi 96749 District 5 Resident/Voter From: Debbie Ward Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 8:30 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: PLUED 1:30 pm testimony opposing Comm 372.192 April6, 2026 TO: Hawaii County Council Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, Economic Development FROM: Deborah Ward, District 5 RE: Opposing Comm.372-192, supporting Bill66 Draft 2 efforts with amendments Aloha, Chair and Committee Members, AS a member of the public who spent agonizing hours navigating the proposed GP2045 (slow internet speeds made for hours of "refresh screen" misery) and learning to navigate the maps, I was astonished that an entirely new and abbreviated plan was proposed without public scrutiny and input. The failure to identify climate change as a factor in decisions going forward, the failure to include maps, and the failure to include the goals and policies for future actions means that the proposed new plan is essentially gutless and unenforceable and offers no guidance for future decisions. The lack of transparency regarding maps and proposed reduced descriptions of land use are particularly concerning. For these reasons I urge you to vote against Comm 372.192. Mahalo! From: Diane Ware Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 6:57 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Comm. 372.192 in opposition / Support for Bill 66 with amendments Dear Chairs Kierkiewicz/ Inaba and Council Members, The 2045 Plan is not perfect, But it covers the essential elements of a General Plan and contains many good recommendations. It has been thoroughly vetted by the Planning Commissions and available to the public for over a year for review and comment. On the other hand the "2026" plan referenced in the communication has only been available to residents for a few weeks with no community involvement or opportunity to comment. COM 372.192 does not comply with Hawai'i Revised Statutes 226-68(b)(2): "Contain implementation priorities and actions to carry out policies to include but not be limited to land use maps, programs, projects, regulatory measures, standards and principles, and interagency coordination provisions." The 2026 Plan consists of about 71 pages of very general policies and actions. Most of them are good and often are well stated but they do not offer the comprehensive guidance that a General Plan should. To take just a few significant omissions: I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove quantitative benchmarks, the energy and resilience framework, or the biocultural stewardship provisions Every General Plan, from the first one in 1971, has had a list of examples of natural beauty in each district. They aren't complete, but at least they provide some guidance to the Planning Department and Council in reviewing development that may mar these views. The 2026 Plan deleted this List. The 2045 Plan has an extensive discussion of actions that should be taken to adapt to climate change. This is already affecting us and things like more intense storms and sea leveL rise will be a pervasive part of our future. The 2026 Plan deleted all explicit mention of climate change. Malama pono, our county depends on your vote today, Diane Ware Moku o Ka'u P.O. Box 698 Volcano HI 96785 From: JJ Wassell Sent: Saturday, April4, 2026 5:06 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 Testimony I, JJ Wassell, am in STRONG SUPPORT of BM 66 and my opposition to any amendments. Councilwoman Kierkiewicz's Amendment reduces the "Plan" to 79 pages, has no important features or requirements, and no mention of climate change. Sincerely, A Wassell Sent from Earth? From: Joanna Weber Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:09 AM To: Kimball, Heather, Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Villegas, Rebecca; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Council Testimony Cc: Mayor's Office Executive Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 — Protect Local Property Rights Dear Council Members, Please, support the General Plan 2026. We, the residents, need a plan which is clear, practical, and which provides certainty — especially when it comes to how we can use our own property. The General Plan 2026 offers a more focused and understandable framework supporting consistent decision - making and transparency. In contrast, the General Plan 2045 is significantly more complex, with a large number of goals and broad policy language which may lead to, less predictable outcomes in future land -use and permitting decisions. This level of complexity can create uncertainty for property owners and make it more difficult for residents to plan for the future. A general plan should provide clear guidance — not confusion — and should support the people who live and invest in this island. Please, support the General Plan 2026 as a balanced, workable approach which provides greater clarity and confidence for our community. Mahalo for your time and service. JOANNA WEBER KAILUA-KONA t Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:13 AM To: marybeth weber Cc: Council Testimony Subject: RE: Hawaii Island General Plan From: marybeth weber Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:11 AM To: Council Remote Testimony<councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov> Subject: Hawaii Island General Plan Please vote in support of General Plan 2026 NOT General plan 2045. Enough of trying to steal our rights as citizens of Hawaii Island! Marybeth Weber Volcano Hawaii Island From: Kim L W Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 8:53 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66, Draft 2 Aloha Hawai'i County Council Members, I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposed amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2, introduced by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz (AGE PCPLUED 2026-04-07 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink). These amendments would significantly reduce the community -driven, comprehensive 310-page General Plan 2045, removing key elements developed through more than a decade of public engagement and planning. The General Plan 2045 took 11 years to develop, beginning in 2015, and included extensive collaboration among County staff, planning commissioners, and community members across Hawai'i Island. Numerous public workshops, draft reviews, and comment periods helped shape a thoughtful, balanced document that addresses sustainability, land use, hazard preparedness, environmental stewardship, and long-term community resilience. Prior to the proposed amendments, Bill 66, Draft 2 referenced Volcano more than 30 times and aligned with both the Puna Community Development Plan and the Volcano Long Range Plan. These plans include, efforts to establish the Volcano region as a Biosphere Reserve Buffer Zone to guide development within native forests through regulatory measures and economic incentives. The proposed amendments remove all references to Volcano. This is concerning for our region, where community groups have been actively working on action plans that recognize Volcano as an area of special ecological importance. Eliminating these references undermines years of community planning and removes recognition of a unique and sensitive landscape. The proposed amendments also remove the plan's standalone chapter on energy, sustainability, and resilience. In doing so, they eliminate measurable targets, including commitments related to reducing fossil - fuel electricity generation, electrifying the County fleet, increasing transit ridership, and working toward zero waste. The amendments also remove the "just transition' equity framework and the biocultural stewardship structure that were developed through extensive community input. Without these components, the plan loses clear benchmarks, accountability, and the tools necessary to measure progress. This matters to me and many others for several reasons. Hawai'i Island's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels contributes to high electricity and transportation costs for residents. The General Plan 2045 includes targets that support energy self-sufficiency and diversification, which are essential to stabilizing costs and improving long-term resilience. Removing those targets weakens the County's ability to plan for a more affordable and reliable energy future. The General Plan 2045 also includes commitments to resilience and hazard preparedness. These provisions help ensure that communities are better protected from future disasters. Eliminating measurable goals in this area leaves the County without clear direction at a time when climate impacts and natural hazards are increasing. I also support Hawai'i's transition to locally generated clean energy, including solar and wind. State law calls for reducing dependence on imported fuels, and the General Plan 2045 aligns with this mandate by establishing concrete targets. Removing those targets risks putting the County out of step with statewide goals and long-term planning requirements. Additionally, low-income and rural communities on Hawai'i Island often face the highest energy costs and the greatest infrastructure challenges. The equity provisions in the General Plan 2045 help prioritize investments where they are most needed. Removing these provisions reduces accountability for equitable outcomes and risks widening existing disparities. Finally, the plan's commitments to clean transportation and affordable energy — including fleet electrification, transit improvements, and energy diversification — directly affect residents' daily lives. These elements represent practical, forward -looking solutions that support both economic and environmental sustainability. The General Plan 2045 reflects years of collaboration, careful analysis, and community participation. The proposed amendments remove essential content, eliminate measurable goals, and weaken accountability. I respectfully urge the Council to reject the proposed amendments to Bill 66, Draft 2 and preserve the integrity of the community -developed General.Plan 2045. Mahalo for your consideration. Kindly, Kim Weisenborn Volcano, Hawai'i resident From: John Winter Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 6:47 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 66 - Support the General Plan Energy section Aloha Chair Inaba and Council Members. My name is John Winter and I live in Kapaau, North Kohala. I also chair the North Kohala CDP Advisory Group and serve on the Utilities Subgroup. I'm writing to ask the Council to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its Energy Section with its targets and accountability structures intact. The Big Island is very rare in havingthe capacity to generate its own sustainable and affordable energy, including solar, wind and geothermal. The General Plan energy self-sufficiency targets will greatly encourage our change from expensive and pollutingfossil fuels to cleaner alternatives at great savings eventually. Hawaii State law requires county plans to work toward eliminating dependence on imported fuel. The 2045 General Plan includes targets that align with the mandate. Mahalo. John Winter John Winter Chair, North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group PO Box 849, Kapaau, HI 96755 (808)854-5021 From: Karen A. Wood Sent: Friday, April 3, 2026 11:14 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: general plan Sent from my iPhoneplease vote against GP2045 and please vote forGP2026. Also please vite against bill 147 thank you, Karen A Wood From: Xiankw Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 12:03 AM To: Council Testimony Subject: Support for General Plan 2026 Dear Hawai'i Council Members, The General Plan 2026 is a clear and effective way of succeeding on Hawai'i Island and in our community. The County Councit benefits greatly from a plan that is clear, practice and pio_vide-s-certairlty in Hawaii's uncertain future. The General Plan 2026 offers a much easier and efficient way for the County Council to complete their objectives in the community while also supporting consistent decision -making and transparency. Through clarity, and decisiveness the General Plan 2026 allows the County to reduce unnecessary stress and toil by outlining clear points that can be followed and implemented within a relatively short time frame. These clear points are mostlyjust improvements of the currently exceptional system. The General Plan 2045, however, is much more complicated and intensive for the Hawaii County staff who are involved with planning and deciding what objectives need to be accomplished. Vague and open ended Language in the general. plan may cause confusion and unnecessary fatigue on the Hawai'i County members who may deal with this plan on a daily basis. Long periods of inaction and discord during planning, due to the Lack of clarity of the general plan 2045, are inevitable as the scope of the plan is roughly 19 years. The Hawaii County, Council members, and the public benefit from a clear straight forward General Plan 2026. It aims to accomplish objectives, ease planning tensions and simpLifyworkfLow, and continue to create a great Hawaii Island community. Thank you for all you currently do in our Hawai'i Island Communities! All Rights Reserved, Without Prejudice, UCC 1-308 -Secured Party Chris Yuen P.O. Box 5 Ninole, HI 96773 Email: chrisyuenz@hotmail.com April 1, 2026 Planning Committee Chair Kierkiewicz and Members of the Hawai'i County Council: The Council is at a crucial point in the current General Plan review. At your April 7 meeting, you will have a choice between going forward with the draft submitted by the Planning Director last year, usually referred to as the 2045 Plan, or with the one submitted by Councilmember Kierkiewicz on March 4, 2026, usually referred to as the 2026 Plan. I was Planning Director when the current General Plan was approved, in 2005, and I was involved in the drafting of Ord. 07-70, the current GP amendment process. The 2045 Plan is not perfect. No plan is, including the 2005 Plan. But it covers the essential elements of a General Plan and contains many good recommendations. It has been thoroughly vetted by the Planning Commissions and available to the public for over a year for review and comment. The 2026 Plan consists of about 71 pages of very general policies and actions. Most of them are very good and often are well stated. But they do not offer the comprehensive guidance that a General Plan should. To take just a few significant omissions: every General Plan, from the first one in 1971, has had a list of examples of natural beauty in each district. They aren't complete, but at least they provide some guidance to the Planning Department and Council in reviewing development that may mar these views. The 2026 Plan deleted this list. The 2045 Plan has an extensive discussion of actions that should be taken to adapt to climate change. This is already affecting us and things like more intense storms and sea level rise will be a pervasive part of our future. The 2026 Plan deleted all explicit mention of climate change. In planning, the expected population growth is a key factor. This is something you can't know for sure, but you have to plan for various growth scenarios. The 2045 Plan is projecting slower population growth than the past 60 years or so on this island, but it is in line with the actual growth in 2020-2025. The 2026 Plan has no explicit population growth projections. The complete lack of maps is a glaring omission. At the Planning Committee's March 10 meeting, Councilmember Kierkiewicz said she was working with the Planning Department on new land use maps. In Com. 372.195 she wrote that she would be reducing the 14 categories in the 2045 Plan to just 4: Urban, Agricultural, Rural, and Conservation. You can't guide future zoning decisions —the most important function of the land use maps -- with just four categories. Hilo, for example, would be one big urban area. The maps wouldn't help you decide where to put future industrial, resort, or commercial zoning. There is language in the 2026 Plan and Com. 372.195 suggesting that the land use maps aren't binding. This is contrary to the current plan and consistent practice before that. Zoning must be done in the context of a comprehensive plan. This is a legal requirement. You can't just ignore ii when you feel like it. The maps are not intended to be exact. Com. 372.195 correctly points this out. The text of the 2005 and 2045 makes this clear, I think, but because the maps can be positioned over a parcel data layer in GIS it may seem otherwise to people who aren't careful. At the time when I wrote this testimony, no maps had been submitted with the 2026 Plan. Even if they were submitted before the April 7 meeting, the Council and public would have had far too little time to review them. The 2026 Plan is also contrary to the process envisioned by Ord. 07-70. A bit of background is necessary here. When we were working on the 2005 General. Plan, the process did not specifically allow Councilmembers to propose amendments during the comprehensive review. It referred to Council "input." It did allow them to propose interim amendments. It didn't make sense to not allow the Council to propose amendments in the comprehensive review. The Council has to approve the Plan in the end. The Council did actually have significant input into the 2005 Plan. Ord. 07-70 was written to encourage the Council to propose amendments early in the process. If proposed late, after the Plan has been transmitted to Council, major changes trigger another round of Planning Commission hearings. The concept was that when the Director's plan was finally at Council, the Council could make "modifications, deletions, or additions.to the proposed amendments." Not substitute a complete rewrite. There was a group of amendments proposed by Council in 2015 that are in the 2045 Plan, omitted from the 2026 Plan. And Director Kern asked for Council comments on a draft of the 2045 Plan in 2023. It's my understanding that there were no formal comments from Council. The Council has to decide whether to move forward with the 2045 Plan or the 2026 Plan as a basis. If it acted on the 2026 Plan now, it would have to go back to the Planning Commissions for hearings. If it did, so many changes would be needed that the Council would again have to send it back for another round of Planning Commission hearings. I suggest that the Council either adopt the 2045 Plan, or work with it as the basic framework to fix issues that the Councilmembers may have with it. Thank you for considering my testimony. From: Zero Waste Hawai'i Island Sent: Sunday, April 5, 2026 9:24 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Testimony for Bill 66 — Support the General Plan 2045 Aloha Chair Inaba and Members of the Hawaii County Council, On behalf of Zero Waste Hawaii Island, 1 respectfully urge you to adopt the General Plan 2045 with its measurable targets and accountability structures intact, and to reject amendments that remove sustainability, resilience, and zero waste goals. Zero Waste Hawai'i Island has engaged over 1,600 community members, 130 businesses, and dozens of stakeholders in developing practical, community -driven solutions to reduce waste and build a more resilient island. The inclusion of clear targets —such as zero waste and systems -level accountability —is essential to guide infrastructure investment, program development, and long-term planning. The 2045 General Plan reflects more than a decade of community input. Removing its benchmarks and sustainability framework undermines that process and weakens the County's ability to address waste, climate, and resource challenges in a coordinated and measurable way. We respectfully askthat you preserve the plan's targets and accountability mechanisms to ensure a clear and actionable path forward for Hawaii Island. Mahalo foryour leadership and consideration, Jennifer Navarra Program Director Zero Waste Hawai'i Island Jennifer Navarra Program Director z_erow_utehi.org 808 657-5972 Zero Waste Hawaii Island is a fiscally sponsored project of Inquiring Systems, Inc. EIN: 94-2524840