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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2021-06- 2021-06-21.Community Meeting.Minutes Comm. No. 2021-06 Hamakua Community Meeting Hamakua Meeting with Planning Director Zendo Kern Monday, June 21, 2021 Meizhu Lui, facilitator, opened by saying we are proud of our County and its Planning Department for in-depth process that allowed us to determine the future of the area we live in. We are also proud that 15% of all Hamakua residents participated in develop- ing the Hamakua Community Development Plan (HCDP), the highest rate of any pub- lic process. She quoted the HCDP's core principle: "What's good for the land is good for the people." Planning Director Zendo Kern was asked to address: 1) the HCDP has the force of law and can only be superseded by the General Plan; will there be changes to the GP that will invalidate parts of the HCDP; 2) his short-term and long-term priorities; and 3) whether COVID affected the way he sees challenges and opportunities. Director Kern's remarks Director Kern reported that a first priority is setting up an electronic "intergov" system so people can file applications online; it will be ready for public use by July 28. (Stream- lining the permitting system is something Mayor Roth promised and which everyone supports.) In terms of the General Plan, he does not see changes that will substantially affect the HCDP. Not just COVID,but the volcano, and climate change all demonstrate the need for greater flexibility and ability for quicker responses by Planning, as well as more collaboration between County Departments rather than working in silos. In the long term, he wants our island to be sustainable. To that end, in the short term, he is re- viewing all shoreline setbacks, and mapping all points of public access. He has a two- pronged strategy: internal to his Department, creating effective and efficient systems and supporting Planning staff, and externally, making sure the community is feeling served, a "people first" approach. Action Committee Chairperson Brad Kurokawa's remarks The Action Committee consists of 9 members appointed by the Mayor, and their role is "to implement resident-driven solutions from the CDP." Brad said that while there has been talk, there has yet to be action. The AC is anxious to move ahead, and has begun to map networks of agencies, non-profits, community organizations,business associa- tions and more, which can play a role in implementing the CDP. He encouraged all of us to find where our interests and the CDP actions coincide, and get involved. A few excerpts from the community conversation with Director Kern Lanakila Mangauil noted that if the CDP had been implemented already and we had achieved sustainability, COVID would not have been as big a crisis; it was shocking how many didn't have access to food. Native Hawaiian wisdom can teach us how to malama aina, and he and his community are ready and willing to participate. Michelle Hartman asked Brad if the AC meetings were open, and offered to bring in- formation to the Hamakua Business Association, which covers the entire Hamakua coast. Meizhu asked about the Agriculture Plan, a community project completed some years ago and put on the shelf. Can it be revived? Zendo said he's very interested in devel- oping agriculture,but we must work through a variety of barriers, from the high price of land, to the low pay for farmworkers, lack of farm dwellings, involving youth, get- ting to scale. There will be a need for creative options, not one-size-fits-all. Cory Harden wondered why Zendo had not filled appointments to the ACs. He said he was taking a minute to learn, to gather data,before making decisions. It was a pause, not a stop. Francine Roby wondered whether broadband expansion is a County policy or a com- munity action. April Suprenant, from Planning, clarified that it is both, it's an area where County and community must work together. Heather Kimball, our County Counselor, is very involved in a broadband hui that is mapping where there is and isn't service; residents need to be surveyed since providers don't know the dead spots. Don Rudny mentioned damage to our ecosystem, such as from Hu Honua, illegal dumping, improper farming practices. He said a pro-active, aggressive approach is needed. Zendo said the shoreline setbacks will help; also, education of the public on proper farming techniques is needed, and then better enforcement of existing rules. Lanakila was concerned about gentrification, and keeping Hamakua homes affordable, including the tax rates. Zendo's own background born and raised in low-income island neighborhoods makes him very committed to not forcing locals to move off island. Mirelle Ellsworth worried about drought, and the possibilities of fires; also the water supply. Zendo assured us that not having enough water will not be a problem. Romeo Garcia was looking for opportunities for youth including vocational opportuni- ties, important for them to be able to stay in Hamakua. Zendo's Department is not working on that (education and health are part of the Plan but are addressed by other agencies);he suggested reaching out to the Mayor's office. Director Kern's closing remarks Zendo asked for our patience as he is still new in his position, and wants to absorb all the information he needs to be able to make good decisions. He likes dialogue, and has an open door. If he's made aware of problems he will address them. We may not al- ways be in agreement, but we all are coming from the same place of trying to do our part to make this wonderful place even better. Next steps Several groups agreed to spread the word about the AC meeting on July 1, and we hope many will work to make the HCDP a living document.