Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-22 KCDP Minutes Draft f7.11 Mitchell D.Roth °'•�� '.�� Zendo Kern Mayor Hyl i,,�, Director Lee E.Lord ''E OF Jeffrey W.Darrow Managing Director Deputy Director County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 Tuesday,June 22, 2021 DRAFT Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER Chair Young called the Kona Community Development Plan (KCDP) Action Committee (AC) to order at 5:07 P.M. Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held via the Zoom interactive video platform. ROLL CALL AC Members Present: David Huerta, Kari Kimura, Shane Palacat-Nelsen, Franz Weber, Charles Young AC Members Absent-Excused: Marisa Bankston, Shirley David, Janice Palma-Glennie, Roselyn Molina County Staff: Planners—Alexis Ching, Rob Leasure, Keiko Mercado County Officials: Council Member Holeka Inaba, Council Member Rebecca Villegas; Council Member Maile David observed the meeting via the COH Planning Department YouTube Livestream. Members of the public observed the meeting via the COH Planning Department YouTube Livestream. The livestream is available at Kona CDP Action Committee Meeting June 22, 2021 -YouTube. Chair Young's Grounding Statement: '01elo No'eau 1430 Kona, mauna uliuli; Kona, mauna ulupo. Kona of the green mountains, Kona of the dense forest. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Action Committee Meeting Dates for 2021: Ms. Keiko Mercado discussed future quarterly meetings occurring on the 2nd Thursday of the month (with the exception of November) for the Kona Action Committee. Kona AC will meet again on September 9, 2021 and November 10, 2021. The next joint AC meeting has been set for August 12,2021 via Zoom. The 2022 meeting schedule will be provided to AC members at the November 10, 2021 meeting. 2. Update on General Plan: Ms. Mercado shared that the administration is currently reviewing components of the 2019 draft of the General Plan. Once the review is completed, the administration will work with Long Range staff to update the General Plan timeline. The updated timeline will include the next public review, Planning commission hearings, and submittal to County Council for adoption. Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 1 3. Staffing Updates: Ms. Mercado provided an update on the re-organization of the Long Range Division into three main areas: Kamuela Plunkett (with Kevin Sullivan) primarily focusing on Natural and Cultural Resources, Robert Leasure (with Natasha Soriano) focused on Infrastructure and Design, and Alexis Ching (with Keiko Mercado) focused on Community Planning (Action Committees). As all focus areas are intertwined, Long Range planners will continue to work as a team and provide a holistic approach to better serve the community. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS:Three (3) members of the public signed up to provide oral testimony, however only two (2) testifiers were present during the meeting. In addition, six written testimonies were submitted to Planning staff and Action Committee members prior to the meeting. Oral Testimony: 1. George Yasuda, testifying on agenda item 1, expressed concern over flood mitigation in Kona, and the increased need for watershed areas and natural habitat reserves. Mr. Yasuda provided aerial photos of the ocean near the Kailua pier, demonstrating the visual impact of a recent flooding occurrence. Mr. Yasuda spoke about the harm this causes to the ocean, including adverse impacts to coral, dolphins, and other marine life. He offered AC members the opportunity to view some of his successful erosion control and flooding mitigation projects in person if they were interested. Mr. Yasuda also provided written testimony which is referenced below. Committee Member Shane Palacat-Nelsen asked if the flooding and dolphin issues had been reported to DLNR. Mr. Yasuda confirmed that the dolphin issues were reported to DLNR as well as to NOAA, and the flooding issues reported to County Engineering. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen recalled that the Action Committee had previous conversations regarding inaccuracies in the FEMA-conducted studies on flooding, and that they tried several years ago to seek clarification about the studies, which the County has utilized as a resource to create policies. Mr. Palacat-Nelsen expressed interest in the AC continuing to address the topic of flood mitigation. Ms. Mercado suggested that if Mr. Yasuda was comfortable sharing his contact information, interested committee members could reach out to him directly. Mr. Yasuda confirmed that he was willing to share his contact information with the AC, as well as photos and videos. 2. Lamaku Mikahala Roy, Kahu of Ahu'ena Heiau, testifying on agenda item 2, emphasized the protection of sacred land. She stated that her nonprofit launched a protective service for the community in the early 2000s and demonstrated opposition to the formation of the Ali'i Parkway. She reiterated the need for protection of sacred and important lands in Hawai'i and stated this was made increasingly evident by the eruption of Fissure 8. Guided by her ancestors, Ms. Roy is in the process of notifying the legislature and governing state bodies that the eruption of Fissure 8 announced the Hawaiian island chain as the birthplace of the world and referred to it as the second heaven. Ms. Roy further stated that in consideration of this important event, and the sacredness of Hawaii, the Ali'i Parkway should not progress. Ms. Roy reminded AC members that they could refer to the letter she previously submitted to the AC regarding the protection of sacred lands. She indicated that the protection of these lands is a part of her role as the Kahu of Ahu'ena Heiau. Ms. Roy's previously submitted testimony can be found here:http://records.howoiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/110867/Pocrel.ospx https.Iln,ww.ylannin,-.hawaiicountuQov/ kona(Wfiawaiicounty.,-ov Page 2 Written Testimony: 1. Simmy McMichael, testimony on agenda item 2, Communication No. 2021-05: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblink/1/doc/111321/Pagel.aspx 2. Simmy McMichael, testimony on agenda item 2, Communication No. 2021-06: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblinl</1/doc/111322/Pagel.aspx 3. George Yasuda, testimony on agenda item 1, Communication No. 2021-07: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblink/1/doc/111325/Pagel.aspx 4. Simmy McMichael, testimony on agenda item 2, Communication No. 2021-08: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblinl</1/doc/111326/Pagel.aspx 5. Lokelani McMichael, testimony on agenda item 2, Communication No. 2021-09: http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblinl</1/doc/111327/Pagel.aspx 6. Mele Kailani, testimony on agenda item 2, Communication No. 2021-10: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblink/1/doc/111331/Pagel.aspx APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Committee Member Polocot-Nelsen moved to defer approval of the March 22, 2021 minutes until the next Kona CDP AC meeting. Deferment seconded by Committee Member Kimura. Motion passed with 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. BUSINESS: 1. Action Areas for 2021 &2022 CDP Implementation: Chair Young introduced Mr. Leasure and Ms. Mercado to facilitate a mapping activity for the AC. Ms. Mercado explained that the current mapping effort was initiated to better understand what AC members were implementing in their communities. This exercise is intended to help bolster AC members in their efforts, connecting them to other community groups, detecting synergies among implementers, and identifying areas in need of implementation. Ms. Mercado stated that this mapping effort is occurring across all ACs and encouraged AC members to engage in deeper conversation and provide feedback. Chair Young shared that the Kona AC has diverse interests but believes there's commonality between member networks that would benefit the committee as well as the networks that members are connected to. Chair Young shared his connection to the West Hawaii Fishery Council and the Kai Kuleana Network, both of whom have been interested in the hazards Mr. Yasuda mentioned during his testimony. He encouraged the committee to utilize the matrix provided by Long Range staff. The matrix helps identify where different organizations can fit together and provide networking opportunities within the County as well. Committee Member Franz Weber noted this activity was a great idea but also expressed concerns. Mr. Weber stated that many community groups prefer to work without the County because the CDP has been inactive for about a year and a half, and many believe there will be no practical application. He asked how we can reassure these groups that there will be practical impact to their work. Ms. Mercado replied that various organizations, including ones we aren't familiar with, are working on implementing aspects of the CDP but there is no mechanism in place to track this. There is a need to balance how the County can help support organizations, while not forcing a partnership where it isn't warranted. https://wH,H,.Plannin,-.hawaiicounty.,-ov/ kona(Wfiawaiicounty.,-ov Page 3 Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen stated that one of the reasons he decided to work with this committee is because of its affiliation with the County. Mr. Palacat-Nelsen wants to help form connections between nonprofits/NGOs and this affiliation since the community he came from had its voice suppressed for 180 years, during which their concerns never made it to the table. Chair Young noted differences between North and South Kona. Chair Young also acknowledged the hardships with COVID-19 and empathized with the frustrations that Committee Member Weber mentioned. Mr. Leasure introduced the community mapping image from the March 22, 2021 meeting that shows the main organizations AC members are involved with. Following the March meeting, committee members were asked to match specific actions to references drawn out of the CDP to view who was working within similar areas of implementation. While some information from committee members was provided, it was still difficult to identify specific connection points. Mr. Leasure presented the shared interests of committee members on a spreadsheet and explained how we were trying to utilize the information. The mapping exercise can be used to identify what types of support aid implementation. He encouraged the AC to think about and discuss the best way to work through the exercise. Committee Members were in agreement that working through the exercise during the current meeting would not be an ideal use of the group's time. Members requested additional time to go through the list and research any questions they may have. Mr. Leasure expressed that staff was open to meeting with AC members one-on-one to work through the exercise and members were also invited to email their input to staff. Chair Young confirmed that it was the preference of the committee to follow up on this activity outside of the meeting. Mr. Leasure and Ms. Mercado indicated that they would like to have everyone's input prior to the joint, island wide AC meeting in August. 2. Implementation Updates from Action Committee Members: a. Update on Kona Open Space Network Plan: Committee Member Kimura stated that AC members should have received the April 27th minutes from their meeting with Mayor Roth (linked below). Ms. Kimura said they were pleasantly surprised by the support of the Mayor and the Planning Department to continue their work. She stated that there were no financial hurdles, as the plan is already provided for in the budget. Ms. Kimura outlined the benefits of the Kona Open Space Network Plan and expressed her happiness about moving forward. Ms. Kimura stated that the Planning Department is responsible for moving the project forward. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen stated his full support and congratulated Ms. Kimura. Communication No.2021-02, Minutes from the April 27,2021 Mayor's Meeting can be viewed and downloaded here: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/WebIink/1/doc/111052/Pagel.aspx b. Discussion of the Ali'i Parkway: Chair Young confirmed that the investigatory subcomittee's report to the Planning Director was dated May 26, 2021. Chair Young referenced that his work with Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen regarding the Ali'i Parkway was in relation to an existing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) at the time. The investigatory subcommittee was trying to determine whether to preserve it on the list as a CIP item. Chair Young went on to clarify that their efforts were not to duplicate the original Ali'i Parkway project model, but rather to look at community interests, specifically Hawaiian interests, and those that may be impacted by the suggested Parkway. Chair Young requested that Mr. Palacat-Nelsen provide additional history about the Ali'i Parkway project. httys.llwww.ylanninQ.hawaiicountuQov/ kona(a�hawahcountuQov Page 4 Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen further explained that the Investigatory Subcommittee for the Ali'i Parkway began when the AC reviewed items on the CIP list relative to alleviating traffic between South and North Kona. Federal Highways funding were still available for this project, but the County had a time limit to utilize funds. Mr. Palacat-Nelsen recalled that Mayor Harry Kim agreed to approve the project if the families that would be impacted agreed to move forward with it. The name on the CIP was Ali'i Parkway, but it would not necessarily look the same as the original project proposed. Mr. Palacat-Nelsen stated that he saw the testimony provided by Ms. McMichael and thought this project would provide an opportunity to address some of the issues she raised. He goes on to say that it would be a catalyst for the community to come together and address economic and infrastructure impacts to rural areas, as well as access to cultural sites. It was for these reasons they decided to create a subcommittee. He clarified that they sought input from the families and consultants previously contacted by the burial council and other entities, with the purpose of revisiting those potentially impacted to see if and what concerns remained. Chair Young stated that the project was back in the County's hands now, and thanked Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen for providing the details around what transpired. Communication No.2021-03,Alii Parkway Investigatory Subcommittee Report-Letter to the Director con be viewed and downloaded here: http://records.hawaiicountV.gov/Weblink/1/doc/111165/Pagel.aspx c. Discussion on Flooding and Erosion Control: Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen brought up Mr. Yasuda's testimony, stating he was unsure where to start, but would like the committee to continue the conversation about policies regarding flooding in relation to the CDP. Ms. Mercado suggested that if there was shared interest around this area, the AC could consider forming an investigatory subcommittee at the next Kona AC meeting. Chair Young confirmed that this item should be on the next agenda. Committee Member Huerta stated that multiple agencies govern flood control, including Department of Public Works (DPW) for the County. Flood control, as it affects the ocean, is governed by FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He stated that development projects must follow government standards for erosion control. Mr. Huerta said he is in contact with Nancy Burns, a civil engineer that has worked on many projects along the coast, and that he would reach out to her about meeting with the committee. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen stated that he would like to better understand what parameters the County is working within and agreed it would be beneficial to have Committee Member Huerta invite a guest speaker to the next AC meeting. Once the AC is educated about their options, they could decide if there was a need for an investigatory subcommittee. d. Other: Chair Young revisited Committee Member Weber's comments from earlier in the meeting and asked if there was anything pressing that the AC had lost track of, or expectations that have yet to be reached. Committee Member Weber stated there are two things that greatly impact the 10-year plan: housing and transportation. He stated that these things have the potential to be addressed in a 10-year plan, resulting in a beneficial impact. Chair Young asked about TODs, and whether Planning continued to utilize this model. Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen recalled that this conversation is what led to their work on the Ali'i Parkway. Committee Member Weber suggested that it would be helpful to see the results of the outreach work COH did during the initial phases of the Comprehensive Update to httys.llwww.ylannin,-.hawaiicounty.,-ov/ kona(a�hawahcountuQov Page 5 the General Plan. The information could be useful for members trying to implement housing and transportation initiatives. Chair Young and Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen inquired about the possibility of meeting in person. Ms. Mercado shared the current limitations in place due to COVID-19 rules and added that staff is continuing to monitor any changes in rules. PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: 1. Follow-up on the issue of flood mitigation- Include an option to form an investigatory subcommittee. ADJOURNMENT: Committee Member Polocot-Nelsen motioned to adjourn meeting. Seconded by Committee Member Huerto. The motion passed with 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49pm. All Action Committee information can be viewed and downloaded from our website: http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/north-and-south-kona-cdp httys.llwww.ylannin,-.hawaiicounty.,-ov/ kona(a�hawahcountuQov Page 6