HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10 KCDP MeetingPacket FinalMitchell D. Roth Mayor
Lee E. Lord Managing Director
West Hawai‘i Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Zendo Kern Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
East Hawai‘i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kona Action
Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.
NOTE: Pursuant to Act 220, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, which amended the Sunshine Law to
allow meetings to be remotely conducted online, effective January 1, 2022, Action Committee
Meetings will be held online, and the location listed below for the public to provide testimony
on agenda items. The Action Committee meeting can be viewed live online or at a location
listed below. Pursuant to the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation Related to COVID-19
(Omicron Variant) dated January 26, 2022, the requirement to have at least one in-person
meeting location has been suspended through March 25, 2022. No in-person meeting location
will be provided during this time period, unless the suspension is earlier terminated or
superseded by a separate proclamation.
DATE: Thursday, March 10, 2022
TIME: 5:00 P.M.
PLACE: This meeting will be held by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through
Zoom. The public may provide verbal testimony at the meeting by joining
online or calling into the Zoom meeting. Members of the public may also
attend via Zoom or watch the live stream on the Planning Department’s
YouTube channel.
To register for verbal testimony please use this online fillable form:
https://tinyurl.com/yckkdzms or contact staff at cdp@hawaiicounty.gov or
(808)961-8188.
Zoom registration link: https://tinyurl.com/2p85jdxs
To view the live stream on YouTube click the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/CountyofHawaiiPlanningDepartment
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www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
REVISED AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ANNOUNCEMENTS
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Action Committee will consider the draft minutes for the
November 10, 2021 meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: Written testimony may be submitted via email at
cdp@hawaiicounty.gov or in person at the Hilo or Kona Planning Department, up to two (2)
business days prior (Tuesday, March 8, 2022) to the meeting (see the Notice Section below). In
addition, members of the public may provide oral testimony at the meeting on any of the
agenda items. To register for access to the Zoom meeting please email cdp@hawaiicounty.gov.
With discretion of the Chair of the CDP Action Committee, comments may be made either
during the public comment portion of the agenda or just prior to the relevant business item and
may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item.
BUSINESS:
1. Information Sharing: Sharon Hirota from the County Office of Housing and Community
Development will present several programs, including: Emergency Rent Assistance,
Homeowner Assistance, Landlord/Tenant Mediation Center, Financial Empowerment
Services and the recently launched Coordination Center. Action Committee members
are encouraged to share these programs with their networks.
2. January 19, 2022 Joint AC Meeting Report - Communication No. 2022-05: Action
Committee members who attended the January 19, 2022 Joint AC meeting will report
back to the Action Committee and discuss Communication No. 2022-05.
3. Action Committee Support of Hawaiʻi Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program
(Communication No. 2022-7): Chair Charles Young will introduce a draft letter to the
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council outlining Action Committee support for the Hawaiʻi
Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program (see Communication No. 2022-06 for program
information). Committee Members will discuss and take action to finalize and transmit
the letter.
4. Action Committee Priority Setting Exercise: Action Committee members will engage in
an exercise to establish priority implementation projects and interests for 2022.
Discussion will include exploring mutual interests between Action Committee members
to create investigatory subcommittees and community liaison groups, as applicable.
Joint initiatives with community members or partner organizations are encouraged.
5. Framework for Action Committee Run Meetings: As part of the 2022 Roadmapping
discussions, some Action Committees have expressed interest in hosting their own
official meetings. This discussion is to clarify the framework for that option, establish the
general roles/responsibilities, and ensure proper measures are taken to adhere to the
State Sunshine Law.
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6. Election of Action Committee Officers: The Action Committee will nominate and elect a
Chair and Vice-Chair to serve during the 2022 calendar year. Nomination and election to
be facilitated by Planning Staff.
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: Agenda item suggestions from the Action Committee and
Planning Staff for the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee meeting on May
12, 2022.
ADJOURNMENT
This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public
Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/9059/Row1.aspx.
These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-
8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov.
NOTICE: The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable
opportunity to be heard on the above items. A person desiring to submit oral or written
testimony shall indicate their name and whether the testimony is on their behalf or as a
representative of an organization or individual. Written testimony can be submitted via email
or hard copy. Hard copies should include an original and nine copies and be submitted no later
than 4:30pm two days prior to the hearing date.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service, other reasonable modification, or language
interpretation to access this meeting please contact the Planning Department at (808) 961-
8288 as soon as possible, but no later than five working days prior to the meeting date, to
arrange for accommodations. “Other reasonable modification” refers to communication
methods or devices for people with disabilities who are mentally and/or physically challenged.
If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawai‘i County Clerk within five days of
becoming a lobbyist. (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai‘i County Code). A lobbyist means,
“any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any
month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or
administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.”
(Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawai‘i County Code). Registration forms and expenditure
report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street,
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720.
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Zendo Kern
Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 1
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 1
DRAFT Meeting Minutes 2
CALL TO ORDER 3
Chair Young called the Kona Community Development Plan (KCDP) Action Committee (AC) to 4
order at 5:11 P.M. Due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held 5
via the Zoom interactive video platform. 6
ROLL CALL 7
AC Members Present: Marisa Bankston, Shirley David (Vice-Chair), David Huerta, Kari Kimura, 8
Janice Palma-Glennie [came in at 5:23 P.M.], Charles Young (Chair) 9
AC Members Absent-Excused: Roselyn Molina, Shane Palacat-Nelsen, Franz Weber 10
County Staff: Planners – Heather Bartlett, Alexis Ching, Keiko Mercado, Natasha Soriano 11
County Officials: Council Member Holeka Inaba 12
3 members of the public attended the meeting via Zoom. The meeting was also available for 13
synchronous viewing via the COH Planning Department YouTube Livestream. The livestream is 14
available at Kona CDP Action Committee Meeting November 11, 2021 - YouTube. 15
Chair Young’s ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: 16
Ua mau ke ea o ʻāina i ka pono 17
The life of the land is preserved in righteousness. 18
[The perpetuation, health and future of our land is dependent on righteous acts and people.] 19
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None 20
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 21
1. General Plan Update: 22
Ms. Mercado shared that the administration has been working to launch and implement the new 23
Electronic Processing & Information Center (EPIC) permit system. As EPIC is now up and running, 24
more time will shift to the priority of reviewing and evaluating the General Plan Comprehensive 25
Review. This will include an updated timeline, additional public input, and an outline of the 26
adoption process. The website will be updated and action committees will be notified when 27
information is available. 28
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2. Community First Health Care Initiative: 29
Ms. Mercado shared that they received a notice from Community First informing that they are 30
conducting a health care assessment. They are reaching out for help in distributing their survey 31
across Hawaiʻi Island. Community First and its partners are serving Hawaiʻi Island residents 32
during the month of November to better understand what communities need to improve their 33
health. The survey is a part of Access to Care, a collaborative that’s working to transform health 34
care on Hawaiʻi Island. Information regarding this and a link to their survey will be sent to AC 35
members via email. 36
Committee Member David Huerta made a motion to move the approval of the September 9, 2021 37
meeting minutes to the end of the meeting. Motion seconded by Committee Member Shirley 38
David. Motion passed with 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. 39
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: One (1) member of the public provided oral testimony. 40
Oral Testimony: 41
Charles “Chuck” Flaherty, representing himself, testified on the General Plan update 42
announcement and business item 3. Mr. Flaherty felt that the proposed draft of the General 43
Plan was “gutted and replaced” in the sense that it makes no reference to the prior General 44
Plans that were done in the past. It was unclear to him what the possible impacts will be on 45
the various County departments, the Kona CDP, and the CDP’s implementation. Mr. Flaherty 46
shared he did not understand why the Planning Department decided to proceed in a 47
different way than had been done in 1989 and 2005. He would like staff to create a matrix 48
that shows what protections and measures within the existing General Plan would still be 49
covered by the proposed General Plan, and what changes were proposed. 50
Mr. Flaherty shared that the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map should be 51
adjusted to remove the resort node designation at Hōkūleʻa. He stated that this was ruled to 52
be invalid by the Third Circuit Court and in addition to that, the issue should have gone to 53
Land Use Commission to have it re-designed as rural. He hoped that the General Plan will be 54
amended to include that. 55
Mr. Flaherty informed that he possesses documentation related to the Chapter 27 Flood 56
Control and Chapter 10 Soil and Erosion Control from several years ago and would like to 57
share the information with the AC. 58
BUSINESS: 59
1. Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Update: Long Range Planner Natasha Soriano updated the 60
AC on the status of the KOSN Plan. Ms. Soriano will be managing this project along with Long 61
Range Planner Rob Leasure. Ms. Soriano stated that an updated scope of work was shared 62
with members of the KOSN subcommittee and requested that they provide their comments 63
by November 20, 2021. She advised subcommittee members to reach out if they wish to 64
meet to further discuss the scope and direction. 65
The CDP calls for the establishment of the KOSN program to enhance the opportunities of 66
residents and visitors to engage in recreational, educational, subsistence and gathering 67
activities. The Network would consist of managed hubs of natural, cultural, and developed 68
resources that are interlinked by trails and corridors. Through discussions it was recognized 69
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that the departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works are necessary partners to 70
ensure implementation of the project. Ms. Soriano informed that consultants will be 71
reviewed and evaluated to find the most suited relative to the project scope. The consultant 72
review is expected to take place in December with the final selection being completed by the 73
end of January. 74
Committee Member Kimura acknowledged that the beginning stages of the project will 75
require a lot of outreach and she wanted the AC to be aware of the limitations of hosting 76
effective working meetings given Covid-19. She was skeptical about an online meeting 77
format for the kind of communication and information gathering that the project will require. 78
Committee Member Palma-Glennie questioned if there will be a time in the near future 79
where in-person meetings can happen with the public while still abiding by COVID protocols. 80
With the rise in vaccinations, it is possible that more restrictions may be lifted for public 81
meetings. Ms. Soriano acknowledged the benefits of Zoom meetings where she has seen 82
creative strategies to engage with community. She advised subcommittee members to 83
include different options/strategies around engagement in their comments relative to the 84
contract scope. Ms. Bartlett requested that the subcommittee also include ideas for the 85
website presence for the KOSN in their comments. 86
2. 2018 Action Committee Priorities: Chair Young provided updates on some of the items listed 87
in the Kona CDP Action Committee Priorities and Recommendations for FY 2019-2020 Capital 88
Improvement Program letter that was drafted in 2018. 89
For reference see the 2018 Kona CDP Priorities Letter (communication number 2018-21.1) 90
Chair Young expressed that the purpose of this discussion was to challenge the AC to reflect 91
on their former list of priorities so they can focus on those issues and keep them in front of 92
the Planning Department. 93
Committee Member Palma-Glennie expressed the importance of getting the community 94
reinvolved with this process. Finding a way to show the community how the CDP can 95
improve their lives will help the AC to move forward and work with the Planning Department 96
more efficiently. She feels that more connection to the public will help to reiterate and clarify 97
what their priorities are. 98
Committee Member Kimura stressed the necessity for affordable housing. She shared that 99
through her service on the Kealakehe High School Community Council, she has seen issues of 100
equity and student transportation. She suggested that the AC analyze where the CDP helps 101
or hinders that kind of activity and address the issues that are preventing affordable housing 102
from happening. 103
Committee Member David agreed and expressed the need for a comprehensive housing 104
plan. She suggested that the AC review the Housing plan that Maui adopted. She questioned 105
if the Office of Housing or planning have a place where they can see all the affordable 106
housing projects that are ongoing right now. It would be helpful for the public to see reports 107
on roadblocks and how to overcome them. 108
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More information about the Maui Housing Plan can be found on their website here 109
(sites.google.com/view/mauihousingplan) 110
Mr. Flaherty said he would provide the working group papers and information that he has on 111
the CDP housing background reports to the AC. 112
Chair Young suggested the possibility of using funds that are coming out of Congress for 113
consulting services to assist with developing a comprehensive plan. He questioned if the AC 114
would be able to provide input on how they would want to see those monies utilized. 115
Ms. Mercado offered to find out more information on what the different roles are relative to 116
the infrastructure funding from Congress. She suggested that Mr. Flaherty provide his 117
working papers to the Planning Department so the documents may be scanned and made 118
electronically accessible to AC members and the public. 119
Council Member Inaba confirmed that Council passed Resolution 241 which encourages and 120
urges the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to pursue a study on how 121
inclusionary zoning policies have affected the development of affordable housing. OHCD is in 122
the process of seeking out a consultant for this project. At the same time, Council Members 123
Inaba and Villegas are working to provide some changes to the current Chapter 11 affordable 124
housing chapter. 125
Mr. Flaherty brought attention to the big effort among community members in the county 126
with regard to wastewater treatment. The County was fined for the Pāhala wastewater 127
treatment plant, and EPA is now looking at the Hilo and Kealakehe plants. Director Ramzi 128
Mansour, who oversees the Wastewater Division, estimated a billion dollars worth of 129
infrastructure would be needed for wastewater treatment. Mr. Flaherty suggested that this 130
be a priority to address as well. 131
Committee Member Palma-Glennie shared that people are really interested in solid waste 132
solutions (like recycling) and would like to find a way to incorporate this issue into the CDP or 133
relate it to land use. 134
Mr. Flaherty informed that Christine Kubat and other people working with her have put 135
together a solid waste plan. He would reach out to see if she can do a presentation on the 136
matter or update the AC on current efforts. 137
Committee Member Kimura noted that solid waste and recycling are island-wide issues. She 138
emphasized that this topic is not specific to the Kona CDP and is more appropriate for the all-139
island AC meetings. 140
3. Implementation Updates from Action Committee Members: 141
a. Affordable Housing: Per the previous discussions, the AC agreed that affordable housing 142
is a priority. There was confirmed interest around a presentation by OHCD relative to an 143
affordable housing plan and the status of existing projects and overall capacity. 144
b. Flood Mitigation and Erosion Control: An investigatory subcommittee was formed at the 145
previous Kona AC meeting to address the issues related to flood mitigation and erosion 146
control. Committee Member Kimura informed that the subcommittee had not yet 147
convened. 148
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4. Review Current Action Committee Member Terms and Ideate Around 2022 AC Proceedings: 149
Ms. Mercado explained that they would be reaching out to all AC members to set up time for 150
an open and honest conversation to check-in about how they are feeling relative to their 151
terms and discuss strategies for engaging in a more fruitful way during 2022. 152
Ms. Bartlett presented a spreadsheet outlining the Kona AC members’ term durations and 153
timelines. Discussions were had regarding holdover status through which Chair Young and 154
Committee Members Huerta and Palma-Glennie expressed that they would like to continue 155
to stay on as holdovers. 156
Ms. Mercado informed that as the terms are defined by code, there is no guarantee about 157
how long anyone would be able to stay on as holdovers and acknowledged that continuity is 158
important to the success of the AC. Staff would like to find a way to implement a mentorship 159
between out-going members and in-coming members to aid the transfer of knowledge and 160
experience. 161
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 162
Committee Member Shirley David made a motion to approve the September 9, 2021 meeting 163
minutes. Seconded by Committee Member David Huerta. Motion passed with 6 votes aye, 0 votes 164
nay. 165
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: 166
1. Kona Action Committee Priorities 167
2. General Plan Update 168
3. Presentation by OHCD (Joint AC meeting) 169
ADJOURNMENT: Committee Member Janice Palma-Glennie moved to adjourn. Seconded by 170
Committee Member Shirley David. Motion passed with 5 votes aye, 0 votes nay. 171
The meeting was adjourned at 6:33pm. 172
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 173
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 174
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 175
by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 176
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Zendo Kern
Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
County of Hawaiʻi
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 1
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 1
DRAFT Meeting Report 2
CALL TO ORDER 3
This meeting was attended by members of all Community Development Plan (CDP) Action 4
Committees (AC) in the County of Hawai’i. Long-Range Planner, Keiko Mercado serving as a non-5
voting Chairperson for the island-wide convening of CDP ACs, called the Kona Community 6
Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) meeting to order at 5:11 P.M. Due to 7
restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting was held via the Zoom interactive 8
video platform. 9
Kona AC Chair Charles Young shared an ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: 10
E kanu mea ʻai o nana keiki i ka haʻi 11
Plant edible food plants lest your children look with longing at someone else’s. 12
ROLL CALL 13
Action Committee Members Present: Charles Young (Chair), Kari Kimura, Franz Weber. 14
Planning Department Staff: Zendo Kern (Planning Director); Grant Nagata (Admin Services 15
Officer); Keiko Mercado, Heather Bartlett, and Jaslyn Nathaniel (Long Range Division Planners); 16
Courtney Costa (Long Range Div. Staff). 17
Members of the public: 9 members of the public attended the meeting via Zoom. Members of 18
the public also observed the meeting via the Livestream on YouTube. The Livestream is available 19
at: https://youtu.be/eEv32s28l4g 20
STATE SUNSHINE LAW UPDATE BY CORPORATION COUNSEL 21
Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell presented the basic tenents of the State Sunshine 22
Law and its new changes. 23
Click here for the Presentation slides (Communication No 2022-01): 24
http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/113992/Page1.aspx 25
Hāmākua Committee Member Keeney asked for clarification from Ms. Campbell on Sunshine 26
Law restrictions for contacting members of other Action Committees. Ms. Campbell responded 27
that discussing business with members of your own Action Committee is a breach of Sunshine 28
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 2
Law and that caution should be taken when discussing business with other AC members, 29
especially if there is potential for applicability across multiple Action Committees. 30
Kona Committee Chair Young questioned amending an agenda and whether rearranging items 31
would be applicable. Ms. Campbell clarified that agenda items may be re-ordered or postponed. 32
She added that boards are generally discouraged from adding agenda items during a meeting as 33
it does not give the public advanced notice. 34
Hāmākua Committee Member Kua asked if there were any plans to switch to in-person meetings 35
and, if so, how much notice would the Planning Department provide. Ms. Campbell responded 36
that the Governor’s current Emergency Proclamation lifts the requirement of in-person meetings 37
until the end of February and that the proclamation could be extended/canceled depending on 38
the COVID-19 emergency. Remote meetings may resume after the proclamation is lifted but will 39
require at least one in-person site (usually at a County facility). 40
Hāmākua Committee Member Keeney inquired further on communication with other members 41
through email on recommendations for agenda items. Ms. Campbell responded with a 42
suggestion that communications outside of meetings should generally be discouraged and 43
recommended that Action Committee members share their agenda item suggestions with staff. 44
Ms. Mercado reminded Committee Member Keeney that staff contacts AC members about three 45
weeks before each meeting to request input for the upcoming agenda. She requested that any 46
additional questions and/or feedback be included in the post-meeting feedback form. 47
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: 48
Two (2) members of the public and one (1) Action Committee member (representing 49
themselves) provided testimony. 50
1. Community member Cory Harden provided testimony on the Planning Director’s message 51
and on item (3) 2022 RoadMap. She contended that the North Kohala Action Committee “fell 52
apart” a while back due to what the Kohala Mountain News quoted as “Tight rules [that] 53
made it impossible to respond to issues in a timely manner and to allow discussions on items 54
that are not in the agenda.” Ms. Harden expressed concern with the AC meetings moving 55
from once a month to once every three months. She also described long delays in filling 56
vacant Action Committee and Kailua Village Design Commission seats. She mentioned that 57
the multi-meeting process for taking action combined with the limited number of meetings 58
severely slows progress. She also conveyed frustration with Planning Staff that an agenda 59
item request to discuss a large 201H housing development on agricultural land, was not 60
honored. Ms. Harden shared her concern that Action Committees were changing from being 61
place-based to issue-based. Lastly, she expressed concern that the draft General Plan is 62
formatted so differently from previous General Plans that it is too difficult to differentiate the 63
changes. 64
2. South Kohala Committee Chair Smith, representing herself, testified on the Planning 65
Director’s message. She read her written testimony to Director Kern regarding incoming 66
Federal infrastructure funding. She asked the Director to advocate for the CDP 67
Infrastructure/ Emergency preparedness priorities. Ms. Smith expressed that each Action 68
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Committee has worked thoroughly, investing time to research and find the infrastructure 69
needs for each community to meet favorable selection criteria. 70
Click here for Ruth Smith's written testimony (Communication No 2022-04): 71
Communication No. 2022-04 -R. Smith Testimony to PD Dir. Kern 72
3. Community Member Meizhu Lui, representing herself, testified on the State Sunshine Law 73
Update. She expressed agreement with the previous testifiers, adding that CDPs are 74
products of a democratic process and that she hoped the administration would honor that. 75
Ms. Lui explained that the Sunshine Law premise would mean nothing if there were no 76
meetings. She shared that infrequent meetings are a hindrance particularly given the 77
significance of the incoming Federal funds and the pandemic. She expressed support for 78
place-based AC initiatives given how different each district is. Ms. Lui echoed concern about 79
the 100-acre 201H housing development Ms. Harden mentioned. She talked about the 80
disadvantages of bypassing zoning regulations through the 201H and how it could potentially 81
harm the community. Community Member Lui voiced the need for affordable housing, 82
however, not at the expense of agricultural land. 83
MESSAGE FROM PLANNING DIRECTOR, ZENDO KERN: 84
Planning Director Zendo Kern introduced himself and shared his appreciation to Action 85
Committee members for their service to the community. Mr. Kern described the heavy 86
workload in the Planning Department explaining that it is not meant to be an excuse but an 87
insight on staff experiences. He mentioned Mayor Roth’s priority of sustainability and how the 88
Planning Department plays a central role in that function. In describing his strategic 89
approach; Director Kern utilized the Japanese term Kaizen. He defined it as continuous 90
improvement and an approach to improve the multifaceted processes of the department 91
through improving communication and addressing ongoing challenges. Director Kern shared the 92
benefits of the County’s EPIC system that would increase transparency, improve customer 93
service, and streamline processes. 94
He summarized some primary project goals to improve the EPIC system, increase digitization of 95
department files, and ongoing work with the Research and Development Department on a 96
Climate Action Plan to be a “living document” attached to the General Plan. He explained that 97
the Department is now back to “full throttle” on the General Plan comprehensive review 98
although it still has an extensive process to go through. He also shared plans for a 99
comprehensive update of the Zoning Code and Subdivision code to include a framework for 100
green infrastructure and transit-oriented developments (TODs) among other initiatives. He 101
shared that the Puna Eruption Recovery work continues to be a big priority for the Department 102
which includes the property buyout program, working with FEMA on infrastructure needs, and 103
designing a resiliency framework that can be applied island-wide. Director Kern also explained 104
the work he’s done to connect with Senators and the State DOT to understand and plug into the 105
process of dispersing Federal infrastructure funds. He said the County is still waiting on 106
information but that he would advocate for CDP Action Committee priorities as the process 107
moves forward. Lastly, he expressed that the Roth administration cares deeply about the CDP 108
Action Committees and shared regret that previous statements had been misconstrued to imply 109
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otherwise. Moving forward, he encouraged AC members to contact the CDP team so that further 110
feedback could be shared with him. 111
BUSINESS: 112
1. Presentation by Susan Kuntz from the Office of Housing and Community Development: 113
Housing Administrator Susan Kuntz presented an overview of the 201H process and provided 114
information on its use and applicability. In her presentation, she covered the housing needs 115
in Hawai‘i County by outlining how they used Area Median Income (AMI) figures of 5 years to 116
estimate the need for 10,796 affordable housing units. Ms. Kuntz identified the challenges 117
developers face as affordable housing is not as profitable as developing market-rate housing 118
and may not always be financially feasible. She spoke about different mechanisms available 119
to assist qualifying housing projects, including federal funding assistance and the State’s 120
201H law. This law allows for exemptions from various permitting constraints relative to 121
affordable housing developments. Administrator Kuntz also shared 201H projects that were 122
proposed in 2021. She explained the agency's Strategic Roadmap which included regulatory 123
reform of the inclusionary zoning code (Hawai‘i County Code (HCC) Chapter 11), as well as 124
working with the Planning Department on amendments to the subdivision (HCC Chapter 23) 125
and zoning codes (HCC Chapter 25). Ms. Kuntz also included the creation of an affordable 126
housing program that identifies potential or existing State and County properties that could 127
be used for affordable housing developments. 128
Based on questions posed in the Zoom chat, Ms. Bartlett summarized a general question 129
around the qualifications for 201H. Ms. Kuntz replied by stating that both private and non-130
profit developers could apply with the stipulation of a 50% plus 1 criterion of affordable 131
units. Ms. Bartlett assured participants that other questions or comments would be followed 132
up on after the meeting. 133
Click here for the OHCD presentation slides (Communication No. 2022-02): 134
http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/114215/Page1.aspx 135
The 2019 Hawai‘i Housing Study mentioned in the presentation may also be accessed here: 136
https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/files/2020/01/FINAL-State_Hawaii-Housing-Planning-137
Study.pdf 138
2. Presentation by Executive Director Kristine Kubat from Recycle Hawai‘i. 139
Recycle Hawai‘i Executive Director, Kristine Kubat shared information on strategic methods 140
to reduce solid waste, available resources, and their mission as a non-profit 141
organization. She stressed the importance of recycling and the general goals and objectives 142
that the non-profit organization would like to see communities accomplish. Ms. Kubat 143
phrased Zero Waste as “The conservation of all resources through responsible production, 144
consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and 145
with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human 146
health”. She provided examples of self-sufficient community successes and current waste 147
management practices that could be expanded. Recycle Hawai‘i would like to be further 148
involved with Action Committee work and invites the community to get involved in the 149
mission. 150
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 5
Click here for the 2021 Zero Waste Plan: 151
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showdocument?id=304313&t=637812904261834301 152
Click here for the 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan: 153
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/ElectronicFile.aspx?openfile=true&dbid=1&docid=154
110921 155
Click here for the 2009 Zero Waste Plan: 156
http://hawaiizerowaste.org/site-content/uploads/3-14-09Hawaii_Zero_Waste_Plan.doc.pdf 157
3. 2022 Roadmap Discussion. 158
Long-Range Planner, Heather Bartlett presented on the 2022 Action Committee Roadmap 159
and provided the Action Committees and community with updates, foreseeable events, and 160
upcoming discussion topics. Ms. Bartlett explained that the slideshow was a brief skeletal 161
overview to be discussed in greater detail at individual AC meetings. Ms. Bartlett covered a 162
collection of thoughts, ideas, and feedback from one-on-one meetings with AC members and 163
encouraged more AC members to share their thoughts with the CDP Team. She highlighted 164
progress for the Puna AC who gained two new members to satisfy quorum requirements 165
along with their progressive recovery efforts. Ms. Bartlett highlighted ongoing work to 166
engage the North Kohala community as they work to formalize an AC. She shared that the 167
Mayor’s office had received numerous applications for the Ka'ū CDP Action Committee and 168
the CDP Teams aspires to have members appointed by mid-2022. Suggested upcoming AC 169
discussion topics include chair and vice-chair elections in March, sharing of the draft Capital 170
Improvement Projects (CIP) budget, project prioritization/road-mapping, Chapter 16 review 171
and guidelines, and the hosting of mixed Zoom and in-person (hybrid) meetings. 172
Click here for the 2022 Roadmap Presentation slides (Communication No 2022-03): 173
http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/doc/114216/Page1.aspx 174
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 175
The February Action Committee meetings have been moved to March. The next Kona Action 176
Committee meeting will be on March 10, 2022. 177
ADJOURNMENT: 178
The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 pm. 179
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 180
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 181
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 182
by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 183
184
The Purpose: Secure funding for The Ports-of Entry Biosecurity Program. This program fills a critical gap
in our overall biosecurity system, minimizing opportunities for new pest incursions and safeguarding our
islands from further invasion and damage from invasive species. Making small investments in the
monitoring and rapid response efforts provided by this program saves the state millions of dollars in
long-term response efforts and economic damages.
The Issue: The Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program is in its last year of funding from the Hawaiʻi
Department of Transportation (HDOT). A 5-year pilot period has demonstrated that this program is an
excellent investment for the biosecurity of the State. The program fills an important gap in surveillance at
ports-of-entry and enhances the state's ability for early detection and rapid response of species that can
severely impact human health, our environment and the economy. The list of targets includes
Africanized bees, invasive ants, mosquitos, and coconut rhinoceros beetle. The program currently
operates at airports, but there is momentum to expand efforts to include seaports as well as the list of
current targets. The program is in its last year of funding and facing the possibility of operating at a
significantly reduced capacity or not at all without additional funding.
Background: Small investments in early detection and rapid response programs are the most cost-
effective way to deal with invasive species and can save the state billions of dollars in economic losses
and damages. The Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program (formerly known as Māmalu Poepoe), has acted as
the invisible shield to prevent the introduction and spread of some of the most high-risk pests to Hawaiʻi.
The program has successfully operated at Hawaii’s six main airports with funding from the Hawaiʻi
Department of Transportation’s Airport Revenue Fees for the past five years and brings together multiple
state agencies including the Hawaiʻi Departments of Transportation, Agriculture, Health, Land and Natural
Resources, and the University of Hawaiʻi. The program monitors for four target pests; Africanized bees,
invasive ants, mosquitos, and coconut rhinoceros beetle. Each of these targets could easily hitchhike on
planes, slip through inspections, and impact multiple sectors of the local economy, as well as human
health and our way of life in the islands. This program fills a critical gap in our island’s biosecurity system.
The State Legislature declared invasive species to be the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy,
natural environment, and the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people and visitors in a 2015 report (LRB
2015). Hawaii’s role as a hub for travel, commerce, and military transport is a major contributor to the
economy but also increases its vulnerability to new pest incursions. Prior to COVID-19, the state had over
one million aircraft operations, landings and takeoffs and 600,000 shipping containers processed
through Hawaii’s seaports (DOT 2017). In 2019, Hawaii received more than 10.5 million visitors (air and
cruise ships), setting a new record for visitor arrivals and visitor spending. Each of these arrivals and
shipments provides a new opportunity for the introduction of invasive species.
The Critical Role of the Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program
1
January 19, 2022
Communication Number 2022-06
Overall Benefit:Cost: A recent economic analysis looked at the costs of the current program’s
monitoring efforts compared to the potential costs to airports if a pest incursion occurred without any
monitoring or rapid response capabilities. The economic analysis found that there is an overall 110:1
benefit: cost ratio. The economic analysis only took into account the benefit of monitoring for invasive
species at airports. Clearly the benefits from airport monitoring and rapid response would extend to the
surrounding areas, the island, and the entire State. These benefits are expected to be many times larger
than the benefits to the airport thus further warranting continued funding of the program.
Africanized Bees, also known as killer bees, are currently not present in
Hawaiʻi. They were intercepted in 2011 at Honolulu Harbor which made them a
high priority for monitoring through the program. The establishment of
Africanized bees would decimate Hawaii’s ability to grow diversified agriculture
and the beekeeping industry, valued at over $220 million. Africanized bees are
significantly more aggressive than common honeybees and would threaten the
health and lifestyle of residents and impact the $14.9 billion tourism industry.
Invasive ants threaten agriculture, natural resources and pose a health risk to
residents, pets, and wildlife. little fire ant (LFA) and red imported fire ant (RIFA)
pose a serious threat to human health, quality of life, and agriculture. LFA and
RIFA can bite and sting people and cause severe pain and serious skin reactions
to people and animals. An economic study estimated that current control costs
for LFA on Hawaiʻi island alone averages $200 million per year. The red imported
fire ant (RIFA) is not currently present in the State, but the economic costs if it
does establish are estimated at $200 million per year in damages to tourism and
agricultural sectors.
Mosquitos: The introduction of new species of mosquitoes can transmit new
diseases, posing serious health threats to people and native species, not to
mention more mosquitos are an added nuisance to both visitors and residents.
Local transmission of high-profile diseases like Zika and Dengue in Hawaiʻi could
cause many visitors to travel elsewhere impacting an important driver of our
economy.
Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) is the most recent introduction, detected in
Hawaiʻi near the end 2013 and is currently confined to Oʻahu. This invasive
beetle is a major pest of coconut palms and feeds on a wide array of palm
species including the native loulu, Pritchardia spp. Coconut palms are an
important symbol, populating much of the State's skyline. If CRB was left
unchecked much of our iconic skyline could be whittled down to mere stumps,
which has occurred in Guam where the beetle is now widespread.
2
Communication Number 2022-05
Budget: $525,000 to continue the program as is (monitor for current targets at 6 main airports) +
expansion to seaports on Oahu, and monitor for 2 additional targets. This budget is for 12 months.
Total Personnel Cost $425,000
Total Materials & Supplies Cost $60,000
Total Travel Cost $15,000
Total Other Cost $25,000
Contacts:
For more information, please contact:
Chelsea Arnott, Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council planner, chelsea.l.arnott@hawaii.gov
Leyla Kaufman, Mamalu Poepoe Coordinator, leyla.v.kaufman@hawaii.gov
3
References:
Gutrich, J.J., E. VanGelder, and L. Loope. 2007. Potential economic impact of introduction and spread of
the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in Hawai‘i. Environmental Science & Policy 10: 685–696
HDOT. 2018. Media Kit, Harbors Division. Honolulu, Hawai‘i.https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2018/01/HDOT-Harbors-Division-Media-Kit-2018-1.pdf
HDOT. 2019. The State of Hawai‘i Airport Activity Statistics by Calendar Year.
https://hidot.hawaii.gov/airports/ files/2013/01/annual-air-traffic-statistics-20190715.pdf
HTA. 2019. Annual Visitor Research Report. https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/5062/2019-
annual-report-final-for-posting.pdf
Lee, D.J., M. Motoki, C. Vanderwoude, S.T. Nakamoto,and P.S. Leung. 2015. Taking the sting out of Little
Fire Ant in Hawai‘i. Ecological Economics 111:.100-110
Lee, Donna. 2021. Unpublished data. Economic analysis of monitoring efforts at Hawaii's airports.
Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB). 2015. Can't see the forest for the (albizia) trees: an invasive species
update. - Honolulu, Hawai‘i. - xi, 416 pages. tables ; 28 cm. - Report ; no. 15-3 . - Report (Hawai‘i.
Legislative Reference Bureau) no. 15-3.
Communication Number 2022-05
Mitchell D. Roth Mayor
Lee E. Lord Managing Director
West Hawai‘i Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Zendo Kern Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
East Hawai‘i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
DATE: March 10, 2022
TO: DR. LEYLA KAUFFMAN
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council
FROM: KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
SUBJECT: Support for Hawaiʻi Ports-of-Entry Biosecurity Program
Aloha,
The Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi would like to express support for the Ports-of-Entry (POE) Biosecurity Program (formerly known as Māmalu Poepoe), which actively surveils our ports for pests like invasive ants, coconut
rhinoceros beetle, Africanized bees, new mosquito species, and more.
We are highly supportive of proactive efforts taken to prevent the naturalization of new damaging species. For many years, the Kona district has been subject to severe impacts from invasive pests that have cost us not only monetarily but have also negatively impacted our health
and well-being. From the destructive coffee berry borer which has the potential to reduce crop
yields by up to 90 percent, to the aggressive fountain grass that degrades pasture lands and increases the intensity of wildfires, to the little fire ants that blind our pets and make growing more difficult for our farmers, we are plagued by the worst of the worst in Hawaiʻi. Our burden is already great without the addition of new pests known to be some of the worst in the world.
For many years now, economic analyses have made it clear that relatively small investments into biosecurity can have large payoffs later. Just one of the invasive ants targeted by this POE program, the red imported fire ant (RIFA), has been projected to cost Hawaiʻi more than $200 million per year should it become established here. The health costs of diseases carried by
certain species of mosquitoes, the losses to our honey industry and pollination services caused by
Africanized bees - any of these impacts run into the millions of dollars annually, yet this statewide program costs less than a million dollars a year. Truly a bargain! Kona has a wonderful mixture of many large- and small-scale agricultural endeavors. We are
currently engaged in a robust effort to implement and move forward a community-driven vision
to enhance and improve our district. We appreciate any biosecurity efforts that seek to allow us
Communication Number 2022-07
Dr. Leyla Kauffman Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council
March 10, 2022
Page 2
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
to plan for the future of our community without additional strains from new invasive species that could affect our environment, our farmers, and the health and well-being of our residents.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Charles Young Chair, Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee
KM:hb
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