HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2023-11 KOSN Kickoff Update-0908231 of 2
September 8, 2023
Report to Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee
From the Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee
Chair: Kari Kimura, Members: Shirley David, Janice Palma-Glennie, Mary Metcalf, Lele Kimball, Nancy Pisicchio
Kona Open Space Network Kickoff Event
August 29, 2023 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Maka’eo County Pavilion at Old Kona Airport
Lead Consultant: Jacobs Engineering, Project Leader Kristen Nishimura
Lead Agency: County of Hawaii Planning Department, Project Leader Natasha Soriano
80 – 100 people attended the Kickoff Event
Press Release:
The County of Hawaii’s Planning Department has officially kicked-off its project for the Kona
Open Space Network (KOSN) Plan and has hired Jacobs Engineering Group as the lead
consultant. The KOSN is a community-initiated goal of the Kona Community Development Plan
to create public open space including connections between parks, neighborhoods, and historic
sites, while retaining green areas for drainage/flood control, trees for shade and carbon
absorption, and a system of on and off-road pedestrian and bicycle trails that encourage healthy
active lifestyles.
A special mahalo goes to the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee and its
KOSN sub-committee for stewarding this project through the years. Since 2015 the sub-
committee has outlined the visions and goals of this plan and helped to draft the scope of this
project.
On August 29, 2023, the KOSN sub-committee and the Planning Department will host an open
house at Makaʻeo County Pavilion at the Old Kona Airport from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The
presentation will include a history of project, an outline of the scope, next steps, and examples of
successful open space networks. We invite everyone to come and learn more about the project
and how you can get involved in the planning process. A project website will be coming soon.
E kanu i ka huli 'oi hā' ule ka ua.
Plant the taro stalks while there is rain.
Do your work when opportunity affords.
Communication No. 2023-11
KOSN Update Report
2 of 2
Kickoff Event Program:
1. Welcome - KOSN sub-committee, Kari
2. Project history - KOSN sub-committee, Kari
3. Benefits of open space - Natasha/Kristen
4. Open Space Examples - Natasha/Kristen
5. Rough Project timeline - Natasha/Kristen
6. Introduction of website, how to get involved - Natasha/Kristen
7. Q&A - KOSN sub-committee to help proctor, Natasha and Kristen to answer questions
Brief history of the Kona Open Space Network
• 2005 - 2008: Kona CDP is developed with extensive community input and adopted by County. The Open
Space Network is a key cornerstone of the Kona CDP.
• 2010 - 2013: AC members begin researching successful OSN programs, data and mapping needs, possible
funding sources, Kona open space opportunities, etc. AC recommends County prioritize the KOSN in the
County CIP Budget, which remains a top AC recommendation in the CIP Budget going forward.
• 2014 - 2017: AC requests Planning Department's support in moving forward the KOSN project. AC forms Subcommittee which includes public members and PD support. KOSN Subcommittee develops and
submits its formal report to the AC. Report includes KOSN Vision and Goals with initial focus on Kona
urban core and recommends hiring a consultant to solicit community input and develop the KOSN plan.
• 2018 - 2019: AC recommends allotment of funds in County CIP budget to hire a KOSN consultant. Funds
are appropriated by County in 2018-2019 CIP budget. Planning conducts research and works with
Subcommittee to develop a Scope of Work for hiring a contractor.
• 2020 - 2022: COVID 19 and high priority Planning projects pauses progress on hiring a KOSN
consultant. Subcommittee meets with and obtains Mayor Roth's support for moving forward the KOSN
project.
• 2023: Planning hires the consultant Jacobs Engineering Group to work with the Kona community and
develop the KOSN plan.
Next Steps:
The Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee will support the Consultants and the Planning Department in
execution of the Contract: Public Outreach, Methodology Development, Design, and an Implementation Plan.
The Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee will be part of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee to the Project.
All are encouraged to visit the temporary website: https://rb.gy/362c4