HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-13 HCDP Minutes DraftMitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Zendo Kern
Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
HĀMĀKUA 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, September 13, 2023 1
DRAFT Meeting Minutes 2
CALL TO ORDER 3
Chair Tawn Keeney called the Hāmākua Community Development Plan (HCDP) Action 4
Committee (AC) to order at 5:36 P.M. Quorum was at this time. This meeting was held online 5
via Zoom, and in‐person at the Laupāhoehoe Public Library. 6
ROLL CALL 7
AC Members Present: Tawn Keeney, Nicolette (Niki) Hubbard, Brad Kurokawa, Robert 8
Nishimoto, Tisha Mahealani, Richard Bidleman 9
AC Members Absent: Desiree Cruz and Crystal Kua 10
AC Members Absent and Excused: Robert Nishimoto 11
County Staff: April Surprenant, Maryam Palma, Kim Tanaka 12
County Officials: Deputy Corporation Counsel, Sinclair Salas‐Ferguson 13
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 14
Hāmākua CDP Action Committee New Member Update: Chair Keeney introduced the new 15
AC Members Tisha Mahealani and Richard Bidleman 16
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: 17
1. Two member of the public provided oral testimony: 18
Cory Harden of West Sierra club talking about Agenda Item #3, they noted that email 19
addresses not on the website are indicative of a bigger problem: no transparency. In addition, 20
planning presentations that have been done by the County eat up time with no chance for ppl 21
to ask questions. County has development proposals that the Action Committee does not get 22
to review. County can find staff to review and update the zoning codes including the 23
Subdivision Code and General Plan. Action Committee should be providing ongoing guidance 24
and oversight. 25
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 2
Koohan Paik‐Mander also talked about Agenda Item #3, and seconded Cory Harden. They 26
indicated there is more time needed to input. Especially since community development is 27
moving so fast going 4x the rate of Maui. CDP interface with the public that took 10 years. 28
Email addresses not on the website is a negative thing as things (larger plans) are pushed 29
through at a rapid pace. 30
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 31
This item was taken out of order, immediately following Agenda Item #2. 32
Chair Keeney motioned to approve the March 21, 2023, April 12, 2023, and May 10, 2023 33
minutes. Seconded by Brad. Motion passed unanimously with a voice vote (6‐0). 34
BUSINESS: 35
1. Hāmākua Wildfire Preparedness: 36
Nani Barretto of Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization did a Wildfire Management Plan 37
Presentation. Included in the information was a brief history of the organization which is a 38
nonprofit and not a government entity that has been around for 20 years in Waimea. Where 39
they are trying to understand risks, resources, and plans for the last 20 years. Many have not 40
considered wildfire as something to think about. But they are focused on fire mitigation in 41
close partnership with Civil Defense partners and Firefighters. They know that they can 42
change the path of a wildfire by managing lands and yards. Can also build and retrofit 43
residences to reduce the risk of fire losses. Consider firefighting to be the last line of defense 44
with the first line being to be prepared and mitigate risk. A large team of partners that work 45
alongside. Presentation CWPP is the County Wildfire Preparedness Plan. Put together by 46
team to protect life, property, and infrastructure. Prioritize the projects and establish a 47
pathway for funding and collaboration and communication. Hawaii Wildfire was tasked one 48
year ago to develop the plan. Had a meeting to establish areas of interest and actions needed 49
(Summary Sheet HERE). Included in the presentation was information on the Community 50
Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program passed in 2022 funding for at‐risk low if the program 51
has been identified in the document as eligible if there is an entity that wants to develop a 52
program. Round 2 application ends on October 31 but 3 more rounds in the future. She 53
wants to share some resources. Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign (Webpage HERE) 54
gets launched every year to educate people about what they can do to prepare. Another 55
thing is a resident handbook called Hawaiʻi’s Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire AcƟon Guide which 56
is a one stop resource for residents and visitors to know to be prepared for a Fire. (Download 57
HERE) Another resource is a Nationally recognized Firewise USA program that recognizes 58
neighborhoods that are working towards raising awareness and readying their homes and 59
yards in their neighborhoods (Download HERE). Please go to the website to see if your 60
community has an established Firewise program. If you don’t live in a Firewise neighborhood, 61
then find some neighbors and see how you can use the resources to establish your Firewise 62
Program. There was one in the Hāmākua area previously, but it never got traction. Primary 63
information ambassadors are trained in the area, and they can share the available resources 64
including a free home assessment. If you are interested in the program, please reach out and 65
you can get more detail. (Webpage HERE) for free assessment. Pacific fire exchange is a 66
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 3
research program for large landowners, landscapers, educators, and exchanges. (Website 67
HERE). Hawai'i Wildfire Management Organization has been invited to various areas and are 68
always ‐ survey (LINK) if you have comments or to share your wildfire concerns, priorities, or 69
shovel‐ready project ideas go HERE. Also subscribe to our newsletters to keep up to date with 70
upcoming workshops, new resources, etc. HERE. I am a co‐director, and we can be reached 71
collectively at directors@hawaiiwildfire.org 72
Q: Is your org a 501 (c) 3. A: Yes 73
Q: How do you get most of your funding A: Most is from federal grants, also chili cookoff and 74
t‐shirt sales. 75
Q: How many ppl? A: We have a staff of 8 but are working to staff up as our team is stretched 76
thin 77
Q: Tawn: What is the next step with the current great interest? We have discussed a meeting 78
with Honoka`a where much will be done. As there will be 5‐6 other communities that may be 79
interested. What is the best next step for AC members to intersect? A: The Firewise program 80
has a good framework as this connects the communities with the officials and firefighters. As 81
residents we need to know how to start with our home. This is a group of people talking 82
about it regularly and keeps people action oriented. Next step we could have a meeting that 83
is just about the Firewise program so neighborhoods could become more active. 84
Q: In your group of organizations of interest you did not mention Kamehameha Schools. Are 85
we wrong that the Eucalyptus trees are a risk? How is KS involved? A: Unmanaged lands and 86
unmanaged fuels during a dry period (even on the wet side are at risk). Also, firefighting 87
resources are stretched thin. 88
Q: Tawn: have you been in contact with KS. A: Not a lot. Some residents were nervous and 89
allowed us access to the area to use FEMA funds to cut some back. 90
Q: Tawn: Are you hopeful for conversations? A: Yes, I am always hopeful as relationships are 91
the most important. No real answer when it comes to the human connection and 92
personalities, but we have seen it before. 93
Q: Michelle: I was wondering if you are cool with me networking and sending out the links. 94
Especially because we do a lot of events in Honoka`a. A: Of course, because people are 95
scared and if you have ideas we would love to connect. 96
Q: Nikki: Is the right document to share the first document? A: Within the month we will have 97
a final draft. 98
Q: How will we get the final A: Nani will send the final to Tawn. 99
Q: What do the grants fund? A: Education and outreach. Mitigation. Health system 100
restoration. Field reduction and field management. Converting fire prone invasive landscapes 101
to more drought tolerant. 102
Q: In Honokaa the vegetation on the West side, Eucalyptus, is a huge fire issue since it is about 103
the size of Oahu. Is this an entry with KS to get grants to mitigate fire hazard and trees. A: 104
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 4
Field management entities are eligible, but I heard that KS would not be interested in Federal 105
funds. 106
Comment: County needs to interface with KS and maybe can be invited to a meeting. 107
Comment: Richard came across a Big Island News Now article, it is incumbent on the County 108
to develop the rules. It should be the County to go after grants and take care of our 109
landscape. Doesn't want to rely on a non‐profit to take care of this problem. 110
2. Governor’s Housing Proclamation Discussion 111
Chair Tawn Keeney made a motion that the personal letter that he wrote to Nani Medeiros be 112
endorsed by the Hāmākua CDP as a statement representing their views, on developments be 113
brought to the CDP. Brad seconded the Motion. Letter was read aloud (LINK) Discussion: 114
Richard Bidleman. New to Honoka’a in a brand‐new subdivision and many places are 115
becoming urban. Many may not like that but it’s reality. Preserving the historical nature is 116
important but things are going to become more urban. Brad Kurokawa asked if we are 117
assuming that the Emergency Proclamation may supersede the current lines of 118
communication so believes an official request should be there. Currently the developer is 119
under no obligation to talk with the community and/or the CDP. Would like the Action 120
Committee to be included in this communication stream. Heather Kimball: Housing Officer 121
Nani Medieros will resign, and the Emergency Order is temporary and may not be re‐issued. 122
Tawn would like to call for a vote on the motion. Brad‐Aye Robert‐Aye Nikki‐Aye Tisha‐Aye 123
Richard‐Aye Tawn‐Aye. Motion passed unanimously with a voice vote (6‐0). 124
Q: Jack Vicory, can we add in the letter a return receipt? A: Yes. 125
3. Action Committee Email Addresses on the Hāmākua CDP Website 126
Chair Tawn Keeney made a motion that the email address that has been removed from the 127
Hāmākua CDP website be restored and in addition, that there is a restoration of the Chair and 128
Agenda, Date and Time or the upcoming meeting of the Action Committees. Tisha seconded 129
for the discussion. Discussion centered around concerns about the accessibility of the email. 130
Sinclair ‐ Planning Department Rep stated that the agenda is posted on the website and there 131
is a fact sheet for Chair, personal privacy information including email address is not usually 132
posted as it is considered private. However, if the Board agrees individually email addresses 133
can be posted by the Planning Department. April confirmed that the Planning Dept can move 134
forward and send an email to all the AC members to see if they want to include their email or 135
a separate CPD related email address. Michelle suggested that an email be sent through a 136
secretary or as Mahealani mentioned setting up a CDP specific email. Sinclair confirmed that 137
the server will only allow for an individual email for each. 138
Guest speaker mentioned they wanted an accessible interface which is not really what we 139
have now. 140
Chair Keeney amended a motion to have the email address that has been removed from the 141
Hāmākua CDP website be restored with the exception of those members who do not want 142
their personal email address exposed. Seconded by Niki Hubbard. Motion passed unanimously 143
with a voice vote (6‐0). 144
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 5
Keeney made a motion that we have restoration of the Chair and Agenda, Date and Time or 145
the upcoming meeting of the Action Committee on the HCDP website. Motion passed 146
unanimously with a voice vote (6‐0). 147
4. AC Meeting Cadence: 148
The Chair confirmed with the Corporation council and planning department that the Chair can 149
discuss setting of dates, times, venues and agendas and that no discussion of note can be 150
made regarding topics as it does not violate the Sunshine Laws. No motion needed. 151
5. Permitted Interaction Group Updates: 152
o Waipi‘o Wahi Pana 153
Committee Member Kurokawa reports a 2‐day session on Aug 19‐20 with the Edith Kanakaole 154
Foundation with the Waipio steering committee. Interesting session to discuss the 155
generational resources Papakumakawalu and the Hawaiian culture/chants and using this as a 156
foundation and framework to develop Kapu (religious and important elements) and Kanawai 157
(rule set in place to protect the Kapu). Heather pulled out the process that is communicated 158
through oral chants and other historical learnings. Put a draft in place and pull from 159
additional sources and take it back to the Steering Committee and Corporation Counsel. 160
Creating pool of resources to justify the actions taken. 161
o Housing 162
Vice‐Chair Hubbard does not have a particular task. It is an information sharing session. A 163
mailer with the map was sent out that has a 50‐acre residential parcel with a 30‐unit 164
affordable housing subdivision proposal. They do not have funding for infrastructure or 165
housing. They have a design laid out but will not know how the development will be built until 166
they have the infrastructure. It is a county development and will have the infrastructure as 167
required by the county. Niki will follow‐up and be a liaison. The immediate community was 168
not pleased with the plan and are concerned with run off and confusion with what affordable 169
housing will look like and what it is and what it will do to the surrounding community. AC 170
could provide education to the community. County will not know the affording housing 171
parameters until they get planning. 172
173
Heather Kimball made some additional comments and calls to action. There will be a Wildfire 174
meeting and participation in the Mayor’s fire related task force on 10/3/2023. There is a 175
presentation on 9/19/2023 for support tools for ecosystem data management to help with 176
determining how policies affect other areas of land management. There is a bill coming 177
forward on 10/3/2023 to focus eligibility on residence and closeness to work. On October 3rd 178
the Council is also asking the Finance Department to work on negotiations to purchase a 32‐179
acre parcel in Gualt’s Gulch, the southern part of Pepe’ekeo and shoreline via PONC. Public 180
support is needed. Hank Correa owns the parcel, and it is for sale. If acquired would provide 181
public access to fishing and agroforestry and support the local community with local 182
stewardship. The hearing is 10/3/2023 in committee and the following Wednesday in Council. 183
6. Future Agenda Item Recommendations 184
1. Permitted Interaction Groups Updates to AC 185
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 6
2. Format of Future AC Meetings 186
3. Honokaʻa Business AssociaƟon presentaƟon 187
4. Presentation from Deborah Chang, Current Chair on Pepeʻekeo PONCs 188
ADJOURNMENT: 189
Committee Chair Keeney motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Committee Member 190
Nishimoto. Motion passed unanimously (6‐0). The meeting was adjourned at approximately 191
7:51 p.m. 192
These meeting minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s 193
Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi 194
Public Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning 195
Department by calling (808) 961‐8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 196