HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-28 Ka'ū CDP Meeting PacketMitchell D. Roth Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Zendo Kern Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
KAʻŪ 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
Monday, August 23, 2023 1
FINAL Meeting Minutes 2
CALL TO ORDER 3
Chair Leinaʻala Enos called the Kaʻū Community Development Plan (KCDP) Action Committee 4
(AC) to order at 5:30 P.M. This meeting was held at the Pahala County Gym, Multi-purpose room. 5
There was no Zoom option. Quorum was established at this meeting. 6
ROLL CALL 7
AC Members Present: Leinaʻala Enos (Chair), Pernell Hanoa (Vice-Chair), Ka’ohinani Mokuhali’i, 8
Kaweni Ibarra, Jesse Ke, Catherine Williams, Jason Masters 9
AC Members Absent-Excused: Babette Morrow 10
County Officials: Michelle Galimba 11
11 members of the public attended the meeting 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 13
• August 24, 2023 Na’alehu Sewage meeting 14
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 15
Corrections to minutes for May 8, 2023 CDP meeting, page 3 line 68 Gwen Sorenson, line 71 16
Kekoa Burgos. 17
Committee Member Ibarra motioned to approve the May 8, 2023 minutes with the corrections 18
made. Motion seconded by Committee Member Jesse Ke. Motion passed with 7 votes aye, 0 19
votes nay. 20
BUSINESS: 21
1. Permitted Interaction Groups Updates to AC: 22
a. Punaluʻu Coastline Access and Resources Investigatory Subcommittee: report on 23
Punalu’u Meet and Greet July 10, 2023 24
In Attendance: Iwa Liu Black Sand Beach LLC, Owner Candice Kaawa; Property Manager Jiaying You 25
& Yoga Yang, New Investors; Newell Arnerich, Consultant and friend; community members 26
John Roplogle & Larry Galbon; and Ka’ohinani Mokuhali’i, Ka’u CDP AC 27
www.planning.Hawaiʻicounty.gov/ CDP@Hawaiʻicounty.gov Page 2
Committee Member Ka’ohinani Mokuhali’i attended meet and greet, shared that it started with 28
simply sharing mo’olelo from all participants. Everyone was in a relaxed atmosphere and able to 29
speak freely regarding plans put out on the table. Discussion was made about the lei stand being moved 30
or removed. 31
Buildings: Shared that some community members from other meetings asking to save the 32
buildings. Informed by the County Planning Dept., buildings can either be restored or demolished. 33
Discussion regarding making it into a pavilion not back as a restaurant. Cannot be moved nor new 34
buildings be constructed. 35
Brought discussion on High water mark and rising sea levels. High surf surges into the pond. High 36
water mark could change if the highest water mark surpasses the original twice in the same year. 37
Which we all agreed would happen. Possible parking area that would have no building to be 38
affected by sea levels. Discussion on restricted parking for visitors with fees and monies would go 39
to pay for security, 40
Comments by Black Sand Beach participants: Overall meeting helpful, received solid information 41
leading ideas in the right direction to make things right with the community and to make informed 42
decisions. Will meet again when they return. County Planning to be here monthly. 43
Public Comments: Community member, Gwen Sorensen, was questioning whether it is 44
appropriate for AC members to represent the Ka’u Community Development Plan Action 45
Committee as a single entity without the rest of the committee. All CDP members are not required 46
to be at a meeting they are invited to. It is good to clarify roles and communicate to the community 47
how these types of meetings will be handled. We are an advisory group only. 48
Community Member Sophia Hanoa shared that Black Sand Beach LLC met with the Hawaii tourism 49
authority who dangled money for island-wide input into the conservatory. She shared that this 50
should have come to the community first and that we need to stop having outside entities come 51
into our cultural areas and try to have outsiders be stewards. We feel that they should have 52
informed the CDP of their intent before going to the public. 53
Don’t take anymore kuleana away from our Kupuna who have malama the aina for generations. 54
Further proposals that come to Ka’u need to come through the Action Committee. The purpose 55
of the CDP is to be a single point of contact to avoid further misunderstandings and chaos. 56
We have been working with the LLC for two years now, we have clarified about the parking 57
areas, the security, education and what is going to work. Hawaii Tourism Authority, Rachel K and 58
Cheri Menor are doing the same thing we have already done and established. We must work 59
together so that there are no mixed messages going out to the community and to the tourists. 60
Punalu’u community member Julie Enriques and her family would like to be included in 61
discussions concerning the lei stands or any of the issues around Punalu’u. 62
www.planning.Hawaiʻicounty.gov/ CDP@Hawaiʻicounty.gov Page 3
The Chair shared that all community members need to be included in the discussions with the 63
new owners. Community member, Darlyn Vierra, reiterated that Ka’u is all the communities from 64
Keahou to Ocean View Estates, it’s all of us. 65
Committee member Hanoa motioned to approve the committee report, seconded by committee 66
member Kaweni Ibarra. Motion carried with 7 ayes, 0 nays. 67
b. Mahana Bay Coastline Access and Resources Investigatory Subcommittee 68
Committee members: Jason Masters, Leina’ala Enos, Babette Marrow, Kaweni Ibara 69
Two weeks ago, the committee met, Committee member Babette Marrow proposed that we 70
send a letter to County Planning Director, Mr. Kern. We are in the process of drafting a letter. 71
The committee feels that this is something that has been overly studied. The issues are well 72
known in Ka’u, and the resources have been identified to address the issues. We would like to 73
tell the County Planning Director that this is what the community has identified over many 74
decades as the solution. One factor that may be a deterrent is that many entities including 75
Hawaiian Homelands and DLNR who would have the primary resources and responsibility to do 76
something about the problems. Update is that we will be creating a letter to re-explain how to 77
use the resources through Hawaiian Homelands and DLNR to do something to address the 78
issues. We want to move along, and we will bring a draft letter to the meeting for approval or 79
invite Director Kern to a meeting. 80
As an advisory group we need to get them to take action, no more investigation is needed. 81
Department of Hawaiian Homelands will be having a meeting in Pahala on September 17, 2023. 82
Committee member Ibarra motioned to approve the committee report, seconded by committee 83
member Pernell Hanoa. Motion carried with 7 ayes, 0 nays. 84
c. Kupuna Housing Investigatory Subcommittee 85
Committee members Jesse Ke, Leina’ala Enos, and Jason Masters had nothing to report at this 86
time. 87
d. Na’alehu Theatre/Land Investigatory Subcommittee 88
Committee members Catherine Williams, Jason Masters had nothing to report at this time. 89
e. Development in Ka’u Investigatory Subcommittee 90
Report was submitted previously in 8/2/23 agenda packet by committee members Jesse Ke, 91
Ka’ohi Mokuhali’i, and Leina’ala Enos. 92
Geoffrey Bower, Scientist with ASIAA group introduced himself. ASIAA group will be installing a 93
10 year term satellite project in Wood Alley. Geoffrey wishes to be a good neighbor and promote 94
educational projects here in Ka’u as part of the community. 95
The chair addressed some community concerns, the satellite project report is available, this is 96
beneficial for the community. Their process does show that they are working with the 97
community in every way. The community wants to be a part of the conversations. 98
Committee member Mokuhali’i presented June 14, 2023 OHA Zoom meetings with minutes. 99
www.planning.Hawaiʻicounty.gov/ CDP@Hawaiʻicounty.gov Page 4
Committee member Masters motioned to approve committee reports, seconded by committee 100
member Kaweni Ibarra. 101
Next Meeting: November 8, 2023 at Na’alehu Community Center 102
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: 103
1. Committee report backs 104
ADJOURNMENT: 105
Committee Member Hanoa motioned to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Committee 106
Member Masters. Motion passed with 7 votes aye, 0 votes nay. The meeting was adjourned at 107
7:00 P.M. 108
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kaʻū 109
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 110
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 111
by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@Hawaiʻicounty.gov. 112
Mitchell D. Roth
Mayor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Director
Zendo Kern
Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
KAʻŪ 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 08, 2023 1
DRAFT Meeting Minutes 2
CALL TO ORDER 3
Chair Leinaʻala Enos called the Kaʻū Community Development Plan (KCDP) Action Committee 4
(AC) to order at 5:30 P.M. This meeting was held at the Na’alehu Community Center. There was 5
no Zoom option. Quorum was not established at this meeting. 6
ROLL CALL 7
AC Members Present: Leinaʻala Enos (Chair), Babette Morrow, Jason Masters 8
AC Members Absent-Excused: Kaweni Ibarra, Ka’ohinani Mokuhali’I, Pernell Hanoa (Vice-Chair) 9
AC Member Absent-Unexcused: Jesse Ke, Catherine Williams 10
County Officials: Deputy Corporation Council- Suzanna Tiapula 11
County Staff: Maryam Palma and Janice Hata 12
6 members of the public attended the meeting. 13
14
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None 15
16
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 17
Due to lack of quorum, the minutes for August 23, 2023 meeting were not approved. 18
19
BUSINESS: 20
1. Review of Permitted Interaction Groups: 21
a. Suzanna Tiapula reviewed Communication Number 2023-08 titled Quick Review: Who 22
Board Members Can Talk to and When (Part 3). She explained the AC communication 23
rights and responsibilities under the Hawaii Sunshine Law and reviewed the 24
functioning of Permitted Interaction Groups. 25
b. Julie Enriques asked if the Planning Department could send information to the Action 26
Committee when they receive new development plans for areas in Ka’ū. 27
2. Due to a lack of quorum, no other business was conducted. 28
www.planning.Hawaiʻicounty.gov/ CDP@Hawaiʻicounty.gov Page 2
3. Public Comment: 29
A. Irene Eklund asked about the status of the General Plan revisions, and whether the 30
revisions would affect the Ka’ū CDP. 31
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: 32
1. Discussion with Planning Department about processing of development plans and 33
concerns from the public about public notification of upcoming projects. 34
2. Discussion of the inactive North Kohala CDP Action Committee and the North Kohala 35
Advisory Group. 36
3. Due to a lack of quorum, no date for the next meeting was set. 37
38
ADJOURNMENT: 39
Committee Member Masters motioned to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Committee 40
Member Morrow. Due to a lack of quorum, the motion was not voted on. The meeting was 41
adjourned at 6:52 P.M. 42
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kaʻū 43
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 44
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 45
by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@Hawaiʻicounty.gov. 46
North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group
GUIDING GOALS AND STATUTE. From the North Kohala Community Development Plan (NKCDP):
The County of Hawai‘i General Plan section 15.1 (February 2005, as amended) calls for the preparation of community development plans “to translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions as they
apply to specific geographical areas.” The General Plan requires CDPs be adopted as an “ordinance”, giving the plans force of law. The following are excerpted from the NKCDP:
Administered by the Planning Department, the CDP Action Committee is to be a pro-active, community-based steward of the plan’s implementation and update. (p. 94)
The stated duties of the CDP-AC are: (p. 95)
(a)Provide ongoing guidance and advocacy to advance implementation of the CDP goals, policies,strategies, and actions.
(b)Broaden community awareness of the CDP.
(c)Create subcommittees, as appropriate, to implement CDP policies and actions.
(d)Build partnerships, as appropriate, with governmental and other organizations to implement CDP
policies and actions.
(e)Provide timely recommendations to the County on priorities relating to the County operational budgetand the CIP budget and program.
(f)Receive periodic briefings from the Planning Department on all major proposed (and recentlyapproved) projects, developments, and land use decisions involving property located within the
planning area, and on other issues related to the CDP.
(g)Review and make recommendations on all major proposed projects, developments, and land usedecisions within the planning area, to the entity with the decision-making power.
(h)Receive briefings from other County agencies, as requested, on priority actions identified in the CDP.
(i)Monitor the progress and effectiveness of the CDP.
(j)Review and make recommendations on amendments to the CDP.
(k)Serve as the steering committee, as set forth in the General Plan, in any comprehensive update of theCDP.
(l)Provide recommendations to amend the General Plan.
(m)Develop and implement an educational/training program for current and prospective Action
Committee members, in order to strengthen CDP implementation.
(n)Carry out other duties as needed.
The principal goal of the Action Committee and its subcommittees is to improve the quality of life in North Kohala. The CDP is the plan that guides development toward realizing that goal. The role of the Action Committee, as we move to implementing the CDP, is to take a collaborative, cooperative approach to dealing
with areas needing improvement or change.
Proposed Reorganization of the NKCDP AC:
Over the past few years, the NKCDP Action Committee became difficult to staff, due in part to the restrictive mandates of the Sunshine Law and the expressed need of the Planning Department to gradually reduce meetings from monthly to bimonthly to quarterly in order to conserve staff time. With the cooperation
of the Planning Department, we propose to implement and test an alternative AC structure that we believe will be much more effective and alleviate several impediments to an efficiently functioning group and, if successful, perhaps enhance the ability of the Planning Department to manage implementation of the several Community Development Plans on the island (Kohala may serve as a test for a new structure).
We begin by saying that we firmly believe in the spirit of the Sunshine Law which was developed to mitigate
having important decisions affecting the public made by officials behind closed doors without public scrutiny. We plan to adhere to that spirit. The Law itself, however, has seriously reduced the effectiveness of
Communication No. 2024-01
volunteer community groups such as ours. It is our wish to create a less formalized structure that still works in close cooperation with the Planning Department yet is not an official government entity and therefore not
subject to the strict mandates of the Sunshine Law.
Bylaws for an NKCDP Advisory Group:
• The purpose of the Advisory Group is the implementation of the North Kohala Community Development Plan provide oversight of the Sub-Groups, and encourage all of Kohala to participate.
• The term of office shall be 2 years, with the possibility of renewal for a second 2-yr term with the approval of the Chair. A member may not serve for a consecutive third term but may re-apply after 2 years have passed. Terms end on Dec. 31. New members begin in January. Some adjustment in terms by the Chair may be necessary so that approximately half of the members retire on any given year. In the case of resignations, the substitute new member shall complete the term of the member replaced
and shall be eligible for a second term. Any member may remain on the AG beyond their term limit until a replacement can be found.
• A Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary shall be selected annually at the January meeting.
• Applicants shall be interviewed and selected by several members of the existing AG. The Chair and
Vice-Chair shall be responsible for organizing the recruitment of new AG members and assuring that a slate of willing candidates is interviewed and ready to serve when needed.
• Meetings shall adhere to the general guidelines of Robert’s Rules of Order.
• A quorum shall be half or more of the number of active AG members at any given time. A quorum
shall be necessary for any final discussion and/or vote on an issue. Meetings without a quorum may still accept Sub-Group reports, hear from the public and conduct preliminary discussions based on public input.
• Meetings shall be held monthly and are open to the public. One or more members of the Planning
Department may attend any meeting.
• Sub-Groups (which do the real work of implementing the NKCDP) shall continue to be created and guided by the AG. Every member of the AG shall also be a member of one Sub-Group and report on
their progress at each AG meeting. AG members may also attend any other Sub-Groups.
• Although the AG is informal and not subject to the Sunshine Law, the following procedures will be followed to ensure that the public is aware of AG doings and have the opportunity to comment.
o Minutes will be kept, and a copy sent to the Planning Department. Minutes will be made available to the public on an appropriate public website.
o The Chair and Vice-Chair will create an agenda at least 10 days in advance of a meeting. The agenda, plus the meeting time and location, will be published in the Kohala Mountain News at least a week before each meeting. Agendas will also be made available to the public on an appropriate public website.
o Wherever possible decisions shall be made by a consensus of members. If a consensus cannot be
reached the members shall pass a motion by majority vote. The chair may participate in discussions but shall not vote unless to break a tie.
o No final discussions, votes or decisions will be made on any subject not specified in advance in the published agenda.
• The AG serves the people of North Kohala, and the public are encouraged to attend any meeting to observe or to speak on an agenda item or on any relevant issue that concerns them. Within the guidelines of proper decorum, a member of the public may request to speak at any time on an issue under discussion. Time restrictions may be imposed by the Chair.
• Members of the AG may respond to and discuss any issue brought up during a meeting to decide if it
should become an agenda item for the next meeting. They cannot vote or decide on any issue, however, until it has become an item in a pre-meeting published agenda with sufficient time for public input.
• Email exchanges between AG members shall be limited to routine administrative matters such as
membership, meeting times, items to place on an agenda, etc. They shall not collude on or discuss
outside of AG meetings any matters related to implementing the NKCDP strategies or other issues entrusted to them. These need to be discussed in regular meetings with proper public input and scrutiny. Only in cases of time-sensitive issues, such as approval of a letter from a Sub-Group on an issue with a public input deadline before the next AG meeting, may AG members discuss and approve
via email. Any such vote shall then be included in the minutes of the next AG meeting.
• Any number of AG members may attend public meetings held on any issue. They may also participate in discussions at those meetings. But they cannot conspire to vote on such an issue at an upcoming AG meeting.
• AG members shall be free to address issues beyond those specified in the NKCDP.
• These bylaws and procedures may be amended at any time by a formal motion and vote of the AG. Approval shall require a 2/3 majority to pass an amendment.
It is critically important that the NKCDP-AG maintains the previous close ties of the Action Committee with the Planning Department and retains its status as working in conjunction with that department to implement
the CDP (a formal Planning Department document and County Ordinance). They must be able to speak with the authority of NKCDP when dealing with various State and County agencies, other offices, and individuals. We also wish to continue having access to Planning Department documents so that the Growth Management and Community Access Groups can continue to operate.
VISION
Create a high quality multi-modal transportation system that provides
safe, reliable, convenient mobility choices that meet the commuting,
social service, and other needs of our residents and visitors. The multi-
modal system should be environmentally responsible and cost
effective.
Communication No. 2024-02
GOALS
•Goal One: Make riding transit easier, reliable, and compatible with other
multi-modal options.
•Goal Two: Create a transit system to serve the employment and social
needs of all people.
•Goal Three: Implement technology to provide real time transportation
information.
•Goal Four: Create Transportation hubs and bus stops with amenities that
provide rider comfort and safety and that helps support community and
village gathering places.
•Goal Five: Phase system implementation in a fiscally responsible manner.
Goal One: Make riding transit easier, reliable,
and compatible with other multi-modal options.
•Strategy 1 Comprehensive multi-modal system including bicycles &
pedestrians;
•Strategy 2 Mobility options for riders with disabilities;
•Strategy 3 Fleet size of 55 buses (25 35-40 ft, 20 cutaway & 10 spares);
•Strategy 4 Establish fleet replacement program to acquire 4 to 5 yr;
•Strategy 5 Protocols for bus maintenance & improve record keeping;
•Strategy 6 Increase # of maintenance positions from 5 to 10, two shifts w/
night supervisor & inventory clerk;
•Strategy 7 Increase hours for customer information to 5 a.m. –midnight &
real time information on runs from dispatch.
•Strategy 8 Increase options for riders with disabilities to include paratransit
& outside service providers.
Goal Two: Create a transit system to serve the
employment and social needs of all people.
•Strategy 1 Update & modify routes for residential & employment;
•Strategy 2 Add direct cross island service for commuters;
•Strategy 3 Increase hours of service;
•Strategy 4 Add circulator routes in Puna, Hilo, Waimea & Kona;
•Strategy 5 Add Flex service in Waimea, on Rt. 130 in Puna, in
Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale & Hamakua Coast;
•Strategy 6 Add Sunday and holiday service;
Goal Two: Create a transit system to serve the
employment and social needs of all people.
•Strategy 7 Add Bike Share in Waimea and Hilo and contract with Path
or another non-profit organization;
•Strategy 8 Provide bike lockers at hubs and racks on all buses;
•Strategy 9 Subsidize a Vanpool program;
•Strategy 10 Continue the Shared Taxi Program & expand to other
parts of the island (with incentives to ensure availability); and
•Strategy 11 Expand current Paratransit program in Kona and Hilo to ¾
mile and add to other areas, starting in Puna.
Goal Three: Implement technology to provide real
time transportation information.
•Strategy 1 Install a technology package on each bus (mobile data
router & validators etc.);
•Strategy 2 Develop a Hele-on Transit App (Google Transit App
interim);
•Strategy 3 Develop & distribute new route maps;
•Strategy 4 Install signs at stops & provide schedule information,
trouble call # and website;
•Strategy 5 Develop an outreach program, conduct district meetings
and distribute rider surveys; and
•Strategy 6 Achieve clean energy goals through alternate bus &
infrastructure purchases.
Goal Four: Create Transportation hubs and bus
stops with amenities that provide rider comfort
and safety and that helps support community and
village gathering places.
•Strategy 1 Upgrade Mooheau hub;
•Strategy 2 Identify site & plan for Kona hub;
•Strategy 3 Acquire land, plan & design Pahoa Hub and plan and
design Keaau satellite hub and park and ride;
•Strategy 4 Identify location for Waimea hub and add appropriate
signage;
•Strategy 5 Upgrade bus stop program w/ minimum ten or more stops
per year added (benches, lighting & protection from elements);
Goal Four: Create Transportation hubs and bus
stops with amenities that provide rider comfort
and safety and that helps support community and
village gathering places.
•Strategy 6 Enter into partnerships with others to provide hub features
and shelters;
•Strategy 7 Establish roadway standards (width and pavement
condition for flex and new service);
•Strategy 8 Create bus pullout design and shelter design standards;
•Strategy 9 Establish hub standards and needs for partnerships with
community associations and others.
Goal Five Phase system implementation in a
fiscally responsible manner.
•Strategy 1 Fill 7 positions (Deputy Administrator, Fiscal & Records
Officer/Research Data & Grants; Customer Service and Outreach; Multi
Modal Administrator; Paratransit Clerk; Garage Supervisor
•Strategy 2 Create a partnership with Hawai’i Economic Office to connect
with social service agencies and others;
•Strategy 3 Create a stable level of funding, $16-18 million annually for
combined operational and capital programs;
•Strategy 4 Use FTA formula grants as part of the bus replacement program
and for portions of the operating program;
•Strategy 5 Pursue other sources of funding such as federal discretionary
grants including State support and corporate subsidies;
•Strategy 6 Address State and island clean energy goals.
Proposed communication to the Ka’ū Steering Committee. When the Mahana Bay Coastline
Access and Resource Investigatory Subcommittee (MBCARIS) was created, we initially thought
that one of our goals was to gather input from the community and to formulate a plan to advise
the Planning Department on possible actions to implement the Policies and Objectives of the
Ka’ū CDP. However, we found that there is already plenty of community input from the CDP
Steering Committee meetings as well as input gather during the creation of the 2012 and 2016
studies. Therefore, the MBCARIS is recommending that the Ka’ū Action Committee consider
sending this proposed letter to Mr. Kern.
Letter to Zendo Kern
Hawaii County Planning Director
Mr. Kern:
The Mahana Bay Coastline Access and Resource Investigatory Subcommittee (MBCARIS) of the
Ka’ū CDP Action Committee was formed to address the concerns of the Ka’ū community about
protecting cultural sites and natural resources in the area. Increases in tourism has led to
increased degradation of the Ka Lae area, resulting in damage to the land and to the sea life.
Additionally, important cultural sites are in danger of being destroyed.
The Ka’ū CDP addressed these issues in response to input from the community during the many
information-gathering meetings. The final CDP acknowledges the importance of preserving this
area in several different places.
1.Section 4.6, Protect and Enhance Ecosystems, encourage the collaborative development
and implementation of resource management plans and the enforcement necessary to protect
ecosystems.
Section 4.6.1, Community Objectives, lists the following Objectives:
•Protect, restore, and enhance ecosystems, including mauka forests and the shorelines,
while assuring responsible access for residents and for visitors.
•Encourage community-based management plans to assure that human activity doesn’t
degrade the quality of Ka’ū’s unique natural and cultural lands.
Section 4.6.4, Advocacy:
•4.6.4.4, Department of Health. Require implementation of management measures to
prevent nonpoint source pollution.
•4.6.4.5, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Following the recommendation of
the South Kona-Ka-ū Coastal Conservation Task Force, dedicate at least one State
DOCARE officer to the Ka’ū District to aid in enforcement.
•4.6.4.6, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Maintain the Ka Lae (South Point) coastal
areas and related infrastructure for recreational, cultural, education, and/or scientific
uses in a manner that is protective of resources and is consistent with the Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act and all applicable laws related to Native Hawaiian rights and
public shoreline access. (GP 8.3(c) & 12.5.9.2(d)).
Communication No. 2024-03
2. Section 4.2, Protect the Coast from Development. This section protects coastal areas
from development with the CDP Land Use Map, shoreline setbacks, the Special Management
Area, and encouragement to the State to strengthen protections and the community voice in
land use decisions.
• 4.2.4.1 Advocacy. Following the recommendation of the South Kona-Ka’ū Task Force,
amend HAR 13-5-40(b) to require that public hearings before the Board of Land and
Natural Resources be held In the judicial district in which the land is located.
The MBCARIS has found two recent studies regarding management of the Ka Lae area, one in
2012 and one in 2016. The DHHL Ka’ū Regional Plan was adopted in 2012 by Hawaiian Homes
Commission. This plan prioritized two projects to be implemented by 2015: (1) develop
vehicular roadway(s) and pedestrian pathways within the coastal area of Ka Lae (to manage
access to Kaulana Bay, the fishing grounds at Ka Lae, and protect sensitive resources), & (2)
protect and preserve sites in Kamā’oa. Phases consisted of: updating the Historic Landmark
designation; developing a circulation plan; pursuing partnerships; developing signage and
educational programs; obtaining funding; and constructing roads, fencing, and educational
signage. The South Point Resources Management Plan (RMP), prepared for the Hawaiian Home
Lands Trust, was finalized in October 2016. This plan stated: This resources management plan
identifies specific near- and long-term management actions for lands held under the Hawaiian
Home Lands Trust located within the ahupua'a of Kamā’oa-Pu'u'eo, Ka’ū District, island of
Hawaii. It is intended to guide future actions to steward the land and resources of this
area." Of particular interest is the concluding paragraph on page vii of the 2016 document.
"The main near-term priority for DHHL is to gain site control by managing vehicular access."
This issue is very important to the people of Ka’ū, as our environment, our culture, and our
history is being destroyed by lack of action by DHHL. We are asking that the Planning
Department forward our concerns to DHHL with a request for follow-up to these objectives.