HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-19 KCDP Meeting Packet
County of Hawai‘i
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
Mitchell D. Roth Mayor
John Pelletier Gary Jaster Heather Korotie Vacant Charles Young, Chair Nancy Pisicchio, Vice-Chair Marisa Bankston David Huerta Roselyn Molina
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). This meeting will be held in-person at the location listed in this notice and by
Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom.
DATE: Tuesday March 19, 2024
TIME: 12:00 P.M.
IN PERSON LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, B2 Conference Room 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 ONLINE/ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuiuqz0rGtJjlpjOU6isbrg3UKBlZlk
NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC TESTIMONY: The public may provide oral testimony at the
meeting by joining Zoom or attending in-person at the physical location listed above. Although not required, to register in advance for oral testimony please contact staff at cdp@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8288. Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so either at the time the committee takes public statements on the agenda, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Please note that public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per
agenda item. In addition, although not required, to ensure timely delivery of written testimony to committee members, it is requested that written testimony be submitted by 4:30 p.m. at least two business days prior to the meeting via email to cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. When submitting written testimony, please specify for which agenda item written testimony is being submitted. All written testimony will be a part of the public record.
NOTICE REGARDING INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A meeting held by ICT shall be automatically recessed for up to 30 minutes to restore communication when audiovisual communication cannot be maintained with all members participating in the meeting or with the in-person location identified in this notice. The meeting may reconvene when either audiovisual communication is restored, or audio-only communication is established after an unsuccessful attempt to
restore audiovisual communication. If it is not possible to reconvene the meeting as provided in this subsection within 30 minutes after an interruption to communication, the meeting will be automatically terminated.
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AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Action Committee will consider approving the draft minutes for the Kona CDP Action Committee Meeting on February 6, 2024.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: The public may provide verbal testimony at the meeting by joining the Zoom meeting or attending in-person. Please register to testify by contacting
cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. Comments may be made either during the public comment portion of the
agenda or just prior to the relevant business item. With discretion of the Chair of the CDP Action Committee, comments may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. 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 to this meeting (see the Notice Section
below).
IV. BUSINESS:
1. Integrated Wastewater Management Plan Presentation – Presentation and Q&A by Hawai’i County Department of Environmental Management Director, Ramzi Mansour.
2. S.B. No. 2058 Relating to Neighborhood Boards – Update on the status of S.B. No. 2058 from
Vice-Chair Nancy Pisicchio.
3. Draft General Plan Comments Discussion – Discussion regarding comments of the Kona CDP Action Committee to be submitted to the Planning Department for the County of Hawaiʻi’s Draft General Plan 2045.
4. Kealakehe Regional Park Update – Update from Action Committee members and discussion
regarding any actions the Committee may pursue.
V. AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: Action Committee members will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The public comment period for the Draft General Plan is extended to April 1, 2024, and a
policy rationale document is now available online: https://cohplanning.konveio.com/general-plan-rationale
• Deputy Corporation Counsel Jean Campbell is assigned to the Kona CDP Action Committee, effective March 1, 2024.
VII. 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: hhttps://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=9059&row=1&cr=1. 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
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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 business days prior to the meeting.
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 or cdp@hawaiicounty.gov as soon as possible, but no later than five business days prior to the meeting date, to arrange for accommodations. If a response is received after the five-business days deadline, we
will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request
will be fulfilled. “Other reasonable modification” refers to communication methods or devices for people with disabilities who are mentally and/or physically challenged. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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
Cesspool Conversions in
the County of Hawai‘i
Ramzi Mansour, Director
Department of Environmental Management
Communication No. 2024-12
Agenda
•What are cesspools and how many are within the County of
Hawai‘i
•The driving legislative force
•COH public engagement meetings
•Most likely conversion options for COH
•Roles and responsibilities Owner vs. COH vs. DOH
•Cost
•Why now and How
•How to participate to shape the Wastewater vision for the COH
The Driving Legislative Force
•HRS 342D-72: (a) Before January 1, 2050, every cesspool in the State, excluding
cesspools granted exemptions by the director of health pursuant to subsection (b),
shall be:
(1)Upgraded or converted to a director-approved wastewater system; or(2)Connected to a sewerage system.(b)The director of health may grant exemptions (based on small lot size,steep topography, poor soils, or accessibility issues)
•Act 132 (2018): Created the Cesspool Conversion Working Group
•Analyzed 15 objectives in the broad categories of Finance, Technology, and Data Prioritization
•Presented findings to the 2023 Legislature
www.hawaiicesspooltool.org
Most likely conversion options for COH
•Expansion of centralized sewer service areas
•Decentralized systems
•Potential conversion option for clustered systems that cannot be feasibly
connected to centralized systems
•Individual wastewater systems
•Conversion technology is dependent onsite conditions
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Questions?
1
2045 General Plan Draft, proposed amendments
by Nancy Pisicchio
General Plan Land Use Maps and Designations
Table 6: Urban Land Use GP Pg. 32
GP DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION OPTIMAL
RESIDENTIAL
DENSITY
(DU/ACRE)
POSSIBLE
ZONING
DESIGNATIONS
High-Density Urban General commercial, multiple-family residential, and related services. Confined to Urban Growth Areas. 36-60 RM, RCX, V, CG, CDH, MCX, ML
Medium- Density
Urban
Village and neighborhood commercial and single-family and
multiple-family residential and related functions. Confined to
Urban Growth Areas.
13-35 RM, RD, RCX, V, CN, CV, CG,
MCX, ML
Low-Density
Urban
Residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and
neighborhood and convenience-type commercial uses.
3-12 RS, RM, RCX,
ML, V, CV, CN
Urban Expansion
Reserve
Allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low
density, industrial-commercial mix, and/or natural
designations in areas where growth may be desirable, but
where specific settlement and infrastructure have not yet
been determined.
RS, RM, RCX,
CV, CN, CG,
MCX, ML, UNV, V
Light/Service
Industrial
Uses include but are not limited to business parks, research
and development centers, product assembly, distribution
centers, laboratories, cottage industries, and light service
industrial uses.
MCX, ML
Heavy Industrial Uses include but are not limited to landfills, quarries,
chemical plants, heavy equipment base yards, towing yards,
and other uses with the potential to create public nuisance
conditions (e.g., noise, environmental impacts).
MG
University Public university, including ancillary public uses, residential,
and support commercial uses.
UNV. CG, CN, RM
Resort
Transit-Oriented
Development
(TOD)
Traditional
Neighborhood
Development
(TND)
Uses include a mix of visitor-related uses such as hotels,
condominium hotels (condominiums developed and/or operated as hotels), single-family and multiple-family
residential units, golf courses and other typical resort
recreational facilities, resort commercial complexes, and
other support services.
Transit-Oriented Development Floating Zone (TOD) – Mixed-use developments located at strategic points along a
regional transit system. TODs consist of moderate and high-
density housing, along with complementing public uses,
jobs, retail, and services.
Minimum land area. The
minimum land area
for a new community shall
be consistent with
the zoning code’s
requirements for
project districts,
which corresponds
to the urban and secondary core.
KCDP Pg. 4-41
V, PD, RS, RM,
CV, CN, MCX
High-Density
Village Design Guidelines
Medium-Density
Village Design
Guidelines
Communication No. 2024-13
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#1 Proposed amendment to Table 6: Urban Land Use by adding TOD and TND to the list of “GP
Designation” in column 1 (see above) since it is the stated intent of the General Plan (see page 46) to adopt
policies to Include both TODs and TNDs.
Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities
Draft GP Pg. 37
Land Use Map 3
#2 Proposed amendment to Land Use Map 3
Land Use Map 3 should indicate the TOD’s that have been identified on Kona CDP Figure 4-7, Pg. 4-36. See map
below.
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#3 Proposed Map 3 Amendment:
Regarding Draft GP Map 3, it is suggested that the property that now appears as the newly proposed High-
Density Urban and Medium Density boundaries located mauka of the Old Airport and makai of Queen
Ka'ahumanu Hwy be instead designated as a Regional Center and Neighborhood TODs as designated in the
Kona CDP Official Land Use Map, Figure 4.7.
This is important to ensure that proper mixed-use master planning is carried out for the area. See the
recommendation from KCDP below:
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Land Use Goal
1.2: Urban Growth Areas
The Urban Growth Areas include high-density Transit Oriented Development (TOD), medium-
density Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), and low-density Urban Neighborhood
Centers. These centers provide physical, social, governmental, and economic concentrations and
easier access to services, recreation, and employment activities. Draft GP Pg. 46
#4 Proposed amendment to Pg 46: Following the above language, amend the text to include these
general definitions:
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). The development of compact, mixed-use villages
which would integrate housing, employment, shopping, and recreation opportunities.
Villages would be designed around transit stations/stops which would reduce the need
for daily trips and financially support the expanded transit system. Source KCDP Pg. 4.6
Village Types Defined—Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) vs. Traditional
Neighborhood Developments (TNDs). Both TODs and TNDs are compact mixed-use
villages, characterized by a village center within a higher-density urban core, roughly
equivalent to a 5-minute walking radius (1/4 mile), surrounded by a secondary mixed-
use, mixed-density area with an outer boundary roughly equivalent to a 10-minute
walking radius from the village center (1/2 mile). The distinction between a TOD and
TND is that the approximate location of a TOD is currently designated on the Official
Kona Land Use Map (Figure 4-7) along the trunk or secondary transit route and contains
a transit station, while TND locations have not been designated and may be located off
of the trunk or secondary transit route at a location approved by a rezoning action.
Source KCDP Pg. 4-28
“Makaeo Village (Regional Center) A major retail center is planned near the Old Airport Park. As
a mixed-use village, the plan is to introduce residential uses into the mix, design a
complementary relationship to the Old Airport Park, and integrate a transit hub or major park
and ride facility for commuters”. Source KCDP Pg. 4-40
DRAFT Kona General Development Plan- written testimony
1)Restrict building residential units to 2-3 stories in areas NOT classified/zoned industrial,
high density urban “clusters”. Especially important along shoreline.
This leaves open areas, residential areas that are low density for pedestrian access,
opens view planes, limits traffic issues for density and evacuation purposes, protects
shorelines, limits run off contamination of ocean water.
2)More corridor makai-mauka roads up to highways- decreases the long jams of traffic
along shoreline to areas and enhances effectiveness of evacuations. Limit traffic to NO
passing along the entire length of Alii Drive from Kailua-Kona to Keauhou.
3)Limit short term rentals (STR)to medium/high density resort/commercial/residential
areas only. No STRs in residential subdivisions which are created to be neighborhoods
for long term rentals or home owners/residents. No STR should be allowed if the owner
or manager is NOT on the property.
STRs are designed to increase income for the owners who most likely are not full time
residents, destroys the “community” feeling in which they are located, restricts access
to residents of Hawaii for home ownership or rental. STRs hurt resorts/condominiums
that are designed for visitors, but the visitors choose homes in neighborhoods instead.
Most of the visitors are not here long enough during a visit to respect the culture,
community atmosphere and lifestyle we wish to perpetuate. They benefit from being
close to commercial high density areas where there are restaurants, shops, access to
healthcare facilities and tourist destinations.
Some highly desirable visitor destinations limit STRs to a minimum of 60-90 days which
controls the visitors who are only here 1-2 weeks. Close the loopholes that allow
owners/managers to get around the minimum stay restrictions.
Thank you for considering my concerns/suggestions,
Jean Thompson// resident for 44 years
Communication No. 2024-14
Late testimony, rec'd 3/18/24
4:35 PM
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AGENDA ITEM: IV-1 INTEGRATED WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN PRESENTATION
SUBJECT: APPROACH & LOGIC FOR BETTER UINDERSTANDING OF BEST PRACTICES WWTP FLOW CHART TO
CLARIFY SCOPE, PROBLEMS AT HAND WITH EPA INFO GUIDE/POSSIBLE FUNDING & FLOW CHARTS OF
NA’ALEHU SOLUTIONS/CHOICES & PRO’S/CON’S SITUATION NOW AT HAND AS TEMPLATE TO FOLLOW. PLEASE
SEE SCREENS BELOW.
SUBMITTED BY: PAULETTE KA’ALA ROBERSON, RETIRED END OF 2019 AFTER 20 YEARS WITH CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC UTILITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT/COLLECTIONS PLANT (CURRENT RESIDENT IN KEAUHOU, KONA)
Communication No. 2024-15
Late Testimony, rec'd 3/19/24
5:26AM
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4
5
6
7
8
9
Lahip, Jessica
From:
Sent:
To:
Rebecca Melendez
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:10 AM
Planninq CDP
Communication No. 2024-16 Late
Testimony rec'd 3/19/24 11:10AM
Subject: KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Meeting 19th 12pm
Business 3) Draft General Plan Comments Discussion
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Follow up
Completed
Dear Action Plan Committee Members,
I am Rebecca Melendez and I was scheduled to zoom with you but I am coughing too much today. I have
a small cold.
Please, consider my views for your draft of the 2045 General Plan.
1) The bus system used to be $2 a person and it seemed to not be so late and not break down so much.
Please, look into how the bus system has been doing since it changed from charging to ride, to riding for
free, because many locals and visitors use the bus and making it free, seems to have caused the buses
to not be as well maintained as they were when they were able to charge a small fee of $2 each way.
I hear Oahu buses charge and are very well maintained and on time.
Please, look into if the buses were breaking down as often when there was a fee, and if the buses were as
late as they are now that it is free to ride.
Please, look and see if keeping the buses free is causing them not to be able to stay well maintained
because they seem to break down all the time and are usually late.
2)My letter is my petition that 335 people are agreeing with https://www.change.org/p/help-prioritize
big-island-development-to-keep-island-s-resources-safe-for-all
We stand to keep The Big Island in a place where the Island's resources are safe for the entire
population and visitors.
We ask that you look at all these articles about Big Island resources and learn that the island's
resources are limited and are already being affected negatively.
Please, read these articles and learn through other sources as well, how all the development
that has already been built, and the many years of new development that has already been
approved for the future, will affect the island's resources.
1
2
We stand and ask that you stop before approving more and more developments and learn
what is happening to the island's resources and what will happen to the island's resources after
the years of development that is already scheduled for the future. Because a lot of
development is having negative impacts on the island's resources as of today.
What will future development do to the island's resources if there are already resource issues
happening today?
Please, learn how to take island resources seriously because you have approved many more
years of development to come and today the island's resources are having issues. What will the
future look like if you don't start taking island resources seriously?
What is happening to Big Island Resources
1) Hawaii Deals with Burgeoning Waste Management Problem
As landfills face closure and waste-to-energy projects stall, various counties in Hawaii are
dealing with waste management issues. Waste360 Staff January 10, 2020
“Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years
of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic
products that are no longer being recycled.” https://www.waste360.com/landfill/hawaii-
deals-with-burgeoning-waste-management-problem
2) "Big Island Now readers seem to agree that there’s likely no single solution for slowing down
the timeline of the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill reaching capacity.
The West Hawai’i Sanitary Landfill, the only remaining landfill on the Big Island, is forecast to
reach capacity within the next 20 to 25 years." https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/17/big-
island-now-poll-no-27-results-more-than-one-solution-needed-to-help-extend-life-of-
west-hawaii-landfill/
3) Hawaii Island Has Decades of Landfill Space But Still Faces Challenges In Dealing With Its
Waste Hawaiʻi Public Radio Published January 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM HST
“Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years
of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic
products that are no longer being recycled.
For the past four decades, trash from the east side of Hawaii Island has been dumped in a
landfill outside of Hilo. But now trash from all parts of the island is being trucked to a facility
north of Kona.” https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2020-01-09/hawaii-island-
has-decades-of-landfill-space-but-still-faces-challenges-in-dealing-with-its-waste
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4)“What happens to Hawaii Island’s trash and recyclables? BY MICHELLE BRODER VANdyke
HAWAII ISLAND PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET DEC. 17, 2022 By Michelle Broder Vandyke Hawaii
Island PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET Dec. 1The future of the landfill
The West Hawaii Landfill will be full in about 20 years. Finding a location for the next landfill is a
concern, according to the DEM officials. They said it will be challenging to find a location for a
future landfill because of stringent regulations and costs related to planning, environmental
regulations, design and construction that will take many years to complete. It will also require
community support.” https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2022/12/15/what-
happens-to-hawaii-island-s-trash-and-recyclables
5) “The overwhelming plastic waste Hawaii visitors leave behind
By Natasha BourlinAug 24, 2023
Hawaii saw more than 9 million visitors last year. Those tourists’ first stops are often big-box
and convenience stores, where they buy bottled water, plastic sand toys, single-use
bodyboards, noodles, floaties and inner tubes for their
trips.” https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/plastic-waste-hawaii-visitors-leave-
behind-18286076.php
6) “A county commission drafts ordinance aiming to ban recyclables at West Hawai‘i landfill By
Megan Moseley September 6, 2023 · 1:00 AM HST
* Updated September 6, 2023 · 2:02 PM
Hawai‘i County’s Environmental Management Commission is developing an ordinance that
aims to prohibit the amount of recyclable materials ending up in the island’s only working
landfill.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/06/new-draft-ordinance-aims-to-ban-
recyclables-at-west-hawaii-landfill/
7) ” Hawai‘i County issues mandatory 25% water restriction for North Kona August 7, 2023 · 5:21
PM HST
A mandatory 25% water restriction has been issued for various communities in North Kona due
to the failure of the Honokōhau Deepwell over the
weekend.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/07/hawaii-county-issues-mandatory-25-
water-restriction-for-north-kona/
8) “Hawaiʻi Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues by Big Island Video
Newson Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm STORY SUMMARY
HAWAIʻI COUNTY - Officials say a special focus will be placed on the South Kohala Water System,
which is more susceptible to drought
conditions.” https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2023/11/06/water-supply-closely-
monitored-as-hawai%CA%BBi-under-severe-drought/
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9) “Big Island Concerns About Water Quality Prompt A Lawsuit Over A Kona Sewage Plant
Kealakehe sewage plant discharges more than 1 million gallons of wastewater into a lava pit
near the ocean. By Paula Dobbyn / February 6, 2024
Settlement talks are scheduled in an environmental lawsuit involving a county-operated Big
Island sewage plant in Kona.” https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/02/concerns-about-water-
quality-prompt-a-lawsuit-over-a-kona-sewage-plant/
10) “Researchers find sewage from an oceanfront Big Island community reaches nearshore
waters Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Russell Subiono, Sophia McCullough Published December 20,
2021 at 5:56 PM HST
There are nearly 50,000 cesspools on the Big Island, with tens of thousands posing a risk to
water resources, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of
Health.” https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/the-conversation/2021-12-20/researchers-
find-sewage-from-an-oceanfront-big-island-community-reaches-nearshore-waters
11) Has this issue been fixed? It’s going on 3 years since this article was written.
”Kona coast faces stark wastewater tradeoffs Current situation
There are approximately 88,000 cesspools across the state, releasing more than 200,000 cubic
meters of wastewater per day to the
environment. https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/09/10/kona-stark-wastewater-
tradeoffs/
12) "BIG ISLAND NEWS HECO restores power after initiating emergency outages on Big Island
by: Elizabeth 'Ufi Posted: Jan 30, 2024 / 09:43 AM HST Updated: Jan 30, 2024 / 04:15 PM HST
An unexpected loss of several large Hawaii Electric generators left some residents on Big Island
without power for parts of the morning on Tuesday, Jan. 30." https://www.khon2.com/big-
island-news/heco-initiates-30-min-rolling-outages-after-loss-of-generators/
13) Hawai'i State News Update: Hawaiian Electric initiates rolling outages throughout Big Island
February 13, 2024 · 5:23 PM HST
* Updated February 14, 2024 · 4:21 PM
The emergency outages are being initiated in various areas around the entire island to prevent
loss of power to an even greater number of customers. The timing and extent of the outages
will depend on the amount of demand on the system and the availability of
generators.” https://bigislandnow.com/2024/02/13/hawaii-island-customers-asked-to-
reduce-electricity-use/
14) “LOCAL NEWS
HECO issues rolling power outages around Big Island by: Emily Cervantes Posted: Feb 13, 2024 /
05:11 PM HST Updated: Feb 13, 2024 / 09:12 PM HST Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages
5
for Big Island after several large generators became unavailable and reduced output Tuesday
night.”
https://www.khon2.com/local-news/heco-releases-conservation-alert-for-big-island/
15) "Here's how power outages can have repercussions for Hawaiʻi's water supply Hawaiʻi
Public Radio | By Savannah Harriman-Pote
Published February 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM HST
Water departments on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island have advised customers to conserve water
ahead of possible storm-related power outages this month.
But what does the power grid have to do with the water supply?
It is impossible to separate Hawaiʻi's power system from its water system, said Kawika Uyehara,
deputy director of Hawaiʻi County's Department of Water
Supply." https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2024-02-13/residents-on-hawaii-
island-and-oahu-are-asked-to-conserve-water-amid-power-outages
These articles show that Big Island resources are currently being affected negatively from the
development on island, there are years of new developement that has already been approved,
and even more development is still being approved before learning if the island's resources can
handle more development.
We stand to say LEARN WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE ISLAND'S RESOURCES before approving
more development because this is an island, it's not the mainland.
We stand and say that Big Island resources needs to be FULLY considered before any more new
development is approved for the safety of ALL who live here and visit.
There are many, many developments that have been approved for years to come and we stand
and say we need to learn how the island's resources will be affected when these developments
are finished before you keep approving more and more developments!
We stand and say NO DEVELOPING ON BURIAL GROUND. The history of the island needs to be
preserved and the burial grounds need to be respected at all costs.
We stand and say NO more approving of future developments because there are hundreds of
acers that have been approved for future development and the Big Island needs to address
these resource issues before more land is approved for development.
We stand and ask to make it mandatory for vacation rentals and ALL resorts and hotels to
provide drinking water machines to their guests to help stop all the empty water bottle waste
on the island.
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We stand and ask to make it mandatory for vacation rentals and ALL resorts and hotels to
provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash in bulk containers rather than continuously using
different containers for every new guest, to help stop all the empty bottles waste in the limited
landfill.
Can Hawaii Planning Department put in a stipulation in all development applications that to
build on The Big Island they must sell a high percentage of their homes to locals at an
affordable rate first before selling to newcomers because this is an island, and the island’s
resources need to be seriously considered?
A stipulation put in to be able to build could help the local homes shortage as well as slow the
increase in population and help with the island’s resources.
An example, of a stipulation could be, to build on the Big Island they must sell 50% of their
homes to native Hawaiian locals who have lived on the island for 10 years or more, 25% to
regular locals who have lived on the island for 10 years or more and all at an affordable rate
and sell 25% to newcomers at whatever rate they want.
A Big Island building stipulation that would offer 75% of homes that developers build, sold to
locals in order for the developer to be approved to build on the island would help the island's
resources because it would slow the population growth to help keep the island's resources safe
for all who live here.
The articles above prove that island resources are already have serious issue and this needs to
be taken seriously, ASAP.
To have a building stipulation, this would help the locals who have lived here for years be able
to purchase a home before big investors, as well as help, slow down homes from becoming
vacation rentals instead of family homes, and will help decrease the fast increase in population
until the Planning Department can know for sure that the island's resources can handle a
serious increase in population.
We ask for a Population Enviormental Impact Report to be done on what would be a safe
population for the Big Island resource landfill, water, sewer, power... as shown in the articles
above, resources are already being affected and it's 2024.
Also, there are mostly only 2 lanes throughout the entire Big Island and some places where cars
cannot pull over if an ambulance needs to get by.
The traffic has seriously increased and if the island's population keeps increasing there will be
hours and hours of constant serious traffic in the near future, how will ambulances get by in
emergencies?
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What if there is a tsunami and people need to get to higher ground? Will they be able to get to
higher ground in time with such an increased in population causing a serious traffic?
The island's small road infrastructure isn't made for a high population and that needs to be
taken seriously.
What is a safe population for the Big Island? A Population Environment Impact Report can tell
us. We ask this to be done.
We ask for another hospital to be built, as well as a trauma center and dive chamber to be put
on the island to accommodate all types of injuries because of all the years of new future
development that you have already approved.
Alii Drive is only two lanes and right now there are three big developments in progress, and
over 10 more acres of land on this street has just been approved for even more development
on this street.
Did you research to see how this one road can handle more development before your
approval?
Did you research and check on the island's resources before you approved this and many other
developments all over the Big Island?
We stand to slow down development to learn how roads will handle all the new homes that
Hawai’i has already approved for years to come before more development is approved because
right now there is serious traffic issues all over Big Island?
We stand to say what are you doing about the growth in homeless on the island? We stand and
ask that this be taken seriously.
What about parking?
All of the Big Island towns have parking issues, especially during high tourist seasons and
especially Ironman.
With more subdivisions comes more cars and the island towns are already overcrowded with
parking issues. How will parking Improve with more houses? Is the Hawaii Planning
Department considering the parking issues?
We stand for you to find a way to improve the parking issues before approving more
development.
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There are over 50,000 cesspools on The Big Island. Have these all been upgraded to ensure they
will not pollute the land and ocean? This needs to be addressed ASAP before more
development is approved.
We stand that all cesspools be upgraded ASAP to ensure safety for the land and ocean around
the island.
If you agree with this info, please sign this petition.
There are possibly thousands of new homes that have been approved for future development
and are currently being built right now.
This petition states that we strongly OPPOSE approving any and all new development
applications because the island’s resources are currently having serious issues, as you can see
from the articles above, and many more homes have already been approved for future years
developments.
We oppose these applicates below, and all new development applications because it is known
that the Big Island’s resources can’t handle more development as you can see the island’s
resource issues from the articles above.
Tax Map Key 7-8-004: 059 & 060 size of property 1.3 Acres
Tax Map Key: (3) 7-3-065:044 approx. 3.418 Acres
Tax Map Key 7-8-010:077 size of property 74 Acers Keauhou area
Tax Map Key 7-5-003:023 size of property 129 Acers Queen K Hwy area
Tax Map Key 7-7-008:121 size of property 11 Acers Alii Drive area
Tax Map Key 7-7-004:063 size of property 8 Acers Alii Drive area
Tax Map Key 8-1-007:013 size 1.74 Acres
Tax Map Key 8-1-008: 004 size 6.875 Acres
Tax Map Key 7-9-007: 055 size 2 Acers
Tax Map Key 7-5-017:040
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Tax Map Key 7-5-019:049, 050,054 size 47.389 Acres
Tax Map Key (3) 8-1-036: 001 & 002 size 54 Acres
Tax Map Key 3-709-5-79 size 94 Acres
Tax Map Key (3) 7-5-020:066 9.9 sq. ft
Tax Map Key (3) 7-5-018:071 size 3 Acres
Tax Map Key 7-6-021:016 & 017 size 68 Acres
Tax Map Key 7-6-008: 012 size 10 Acres
Tax Map Key (3) 7-5-018: 095
Lahip, Jessica
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Rebecca Melendez
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11 :19 AM
Planninq CDP
Communication No. 2024-17
Late Testimony rec'd 3/19/24 11:19AM
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Meeting 19th 12pm
Business 3) Draft General Plan Comments Discussion
Follow up
Completed
Aloha again Action Plan Committee Members,
I am Rebecca Melendez and I forgot to mention in my last email a thought that I presented a while back.
There is a serious parking issue in Kona town and everyone who owns these parking lands seems to be
charging a huge fee to park. There is land for sale at the bottom of Henry Street as commercial land, the
town needs parking. Is there any way to purchase this land before someone else does and make a big,
needed parking lot that you can charge a reasonable fee for?
There is a lot of money to be made in parking because once you build a lot you don't really have to do
much maintenance, and even charging $4 an hour will make you a huge profit because everyone will
want to park in your lot rather than other lots. It will always be a full parking lot and very much
appreciated by the people.
If you do this, it would help the other lots come down in price as well and make for a more better,
courteous place to live.
I'm just trying to bring options to help the parking issue and that land has been for sale for years now.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Melendez
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