HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-18 PCDP Meeting Packet
County of Hawai‘i
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
Mitchell D. Roth Mayor
Gregory Henkel Jennifer Scheffel Martha Morishige Kanoe Wilson, Chair Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair Vacant Leila Kealoha Susan Osborne Franny Brewer
AGENDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Puna 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: Thursday, April 18, 2024
TIME: 5:00 P.M.
IN PERSON LOCATION: Keaʻau Community Center 16-186 Pili Mua Street
Keaʻau, HI 96749
ONLINE/ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-CoqToqHIAyVhcvroHCnxZUBuLcP-k
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 §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.
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Committee will consider approving the draft minutes from February 1, 2024.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: Pursuant to §92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so now, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item.
IV. BUSINESS: 1. Puna Brochure Permitted Interaction Group – Decision making on whether to create a Permitted Interaction Group to investigate the existing Puna brochure. 2. Orchidland Neighbors Park Update – Update by Orchidland Neighbors
representative. 3. Overview of CDP Action Committee Purpose and Puna CDP Implementation Priorities for 2024 – Brief presentation by Planning Department staff on the background and purpose of the CDP Action Committee. Discussion to establish which implementation projects the committee will pursue
in 2024 based off findings in the Puna CDP document. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None VI. AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: Action Committee members will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting.
VII. ADJOURNMENT This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=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 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.
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Page 1
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE 1
COUNTY OF HAWAI’I 2
MINUTES 3
February 1, 2024 4
5
CALL TO ORDER 6
Chair Wilson called the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee (AC) 7
meeting to order at 4:01 PM This meeting was held in-person at the Pahoa Community Center 8
and online via Zoom. Quorum was established at this meeting. 9
The YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQQWJTOOb0M 11
12
ROLL CALL 13
AC Members Present (in person): Frannie Brewer, Leila Kealoha, Kanoe Wilson, Jennifer Scheffel, 14
Gregory Henkel, and Martha Morishige 15
AC Members Present (via Zoom): Susan Osborne (in late 4:04PM) 16
AC Members Absent-Excused: Leilani DeMello 17
Left Early: Susan Osborne (5:40PM) and Leila Kealoha (5:40 PM) 18
County Staff: Maryam Palma, Janice Hata, Kawelo Kalili, and Bethany Morrison (Zoom) 19
County Officials: Deputy Corporation Counsel, Suzanna Tiapula (Zoom) 20
Members of the public: 7 in person, also via Zoom 21
ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 5:10] 22
1. Glenwood Zip code- Update from Planning Department Staff 23
Planning Staff Maryam Palma gave an update that Zip codes are handled by the USPS. 24
25
2. Puna AC Tentative Meetings for 2024 (Subject to change): 26
Chair Wilson gave an update on the meeting cadence for 2024, first Thursday of every 27
other month. Chair Wilson noted the date change for the month of April from Thursday 28
the 4th to Thursday the 18th. 29
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 8:54] 30
Committee Member Kealoha made a motion to approve the December 11, 2023, minutes. Motion 31
seconded by Committee Member Osborne. Motion passed with 7 votes aye, 0 votes nay. 32
33
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 2
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: 34
Robert Golden public testimony (via zoom) [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 59:08] 35
Amedeo Markoff public testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 1:02:19] 36
Hannah Hendrick public testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 1:05:58] 37
BUSINESS: 38
1. Disaster Recovery Division Update [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 12:50] 39
This item was called to order at 4:13 PM 40
County Staff Douglas Le gave an update on Disaster Recovery Division. Douglas noted 41
that the Final Environmental Assessment has been published, currently in the 42
procurement process. 43
This item concluded at 4:39 PM 44
2. Pahoa Transit Hub and Library Project Update [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 40:02] 45
This item was called to order at 4:41 PM 46
47
Planner Heather Bartlett from SSFM gave an update on the Pahoa Transit Hub and 48
Library Project. Heather explained that there are three preferred sites for the Hub. 49
Heather noted that they are working on the Draft Environmental assessment. The County 50
& SSFM will update the public on the status of the Draft Environmental Assessment 51
public comment period. 52
53
This item concluded at 5:02 PM 54
55
3. Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 1:11:01] 56
This item was called to order at 5:05 PM 57
58
Bethany gave an update on the General Plan, explaining that the public comment period 59
will be open until March 1, 2024. General Plan comments are welcome online through 60
the Konveio platform as well as through email to the Planning Department. Also gave a 61
walkthrough of how to access the functions within Konveio. Bethany answered questions 62
from the Action Committee members as well as the public. 63
64
This item concluded at 6:10 PM 65
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 2:10:03] 66
1. Puna Brochure- Establish PIG 67
2. PONC Presentation update 68
3. Pahoa Transit Hub and Library- EA update 69
4. Upper Puna connectivity issue 70
5. Orchid land Park – P&R or Orchid land Estate involvement 71
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ CDP@hawaiicounty.gov Page 3
ADJOURNMENT: 72
Committee Member Brewer made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Committee 73
Member Henkel. Motion passed 5 ayes; meeting adjourned at 6:18 P.M 74
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Puna 75
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 76
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 77
by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 78
IMPLEMENTATION
5-20
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
MĀLAMA I KA ‘ĀINA
2.1.3 Historic, Cultural, and Scenic Resources
a. Seek Special Design District designations for the
following areas:
1) Volcano Village PD COU X
2) Pāhoa Town PD COU X
3) Kea‘au Town PD COU X
4) Kurtistown-Mountain View corridor PD COU X
b. Propose amendments to the county building code for
traditional Hawaiian building design and construction
methods
DPW COU/PD X
2.2.3 Native Forests and Geological Features
a. Enact a BRBZ Design District for the Volcano area COU PD/DPW X
b. Propose amendments to the County code to protect native
species, geological and historic features outside of the
BRBZ
COU DPW/PD X
c. Propose the establishment of an Office of County
Ecologist within the Planning Department COU PD X
d. Provide County support for forest preservation by
offering real property tax reductions and contributing
land
COU FIN, DPW X X X
e. Reduce the minimum lot size to qualify for the native
forest preservation tax reduction and allow it in any
zoning district
COU FIN X
f. Investigate alternatives to herbicides for weed control on
public lands DOT, DPW DOE, DPR, DLNR X
2.3.3 Aquifers and Coastal Waters
a. Encourage State legislation to prohibit the use of
cesspools as a means for wastewater disposal in areas
below 1,000 feet Mean Sea Level
LEG DOH/DLNR X
b. Seek state Department of Health acceptance of small-
footprint septic wastewater treatment designs and
clustered septic systems
LEG DOH X
c. Prepare watershed management plans for the Volcano-to-
Mountain View and Hawaiian Acres-to-Orchidland areas
to address localized flooding problems
DPW DW/PD X
d. Ensure legislation for a corridor of the Puna watershed at
least two miles wide including the Wao Kele O Puna
forest area and the State lands mauka of Highway 130
between ‘Āinaloa subdivision and Pāhoa is preserved for
future potable water use
LEG DOH/DLNR X
e. Encourage legislation that requires all blackwater
wastewater disposal systems to be contained or connected
to a collection system in areas below 100 feet Mean Sea
Level
PD DOH, DPW, DEM X
f. Prepare an EA or an EIS for a wastewater treatment
facility to service the Kapoho Beach Lots/Vacationland
Hawai‘i area
DEM DOH, PD X
g. Provide tax credits to Kapoho residents who convert their
existing cesspools into aerobic treatment systems LEG DEM, DOH X
2.4.3 Shoreline Area
a. Expand and improve database, references and skills at
County level to review shoreline permit applications PD UH, DBEDT, FED X
b. Research and record information on trails and historic
resources in the coastal zone DLNR PD X
Communication No. 2024-04
5-21
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
c. Conduct historic and biological surveys for review of
shoreline permit applications and certifications and
recommend increased scrutiny of applications for SMA
permits for subdivision of properties likely to be
underwater in 100 years
PD, DLNR NGO X
d. Take into account subsidence and storm waves in
shoreline certifications DLNR PD X
e. Study storm wave and high tide patterns to develop
refined coastal flood zone maps
FED, UH,
DLNR DPW X
f. Implement special zoning and development controls for
Kapoho area to address subsidence issues PD UH, DBEDT, FED X
3.1.3
MANAGING GROWTH
Land Use Pattern
a. Provide county support for land use entitlements and land
assembly for voluntary land pooling projects by:
1) Initiating a special use permit request or petition for land
use boundary amendment PD LUC X X
2) Seeking amendment to State Land Use Law to enable
“rural town/village” standards PD LUC X
3) Seeking State enabling legislation to allow County to
retain lots delinquent in real property taxes PD FIN X
4) Extending technical assistance and advice to community-
based land pooling associations CC, FIN NGOs X X X
b. Establish the following general classifications for village
and town centers: Regional, Community and
Neighborhood
PD CA X
c. Facilitate land use entitlements and other tools for the
development of existing and future village/town centers
and special design districts by:
1) Recommending approval of applications for commercial
zoning or use permits for existing commercial uses in
designated village/town centers
PD COU X
2) Recommending denial of applications for zone changes
for commercial or light industrial use on sites that are not
within designated village/town centers
PD COU X X X
d. Facilitate land use entitlements and financing for the
development of new village/town centers by:
1) Creating a regional town center plan for each
village/town center PD CA X
2) Providing loan guarantees or grants to community
associations or partnerships for infrastructure
development
COU FIN X X
e. Propose amendments to the zoning code and/or apply
district-wide rezoning to limit allowable building
footprint on residential and agricultural-zoned lands
COU PD X
f. Require County agencies to establish and report on Level
of Service standards for infrastructure and services COU PD, DPW, HFD,
HPD, DWS, DPR X X X
g. Urge the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
to conform to the goals and objectives of the PCDP COU/LEG DHHL X
h. Propose reduction of property tax assessments and
payments for properties whose development rights have
been removed or reduced
COU FIN X
i. Conduct study on the impacts from subdivision build-out PD DLNR, DWS X
j. Recommend legislation for wider notice of pending
applications for special permits, variances and zoning
changes
PD COU X
IMPLEMENTATION
5-22
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
3.2.3 Agriculture and Economic Development
a. Limit water system and road standard variances for new
subdivisions on agricultural-zoned land PD COU X
b. Consider down-rezoning of lands in Agricultural zoning
districts to discourage further subdivision into small lots PD COU X
c. Reconsider Urban Expansion Areas for Pāhoa on the
LUPAG, except where they correspond to existing
residential zoning and designated Regional Town Center
and industrial boundaries
COU PD X
d. Seek State legislation to impose higher conveyance
and/or capital gains taxes on short-term property re-sales LEG FIN X
e. Seek state legislation to allow the county to hold onto
properties that are in foreclosure due to property taxes in
arrears rather than immediately auctioning them to the
highest bidder
COU, LEG FIN X
f. Provide land and infrastructure for farmers’ markets
within village/town centers R&D DPW X X
g. Seek State authorized lower General Excise Tax rate on
local agricultural products sold at County farmers
markets
LEG R&D X
h. Develop an agri/eco-tourism policy, necessary zoning
and other County assistance for farmers markets, special
events, restaurants specializing in local food products,
and similar promotions of local agriculture
R&D PD X
i. Develop business incubator districts in Kea‘au, Pāhoa,
and Mountain View R&D DBEDT/DP X X
j. Promote use of the incentives offered by the designation
of an Enterprise Zone R&D DBEDT X X X
k. Support the HCC-Bay Clinic or similar partnership to
establish a youth business center in Kea‘au HCC, NGO DBEDT, R&D X
l. Support the development of a community-based organic
farming operation and training facility in cooperation
with HCC and UH
HCC, UH R&D X
m. Develop job opportunities in Puna in renewable energy
generation R&D DBEDT X X
n. Conduct a study to define and identify important
agricultural lands in Puna PD R&D X
o. Create a real property tax exemption (perhaps 4 to 6
years) for farmers entitled to Federal crop loss insurance COU FIN X
p. Encourage organic farming and gardening by establishing
a Puna agriculture scholarship with HCC and UH Hilo HCC, UH LEG/COU X X X
3.3.3 Social Services and Housing
a. Develop a centrally located full-service medical facility
based on a non-profit model NGO LEG/DOH X X X
b. Establish “one-stop” social services assistance centers at
various locations NGOs DHS, OHCD X X
c. Build partnerships between the County and non-profit
organizations for social services and economic
development
COU NGO, OHCD, R&D X X X
d. Seek State enabling legislation to help lower self-help
housing construction costs LEG COU/OHCD, DPW X
e. Offer educational programs to develop financial skills of
renters and rental strategies for owners and tenants OHCD HFDC X X X
f. Promote programs to increase homeownership
opportunities OHCD HFDC X X X
5-23
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
g. Promote multi-family and special needs housing in
village/town centers HFDC/OHCD PD X X X
h. Propose amendments to the building code to allow
occupancy of residential dwellings before final
inspection
COU BD X
i. Urge the State to increase local control over public
schools LEG COU X X
j. Urge the State to establish a Hawai‘i Community
College/UH-Hilo satellite campus in Puna LEG UH X
3.4.3 Public Safety and Sanitation Services
a. Develop permanent fire stations at Hawaiian
Beaches/Shores, Hawaiian Paradise Park, lower Volcano,
and Mt. View
COU HFD X X
b. Provide additional volunteer stations in subdivisions as
sites become available and growth warrants HFD NGOs X X X
c. Promote free wireless internet services COU, LEG FED X X
d. Provide more emergency call boxes along State highways DOT X
e. Encourage enhancement of cell phone service to cover
remote areas LEG PUC X
f. Boost Department of Environmental Management
recycling budget COU DEM X X X
g. Increase County resources to handle abandoned/derelict
car removal COU DEM X X X
h. Provide public financial support for infrastructure
development within approved village/town centers COU/FED DEM, DWS, DPW X X
3.5.3 Parks and Recreation
a. Consider expanding the Camp Ground at MacKenzie
State Park to include public property south of MacKenzie DLNR DPR X 450
b. Improve and expand Coastal Activity Areas as follows:
1) Ahalanui Beach Park DPR COU X 925
2) Consider modifications to tidepools beyond “Shacks” for
use as “keiki pools” DLNR DPR, NGO X 185
3) Pursue development of a camp ground and/or ocean
recreation park with potential boat launch ramp and
marina facilities at Cape Kumukahi
DLNR LEG X TBD
4) Consider acquisition and development of Honolulu
Landing, Kapoho Crater and Sand Hill
DLNR, DPR,
COU DPR, DLNR X TBD
5) Develop support facilities for Kehena Beach State Park DLNR DPR X TBD
6) Encourage development of hike/camp coastal trail system DLNR, DPR NGO X TBD
c. Improve and expand Community Parks as follows:
1) Develop new community parks in: a) Hawaiian Acres; b)
North Kūlani; c) Glenwood; d) Nānāwale Estates; e)
Leilani Estates; f) Orchidland Estates; and g) Hawaiian
Beaches subdivision
DPR COU X TBD
2) Various improvements to Pāhoa Regional Park DPR COU X X X 3,750
3) Various improvements to Shipman (Kea‘au) Regional
Park DPR COU X X X 3,300
4) New district park and various improvements at
Hawaiian Paradise Park DPR COU X X X 9,400
5) Develop recreational programs for Cooper Center and DPR COU X
Volcano Community Park
6) Provide improvements at Mountain View Community
Park and A. J. Watt Gym DPR COU X 185
7) Expand hours of operation at regional and larger
community parks DPR COU X
IMPLEMENTATION
5-24
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
8) Develop a new senior center in Mountain View DPR OHCD X 185
9) Provide in each village center a recreational park and
village green DPR, NGOs COU X X TBD
10) Make recreation facilities and meeting rooms at public
schools available for community use after school hours DOE DPR, NGOs X
11) Create small community parks as part of right-of-way
acquisition for new connecting road segments between
subdivisions
DPW NGOs X X
d. Create and improve Linear Parks as follows:
1) When acquiring rights-of-way for constructing new
roadways or improving existing major roadways, make
provisions for parallel multi-use recreational trails
DPW, DOT COU X X
2) Complete development of Old Volcano Trail as a
pedestrian and cycle pathway DPW COU X
3) Acquire former railroad right-of-way from Kapoho
through Hawaiian Paradise Park for hiking, bicycling and
horse-back riding
DPW DLNR X
4) Plan for acquisition and development of the former
railroad right-of-way from Hawaiian Paradise Park to
Railroad Avenue in Hilo
DPW DLNR X
5) Plan for public access along Old Government Road
(coastal trail) as a bicycle and hiking trail DLNR DPW X
e. Create and improve Preserves as follows
1) Assess appropriate level of site visitor usage and
implement self-guided or steward-led tours DLNR DPR X
2) Improve conditions at Wai‘ōpae Tidepools DLNR LEG X 600
3) Consider acquiring Green Lake and vicinity for native
habitat restoration and nature center DLNR LEG X TBD
4) Consider hiking trails through Nānāwale Forest Reserve DLNR PD, NGO X 300
5) Pursue development of passive cultural/botanical park in
Hawaiian Paradise Park DLNR DPR X TBD
3.6.3 Energy Sustainability
a Apply LEED standards for public buildings, with a
minimum goal of silver level BD COU X
b. Investigate ground-water cooling for public buildings DBEDT DPW X
c. Promote energy efficiency standards for larger residences BD COU X X
d. Incorporate energy-efficient features into the construction
of lower-cost homes with the use of public subsidies OHCD, HFDC PUC X X X
e. Establish a Renewable Energy Research & Development
fund with UH-Hilo UH DBEDT/R&D
f. Apply the PUC Public Benefits Fund to retrofit dwellings
for alternative energy, with sliding scale to reach low-
income households
PUC COU, OHCD X X X
g. Negotiate a direct use of geothermal agreement for
agricultural uses as part of any expansion of the capacity
of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant
HELCO, PUC R&D X
h. Promote biomass energy and fuel production using wood
chips from exotic trees PUC DBEDT, R&D X X X
i. Pursue new renewable energy sources (OTEC, wave
energy, solar capture) as technology advances PUC DBEDT, R&D X X
1) Pursue an ocean energy or enterprise subzone R&D DBEDT, PD X
2) Pursue other applications besides energy capture (e.g.,
aquaculture and agricultural product washing) R&D DBEDT X X
5-25
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
TRANSPORTATION
4.1.3 Traffic Demand Management
a. Promote VanPool and ride-sharing alternatives more
actively DOT R&D, EMPL X
b. Promote staggered work hours and telecommuting with
major employers and institutions COU, UH EMPL X
c. Facilitate telecommuting by developing free Wi-Fi
reception in Puna COU, LEG FED X X TBD
4.2.3 Mass Transit
a. Prepare a county-wide Transit Master Plan MTA FED X TBD
b. Improve transit service operations by: MTA FED
1) Increasing transit service to a minimum of two additional
runs during peak hours MTA FED X 1,200
2) Establish demand responsive transit in subdivisions MTA FED X TBD
3) Provide commuter express bus service from Pāhoa to
Hilo and Volcano to Hilo MTA FED X TBD
4) Establish a hub-and-spoke transit system MTA FED X TBD
c. Develop transit hubs at the following locations:
1) Kea‘au (Primary Hub) MTA FED X TBD
2) Pāhoa (Secondary Hub) MTA FED X
3) Volcano (Secondary Hub) MTA FED X
4) Mountain View (Secondary Hub) MTA FED X
d. Provide park-and-ride lots at transit hubs and HPP MTA FED X X
e. Develop a cooperative program with public and private
schools to provide student passes for the Hele-On Bus MTA DOE, LEG, NGOs X
f. Launch public education campaign promoting transit
services MTA NGOs X X X
g. Cultivate public/private partnerships, such as employer-
sponsored bus passes MTA NGOs, EMPL X X X
h. Expand MTA staff to provide greater support for transit
operations COU FIN, MTA X X
i. Investigate other fare/ticketing incentives to increase
ridership MTA FED X
j. Work with DOT in creating safe pedestrian conditions
for using mass transit MTA DOT X X
k. Expand Hele-On service to include regular service to the
Hilo and Keahole International Airports MTA DOT, COU X
4.3.3 Roadway Network
a. Short Term (2008-2012)
1) Plan and design PMAR alignment DPW DOT X
2) Require building setbacks in HPP for potential PMAR
extension PD DPW X
3) Establish emergency routes using mostly existing road
beds DPW NGOs X
4) Include pedestrian and bicycling requirements in all
projects DPW NGOs X
5) Create connectivity alignments between various
subdivisions DPW NGOs X
b. Medium Term (2013-2017)
1) Construct a two-lane roadway between Kaloli Dr and
Kea‘au DPW NGO X 19,200
2) Construct unpaved two-lane roadway between Kahakai
Blvd and HPP DPW DLNR, NGO X 4,400
3) Construct a two-lane roadway from Nānāwale to Kahakai
Blvd DPW NGO X 4,000
IMPLEMENTATION
5-26
Section Action Item Responsibility Timetable Est. Cost
Lead Supporting 2008-12 2013-17 2018-30 $1,000 (2007)
4) Study need/feasibility of Pāhoa-Hwy 11 and Hwy 11-
Stainback Highway alternative routes DPW DOT X
c. Long Term (2018-2030)
1) Construct Phase II segments of PMAR DPW DOT X 33,500
2) Acquire additional right-of-way through HPP to extend
PMAR DPW DOT X 1,700
3) If traffic demands, construct PMAR extension through
HPP to connect to Kahakai Boulevard DPW DOT X 23,000
4.4.3 Highways
a. Short Term (2008-2012)
1) Intersection improvements on Highways 11 and 130 DOT LEG/FED X 5,500
2) Reduce speed limit on Hwy 130 to 45mph (Kea‘au
Bypass to Ainaloa Blvd) DOT LEG/FED X
3) Determine most effective ways to improve highway
safety for all travel modes DOT LEG/FED X
4) Implement the Hwy 130 shoulder lane conversion project
between Kea‘au Bypass and Shower Drive and consider
using the 3rd lane as a reversible lane for peak periods
DOT LEG/FED X 6,500
b. Medium Term (2013-2017)
1) Increase capacity on Hwy 130 between bypass road and
Ainaloa, based on optimal safety DOT LEG/FED X 28,000
2) Construct a right exit lane on Hwy 11 below Kea‘au Ag
lots to Kea‘au Village using the existing Old Volcano Rd
ROW
DOT LEG/FED X
3) Create a right hand turn lane from Hwy 132 onto Hwy
130 DPW LEG/FED X
4.5.3 Non-Motorized Travel and Scenic Byways
a. Request that the STIP allocate a larger share of federal
“flex funds” to transit-related and alternative travel
modes
COU DOT, FED X X X
b. Allocate funding to DPW for safe routes to schools/parks
improvements, with Kea‘au improvements as a priority COU DPW X X X
c. Invest in pedestrian-, bicycle- and parking-related
improvements in approved village/town centers COU DPW X X X
d. Allocate funding to the HPD to monitor traffic operations
along safe routes to schools/parks COU HPD X X X
e. Complete surveys, acquisition of right-of-way,
maintenance agreements, planning and design, and
construction for multi-purpose trails
DPW, DLNR COU, LEG X X 10,700
f. Designate and improve Highway 137 (Red Road) as a
Scenic Byway DPW X X 1,100
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Refresher & Implementation Guide
Communication No. 2024-05
Purpose of the CDP
Action Committee
•Be a proactive, community-based steward of the implementation
and updating of the CDP.
•Provide ongoing input and advocacy to advance implementation of the CDP goals,
objectives, policies, and actions.
CDP AC Roles
Planning Department
•Administrative support such as the
timely preparation and distribution
of the agenda for each meeting to
satisfy meeting notice requirements,
meeting logistics, correspondence,
annual reports,website publications,
and preparation and official posting
of meeting minutes;
•Liaise between the Committee and
governmental agencies in
furtherance of the CDP’s goals and
objectives.
•Facilitate the implementation of the
CDP and serve as a planning resource
to the Committee and community;
AC Chair
•Open all meetings of the Committee
•Maintain order, clarity of process
and action, and proper decorum
•Review all matters properly brought
before the Committee, call for votes
upon the same and announce the
results;
•Authenticate by signature all acts of
the Committee as may be required
by law
•Regularly attend Action Committee meetings
•Develop priorities and a work plan to implement community actions in the CDPs
•Develop partnerships with individuals, non-profits, businesses, and community groups/associations to implement CDP policies and actions
•Transmit project updates and involvement opportunities regularly to their CDP region
•Intentionally and explicitly engage all factions of their community with specific attention to those who are marginalized and underrepresented
•Invest a minimum of eight (8) hours of work each month advancing CDP implementation through priority projects
AC Members
Sunshine Law
The Sunshine Law is Hawaiʻi’s open meeting law. It governs the manner in which all state and county boards must conduct their business. The Sunshine Law outlines requirements for committee and subcommittee meetings. It also dictates
how committee members are allowed to
interact with each other concerning
committee business.
Robert's
Rules of
Order
As for committee meetings, we follow a modified version of Robert’s Rules of Order. This protocol is intended to be a guide for conducting meetings and making decisions as a group. These rules help to define how a committee conducts committee business and also helps committee members understand the appropriate way to participate in a cooperative manner.
Puna
Community
Development Plan
CDP
Purpose &
Priorities:
•General Purpose of the CDP's:
•Guide County actions
•Guide the policy and actions of State and federal agencies
•Focus and guide community action
•3 Puna CDP Themes:
•Mālama i ka ʻāina
•Growth management
•Transportation
How to navigate
the CDP?
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2:MĀLAMA I KA ʻĀINA
•Historic, Cultural, Science Resources, Native Forests and Geological Features, Aquifers, Coastal Waters and Stormwater, Shoreline Area
Chapter 3:MANAGING GROWTH
•Land Use Pattern, Agriculture and Economic Development, Social Services and Housing, Public Safety and Sanitation Services, Parks and Recreation, Energy Sustainability
Chapter 4:TRANSPORTATION
•Traffic Demand Management, Mass Transit, Roadway Network, Highways, Non-Motorized Travel and Scenic Byways
Chapter 5:Implementation
Implementation Table
(Page 81-87)
The Implementation Table on the following pages identifies, for each of the proposed actions in the Puna Community Development Plan, the organization(s) responsible for taking the lead or supporting role for implementation, the projected timeframe for implementation, and the estimated cost, in 2007 dollars, of implementing the action, if it is a major capital improvement project.
Action Item:
3.2.3 (p)
•Encourage organic farming and gardening by
establishing a Puna agriculture scholarship with
HCC and UH Hilo
•Lead: HCC, UH
•Supporting: LEG/COU
•Timetable: 2008-2030
Action Item: 3.4.3 (c)
•Promote free wireless internet services
•Lead: COU, LEG
•Supporting: FED
•Timetable: 2013-2030
•Facilitate telecommuting by
developing free Wi-Fi reception in
Puna
•Lead: COU, LEG
•Supporting: FED
•Timetable: 2013-2030
Action Item: 4.1.3 (c)
Action Item: 4.5.3 (b)
•Allocate funding to DPW for safe routes to schools/parks improvements, with Kea‘au
improvements as a priority
•Lead: COU
•Supporting: DPW
•Timeline: 2008-2030
Puna CDP Action Item Examples:
Acton Item #Action Lead | Supporting Timetable
3.2.3 (p)Encourage organic farming and gardening
by establishing a Puna agriculture
scholarship with HCC and UH Hilo
Lead: HCC, UH
Supporting: R&D
2008-2030
3.4.3 (c)Promote free wireless internet services.Lead: COU, LEG
Supporting: FED
2013-2030
4.1.3 (c)Facilitate telecommuting by developing
free
Wi-Fi reception in Puna.
Lead: COU, LEG
Supporting: FED
2013-2030
4.5.3 (b)Allocate funding to DPW for safe routes to
schools/parks improvements, with Kea‘au
improvements as a priority.
Lead: COU
Supporting: DPW
2008-2030
•Informational Resources E Mālama Kākou I Ka ‘Āina
Let’s All Steward The Land BEFORE YOU
BUILD IN
PUNA
Wherever your property is in Puna,
untouched land may have native or endemic
bird, insect, and plant species found
nowhere else on earth. Some may very well
be rare and/or endangered.
Responsible stewardship means building
and living in a way that minimizes your
impact on Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.
A Guide to Protecting Puna’s Forests
Produced by the
Puna Community Development Plan
Action Committee
Wildlife Corridors
Many parcels of land in Puna either abut or
are close to protected areas such as Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park, Kahaualeʻa Natural
Area Reserve, Olaʻa Forest Reserve, Wao Kele
o Puna, Keau‘ohana Forest Reserve,
Nānāwale Forest Reserve and several others.
These areas are of high ecological sensitivity
and development can break the continuity of
critical habitat. Bird and plant populations
become genetically isolated and are at
greater risk. By clearing minimally, removing
invasive species and landscaping with native
plants or non-invasive non-native plants, you
can help to maintain the biological integrity
of our at risk native species.
The agencies and organizations listed
below have contributed information used
in the development of this brochure.
•County of Hawai‘i Planning Department
•Puna Community Development Plan
Action Committee
•Volcano Community Association
•Mālama O Puna
Mahalo Nui Loa
The information contained in this brochure is for
general information purposes only and is not
conclusive. Please confirm all building and permitting
requirements with the respective approving agency.
County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
(808) 961-8288
•County Department of Public Works
(DPW) http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/public-
works/
•State Department of Land and Natural
Resources (DLNR) http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/
•State Division of Forestry & Wildlife
(DOFAW) http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/
•College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resources (CTAHR)
https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/site/Extprogra
ms.aspx
•Hawaiian Alien Plant Studies (University of
Hawaiʻi)
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/cw_s
mith/aliens.htm
•Big Island Invasive Species Committee
(BIISC) http://www.biisc.org/
‘Ōhiʻa Lehua
Communication No. 2024-06
•Get a permit. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public
Works regulates grubbing and grading requirements and
permits. Those found in violation of Hawaiʻi County Code
(HCC) Chapter 10 are subject to fines. See HCC Chapter
10 Section 10-8. http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-
countycode/#countycode
•Preserve existing native forest. Avoid clearing your lot
“pin-to-pin” preserving areas with the healthiest forest.
There are organizations that can help you identify native
plants. (See resources on the back)
•Minimize cleared areas. Hand clear or use small
machinery and equipment when clearing your lot. Being
present to supervise clearing can help minimize
misunderstandings.
•Remove existing invasive species during land preparation.
Such species include Albizia, Myricafaya, Strawberry
Guava, Tibouchina, Himalayan Raspberry, Miconia and
Ginger.
•Beware of invasive species and aggressive invasive
plants. Potted plants can carry hitchhikers like coqui
frogs, fire ants, and stinging-nettle caterpillars. Check all
plants before taking them home! Ensure that you are
planting non-invasive plant species.
•Prevent standing water. Mosquitoes breed in
containers of standing water, and the avian malaria
they carry is deadly to native birds. Turn over empty
pots, buckets & tires.
•Outdoor lighting and reducing light-pollution. Keep
native seabirds safe by limiting exterior lighting.
Improperly installed exterior lighting can disorient birds
as they overfly forests at night. The law requires that all
outdoor lights face the ground, not outward or upward.
Rules and regulations for outdoor lighting can be found
in Hawaii County Code Chapter 14: General Welfare
Article 9. http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-
countycode/#countycode
The endemic ʻAmakihi sipping from
an endangered Hau Kuahiwi flower.
This is the result of clear-cutting
Building with the Environment
Research permitting requirements
before grubbing and grading!
•Visual and noise buffers are free and provide
increased privacy.
•Natural landscaping provided by native forest is
both valuable and appealing.
•Essential habitat is saved for native and endemic
bird, insect, and plant species.
•Aggressive invasive species can spread quickly on
cleared land. Limiting dozing and clearing helps
to limit the introduction of invasive species which
may save you time, money, and the use of
herbicides.
•Serious flooding problems can happen for you
and/or your neighbors when improper or
excessive grading occurs.
•Vegetation impacts localized climates through
natural processes. Forested areas can help
reduce localized air temperatures.
•Much of our native forests are heavily degraded. Help
restore our forests by planting native and endemic
species appropriate to YOUR local conditions/climate.
.
•There are 26,608 species in the state of Hawaiʻi
•10,000+ of these species are endemic
•Hawaiʻi has already lost 26 native bird species
with 27 more species currently endangered.
•90% of terrestrial species in Hawaiʻi are endemic
Endemic to Hawaiʻi means that the species cannot
be found anywhere else in the world, making it
ever more important for us to protect the habitat
of our endemic species!
E Mālama I Ka ‘Āina
Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) is a disease that has killed
hundreds of thousands of ‘ōhi‘a trees. This disease is caused
by a fungus called Ceratocystis fimbriata. ‘Ōhi‘a lehua is a
keystone species of Hawaiʻi’s native forests and watersheds,
and possibly the most important tree in Hawaiʻi. You can
help reduce the spread of rapid ‘ōhi‘a death by:
•Not moving ‘ōhi‘a wood, firewood or posts, especially
from areas known to have ROD.
•Not moving ‘ōhi‘a plants, wood, or other plant parts
interisland without a permit. [Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule
§4-72-13]
•Cleaning tools used for cutting ‘ōhi‘a trees (especially
infected ones) with 70% rubbing alcohol or 10% bleach.
•Cleaning shoes, gear and clothing. Decontaminate shoes
by dipping the soles in 10% bleach or 70% rubbing
alcohol. Other gear can be sprayed with the same proven
cleaning solutions. Wash clothing in hot water with
detergent.
•Washing tires and undercarriage of vehicles with
detergent, especially after traveling from an area with
ROD and/or if you have traveled off-road.
Reduce the Spread of R.O.D.
Suggestions for Preparing Your Lot
Benefits of Saving Your Forest
Protecting Puna’s Forests
‘Ōhiʻa Lehua Blossom