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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-28 Kūpuna for the Moʻopuna Testimony GP 2045From: Kupuna Moopuna To: WPCtestimonv Cc: Kupuna Moopuna Subject: Testimony - 11.1.2024 Windward Planning Commission - General Plan 2045 Draft - STRONG OPPOSITION Date: Monday, October 28, 2024 12:39:46 PM Attachments: imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq imaae.pnq Kupuna for the Moopuna committed to the well-being of Hawai'i for the next generations to come kupuna4moopunaftmail.com DATE: Friday, November 1, 2024 TIME: 9:00 a.m. LOCATION: Hawai`i County Council Chambers, Hilo, Hawai`i SUBJECT: County of Hawai`i General Plan 2045, Final Recommended Draft - STRONG OPPOSITION Aloha to the Hawai`i County Windward Planning Commission, We, Kupuna for the Mo`opuna, a hui of Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) kupuna beneficiary farmers from Pana`ewa, Hawai`i, testify in STRONG OPPOSITION to the County of Hawaii General Plan 2045 (GP), Final Recommended Draft and ask that the Windward Planning Commission NOT RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the proposed amendments, in part. We ask the Windward Planning Commission to require the following changes to the GP 2045 Draft consistent with the purpose of the General Plan pursuant to Section 3-15 of the Hawaii County Charter to "... promote the general welfare, health, and prosperity of its people." 1.The General Plan 2045 Draft must include a South Hilo Community Development Plan. The General Plan 2045 Draft fails to include all seven of Hawai`i County's Community Development Plans (CDP). The GP 2045 Draft includes only six CDPs, all but one CDP, intentionally leaving out the South Hilo CDP. This reeks of discriminatory gobbledegook from the county's planning department, who, when responding to public questions of why no Hilo CDP in the GP, sidestep the CDP issue and conveniently cite the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) documents yet refuse to include the same DHHL documents in the actual General Plan 2045 Draft. County of Hawaii Final Draft General Plan 2045 Public Comments Pg. 44 of 569 https://records. hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=l&startid=139815 Land Use Q: Why was a Hilo CDP not done, when Hilo has the most population? A: Given the process of adopting the General Plan, it may be considered that Hilo would better benefit from an urban development plan rather than a regional plan, although this is still to be determined. The latest Hilo CDP is dated 1975. Further, the greater Hilo area has several other planning documents and tools that other towns and regions do not have and that help to guide development in and around Hilo. These include but are not limited to: the City of Hilo Zone Map (HCC 25-8-33), Downtown Hilo Multimodal Master Plan, Banyan Drive Redevelopment Authority Plan, EnVision Downtown Hilo, Hilo Bayfront Trails Master Plan, DHHL Master Plans for each of its areas (like Panaewa and Keaukaha), University of Hawaii in Hilo Master Plan, State Airport Master Plan, etc. [emphasis added]. These "other planning documents" are "urban development plans" that do not include the voices of the residential communities of South Hilo. The citizens of South Hilo are NOT represented in the GP 2045, of particular concern to the South Hilo homestead communities of Keaukaha and Pana`ewa - already suffering from disproportionate environmental injustices - targeted for aggressive development in the GP 2045 Draft. We have been demanding an updated Hilo CDP 1975 / South Hilo CDP for years and continue to insist that the GP 2045 include the Hilo CDP 1975 to ensure this outdated CDP is part of the GP 2045 Phase 1 2024-2029 actions for "updating our Community Development Plans and other relevant plans." (GP 2045 pg. 221) 2.The General Plan 2045 Draft must include Department of Hawaiian Home Land/ Commission Chair Kali Watson's comments and documents. These comments and documents were submitted to the County Planning Department's Chairman Zendo Kern in February 2024. We brought these same concerns, comments, and documents to the attention of several county administrations, county planning departments, and sitting county council member D3 over the course of many years while the GP 2040 - now 2045 - was being amended. At every level, our voices were dismissed. Now, with this same flagrant dismissiveness towards our Hawaiian Homes Commission Act authority, the county refused to include comments and documents in the GP 2045 Draft as requested by the HHCA Chair. Here are two examples of the HHCA Chair's comments / documents (Attachments 1-3) that the county refused to include: • The MOU between the County and DHHL was created almost a quarter century ago and while DHHL knows that current County Planning Department staff are aware of the MOU and the unique status of the Hawaiian Homes Commission's land use authority over DHHL lands, DHHL wants to further ensure that future County staff future elected officials, and future members of the public continue to have an institutional memory of the relationship between DHHL and the County. Incorporating a reference to this document in the 2045 County General Plan Update will better guarantee that this institutional memory is perpetuated in future generations [emphasis added]. The 2002 MOU is enclosed for your convenience and reference. • • Likewise, DHHL requests that its 2022 DHHL General Plan Update be referenced and / or included in the 2045 County General Plan Update either as an appendices or other appropriate section of the County General Plan [emphasis added]. The 2022 DHHL General Plan Update identifies land use designations that the HHC may apply to Hawaiian Home Lands. The DHHL General Plan should be a reference to the County. While the county verbally acknowledges the HHCA's authority over DHHL lands, the county refused to commit this to writing in the GP 2045 Draft, which will be to the detriment of HHCA beneficiaries forced to expend time, energy, and resources to ensure and protect the well being of the people and the land. Again, we ask that the Windward Planning Commission require the above changes to the GP 2045 Draft consistent with the purpose of the General Plan pursuant to Section 3-15 of the Hawaii County Charter to "... promote the general welfare, health, and prosperity of its people." Mahalo, Kupuna for the Mo `opuna Pana`ewa, Hawaii Attachments (3): (1) DHHL Comments on the County of Hawaii 2045 General Plan - February 28, 2024 (4 pages) (2) Memorandum of Agreement Between the County of Hawai`i and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands - December 27, 2002 (5 pages) (3) DHHL Comments on Draft County of Hawaii General Plan Update - October 31, 2019 & August 30, 2017 (l 1pages) STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OP HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS Ka 'Oihana 'Rina Ho'opufapula Hawai'i February 28, 2024 The Honorable Zendo Kem, Director County of Hawaii Planning Department Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Director Kem: RE: DHHL Comments on the County of Hawaii 2045 General Plan SE Ref: P0-24-032 Mahalo for the opportunity to provide comments on the County of Hawaii's General Plan Update. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) offers the following comments: 1. Recognition and coordination of the Hawaiian Homes Commission (HHC) land use authority with the County's land use authority is memorialized in the 2002 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DHHL and the County. DHHL requests that the County includes this document as either as an appendices to the County General Plan or in separate section of the plan. where appropriate, to ensure that there is a reference for current and future County staff, elected officials, and members of the public about the relationship between DHHL and the County. The MOU between the County and DHHL was created almost a quarter century ago and while DHHL knows that current County Planning Department staff are aware of the MOU and the unique status of the Hawaiian Homes Commission's land use authority over DHHL lands, DHHL wants to further ensure that future County staff future elected officials, and future members of the public continue to have an institutional memory of the relationship between DHHL and the County. Incorporating a reference to this document in the 2045 County General Plan Update will better guarantee that this institutional memory is perpetuated in future generations. The 2002 MOU is enclosed for your convenience and reference. Director Kern February 28, 2024 Page 2 2. Likewise, DHHL requests that its 2022 DHHL General Plan Update be referenced and / or included in the 2045 County General Plan Update either as an appendices or other appropriate section of the County General Plan. The 2022 DHHL General Plan Update identifies land use designations that the HHC may apply to Hawaiian Home Lands. The DHHL General Plan should be a reference to the County. A copy can be found here: https://dhhl.hawaii.govlpo/generel-plan/ 3. The 2045 County General Plan Update should have specific policies that articulate that DHHL Plans (DHHL General Plan, DHHL Hawaii Island Plan, DHHL Regional Plans) will be the authority on land use that will guide County policy regarding land uses and projects surrounding DHHL lands. DHHL beneficiaries have expressed strong concem with County policies or actions that may encourage land uses that are detrimental to homestead communities. For example, the recently introduced County Council Bill 107 related to an alternate route study for the proposed Puna Bypass Road did not appear to consider DHHL testimony and the testimonies of its beneficiaries to exclude routes from the study that traverse over lands under the jurisdiction of DHHL. Furthermore, there continues to be harmful uses near DHHL homestead lands, particularly in Hilo, that pose a health and safety issue to our Hilo homestead communities. The County General Plan should emphasize that the County should adopt policies to phase these uses out over time. DHHL does note and appreciates that the County Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) recommends agriculture -related designations for lands bordering the Panaewa homestead community to the east. DHHL would like the County to strongly consider non -industrial uses in its LUPAG for lands that border DHHL's King's Landing Tract. Those lands are currently being considered for future homesteading and DHHL is currently going through a planning process to settle these lands. 4. DHHL strongly encourages the County to begin its process to develop a County Community Development Plan (CDP) for the South Hilo District. The South Hilo District includes these DHHL homestead communities: Keaukaha, Panaewa, Kaumana, Piihonua, King's Landing, and the future Honomu Homestead community. Director Kern February 28, 2024 Page 3 Per the draft 2045 County General Plan Update (page 204), CDPs "translate broad General Plan statements to specific actions, as they apply to specific geographical areas. They serve to provide a forum for community input to reflect the character of each community." Further this section of the County General Plan states the purpose of a CDP is threefold: • Translate the General Plan's broad statements and community development guidelines to actions specific to the planning area to address regional issues and opportunities. • Improve and advance communities and community resilience through the acknowledgement and development of community capacity. • Provide a process for citizens to engage in civic dialogue and contribute to the identification of community priorities. Beneficiaries have expressed to DHHL that the absence of a South Hilo CDP marginalizes these homestead communities from having a say in land use decisions and government services that impact these homestead communities. Further, without a South Hilo CDP, beneficiaries would like to know how the County intends to incorporate the voices of these homestead communities into County plans, programs, and services for their district. The County 2045 General Plan should address this disparity for the South Hilo district in the implementation section of the General Plan. 5. The County should not be articulating proposed roads through Hawaiian Home Lands in its General Plan without first consulting with DHHL and its beneficiaries. There are several proposed roadway routes depicted on the County's online webmaps on its Konveio website. While DHHL understands that data depicted on these maps are "draft," DHHL would like to emphasize that final County General Plan recommendations should not depict proposed new roadways through DHHL land without first consulting with DHHL and its beneficiaries. S. DHHL appreciates County planners taking the time to meet with DHHL planners over the years as part of the County General Plan update. It appears that most of the LUPAG designations of DHHL lands depicted on the Konveio site are consistent with DHHL land use designations in DHHL's Hawaii Island Plan. We would like to note that DHHL will be updating its Hawaii Island plan 2024 thru 2025 and will be consulting with its beneficiaries over that time through the update process Director Kern February 28, 2024 Page 4 Should there be any substantive changes to DHHL's land use designations, DHHL will communicate Mese changes to the County. 7. DHHL is attaching previous DHHL comments on the County General Plan Update that DHHL previously submitted to the County over the years for your reference and consideration. Mahalo again for providing an opportunity to review and comment on the County of Hawaii 2045 General Plan Update. Sincerely, • Kali Watson, Chairman Hawaiian Homes Commission cc: Michael Kaleikini, East Hawaii Commissioner (via email) Makai Freitas, West Hawaii Commissioner (via email) Enclosures: 2002 MOU between County of Hawaii and DHHL Prior DHHL comments on County of Hawaii General Plan Update Memorandum of Agreement Between the County of Hawail and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands 1. Purnoze The purpose of this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is to clarify the respective roles, responsibilities, and obligations of the County of Hawaii (County) and the Depamneot of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) relating to land use planning, infrastructure maintenance, enforcement oflaws, and collection of lases and other fees on Hawaiian home lands. R. Guiding Principles The following general principles have guided the development of this MOA: A. The Hawaiian Homes Commission is responsible for determining land -use on Hawaiian home lands. The County may not use its land use and zoning powers to prevent the Hawaiian Homes Commission from controlling the use of Hawaiian home lands. B. The County and DHHL share common goals in planning for the use of Hawaiian home lands: both suppon the orderly development of those lands for the benefit of native Hawaiians and both are committed to the integration of planning by DHHL and Hawaii County. C. The County should manage and maintain ail infrastructure built to County standards D. The County is authorized to enforce criminal laws and applicable County ordinances and regulations on Hawaiian home lands. E. Hawaiian homestead lessees are residents of the County of Hawaii and should be treated in a manner consistent with ail other residents of the County. F. Hawaiian homestead lessees should pay all taxes and fees required by law. G. The County and DHHL acknowledge that Them arc areas where agreement will not be reached, and agree to continue to work together toward a mutually acceptable resolution of such issues. 111. Relating to Planning and Land Use A. DHHL will implement its Pluming System which includes plans with DHHL lard use designations such an the Hawaii Island Plan, various Development and Subdivision Plans, and Homestead Community Plant. In the formulation, updating, and amendment of these plans, DHHL will consult with the relevant County departments, and shall give due consideration and weight to their COH/DHHL Memorandum of Agreement Page 2 comments, and to the Hawaii County General Plan, and other officially adopted plans such as Community Development Plans. All land uses on DHHL property will be placid according to the applicable DHHL plans. B. The County will consult with DHHL over the appropriate designations of DHHL property in the Hawaii County General Plan LUPAG maps, and shall give due weight and consideration w the comments of DHHL, and to officially adopted DHHL plans. C. Baud on its plans and DHHL land use designations, DHHL wall determine the appropriate County zoning districts that shall apply to the property in question. DHHL will commuoicalc these zoning districts to the County. D. All normal land use controls will be applied by Hawaii County to DHHL property according to the zoning disuict selected by DHHL. Except as specifically provided in the Agreement, DHHL will follow all normal land use procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the zoning district. E: All land use permit applications on Hawaiian home lands must be accompanied by wrinen consent from DHHL before the County can begin processing those applications. F. The standards of the various zoning districts selected will apply to DHHL properly. DHHL and its lessees will go through normal County administrative variance procedures if they seek exemptions from standards. G. For uses allowed in the various zoning districts that require special permits or use pennies, DHHL and its lessees will go through the appliubte County permit procedures. At Some time in the future, DHHL may implement 110 own use permit procedure for Hawaiian home lands. If DHHL granfs use pennies, it will be responsible for enforcing violations of those permits. The County will be notified when DHHL has formulated its use permit system. H. Thc County will advise DHHL of all violations by its lessees. The County will enforce land use coda and regulations on Hawaiian home lands in the same manner as with other landowners. DHHL will cooperate with the County in enforcing the terms of its leases requiting conformity to applicable laws and regulations, if requested by the County. Ongoing violations and failure to comply will be referred to DHHL *fret the County has exhausted all remedies shat of pursuing legal action to address the violation. DHHL may institute Ica. enforcement proceedings in advance of, or in lieu of, County enforcement actions. COH/Df1HL Memorandum of Agreement Page 3 IV. Relating to Public Facilities and Infrastroemre Servine Hawaiian Home Lands A. In the development of future projects. DHHL will construct public facilities b accordance with County standards. Where departures from County standards are desired, DHHL will pursue exemptions and other administrative variances from the appropriate County department, in accordance with procedures established for all property owners. Should DHHL choose not to construct infrasmtcnue in accordance with County standards, the County may view such improvements as private facilities for repair and maintenance purposes. B. The County will accept operation, repair, and maintenance of all fueve DHHL infrastmctare constructed according to County standards. C. Existing infrastructure shall be subject to County inspection prior to being accepted by the County for operation, repair, and maintenance. The County may require DHHL to repair any damage such as leaks, holes, sags, or deterioration affecting the operation of the existing infrastruenre, identified as 1 result of the inspection. D. In the case of existing infrasrucnue that is not constructed to County standards, the County and DHHL will work to establish minimum standards for residential, agricultural, and pastoral subdivisions. Existing projects will be evaluated based on these new standards. The County may require DREL to upgrade the infrastructure to the minimum standard prior to being accepted by the County for operations, repair, and maintenance. E. The County will maintain infrastructure according to its own standards, resources and schedules. Any decisions as to upgrades or rehabilitation will be at the County's discretion. F. Should DHHL elect to convert its land to a more intensive land use, DHHL will be responsible for upgrading the onsite infrastructure to accommodate the new use, and will consult with the County regarding the need to upgrade ofsite infrastructure. DHHL and the County shall negotiate the extent to which DHHL will be responsible for any such offsite improvements requested by the County. DHHL shall be responsible for project -related offsite improvements to the extent that these would be requited of other developers with similar projects. If ofsite improvements benefit other properly, DHHL and the County shall cooperate so that DHHL bears only its fair share of these improvement costs. G. The County will neat DHHL lessees in the same manner as other progeny owners with respect to conformity with laws, ordinances, and regulations. Thc County will. advise DHHL of violations, and will refer casts of ongoing violation to DHHL after the County has exhausted all remedies Shan of pursuing legal action COH/DHHL Memorandum of Agreement Paged to address the violation. DHHL reserves the right to institute lease enforcement proceedings in advance of. or in lieu of, County enforcement actions. V. Relatinn to the Enforcement of Criminal Violations on Hawaiian Home Lands A. The County is authorized to and will enforce violations of criminal law on Hawaiian home lands. B. County law enforcement agencies and DHHL will work to establish procedures regarding sharing information and providing testimony relating to arrests made on Hawaiian home lands needed for contested ease bearings and other administrative and/or judicial proceedings. VI. Reladnf to Real Property Taxes A. Homestead lessees on Hawaiian home lands are responsible for the payment of real properly saxes in accordance with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, as amended, and applicable County ordinances. B. The County agrees to waive the penalty and interest on all delinquent real property taxes owed by Hawaiian homestead lessees as of December 31, 2001. Such waiver will apply to payments made by February 20, 2002, or to payments advanced by DHHL pursuant to paragraph C. C. For dense homestead lessees with real propcny tax balances, excluding penalty and interest, of more shin 3500, if payment is not made by February 20, 2002, DHHL will advance full payment of all real propcny taxes, excluding penalty and interest, to bring those bills current, within 60 days of receipt of an updated real property tax listing. This date may be extended by mutual agreement of she panics. D. 11 is understood that she County's waiver of interest and penalty charges on delinquent real property taxes owed by homestead lessees as of December 31, 2001, and DHHL 's advance of full payment of real property taxes, excluding interest and penalty, in accordance with paragraph C, is a one-time only offer. E. In order to alleviate or reduce further delinquencies, the County will notify DHHL on an annual basis of any delinquent propcny owners. F. The panics will continue to meet on an annual basis to evaluate the extent of delinquencies by Hawaiian homestead lessees on the Island of Hawaii and take action, if necessary, to keep delinquencies from recurring. CVH/UHHL Memorandum of Agreement Page 5 G. The County and DHHL shall work to establish a customer trust fund by July 1, 2004 to collect real properly tax payments as pan of the mortgage/loan payments in order to make smaller, regular payments. VII. Areas fpr Further Collaboration The panics agree to work further on the following issues: A. Thc creation of new County zoning districts for farming and pastoral activities. B. The development of infrasbucwe standards for rural land uses such as agriculnaral and pastoral activities. C. The establishment of procedures for sharing evidence, information, and testimony involving criminal violations on Hawaiian home lands. D. The implementation of actions to prevent and/or address future real propcny tax delinquencies by Hawaiian homestead lessees. Vlff. Termination To achieve the objectives of this MOA, either parry may, by mutual agreement in writing, further clarify or waive any term or condition of this agreement, provided such action does not violate any statutes,ordinances, or binding rules or regulations. DHHL and the County reserve the right to terminate this MOA upon one hundred eighty (100) days notice in writing to the other party. In agreement thereof, the parties have entered into this Memorandum of Agreement on this 27th day of December 2002. COUNTY OF HA W AIJ N K6d,'1nlayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: By 64..' Corporation Counsel DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS By ry Attorney General STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS October 31, 2019 The Honorable Michael Yee, Director County of Hawaii Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Mr. Yee: Subject: DHHL Comments on Draft County of Hawaii General Plan Update DHHL stands by its comments submitted on August 30, 201710 the County regarding the County's General Plan Update (Enclosed). We encourage the County to incorporate these comments into its final General Plan Update. Also, after reviewing the County's Draft Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) maps, DHHL is generally supportive of the LUPAG as it applies to DHHL's lands as the LUPAG maps are generally consistent with DHHL's Hawaii Island Plan Land Use Designations. Additionally, DHHL would like to mahalo the County Planning Department for accommodating the request of our Panaewa Agriculture Homestead Lessees to hold a County General Plan outreach meeting in their community. Comments below are reflective of some of the main points that were expressed by DHHL beneficiaries at this October 22, 2019 County Planning Department meeting. • DHHL is supportive of traffic calming measures on the streets that service Panaewa agriculture homestead lessees- As noted in our previous comments, speeding and traffic safety is a major issue for some of our Panaewa agriculture homestead lessees. DHHL is supportive of more complete street concepts, such as bike paths, along the main thoroughfares in the Panaewa Agriculture Homestead Community. Beneficiaries attending the October 22, 2019 expressed that amen0ies such as bike paths would positively impact their community. The Honorable Michael Yee October 31. 2019 Page 2 • Panaewa Agriculture Homestead Lessees have expressed that they are not supportive of the proposed spaceport complex located near their community on neighboring land owner property as the proposed use could have potential negative impacts on their community. In general, across the island, DHHL encourages the County to utilize Its land use authorities on neighboring property owners' lands to ensure that there is no harm caused to our homestead communities from neighboring uses and that neighboring uses are compatible with healthy native Hawaiian communities. DHHL is open to working with the County to implement the ideas that were expressed at the October 22, 2019 County General Plan meeting. We look forward to working with the County to collaboratively create healthy native Hawaiian homestead communities across the island. Should you have any questions, please contact Andrew H. Choy, DHHL Acting Planning Program Manager, at andrew.h.choy@hawaii.gov or 808-620-9481. Mahalo nut, William J. Alla Jr., Chairman Hawaiian Homes Commission ENCLOSURE STATE Of 116001111 013'60 MBt1To80-AwAnAm HOMO Lame aat August 10, 2013 The Honorable Michael Yet, Director County of ]-16001.1 Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, H] 46740 Abba Mr. Yew Sulajeet: DHHL Comments Regarding County of Hawaii General Plan Update The Department of Hawaiian Homo Lands (DEIHL) has teen made aware of the County of Hawaii's (C011) General Plan Update process and has participated In two workshops that the County conducted on August 24 and 26 of 2016 (sx enclosure). DHHL. has approximmely 118.000 acres an Hawaii Island. There are nppensimately 2,500 homestead Lessees that reside in Hawaii County and 14,500 Withal applicants on DHHL's Hawaii Island homestead wailOst. The General Plan should take into consideration the needs of these unique populations. Daring the August 2016 workshops, 014111, informed the County of DHHL's long-rangedevelopment Mans that are documented in its 20621iawai i Island Plan end 2009 Hawaii Island Update for West Hawaii. As a follow-up to those August 2016 County General Plan workshops, DHHL. would like to remind the County ofDHHL`s existing plans on Hawaii Island via this letter. DHHL currently milium a planning system Mat consists of 34iers. Tier 1 includes the DH111. General Plan winds consists of statewide goals and politics. 11er-2 plans include subject -mance specific program plans as ore11 es Island Plans specific so each island on which 171HH. has land 0oldinga. Tier -3 plans include regional plans and special area plans that pertain to specific regions and locations within each island. The comments that follow are based upon the plans in die DHHL Planning System that have been adopted by the Hawaiian Homes Commission and that certain specifically to Hawaii Island. These plans can also he Found on the 01-11{L website at: pn p:lfdl:IOLawaii. acvino The Honorable Michael Yee August 30, 2017 Pdge 2 2002 DEIHL Hawaii Ishmd Plan and 2009 Island Plan Update for West Ha wail Island Plans articulate DHHL's land use designations (LUD) for its lands on each island and are analogous to the COH's General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) designations. Island Plans also articulate DHHL's priority areas for future homestead development. Please incorporate DHHL's Hawaii Island Island Plan Land Use Designations into the COH's General Plan LUPAG. Future County services and infrastructure should he directed to locations where DHHL has identified in its Hawaii Island Plan for current and future land uses that include: residential homestead, agriculuual homestead, pastoral homestead, commercial, industrial, and community -use. A breakdown of acreage of DHHL lands on Hawaii. Island by DHHL LUD is presented below. Land Use Designation Acres Percent of Total Acres Residential Homestead 4,421 3.7 Subsistence Agriculture Homestead 2,486 2.0 Sopplemenlal Agriculture Homestead 4,132 3.4 Pastoral Homestead 90,514 34.2 Community Use 1 105 09 General Agriculture 37,236 31.4 Commercial 913 0.7 Industrial 36 0.003 Conservation 18,485 15.6 Special District 8,423 7.1 TOTAL 118,489 100 Additionally, DHHL would like to advocate that the County General Plan LUPAG direct future development that is not compatible with the purposes of the Hawaiian Homes Commissien Act to be located well away from DHHL lands. For the County Planning Department's convenience hard copies of the 2002 DHHL Hawai'e Island Plan and 2009 DHHL Hawaii Island Plan Update for West Hawaii have been enclosed with this letter. DHHL's GIS shape0le depicting DHHL's Hawaii Island Plan LUD is also enclosed with this letter on CD. The Honorable Michael Yee August 30, 2017 Page 3 JHHI Regional Plans on Hawaii Island DHHL has eight regional plans on the island of Hawaii. DHHL regional plans identify issues and opportunities raised by beneficiaries in each region and related priority projects. Hawaii Island Regional Plans can be found here: hung//dhhI.hawnii arov/oo/melons)-nlons/hawnii-mgional-nlminf The following discussion below is a brief summary of each DHHL Regional Plan on Hawaii Island in alphabetic order. The summary below identifies issues, opposonities, and priority projects in which collaboration with the County of Hawaii is crucial to the project's implementation. Ka'ir Regional Plan A priority need of DHHL and its beneficiaries in Ka'u is potable water service to existing and future planned homestead lots. The County General Plan should direct additional water resources to DHHL lands in He'll. Initial conversations with DWS staff and DHHL have not led to any conclusive solution to addressing DIH-L's water needs in Ka'u. Additionally, as DHHL moves to implement its South Point Resources Management Plan, DHIIL will need to partner more with County Police to enforce against illegal and unpermitted activities on DI -H -H, lands in South Point. Liaumana-Pi'ihortua Regional Plan to this .egion, rite DHHL Hawaii Island Pion anticipates the future development of approximately of 115 residential homesteads and 235 subsistence agriculture homesteads in Lower Pi ihonua. The County General Plan LUPAG should reflect these future plans. Two of the priority projects identifed by beneficiaries in this regional plan include the development of a community center at a to -be -determined location and the establishment of a community pasture on DHHL lands in Lower Pi'ihonua. Both of these priority projects may require County permits, services, and/or infrastructure to be successfully implemented. Kawaihae Regional Plan The County of Ifawai'i General Plan should reflect current and future water demands in the Kawaihae region by directing additional water development to the area. Per the regional plan, DHHL corrently has two residential communities in the region totaling 221 homes. Added water service is identified as a priority need in the Kawaihae Regional Plan for current as well as future residential homesteading. There are 2,000 acres designated for future homestead development. That development is on hold until future water infrastructure is developed. It is also important to mention that the County of Hawai'is South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP) specifically recommends that the County provide additional water service to the The Honorable Michael Yee August 30, 2017 Page 4 Krwaihne area including DHHL's Kailapa homestead area. This County CDP recommendation should also be reflected in the County General Plan. Kealnkehe - La'i'Opua Regional Plan In the DHHL Hawaii Island Plan West Hawaii Update, DHHL anticipates up to - approximately 2,900 additional residential homesteads in the Villages of Lai 'Opua. In Kalaoa, DHHL anticipates 130 acres of future residential development and 385 acres of future commercial development. Lai 'Opua 2020 also anticipates the development of various community facilities on 25 acres and a mix of commercial and light industrial uses on another 25 acres. DPII-IL's and La'i 'Opus 2020's plans should also be reflected in the General Plan Update. North Kona Water Source Development was identified as a priority project in this Regional Plan. As such, the County General Plan should recommend additional County resources for water infrastructure storage and development in the North Kona district. DHHL, Lai 'Opua 2020, and the County DWS, are currently examining potential source development options in North Kona. Keaukaha Regional Plan There were several issues identified in the Keaukaha Regional Pian in which collaboration with the County is important These issues include continuing to work with COH Civil Defense on emergency evacuation preparedness and working with the County to mitigate health risks posed by the proximity of the County wastewater treatment plant. The County General Plan should clearly articulate that inteusitcariou of existing industrial uses should not be allowed in this region and when possible, industrial uses should be relocated away from the Keaukaha community. The General Plan LUGAP should be amended to include open space buffs between industrial uses and Keaukaha residential lots. Maku`u Regional Plan One of the issues raised in the Maku'u Regional Place by DHHL beneficiaries was that the Maku'u homestead community was not recognized in the County's Puna Community Development Plan. Maku'u lessees would like the County to integrate their community with County Planning documents. The General Plan Update provides another opportunity for the county to recognize and integrate the Maku'u homestead community in the County's plans. One of the priority projects identified in the Maku'u Regional Plan is the Maku'u Fainters' Association Community Center. The implementation of this project will require County permitting. Pana 'ewe Regional Plan During the development of the 2016 Pana'ewa Regional Plan Update, beneficiaries strongly advocated that Railroad Avenue not be used as a mid-level connector road. Figure 15 in The Honorable Michael Yee August30, 2017 Page S the 2016 Panaewa Regional Plan Update recommends an alternative route to connect the mid- level to the more appropriate state highway. This figure is enclosed with this letter for your reference. DHHL would like the County to delete any reference regrading utilization of Rail Road Avenue as a mid-level connector road from its General Plan. Pana'ewa farm lot lessees who reside at the Puna end of Railroad Avenue have experienced issues such as illegal racing, drug activity, and vandalism of private property. Several solutions that are identified in the regional plan and that would require County collaboration to resolve these issues include stepped-up police patrols of the area, installation of an access gate to limit non-residents from entering the area, and/or, installation of speed -control devices such as speed -humps along Railroad Avenue. Additionally industrial type land uses should not be located in close proximity to existing Pana ewa homestead lots as they would cause detrimental affects to homestead lessees and their families. The General Plan LUPAG should be amended to prevent this type of land use from occurring near Pana'ewa homestead areas. Waimea Nuf Regional Plan On this region, the DHHL Hawaii Island Plan anticipates the future development of approximately 400 residential homesteads on 214 acres in its Lalamilo residential homestead subdivision and an additional 550 residential homesteads, 160 subsistence agriculture homesteads, and 50 pastoral homesteads in the Honokaia tract. This should be reflected in the County General Plan LUPAG. Regional Plan priority projects that will require collaboration with the County to implement include the 161 -acre Waimea Nui Regional Community Development Initiative and the priority project that calls fora re-examination of County building codes to look at options on how the code could be modified to allow for more affordable home development. Additional County Outreach with DAHL Beneficiaries DHHL comments on the County General Plan Update included in this correspondence may not be completely reflective of all beneficiary comments and concerns that should be incorporated into the County's General Plan update. As such, DHHL strongly encourages the Planning Department to consult directly with Hawaii Island DHHL beneficiaries during the County's General Plan update. Direct County consultation with DHHL homestead communities and waidist beneficiaries will provide these sometimes underrepresented populations an opportunity to provide feedback to the County General Plan and ultimately allow DHHL beneficiaries an opportunity to help guide the goals and policies of the County over the next decade and beyond. DHHL recommends that the County hold a minimum of at lease two special outreach meetings (one in West Hawaii and one in East Hawaii) for DHHL beneficiaries. The Honorable Michael Yee August 30, 2017 Page fi DHHL would be happy to collaborate and provide assistance to the County to schedule these meetings with DHHL beneficiaries. By actively including DHHL and its beneficiaries in the COH's General Plan update process, DHHL hopes to better coordinate and collaborate with the COH in providing a better future quality of life for its mimetic and future Hawaii Island Homestead communities. Should you or your staff have any questions regardiog existing DHHL plans on Hawaii Island, please contact Andrew H. Choy at andrew.h.choy @Hawai`igoy . Me ke aloha, Jobie M. K. Masagatani, Chairman Hawaiian Homes Commission Enclosures: July 21, 2016 County of Hawaii Letter DHHL 2002 Hawaii Island Plan DHHL 2009 Hawai`iIsland Plan Update for West Hawaii DHHL GIS shapefile of Hawai' Island Plan Land Use Designations (CD) DHHL 2016 Pana`ewa Regional Plan Update Figure 15 C: Commissioner David Ka apu (via email) Commissioner Wallace Ishibasld (via email DHHL West Hawaii District Office (via email DHHL East Hawaii District Office (via email Kailapa Community Association (via email) Kahn Hawaiian Home Lands Association (via email) Kaurnana Community Association (via email Kawaihae Pua Ka'Lima Community Association (via email) Keaukaha Community Association (via email Keaukaha-Pana ewa Farmers' Association (via email) Maku'a Farmers' Association (via email) Pana'ewa Hawaiian Home Lands Association (via email Pi'ihooua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association (via email) Villages of Ls'i 'Opus Association (via email) Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders Association (via email) William P. Kenai Wen Hama, ORrce 71-5010 Am aaahokaloh Hwy e o'iaii%b Phone x001307.2543 Aloha, County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT July 21,2016 AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE Duane Kanuba tur.mor /moan Gamins -Kunkel Pap H :SpRn. 101 Pau, Kook Kato, "`Nt2192 0000 Fax 1808) 081.0700 As you may know, the General Plan is the County's policy for long-range comprehensive physical development within Hanoi.) County. Consequently, a Comprehensive Review of the General Plan was initiated last year and is on track to have recommendations available in 2017. As pen of the comprehensive review process, one Of the principal toots being used (s "scenario planning" utilizing geographic information 'system (GIS) computer models. This allows us to analyze, map, and compare existing conditions and trends through the 2040 planning horizon, including alternative scenarios. Because the models are built on a robust geodatabase, we are able to consider the trade-offs among alternatives across a wide range of measures related to conservation, hazards, infrastructure, settlement patterns, and costs. It's like SiinCity on steroids, and nearly as much fun. We need your help to assess these alternative scenarios and their trade-offs and to guide decision- making about our County's furore. In addition to the public input forums outlined below you are personalty Invited to Technical Workshops that will help inform 170 011110e land use and infrastructure policies to the County of Hawaii General Plan. Please RSVP by Friday August 5 2016 to attend either the Hilo session or the Kona session. Technical Workshops: These technical workshops are by invitation only and are geared toward people like you, who have a working knowledge Of planning and/or infrastructure, including members of CDP Aetion Committees, the Planning Commissions, and County Council as well as agency representatives and planners. We are carefully designing the workshops to avoid any real, potential, or perceived violations of the Sunshine Law. Participants will be able to make adjustments to "trend" development patterns and see the impacts onrvation, hazard risk, infrastructure and development, household, and governmentcosts a Two workshops are being offered: Wednesday, August 24, 8:30am-12130pm, Aapuni Center Conference Room, Hilo 2 Friday, August 26, 8:30am-12:30pm, West Hawa('i Civic Center -Community Meeting Hale, Kona Please sign up for the workshop in the geographic area where you have the greatest interest or expertise. The workshop in Hilo will he geared toward eastern Ka'u (Wai'bhinu and ,osm,nmin oom HLMtlYrcowaer Faterwmrr wry nc.m•.[alai .mare, points east), Puna, 11110, and the Harnekoa coast The workshop in Kona will he geared toward West Hawaii, including Kohala Kona and west Kea (Ocean View & Discovery Harbour areas). Participation in one of the Technical Workshops will be more productive if you are Erst able to attended one of the Public Input Forums as noted below. If you represent an agency, we encourage you and your most senior managers and staff to attend. We are happy to provide suggestions about which staff would have the most to contribute and benefit. Seating is limited for the Technical Workshops and we need to pre -plan small group exercises, so please RSVP no later than Friday August 5. 2016, indicating who is attending which session. Your response can be provided to bath Araujo at 3.Wyn,Araui001'hnwaiicounlr.coy or (808)961-8132. In addition to the workshops outlined above, there are other opportunities for your participation in the comprehensive review process: Public Caput Forums: These sessions are open to the public and serve as an excellent introduction to scenario planning and the scenarios we have been analysing, The purpose is to get community feedback on alternative scenarios for future patterns of growth and development. Two identical public forums will be held, so plan to a0end the one most convenient for you: Tuesday, August 23, al 6:00p10, County Council Chambers, Hilo Thursday, August 25, at 6:OOpm, County Council Chambers, Kona You may also participate remotely from the fallowing locations: Waimea Community Center on August 23 & 25 POhoa Neighborhood Facility on August 23 & 25 NO'alehu Community Center on August 23 & 25 Kona Council Chambers on August 23 Hilo Council Chambers on August 25 Professional Meetings: The periods between 2:00pm and 4:OOpm on August 24 in Hilo and August 26 in Kona are reserved for informal meetings with staff and consultants regarding specific areas or questions. These meetings are an opportunity to use the scenario planning models to explore ideas in greater detail or depth than may otherwise be possible during the other sessions. All of the above sessions mark the beginning of comprehensive consideration of the General Pian. Afterwards, we will 20117i113e to refine the models and related recommendations, with additional guidance from you and the general public. For more information about the General Plan and the Comprehensive Review, please visit our website at: ,vrru .cob plin- i �tgdep t.c o:,docnera 1 oleo Mahalo, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Pler..gM. Re. PaLHnme,Lols Pepae.e oPnwe.an.wmee • -•Propond Ca rscaae UPPlemenlal M Lan - 1154. NMra.n 1.000000 -3.000110 - Canty.; 3A00001-a0oo000 .5.000001 -10.000000 ma.-.nImPm..aFaea. LJ..E10000001.12.6000a0 DATEitintintia FIGURE 15 Existing and Proposed Roads in Relation to Lot Density Pa na'ewa Re Tonal Pian Update I I ,ems MI 0 0.5 1 Mlles