HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-28 PL-INT-2024-007138 DHHL, GP 2045 CommentsI
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olfwa'' STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS CON PLANNING DEPT
Ka 'Oihana 'Aina Ho'opulapula Hawaii MAR 4 2024 PMI:15
P 0 BOX 1879
HONOLULU,HAWAII 96805
Ref: P0-24-032
February 28, 2024
The Honorable Zendo Kern, Director
County of Hawaii Planning Department
Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Director Kern:
RE: DHHL Comments on the County of Hawaii 2045 General Plan
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
h re: https://dhhl.hawaii.gov/po/general-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 concern 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.
6. 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 these 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 Hawaii
and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
1 1.Purpose
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 Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands(DHHL) relating to land use planning, infrastructure maintenance,
enforcement of laws, and collection of taxes and other fees on Hawaiian home lands.
II. 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 support 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 all 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 all 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 there arc areas where agreement will
not be reached, and agree to continue to work together toward a mutually
acceptable resolution of such issues.
Ill. Relating to Planning and Land Use
A. DHHL will implement its Planning System which includes plans with DHHL land
use designations such as the Hawaii Island Plan, various Development and
Subdivision Plans, and Homestead Community Plans. 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
C
comments, and to the Hawaii County General Plan, and other officially adopted C
tans such as Community Development Plans. All land uses on DHHL property C
ill be placed according to the applicable DHHL plans.
CB. County will consult with DHHL over the appropriate designations of DHHL
CpropertyintheHawaiiCountyGeneralPlanLUPAGmaps, and shall give due
weight and consideration to the comments of DHHL, and to officially adopted C
DHHL plans.
C. Based on its plans and DHHL land use designations, DHHL will determine the
appropriate County zoning districts that shall apply to the property in question.t
DHHL will communicate these zoning districts to the County. C
D. All normal land use controls will be applied by Hawaii County to DHHL property
according to the zoning district 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 written consent from DHHL before the County can begin processing those p
applications.
trF. The standards of the various zoning districts selected will apply to DHHL
property. DHHL and its lessees will go through normal County administrative
variance procedures if they seek exemptions from standards.
r
G. For uses allowed in the various zoning districts that require special permits or use rpermits, DHHL and its lessees will go through the applicable County permit
procedures. At some time in the future, DHHL may implement its own use
permit procedure for Hawaiian home lands. If DHHL grants.use permits, it will
be responsible for enforcing violations of those permits. The County will be
notified when DHHL has formulated its use permit system.
H. The County will advise DHHL of all violations by its lessees. The County will
enforce land use' codes and regulations on Hawaiian home lands in the same C
manner as with other landowners. DHHL will cooperate with the County in
enforcing the terms of its leases requiring conformity to applicable laws and
regulations, if requested by the County. Ongoing violations and failure to comply r
will be referred to DHHL after the County has exhausted all remedies short of
pursuing legal action to address the violation. DHHL may institute lease e-
enforcement proceedings in advance of, or in lieu of, County enforcement actions.
r
r
9.
COH/D#-iHL Memorandum of Agreement
Page 3
IV. Relatin.to Public Facilities and Infrastructure Servin>; Hawaiian Home Lapds
1 A. In the development of future projects, DHHL will construct public facilities in
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 infrastructure 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 future DHHL
infrastructure 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 infrastructure, identified as a result of the
inspection.
D. In the case of existing infrastructure 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 DHHL 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
Comity's discretion.
F.Should DHHL elect to convert its land to a more intensive land use, DHHL will
be responsible for upgrading the onsitc infrastructure to accommodate the new
use, and will consult with the County regarding the need to upgrade offsite
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 required of other developers with similar projects. If offsite
improvements benefit other property, DHHL and the County shall cooperate so
that DHHL bears only its fair share of these improvement costs.
G. The County will treat DHHL lessees in the same manner as other property owners
with respect to conformity with laws, ordinances, and regulations. The County
will advise DHHL of violations, and will refer cases of ongoing violation to
DHHL after the County has exhausted all remedies short of pursuing legal action
COH/DHHL Memorandum of Agreement
Page 4
to address the violation. DHHL reserves the right to institute lease enforcement
proceedings in advance of, or in lieu of, County enforcement actions.
V. Relating 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 case hearings and other administrative
and/or judicial proceedings.
Vl. Relating to Real Property Taxes
A. Homestead lessees on Hawaiian home lands are responsible for the payment of
real property taxes 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 those homestead lessees with real property tax balances, excluding penalty
and interest, of more than S500, if payment is not made by February 20, 2002,
DHHL will advance full payment of all real property 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 the
panics.
D. It is understood that the 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 property 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.
UJH/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 property tax payments as pan of the mortgage/loan payments
in order to make smaller,regular payments.
VII. Areas for Further Collaboration
The parties agree to work further on the following issues:
A. The creation of new County zoning districts for farming and pastoral activities.
B. The development of infrastructure standards for rural land uses such as
agricultural 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 property tax
delinquencies by Hawaiian homestead lessees.
VIII. Termination
To achieve the objectives of this MOA, either party 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 (180) 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 HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME
LANDS
H 1 By
I Hanryy]Klyd, yor R ardiC. oon,Chairman
H wart mes Commission
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
y Corporation Counsel D uty Attorney General
A"~I O 5g :
DAVID Y.ICE l'1".i WILLIAM J.AILA,JR.
GOVERNOR f/ CHAIRMAN
STATE OF HAWAII HAWAIIAN HOMES COSLMISSION
F1
JOSH GREEN o.'+.........•••`'
a
TYLER I.COMES
LT GOVERNOR I"DEPUTY TO THE CHAIRMAN
STATE OF HAWAII
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
P.0.BOX 1879
HONOLULU,HAWAII 96805
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, 2017 to 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 amenities 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 nui,
William J. A a Jr., Chairman
Hawaiian Homes Commission
ENCLOSURE
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STATE OF HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
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August 30, 2017
The Honorable Michael Yee, Director
County of Hawaii Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96740
Aloha Mr. Yee:
Subject: DHHL Comments Regarding County of Hawaii General Plan Update
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands(DHHL) has been made aware of the County
of Hawaii's (COH) General Plan Update process and has participated in two workshops that the
County conducted on August 24 and 26 of 2016 (see enclosure). DHHL has approximately
118,000 acres on Hawaii Island. There are approximately 2,500 homestead lessees that reside
in Hawaii County and 14,500 waitlist applicants on DHHL's Hawaii Island homestead waitlist.
The General Plan should take into consideration the needs of these unique populations. During
the August 2016 workshops, DHHL informed the County of DHHL's long-range development
plans that are documented in its 2002 Hawaii Island Plan and 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 of DHHL's existing plans on Hawaii Island via this letter. DHHL
currently utilizes a planning system that consists of 3-tiers. Tier 1 includes the DHHL General
Plan which consists of statewide goals and policies. Tier-2 plans include subject-matter specific
program plans as well as Island Plans specific to each island on which DHHL has land holdings.
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 the DHHL
Planning System that have been adopted by the Hawaiian Homes Commission and that pertain
specifically to Hawaii Island. These plans can also be found on the DHHL website at:
h gov/po/
The Honorable Michael Yee
August 30, 2017
Page 2
2002 Dl-IHL Hawaii Island flan and 2009 Island Plan Update for West Hawaii
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 be
directed to locations where DHHL has identified in its Hawaii Island Plan for current and future
land uses that include: residential homestead, agricultural 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
Supplemental Agriculture Homestead 4,132 3.4
Pastoral Homestead 40,514 34.2
Community Use 1,105 0.9
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
Commission Act to be located well away from DHHL lands. For the County Planning
Department's convenience hard copies of the 2002 DHHL Hawai`i Island Plan and 2009 DHHL
Hawai`i Island Plan Update for West Hawai`i have been enclosed with this letter. DU L's GIS
shapefile depicting DHHL's Hawaii Island Plan LUD is also enclosed with this letter on CD.
The Honorable Michael Yee
August 30,2017
Page 3
DHHL, 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.
Hawai`i Island Regional Plans can be found here:
Iittp://dhhl.hawaii.sov/ho/r%ional,plans/hawaii-regional-plans/
The following discussion below is a brief summary of each DHHL Regional Plan on Hawaii
Island in alphabetic order. The summary below identifies issues, opportunities, and priority
projects in which collaboration with the County of Hawaii is crucial to the project's
implementation.
Ka`u 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 Ka`u. Initial conversations with DWS staff and DHHL have not led
to any conclusive solution to addressing DHHL's water needs in Keg. Additionally, as DHHL
moves to implement its South Point Resources Management Plan, DHHL will need to partner
more with County Police to enforce against illegal and unpermitted activities on DHHL lands in
South Point.
Kaumana-Pi`ihonua Regional Plan
In this region, the DHHL Hawaii Island Plan 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 identified 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 Hawaii 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 currently 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'i's 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
Kawaihae area including DHHL's Kailapa homestead area. This County CDP recommendation
should also be reflected in the County General Plan.
Kealakehe - La`i `Opua Regional Plan
In the DHHL Hawai`i Island Plan West Hawaii Update, DHHL anticipates up to
approximately 2,900 additional residential homesteads in the Villages of La'i `Opua. In Kalaoa,
DHHL anticipates 130 acres of future residential development and 385 acres of future
commercial development. La`i `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. DHHL's and La`i 'Opua 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,
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 Plan 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 intensification 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
buffers between industrial uses and Keaukaha residential lots.
Maku`u Regional Plan
One of the issues raised in the Maku`u Regional Plan by DHHI,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 Farmers'
Association Community Center. The implementation of this project will require County
permitting.
Pana`ewa 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
August 30, 2017
Page 5
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 regarding 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 Nui Regional Plan
In 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 for a 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 DHHL 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 waitlist 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 least two special
outreach meetings (one in West Hawaii and one in East Hawaii)for DHHL beneficiaries.
The Honorable Michael Yee
August 30, 2017
Page 6
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 current and future Hawai`i Island Iomestead communities. Should
you or your staff have any questions regarding existing DHHL plans on Hawai`i Island, please
contact Andrew H. Choy at andrew.h.choy@Hawai`i.gov .
Me ke aloha,
Jobie M. K. Masagatani, Chairman
Hawaiian Homes Commission
Enclosures: July 21, 2016 County of Hawaii Letter
DHHL 2002 Hawai`i Island Plan
DHHL 2009 Hawaii Island Plan Update for West IIawai`i
DHHL GIS shapefile of Hawaii Island Plan Land Use Designations (CD)
DHHL 2016 Pana`ewa Regional Plan Update Figure 15
C: Commissioner David Ka'apu (via email)
Commissioner Wallace Ishibashi (via email)
DH}IL West Hawai`i District Office (via email)
DHHL East Hawai`i District Office(via email)
Kailapa Community Association(via email)
Ka`u Hawaiian Home Lands Association (via email)
Kaumana Community Association (via email)
Kawaihae Pua Ka`Ilima Community Association (via email)
Keaukaha Community Association (via email)
Keaukaha-Pana`ewa Farmers' Association(via email)
Maku`u Farmers' Association (via email)
Pana`ewa Hawaiian Home Lands Association(via email)
Pi`ihonua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association (via email)
Villages of La`i `Opua Association (via email)
Waimea Hawaiian Homesteaders' Association (via email)
William P. Kenoi Duane Kanuha
Mayor f1 ••; Weir ', Director
ss' ••Joaquin Gamiao-Kunkel
Deputy Director
West Hawaii Office East Hawaii Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3
Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 County of Hawal 1 Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)323-4770 Phone(808)961-8288
Fax(808)327-3563 PLANNING DEPARTMENT Fax(808)961-8742
July21,2016
AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Aloha,
As you may know, the General Plan is the County's policy for long-range comprehensive physical
development within Hawaii County. Consequently, a Comprehensive Review of the General Plan
was initiated last year and is on track to have recommendations available in 2017.
As part of the comprehensive review process, one of the principal tools being used is "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 SimCity 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 future. In addition to the public input forums outlined below, you are
personally invited to Technical Workshops that will help inform the future land use and
infrastructure policies in the County of Hawai`i 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 Action 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 on conservation, hazard risk, infrastructure and development, household, and
government costs. Two workshops are being offered:
Wednesday,August 24,8:30am-12:30pm,Aupuni Center Conference Room,Hilo or
Friday, August 26, 8:30am-12:30pm, West Hawaii 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 be geared toward eastern Ka`u (Wai`ohinu and
n w.coholannins:deot.com Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer p'ampmga hatvmcocnn ivy
points east), Puna, Hilo, and the Hamakua coast. The workshop in Kona will be geared
toward West Hawaii, including Kohala, Kona, and west Ka`ta (Ocean View & Discovery
Harbour areas).
Participation in one of the Technical Workshops will be more productive if you are first 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 Jackie Araujo at
Jaclvn.i ratjo!h-hawaiicountgov or(808)961-8132.
In addition to the workshops outlined above, there are other opportunities for your participation
in the comprehensive review process:
Public Input Forums: These sessions are open to the public and serve as an excellent
introduction to scenario planning and the scenarios we have been analyzing. 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 attend the one most
convenient for you:
Tuesday,August 23, at 6:00pm,County Council Chambers,Hilo
Thursday, August 25,at 6:00pm,County Council Chambers,Kona
You may also participate remotely from the following locations:
Waimea Community Center on August 23 &25
Pahoa Neighborhood Facility on August 23 &25
Na`alehu Community Center on August 23 &25
Kona Council Chambers on August 23
Hilo,Council Chambers on August 25
Professignal Meetings: The periods between 2:00pm and 4:00pm 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 Plan.
Afterwards, we will continue 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: ‘‘•‘‘\\.cohplanningdeht.com/eeneralplan.
Mahalo,and we look forward to seeing you soon.
13
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