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Home My WebLink About2024-12-05 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, December 5, 2024 TIME: 5:00 P.M. IN PERSON LOCATION: Keaʻau Armory 16-512 Volcano Road Keaau, HI 96749 ONLINE/ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdu6pqjIvHWZQrIzEufJIkt_Ktc1nNeg 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 October 3, 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. Presentation by Orchidland Neighbors – Presentation and discussion regarding potential action for the proposed Orchidland Park. 2. Presentation by Patti Pinto – Presentation and discussion regarding highway connectivity in upper Puna. 3. Discussion of AC Implementation Priorities – Continued discussion and potential action regarding AC Implementation Priorities noted in the Google Form, such as: • Puna CDP 4.3.3 Roadway Network • Puna CDP 2.2.3 Native Forests and Geological Features • Puna CDP 3.3.3 Social Services and Housing 4. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair – Discussion and potential action to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair for the Puna CDP Action Committee for 2025. V. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS: Action Committee members will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. The Environmental Notice – • Comments are due by December 9, 2024 regarding Hilo Benioff Medical Center Keaʻau Outpatient Center – Draft EA (AFNSI): https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2024-11-08- TEN.pdf • Comments are due by December 23, 2024 regarding Hawaiian Paradise Park New District Park – Draft EA (AFNSI): https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2024-11-23- TEN.pdf 2. The Planning Department is currently seeking applicants for the Puna CDP Action Committee and is requesting assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-commissions-application 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. The recorded video of this meeting will be uploaded to the Planning Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cohplanningdepartment. 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 Page 1 PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE COUNTY OF HAWAI’I DRAFT MINUTES October 3, 2024 CALL TO ORDER Chair Kanoe Wilson called the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. A quorum was established with seven members in attendance. This meeting was held in person at the Pahoa Community Center and via the Zoom online platform. The YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icRtRzihOtM ROLL CALL AC Members Present (in person): Martha Morishige and Franny Brewer AC Members Present (via Zoom): Chair Kanoe Wilson, Vice-Chair Leilani DeMello, Susan Osborne, Jennifer Scheffel (left meeting at 6:00 p.m.), and Gregory Henkel County Staff: April Surprenant, Natasha Soriano, Maryam Palma, Shannon Arquitola, Janice Hata, Jessica Lahip, and Kawelo Kalili There were approximately twenty-five members of the public in attendance (twenty in person and five via Zoom). APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:33] Committee Member Osborne motioned to approve the August 8, 2024, minutes as amended. Motion seconded by Committee Member Henkel. Motion carried unanimously with 7 votes aye, 0 votes nay. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 8:43] This item was called to order at 5:12 p.m. Virginia Aste provided testimony on Agenda Item V Proposed New Business regarding Orchidland Neighbors. [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 9:37] Rebecca Melendez provided testimony on Business Item #1 Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 17:10] Michael Tivana provided testimony to Business Item #1 Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP 26:03] Stephanie Bath provided testimony via Zoom to Business Item #1 Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation, Business Item #2 Drafting a Letter of Support for Conservation Efforts, and Business Item #3 Discussion of AC Implementation Priorities. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 29:40] Page 2 Megan Isaac provided testimony to Business Item #1 Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 34:15] Michelle Melendez provided testimony to Business Item #1 Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 39:22] This item concluded at 5:49 p.m. BUSINESS 1. Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation – Presentation and Q&A by Planning Department staff regarding the Final Draft General Plan 2045. Please watch previous workshop recordings and review meeting packet materials as this item is intended to provide Puna specific information related to the CDP. This item was called to order at 5:49 p.m. Planning Manager April Surprenant and Planner Natasha Soriano provided a brief presentation regarding the General Plan and opened the floor to questions and answers from the AC and the public. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 45:00] The meeting raised several important inquiries, including who is responsible for making zoning changes and why the General Plan refers to stakeholders rather than homeowners. Questions about who oversees affordable housing in the County and why Waikoloa is designated as a major city despite Puna’s larger population were also raised during this portion of the meeting. Further inquiries focused on the meaning of rezoning in relation to land use designations, the rationale behind selecting the 2045 date for the General Plan, and whether it can be amended to address future needs. Additionally, there was a question about why Hilo does not have a Community Development Plan (CDP). This item concluded at 6:45 p.m. 2. Drafting a Letter of Support for Conservation efforts – Discussion and potential decision making to draft a letter to support conservation around land acquisition, building permits, surpassed carrying capacity of people and the imminent threat from the lack of infrastructure in Puna. This item was called to order at 6:45 p.m. Committee member Brewer motioned to defer this agenda item to the next meeting. Committee member Osborne seconded the motion. Committee member Henkel requested to discuss thoughts regarding sustainability in lower Puna at the next meeting. The motion passed unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:46] This item concluded at 6:51 p.m. 3. Discussion of AC Implementation Priorities – Continued discussion and potential decision making of AC Implementation Priorities. This item was called to order at 6:51 p.m. Page 3 Committee member Brewer asked if the committee should consider updating the Puna CDP. Planning will look at updating CDPs after the General Plan is adopted. There are no specific timelines or prioritizations for which CDPs will be looked at first. Planner Maryam Palma stated that a complete comprehensive review of the CDP will require funding and staff capacity. If the AC would rather make amendments to the plan, they can start with looking at policies and land use maps. If the AC decides to implement this as a priority, it could be something to discuss in future meetings. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:48] Committee member Osborne proposed adding an implementation item aimed at incorporating criteria to prevent the approval of high-risk invasive plants in landscape plans. This item will be discussed at the next meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:55] Planner Maryam presented the top priority responses from the Action Committee to reestablish connections between AC members and the CDP implementation action items. This list is intended to facilitate ongoing discussions at the next meeting. Stephanie Bath provided testimony. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:01] Committee member Osborne and Chair Wilson concurred with Stephanie’s testimony and will invite former AC member Patti Pinto to give a presentation on connectivity in Puna. This item concluded at 7:03 p.m. PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:07] 1. Patti Pinto present on extensive research transportation projects in Puna 2. Orchidland Neighbors regarding Orchidland Park 3. Drafting a Letter of Support for Conservation Efforts 4. Discussion of AC Implementation Priorities 5. Reach out to DOT regarding widening the Ainaloa roundabout ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair DeMello adjourned the meeting at 7:19 P.M. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:15] These minutes 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. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. County of Hawai‘i PLANNING DEPARTMENT www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov Jeffrey W. Darrow Acting Director Michelle S. Ahn Acting Deputy Director C.Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. Managing Director East Hawai‘i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 West Hawai‘i Office 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Phone (808) 323-4770 Fax (808) 327-3563 December 5, 2024 MEMORANDUM TO: Office of the Corporation Counsel Office of the Mayor Planning Department Staff County Council FROM: Jeffrey Darrow, Acting Planning Director SUBJECT: Puna CDP Action Committee Tentative Meeting Schedule for 2025 The 2025 meeting dates for the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee are listed below. Please be informed that the dates and venue of the meetings are subject to change. February 27th (Thursday) April 24th (Thursday) June 26th (Thursday) August 28th (Thursday) October 23rd (Thursday) December 11th (Thursday) Communication No. 2024-11 1st Priority Responses Action Item #CDP Theme Section Action Lead | Supporting Agencies Timeline 2.1.3 (b)Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Historic, Cultural, and Scenic Resources Propose amendments to the county building code for traditional Hawaiian building design and construction methods Lead: DPW Supporting: COU/PD 2008-2012 2.2.3 (a)Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Native Forests and Geological Features Enact a BRBZ Design District for the Volcano area Lead: COU Supporting: PD/DPW 2008-2012 3.1.3 Managing Growth Land Use Pattern Click here (page 82): https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/301707/637205017973800000#page=82 3.3.3 (i) (3)Managing Growth Social Services and Housing Urge the State to increase local control over public schools by measures such as: 3) Removing the cap on the formation of new charter schools. Lead: LEG Supporting: UH 2008-2012 2013-2017 3.5.3 Managing Growth Parks and Recreation Not specified Lead: DLNR/DPR/COU/DOE/DPW/NGOs Supporting: DPR/COU/NGOs/LEG/DLNR/OHCD 4.3.3 Transportation Roadway Network Not specified Lead: PD/DPW Supporting: DOT/DPW/NGOs 2008-2012 2013-2017 2018-2030 4.3.3 (a)Transportation Roadway Network 1) Plan and design PMAR alignment 2) Require building setbacks in HP for potential PMAR extension 3) Establish emergency routes using mostly existing road beds 4) Include pedestrian and bicycling requirements in all projects 5) Create connectivity alignments between various subdivisions Lead: PD/DPW Supporting: DOT/DPW/NGOs 2008-2012 Communication No. 2024-12 2nd Priority Responses Aciton Item # Theme Section Action Lead | Supporting Agencies Timeline 2.2.3 (b)Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Native Forests and Geological Features Propose amendments to the County code to protect native species, geological and historic features outside of the BRBZ Lead: COU Supporting: PD/DPW 2008-2012 2.1.1 (d)Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Historic, Cultural, and Scenic Resources Awareness and appreciation of the host culture is expanded. N/A N/A 2.1.3 Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Historic, Cultural, and Scenic Resources Click here (81): https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ho me/showpublisheddocument/301707/6372 05017973800000#page=81 Lead: PD/ DPW Supporting: COU/ PD 2008-2012 2013-2017 3.3.3 (b)Managing Growth Social Services and Housing Establish "one-stop" social services assistanve centers at various locations Lead: NGOs Supporting: DHS/OHCD 2008-2012 2013-2017 3.6.3 (g)Managing Growth Energy Sustainability Negotiate a direct use of geothermal agreement for agricultural uses as part of any expansion of the capacity of the Puna Geothermal Venture plant Lead: HELCO/PUC Supporting: R&D 2008-2012 4.3.3 Transportation Roadway Network Not specified Lead: PD/DPW Supporting: DOT/DPW/NGOs 2008-2012 2013-2017 2018-2030 3rd Priority Responses Aciton Item #Theme Section Action Lead | Supporting Agencies Timeline 2.1.1 (e)Managing Growth Social Services and Housing The native forests of Puna are revered as part of the native culture and are provided with permanent protection from degradation and loss. N/A N/A 2.2.3 (e)Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Native Forests and Geological Features Reduce the minimum lot size to qualify for the native forest preservation tax reduction and allow it in any zoning district Lead: COU Supporting: FIN 2008-2012 3.3.3 Managing Growth Social Services and Housing Not Specified Lead: NGOs/COU/LEG/OHCD Supporting: LEG/DOH/DHS/OHCD 2008-2012 2013-2017 2018-2030 4.1.3 (c)Transportation Traffice Demand Management Facilitate telecommuting by developing free Wi-Fi reception in Puna Lead: COU/LEG Supporting: FED 2013-2017 2018-2030 4.2.3 Transportation Mass Transit Not specified Lead: MTA/COU Supporting: FED/DOT/DOE/LEG/FIN/EM PL/NGOs 2008-2012 2013-2017 2018-2030 4.3.3 Transportation Roadway Network Click here (page 86): https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/301707/637205017973800 000#page=86 Ad-Hoc Committee on Connectivity Goals Puna Community Development Plan, taken from Section 4.3.3 Establish emergency routes, using mostly existing road beds; Create Connectivity Alignments between the following subdivisions: Orchidland, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, Kopua Farm Lots, Eden Roc and Fern Forest…These inter-subdivision roads should be staggered, low-impact, and multi-modal. The Committee was charged with the task of investigating and identifying possible points of connectivity between the Upper Puna subdivisions in order to establish an alternative route from the Volcano area, through the subdivisions, connecting to Highway 130. Additionally to identify possible connector roads from the subdivisions to Highway 11. Connectivity Locations –Not a Corridor We are not proposing a road, we are recommending points of connectivity between the subdivisions. The creation of these Connectivity Locations (CLs) will require legal agreements with the County and the Community Associations of the subdivisions. In some cases, the purchase of necessary lots or easements, and the actual creation of short connecting roads. 2013 Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair 2014 Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair Community Input •The 2013 & 2014 Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Fairs included mapping exercises where hundreds of Puna residents gave their input regarding connectivity needs in their neighborhoods. •Prioritization according to criteria set out in the PCDP and the Hawaii County Department of Public Works. •Field trip to investigate the roads and points of connectivity: participants included personnel from Department of Public Works, State DOT, Council Representatives and staff, Ad-Hoc Committee members. Criteria for Points of Connectivity County of Hawaii, Ben Ishii 1.Prefer to connect to a County Road at least on one end 2.Prefer that the road be open to traffic 2417 and not just for emergencies 3.Construct roads the meet AASHTO (American Association of State 4.Highway and Transportation Officials) guidelines. 5.Prefer to do a project where there is no community opposition 6.Prefer to do a road that will improve traffic circulation 7.Prefer to do a road where there are no major drainage issues. Criteria for Points of Connectivity Puna Community Development Plan Connectivity Priorities 1.Health, Safety, and Emergency Issues: Emphasize emergency routes and other issues related to health and safety, including evacuation for all residents, with appropriate provisions made for those with disabilities (in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act). 2.Education, Technical, and Social Issues: Emphasize connectivity related to local educational and applied technological issues, as well as to social interactions that enhance personal safety, consider the appropriateness of creating linear parks connecting subdivisions and inter-subdivision gathering places (in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act). 3.Transportation, Non-Vehicular: Consider pedestrian, cycling, equestrian, and other non- vehicular transport. 4.Transportation, Mass Transit: Address essential mass transit services 5.Land Use, Environment: Protect cultural, natural, and other environmental values, including preserving open spaces for a variety of purposes identified in the PCDP. 6.Land Use, Low or No Impact Design: Use no impact or minimum impact design and construction. 7.Safe Routes to Schools: Include safe routes to schools in all considerations related to connectivity 8.Community Alliances: Provide examples of how communities are creating alliances related to connectivity Sample of Criteria Scoring Sheet – Upper Puna Upper Puna CL Map Connecting Fern Forest to Eden Roc Kaleponi to Punahele Connecting Kopua Farm Lots to Fern Acres – Kahikopele to Puhala Connecting Fern Acres to Hawaiian Acres – Orchid to 1 Road (Uhini Ana) Connecting Hawaiian Acres to Orchidland on Pohaku Nanawale Emergency Evacuation Route Proposed Nanawale Bus Route Extension Puna District Map From:Melissa Fletcher To:Planning CDP Subject:Written Testimony for CDP meet Dec 5th. Date:Monday, December 2, 2024 1:18:33 PM Re: Business Item #2, Presentation by Patti Pinto Aloha, my name is Melissa Fletcher. I am currently the president of the Fern Forest Community Association, entering my 4th, final consecutive year in this position. I apologize Icould not make this meeting and speak in person. I salute all of you working the CDP, for your efforts to get these critical phases in motion. I am fully in support of Highway connectivity/Alternative routes throughout Puna. As a residentin Upper Puna for nearly 20 years, there have been countless times where this critical need has become apparent and we have been lucky that catastrophe hasn't struck any harder. Ourdependency on this one route, Highway 11, comes clearly into play when large storms hit, or volcanic eruptions cause fissures crossing our only through route, or a major collision, fallenEucalyptus, or power lines shut down the road. These occurrences happen regularly; It is not a simple matter of inconvenience to residents, it is a matter of safety. Being limited to onethrough route without any connecting alternative routes in remote areas creates an inability for help to arrive and prevents proper egress for residents during emergencies, much like we sawin Maui during the Maui Fire. One-through-route designs have been proven time and again, world wide, to be catastrophically poor planning in community design, let alone in areas likeVolcano (with an Active Volcano) or Lower Puna, where lava flows occur periodically without much warning. My reason for commenting is to deal more specifically with some of the proposed routesthrough private subdivisions and the issues that come with those proposed routes. Fern Forest, Eden Roc, and most other subdivisions in Puna are private subdivisions, which means they are not County owned, maintained, nor covered by county or state funds in anyway. Each property owner there has to pay a mandatory fee each year, on top of their state and income taxes, to maintain their private, commonly owned roads. The requirement that FernForest residents pay mandatory road fees for commonly owned property is based in Federal case law as well as State law (Civil No. 87-519 Third Circuit Court of Hawaii). The need forthat ruling came from the way the County allowed developers to subdivide the land in Puna back in the 70's and earlier. It worked well for State and County then - and has for many years,since none of our tax dollars ever need to be spent on the roads throughout some of our largest subdivisions, saving millions of dollars of their funding. The problem becomes clear pretty quickly: If the County or State wants to now use theseignored private subdivision's roads/property as their solution to necessary alternative routes/Highway connectivity, then a) How do they get them all to agree without major legal battles? Will they try force? Eminent Domain?b) How do they propose to ensure that the residents of these private subdivisions aren't footing the bill in any way, not only for implementation of a high traffic road, but also for the longerterm effects such as road and easement maintenance, proper signage and markings, regular clean up of illegal dumping on easements, enforcement of speed limits on these routes throughthese communities, etc? Written Testimony Rec. 2024-12-05 Communication No. 2024-14