HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-30 (LPC Response to M. Melendez) through 2025-02-04 M. Melendez (7) Additional TestimoniesFrom: LPCtestimonv
To: Michelle Melendez;WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv
Subject: RE:Add Meeting Time for Working People!-2
Date:Thursday,January 30,2025 8:37:03 AM
Attachments: imaoe001.ono
Aloha Michelle Melendez,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the scheduling of the General
Plan review meetings. We understand the importance of ensuring accessibility
for all members of the community.
The meeting schedule was developed based on the availability of the
Planning Commissioners and the venue. To date, there have been seven
opportunities for public input, including two evening meetings specifically
designed to accommodate those who are unavailable during working hours.
Of those seven, four meetings were held in Kona for the Leeward Planning
Commission, and three were held in Hilo for the Windward Planning
Commission.
At this time, we are not planning to add additional meetings beyond those
already scheduled. We appreciate your understanding and continued
participation in the process.
Thank you,
Kelsie Chang
Leeward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Direct: (808) 961-8157 1 Main: (808) 961-8288
Email:
0i
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privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution by
unintended recipients is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the
original message.
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
From: Michelle Melendez<michelle@blossominnerwellness.com>
Sent: Thursday,January 30, 2025 7:51 AM
To: WPCtestimony<wpctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>; LPCtestimony
I pctesti mony@ hawa i icou nty.gov>
Subject: RE: Add Meeting Time for Working People!
Aloha Planning Commissioners,
You took out a meeting last month and had the only meeting for the General Plan during
working hours. You have repeated that for this month.
I am asking you to be Pono to the working people and add a 2nd meeting time after 5pm
so working people can come.
A huge complaint is that people do not know about these meetings and if they did and
they work, they couldn't come. That is not pono at all to the average person here on Big
Island.
Do what is right and add a 2nd meeting time out of working hours.
Mahalo,
Michelle Melendez-Freedom Activist
Fitness and Wellness Expert Since 1996
Author Of The Best Selling and 4x Award Winning Book,
End Dieting Hell: How to find peace in your body and release the weight
Order your copy of End Dieting Hell Click Here
Great Maui Land Grab"NOW Available here
From: WPCtestimonv
To: Ken Honma
Cc: Stand Toaether Hawaii; Kimball, Heather; Kaaiwada.Jennifer;Onishi. Dennis; Kierkiewicz,Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt;Villegas, Rebecca;Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace,James; Planning Internet
Mail;WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv
Subject: RE: Official Request for and extended presentation
Date:Thursday,January 30,2025 3:58:00 PM
Aloha Ken Honma,
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your concerns regarding the
Hawaii County General Plan 2045. We appreciate your engagement and
your commitment to ensuring the public and the Planning Commissioners
have access to comprehensive information on this important matter.
In order to maintain fairness and provide equal opportunities for all public
testifiers, we must adhere to the standard time limits established for
testimony. While we understand that some topics may require more time
to discuss in depth, our process is designed to allow for equitable
participation from all members of the community.
The Planning Commission may, at its discretion, request additional
information from staff or other entities as needed to support its decision-
making process. However, public testimony is subject to the same time
constraints to ensure that all voices are heard within the allotted time.
We encourage Michelle Melendez, as well as any other interested
individuals, to submit written testimony if additional details need to be
shared beyond the time available for verbal testimony. Written testimony
is given full consideration by the Commissioners and provides an
opportunity to elaborate on key points in greater detail.
Thank you again for your advocacy and engagement. Please let us know if
you have any questions or if we can assist you further.
Mahalo,
WPCtestimony
From: Ken Honma <kenh.7553@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,January 28, 2025 9:16 AM
To: Council Testimony<counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>; Kimball, Heather
Heather.Kimball@hawaiicounty.gov>; Kagiwada,Jennifer<Jennifer.Kagiwada@hawaiicounty.gov>;
Onishi, Dennis<Dennis.Onishi@hawaiicounty.gov>; Kierkiewicz,Ashley
Ashley.Kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov>; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt<Matt.Kanealii-
Kleinfelder@hawaiicounty.gov>; Villegas, Rebecca <Rebecca.Villegas@hawaiicounty.gov>; Galimba,
Michelle M. <Michelle.Galimba@hawaiicounty.gov>; Inaba, Holeka
Holeka.lnaba@hawaiicounty.gov>; Hustace,James<James.Hustace@hawaiicounty.gov>; Planning
Internet Mail <planning@hawaiicounty.gov>; WPCtestimony<wpctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>;
LPCtestimony<Ipctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: Stand Together Hawaii <michelle@blossominnerwellness.com>
Subject: Official Request for and extended presentation
1/28/2025
Planning Commissioners,
I would like to request that Michelle Melendez be invited by the Planning Commissioners to have an
extended time-period in order to fully provide the Commissioners and the public with pertinent
information about the Hawaii County General Plan 2045. After personally providing testimony at a
recent public hearing, it is clear to me that three minutes are far too short of time to fully expand on
the ramifications of the General Plan. It is also clear that the Commissioners have the ability to ask
for extended presentations, as was done when the "staff" of the planning department was asked to
make a presentation to the commissioners,the presentation was well over the three minutes
allotted to the public and included questions and answers and a slide presentation. I ask that you
honor the community members'who have and are very concerned about the full implications of the
General Plan, Michelle Melendez has shown honesty, determination, and care in investigation into
what the General Plan does and could do. She has the necessary skills to present an accurate,
concise, and clear assessment of the Hawaii County General Plan 2045. Give her the opportunity by
extending her an invitation to make a presentation before the Commissioners and the public.The
present and future people living in the County of Hawaii will respect your efforts in this matter.
Sincerely,
Ken Honma
Kurtistown, Hi, 96760
From: Michelle Melendez
To: WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv
Subject: RE:Add Meeting Time for Working People!
Date:Thursday,January 30,2025 7:51:03 AM
Aloha Planning Commissioners,
You took out a meeting last month and had the only meeting for the General Plan during
working hours. You have repeated that for this month.
I am asking you to be Pono to the working people and add a 2nd meeting time after 5pm so
working people can come.
A huge complaint is that people do not know about these meetings and if they did and they
work, they couldn't come. That is not pono at all to the average person here on Big Island.
Do what is right and add a 2nd meeting time out of working hours.
Mahalo,
Michelle Melendez-Freedom Activist
Fitness and Wellness Expert Since 1996
Author Of The Best Selling and 4x Award Winning Book,
End Dieting Hell:How to find peace in your body and release the weight
Order your copy of End Dieting Hell Click Here
Great Maui Land Grab"NOW Available here
From: Megan Isaac
To: Planning Internet Mail
Cc: Mayor;april.supranant(c hawaiicountv.aov;danielle.louisCabhawaiicountv.aov;
melissa.dacavanCcbhawaiicountv.gov;CorpCounsel
Subject: ATTENTION JEFF DARROW-REGARDS URGENT RESCHEDULING REQUEST
Date:Friday,January 31,2025 4:04:50 PM
Attachments: County Planning Urgent Reauest.pdf
Aloha ,
This is for the prompt attention of Planning Director Jeff Darrow.
WE ARE REQUESTING THAT COUNTY OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUNSHINE LAW(IRS CHAPTER 92) TO HOST
TWO OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS AT SUITABLE HOURS FOR FULL PUBLIC ACCESS FOR THE FINAL TWO CONSULTATIONS
BEING OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE GENERAL PLAN.
WE ARE INVOKING THE SUNSHINE LAW REQUIREMENT OF THIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO HOST MEETINGS
WHERE MATTERS THAT REFLECT SERIOUS PUBLIC CONCERNS DURING NON-WORKING HOURS SO THAT THERE IS
GREATER ACCESS TO PARTICIPATION.
THIS WOULD REQUIRE THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSIONERS TO
RESCHEDULE TWO MEETINGS PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK FEBRUARY 6 AND FEBRUARY 7.
WE ARE REQUESTING THAT PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND OFFICE OF THE MAYOR ASSIST WITH RESOURCES FOR
PROMOTING PUBLIC MEETINGS ON RADIO AND IN PRINT AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Since this concerns a scheduling matter, this is an urgent request and we would request this is
forwarded for Mr Darrow's immediate attention.
We are requesting that we have the engagement with the Mayor's office on this matter of a
request to assist with public access to testimony.
We are further copying the following parties :
April Supranant who has managed the consultation of The General Plan 2045 , Louis Danielle
III Commission Chair for Windward Planning
Melissa Salvador, coordinator for Windward Planning Commission
We are also requesting the engagement and assistance of Corporation Counsel since this
involves invoking requirements of Sunshine Law for public engagements.
We are requesting the attention of Mayor Kimo Alameda as support may be needed to
resource our request. This is an issue that has brought overwhelming opposition from the
public.
We're including a link to a video that has nearly 900 views in two days and will continue to
gain views. The channel has more than sixteen thousand subscribers and is created by one of
the undersigned of this request.
In this video you will hear a woman give testimony that she was required to take a day
off work so that she could participate in the 9AM consultation of Leeward Planning
Commission on 1/16/25. This is evidence in support of the fact that if this request is
ignored there is a violation of Sunshine Law.
Another testifier references how difficult it has been to access information about this
General Plan and also the publicity about meetings.
We are a loosely affiliated group of concerned residents who all have attempted to
communicate our concerns about this General Plan. We've also been frustrated at the lack of
promotion and the lack of meaningful action to make changes to the General Plan 2045 (this is
in spite of the numbers of people essentially expressing the same concerns).
Roger Christie will be calling The Planning Department and requesting an urgent meeting
with Mr. Darrow either by phone or in person. A letter will follow by certified mail .
We thank all parties for respectful assistance on the matter of this request and we hope to be
able to move forward in a positive direction.
Mahalo.
Megan Isaac (on behalf of the undersigned parties )
hUs://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmzwiylGAoM
PO Box 145
Papaikou Hawaii 96781
January 31,2025
Jeff Darrow,Planning Director
Hawaii County Planning Department
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3
Hilo,HI 96720
Subject:Urgent Request to Reschedule Final General Plan 2045 Hearings for Public Accessibility
Dear Mr.Darrow,
Aloha,and thank you for your service to our island as our new Planning Director.We the undersigned are requiring your
urgent attention.We are writing as residents deeply concerned about the General Plan 2045 process,particularly regarding
public access and engagement.This Planning document remains highly contentious,with concerns being raised at every
public meeting with overwhelming opposition.Since the General Plan has not yet been transmitted to the legislative body,
taking public testimony and incorporating public feedback is a critical responsibility that your department bears.
While some meetings have been scheduled after work hours,the majority have not.The final two hearings before the plan is
forwarded to the County Council are currently scheduled for Thursday,February 6,and Friday,February 7,at 9:00 AM.
These times are prohibitive for many residents who work during the day,limiting the ability for meaningful public
participation.
Given the repeated concerns raised about insufficient public notice and inadequate outreach efforts by the Planning
Department throughout this process,ensuring maximum public access to these final meetings is imperative.Many testifiers
have stated that public awareness of this plan remains low due to poor advertising.
The Hawaii Sunshine Law(HRS Chapter 92)requires that"every meeting of all boards shall be open to the public"and
that government bodies ensure transparency and accessibility.While the law does not dictate exact times for meetings,its
intent is clear:meetings must be accessible to the general public.Scheduling critical hearings during standard working hours
limits participation and undermines the principle of open government.
At the January 22,2025,County Council meeting,council member Jen Kagiwada addressed Mayor Alameda and the Parks
and Recreation Director regarding the lack of proper public notice for a different policy matter,stating:
Something that didn't go so well at the end ofthe last administration was`noticing'the community far in advance and letting them have a
place to give input.I think that was one of the biggest things I heard in the community—that they really felt like it was not`noticed'well,and
people didn't have the opportunity on a Friday after Thanksgiving,in the middle ofthe day,to come and have their say."
This statement reflects that this Legislator is aware ofthe widespread frustration with local government failing to schedule
significant policy discussions at times convenient for public participation.
We urge that you immediately coordinate with Windward Planning Commission coordinator Melissa Salvador and the
Commission Chair Danielle Louis III to reschedule these final two meetings for a time that allows for maximum public
participation—specifically at 5:00 PM for two dedicated hearings in February.
Furthermore,in recognition of a frequent complaint cited that insufficient notice has been provided to the community,we
request that resources be allocated for public outreach efforts,including radio announcements,newspaper notices,and
social media updates,to ensure that residents across the island are fully informed about these hearings.
We anticipate a prompt response from you as to both of these requests.Roger Christie is our contact for this request.He may
be reached at 808 464 3966.The mayor is being asked to assist also as this is a matter of public access and trust which we can
see is in jeopardy.
Please Kokua.Mahalo for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Megan Isaac,Hilo
Roger Christie Hakalau
Share Christie,Hakalau
Pastor Kevin Hill,Hakalau
Pastor Kimberly Hill,Hakalau
Dr Angela Longo,Waimea
Fran Copp,Keaukaha
Deanna Wentworth,Opi'ikau
Ben Macklin,Nam Kailua
Dr Sharon Olson,Waimea
Michelle Melendez,Hakalau
David DeCleene,Hilo
Heidi White,Kailua Kona
CC:
Mayor Kim Alameda
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,HI 96720
Email:mavor&hawaiicoun ov
Hawaii County Planning Department
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3
Hilo,HI 96720
Email:plannine(ahawaiicountv.eov
April Supranant,Long Range Planning Director
Email:agril.sul2ranant&hawaiicouniy.gov
Danielle Louis III,Windward Planning Commission Chair
Email:danielle.louis(ahawaiicountv,;eov
Melissa Salvador,Coordinator for Windward Planning Commission
Email:Melissa.Daca,anan_hawaiicoun ov
Corporation Counsel
Email:Elizabeth A.Strance
PO Box 145
Papaikou Hawaii 96781
January 31, 2025
Jeff Darrow,Planning Director
Hawaii County Planning Department
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo,HI 96720
Subject: Urgent Request to Reschedule Final General Plan 2045 Hearings for Public Accessibility
Dear Mr. Darrow,
Aloha, and thank you for your service to our island as our new Planning Director.We the undersigned
are requiring your urgent attention.We are writing as residents deeply concerned about the General Plan
2045 process,particularly regarding public access and engagement.This Planning document remains
highly contentious,with concerns being raised at every public meeting with overwhelming opposition.
Since the General Plan has not yet been transmitted to the legislative body,taking public testimony and
incorporating public feedback is a critical responsibility that your department bears.
While some meetings have been scheduled after work hours,the majority have not.The final two hear-
ings before the plan is forwarded to the County Council are currently scheduled for Thursday,Feb-
ruary 6,and Friday,February 7,at 9:00 AM.These times are prohibitive for many residents who
work during the day,limiting the ability for meaningful public participation.
Given the repeated concerns raised about insufficient public notice and inadequate outreach efforts by
the Planning Department throughout this process,ensuring maximum public access to these final meet-
ings is imperative. Many testifiers have stated that public awareness of this plan remains low due to poor
advertising.
The Hawaii Sunshine Law (HRS Chapter 92) requires that "every meeting of all boards shall be open
to the public" and that government bodies ensure transparency and accessibility.While the law does not
dictate exact times for meetings,its intent is clear: meetings must be accessible to the general public.
Scheduling critical hearings during standard working hours limits participation and undermines the prin-
ciple of open government.
At the January 22, 2025,County Council meeting,council member Jen Kagiwada addressed Mayor
Alameda and the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the lack of proper public notice for a different
policy matter, stating:
Something that didn't go so well at the end of the last administration was`noticing' the community far in advance
and letting them have a place to give input.I think that was one of the biggest things 1 heard in the community—that
they really felt like it was not`noticed' well,and people didn't have the opportunity on a Friday after Thanksgiving,
in the middle of the day,to come and have their say."
This statement reflects that this Legislator is aware of the widespread frustration with local government
failing to schedule significant policy discussions at times convenient for public participation.
We urge that you immediately coordinate with Windward Planning Commission coordinator Melis-
sa Salvador and the Commission Chair Danielle Louis III to reschedule these final two meetings for
a time that allows for maximum public participation—specifically at 5:00 PM for two dedicated
hearings in February.
Furthermore,in recognition of a frequent complaint cited that insufficient notice has been provided
to the community,we request that resources be allocated for public outreach efforts,including ra-
dio announcements,newspaper notices,and social media updates,to ensure that residents across
the island are fully informed about these hearings.
We anticipate a prompt response from you as to both of these requests. Roger Christie is our contact for
this request.He may be reached at 808 464 3966.The mayor is being asked to assist also as this is a
matter of public access and trust which we can see is in jeopardy.
Please Kokua.Mahalo for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Dr Angela Longo,Waimea Megan Isaac, Hilo Fran Cop,Keaukaha Deama Wentworth,Opi'ikau
Roger Christie,Hakalau Ben Macklin,Nani Kailua Kevin Hi ,Hakalau Kimberly Hil ,H.k.l.0
Share Christie,Hakalau Dr Sharon Olson,Waimea Josh Anthony,Yapaikou Claudia Schinuner,Waiakea Uka
0 i;:, glqi4&14S"7 '
9"IJ - Ae et
Adriana E.Duerr,Pa'uka'a Michelle Melendez,Hakalau David DeCleene,Hilo Heidi White,Kailua Kona
CC:
Mayor Kimo Alameda
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,HI 96720
Email:mayorahawaiicounty.gov
Hawaii County Planning Department
Aupuni Center
101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3
Hilo,HI 96720
Email:planning@hawaiicounty.govl
April Supranant,Long Range Planning Director
Email:april.supranant(Lhawaiicounty.gov
Danielle Louis IIl,Windward Planning Commission Chair
Email:danielleiouis(i hawaiicounty.gov
Melissa Salvador,Coordinator for Windward Planning Commission
Email:Melissa.Dacayanan@hawaiicounty.gov
Elizabeth Strance,Office of Corporation Counsel
Email:corpcounsel CChawaiicounty.gov
From: Ken Honma
To: WPCtestimony;Council Testimony
Cc: Stand Toaether Hawaii; Kimball. Heather; Kaaiwada,Jennifer;Onishi,Dennis; Kierkiewicz.Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder,Matt;Villegas, Rebecca;Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba.Holeka; Hustace,James; Planning Internet
Mail; LPCtestimonv
Subject: Re:Official Request for and extended presentation-2
Date:Saturday,February 1,2025 11:40:46 PM
Dear WPCtestimony,
Thank you for clarifying the limitations of public testimony. How can Michelle
Melendez be given the necessary time to present very important and pertinent
information about this general plan? The venue needs to be viewable such as on
Zoom, and recorded and available for the public to see and hear. What is the
purpose of taking public testimony if not to provide the commissioners and the
public with other pertinent information that is not already included in the proposal?
The general plan is easily downloadable for the public to read, there should also be
on this website all of the supporting and opposing views available for the public to
see, hear and read what their fellow Hawaiians' are thinking about this proposed
plan. Please let me know how to make these requests happen. Openness in
government is so important today, we are participating at the most basic and local
political level and we have the power to bring trust back into government decision
making, let's do it show us how!
Sincerely,
Ken Honma. Kurtistown 96760
On Thu, Jan 30, 2025 at 3:58 PM WPCtestimony <wnctestimony&hawaiicoun ov>wrote:
Aloha Ken Honma,
Thankyou for reaching out and for sharingyour concerns regardingthe
H awa i`i County General Plan 2045. We appreciate your engagement and
your commitment to ensuring the public and the Planning Commissioners
have access to comprehensive information on this important matter.
In order to maintain fairness and provide equal opportunities for all
public testifiers, we must adhere to the standard time limits established
for testimony. While we understand that some topics may require more
time to discuss in depth, our process is designed to allow for equitable
participation from all members of the community.
The Planning Commission may, at its discretion, request additional
information from staff or other entities as needed to support its decision-
making process. However, public testimony is subject to the same time
constraints to ensure that all voices are heard within the allotted time.
We encourage Michelle Melendez, as well as any other interested
individuals, to submit written testimony if additional details need to be
shared beyond the time available for verbal testimony. Written testimony
is given full consideration by the Commissioners and provides an
opportunity to elaborate on key points in greater detail.
Thank you again for your advocacy and engagement. Please let us know
if you have any questions or if we can assist you further.
Mahalo,
WPCtestimony
From: Ken Honma <kenh.75531cDgmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday,January 28, 2025 9:16 AM
To: Council Testimony<counciltestimonyna hawaiicountX.gov>; Kimball, Heather
Heather.Kimballna hawaiicountX.gov>; Kagiwada,Jennifer
Jennifer.Kagiwadana hawaiicountk.gov>; Onishi, Dennis <Dennis.OnishiCo hawaiicountX.gov>;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley<Ashley.Kierkiewiczna hawaiicount).gov>; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt
Matt.Ka nea I ii-KI einfeld erP hawaiicountX.gov>; Villegas, Rebecca
Rebecca.Villegasna hawaiicountk.Fov>; Galimba, Michelle M.
Michelle.Galimbana hawaiicountX. ov>; Inaba, Holeka <Holeka.lnabana hawaiicount).gov>;
Hustace,James<James.HustacelcDhawaiicount.gov>; Planning Internet Mail
planningna hawaiicountk.gov>; WPCtestimony<wpctestimonyna hawaiicount).gov>; LPCtestimony
Ipctestimonyna hawaiicountX.gov>
Cc: Stand Together Hawaii <michel le P blossom inn erwelIness.com>
Subject: Official Request for and extended presentation
1/28/2025
Planning Commissioners,
I would like to request that Michelle Melendez be invited by the Planning Commissioners to have
an extended time-period in order to fully provide the Commissioners and the public with pertinent
information about the Hawaii County General Plan 2045. After personally providing testimony at a
recent public hearing, it is clear to me that three minutes are far too short of time to fully expand
on the ramifications of the General Plan. It is also clear that the Commissioners have the ability to
ask for extended presentations, as was done when the "staff" of the planning department was
asked to make a presentation to the commissioners, the presentation was well over the three
minutes allotted to the public and included questions and answers and a slide presentation. I ask
that you honor the community members' who have and are very concerned about the full
implications of the General Plan, Michelle Melendez has shown honesty, determination, and care
in investigation into what the General Plan does and could do. She has the necessary skills to
present an accurate, concise, and clear assessment of the Hawaii County General Plan 2045. Give
her the opportunity by extending her an invitation to make a presentation before the
Commissioners and the public. The present and future people living in the County of Hawaii will
respect your efforts in this matter.
Sincerely,
Ken Honma
Kurtistown, Hi, 96760
From: Michelle Melendez
To: WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv;Council Testimony; Kimball. Heather; Kaaiwada.Jennifer;Onishi. Dennis;
Kierkiewicz.Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder. Matt;Villeaas. Rebecca;Galimba. Michelle M.; Inaba. Holeka; Hustace.
James;cohmavor(abhawaiicountv.aov
Subject: Biz Professional Opposes GP 2045(he wishes to remain anonymous)
Date:Tuesday, February 4, 2025 12:52:22 PM
Attachments: Oppositioin Possiton to GP 2045.pdf
Aloha Planning Commissioners, County Council and Mayor,
I received the attached pdf from a prominent business owner here on Big Island who wishes to
remain anonymous.
He told me to do what I'd like with his comments so I'm sending them to all of you.
We the people require the Planning Commissioners to NOT recommend the Hawaii GP 2045
go through.
Mahalo,
Michelle Melendez-Freedom Activist
Fitness and Wellness Expert Since 1996
Author Of The Best Selling and 4x Award Winning Book,
End Dieting Hell:How to find peace in your body and release the weight
Order your copy of End Dieting Hell Click Here
Great Maui Laud Grab"NOW Available here
Here's an opposition position to the General Plan 2045, challenging its feasibility,priorities, and potential consequences.
Opposition Position to the General Plan 2045
While the General Plan 2045 sets ambitious goals for sustainability, economic growth, and infrastructure development,
there are critical flaws in its approach that could hinder its success. The plan lacks feasibility, overestimates resource
availability, and places undue burdens on taxpayers and rural communities.
1. Unrealistic Transportation Goals
The plan prioritizes multi-modal transit and emerging technologies while neglecting practical infrastructure needs:
Mass Transit Limitations: Expanding public transportation is idealistic,but given the low
population density,mass transit will remain underutilized and costly.
Neglect of Rural Needs: Vision Zero and Complete Streets focus on urban centers,but rural roads
remain deteriorating without sufficient funding.
Autonomous Vehicles & Smart Roads: Investing in future technology is premature when basic
road maintenance remains underfunded.
2. Housing Policies Worsen Affordability
The plan's zoning changes and affordable housing policies may exacerbate the housing crisis rather than
solve it:
Urban Growth Boundaries Increase Prices: Restricting land use in rural areas artificially inflates
property values,making housing even less affordable.
Overcrowding Solutions Overlook Economic Realities: Policies ignore that overcrowding results
from low wages and high living costs,not just housing shortages.
Regulatory Burdens on Developers: Strict zoning and sustainability mandates deter private
investment, reducing housing supply and increasing costs.
3. Infrastructure and Utility Investments Are Unfunded and Impractical
The plan assumes major infrastructure expansions without realistic funding mechanisms:
Green Infrastructure &Energy Transition: Renewable energy projects are costly, and residents
will bear the financial burden of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Broadband Expansion: While beneficial,the cost of rural broadband investment is unsustainable
without private sector buy-in.
Water Conservation Mandates: Restrictions and green infrastructure initiatives may increase costs
for consumers without clear efficiency benefits.
4. Economic Development Overlooks Local Challenges
The plan assumes economic diversification will reduce reliance on tourism but fails to address key
barriers:
Workforce Shortages in Tech&Healthcare: While the plan emphasizes education and business
services,Hawaii struggles to retain talent due to the high cost of living.
Tourism Mismanagement: Reducing tourism's footprint is economically dangerous, as it remains
Hawai`i's largest industry. Balancing conservation and tourism is unrealistic without clear
incentives.
Agricultural Growth Is Not Feasible at Scale: Farming expansion requires land,water, and
workforce, all of which are limited. Dependence on imports will persist.
5. Climate Resilience Efforts Are Costly and Overreaching
Climate change policies in the plan impose expensive regulations without clear economic benefits:
Sea Level Rise Restrictions Hurt Property Owners: Over-regulating coastal development
diminishes property rights and land values.
Renewable Energy Transition Increases Costs: Shifting rapidly to renewables raises electricity
prices and risks reliability issues.
Disaster Preparedness Funding Is Unclear: Climate adaptation measures require significant public
spending without clearly defined funding sources.
Conclusion: A More Balanced Approach Needed
The General Plan 2045 prioritizes idealistic goals over practical solutions. A more balanced approach
should:
1. Focus on essential infrastructure first, ensuring roads,utilities, and housing affordability before
investing in speculative technology.
2. Encourage private-sector solutions rather than increasing government intervention in housing and
economic development.
3. Make climate policies cost-effective, ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened by aggressive
renewable energy mandates.
While the plan's vision is commendable,its execution threatens affordability, economic stability, and individual property
rights. A more pragmatic approach is necessary to ensure growth without overregulation and excessive public spending.
From: Michelle Melendez
To: WPCtestimonv; LPCtestimonv
Cc: Council Testimony; Kimball. Heather; Kaaiwada.Jennifer;Onishi. Dennis; Kierkiewicz.Ashley; Kanealii-
Kleinfelder, Matt;Villeaas, Rebecca;Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba. Holeka; Hustace.James;
cohmavor(abhawaiicountv.aov
Subject: MAJOR Mistake In Hawaii GP(Must not recommend it go through)
Date:Tuesday, February 4, 2025 1:52:14 PM
Aloha Planning Commissioners,
I've been attending the GP meetings for over 6 months. NOT one person has shown-
up saying they helped create this plan for Hawaii and are in full support of it.
The contrary is true.
99.9% of the people are opposing it! They are either angry, crying or stoic, but they
are requiring you to not recommend this plan go through.
The 3 people in 6-months that have supported this plan have had one personal
issue the plan would assist with. Not one person has come to support the plan in its
entirety.
Your position is to represent the people and they people have been telling you for
over 6-months to NOT recommend this plan!
Will you honor your seat or has fascism already taken over this government?
Here is yet another reason why this plan should not be recommended:
At the January 16, Planning Commission meeting, a testifier said there was a
mistake" in the designation of a particular parcel of land. The new map showed it
was set to be "Conservation" when it was designated "Urban" Land use. This is
HUGE since Conservation will only allow a park, no living, farming, or building!
The Planning Director acknowledged the mistake and said it would be fixed but how
many "mistakes" are in the map we don't know about?
This alone should require you to NOT recommend the Hawaii GP NOT go through!
Kind Regards,
Michelle Melendez-Freedom Activist
Fitness and Wellness Expert Since 1996
Author Of The Best Selling and 4x Award Winning Book,
End Dieting Hell:How to find peace in your body and release the weight
Order your copy of End Dieting Hell Click Here
Great Maui Land Grab"NOW Available here