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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-03 PL-REZ-2024-000070 Support Letters from Applicant Susan Osborne (30) JILL N.TOKUDA COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 2ND DISTRICT,HAWAII SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSERVATION,RESEARCH, AND BIOTFCANOiOGY WASHINGTON.DC OFFICE: SUBCOMMITTEE ON NUTRITION,FOREIGN 1005 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING AGRICULTURE,AND HORTICULTURE WABHIN 5-4906 20515-1102 (202)225- Comm of the Oniteb *tate�' SUBCOMMITTEE ON LIVESTOCK,DAIRY, z02) p ,ye of p �+ �[py�} [� �j AND POULTRY DISTRICT OFFICE: �YUDi L6 Aep egentatibe7.7 COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES 700 BISHOP STREET,SUITE 1962 Ho1ZLuLo.HAWAII 96813 a�fjiztgtal �/� �OGI G�11/1� SUBCOMMITTEE ON MILITARY PERSONNEL (BOB)746-6220 5b C 5 L51 L 0 (VICE RANKING MEMBER) SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS httpattokuda.house.gov March 3, 2025 SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Mr. Louis Daniele III Chair, Windward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi St, Ste 3 Hilo, HI 96720 RE: Change of Zone (PL-REZ 2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-Sa) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Ldhui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2- 048:013 (por,) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawai`i. Dear Chair Danele: I have long been a strong supporter of our Hawaii Charter Schools since their inception. In 2018, when the Kilauea eruption inundated the Kua O Ka La Charter School campus, I assisted and supported Ms. Susie Osborne through those challenging times. I was happy to learn of their successful relocation to Pana`ewa at the Nani Mau Gardens from their current location. Securing a permanent home is essential for the students, their `ohana, and their staff,providing critical stability as they continue to rebuild. The rezone of this property from Ag 10 to Ag 5 will allow for the five acres to be subdivided and acquired by Ho`oulu Ldhui, the school's supporting non-profit organization. Ho`oulu Ldhui is awaiting congressionally directed funding submitted through Senator Mazie K. Hirono`s office at this time. If these funds are approved and allocated, they will provide the balance needed for the completion of this acquisition. My office has assisted Ms. Osborne with the application process, and I will continue to work towards ensuring they receive this vital federal support. I respectfully urge your full and fair consideration of this pending application under your review. Mahalo for your time and consideration. Sincerely, T 1 Tokuda mber of Congress PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER yri E s: iie ��je �eriate Ra `Tiba Renekoa STATE CAPITOL HONOLULU, HAWAI`I 96813 March 3, 2025 Senator Lorraine Inouye State Capitol 415 South Beretania St., Room 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 February 27. 2025 Re: Support for Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgri cultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a)by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3)2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for this important Rezone Application on Makalika Street in my District 1,Hawai'i Island. The rezone, and subsequent subdivision and acquisition by its affiliated Ho'oulu Lahui will ensure that Kua O Ka La Charter School has a permanent home. They have suffered great trauma from the loss of their campus in Puna to the Kilauea eruption. I have visited the school on several occasions and have been greatly impressed with the facilities, the respectful youth and I appreciate the small Hawaiian focus and values the school provides our community. This is an important community school and facility that is fully supported by the surrounding community. Mahalo for your approval of this Rezone application. Sincerely, Senator Lorriane R. Inouye Senate District 1, Island of Hawai'i i J�t1 C0 C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. ;`` William V. Brilhante,Jr. Mayor Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director i I County of Hawaii - Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • Phone(808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740 Phone(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)3234440 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 February 26, 2025 Aloha, The Mayor's office presents this letter in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres(A-1Oa)to Agricultural-5 Acres(A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3)2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. This is the first important milestone in the process of rezone, and subdivision to ensure a permanent home for Kua O Ka La Charter School and its supporting non-profit, Ho`oulu-Lahui. In 2018 the 600-acre campus was inundated by the Kilauea eruption and the organizations relocated to this site at the Nani Mau Gardens. They have ensured that the facility has been brought up to code and have secured an `E Occupancy and the Use Permits necessary to operate the school in Agriculture Zone. Mahalo for your consideration and support of this important step supporting Kua O Ka La Charter school in their long-term recovery from our natural disaster. Mahalo, 9� C. Kimo Alameda. Ph.D. Mayor County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. Y Ho'oulu Lahui Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo,Hawaii 96720 March 5, 2025 Aloha, On behalf of the Ho'oulu Lahui Board of Directors, we are pleased to provide this letter of support for our Rezone Application for a Change of Zone Application(PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo,Hawaii. Ho'oulu Lahui is an educational 501c3 non-profit organization that was formed in 1995.We have provided cultural education programs for the Puna community since that time. Our successful programs led to the formation of Kua O Ka La Charter School and we then raised the funds to build our offices and school campus in Puna. It was tragic to lose our 600 acre wahi pana to the Kilauea eruption but we successfully relocated the school to the Nam Mau Gardens and raised the funds to bring the facility into code compliance.We have subsequently negotiated a Development and Purchase Agreement with Nam Mau owner Cindy Cui so that the school is ensured a permanent home for generations. This rezone if the first important step to realizing this dream. Upon the successful rezone,we will subdivide out 5 acres and then Ho'oulu Lahui will acquire its current facility that the school occupies. I am not able to be present for this hearing on Monday March 1 Oth but authorize Founder Susie Osborne to represent our organization in all matters pertaining to this hearing. We implore your approval of this rezone application! Mahalo, Johnson Keonelehua Kalawe Johnson Keonelehua Kalawe Board President: Ho'oulu Lahui Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. DAY-LUM REALTY Phone: (808) 935-4152 121 1465 Kilauea Avenue E-mail: NancyQia,daylum.com EQUAL PM11;u OPEOENNIIY Hilo,Hawai'i 96720-2830 Website: www.davlum.com March 3, 2025 Jeffrey Darrow Planning Director East Hawai'i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 43 Hilo,Hawai'i 96720 RE: Ho'oulu Lahui Rezone Application PL-REZ-2024-000070) Jeff, Congratulations on your new position to serve our County. We have overseen projects together for many years, and I appreciate your efforts to work with all types of different people and opinions and to make the `right' decision to do what is best for Hawai'i County. I am writing at this time in support of Ho'oulu Lahui's application to rezone TMK(3) 2-2-048:013 in Pana'ewa Farm Lots from Agricultural— 10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural— 5 Acres (A-5a). During my eight years on the Hawai'i State Land Use Commission, I reviewed well over 100 applications for rezoning of agricultural land. In addition, in my 47 years of Real Estate Property Management of thousands of residentials homes, commercial properties, subdivisions, and my own lease of 196 acres of DLNR land for cattle grazing, I have a unique appreciation of how good and or bad zoning will shape our community now and well into the future. My professional involvement with this project extends back to the 2018 Kilauea eruption when my company, Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. was involved with the leasing of this location to Kau O Ka La Charter School from landowner,Nani Mau Gardens. My community involvement includes the efforts of the five Rotary Clubs of East Hawai'i that helped with major renovations of the structures on the land in order for them to be safe classrooms for the students. I plan to continue supporting the school and its expansion in the coming years as the incoming Governor of the 50 Rotary Clubs and 1,400 Rotary members throughout Hawai'i. With all of my varied experience with zoning decisions in Hawai'i and my years of involvement with residents in our community, I consider the rezoning of this land to be a good decision as it will provide many advantages to our youth,to the surrounding community and Hawai'i Island community at large. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or reservations in your support of this rezoning application. MAHALO, Nancy Cabral Nancy Cabral, President Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. cc: Windward Planning Commission WESTERN UNIVERSITY College of the Environment MAKE WAVES. Arntzen Hall 217-MS 9085 516 High Street,Bellingham,Washington 98225 (360)650-3284-Fax(360)650-7702 Urban&Environmental Planning&Policy 4 March 2025 Jeffrey W.Darrow Director, County of Hawaii Planning Department East Hawaii Office 101 Puahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Re: Change of Zone Application(PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A- 10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a)by the Applicant: Ho'oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2 2- 048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo,Hawaii. Aloha mai kakou, I am writing to express my full support for Ho'oulu Lahui's application for change of zoning (PL-REZ-2024-000070)from Ag-10 to Ag-5 in order to support the continuity of Kua o ka La Public Charter School (KOKL). As a professor of urban planning at Western Washington University and a registered Architect in Hawaii,Oregon,and Washington,I bring both professional expertise and cultural perspective to this endorsement.As a Kanaka Maoli architect and planner, I reached out to Susie Osborne and Kua O Ka La after learning about the loss of their Puna campus to Pele during the 2018 Kilauea eruption and lava flows to offer my kokua and mana'o in support of recovering this vital educational institution for the community. Since 2019,I have supported the concept design and planning for the Nanawale education center for Ho'oulu Lahui (HL) and have assisted HL with strategic planning for the KOKL campus in my capacity as a principle of Metaamo Studio.My involvement with this project has given me intimate knowledge of both its challenges and its tremendous potential for the community. While it is not possible to return to the 600-acre coastal campus where students could learn directly from the 'aina,the facilities at Nani Mau Gardens provide many similar aspects, including greenhouses and ponds,to support a land-based pedagogy that honors Hawaiian culture and values.This location represents a vital opportunity to ensure the school's long- term stability after the devastating loss of its original campus. 1 WESTERN UNIVERSITY College of the Environment MAKE WAVES. Arntzen Hall 217-MS 9085 516 High Street,Bellingham,Washington 98225 (360)650-3284-Fax(360)650-7702 Urban&Environmental Planning&Policy Since my initial connection with Susie Osborne and KOKL in 2019,I have become a board member of Ho'oulu Lahui and am deeply invested in seeing this work continue.The proposed zoning change is essential to establishing a permanent home for the school that will support community needs and provide quality education for students for generations to come. I also wish to note my familiarity with Hawaii County planning processes.I have had the opportunity to collaborate with the long-range planning team for the County of Hawaii on housing research for Micronesian communities (2019) and on Kilauea recovery efforts from 2020 through 2022,working with Bob Agres and Keiko Mercado.This experience has further informed my understanding of the importance of thoughtful land use decisions that support community resilience. The requested zoning change aligns with both the immediate needs of the school and the long- term educational and cultural interests of the community. I strongly urge the approval of this application,which will enable Ho'oulu Lahui to continue its vital educational mission in a stable,permanent location. I remain committed to supporting Ho'oulu Lahui through this process and am available to provide any additional information that might assist in your consideration of this application. Na`u me ka`oia`i`o, James Miller Associate Professor of Urban Planning,Western Washington University Registered Architect: Hawaii, Oregon,and Washington Board Member,Ho'oulu Lahui Principal,Metaamo Studio Iames.miller&wwu.edu 1360-650-2592 2 Kua 0 Ka La School41b.4110, A New Century Public Charter In 2018, the Kilauea eruption consumed the Kua O Ka La Charter School campus in Puna. Our school moved to the Nani Mau Gardens. We are so grateful for this opportunity of stability for our school through the rezone, subdivision and acquisition process of the property before you today that will occur through our supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Uhui. The `ohana of Kua O Ka LA are in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. NAME Email Address. ( ky-.t ea cc,�A VG -� n�Wc?11, Cc-wt i q $' �C h �1 olY1 UI I}_e rwin -G � iftiqlL G �, Ale. a jr 1 0 l i �,A U Cri I 0 ��. r V ct ` r_ t- t Lo Pffk4 rq Cz L/ . 1 Icy ( 6' l 5 !D P_ Q U Z A CS�L}UZG�GI f e C) n-7cc Ida/ O� NAME. Email Address 1 CtG?�? �!- l�f7v C r< Chao C��i Cc� �z, �� r'P �r r`r fi Tsu���ry• y� _�. %( Ct2.✓►� r �t Y`CA S i�+^P S ►�a 1� Gc'? m c� U cf acAl a ) At Lot Gov l lie,� I d° Keaukaha wr ana'ewa Farmers Association P.O. Box 6844 yTV Hilo, HI • 720 February 27, 2025 The Keaukaha Pana`ewa Farmers Association (KPFA)is a Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA)Homestead Association controlled by beneficiaries (as defined by the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act, 109 Stat. 537). KPFA is registered as a Homestead & Beneficiary Association (HBA)with the U.S. Department of the Interior under 43 CFR §§ 47.10 and 48.6. We represent over 1,000 native Hawaiian Homestead Lessees and their `ohana residing on Hawaiian Homes Trust Lands in Pana`ewa, Hawaii Island. Our 285 agricultural lots range from 5 to 40 acres across 1,615 acres of Hawaiian Homes Trust Lands. Our programs also serve our sister residential community of over 1,200 Native Hawaiians on 311 lots on 411 acres of Hawaiian Home Trust Lands. Our mission is to support, motivate and educate Keaukaha Pana`ewa agricultural lessees to establish a viable sustainable farm community; preserve Hawaiian culture; achieve self- sufficiency, pono management, and respect for the `aina (land). This past November 2024, Kua O Ka La Charter School and Ho'oulu Lahui Co-Founder Susie Osborne attended and presented at our annual meeting of Panaewa lessees. Over 50 attendees were present. She shared the journey of the schools recovery from the loss of their campus to the 2018 Kilauea eruption. The move to Makalika Street also encompassed needing to secure funding and significant work to ensuring County and State compliance with the facility. We learned about the Agreement in place with Nani Mau owner to rezone, subdivide and acquire the 5 acres where the school exists now. Our community organization whose many properties are surrounding neighbors, are in full support of Ho'oulu Lahui and Kua O Ka La rezone, subdivision and use permit process. Securing this property will provide culturally based educational opportunities for our Panaewa, Hilo and Puna community youth and 'ohana. The school buses the majority of their students to the campus and we do not feel any adverse impacts from this small school in our neighborhood. Susie Osborne has also become an Advisory member to one of our important initiatives, the Panaewa Hub Site focusing on the development of a polyforestry food forest, and community garden to grow our own food for self-sustainability and economic food security. We hope to engage the school students in these hands- on educational opportunities. We stand in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request forAgri cultural-10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, Maile Luuwai President Keaukaha Pana`ewa Farmers Association Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. DAY-LUM REALTY Phone: (808) 935-4152 121 1465 Kilauea Avenue E-mail: NancyQia,daylum.com EQUAL PM11;u OPEOENNIIY Hilo,Hawai'i 96720-2830 Website: www.davlum.com March 3, 2025 Jeffrey Darrow Planning Director East Hawai'i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 43 Hilo,Hawai'i 96720 RE: Ho'oulu Lahui Rezone Application PL-REZ-2024-000070) Jeff, Congratulations on your new position to serve our County. We have overseen projects together for many years, and I appreciate your efforts to work with all types of different people and opinions and to make the `right' decision to do what is best for Hawai'i County. I am writing at this time in support of Ho'oulu Lahui's application to rezone TMK(3) 2-2-048:013 in Pana'ewa Farm Lots from Agricultural— 10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural— 5 Acres (A-5a). During my eight years on the Hawai'i State Land Use Commission, I reviewed well over 100 applications for rezoning of agricultural land. In addition, in my 47 years of Real Estate Property Management of thousands of residentials homes, commercial properties, subdivisions, and my own lease of 196 acres of DLNR land for cattle grazing, I have a unique appreciation of how good and or bad zoning will shape our community now and well into the future. My professional involvement with this project extends back to the 2018 Kilauea eruption when my company, Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. was involved with the leasing of this location to Kau O Ka La Charter School from landowner,Nani Mau Gardens. My community involvement includes the efforts of the five Rotary Clubs of East Hawai'i that helped with major renovations of the structures on the land in order for them to be safe classrooms for the students. I plan to continue supporting the school and its expansion in the coming years as the incoming Governor of the 50 Rotary Clubs and 1,400 Rotary members throughout Hawai'i. With all of my varied experience with zoning decisions in Hawai'i and my years of involvement with residents in our community, I consider the rezoning of this land to be a good decision as it will provide many advantages to our youth,to the surrounding community and Hawai'i Island community at large. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or reservations in your support of this rezoning application. MAHALO, Nancy Cabral Nancy Cabral, President Day-Lum Rentals &Management, Inc. cc: Windward Planning Commission Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 February 28, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commission Members, My name is Bob Matsuda and I am the immediate neighbor to the property in consideration to be rezoned, the Nani Mau Gardens. I am also .President to the neighborhood Kumi'ai group which is organized to provide community information and support. We also meet for social gatherings. I have had the great opportunity to be invited on the Kua O Ka La campus several times. I first attended their Makahiki event, a celebration of the students culture and learning. It was such a heartfelt gathering of families watching their students perform and I felt so uplifted and happy to witness first hand this wonderful small school. The students were so respectful and the operations were so organized. I was then invited to and attended the community informational open Douse to share about this project rezone, subdivision and acquisition process resulting in a permanent home for the school. I understand ]low important this is and what a wonderful opportunity for our community. All of our surrounding community has received the colorful informational flyers and the letter From the planner with the information about this rezone. We have a phone tree and have called all of our community neighbors. There is absolutely no concern that we have come across for this initiative. Please accept my testimony in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024- 000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, Bob Matsuda President: Panaewa Kumi'ai Panaewa Hawaiian Home Lands Community Association (PHHLCA) 132 Kaieie Place Hilo Hawaii 96720 Tele: (808) 938-3330 Email:panaewahhlca@gmail.com March 1, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Aloha nui, The PHHLCA was formed in 1980. We are recognized as a Hawaiian Beneficiary Association (HBA) by the 2016 43CFR 47&48 which allows us to be a part of a team consisting of the DHHL, Department of the Interior and us, as consultants. Monitoring federal laws protecting historic sites & preservations as well as protection of our iwi kupuna. We are also here to better conditions of native Hawaiian beneficiaries pursuant to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act 1920, amended 1921. 1 have history with Kua O Ka La Charter school and Ho'oulu Lahui when this school was located at Puaala'a, Puna that was eventually devastated by lava flows. After many years of Ho'oulu Lahui's hard work it's great to know that KOKL Charter school is moving forward in securing a permanent home. This small Hawaiian focused Charter school provides an important educational institution for our community beneficiaries. Right down the road location makes our homestead community know that our keiki, opiopio and 'Opio will have their basic educational needs met. The Panaewa Hawaiian Home Lands Association (PHHLCA) is in strong support of Ho'oulu Lahui application of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-00070) request for Agriculture-10 (A-10a) to Agriculture-5 Acres (5-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Panaewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. The rezoned 10 acre to the five-acre parcel will become HOME to the families that register with Kua O Ka La, how CORRECT is that!!! NANA I KA PONO! Mahalo, Ka4x 4-4,,-i. AUv eiAo-, Kauilani Almeida, PHHLCA President FOSTER LAW OFFICES, LLC JEFFREY E.FOSTER,Attorney at Law* 74-5617 Pawai Place#206• Kailua Kona,11196740 Ph:(808)348.7800 *Licensed in Hawaii&Washington State Mailing Address:P.O.Box 127•Captain Cook,111 96704 Fax:(808)443-0277 March 4, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: LETTER OF SUPPORT -REZONE APPLICATION- PL-REZ-2024-000070 Aloha Mr. Darrow and Windward Planning Commissioners: My name is Jeffrey Foster. I am a lawyer and small business owner here on Hawai'i Island. I'd like to start by thanking you for your time and consideration of the Rezone Application that will provide a permanent home for Kua O Ka La. Please accept this letter as my full and unequivocal support of the application by Ho'oulu Lahui to change the zoning from Ag10 to Ag5 (Application: PL-REZ-2024-000070) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2- 2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. My law firm, Foster Law Offices, has been honored to represent dozens of homeowners who were denied insurance claims against Lloyd's of London. For the last six-and-a-half years, I've had the pleasure of representing one of the finest human beings I've ever met, Susan.Osborne. A true community leader, Ms. Osborne founded Kua O Ka La in 2020. In 2018,. the school was destroyed in the Kilauea eruption. Ms. Osborne not only lost the school she dedicated so many years of her life to,but her home and belongings were also destroyed in the eruption. I've seen firsthand the challenges a school can face in locating and acquiring suitable land. From 2020-2022, I volunteered on a working group organized to secure land for a Hawaiian Immersion school. Despite the best efforts of our group, and notwithstanding millions of dollars in legislative funding,the school was unsuccessful in its land acquisition efforts.Years of hard work could not overcome the challenges of finding and securing the land necessary to construct a new campus for this school. So, when I heard that Kua O Ka La was presented with an opportunity to secure a permanent home on the Pana'ewa property, I was ecstatic. By approving the change of zoning,this committee has the opportunity to create a stable and secure future for a school that delivers not only excellent academics but also the cultural experience desired by so many families here on Hawai'i Island. A permanent location for Kua O Ka La offers a tremendous benefit to the Hilo and East Hawai'i community as well. As a parent of three Punana Leo o Kona puka kola(graduates), I recognize the importance and have experienced the myriad of benefits conferred by a Hawaiian-focused education. After witnessing the tragic loss of the Kua O Ka La campus in 2018, I am so proud of Ms. Osborne and the school's leadership, teachers and students for their courage and efforts in resurrecting the school in the beautiful and vibrant Pana'ewa community. I believe the trauma of loss and relocation for everyone associated with the school can be recognized and honored by this committee's approval of the Rezone Application. A permanent home for Kua O Ka La will go a long way in providing the assurance of long-term stability for the families, teachers and staff of this amazing school -an important step in their long-term recovery. With that, I respectfully request that you approve this Rezone Application. Mahalo, Jeffrey E. Foster Esq. Foster Law Offices Hawai'i Island, Hawai'i 2 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 1, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commission Members, My name is Loraine Terada and I am live on Makalika Street just down the road from the school property at Nani Mau Gardens in consideration to be rezoned. I am also the Treasurer for our local Kumi'ai neighborhood group, organized to support our community. I first received an informational flyer about the Rezone, and Subdivision process being undertaken by Ho`oulu Lahui with the intention of then acquiring the 5 acres for a permanent home for the Charter School Kua O Ka La. I also received a letter from Land Use Planning about this initiative. Later, I was invited to an informational open house held at the school to welcome and inform the community about the process being undertaken, We had an extensive presentation by school Founder Susie Osborne and then walked about the school campus and garden area. Honestly, until I received this information, I was not even aware that the school had been there for over 6 years. There is absolutely no impact of traffic, noise or any concerns whatsoever. I welcome the school securing a permanent home and the opportunities this facility will present for our community. I am in full support of your approval to rezone this property from Ag 10 to Ag 5, the subdivision and further acquisition by Flo'oulu Lahui. Mahalo, Loraine Terada Treasurer: Panaewa Kumi' ai Sun Construction, Inc. L PO Box 6401 1 Hilo, HI 96720 ■ Ph. (808) 315-4143 1 Fax. (808) 982-9563 General Contractor- License: ABC 32193 February 28, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commission, In 2018, Kua O Ka La and it's supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui lost their campus to the Kilauea eruption. They relocated to the Nani Mau Gardens in Panaewa, the current site being considered for this rezone application. Ho'oulu Lahui, secured the funds, provided public notice for the procuement of construction services, and awarded the contract to Sun Construction after a competetive bidding process to upgrade the facilities addressing County building codes for fire safety and ADA compliance resulting in an "E Occupancy". The facility was then fully compliant to operate as a school in the area with the existing use permit. Later, I relocated to Makalika street and am a neighbor. I am very happy to have this small Charter School in our neighborhood. There are absolutely no concerns with traffic, noise or any other issues. I feel that this school is extremenly beneficial to the local community. I have received the informational flyer about the rezone, subdivision and acquisition process that Ho'oulu Lahui is undergoing and I was invited to the informational open house that was held. Updates have also been provided to our East Hawaii Rotary clubs who have been very engaged in the schools recovery efforts. I am in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your approval of this application. Jeremiah Leonard President General Engineering and General Building Contractor License#:ABC 32193 2 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 3, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, My name is Connie Ichinose and I am the Past President of the Rotary Club of Hilo. For over 100 years our club has served the Hilo community with the motto of"Service Above Self" We were chartered in 1920 and are the second oldest club in the State of Hawai i. This year marks the 103rd year of service and we are honored to continue this long tradition of service to our community. In 2018, we convened the Rotary Clubs of East Hawaii and undertook a large collaborative project to assist Kua O Ka La Charter School with their relocation and recovery efforts after losing their campus to the 2018 Kilauea eruption. We raised substantial funds and provided manpower for 3 weeks to ready the school site for students. It was so rewarding to see the students in their new home on time for the next school year. We have subsequently been engaged with the school through our peace pole initiative, installing a pole on their campus and starting off the International Day of Peace annually with their students at the peace pole. It is a wonderful collaboration. The school is successfully established now for over 6 years in this community and it is truly an asset for all. I am pleased that the school has an opportunity through their supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui to secure a permanent home through this rezone, subdivision and then acquiring the 5 acres of the current school site. I have been kept informed of this process by Founder Susie Osborne. I wholeheartedly support this application by Ho'oulu Lahui for a Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A- 5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your consideration and support in approving this rezone. eyyl,e /0�)Zwe Connie Ichinose Board Member/Membership Chair/Vocational Chair: Rotary Club of Hilo District 5000 Membership Chair 3 March 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Director, County of Hawaii Planning Department East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Change of Zone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres(A-5a)by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-L5hui on Tax Map Key:(3)2-2- 048:013(por.)at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. To Whom it May Concern, It is without hesitation that I write this letter in full support of Ho`oulu-Lahui`s(and the Charter School is supports, Kua O Ka La)application for Change of Zoning(PL-REZ-2024-000070)from Ag-10 to Ag-5. I am a registered Architect in Oregon and Washington states and have been teaching architecture, urbanism, and community resilience for nearly two decades, in programs including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), Portland State University, and University of Oregon, among others. When I'm not teaching, I'm practicing out in the field with my firm, Metaamo Studio, in support of community projects in places stretching from East Asia, the Pacific Atolls, the Pacific Northwest, and here in Hawaii County. As part of my work, I'm often traveling and working with communities around the globe, and am always in search of meaningful examples of community resilience in action that can provide inspiration and example to our work and students. When I first learned of Kua O Ka La's story and work in September of 2019 when I was visiting Hawaii County, I immediately knew that it was special, and one of the most innovative examples of ground-up community resililence I have come across. Testament to this example of resilience has been the fact that the school and community--despite having been deeply set back after losing their 600 acre campus and facilities by the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption -- is still serving and inspiring students and the community as they adapt to their new home at Nani Mau. Since Ho`oulu-Lahui and Kua O Ka La's mission inspired us as well,we have been working over the last several years to provide design and technical support where we can, and will continue to do so in the future.We have been thrilled to follow the successes and believe that this change of zoning will be a key step in ensuring that the organization can continue to inspire and serve, and grow deeper, permanent roots. Mahalo for your consideration in this matter, and in helping this incredible organization thrive. Sincerely, Matthew BUNZA Founding Principal, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, Registered Architect(OR, WA), M. ARCH (MIT), Urban Design Cert(MIT), B.A. ARCH (PSU) i , A 10J ■ METAAMO STUDIO 1107 SE WASHINGTON ST.SUITE 435,PORTLAND OR 97214 1 WWW.METAAMO.COM Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 2, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, My name is Monika McCune and I have been the Regional Administrator of Health Information Services at East HawaF i Health Systems since December, 2020 and I also sit on the Kua O Ka La Governing Board of Directors. This past year, our hospital convened a Leadership Day at the Nani Mau Garden Restaurant facility. Over 150 leaders attending this inspiring day. I worked with Founder Susie Osborne and Principal Dilcher to coordinate students coming over to present to the group before Lunch. The students provided an ' oli mahalo chant, thanking the leaders for their work in our community and then Susie Osborne presented the good news and process being undertaken to ensure the school has a permanent home at their current location on a portion of the Nani Mau facility. The group clapped with enthusiasm and happiness with this news.This is our community in recovery and many of these folks are neighbors. As a Board member, I have been kept informed every month as to the process of the rezone, subdivision and then acquisition being undertaken by our supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui. We fully understand and support this process as it is imperative the school, families, teachers and students have a secure and permanent home for generations. Before you today is the first milestone and imperative step in this process of acquisition. 1 am providing this letter in full support of the application by Ho'oulu Lahui for a Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-1 Oa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Sincerely, Yl'l.8y An--YYl cC !i!lt Monika McCune Kua 0 Ka La Governing Board member Rotary Rotary Club of South Hilo January 23, 2025 Re: Letter of Support for the Rezone from Ag. 10 to Ag 5, Special Use Permit and Subdivision Application by Ho'oulu Lahui for the Nani Mau Gardens in addressing the future acquisition of 5 acres at Nani Mau Gardens, Panaewa, Hilo. Aloha, In 2018, Kua 0 Ka La New Century Public Charter School lost its 600 acre campus in Lower I'uiia clue to the Kilauea eruption that destroyed hundreds of homes and this one public charter school. The Rotary Clubs of East Hawai'i including the Rotary Club of South Hilo, gathered together and determined to support the school as a major collaborative project. We understood they had relocated to the Nani Mau facility which was very run down and needed a lot of repairs including walls and window replacement from termite damage, and installing air conditioning systems. Rotary Clubs statewide and a sister club in Japan raised over$80,000.00 and local club members gathered for several weeks with manpower and were able to get the repairs completed in order for the students to be in the classrooms on time for the school year. We have continued to track the progress of the school and have provided continued support of their short term recovery and are happy to learn that the opportunity is in place for a permanent campus through the acquisition of acres at their current location through their supporting non-profit 11o'oulu Lahui. As such, we understand the imperative need for both Ho'oulu Lahui and the partnering Kua 0 Ka La Charter School to have a permanent home in addressing their long term recovery and sustainability. This letter is in full support of Ho'oulu Lahui`s application for rezone , special use permit and subdivision application. Thank you for your consideration of support to this final step of provide disaster recovery by securing a permanent home For Ho'oulu Lahui and Kua O Ka La Charter School. Mahal , Claudia Boucher President: Rotary Club of South Hilo dotloop signature verification:dtlp.us/LHWM-PugS-Djof Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 5, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, Re: Testimony in full support of the Rezone Application by Ho'oulu Lahui. My name is Catherine Rehberg and I am the Past President of the Rotary Club of South Hilo. Our club was instrumental in the fundraising, coordination and project implementation to support Kua O Ka La Charter School in their relocation efforts to the Nani Mau Gardens in Pana'ewa after the loss of their school campus in Puna to the Kilauea eruption. It was a powerful service project and very impactful for the school. I then became a parent of a Kua O Ka La student. He loved his school experience there. We are grateful for this opportunity to see the school have a secure home for the future. The successful rezone will then allow for Ho'oulu Lahui to subdivide and acquire the 5 campus acres. I did also receive regular updates on the progress of the schools recovery at our Rotary meetings. The school is in a wonderful location with no impact to the surrounding community over the past 6 years. I fully support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-lOa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a)by the Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, doU31259:8A 03/03/25 9:38 AM HST MZ6V-LRF2-LJTS-PZ07 Catherine Rehberg Patti Pinto PO Box 711382 Mountain View, HI 96771 pintonian .gmail.com RE: HO'OULU-LAHUI CHANGE OF ZONE APPLICATION NO. PL-REZ-2024-000070 March 4, 2025 1 am writing to strongly support the request to rezone the property from Agricultural 10- acre (A-10a) to Agricultural 5-acre (A-5a). As the coordinator for Hawaii County's Kilauea Recovery Grant Program, which has awarded substantial grants to this project, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress made in rebuilding Kua O Ka La. This school, the only one displaced by the 2018 Kilauea eruption, was left without a home. Through unwavering dedication, Susie Osborne has led the successful relocation, renovation, and reopening of the school, establishing a strong foundation for its future sustainability. Kua O Ka La serves its community of students and their families with a unique curriculum that is well supported by this beautiful site. The school will continue to be excellent stewards of the property. It has been an honor to be a part of the rebirth of this school. Approving this zone change aligns with County codes and long-term goals, ensuring the continued success of Kua O Ka La. I urge you to support this request and help solidify the school's future in our community. Patti Pinto (Recovery and Redevelopment Assistant, Disaster Recovery Division) P1110S LaVa ZOnC MUSCLI111 15-2833 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa, Ili, 96778 March 5, 2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director F.ast flawai•i Oil-tee 101 Pauahi Strut, Suite 3 Milo, Ilawai`i 96720 Aloha Commissioners, The Pahoa Lava Zone Museum emerged as a result of the 2018 Kilauea eruption which consumed over 600 homes, thousands of acres of agriculture lands, business and one Charter School, Kua O Ka La, Our Exhibits were largely featured at Jeggar Museum and were donated by the Museum when their facility became inoperable and consist of videos, still photos and unique specimens from the 2018 eruption. We are all too familiar with the trauma our community endured from the eruption and it was no easy feat for the school to successfully relocate to their current location at Nani Mau Gardens. We have watched the school from it's inception and it provides an important alternative public charter Hawaiian focused education for the community and it is fitting that they are now in Pana'ewa surrounded by Hawaiian Homelands. We are in strong support of this first step of rezoning the applicant property which will then allow the property to be subdivided and acquired by the schools supporting non- profit Ho'oulu Lahui. The families, students and staff need and deserve this stability. We arc providing this testimony in strong SUpport of the Change of Zone ApplicationZ- 2024-000070) request f6rAgricultural-10 Acres (A-I0a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant I lWoulu-Lahui on ']-ax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Milo, I laNVal'i. Mahalo for your consideration. John Olson �— President: Pahoa I-ava Ions MuseU14 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawai'i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 5, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, I am a long time resident and community leader in the Puna Region. I am also a parent of a former Kua O Ka La student. Our family has great aloha for this Hawaiian focused school and it was challenging for us to witness the lava inundate the school. We have been deeply engaged with the school since its inception in 2002. My father was an art teacher at the school site in Puna, painting murals on their buildings with students, which he also continued at their new location at Nani Mau Gardens in Pana'ewa. I have also been very engaged in [lie Recovery initiatives with the County and Schools Co- Founder Susie Osborne has also been very engaged in many of the core recovery projects including"Paint the Town"and the "Hale Halawai"Economic Recovery Plans, it is astonishing to see that some of the people who lost the most, have also given the most hack for our communities recovery. Susie Osborne lost her home, her animals and her school that she built from scratch. I have also collaborated on several grants with Ho'oulu Lahui, the schools supporting non-profit and Rezone Applicant. I am so grateful that the school was able to re-establish themselves at this new location and especially happy when we learned that owner Cindy Cui agreed to the Rezone, Subdivision and Acquisition of the 5 acres in order f6r the school to have stability for generations. I fully support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-I Oa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant II0`oulu-L3hui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Ililo, Ilawai`i. Mahalo for your consideration. Amedeo Markaff Hale Halawai Project Director i71 L71 L71 L71 i71 i71 i71 i71 L71 L71 L71 L71 ti ti oilti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti ti 808-769-4646 www.kuakanaka.com WHEN NATIVES THRIVE EVERYONE O P.O.BOX 431 Hilo, HI 96721 kuakanaka@gmail.com February 27, 2025 Aloha, Ku-A-Kanaka LLC is a Social Enterprise located on Hawaii Island that focuses on culture-based education, sustainable native and local food production and food security. In these endeavors we work closely with our educational non-profit affiliate EA Ecoversity, which provides tuition-free, culture-based post-secondary education to young island residents. We started out over 40 years ago, creating innovative, culture-based educational programs that meet the needs of island children. This includes founding Kanu O Ka 'Aina Charter School in Waimea in 2000, and leading the Hawaiian Charter School movement Na Lei Na auao, supporting and encompassing 17 Hawaiian-focused Charter schools on three islands, including Kua O Ka La. We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Kua O Ka La and its non-profit organization Ho'oulu Lahui, including partnering on a multi-million dollar Federal grant to develop our online professional development courses for Charter and DOE teachers. Despite the tragic loss of their campus to the Kilauea eruption, Ho'oulu Lahui and Kua O Ka La have persevered and worked tirelessly to ensure their new campus site at the Nani Mau Gardens in Panaewa is legally compliant for public school education. Charter Schools are not provided any financial support for facilities and it is quite remarkable that Ho'oulu Lahui is now in a position to rezone, subdivide and acquire 5 acres at Nani Mau in order to provide the school, staff and students stability for generations. We are in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant: Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your consideration and full support of this imperative step in both organizations long term recovery. This will be a community educational facility providing Education with Aloha, so needed in these challenging times. Ku Kahakalau, Ph.D. Owner and Chief Executive Officer Ku-A-Kanaka LLC Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, HI. 96720 March 3, 2025 Re: Letter of strong support for Ho'oulu Lahui`s application for the rezone Application (PL- REZ-2024-000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-1 Oa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana'ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Aloha, My name is Mina Viritua Jr. and I was born and raised in Puna. In February 2024, the County of Hawai'i, in collaboration with the Rezone Applicant Puna 501 c3 Organization Ho`oulu Lahui, announced that they were been awarded an Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) fellow for a 30-month fellowship. After a rigorous interview process, I was selected to be the Fellow for this recovery project. This position is a dream come true for me. I am to contribute to the economic recovery and well-being of our recovering community that has shaped me. The ERC Fellowship program is led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). The program aims to build capacity in economically distressed areas across the U.S. while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders. Each Host Organization is matched with a Fellow to work with communities in the implementation of community-based economic development projects. In a statement, Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), expressed the significance of ERC, stating, "ERC is more than a fellowship; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic partnerships deeply needed to produce lasting social and economic impact. By investing in capacity building and leadership development, facilitating knowledge sharing and partnerships, the ERC program will set the stage for the future of economic development and a new age of collaboration in the economic development field." Over this past year, I have worked closely with the communities recovery from the Kilauea eruption that severely impacted Kua O Ka La Charter School and my host; schools supporting non-profit Ho'oulu Lahui. They have not only survived but are thriving in their location for the past 6 years at Nani Mau Gardens. We are all sincerely focused and committed to our communities long term recovery and stability and this rezone approval is critical to ensuring that Ho'oulu Lahui can subdivide and acquire their 5 acre campus. I implore your approval of this Rezone application being considered. Me ka mahalo, Mina Viritua Jr. ERC Fellow 3/4/2025 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director Last Hawaii Office 1 OI Pauahi Street, Suite 3 1-I110, IIawai`i 96720 March 1, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, f am providing this letter in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-RE-Z-2024-000070 request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant HWoulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3)2-2-048.013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots S Hilo, Hawaii. oath This will be an important step towards providing a permanent campus for Kua O Ka La Charter Sc in I'ana'ewa adjacent to Nani Mau Gardens. pool As you recall, the campus on the coast of Puna was inundated by lava from the 201 S 'Ai La'au/Lo Fast Rill Zone originating in Leilani. wer Despite this devastating effect of losin r continued and continues to serve student n Puna, Hilo a the campus, this nd Sou hKon focused Charter school MY Younger son was a student there and is now enrolled at Hawai' i Community Colte e`s fabrication course. i was a Hawaiian Cultural Educator at Kua O Ka La focusin g metal canoe sailing. g on Hawaiian I am also a member of the Soka Gakkai-USA Hilo Buddhist Center located just don the street at 695 Makalika Street. Founder Susie Osborne has made consistent efforts the neighbors about the plan including the Soka Gakkai members. o inform I have been driving past this school and the prior charter school for a long time and never observed any problems that would warrant denial of this applicationn. This is not ve something new and different and will ensure stability for this important educational ucational community Please let us lay the foundation for perpetuating the good works of this school in for generations. to the future Me ka ha'aha'a Captain� iko Kitazawa Mainstreet Pahoa Association 501(c)6 Main Street Pahoa P.O. Box 1189 Pahoa,Hawaii 96778 March 5, 2025 .Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East llawai`i office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners The Mainstreet Pahoa Association(MPA) is a community organization that advocates for Pahoa, Hawaii's historic town. The MPA connects citizens, businesses, non-profits, and government representatives. Our primary goals include: Advocating for Pahoa's historic town,hosting the annual Pahoa Holiday Parade and working with the 3aggar Museum to lend exhibits to the MPA. Main Street Pahoa was formed to help the community after the 2018 eruption of Kilauea that devastated the local economy. The eruption also exacerbated issues with mental health, homelessness, and crime. The COV1D-19 pandemic further complicated these problems. We needed to respond to the many challenges facing the massive loss to our community businesses, infrastructure and families. Kua O Ka La Charter School was inundated by the lava and they fortunately were able to relocate to Pana'ewa at the Nani Mau Gardens which previously hosted a Charter School. This was very traumatic to the many families, staff and students that were part of this important school. We arc so pleased that they will be able to find stability through the rezone,subdivision and acquisition process. We are in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070) request forAgricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farni Lots South Hilo, Hawaii, Sincerely, Kevin Kushel President: Main Street Pahoa Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 5, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, My name is Esther Cazimero and I am a consultant with the Nani Mau Gardens. I have been acquainted with and working alongside Kua O Ka La Charter School Founder Susie Osborne for the past several years and have really enjoyed the Hawaiian focused Charter School as our neighbor here at Nani Mau. I was happy to learn that Nani Mau owner Cindy Cui established an agreement with the schools supporting non- profit Ho'oulu Lahui for the property acquisition in support of the schools stability for generations. This requires the property to be rezoned to Ag 5, subdivided and then the acquisition will occur. Cindy is also an educator and a visionary who clearly sees the opportunities for the many collaborations that can emerge with the school in the future. I have also been assisting Susie Osborne with the community informational outreach about the this process which she has been diligent about. I introduced her to our Kumi'ai President Bob Matsuda, and I assisted Susie with the coordination and implementation of the open house for the community at the School. This event was well received and supported by the community and I have heard of no concerns emerge whatsoever. We are pleased to have this important community school continue to be here. It has been here for over 6 years now and there is no negative impact to the community. I fully support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo for your support in approving this Rezone Application. Esther Cazimero Consultant (808) 222-9684 Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 February 28, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commission Members, My name is Bob Matsuda and I am the immediate neighbor to the property in consideration to be rezoned, the Nani Mau Gardens. I am also .President to the neighborhood Kumi'ai group which is organized to provide community information and support. We also meet for social gatherings. I have had the great opportunity to be invited on the Kua O Ka La campus several times. I first attended their Makahiki event, a celebration of the students culture and learning. It was such a heartfelt gathering of families watching their students perform and I felt so uplifted and happy to witness first hand this wonderful small school. The students were so respectful and the operations were so organized. I was then invited to and attended the community informational open Douse to share about this project rezone, subdivision and acquisition process resulting in a permanent home for the school. I understand ]low important this is and what a wonderful opportunity for our community. All of our surrounding community has received the colorful informational flyers and the letter From the planner with the information about this rezone. We have a phone tree and have called all of our community neighbors. There is absolutely no concern that we have come across for this initiative. Please accept my testimony in full support of the Change of Zone Application (PL-REZ-2024- 000070) request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-10a) to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) by the Applicant Ho`oulu-Lahui on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. Mahalo, Bob Matsuda President: Panaewa Kumi'ai Jeffrey W. Darrow Planning Director East Hawaii Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 March 4, 2025 Aloha Windward Planning Commissioners, I am pleased to provide this letter of support for Ho`oulu Lahui's application for the rezone Application (PL-REZ-2024-000070)request for Agricultural-10 Acres (A-IOa)to Agricultural-5 Acres (A-5a) on Tax Map Key: (3) 2-2-048:013 (por.) at Pana`ewa Farm Lots South Hilo, Hawaii. My name is Ku`uhiapo Jeong, and I serve as the Council Legislative Assistant to Councilwoman Ashley L. Kierkiewicz of Council District 4. It continues to be a privilege to work alongside Ashley, whose open-door policy and hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach have made a tangible difference in our communities. Our office spearheaded Activate Puna, a community revitalization and pono placemaking initiative, and we have been instrumental in securing and directing critical funds for the ongoing 2018 Kilauea Eruption recovery efforts. Through this work, we have brought government and community together, fostering solutions that truly serve our communities. One of the most profound partnerships I have been engaged with is Kua O Ka La Charter School and their supporting nonprofit, Ho`oulu Lahui. Their relocation to Nani Mau Gardens six years ago was a major milestone, and ensuring their facility's compliance with County codes has been no small feat. This school and its community have endured unimaginable hardships—yet they continue to thrive. Raised in `Aha Punana Leo, Ke Kula O Nawahiokalani`6pu`u, Kamehameha Schools, Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua, and Halau Ka Lehua Pua Kama`ehu, I know firsthand the power of securing spaces that uplift our Hawaiian community—especially our keiki. Kua O Ka La needs a kahua a solid foundation—to ensure its long-term recovery and sustainability. I strongly urge the Commissioners to approve this rezone application by Ho`oulu Lahui, enabling Kua O Ka La to subdivide and acquire the five existing campus acres. This is more than a land use decision—it is an investment in education, culture, and the future of our lahui. Mahalo, u' p0 Jeong