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Home My WebLink About2025-01-31 Megan Isaac Letter to PD Director Jeff Darrow Resched MtgFrom: 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