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Home My WebLink About2025-05-13 KCDP Meeting PacketCounty of Hawai‘i KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov C.Kimo Alameda, PhD.Mayor John Pelletier Vacant Heather Korotie Vacant Charles Young, Chair Nancy Pisicchio, Vice-Chair Charla Thompson David Huerta Roselyn Molina NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) in accordance with the provisions of Sections 92-3.7 and 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). This meeting will be held in-person at the location listed in this noticeand by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom. DATE: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 TIME: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, B2 Conference Room 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/GzGkdWPJRKW1PspwYnWKTQ INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A meeting held by ICT shall be automatically recessed for up to 30 minutes to restore communication when audiovisual communication cannot be maintained with all members participating in the meeting or with the in-person location identified in this notice. The meeting may reconvene when either audiovisual communication is restored, or audio-only communication is established after an unsuccessful attempt to restore audiovisual communication. If it is not possible to reconvene the meeting as provided in this subsection within 30 minutes after an interruption to communication, the meeting will be automatically terminated. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: The public may provide oral testimony at the meeting by joining Zoom or attending in-person at the physical location listed above. Although not required, to register in advance for oral testimony please contact staff at cdp@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8288. Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so either at the time the committee takes public statements on the agenda, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Please note that public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. In addition, although not required, to ensure timely delivery of written testimony to committee members, it is requested that written testimony be submitted by 4:30 p.m. at least two business days prior to the meeting via email to cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. When submitting written testimony, please specify for which agenda item written testimony is being submitted. All written testimony will be a part of the public record. AGENDA I.CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II.APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – The Committee will consider approving the draft minutes fromthe April 8, 2025, meeting. www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov III.PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS – Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested personswho want to provide oral testimony may do so now, or at the time the specific agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. IV. BUSINESS 1. Mayor’s Community Meeting Update – Update from Action Committee member John Pelletier,followed by a discussion on potential Committee actions. 2. Tree City, USA Update – Update from Action Committee member Charla Thompson, followed bya discussion on potential Committee actions. 3. Update on SB1602, SD1 – Vice-Chair Pisicchio will provide an update on the bill’s status in thecurrent legislative session. 4. Update on SB869, SD1 – Vice-Chair Pisicchio will provide an update on the bill’s status in the current legislative session. V. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS – The Committee will discuss potential agenda items for the nextmeeting. VI.ANNOUNCEMENTS •The Planning Department is currently seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee and the Cultural Resources Commission and requests assistance in spreading the word to interestedcommunity members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at:https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-commissions-application •Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Draft Plan Open House on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from10:00am – 2:00pm at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center (WHCC) Pavillion and Building G VII.ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: hhttps://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=9059&row=1&cr=1. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. The recorded video of this meeting will be uploaded to the Planning Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cohplanningdepartment The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the above items. A person desiring to submit oral or written testimony shall indicate their name and whether the testimony is on their behalf or as a representative of an organization or individual. Written testimony can be submitted via email or hard copy. Hard copies should include an original and nine copies and be submitted no later than 4:30pm two business days prior to the meeting. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service, other reasonable modification, or language interpretation to access this meeting please contact the Planning Department at (808) 961-8288 or cdp@hawaiicounty.gov as soon as possible, but no later than five business days prior to the meeting date, to arrange for accommodations. If a response is received after the five-business days deadline, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled. “Other reasonable modification” refers to communication methods or devices for people with disabilities who are mentally and/or physically challenged. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy. If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawai‘i County Clerk within five days of becoming a lobbyist. (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai‘i County Code). A lobbyist means, “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawai‘i County Code). Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720. Meeting Packet QR Code: KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE CHARLES YOUNG, Chair KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 April 8, 2025 5 CALL TO ORDER 6 Chair Charles Young called the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee 7 (AC) to order at 12:06 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the West Hawai’i Civic Center, B2 8 Conference Room and online via the Zoom platform. 9 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9KEbZU_z8 11 ROLL CALL 12 Members Present (in person): Charles Young (Chair), Nancy Pisicchio (Vice-Chair), John Pelletier, 13 and Charla Thompson 14 Members Present (via Zoom): David Huerta 15 Members Absent: Roselyn Molina and Heather Korotie 16 County Staff Present (in person): Kawelo Kalili and Maryam Palma 17 County Staff Present (via Zoom): Jessica Lahip 18 There were approximately 13 members of the public in attendance (3 in person and 10 via 19 Zoom). 20 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21 Committee member John Pelletier moved to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2025 meeting 22 as drafted. Vice-Chair Nancy Pisicchio seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 23 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP: 3:48] 24 PUBLIC TESTIMONY 25 Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony on agenda item #5 regarding the proposed General Plan 26 amendment [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP: 5:52] 27 Lamakū Roy provided testimony on the General Plan. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP: 8:53] 28 BUSINESS: 29 1. Kealakehe Regional Park Update – Update from Action Committee members, followed by 30 a discussion on potential Committee actions. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP: 11:15] 31 This item was called to order at 12:16 p.m. 32 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 8, 2025 2 Committee member John Pelletier shared insights from his conversation with Parks and Recreation 33 Planner James Komata, who has been deeply involved with the park project for several years. He 34 reported that the Environmental Assessment (EA) is currently under review but on hold due to the 35 larger wastewater treatment plan (WWTP) upgrade issue. While the Department of Water Supply 36 will provide potable water for drinking fountains and sinks, irrigation must rely on recycled water. 37 The County plans to upgrade the water system to R1 standards, in line with the mayor’s 100-day 38 plan. Vice-Chair Pisicchio clarified that while the governor’s executive order does not require the 39 use of recycled water, the Department of Water Supply lacks resources to meet irrigation needs. A 40 portion of the site, protected by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be fenced off to preserve 41 native species, with the remainder allocated for park use. The committee also discussed the island’s 42 west side well water history and credit allocations. Despite challenges, the County remains 43 committed to advancing the project. 44 Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony regarding concerns about local uses for the park. [SEE 45 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP: 22:36] 46 Lamakū Roy provided testimony opposing the Community Development Plan. [SEE YOUTUBE 47 TIMESTAMP: 26:16] 48 This item concluded at 12:33 p.m. 49 2. Draft County Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget – Discussion and potential 50 action on proposed priority projects within the Kona CDP region. [SEE YOUTUBE 51 TIMESTAMP 27:37] 52 This item was called to order at 12:33 p.m. 53 The committee reviewed a list of CIP recommendations, led by Vice-Chair Pisicchio, who 54 emphasized the need for updated transportation planning to address infrastructure capacity 55 between North and South Kona. She highlighted key priorities including extending Lako Street 56 makai, funding a sewer line along Ali‘i Drive, upgrading the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment 57 Plant to comply with Clean Water Act standards, and acquiring land for public parking in Kailua 58 Village. Committee member Pelletier added the need for a public transit shelter behind Target in 59 Kona, noting issues with inadequate shelter and poor signage. Planner Maryam Palma provided an 60 overview of the County’s budget process, explaining that departments submit proposals for review 61 and revision by the Mayor before they are forwarded to the County Council. The AC also discussed 62 submitting timely testimony to the Council’s Finance Committee and agreed to support funding 63 requests for Kealakehe Regional Park and Planning Department initiatives. 64 Josephine Keliʻipio provided testimony emphasizing the need to prioritize safe pedestrian 65 pathways over car-centric design, sharing personal experiences of unsafe walking conditions along 66 Ali‘i Drive. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 44:40] 67 Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony regarding a new development near Kuakini Highway 68 and public parking in Kona. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 46:11] 69 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 8, 2025 3 Lamakū Roy provided testimony stating that no further development should occur between Kaloko 70 and Hōnaunau, including projects like Lako Street and Ali‘i Parkway, as the area is spiritually 71 protected and guided by ancestral authority and divine revelation. She emphasized that this 72 message has been formally shared with the County and State and is rooted in her role as Kahunanui 73 of Ahu‘ena Heiau at Kamakahonu. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:47] 74 A discussion followed between Lamakū and Chair Young regarding the inclusion of her comments 75 in the official meeting minutes. While staff clarified that a summary would be included, the full 76 recording of the meeting is publicly available for reference. 77 Committee member Pelletier moved to have Vice-Chair Pisicchio prepare written testimony to the 78 County Council in support of the line items discussed. The letter will be reviewed by the AC prior 79 to submission and will be signed by Vice-Chair Pisicchio. The motion passed unanimously. [SEE 80 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:05:28] 81 Lamakū requested that her testimony, which emphasized the historical and spiritual significance 82 of the issue, be included in the committee’s draft letter to the County Council. The Chair clarified 83 that while her comments would be reflected in the meeting minutes, the letter must represent the 84 collective voice of the AC. She was encouraged to submit her testimony independently, as the 85 committee cannot formally endorse individual statements. 86 This item concluded at 1:28 p.m. 87 3. Update on SB1602, SD1 – Chair Young/Vice-Chair Pisicchio will provide an update on the 88 bill’s status in the current legislative session. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:22:34] 89 This item was called to order at 1:28 p.m. 90 The AC discussed a bill proposing the drilling of two monitoring wells in the Keauhou Aquifer, 91 supported by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), to assess downstream impacts of 92 groundwater withdrawals. The bill has advanced through both chambers with little opposition and 93 is expected to proceed to conference committee. While the bill itself (SB1623) appears to have 94 broad support, the actual funding is included in House Bill 300, which is still under consideration. 95 The AC noted the importance of this measure, especially given limited current knowledge about 96 water extraction volumes. The monitoring wells are seen as critical to advancing water 97 management and are supported by a wide range of testimonies. The funding amount has increased 98 from $100,000 over two years to $4 million, reflecting the urgency and scale of the effort. The AC 99 expressed optimism and emphasized the bill’s alignment with long-overdue water monitoring 100 needs. 101 Lamakū Roy provided testimony emphasizing that the proposed development lies within a 102 culturally protected 40-mile zone, presenting new information to the legislature about sacred sites 103 and ancestral burials that must be considered in all planning decisions. [SEE YOUTUBE 104 TIMESTAMP 1:26:54] 105 This item concluded at 1:34 p.m. 106 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 8, 2025 4 4.Update on SB869, SD1 – Vice-Chair Pisicchio will provide an update on the bill’s status in 107 the current legislative session. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:29:17] 108 This item was called to order at 1:34 p.m. 109 Vice-Chair Pisicchio reported that the neighborhood board community outreach bill is progressing 110 well, with both House and Senate versions aligned and advancing toward final approval. She 111 credited the coordinated efforts of staff and other CDP ACs for the bill’s strong momentum. 112 This item concluded at 1:36 p.m. 113 5. Amendment Request to Draft General Plan 2045, County Planning System, page 33 –114 Discussion and decision-making on submitting Communication No. 2025-08 as testimony to 115 County Council. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:30:59] 116 Vice-Chair Pisicchio requested an amendment to the planning system diagram on page 33 of the 117 Draft General Plan to depict CDPs as distinct from functional plans, noting that the current diagram 118 misrepresents their role. Further details are provided in Communication No. 2025-08 included in 119 the meeting packet. 120 Chuck Flaherty provided testimony supporting the amended language, recommending clarification 121 of CDPs’ legal basis by ordinance, and included a referral to Nā Ala Hele Advisory Council’s 122 comments, support for returning the Hokuliʻa project area to agriculture, and a request to address 123 development plans for five lots on the northern slope of Puʻu Ohau, despite its burial site 124 designation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:37:05] 125 Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony in support of Chuck’s addition to the amendment to 126 include something about the legal basis for the general public to see. [SEE YOUTUBE 127 TIMESTAMP 1:40:53] 128 Committee member Pelletier moved for the AC to submit Communication No 2025-08 to the 129 County Council during the General Plan hearing. Committee Member Thompson seconded the 130 motion. All in favor, aye. The motion passed unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 131 1:41:43] 132 Lamakū Roy provided testimony regarding the authority of Akua (Most High God) and sacred 133 ancestral knowledge supersedes human law, emphasizing that Hawaiʻi – originally Kaluaokalani 134 – is the heart of creation, home to the restored temple Ahuʻena Heiau, and that true stewardship of135 sacred sites comes from divine lineage, not state governance. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 136 1:42:48] 137 This item concluded at 1:50 p.m. 138 PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 139 1:06:45] 140 1. Keauhou Aquifer Adaptive Management Plan Presentation141 2.Tree City USA142 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 8, 2025 5 ADJOURNMENT 143 The meeting was adjourned at 2:09 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:03:44] 144 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 145 Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 146 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by 147 calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 148 County of Hawai‘i KONACOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo,96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 C. Kimo Alameda, PhD. Mayor John Pelletier Vacant Heather Korotie Vacant Charles Young, Chair Nancy Pisicchio, Vice-Chair Charla Thompson David Huerta Roselyn Molina April 16, 2025 Hawai’i County Council COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Testimony Bill 032 Draft 1 2025-2026 CIP Dear Chair K neali’i-Kleinfelder Chair and Members of the Committee on Finance, During the April 8, 2024, meeting of the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee, the AC Members voted to forward to you our initial recommendations related to Bill 032 Draft 1. The Action Committee has been very active in its role within the Kona Community Development Plan (KCDP). The AC notes that our County has been for sometime under tremendous scrutiny, predating the election of the present Administration. In Kona, the issues have been largely associated with infrastructure and the environment. In making our recommendations as priorities for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget, the AC agreed on the following priorities. We would like to add emphasis to the legal deadlines imposed by the County’s Consent Decree regarding cesspools and the Kealakehe Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade. The AC greatly appreciates the opportunity to comment and lend its support for the CIP. The Committee strongly recommends that the 2025-2026 budget include funding for the KEALAKEHE WWTP R-1 UPGRADE PROJECT to comply with the April 4, 2025 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (Case No. CV 23-00393 JMS-KJM) between Plaintiff . The settlement includes the following conditions: Defendant will upgrade the Kealakehe WWTP so that its treated wastewater satisfies the water quality standards applicable to R-1 Recycled Water as set forth in “Reuse Guidelines, Volume 1: Recycled Water Facilities,” prepared by the Wastewater Branch, Hawai‘i Department of Health dated January 2016, Communication No. 2025-13 attached hereto as Attachment “A” (“R-1 Project”). Defendant shall complete the R-1 according to the following schedule: a) No later than September 1, 2025, Defendant will issue an invitation for bid for the construction proposal for the R-1 Project. b) No later than March 1, 2026, Defendant will begin construction of the R-1 Project. c) No later than June 30, 2029, Defendant will complete the R-1 Project. The Committee is in strong support of the funding request by the Department of Parks and Recreation for item #202510 . The long overdue has been identified within the Kona CDP Ordinance as: –— - The Committee is in strong support of the funding request by the Department of Planning for item . The Kona CDP states the following goal: These funds will also serve the implementation of -2.1: The goal of this Program is to create a comprehensive “hubs” and “links” system. The Committee notes the request by the Mass Transit Agency for The Committee would like to point out the need for a shelter behind Target, which is a transfer point for several bus routes. The Committee recommends the update past studies to evaluate current conditions and make recommendations that would serve to expand transportation infrastructure capacity between North and South Kona. See below: “Traffic congestion in Kona is bad and grows worse with time. The congestion is fueled by the rapid growth and exacerbated by the road network, land use patterns and dependence on the automobile. Road improvements have not kept pace with development. Poor management of past development has eliminated or compromised future roadway corridor options. Major road improvements take a long time to complete and limited financial resources have to be prioritized and supplemented by innovative funding sources (COH Planning Department, August 14, 2006).” In addition, the Committee recommends that funding be allocated for the construction of the . In the T – , the Lako Street Extension was identified to help rectify existing deficiencies and influence the pattern of future growth and new roads. The Committee recommends that funds be allocated for the installation of - “– In order to protect the nearshore water quality, the requirement to hookup to the County sewer system (HCC Section 21- 5) shall be strictly enforced. The highest priority in expanding the sewer system within the Kona Urban Area shall be to service any shoreline properties that do not have access to a public sewer system and then to service lots within approximately 1 mile of the shoreline.” Sincerely, Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee Subject: Request for Support in Reinstating Tree City USA Designation — Smart Investment in Our Local Environment and Economy Dear Mayor Alameda, The Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee is reaching out to ask for your leadership in reinstating Hawai‘i County’s Tree City USA designation — a national recognition we previously held but likely lost due to changes in staffing and administrative turnover. Our goal is simple: to meet the third core requirement of the Tree City USA program — investing at least $2 per resident per year into community tree planting, maintenance, and care. We believe this is a small, high-impact investment that can yield tangible benefits for Kona and the entire county. Why This Matters to Our Community The Kona CDP, adopted in 2008, reflects our residents’ priorities: protecting what makes Kona special while planning for a strong future. This includes: •Preserving Rural Character and Open Spaces: Tree-lined roads and shaded public areas are part of what makes Kona feel like home — not just for us, but for the generations who come after us. •Enhancing Visual and Scenic Resources: Trees help maintain our island’s natural beauty — something visitors admire and local’s treasure. •Encouraging Community Stewardship: Our residents take pride in hands-on participation to keep our communities safe, beautiful, and economically resilient. According to the U.S. Forest Service, every dollar that goes into planting and caring for a tree provides benefits to the community two to five times the investment. Benefits include: • Sequestering and storing carbon dioxide, thus helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change • Providing oxygen •Filtering air and water • Conserving water and reducing soil erosion •Serving as a habitat for wildlife • Lowering air temperature for nearby buildings, which in turn helps to conserve energy • Providing shade for humans and wildlife • Reducing noise pollution • Providing mental and social benefits • Creating and reinforcing a sense of community Communication No. 2025-14 What the County Gains Reinstating our Tree City USA designation is more than symbolic — it is smart policy that checks key boxes: •Access to Resources: Tree City status improves our chances for grant funding and technical assistance — keeping more federal and nonprofit dollars working here in our county. •Economic Sense: Healthy urban forests increase property values, reduce stormwater costs, and lower cooling needs in public buildings. Trees are the only city infrastructure that appreciates in value over time. •Restoring Civic Traditions: Public events like Arbor Day celebrations help bring our community together, strengthen civic pride, and educate the next generation on the value of local stewardship. •Local Empowerment: This initiative is community-driven. We’re not asking for new programs — we’re asking to recognize and strengthen the work already being done by volunteers and public works staff. Our Request We respectfully ask for your help with the following: 1.A Designated Point of Contact in the Finance Department to help us understand where urban forestry spending currently exists in the budget and determine if we already meet or can easily reach the $2 per capita standard. 2.Coordination with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks and Recreation to identify tree-related maintenance or planting programs already in place that can be counted toward the requirement. With your support, we can bring back a national recognition that reflects well on your administration and on the residents of Kona and Hawai‘i County. The return on this modest investment is substantial — cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and a stronger, more self-reliant community. We appreciate your attention and leadership and welcome the opportunity to follow up at your convenience. Respectfully, Charles Young Chair, Kona CDP Action Committee