HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2025-01 Draft Letter to DPW - Orchidland ParkTo Whom it Concerns at the Hawaii County Planning Department:
It has been a long-standing observation that Orchidland Estates has been needing many types of
infrastructure. The original developers made no provision for designated land for a community center or
recreational parks of any kind. Another glaring problem, caused by poor development, was the lack of
water provisions, not even a community cluster of spigots. On top of all that, many of the Orchidland
Subdivision roads are still rough lava paths. Now the residents are paying high property taxes and have
not seen any infrastructure improvements in their subdivision. The county needs to remedy this lack of
infrastructure, and this letter addresses the first priority as decided by the Puna Community
Development Plan Action Committee.
The County Puna Development Plan details that the Village Centers are ideal for the Puna agriculture
subdivisions, especially for the subdivisions on the mauka side of Hwy 130. The idea around the Village
Centers was that basic products and services would be made available so residents would not need to go
on Hwy 130 for all their needs. For example, the opening of a laundromat and a grocery store would be a
great benefit to the residents of Orchidland Estates. A basic infrastructure to make a Village Center
possible is a water line. That is the priority.
A non-profit group named Orchidland Neighbors has been proactive and raised funds and bought a four
acre vacant lot to build a community center and develop a small park on 36th Avenue, just off of
Orchidland Drive. Their plan includes a multi-purpose community complex with a large meeting room,
several classrooms, and a commercial kitchen. On the property, the plans also include a walking/jogging
path, a pickleball court, a practice soccer field, a children’s climbing set and picnic tables. A water line on
Orchidland Drive would make this project possible.
The Committee also wants to make the Planning Department aware that a major project was started on
the north side of Orchidland Drive, between 35th Avenue and 36th Avenue intersections. It appears that
a small shopping center was intended there. This could have been the major start of the Village Center
concept. The large project skeleton and parking area now sits idle, probably due to the lack of water and
major investors. With a water line, this project will again attract developers and make the Village Center
a reality for the residents of Orchidland Estates.
After considering the needs of the residents of Orchidland Estate Subdivision and the Village Center
concept priorities, the members of the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee urges the
Planning Department to support the funding of a water line on Orchidland Drive up to the 40th Avenue
intersection. In conjunction with a water line, the Committee supports that community water spigots be
built. The Committee looks forward to working with the county on this important goal.
Written by Martha Morishige, member of the Puna CDP Action Committee
Communication No. 2025-01