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Home My WebLink About2025-07-22 Ka'ū CDP Meeting Packet County of Hawai‘i KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor Jesse Ke Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi Vacant Babette Morrow Jason Masters, Chair Pernell Hanoa, Vice-Chair Catherine Williams Kaweni Ibarra Vacant NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kaʻū Action Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). This meeting will be held in-person at the location listed in this notice and by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom. DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 TIME: 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. IN PERSON LOCATION: Nāʻālehu Community Center 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd Nāʻālehu, HI 96772 ONLINE/ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/3FIoETjXToqgFvSu7IdfNg NOTICE REGARDING 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 or in person at the Hilo or Kona Planning Department. 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. NOTICE REGARDING 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. AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Committee will consider approving the draft minutes from May 27, 2025. III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who 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. Edmund C. Olsen Trust No. 2 Highway Project Concept – Presentation by Olsen Trust Representative on a draft concept of a fuel station, coffee shop and small convenience store along Highway 11, Pahala (TMK: 9-6-012:012). *Note: This is a project concept. No plans or land use applications have been submitted. V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA – Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. (Pursuant to SB 869) VI. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – The Action Committee may receive and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda. The Action Committee may only make decisions on matters originally raised by third-party reports from any government official at a later meeting, where the agenda for the meeting gives notice of decision-making on the matter. (Pursuant to SB 405) VII. NEW BUSINESS: Action Committee members will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting, including revisiting topics from meetings that did not have a quorum. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Nāʻālehu Post Office Safe Pedestrian Crossing Update: The Department of Transportation is in the process of securing funds to install a Speed Feedback Sign to assist in slowing motorists and addressing pedestrian safety and speeding concerns. • Waiohinu Transfer Station: Chair Masters and Member Mokuhaliʻi met with Department of Environmental Management Staff to discuss increasing the days per week the transfer station is open. A site visit with AC members and DEM staff is pending. • Mahana Bay Update: Letter has been resent via email and certified mail to updated contacts. • Real Property Tax Division and Department of Research & Development Agricultural Workshops July 19, 2025 (Waimea Civic Center, 10am-12pm) and August 2, 2025 (online, 10am-12pm) – To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOYaL- DRlNjUv8Iibf-ilQhCITYhRXx0PZxPfV0qx31BxIWw/viewform?pli=1&authuser=0 • The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kaʻū CDP Action Committee and is requesting assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application is available on the Mayor’s Office website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards- and-commissions. For inquiries, contact Micah Alameda, Executive Assistant to the Mayor at Micah.Alameda@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8211. IX. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/fol/88959/Row1.aspx. 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 4:30 p.m. 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 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. KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE JASON MASTERS, Chair Meeeting Packet QR Code: KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 May 27, 2025 5 CALL TO ORDER 6 Chair Masters called the Kaʻū Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) 7 meeting to order at 5:14 p.m. A quorum was established with six members in attendance. This meeting 8 was held in person at the Nāʻālehu Community Center 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=kndpuOXGy9w 11 ROLL CALL 12 Members Present (in person): Jason Masters (Chair), Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi, Pernell Hanoa (Vice-13 Chair), Kaweni Ibarra, Catherine Williams, and Babette Morrow 14 Members Absent: Jesse Ke 15 From the County (in person): Maryam Palma, Jessica Lahip, Janice Hata and Shannon Arquitola 16 There were approximately twenty-one (21) members of the public in attendance – (13) in person and 17 (8) via Zoom. 18 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 3:10] 19 Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi motioned to approve minutes from the January 28, 2025. The motion 20 was seconded by Committee Member Williams. The motion passed unanimously. 21 PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:40] 22 None at this time. 23 BUSINESS: 24 1. Nāʻālehu Post Office Safe Pedestrian Crossing – Discussion and potential action regarding 25 pedestrian safety at the crosswalk in front of the Nāʻālehu Post Office. 26 This item was called to order at 5:19 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 5:47] 27 The AC discussed pedestrian safety concerns fronting the Naʻalehu Post Office. Planner Shannon 28 Arquitola reported that the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) conducted a study and 29 confirmed it as a pedestrian safety concern. The department is exploring installation of a 30 temporary speed hump and evaluating long-term solutions; however, implementation of 31 temporary measures has been delayed due to material issues. Community members proposed 32 using the vacant former theater property, owned by the Weinberg Foundation, as a temporary 33 parking area to reduce unsafe pedestrian crossings. 34 Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi made a motion for the AC to write a letter to the Weinberg 35 Foundation requesting to use the former theater property as a temporary parking area to improve 36 KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of May 27, 2025 2 pedestrian safety. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ibarra and passed 37 unanimously. 38 Paul Makuakane provided testimony in support of safe pedestrian crossing at Nāʻālehu Post 39 Office. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 12:21] 40 This item was closed at 5:29 p.m. 41 2. Ka Lae Coastline Access & Resources – Discussion and potential action regarding a previously 42 submitted letter advocating for the protection of cultural sites and natural resources in the greater 43 Ka Lae area, particularly at Mahana Bay. 44 This item was called to order at 5:29 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 15:57] 45 The AC discussed concerns related to unmanaged access, erosion, and resource degradation in the 46 Ka Lae region, particularly around Mahana Bay. Community members underscored the cultural, 47 historical, and subsistence significance of the area and voiced frustration over the lack of response 48 to a letter originally submitted in 2024 to the former Planning Director, the Department of 49 Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), and other agencies. 50 District 6 Councilmember Michelle Galimba participated in the discussion, offering support and 51 recommending that the committee resend the original letter to updated department contacts. 52 Committee Member Ibarra made a motion to resend the August 12, 2024 letter to updated contacts 53 at Planning Department, DHHL, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), State 54 Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), U.S. Coast Guard, and Noho Papa Hawaiʻi, via both email 55 and certified mail. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi and passed 56 unanimously. The revised letter will also include a written statement from community member 57 Kyle Soares. 58 Kyle Soares provided testimony expressing the neglect of the Ka Lae area. [SEE YOUTUBE 59 TIMESTAMP 21:11 & 31:05] 60 Sofia Hanoa provided testimony calling for stronger pressure on DHHL. [SEE YOUTUBE 61 TIMESTAMP 25:55 & 29:56] 62 Paul Makuakane provided testimony expressing frustration for community access. [SEE 63 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 26:23] 64 Michelle Galimba provided testimony in support of resending the previous letter to updated 65 contacts. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 39:21] 66 Nohealani Kaʻawa provided testimony recommending additional recipients for the updated letter. 67 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:07] 68 This item was closed at 6:05 p.m. 69 3. Pōhue Bay Coastline Access and Resources– Discussion and potential action on prior 70 Committee efforts related to Pōhue Bay. 71 This item was called to order at 6:05 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 51:54] 72 The AC revisited ongoing concerns about public access to Pōhue Bay, which is now under the 73 ownership of the National Park Service (NPS). While members acknowledged that the pedestrian 74 trail to the bay is currently open and marked, they raised concerns over the continued restriction 75 KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of May 27, 2025 3 of vehicle access. Several members and testifiers emphasized the importance of equitable access 76 – particularly for kūpuna, cultural practitioners, and local families – and shared frustration over 77 limited communication and updates from NPS. There was an emphasis on the need to protect both 78 access rights and the area’s natural and cultural integrity. The committee agreed to continue this 79 discussion at the next meeting and to follow up with NPS to request an update on public access 80 plans and community engagement efforts. Committee Member Williams will take the lead on 81 contacting NPS for additional information. 82 Kyle Soares provided testimony in support of Pōhue Bay Coastline accessibility. [SEE YOUTUBE 83 TIMESTAMP 57:10 & 1:01:30] 84 Sofia Hanoa provided testimony in support of Pōhue Bay Coastline accessibility. [SEE YOUTUBE 85 TIMESTAMP 1:00:58] 86 This item was closed at 6:21 p.m. 87 4. Waiʻōhinu Transfer Station – Discussion and action on previously submitted letter to the 88 Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to open the transfer station to seven days a 89 week. 90 This item was called to order at 6:21 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:07:51] 91 The AC reviewed DEM’s response to its prior request to restore seven-day access at the Waiʻōhinu 92 Transfer Station. DEM cited a decrease in trash tonnage, limited staffing, and funding constraints 93 as the rationale for maintaining the current reduced schedule. However. community members – 94 including former site supervisor Gary Davis – testified that reduced usage is due to limited access, 95 not decreased demand. Testifiers also noted an increase in illegal dumping and community 96 frustration. Councilmember Michelle Galimba expressed support for expanded hours, 97 highlighting that Kaʻū is the only district on the island without daily access to a transfer station. 98 Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi made a motion for the AC to respond to DEM’s March 5, 2025 99 letter and to copy the Department of Public Works (DPW). The motion was seconded by 100 Committee Member Ibarra and passed unanimously. Chair Masters will draft the response letter. 101 Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi made a second motion to request a meeting with DEM, with AC 102 representatives Jason Masters and Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi designated to speak on behalf of the 103 committee. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Morrow and passed unanimously. 104 Gary Davis provided testimony in support of opening the transfer station seven days a week. [SEE 105 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:14:10] 106 Michelle Galimba provided testimony in support of opening the transfer station seven days a 107 week. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:16:59] 108 Kyle Soares provided testimony in support of opening the transfer station seven days a week. 109 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:18:55] 110 This item was closed at 6:41 p.m. 111 5. The Nature Conservancy’s Hīlea Property Acquisition – Discussion and potential action 112 related to the acquisition of TMK (3) 9-5-018:001. 113 KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of May 27, 2025 4 This item was called to order at 6:41 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP1:28:10] 114 The committee heard from Shalan Crysdale, Director of the Hawaiʻi Island Forest Program at The 115 Nature Conservancy (TNC), who presented TNC’s plans to acquire the Hīlea parcel. The 116 acquisition aims to protect native forests, watersheds, and cultural resources. Crysdale noted that 117 the effort aligns with Kaʻū CDP goals and includes long-term stewardship plans such as invasive 118 species control and potential opportunities for future community access and involvement. 119 Chair Masters made a motion to form a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to further study the 120 proposed acquisition and report findings at the next Kaʻū CDP Action Committee meeting. The 121 PIG will include Chair Masters, Vice-Chair Hanoa, and Committee Members Williams and Ibarra. 122 The motion was seconded by Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi and passed unanimously. 123 Michelle Galimba provided testimony and shared additional information on the acquisition. [SEE 124 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:30:27 & 1:44:13] 125 Shalan Crysdale provided testimony and further information in response to questions and 126 comments. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:34:29, 1:56:00 & 2:11:22] 127 Kyle Soares provided testimony regarding concerns about water rights associated with the Hīlea 128 property. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:45:29] 129 Earl Louis provided testimony on water and access rights. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 130 1:58:24] 131 Nohealani Kaʻawa provided testimony recognizing the positive contributions of TNC to the Kaʻū 132 community. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:03:00 & 2:15:30] 133 Sofia Hanoa provided testimony suggesting the addition of a related item to the next meeting’s 134 agenda. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:09:15 & 2:12:00] 135 This item was closed at 7:10 p.m. 136 NEW BUSINESS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:23:14] 137 The following items were introduced and may be discussed in more detail at future meetings: 138 • Update on recently passed Sunshine Law bill 139 • Nāʻālehu Hills Subdivision 140 • Green Sands Subdivision emergency access 141 • Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) report on Hīlea Property 142 ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:27:08] 143 • The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kaʻū CDP Action Committee. 144 Community members are encouraged to apply and help spread the word. Applications are 145 available on the Mayor’s Office website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-146 and-commissions. For inquiries, contact Micah Alameda, Executive Assistant to the Mayor 147 at Micah.Alameda@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8211. 148 • SB869, relating to Community Outreach Boards, has been signed into law. The Planning 149 Department is working with the State Office of Information Practices (OIP) on a training for 150 staff, Corporation Counsel, and the ACs. 151 KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of May 27, 2025 5 • The Planning Commissions concluded their General Plan public hearings on March 11, 152 2025. The recommendations from both commissions can be viewed here: 153 o Leeward Planning Commission: 154 https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/edoc/147939/2025-03-155 19%20LPC%20Recommendation%20Letter%20for%20General%20Plan%20Review.p156 df 157 o Windward Planning Commission: 158 https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/edoc/147940/2025-03-159 19%20WPC%20Recommendation%20Letter%20for%20General%20Plan%20Review.160 pdf 161 • Kaʻū Calendar update: The new monthly periodical is titled ʻAlemanaka Kaʻū. 162 • Council Member Michelle Galimba provided updates. 163 164 ADJOURNMENT 165 Chair Masters adjourned this meeting at 7:48 p.m. 166 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kaʻū Community 167 Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository. 168 These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or 169 emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 170 Pāhala Center (Coffee Shop, Convenience Store, and Fuel Station) Along Highway 11 (Monkeypod Field) Communication No. 2025-09 Mission & Vision Mission: To keep Hawaiʻi beautiful by using its natural power for good. Vision: Sustainable stewardship of land, water, and energy to benefit Hawaiʻi communities. Trust holdings enable integrated renewable energy, conservation, and regenerative agriculture. Olson Trust Overview Project Location •TMK: (3) 9-6-012:012 •Area: 122,880 sq. ft. •Current Use: Coffee orchards and pasture •Location: Monkeypod Field along Highway 11 Current Land Use •Zoning: County Ag-20 •SLU (State Land Use): Urban •LUPAG (General Plan): Low Density Urban Proposed Action •Rezone approx. 8–10 acres to Medium Density Urban •Change zoning from Ag-20 to CV-10 (Commercial Village) •Incorporate integrated fuel, food, and retail services Why This Matters for Kaʻū •Local job creation •Increased access to food, fuel, and restrooms •Cultural showcase: Kaʻū coffee, mac nuts, history •Community-focused design with nature walk & picnic area Traffic & Safety •Highway 11 improvements likely •Proposal to lower speed limit from 55mph to 35mph •Ample parking for large vehicles & buses •Accessible design and circulation routes Regulatory Path •Re-zoning and General Plan amendment required •Approval from Windward Planning Commission •Approval from Hawaiʻi County Council •Ongoing community engagement and feedback Key Features •Coffee Shop: Kaʻū coffee, mac nuts, Kaʻū history •Convenience Store: Hot food, grab-and-go, picnic deck •Fuel Station: Gas, diesel, dyed diesel, hydrogen, propane, EV •Ice House: Block, cube, and crushed ice for sale •Restrooms •Parking for cars, buses, and trailers Call for Community Input •We want your voice! •Help shape the future of Pāhala •Ask questions •Share support and suggestions •Be part of the process Paul Alston, Trustee: paul@olsontrust.com | 808-722-6000 John C. Cross, Sr. Land Manager: john@olsontrust.com | 808-987-4229 Communication No. 2025-08