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Home My WebLink About2025-08-13 HCDP Meeting Packet County of Hawai‘i HĀMĀKUA 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 Brad Kurokawa, Chair Mahealani Maikui, Vice-Chair Ben Dalauidao Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Robert Nishimoto Tawn Keeney NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Hāmākua 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 notice and by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom. DATE: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 TIME: 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Kulaʻimano Community Center 28-2891 Alia St. Pepeʻekeo, HI 96783 ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/ECeubY_RQ6qQpa8lNK_5Gg 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 from the October 9, 2024 meeting. 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. Election of Committee Chairperson – Discussion and potential action to elect a Committee Chair to serve for the remainder of 2025. 2. Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo and Bus Stop Shelters – Update from the Mass Transit Agency on bus stop shelters along Hele-On routes, with focus on the Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo areas. Discussion and potential committee decision-making. 3. Update from Meeting with the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) – Vice-Chair Mahealani Maikui will provide an update from her recent meeting with OHCD. Discussion and potential committee decision-making. 4. Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures – Committee Member Brad Kurokawa will present a proposed amendment to the Planning Department’s public notice procedures. Discussion and potential committee decision-making. 5. Waipiʻo Steering Committee Update – Council Member Heather Kimball will share updates from the most recent Waipiʻo Steering Committee meeting. Discussion and potential committee decision-making. V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON THE 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Requesting Agenda Items for Action Committee Meetings – Members of the public may request that a topic be added to a future Community Development Plan Action Committee meeting agenda. To make a request, please email CDP@hawaiicounty.gov or contact the Action Committee Chair or Vice-Chair. Planning Department staff will coordinate with the Chair and Vice-Chair in advance of each regularly scheduled meeting to review and confirm the agenda. • The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Hāmākua CDP Action Committee and requests assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and- commissions/boards-and-commissions-application VIII. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Document Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/fol/109367/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 may 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 Hawaiʻi 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. HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE BRAD KUROKAWA, Chair Meeting Packet QR Code: HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 Wednesday, October 9, 2024 5 CALL TO ORDER 6 Chair David Meyer called the Hāmākua Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee 7 (AC) to order at 5:21 p.m. A quorum was established with five members in attendance. This 8 meeting was held in person at the Kulaʻimano Community Center and via the Zoom online 9 platform. 10 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enui0rgMilE 12 ROLL CALL 13 Members Present (in person): David Meyer (Chair), Mahealani Maikui (Vice-Chair), Tawn 14 Keeney, Robert Nishimoto, and Brad Kurokawa 15 County Staff Present (in person): April Surprenant, Janice Hata, Kawelo Kalili, and Jessica Lahip 16 Also in Attendance: Heather Kimball (County Council, District 1) 17 There were approximately thirty-six members of the public in attendance (thirty in person and six 18 via Zoom). 19 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS 20 Cory Harden testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 31:34] 21 Kale Kailikini testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 34:13] 22 Roger Christie testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 37:54] 23 Chris Hirose testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 41:18] 24 Millicent Cummings testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 44:50] 25 Rebecca Melendez testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:52] 26 Eric Weiner testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 52:30] 27 Kevin Hill testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 55:05] 28 Michelle Melendez testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 58:47] 29 Patti Luzo testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:03:20] 30 Jim Lazo testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:05:45] 31 Pam Elders testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:08:12] 32 HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of October 9, 2024 2 Michael Tivana testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:12:13] 33 William Meurer testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:15:55] 34 Michele Preuost testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:19:50] 35 Fran Copp testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:21:25] 36 Megan Isaac testimony [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:23:30] 37 BUSINESS 38 1. Final Draft General Plan 2045 Presentation – Presentation and Q&A by Planning 39 Department Staff regarding the Final Draft General Plan 2045. 40 This item was called to order at 5:07 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:30] 41 County Planning Department Long Range Program Manager, April Surprenant, provided a brief 42 presentation on the General Plan (GP), outlining the next steps and an overview of the document. 43 She discussed the outreach conducted and reviewed the project timeline, as well as the vision 44 statement. The plan includes sustainability principles and practices, covering cultural, economic, 45 and environmental aspects. Additionally, Ms. Surprenant briefly reviewed the draft land use goals, 46 objectives, and the General Plan Land Use (GPLU) designations. 47 During the presentation, the public raised questions about whether the County Council and 48 Planning Commission have the authority to amend the plan, and how sustainability (as outlined on 49 page 32) is measured. Clarification was also sought on the term “stakeholder” and who is 50 responsible for approving the plans, along with concerns regarding the protection of private 51 property rights under the U.S. Constitution. 52 Several comments reflected strong objections to the plan, with some calling it unconstitutional. 53 There were concerns that the plan aligns with the UN Agenda 2030, infringes on constitutional 54 rights, and constitutes a breach of public trust, with calls for greater emphasis on self-sufficiency 55 and support for agriculture. Additional concerns included rising property taxes, a lack of public 56 awareness, and specific language related to small farm regulations. Some expressed frustration 57 over not being heard and raised issues about government accountability, as well as concerns about 58 equity, property rights, and potential health risks from microwave radiation. 59 This item concluded at 6:46 p.m. 60 2. Updates on Implementation Priorities – The Action Committee will provide updates on 61 their respective implementation priorities: 62 • Fire Preparedness & Public Access – Committee member Tawn Keeney 63 • Coastal Resource Community Based Hui – Committee member Robert Nishimoto 64 This item was called to order at 6:47 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:43:46] 65 Committee member Tawn Keeney had no updates regarding fire preparedness and public access. 66 HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of October 9, 2024 3 Committee member Robert Nishimoto had no updates but asked Ms. Surprenant who he could 67 contact regarding the marine management area. Ms. Surprenant informed Mr. Nishimoto that he 68 could speak with her directly to connect with the appropriate individuals. 69 This item concluded at 6:55 p.m. 70 3. Proposed Transient Accommodations Rental Code Amendment (TAR Bill) – Discussion 71 and potential decision-making on providing testimony to County Council’s TAR Bill package 72 (Bill 121, 122, and 123). More information: https://www.hawaiicountytar.com/ 73 This item was called to order at 6:55 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:51:47] 74 This item was deffered to the next meeting. 75 This item concluded at 6:56 p.m. 76 4. County Council Bill 181 – Discussion and potential decision-making on providing testimony 77 to County Council’s Bill 181. The drafted bill can be viewed here: 78 This item was called to order at 6:56 pm [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:52:27] 79 County Council Member, Heather Kimball, provided a brief overview of the TAR bill, which 80 includes a package of three bills (121, 122, and 123). Bill 121 proposes amendments to short-term 81 vacation rentals and is still pending approval. Bill 122 aims to retain the name “Bed and Breakfast”, 82 while ensuring that these establishments operate under the same standards as transient 83 accommodations (TAR). Both Bill 121 and 122 are currently in committee. Bill 123, concerning 84 accessory dwellings, has been adopted. 85 Questions were raised about the County Council’s process for passing bills and whether CDP 86 action committees are allowed to propose amendments during the interim period. In addition, an 87 audience member questioned what gives the County Council the authority to dictate how people 88 use their property. Ms. Kimball responded by explaining that the County is guided by Chapter 46 89 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) and the State of Hawaiʻi Constitution, which determine the 90 acceptable property uses within different zonings. 91 Ms. Kimball also encouraged everyone to visit the Hawaiʻi County Real Property Tax website to 92 download the fillable farm plan form related to agricultural taxes. The purpose of Bill 212 on 93 agricultural taxes is to provide benefits to those who are actively engaged in legitimate farming, 94 whether through selling, bartering, or sharing their products. The bill aims to distinguish these 95 individuals from those who simply keep a pet cow in their backyard and are not genuinely farming. 96 This item concluded at 7:19 p.m. 97 APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:16:20] 98 Committee member Robert Nishimoto motioned to approve the August 14, 2024 meeting minutes. 99 Committee member Tawn Keeney seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 100 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:16:49] 101 1. Updates on Action Priorities 102 HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of October 9, 2024 4 2. General Plan Letter in support of Bill 181 regarding the Final Recommended Draft General 103 Plan 2045 104 3. Kō Education Center Meeting Report 105 ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:19:17] 106 • Mahalo to Richard Bidleman for his time and community dedication to the Hāmākua CDP 107 Action Committee. 108 • The Planning Department is currently seeking applicants for the Hāmākua Action Committee 109 and is requesting assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The 110 application can be found on the Mayor’s Office website at: 111 https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-commissions-application 112 • Message from Committee member Robert Nishimoto. 113 ADJOURNMENT 114 Vice-Chair Mahealani Maikui motioned to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The 115 meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. 116 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Hāmākua 117 Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 118 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 119 by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov 120 A li a S tr e a m 229 121 'O pua R d S ug ar M ill Rd Aka k aF alls Rd Onohi Onohi Pepeekeo Kawainui KalaoaStre a m K alaoaStrea m Kalaoa Camp Rd Puia R d Pukana L a S t K u l a n a S t KaiwikiRd Kaiwi k i R d Kaieie R d Papaikou Paukaa + A : A , , % ( / 7 5 ' 0A 8 K A / 2 A S 7 K8/A,0A125' +A : A , , % ( / 7 5 ' +A : A , , % ( / 7 5 ' 0,// 5 ' Pepeʻekeo Pāp aʻik o u S W E N 0 0.5 1 Mile Pepeʻekeo & Pāpaʻikou Bus Stops %QlltmKECVKQm11