HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-01 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, October 1, 2025
TIME: 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Honomu Gym
28-1641 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Honomu, HI 96728
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/bFAqHluNStWEEjDNX0jQUQ
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 August 13, 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. Division of Aquatic Resources – Presentation from Ryan Okano on the Makai
Watch program and its relevance to stream flow and ocean connectivity. Followed
by discussion and potential decision making.
2. Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo and Bus Stop Shelters Update – Action Committee
member Ben Dalauidao will provide an update on bus stop shelters along Hele-On
routes, with focus on the Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo areas, followed by discussion
and potential committee decision-making.
3. Hakalau Infrastructure Projects – The Action Committee will discuss sending a
formal letter to the Department of Public Works (or appropriate agency) requesting
updates on the following Hakalau infrastructure projects:
• Ka‘ahakini Stream Bridge & Embankment Closure in Kolekole Park Update
• Hakalau Stream Bridge & Hakalau Beach Park Lead & Paint Mitigation
Update
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
• Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures
Update (Communication No. 2025-02).
• 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
August 13, 2025 5
CALL TO ORDER 6
Acting Chair Brad Kurokawa called the meeting of the Hāmākua Community Development Plan (CDP) 7
Action Committee (AC) to order at 5:13 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the Kulaʻimano 8
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=zJd8ggEJk0Y&t=6s 11
ROLL CALL 12
Members Present (in person): Brad Kurokawa (Acting Chair), Mahealani Maikui (Vice Chair), Tawn 13
Keeney, Robert Nishimoto, and Ben Dalauidao. 14
County Staff (in person): Maryam Palma, Jessica Lahip, and Janice Hata 15
There were approximately eight (8) members of the public in attendance – (4) in person and (4) via 16
Zoom. 17
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 3:39] 18
Vice Chair Mahealani Maikui made a motion to approve the October 9, 2024 meeting minutes. The 19
motion was seconded by Committee Member Keeney and passed unanimously 20
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 7:01] 21
There was no public testimony at this time. 22
BUSINESS: 23
1. Election of Committee Chairperson – Discussion and potential action to elect a Chair to serve 24
the remainder of 2025. 25
This item was called to order at 5:20 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 7:50] 26
Vice Chair Maikui made a motion to nominate Acting Chair Kurokawa for Committee Chairperson 27
for 2025. The motion passed unanimously. Acting Chair Kurokawa accepted the role of Chair for 28
2025. 29
This item was closed at 5:23 p.m. 30
2. Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo and Bus Stop Shelters – Update from the Mass Transit Agency (MTA) 31
on bus stop shelters along Hele-On routes, with focus on the Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo areas. 32
Discussion and potential committee decision-making. 33
34
This item was called to order at 5:23 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:24] 35
36
Mass Transit Program Manager Kasie Kailikea provided an update on planned bus stops and bus 37
shelters in Pāpaʻikou and Pepe‘ekeo. A site visit is scheduled at the end of August with 38
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of August 13, 2025
2
representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Works, Department of Research and 39
Development, and the State to assess potential locations. 40
41
The proposed Pepeʻekeo location would be situated further up the coast and is envisioned to include 42
a bus pullout, crosswalk, and shelter. The site visit will confirm whether this location is viable. Kasie 43
noted that Mass Transit Agency (MTA) engaged a consultant from SSFM International Inc. to review 44
all flag stops and bus stop sites for ADA compliance, resulting in a recommendation to relocate the 45
Pepeʻekeo stop further along the Hāmākua Coast. 46
47
Because Highway 19 is a State roadway, the State requires a bus pullout to avoid buses stopping 48
directly on the highway. Kasie confirmed the project scope includes a shelter and acknowledged 49
community concerns related to public safety, lighting, and weather protection. She will inform 50
Administrator Zachary Bergum of the Committee’s request for Committee Member Dalauidao to 51
attend the site visit. MTA will provide an update at the next Action Committee meeting. 52
53
Public Testimony: 54
Darrel Argel provided testimony in favor of the bus shelters. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 11:59] 55
He also raised questions about incorporating safety features, such as offsite parking and adequate 56
lighting, into the final design. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 19:50] 57
This item concluded at 5:34 p.m. 58
3. Update from Meeting with the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) – Vice 59
Chair Mahealani Maikui will provide an update from her recent meeting with OHCD. Discussion and 60
potential committee decision-making. 61
62
This item was called to order at 5:34 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 21:08] 63
64
Vice Chair Maikui reported on a previously proposed Honokaʻa subdivision project of approximately 65
30 homes, noting that the project is on hold due to funding challenges. 66
Concerns were raised about a drainage ditch running through nearby properties and the potential 67
for flooding during heavy rains. Updated road design plans have been developed to address these 68
concerns and provided some clarification at the meeting. 69
Additionally, information was shared about housing resources, including a home improvement loan 70
program available to the community; the Section 8 Housing waitlist, which is currently open; and a 71
coordination center to help residents connect with financial and housing resources, similar to what 72
Vibrant Hawaiʻi is doing with their Navigator services. Vice Chair Maikui expressed interest in 73
ensuring these resources are shared widely within the community. 74
75
This item concluded at 5:38 p.m. 76
77
4. Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures – Committee 78
Member Brad Kurokawa will present a proposed amendment to the Planning Department’s public 79
notice procedures. Discussion and potential committee decision-making. 80
81
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of August 13, 2025
3
This item was called to order at 5:39 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 26:05] 82
83
Planning Staff Maryam Palma provided background on ongoing discussions regarding the Planning 84
Department’s public notice procedures. The issue was previously raised at a chair meeting, and 85
draft language for a potential amendment to the Hawai‘i County Code has been prepared. Currently, 86
the Planning Department publishes public notices for certain applications in two county newspapers 87
on a semi-monthly basis. Notices typically include the property owner, Tax Map Key, land area, and 88
street address. Similar procedures apply for subdivision applications. While the Planning 89
Department posts these notices online as a courtesy, they are limited to the Department’s website. 90
The proposed amendment would require distribution through additional digital platforms or public 91
notification systems, such as an email listserv where residents could sign up to receive notices 92
directly. 93
94
Chair Kurokawa emphasized that the intent of this item is to increase transparency and public 95
access to information related to land use activities. The Committee reviewed and discussed the 96
draft amendment, noting that the language could be further refined. Members also raised the idea 97
of providing district-specific notices; however, Maryam reported that, after consultation with the 98
Planning Department’s GIS and IT staff, the County’s online permitting system (EPIC) does not 99
currently support district-specific notifications. 100
101
Council Member Heather Kimball expressed support for advancing the draft amendment to the 102
Legislative Research Branch (LRB) for review. She also recommended refining the phrase “other 103
digital platforms or public notification systems” to specify practical and feasible methods of 104
distribution. 105
Chair Kurokawa moved to submit the revised draft language, including the request for district-106
specific notification, to the Planning Department and Corporation Counsel, for review. Vice Chair 107
Maikui seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 108
109
5. Waipiʻo Steering Committee Update – Council Member Heather Kimball will share updates from 110
the most recent Waipiʻo Steering Committee meeting. Discussion and potential committee decision-111
making. 112
113
This item was called to order at 6:02p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:49] 114
115
Council Member Heather Kimball reported on the recent reconvening of the Waipiʻo Valley Steering 116
Committee. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to reconnect and share visions for a 117
valley management program. A key theme of the discussion included a strong interest in developing 118
educational components for both residents and visitors, focusing on the cultural, historical, and 119
environmental significance of Waipiʻo Valley and encouraging respectful behavior. Additionally, 120
there was support for shifting the visitor experience from extractive to reciprocal by creating a 121
system where visitors can contribute during their time in the valley. 122
123
There was some discussion about pedestrian access on Waipiʻo Road. Council Member Kimball 124
plans to reintroduce legislation prohibiting pedestrian access during specific high-use time periods 125
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of August 13, 2025
4
(morning, midday, and afternoon) as well as between dusk and dawn, balancing safety with the 126
need for access. 127
128
Work is underway on draft legislation to establish a wahi pana overlay designation – a first in Hawaiʻi 129
and potentially in the nation. This designation would apply to culturally significant sites that require 130
management plans. Protocols based on historical texts would guide respectful interaction with these 131
areas, addressing issues such as resource management, carrying capacity, and visitor limits. A draft 132
is approximately 75% complete and further review is planned with the Steering Committee before 133
the end of the year. 134
135
Lastly, the Department of Information Technology is working with Salesforce on a new permitting 136
system for park facilities. The Steering Committee hopes to leverage this system to manage valley 137
access permits. Progress has been slow but given that road repairs are expected to take 1.5–2 138
years, there is time to integrate these improvements. 139
140
The Committee raised questions on the permitting system, public access, and enforcement 141
measures. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 58:47] 142
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA 143
There was no public testimony at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:14:59] 144
THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 145
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:15:27] 146
Council Member Kimball provided updates on several initiatives: 147
Ad Hoc Committee on Action Committees – The Council has formed an ad hoc committee (Members: 148
Heather Kimball, Ashley Kierkiewicz, Rebecca Villegas, and Jennifer Kagiwada) to review the Hawai‘i 149
County Code provisions on Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committees. The committee 150
will evaluate how Action Committees function and identify ways to improve their role. Council Member 151
Kimball acknowledged the limitations Action Committees currently face and emphasized the County’s 152
need for these groups to effectively bridge government and community priorities. Feedback from Action 153
Committees will be sought. 154
General Plan Update – The Council has received the draft General Plan and begun initial hearings. The 155
plan will be reviewed section by section throughout the year, with in-depth amendment discussions 156
expected in early 2026. Council intends to proceed deliberately, as this is only the fourth General Plan 157
update in County history. 158
Bill 212 (Permitting in Agricultural Areas) – Passed by Council. This measure allows structures 1,000 159
square feet or less on agricultural lands to be exempt from building permits and raises the home 160
improvement threshold (non-structural, non-electrical, non-plumbing work) to $25,000 before requiring 161
a permit. 162
Bill 121 (Short-Term Vacation Rentals [STVR]) – The Council has broken up the original comprehensive 163
bill into multiple measures: 164
• The first component, a registration requirement for all STVRs (hosted and unhosted), was 165
passed in June and takes effect in December. Registration must be renewed annually and will 166
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of August 13, 2025
5
require proof of tax compliance (Transient Accommodations Tax [TAT] and General Excise [GE] 167
licenses). 168
• Fines for noncompliance include a $10,000 penalty and up to two times the nightly rental rate 169
for violators, to strengthen enforcement. 170
• An economic study of the STVR market estimated that the County is losing approximately $12 171
million annually in uncollected TAT revenues. The study is available on 172
www.hawaiicountytar.com. 173
• Future bills will address: 174
o Standards of operation (e.g., quiet hours, parking, signage). 175
o Land use amendments to clarify existing regulations. 176
o Designation of vacation rental nodes in areas with high concentrations of STVRs, where 177
rentals would no longer be treated as nonconforming uses. 178
NEW BUSINESS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:28:50] 179
Public Testimony: 180
Wanda Louis provided testimony, sharing information about the collaboration between Pepeʻekeo 181
Community Development Corporation (PCDC) and Makahanaloa Fishing Association. [SEE YOUTUBE 182
TIMESTAMP 1:29:34] 183
Committee Member Nishimoto recommended inviting Ryan Okano from the State Division of Aquatic 184
Resources (DAR) to the next Hāmākua CDP Action Committee meeting to share information about 185
DAR’s work and explore opportunities for collaboration with the County. 186
ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:46:59] 187
• Requesting Agenda Items for Action Committee Meetings – Members of the public may request 188
that a topic be added to a future Community Development Plan Action Committee meeting 189
agenda. To make a request, please email CDP@hawaiicounty.gov or contact the Action 190
Committee Chair or Vice Chair. Planning Department staff will coordinate with the Chair and 191
Vice Chair in advance of each regularly scheduled meeting to review and confirm the agenda. 192
• The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Hāmākua CDP Action Committee and 193
requests assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application can 194
be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-195
commissions/boards-and-commissions-application 196
ADJOURNMENT [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:53:03] 197
Chair Kurokawa adjourned this meeting at 7:08 p.m. 198
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Hāmākua 199
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents 200
Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 201
961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 202
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai i 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
September 8, 2025
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, 96720
Subject: Community Development Plan Action Committee Letter
Regarding Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department s
Public Notice Procedures
Aloha Director Darrow:
The met on
Wednesday, . Included on the agenda
voted unanimously to submit the following proposed amendments to County Code
(HCC) the Planning Department for consideration
Existing HCC Section 25-2-3(g):
The director shall publish, on a semi-monthly basis, a list of all applications accepted
under this section in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the County. Such
list shall include the name of the property owner, tax map key number(s) of the
property, the land area, and street address, if available.
Proposed Amendment to HCC Section 25-2-3:
The director shall publish, on a semi-monthly basis, a list of all applications accepted
under this section in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the County and
shall include a link or reference to where the list may be accessed online. The list shall
include the name of the property owner, tax map key number(s) of the property, the
land area, and street address, if available. Such list shall be posted on an official
county website and the director shall maintain a district specific email listserv to allow
interested individuals or organizations to receive notices.
Communication No. 2025-02
Existing HCC Section 23-58.2:
The director shall publish, on a semi-monthly basis, a list of all applications accepted
under this section in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the County. The
list shall include the name of the property owner, the tax map key number(s) of the
property, the land area, the number of lots proposed, and any other information
deemed useful by the director.
Proposed Amendment to HCC Section 23-58.2:
The director shall publish, on a semi-monthly basis, a list of all applications accepted
under this section in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the County and
shall include a link or reference to where the list may be accessed online. The list shall
include the name of the property owner, tax map key number(s) of the property, the
land area, the number of lots proposed, and any other information deemed useful by
the director. Such list shall be posted on an official county website and the director
shall maintain a district specific email listserv to allow interested individuals or
organizations to receive notices.
During the meeting, Councilmember Heather Kimball expressed her support for this matter. In
addition, Councilmember Kimball has offered to share the draft amendments with the
Legislative Research Branch for further review.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter and for your continued support
Action Committee.
Sincerely,
Brad Kurokawa, Chair
Community Development Plan Action Committee
JL
\\hawaiicounty.gov\depts\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP - Hamakua\Action
Committee\Letters\HCDP Public Notices.docx
cc via email:
Heather Kimball, District 1 County Councilmember
Michelle Ahn, Deputy Planning Director