HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14 KCDP Meeting Packet
County 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
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
John Pelletier Raymond Kirchner 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 notice and by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT) through Zoom.
DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
TIME: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, B2 Conference Room 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/1YRAMoeeTMifpRsQZJd1Cg
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 July 8, 2025 and September 9, 2025 meetings.
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. Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater Adaptive Management Plan – Chair Young will provide an update on recent efforts, followed by a Committee discussion.
2. Proposal to Submit Testimony on Bill 63 Relating to Dwellings – The Hawaiʻi County Council is considering Bill 63, which would allow residential dwellings in the industrial-commercial mixed use (MCX) district. Committee Member Pelletier will present proposed comments for Action
Committee consideration. If supported, the Committee will submit testimony to the Council. Link to Bill 63: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/0/doc/1106820/Page1.aspx
3. Proposal to Begin a Comprehensive Review of the Kona Community Development Plan –
Committee Member Kirchner is proposing that the Committee initiate a comprehensive review of the Kona CDP to determine where updates or amendments may be needed. Discussion and potential action regarding next steps.
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 – The Committee will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) Master Plan update
• Kealakehe Regional Park Project update
• Legal guidance on agenda items
• Tree City USA Letter – Arborist Advisory Committee (AAC) Reinstatement Request
• The Environmental Notice (September 8, 2025) – Kamehameha Schools – Keauhou Bay Management Plan – Final EIS Vol I, Vol II, and Vol III: https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2025-09-08-TEN.pdf
• 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
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
IX. 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: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/9059/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.
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE CHARLES YOUNG, Chair
Meeting Packet QR Code:
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
July 8, 2025 5
CALL TO ORDER 6
Chair Charles Young called the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee 7
(AC) to order at 12:01 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=qfDXhC3nzjY&t=819s 11
ROLL CALL 12
Members Present (in person): Charles Young (Chair), Nancy Pisicchio (Vice-Chair), and Charla 13
Thompson 14
Members Present (via Zoom): John Pelletier, Heather Korotie, and David Huerta 15
Members Absent: Roselyn Molina 16
County Staff Present (in person): Kawelo Kalili 17
County Staff Present (via Zoom): Maryam Palma, Janice Hata, and Jessica Lahip 18
There were approximately 25 members of the public in attendance (5 in person and 20 via Zoom). 19
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 20
Vice Chair Pisicchio moved to approve the May 13, 2025, meeting minutes. Committee Member 21
Pelletier seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 22
3:40] 23
Vice Chair Pisicchio moved to approve the June 10, 2025, meeting minutes. Committee Member 24
Pelletier seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 25
4:20] 26
PUBLIC TESTIMONY 27
There was no public testimony at this time. 28
BUSINESS: 29
1. Keauhou Aquifer Adaptive Management Plan – Presentation by representatives of the State 30
Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) on the proposed Adaptive 31
Management Plan for the Keauhou Aquifer. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 5:05] 32
Ciara Kahahane, Deputy Director of the Commission on Water Resource Management 33
(CWRM), gave an overview of the agency’s role and shared a presentation on the Adaptive 34
Management Plan (AMP) for the Keauhou Aquifer. She explained that the AMP is being 35
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of July 8, 2025
2
developed to better understand and manage groundwater in the Keauhou area, which supports 36
ecosystems, cultural practices, and water supply needs. The plan responds to concerns about 37
development, climate change, and gaps in current data and modeling methods. The AMP aims 38
to identify key areas, indicators, and thresholds to help monitor and respond to changes in the 39
aquifer system. A diverse advisory panel and expert groups are supporting the effort, and 40
public input will be gathered through outreach and commission presentations. A first-41
generation plan is expected to be submitted to the commission in November 2025, with the 42
intention to update and improve it over time. The goal is to strengthen protections, support 43
informed decision-making, and serve as a model for future water management efforts across 44
the state. 45
Ciara Kahahane answered questions regarding the placement of deep monitoring wells, 46
explaining that CWRM will determine locations based on expert input and land considerations, 47
and how the Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) relates to the Kona CDP. She shared that 48
while the AMP and Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP) are separate, the AMP will 49
help inform future County planning. An updated statewide framework is underway to guide 50
the development of a Keauhou-specific WUDP. 51
Deputy Director Kahahane explained that the County will likely use the State’s sustainable 52
yield numbers in its water plan. While she could not speak for the County’s priorities, she 53
noted the updated framework will place more emphasis on protecting traditional and customary 54
practices, and counties will likely be asked to consider how their plans impact Native Hawaiian 55
interests, including DHHL. 56
Loke Aloua provided testimony regarding water resource planning in Kona, emphasizing the 57
importance of in-person engagement and inviting agency staff to visit Kaloko fishpond. She 58
expressed concerns about the outdated Water Use and Development Plan being treated as 59
current, the need to better understand how aquifers are connected, and the importance of 60
including climate change impacts in water availability estimates. She also raised questions 61
about how water users are prioritized, how water credits are managed, and how ongoing 62
developments are being reviewed. Loke encouraged the inclusion of traditional knowledge and 63
community experiences in the planning process and asked for stronger coordination and 64
communication between agencies and the public [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 43:04] 65
Chuck Flaherty provided testimony regarding improving the clarity and coordination between 66
county and state water plans. He suggested the inclusion of a flowchart or visual tool to help 67
the public understand how different regulatory frameworks intersect and how county-level data 68
and approvals relate to state-level policies. He also raised questions about incorporating 69
enforceable water-related development standards into the General Plan to ensure effective 70
implementation. Additionally, he asked whether existing water quality monitoring data from 71
SMA permits would be used and expressed concern about unknown factors in groundwater 72
systems, such as aquifer vulnerability during well drilling. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 73
53:00] 74
Chair Young and Vice-Chair Pisicchio emphasized the need for better coordination between 75
state and county efforts in water resource management. Chair Young highlighted the 76
importance of connecting state-level planning with county-level implementation so residents 77
can support meaningful action locally. Vice-Chair Pisicchio expressed concern that current 78
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of July 8, 2025
3
efforts are too reactive and called for a more proactive, long-term approach that links water 79
data, resource protection, and sustainable development. Both stressed the need to align state 80
and county roles to ensure effective planning, and Chair Young offered to help organize future 81
public engagement efforts. Vice-Chair Pisicchio offered to help organize additional public 82
meetings in the future if the State team plans to engage more community members. She 83
expressed a willingness to assist in facilitating broader outreach efforts to ensure greater public 84
participation. 85
PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 86
1:19:40] 87
1. Tree City USA 88
2. General Plan Discussion 89
3. KOSN Next Steps 90
ADJOURNMENT 91
The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:37:19] 92
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 93
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 94
Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by 95
calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 96
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
September 9, 2025 5
Call to Order 6
Chair Charles Young called the meeting of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action 7
Committee (AC) to order at 5:13 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 8
B2 Conference Room and online via the Zoom platform. 9
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10
https://youtu.be/iJUz71KHleA?si=9VHYLQa2dkYMHMy0 11
Roll Call 12
Members Present (in person): Nancy Pisicchio (Vice Chair), John Pelletier, Raymond (RJ) Kirchner, 13
and Charla Thompson 14
Members Present (via Zoom): Charles Young (Chair) and David Huerta (left meeting at 12:22 p.m.) 15
Members Absent: Roselyn Molina and Heather Korotie 16
Planning Department Staff Present (in person): Jessica Lahip and Janice Hata 17
Planning Department Staff Present (via Zoom): Maryam Palma (arrived at 12:14 p.m. and left meeting 18
at 1:43 p.m.) 19
Other County Officials: Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel 20
There were approximately 3 members of the public in attendance (1 in person and 2 via Zoom). 21
Note: Approval of the draft minutes from the July 8, 2025 and September 9, 2025 meetings will be 22
considered at the next scheduled meeting on October 14, 2025 (subject to quorum). 23
Brief Discussion on Meeting Minutes [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:21] 24
The Committee noted that quorum was not met at the previous meeting; therefore, it did not constitute 25
an official meeting and minutes are not required. Legal counsel clarified that under the revised Hawaiʻi 26
Revised Statutes (HRS), Chapter 92, when quorum is not met, any reports received or public testimony 27
heard should be summarized and shared at the next meeting with quorum. While the Committee may 28
choose to prepare minutes, it is not required. 29
Committee members were invited to share reports or testimony from the prior meeting where quorum 30
was not met. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 6:13] 31
Public Testimony on Agenda Items [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:17] 32
No public testimony at this time. 33
Business 34
1. Keauhou Aquifer System Area Groundwater Adaptive Management Plan – Update from Action 35
Committee Chair Charles Young, followed by a discussion on potential Committee actions. 36
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 9, 2025 2
This item was called to order at 12:15 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 24:52] 37
Chair Young shared recent updates and ongoing work related to the Keauhou Aquifer System 38
Adaptive Management Plan (AMP). The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) 39
has established several expert committees to support the development of the AMP. The areas of 40
expertise include hydrology, wastewater and pollution, Hawaiian perspectives, and ecological 41
indicators. The hydrology committee is examining the structure and function of the aquifer to better 42
understand potential impacts of groundwater withdrawal. The wastewater/pollution committee is 43
evaluating the relationship between groundwater quality and shoreline water quality. The indicators 44
committee is exploring species-based metrics, including ʻōpaeʻula as an indicator of aquifer health. 45
Lastly, the committee focusing on Hawaiian perspectives will be important for integrating Native 46
Hawaiian knowledge and rights into the AMP process. The AMP is expected to deliver 47
recommendations to CWRM by November 2025. 48
Committee Member Pisicchio summarized key points from the August CWRM meeting, noting 49
extensive discussion on sustainable yield and the need to align the AMP with the County Water Use 50
and Development Plan. It was noted that CWRM Commissioners expressed concern that the 51
County Department of Water Supply has not been sufficiently involved in the AMP process. CWRM 52
staff are committed to improving coordination between the County and the State. Commissioners 53
also discussed whether the Keauhou Aquifer System should be designated as a Water Management 54
Area. While no decision was made, several commissioners supported reexamining this designation 55
concurrently with the AMP process. This topic is expected to be on CWRM’s September 2025 56
agenda for further discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 28:45] 57
Committee Member Pelletier provided an update on County Council Resolution 137-25, introduced 58
by Council Member Holeka Inaba, which requested that the Department of Water Supply develop 59
an online system to display countywide water availability. The Department presented its new Water 60
Availability Map, accessible via the County’s website, which shows water commitments, active 61
developer agreements, and general water availability by area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 36:04] 62
Chuck Flaherty provided testimony expressing concerns regarding the AMP process. He questioned 63
whether water quality and benthic survey reports required under SMA permits would be reviewed 64
and emphasized the importance of integrating cultural impact assessments and traditional 65
ecological knowledge into the plan. Mr. Flaherty also noted that water recycling should be 66
addressed, citing the administrative order of consent between the County and the U.S. 67
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to wastewater management at Kealakehe. He 68
further expressed strong support for submitting a new petition to designate the Keauhou Aquifer as 69
a Water Management Area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 38:32] 70
Committee members acknowledged the testimony and encouraged public participation directly at 71
CWRM meetings, where decisions and technical discussions on the AMP and aquifer designation 72
take place. 73
Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony expressing appreciation for the discussion on water 74
resource management and emphasizing the importance of community outreach on the issue. [SEE 75
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:05] 76
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 9, 2025 3
Josephine Keliʻipio provided testimony raising concerns about water usage associated with electric 77
vehicle (EV) fires, noting that large volumes of water are required to contain such incidents. [SEE 78
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:41] 79
Committee Member Pisicchio mentioned that during the August CWRM meeting, it was noted that 80
R-1 water recycling would not be included in the first-generation AMP. 81
This item was closed at 12:55 p.m. 82
2. Tree City USA – Update on Tree City, followed by a discussion on potential Committee actions. 83
This item was called to order at 12:55 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 53:16] 84
Committee Member Thompson provided an update on efforts to obtain a Tree City designation. She 85
noted that achieving this designation requires reinstatement of the Arborist Advisory Committee 86
(AAC) by the Mayor, which is mandated under County Code, Section 14, Article 10. A functioning 87
AAC is needed to meet one of the Tree City standards. Committee Member Thompson and Planning 88
Department staff met with Council Chair Inaba and Council Member Rebecca Villegas to raise 89
awareness of the Tree City Requirements and to encourage support for budget allocations 90
dedicated to tree care, fulfilling another standard. Planning Staff Maryam Palma shared highlights 91
from her discussion with Leʻa from Kaulunani, which is the State’s Urban and Community Forestry 92
Program. The application is due at the end of 2025 and there are four standards that must be met 93
to obtain the Tree City designation: 94
1. Arborist Advisory Committee – must be active with meetings. 95
2. Mayor’s Arbor Day Proclamation – can be substituted with a County Council certificate if 96
necessary. 97
3. Dedicated tree care expenditures – minimum $2 per capita annually, which is being verified 98
through the Parks budget. 99
4. Arbor Day observance – tree planting ceremony or similar event, coordinated with the 100
County’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER). 101
Maryam reported that all Tree City standards are in progress except for the Arborist Advisory 102
Committee (AAC), which requires action by the Mayor. The Committee discussed a draft letter to 103
the Mayor requesting reinstatement of the AAC. Legal considerations under the Sunshine Law were 104
noted, as approval of the letter was not on the agenda. The draft letter was shared on-screen, and 105
members discussed a brief recess to review the document. 106
The Committee agreed to seek guidance from Deputy Corporation Counsel regarding the vote. 107
Committee Member Pelletier moved to approve the draft letter pending legal approval, and 108
Committee Member Pisicchio seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 109
This item was closed at 1:17 p.m. 110
Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:14:27] 111
Chuck Flaherty provided testimony regarding the proposed five-lot development on Puʻu Ohau. He 112
outlined the history of the site, noting that in 1999 the Hawaiʻi Island Burial Council designated it as a 113
Royal Mausoleum, and a 2003 settlement agreement required its relocation to the State Conservation 114
District. Mr. Flaherty requested that this item be added to a future agenda for discussion of the County’s 115
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 9, 2025 4
obligations, given its cultural significance and associated constitutional rights. [SEE YOUTUBE 116
TIMESTAMP 1:14:58] 117
Third-Party Reports; Government Officials [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:18:35] 118
None. 119
New Business [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:19:11] 120
Committee Member Kirchner referenced the Hawaiʻi County Code, Section 16-3, which requires a 121
comprehensive review of the community development plans within 10 years of adoption. He moved that 122
the Kona CDP Action Committee immediately begin a comprehensive review of the CDP to identify 123
necessary amendments, and recommended the following proposed scope of review: 124
1. A committee should be established to begin the process of a comprehensive 5-, 10- and 15-125
year study of infrastructure needs, in consultation with the Department of Water Supply, the 126
Department of Environmental Management and County Highways on how to generate plans 127
to accommodate the predictable population increases to come. It should also include 128
recommendations to the County Council to fund these studies. 129
2. The committee should invite heads of the Department of Water Supply, Environmental 130
Management and Highways to present their views to our committee. 131
3. A committee should be formed to make recommendations on where the current Community 132
Development Plan has failed and how to amend it to make it more useful. This committee 133
should specifically consider where Concurrency has become unworkable and what 134
alternatives there are to these portions of the plan. 135
4. A committee should be formed to make recommendations on how to generate more long-136
term market rental projects in our community. There is a lack of RM zoned land that can 137
reasonably be developed. Incentives should be created to encourage this type of 138
development. 139
5. The result should be a comprehensive, revised Community Development Plan. 140
Committee Member Kirchner stated that one of the Committee’s responsibilities is to undertake a 141
comprehensive review of the Community Development Plan. He expressed concern that limited housing 142
supply is driving young and working residents further away from the community, underscoring the need 143
to address housing affordability. 144
Committee Member Kirchner moved to include his proposed business item on the next meeting agenda. 145
Committee Member Pisicchio seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE 146
TIMESTAMP 1:25:59] 147
A question was raised regarding whether the 2008 Kona CDP is invalid due to not being updated within 148
the 10-year period specified in Chapter 16. Deputy Corporation Counsel Campbell clarified that while 149
Chapter 16 states the CDP “shall” be updated every 10 years, there is no legal consequence for not 150
doing so. The plan remains valid and in effect until formally updated, similar to the General Plan. 151
Committee Member Kirchner asked whether there are consequences to not meeting the “shall” 152
requirement. Deputy Corporation Counsel explained that the update requirement is a directive rather 153
than an enforceable mandate, as the law does not specify penalties or invalidation. 154
Janice Palma-Glennie stated that the distinction between “shall” and “should” is a valid and important 155
question that has surfaced repeatedly in the context of the CDPs. She expressed concern over remarks 156
suggesting that the existing CDP could be considered null or invalid, emphasizing that such an 157
KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 9, 2025 5
implication disregards the significant public investment, time, and effort that went into creating the plan. 158
Before the CDP, she noted, there was no guiding plan for the community, and thousands of residents 159
participated over many years to ensure its development. Ms. Palma-Glennie underscored the continued 160
relevance of the CDP’s principles, including concurrency, which she described as both valid and 161
achievable with administrative will and adequate resources. She encouraged newer committee 162
members to review the plan’s history and recognize the challenges faced by previous administrations 163
that, at times, hindered the Action Committee’s progress. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:29:32] 164
Chair Young acknowledged that the question regarding the use of “shall” in reference to updating the 165
CDP had been clarified and that the plan remains valid under current law. He suggested that while the 166
legal issue was settled, other points raised during discussion warranted further consideration. Chair 167
Young expressed that the topic was complex and would benefit from additional time for review and 168
reflection before any decisions were made. 169
He noted concerns about the financial and logistical feasibility of undertaking a new CDP update, given 170
the extensive public involvement required in the previous process. Chair Young recommended placing 171
the item on the next meeting agenda for continued discussion and determining what, if any, action the 172
Committee may take. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:32:43] 173
Committee Member Pelletier reported on two potential topics for future discussion, depending on 174
County Council action. He noted that Council’s Finance Committee recently introduced a bill to allocate 175
$31 million in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget for upgrades to Kealakehe Wastewater 176
Treatment Plant. The project would help address compliance issues and make R-1 water available. A 177
feasibility study for offsite water delivery is also being conducted. 178
Committee Member Pelletier also recommended adding Bill 63 – which would allow housing within 179
Industrial-Commercial Mixed (MCX) zoned districts (Industrial-Commercial Mixed) – to the next meeting 180
agenda for discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:37:23] 181
Committee members agreed to move their next meeting to Tuesday, October 14, 2025. 182
Announcements [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:45:55] 183
• The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee and 184
requests assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application can 185
be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-186
commissions/boards-and-commissions-application 187
• Committee Member Pelletier announced that the Kona Airport is undergoing a master plan 188
update. A public community meeting will be held at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Thursday, 189
September 25, at 6:00 p.m. The airport staff emphasized that the updated plan aims to be 190
consistent with the Kona CDP. 191
Adjournment [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:49:29] 192
Chair Young adjourned this meeting at 1:52 p.m. 193
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona Community 194
Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository. 195
These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or 196
emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 197
Dear Mayor Alameda,
The Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee respectfully asks for
your leadership in reinstating Hawaiʻi County’s Arborist Advisory Committee (AAC).
The Exceptional Tree Act of 1975 requires every county to establish this committee, and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has clarified that without it,
Hawaiʻi County cannot complete its Tree City USA application. Other counties have long
carried this designation with pride, and we believe Hawaiʻi County should stand alongside them in demonstrating its commitment to stewardship.
Tree City USA status showcases a basic framework for community forestry work that
communities can leverage to maintain and increase funding for community programming.
The AAC must be reinstated by the end of this month and hold their first meeting shortly after so that we can show their activity before the upcoming Tree City application deadline.
If you need help finding members, we suggest reinstating past members of the AAC as
their knowledge of the committee’s prior work may help new members onboard more quickly. We also recommend reaching out to the Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program (www.kaulunani.org) for a list of potential members that satisfy the AAC’s member requirements. Previous members of the AAC may also have recommendations for willing community members with active participation in ecological sciences.
Your leadership in reestablishing the Arborist Advisory Committee will ensure Hawaiʻi County meets state requirements and joins the statewide legacy of communities proudly recognized as Tree City USA.
Mahalo for your attention to this important request.
Sincerely,
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee
Communication No. 2025-22
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
BILL NO. 63
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25,ARTICLE 5, OF THE HAWAI`I
COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED),RELATING TO DWELLINGS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I:
SECTION 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to permit residential dwellings
within the industrial-commercial mixed use (MCX) district.
SECTION 2. Chapter 25, article 5, division 13, section 25-5-132, of the Hawai`i County
Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), is amended by adding paragraphs to be appropriately
inserted in subsection(a) and to read as follows:
Dwellings, double-family or duplex,provided that the maximum density is
one thousand two hundred and fifty square feet of land area per rentable unit
or dwelling unit."
1 Dwellings, multiple-family,provided that the maximum density is one
thousand two hundred and fifty square feet of land area per rentable unit or
dwelling unit."
Dwellings, single-family."
SECTION 3. New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance,the underscoring
need not be included.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any provision ofthis ordinance, or the application thereof
to any person or circumstance, is held invalid,the invalidity does not affect other provisions or
applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable.
Communication No. 2025-23
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
Hawai`i
Date of Introduction:
Date of 1st Reading:
Date of 2nd Reading:
Effective Date:
REFERENCE Comm. 333
2
1
Hata, Janice
From:Planning CDP
Sent:Monday, September 8, 2025 8:16 AM
Cc:Planning CDP
Subject:New Business Item - Kona CDP Action Committee Meeting 9/9/25
Aloha Kona CDP Action Committee Members (bcc),
Committee Member Kirchner has submitted the following proposed new business item for consideration. Please
review his motion ahead of tomorrow’s meeting and come prepared to discuss.
I move that the Kona Community Plan Action Committee immediately begin a comprehensive review of the
Community Development Plan to determine where it requires amendment. This review should include a
comprehensive utility and roadway plan for the community for the next 5, 10 and 15 years. It should also include
amending the areas of the Community Development Plan that have proven to be unworkable such as Concurrency
requirements that include roadway developments that are not likely or possible.
1.A committee should be established to begin the process of a comprehensive 5, 10 and 15 year study of
Infrastructure needs. This should include inquiries to The Department of Water Supply, the Department of
Environmental Management and the County Highways Department on how to generate plans to
accommodate the predictable population increases to come. It should also include recommendations to
the County Council to fund these studies.
2.The committee should invite heads of the Department of Water Supply, Environmental Management and
Highways to present their views to our committee.
3.A committee should be formed to make recommendations on where the current Community Development
Plan has failed and how to amend it to make it more useful. This committee should specifically consider
where Concurrency has become unworkable and what alternatives there are to these portions of the plan.
4.A committee should be formed to make recommendations on how to generate more long term market
rental projects in our community. There is a lack of RM zoned land that can reasonably be developed.
Incentives should be created to encourage this type of development.
5.The end result should be a comprehensive revised Community Development Plan.
Mahalo,
Janice
Community Development Plan (CDP) Team
County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8288
Email: CDP@hawaiicounty.gov
Website: www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov
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Communication No. 2025-24
Communication No. 2025-25