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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-20 SKCDP Meeting PacketCounty of Hawai‘i SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor Tristie Licoan, Chair Owana Wilcox Ruth Smith Josephine Tanimoto Julia Alos Kevin McLaughlin Scott Nagata, Vice-Chair Bambi Lau Karen Anderson NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the South Kohala 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: Thursday, November 20, 2025 TIME: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM LOCATION: Waimea Community Center ZOOM: 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd. Waimea, HI 96743 https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/YaW4kW2iTaqf2y4F3ztPhA 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. www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The Committee will consider approving the draft minutes from the August 21, 2025 & September 18, 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. Tsunami Report & Mahalo Letters – Vice-Chair Nagata requests the committee sends letters of appreciation to schools for their willingness to serve as evacuation centers and to share out his drafted tsunami report. 2. Mana Road Fire Mahalo Letters – Chair Licoan requests the committee sends letters of appreciation to those involved in managing the Mana Road fire. 3. Capital Improvements Project Budget Requests – Discussion and potential decision making on requesting that the Department of Parks and Recreation include the Waimea Community Center and a Waikoloa Community Center & Gym as specific items in the CIP budget. 4. New Committee Priority Items – Committee members Lau & Wilcox will share priority items they are interested in the committee pursuing. 5. Report on County Boards and Commissions Meeting – Chair Licoan will provide an update on the Mayor’s meeting with Boards and Commissions Chairs and Vice Chairs, held on October 18, 2025. 6. Election of South Kohala CDP Action Committee Chair and Vice Chair – The Committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair to serve for the 2026 calendar year. V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATERS 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. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS – Committee members will discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS IX. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov County of Hawaiʻi Public Document Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/17198/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. SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE TRISTIE LICOAN, Chair Meeting Packet QR Code: SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 August 21, 2025 5 CALL TO ORDER 6 Chair Tristie Licoan called the South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP) Action 7 Committee (AC) to order at 5:07 p.m. A quorum was established with seven members in 8 attendance. This meeting was held in person at the Waimea Community Center. 9 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-DD7gZrNiE 11 ROLL CALL 12 Members Present (in person): Tristie Licoan (Chair), Scott Nagata (Vice-Chair), Bambi Lau, 13 Owana Wilcox and Julia Alos 14 Members Present (via Zoom): Josephine (Jojo) Tanimoto & Kevin McLaughlin 15 Members Absent: Ruth Smith and Karen Anderson 16 County Staff Present (in person): Maryam Palma, Jessica Lahip, and Janice Hata 17 There were approximately six (6) members of the public in attendance (four in person and two via 18 Zoom). 19 APPROVAL OF MINUTES [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:56] 20 Vice-Chair Nagata moved to approve the May 15, 2025 meeting minutes. Committee member Lau 21 seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 22 PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 6:03] 23 None at this time. 24 BUSINESS 25 1. Civil Defense Agency Update – A representative from Civil Defense will share updates 26 regarding the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and future emergency preparedness plans as it 27 relates to South Kohala. 28 29 This item was called to order at 5:14 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 7:11] 30 31 Representative Talmadge Magno from Civil Defense provided an update on the County’s 32 Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is reviewed every five years. He explained that the plan 33 identifies vulnerabilities across Hawaiʻi Island, including flooding, wildfire, and tsunami risks, 34 and that FEMA has already approved a draft pending State review. Community members 35 raised concerns about the lack of an evacuation road for Kawaihae and Kailapa, flooding at 36 commercial areas, and congestion during the July 29 tsunami evacuation. Questions were also 37 raised about resort evacuation coordination, harbor management, signage for shelters, and 38 SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of August 21, 2025 2 communication to both residents and visitors. Talmadge noted that Civil Defense continues 39 after-action reviews and will incorporate feedback. 40 41 James Kong provided testimony recommending signage to direct people to emergency shelters. 42 43 Council Aide Kendra Bruno provided testimony that Waikoloa School was not officially 44 designated shelter but was opened by the principal and superintendent during the tsunami 45 evacuation to accommodate evacuees, highlighting both community responsiveness and 46 coordination challenges. 47 48 Motion by Committee Chair Licoan: Submit a letter to Civil Defense requesting a copy of the 49 after action report for the July 29 tsunami event as well as asking how can the SK CDP AC 50 improve their communications with Civil Defense and all other entities that have a part in any 51 evacuation plan. Seconded by Committee Member Tanimoto and passed unanimously. 52 This item closed at 6:10 p.m. 53 2. Kailapa Firewise Evacuation Plan Update – Committee member Jojo Tanimoto will provide 54 an update on the Kailapa Firewise Evacuation Plan. 55 56 This item was called to order at 6:10 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:03:42] 57 58 Committee Member Jojo Tanimoto reported that the Kailapa subdivision remains without a 59 designated evacuation route despite longstanding requests. She described issues with fencing, 60 gates, and reliance on neighboring subdivisions for emergency access. The group discussed 61 the responsibilities of DHHL and the State to support the development of alternate routes. 62 Concerns were also raised about increased traffic in the harbor area and the lack of progress 63 despite community advocacy since the 1990s. Members expressed frustration at the lack of 64 response from Hawaiian Homelands and requested county-level support to push the issue 65 forward. 66 67 James Kong provided testimony that responsibility for establishing an evacuation route in 68 Kailapa should be pushed to higher authorities, such as the U.S. Department of the Interior, to 69 compel the Department of Hawaiian Homelands to take action. 70 71 Motion by Committee member Tanimoto: Submit a letter to DHHL, DOT, Liliʻuokalani Trust, 72 and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Organization requesting their support for the Kailapa homestead 73 community in pursuing and advocating for the second evacuation road of the Kailapa 74 subdivision. Seconded by Committee Member Bambi Lau and passed unanimously. 75 76 This item closed at 6:24 p.m. 77 78 3. Kawaihae Site Preservation – Committee member Jojo Tanimoto will provide an update on 79 site preservation efforts in Kawaihae. 80 This item was called to order 6:24 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:17:10] 81 82 Committee member Tanimoto reported ongoing work with the Cultural Resource Committee 83 and lineal descendants on preservation concerns in Kawaihae. The Cultural Resource 84 SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of August 21, 2025 3 Commission has formed a permitted interaction group to conduct a site visit and develop 85 recommendations. It was noted that several historic sites in Kawaihae are not listed in the 86 South Kohala CDP despite existing documentation. The committee agreed to await the 87 permitted interaction group’s report before considering a recommendation to update the CDP 88 and will revisit the matter at a future meeting. 89 90 This item closed at 6:29 p.m. 91 92 4. Waimea Community Center Rehabilitation – Vice-Chair Scott Nagata will provide update on 93 the rehabilitation of the Waimea Community Center. 94 95 This item was called to order 6:30 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:23:05] 96 Vice Chair Nagata reported that the Waimea Community Center rehabilitation project is listed 97 under the County’s capital improvement plan under a general park maintenance line item. 98 There is an architect currently drafting plans for a new roof, but funding is uncertain for the 99 next phases of the project. The committee noted the center’s heavy daily use by nearby schools, 100 and as an emergency shelter, and agreed that interim improvements would be ineffective until 101 the roof is addressed. 102 Motion by Committee Chair Licoan: Submit a letter to relevant community politicians 103 requesting to approve and expedite funding to fix the roof of the Waimea Community Center 104 due to safety reasons and the high utilization by the community. Seconded by Committee 105 member Wilcox and passed unanimously. 106 This item closed at 6:36 p.m. 107 108 5. Puakō Sewer Project Update – Committee member Karen Anderson will provide an update on 109 the Puakō Sewer Project 110 111 No update provided as Committee member Anderson was absent. 112 113 6. Waimea Water Resources Update – Vice-Chair Scott Nagata will provide update on Waimea 114 Resources for Waimea 115 116 This item was called to order 6:36 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP1:29:38] 117 Vice Chair Scott MacArthur reported on recent community discussions regarding water 118 resources in Waimea, held in coordination with the Department of Water Supply. The 119 Department has prioritized restoration of the Waipio Reservoir No. 1, currently out of service, 120 with bidding for rehabilitation expected to move forward and construction anticipated next 121 year at an estimated $13 million cost. Updates were also provided on the planned Lalamilo 122 Reservoir, which will be the largest in the area with a 10-million-gallon capacity. Committee 123 members discussed potential funding opportunities, the role of user water rates in financing 124 projects, and the need to account for upcoming subdivision developments when evaluating 125 future capacity. Questions were raised about security at reservoir sites, and members suggested 126 continued communication with the Department of Water Supply for follow-up updates. No 127 formal action was taken. 128 SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of August 21, 2025 4 This item closed at 6:50 p.m. 129 130 PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP1:47:32 ] 131 1. Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Ave intersection update 132 2. Waikoloa Heights Development 133 3. Waikoloa Community Center update 134 4. Water Resources for Waimea update 135 ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 11:56:41] 136  Road closure for the Waimea Paniolo Parade on September 20th, 2025. 137  Maikaʻi Waimea Event on September 27th, 2025. 138 139 ADJOURNMENT 140 Chair Licoan adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m. 141 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s South Kohala 142 Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 143 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department 144 by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 145 SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 September 18, 2025 5 CALL TO ORDER 6 Chair Tristie Licoan called the South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP) Action 7 Committee (AC) to order at 5:01 p.m. A quorum was established with seven members in 8 attendance. This meeting was held in person at the Waikōloa Village Association 9 Community Room. 10 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X86ehqxqcSA&t=5s 12 ROLL CALL 13 Members Present (in person): Tristie Licoan (Chair), Scott Nagata (Vice-Chair), 14 Josephine (Jojo) Tanimoto, Bambi Lau, Owana Wilcox and Julia Alos 15 Members Present (via Zoom): Karen Anderson 16 Members Absent: Ruth Smith & Kevin McLaughlin 17 County Staff Present: Jessica Lahip, Kawelo Kalili, and Maryam Palma (via zoom) 18 There were approximately three (3) members of the public in attendance (three in 19 person). 20 PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 3:44] 21 Public Testimony #1: A resident expressed concern that overgrown trees are 22 blocking ocean views and creating fire hazards, urged the committee to adopt tree-23 height limits similar to Kohala Ranch, and asked them to reconsider their previous 24 decision against such regulations. 25 Public Testimony #2: Kendra Bruno described ongoing district water challenges, 26 recent wildfire-mitigation discussions with Fire Chief Todd and community partners, 27 noted uncertainty and lack of updates about the stalled library project after a brief 28 conversation with a state library representative, and offered to connect if further 29 questions or updates are needed. 30 BUSINESS 31 1. Mahalo Letters – Vice-Chair Scott Nagata requests the committee sends letters of 32 appreciation to schools for their willingness to serve as evacuation centers. [SEE 33 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 22:10] 34 35 Vice-Chair Nagata proposed sending appreciation letters to schools and facilities that 36 were voluntarily opened as evacuation centers. The committee discussed refining the 37 draft letter, confirming all appropriate recipients, and noting communication needs 38 such as Wi-Fi access at evacuation sites. 39 40 SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 18, 2025 Page 2 Motion by Committee Chair Licoan: Table the item for the next meeting. Seconded by 41 Committee Member Alos and passed unanimously. 42 2. Puakō Sewer Project Update – Committee member Karen Anderson will provide an 43 update on the Puakō Sewer Project. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 38:23] 44 Karen Anderson reported that the Puakō Sewer Project is progressing positively, with 45 Councilmember James Hustace’s support, County Council approval of a $1 million 46 revolving fund, no major technical barriers, and favorable initial environmental and 47 cultural surveys. Progress remains limited because the County lacks staffing and 48 financial capacity, and state legislators will not provide additional funding until the 49 County takes a lead role. The community is pursuing private and philanthropic funding 50 to advance the project while advocating for County support and compliance with 51 environmental and cesspool-conversion goals. 52 3. Water Resources Update – Vice-Chair Scott Nagata will provide update on 53 resources for South Kohala. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 51:34] 54 Vice-Chair Scott Nagata reported that construction of the Lalamilo Reservoir, the 55 island’s largest, is progressing steadily despite previous delays. Work on Waikoloa 56 Reservoir #1 is also advancing, ensuring improvements to water storage and 57 distribution for the community. He emphasized that these projects are critical for 58 long-term water reliability and emergency preparedness in South Kohala. 59 60 Public Testimony #3: Resident Matt Chalker highlighted ongoing repairs and 61 limitations at the Waikoloa Village well, noting high costs for rehabilitation or new 62 drilling to support firefighting and community water access. 63 4. Waikōloa Public Library – Committee will discuss the status of the library followed 64 by potential decision making. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 56:59] 65 The committee discussed supporting the Waikoloa Village Public Library and 66 considered potential actions such as sending a letter of support. It was clarified that 67 the library is a state-funded project, with the county only involved in ancillary planning, 68 such as shared parking for a community center. Committee members acknowledged 69 the long-standing nature of the project and agreed to continue discussion on how best 70 to support the library within the community. 71 5. Revitalization of Kawaihae’s Cultural and Historic Resources – Committee 72 member Jojo Tanimoto will provide an update followed by potential decision making. 73 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:00:46] 74 Committee member Jojo Tanimoto provided an update on revitalizing Kawaihae’s 75 cultural and historic resources, including trails, fishponds, and other historic features 76 that are not currently documented. Previous general plan updates did not notify the 77 community, limiting opportunities for input on these resources. She proposed efforts 78 be made to update the CDP document to accurately reflect and preserve 79 Kawaihae’s cultural and historic heritage. 80 Motion by Committee Chair Licoan: The action committee approve the creation and 81 submission of a letter to the Planning Department and/or County Council encouraging 82 SOUTH KOHALA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of September 18, 2025 Page 3 the support for the revitalization of Kawaihae’s cultural and historical resources in the 83 drafted General Plan. Seconded by Committee Member Lau and passed 84 unanimously. 85 6. Kawaihae-Kailapa Evacuation Road – Committee member Jojo Tanimoto will 86 provide an update followed by potential decision making [SEE YOUTUBE 87 TIMESTAMP 1:09:29] 88 Motion by Committee Chair Licoan: The action committee approve the creation and 89 submission of a letter to the Planning Department on behalf of Jojo. The letter will 90 address the general policy and advocate for transportation and circulation 91 improvements for the Kawaihae-Kalāpa evacuation road and other emergency 92 situations. Seconded by Committee Member Wilcox and passed unanimously. 93 PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATERS NOT ON AGENDA [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 94 1:16:30] 95 Public Testimony #4: Sharon Gilbert testified about safety concerns and potential 96 hazards on the Kawaihae-Kailapa evacuation road, noting past incidents and the need 97 for repairs to prevent accidents. 98 THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 99 PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:25:38 ] 100 1. Letter of support for Waikōloa Public Library 101 2. Update from Mayor’s Board and Commission Chairs Meeting 102 3. Waikoloa Second Access Road - Update from Matt Chauper 103 4. Waikoloa Community Center & Gym 104 5. CDP and CRC Notification on Infrastructure Affecting Historic and Cultural 105 Resources 106 6. Priority items from Committee members Lau and Wilcox 107 7. Waimea Community Center Rehabilitation 108 ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:45:48] 109 ADJOURNMENT 110 Chair Licoan adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m. 111 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s 112 South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of 113 Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the 114 Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 115 Tsunami Report South Kohala July 29, 2025 The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tsunami Warning for the State of Hawaii at 2:43 p.m. on July 29 due to an 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia . “For the most part, we achieved most of our goals,” Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “We got everyone out of the coastal areas by 6:15 p.m., which was great.” The first warning alert was issued at around 4:10 p.m. Following the alert, many people headed for higher ground, resulting in gridlock traffic. Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport had 34 flight delays and cancellations. It was reported that many newly arrived tourists were stranded due to not being able to rent a car and ground traffic being diverted away from the airport. If tourists were able to get out of the airport, they found that they were not able to get to their likely accommodations due to closures mostly being in the affected tsunami zone. A full tsunami evacuation is a rare event in Hawai‘i County and all county agencies worked together and got everyone to safety as needed,” Hawai‘i Island Acting Police Chief Reed Mahuna said . Before the first waves of the tsunami were expected to hit at 7:17 p.m. on Tuesday, most motorists were out of the possible impact zones. The Waikoloa area resorts do not usually do a full evacuation and have their own emergency plans and actions planned and practiced. They tend to shelter in place as their facilities have multiple floors for higher elevation, stocked provisions, and structures that are earthquake graded and fortified for severe weather for the most part. However, as the full evacuation to higher ground was mandatory, getting all the guests and staff out all at one time using limited evacuation routes, was the main reason for the traffic issues. Confusion arose as Waikoloa Village was the closest high ground. Although Civil Defense did not designate a location in the village, many assumed that there would be one and headed on to reach the evacuation location. Waikoloa Village doesn’t have a community center and the default location for any large activities is the school. Of note, the school does not have air conditioning. Police directing traffic were uncertain to direct people at the school but because of the amount of people looking for shelter, the school soon found themselves with people at their doors. The principal, Michelle Barber, consulted with education officials and decided to open the doors for evacuees. Approximately 400 individuals came and stayed. Bathroom facilities needed to be open and the staff attempted to make the evacuees as comfortable as possible. Many others who were displaced stayed at the shopping centers in Waikoloa and Waimea. Bathroom facilities were at capacity. The shopping center parking lots were also at capacity as people waited for the “all clear.” As the night went on and the danger seemingly passed, without the official “all clear,” crowds of people used their own judgement and left to return to their own accommodations. In addition to the unofficial shelter in Waikoloa, several locations other than the only officially designated shelter in South Kohala - Waimea Community Center, several locations opened their doors included Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Parker School, Mana Christian ‘Ohana, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We even had a few families that were accommodated by a new housing development - Waikoloa Lofts. Many of those in the unofficial shelters stayed for hours, with some staying overnight. Those hosting, attempted to accommodate to the best of their abilities. Much of the additional accommodating of evacuees was due to quick actions of local community members and existing networking between organizations. The Waimea Community Center found themselves over capacity (90) and thus the community stepped in. We’d like to thank Patty Cook, Mark Noetzel, Trent Arnow, Kawena Gomes, Stephen Dunn, Michelle Barber, Tamara Garay, Chessine Nugent and many other community members and organizations who contributed their time and efforts in order to assist in the time of need. Additionally we don’t have any accounting of private homes that may have assisted with those affected but suspect that that may have occurred. In all, approximately 880 individuals, made up of mostly couples and families were accommodated in the South Kohala area of Waikoloa and Waimea during the tsunami emergency. In speaking with several of those who had opened up their facilities, there were some suggestions and/or requests in preparing for future evacuations/emergencies. Requests: ● Civil Defense dedicated and direct communications lines between shelters & Civil Defense. Suggestion was to set up a CrisisGo group (application) to be set up by Civil Defense. ● Food/Water emergency storage that could be accessed by shelters. Suggestion was to ask for centralized locations in Waimea and Waikoloa for supplies to help with immediate distribution. ● Blankets/Pillows/Toiletries/Sleeping mats stored for shelter use. Suggestion was to ask resorts for supplies that are slated for retirement. Storage for these supplies to be handled/stored by individual location and CERT storage facilities. ● Staggered evacuations should the need arise for full evacuations from the resorts to assist with traffic. ● Direct information given to traffic officers concerning evacuation locations and “all clear” notifications. ● CERT activation for any and all evacuations/emergencies allowing for practice and real life experience. ● Guests and visitors who were caught without accommodations experienced high anxiety due to not being able to get to their planned accommodations. Alerts specifically for them using the emergency alert system would help to calm and direct them to specific shelters/directions. As we became more and more aware of the extent of assistance that the community did and how they rose to the occasion, it became clear that there are many existing resources that can be tapped if only to be asked. I started asking organizations and facilities in Waimea mostly, and Waikoloa and found that at minimum close to 3,000 can possibly be accommodated should the need arise in emergency locations. I have included a spreadsheet of possible evacuation resources. This will need to be updated periodically. These are some of the more obvious places but there are potentially others. It’s obvious that Waimea has a stronger pool of resources than Waikoloa. I would recommend that the county reevaluate the need to expand on the Waimea District Park with another community building and instead work to have a community center in Waikoloa be built to accommodate the fast growing community there. From:Scott Nagata To:Palma, Maryam; Tristie Licoan; Lahip, Jessica; Planning CDP Subject:Letters of appreciation 2 Date:Tuesday, November 11, 2025 11:21:23 AM Mark Noetzel Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy Assistant Head of School 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, HI 96743 Aloha Mr. Mark Noetzel and the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy for offering to open your campus as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025 tsunami evacuation. Your willingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and medical support provided an invaluable sense of safety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured that those impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality and resources provided by your faculty, staff, and students exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Please extend our appreciation to everyone at HPA who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profound difference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards, SK CDP AC Chair Trent Arnow The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 808-747-4112 81-907 Manawa St. Kealakekua HI 96750 Aloha Mr. Arnow and the Waimea Chapel ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Waimea Chapel membership for offering to open your building as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025 tsunami evacuation. Your willingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and support provided an invaluable sense of safety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured that those impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality and resources provided by your membership exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Please extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profound difference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards,SK CDP AC Chair Kawena GomesAdministratorMana Christian ‘OhanaPO Box 437478Kamuela, HI 96743office@manachristianohana.org(808) 885-2700 Kahu Billy MitchellSr. Pastor Aloha Mrs. Kawena Gomes, Kahu Billy Mitchell and the Mana Christian ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Mana Christian ‘Ohanafor offering to open your building as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025 tsunami evacuation. Yourwillingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and support provided an invaluable sense ofsafety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured thatthose impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality andresources provided by your membership exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Pleaseextend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profounddifference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards,SK CDP AC Chair Stephen DunnParker School65-1224 Lindsey RoadKamuela, HI 96743 Aloha Mr. Dunn and the Parker School ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Parker School ‘Ohanafor offering to open your building as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025 tsunami evacuation. Yourwillingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and support provided an invaluable sense of safety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured thatthose impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality andresources provided by your membership exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Pleaseextend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profounddifference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards,SK CDP AC Chair Michelle BarberPrincipalWaikoloa Elementary & Middle School68-1730 Ho’oko StreetWaikoloa, HI 96738 Aloha Mrs. Barber and the Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Waikoloa Elementary& Middle School ‘Ohana for offering to open your building as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025tsunami evacuation. Your willingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and supportprovided an invaluable sense of safety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured thatthose impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality andresources provided by your membership exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Pleaseextend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profounddifference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards,SK CDP AC Chair Tamara L. GarayLofts at Waikoloa68-1820 Waikoloa Road#508Waikoloa, HI 96738 Aloha Ms. Garay and the Waikoloa Lofts ‘Ohana, On behalf of the South Kohala CDP Action Committee, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Waikoloa Lofts ‘Ohana for offering to open your building as an emergency shelter during the July 29, 2025 tsunami evacuation. Your willingness to welcome our community members with shelter, meals, and support provided an invaluable sense of safety and care at a critical time. Emergencies place immense strain on families and individuals, and your swift and generous response ensured thatthose impacted had a secure place to stay and were treated with compassion and dignity. The hospitality andresources provided by your membership exemplify the highest values of community stewardship and service. We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to the well-being of Hawai‘i Island residents. Pleaseextend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to this effort—your leadership and aloha made a profounddifference for those who needed it most. Mahalo nui loa for standing with our community in times of need. With warm regards,SK CDP AC Chair Additional Emergency Evacuation Locations in Waimea/Waikoloa Area Total Capacity Total Accommoda Last Update 11/06/25 Event Use Location Address Map Area Capacity Amenities Contact Hurricane Tsunami Fire Flood Earthquake OfficiallyActivated Accommodated Dept. of Hawaiian HomeLands Kuhio Hale Kanu o ka ʻĀina Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hawaii PrepatoryAcademyGymnasium and Select Upper Campus Areas Hawaii Prepatory AcademyGymnasium and SelectVillage Campus Areas Mana Christian Ohana Waimea Elementary School Cafeteria Parker School Waimea CommunityCenter X Waimea District Park Waikoloa Elementary &Intermediate Waikoloa Lofts South Kohala CERT Hawaii Island Red Cross July 29, 2025 Tsunami 64-756 Mamalahoa Hwy 12,600 sq ft.200 BathroomsKitchen Chairs/TablesParkingLarge covered lanai James Du PontWest Hawaii District Office Supervisor james.w.dupont@hawaii.gov808-887-6053 0 64-1043 Hiʻiaka St.20,000 sq ft.BathroomsKitchen Chairs/TablesParkingMultiple surrounding support buildings Taffi WiseChief Business Officer 808-890-8144 0 65-1160 Kapiolani Rd.15,000 sq ft.300 Bathrooms KitchenChairs/TablesParking Multiple rooms Trent Arnow High Councilman808-747-411281-907 Manawa St. Kealakekua HI 96750Alt Contact:Oke Aholelei 808-557-2945okeaholelei@gmail.com 75 26,600 sq ft.200 Beds (approx 180 capacity)BathroomsKitchen SeatingParkingHelicopter Support Infirmary (medical center)EmergencyTech/communications Center Animal Shelter Mark NoetzelHawaii Preparatory AcademyAssistant Head of School 65-1692 Kohala Mountain RoadKamuela, HI 96743mnoetzel@hpa.edu (808) 640-6236 75 65-1274 Kawaihae Rd.7,600 sq ft.100 Seating Parking Mark Noetzel Hawaii Preparatory AcademyAssistant Head of School65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road Kamuela, HI 96743mnoetzel@hpa.edu(808) 640-6236 0 67-1182 Lindsey Rd. 12,000 sq ft.250 BathroomsChairs/Tables KitchenCotsParking Multiple roomsSound System Kawena GomesAdministrator Mana Christian OhanaPO Box 437478Kamuela, HI 96743 office@manachristianohana.org(808) 885-2700Kahu Billy Mitchell Sr. Pastor 140 67-1225 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd.9,300 sq ft.650 Field parking BathroomsKitchenChairs/Tables Tammie Picklesimer Principaltammie.picklesimer@k12.hi.us 0 65-1124 Lindsey Rd.300 BathroomsChairs/Tables KitchenCotsParking Multiple rooms Stephen DunnParker School Head of School65-1224 Lindsey RoadKamuela, HI 96743 (808) 885-8175(808) 885-7933 ext. 7105 (office)sdunn@parkerschoolhawaii.org 50 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.5,800 sq ft.90 Chairs/Tables,Bathrooms KitchenParking 130 67-1315 Ala Ohia Rd.400 BathroomsKitchenParking 0 68-1730 Hooko St.15,000 sq ft.400 BathroomsKitchen Chairs/TablesParking Michelle BarberPrincipal Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School68-1730 Ho’oko StreetWaikoloa, HI 96738 (808) 895-8895michelle.barber@k12.hi.usCassandra Lambert Vice Principal(808) 313-5732cassandra.lambert@k12.hi.us 400 68-1865 Pua Melia St.Varied Individual rooms Tamara L. GarayLeasing Coordinator Voicemail (808) 731-5165Cell (214) 738-5710leasing@loftsatwaikoloa.com 10 Chessine Nugent(808) 319-9762 chessinenugent@hotmail.com 65-1692 Kohala Mountain R https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/maps/@20.04567 https://www.google.com/map https://www.google.com/maps/search/waim https://www.google.com/map 2890 880 Additional Emergency Evacuation Locations in Waimea/Waikoloa Area Last Update 11/06/25 Event Use Location Address Map Area Capacity Amenities Contact Hurricane Tsunami Fire Flood Earthquake OfficiallyActivated Accommodated July 29, 2025 Tsunami https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sf1adaB5syaJgWCk9 Summary of Hawaii County Committee and Commission Workshop Workshop Overview Aloha Kakou KDCP-AC members and staff, On Saturday, October 28th, I attended a workshop at the invitation of the mayor’s office. The event was facilitated by Mayor Kimo Alameda, Micah Alameda (Executive Assistant, Boards and Commissions), and Bill Brilhante (Managing Director). The workshop brought together Chairs and Vice Chairs from various Hawaii County committees and commissions, including representatives from the Liquor Commission, Kau’ and South Kohala Action Committees, Game Commission, Merit and Appeals Board, Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions, Environmental Management, Veterans Advisory Board, and Waimea Community Association. There were also attendees whom I did not have the opportunity to meet, as well as several invitees who were not present. Notably, Puna and Hamakua ACs were not represented, and it was also noted that the North Kohala AC has disbanded. Opening Remarks and Meeting Facilitation The workshop began with brief presentations from Mayor Alameda and the Managing Director, emphasizing the significance of county Boards and Commissions. As appointees, we were reminded that we serve as representatives for the county during meetings and hearings we chair. The discussion highlighted best practices for facilitating meetings, with advice drawn from individual experiences. Key points included the use of Robert’s Rules of Order, setting time limits on testimony, and strategies for de-escalating potential conflicts. While these practices are important, it was acknowledged that meetings differ in their subject matter, attendees, purpose, and tone. As committee or commission members, we were encouraged to focus on drawing out information from those who wish to testify, rather than engaging in debates about agreement or correctness. The Mayor and Managing Director stressed that maintaining decorum during meetings is essential and leads to positive outcomes. The remainder of the session was facilitated by Micah Alameda who conceded that the individual commissions and committees vary widely and that a one size fits all will likely not work and that his goal was to hear from the various Boards and Commissions and look for ways on how the administration can improve its support. Mr. Alameda posed three questions for open discussion. 1. Is there a format that you prefer for your meetings? In person, zoom or hybrid. Ideally, the In Person format was preferred. However, members felt that hybrid would work the best toward encouraging community participation and with issues in achieving quorum. The issue of the differences between quasi legal and advisory Boards and/or Commissions needed clarification. Zoom and hybrid may lead to distractions, poor communication, blackouts and hacking as was recently reported by the Game Board. Quorum was the biggest concern and achieving quorum the most disruptive when scheduling meetings. 2. Your Thoughts on Sunshine Law. Members felt that more training was needed for all Boards and Commissions. In principle the Sunshine Law supports the need for transparency but can also limit interactions. Members felt that much more could be accomplished if members were allowed to discuss issues without having to worry about who else is present. Many members serve in advisory positions and felt that the Sunshine Law may be trying to address an issue that does not exist. 3. How can the county administration better serve the Boards and Commissions? Allow, encourage, facilitate, schedule regular meetings of all the Boards and Commissions. Fill vacancies. Mr. Alameda mentioned that the present administration has appointed 47 new members to B & ‘s since taking office. Provide stable funding to increase staff and support other board activities (travel costs, outreach). Mr. Alameda suggested that the County Council has or will be taking up as a budget issue the hiring of two additional staff to support the B&C’s and that each B&C can request funding. I suggest that the Kona CDP Action Committee take up these issues at our next meeting.