HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-01 HCDP Minutes Draft
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
October 1, 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 5:00 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the Honomū Gym and 8
online via the Zoom platform. 9
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3TXMDpeSfM 11
ROLL CALL 12
Members Present (in person): Brad Kurokawa (Chair), Mahealani Maikui (Vice Chair) arrived at 5:13 13
p.m., Tawn Keeney, Robert Nishimoto, and Ben Dalauidao. 14
County Staff (in person): Maryam Palma and Jessica Lahip 15
County Staff (via Zoom): Janice Hata 16
There were approximately five (5) members of the public in attendance – (5) in person and (0) via Zoom. 17
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 3:41] 18
There was no public testimony at this time. 19
BUSINESS: 20
1. Division of Aquatic Resources – Presentation from Ryan Okano on the Makai Watch program 21
and its relevance to stream flow and ocean connectivity. Followed by discussion and potential 22
decision making. 23
This item was called to order at 5:05 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:31] 24
Ryan Okano of the State Division of Aquatic Resources gave a presentation on the vital connection 25
between stream health, native species, and ocean ecosystems. He described how upland streams 26
and coastal fisheries are biologically linked, explaining that reduced stream flow impacts native 27
species such as ‘ōpae, hīhīwai, and limu, along with the larger fish that depend on them. Okano 28
highlighted that land-based activities, especially agricultural practices—play a major role in stream 29
quality, as grading, soil disturbance, and runoff can carry sediment and pollutants into waterways. 30
He also clarified his agency’s jurisdiction, noting that while the Division of Aquatic Resources 31
manages aquatic species, other agencies such as the Department of Health and the Commission 32
on Water Resource Management oversee water quality and stream flow regulation. To address 33
these interconnected issues, Okano introduced Kahawai Watch, a new initiative modeled after the 34
Makai Watch program, which aims to involve community members in monitoring and caring for 35
streams. Committee members discussed declining rainfall trends, the cumulative effects of 36
agricultural runoff, and erosion from farming near gulch edges. They expressed strong interest in 37
supporting community education and interagency coordination to protect watershed health. Okano 38
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 1, 2025
2
encouraged collaboration moving forward and noted that the program is currently seeking funding 39
to expand its outreach and implementation. 40
This item was closed at 5:31 p.m. 41
2. Pāpaʻikou and Pepeʻekeo and Bus Stop Shelters Update – Action Committee Member Ben 42
Dalauidao will provide an update on bus shelters along Hele-On routes, with focus on Pāpaʻikou 43
and Pepeʻekeo areas, followed by discussion and potential committee decision making. 44
45
This item was called to order at 5:32 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 31:59] 46
47
The Committee reviewed ongoing concerns regarding the need for safer, covered bus stops in the 48
Pāpaʻikou and Pepe‘ekeo areas. Planning staff reported that the Mass Transit Administration (MTA) 49
is moving forward with modifications to Route 80 to include new stops at the Kalaniana‘ole 50
Elementary School bus shelter and the Kulaimano Elderly Housing shelter. These changes are 51
intended to provide sheltered waiting areas for riders and address immediate community safety 52
concerns. Additional shelters are also being planned near Pinky’s Store in Pāpaʻikou and by the 53
Pepe‘ekeo Post Office. Staff confirmed they had checked in with the Hawai‘i Department of 54
Transportation (DOT) and that the bus shelter near Kimura General Store is expected to be installed 55
sooner than the one in Pepe‘ekeo, as coordination and site details for the latter are still being 56
finalized. Committee Member Dalauidao reiterated residents’ frustration with ongoing delays and 57
emphasized the importance of lighting and protection from weather for early-morning and late-58
evening riders. The Hāmākua CDP Action Committee agreed to keep the issue on the agenda for 59
regular updates and to consider raising it with the County Transportation Commission or other 60
relevant bodies to maintain momentum. 61
62
Cory Harden provided testimony suggesting that the issue of the bus shelters could be brought to 63
the attention of the County’s Transportation Commission which advises on transportation-related 64
matters. Planning Staff responded that they were unsure if the Transportation Commission was 65
currently active but agreed to look into it. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 40:21] 66
67
This item concluded at 5:41 p.m. 68
69
3. Hakalau Infrastructure Projects - The Action Committee will discuss sending a formal letter to the 70
Department of Public Works (or appropriate agency) requesting updates on the following Hakalau 71
infrastructure projects: 72
• Ka‘ahakini Stream Bridge & Embankment Closure in Kolekole Park Update 73
• Hakalau Stream Bridge & Hakalau Beach Park Lead & Paint Mitigation Update 74
75
This item was called to order at 5:42 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 41:15] 76
77
The Committee received updates on major infrastructure efforts in Hakalau, including the Ka‘ahakini 78
Stream Bridge and embankment and the Hakalau Stream Bridge rehabilitation. Planning Staff 79
reported that the Hakalau Bridge project had officially started, with Phase 1 addressing repairs to 80
the lower bend, followed by lead paint mitigation and replacement of metal structural supports with 81
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 1, 2025
3
concrete through 2027. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is also reviewing design packages 82
for the Ka‘ahakini Bridge, coordinating with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on 83
required permits. Chair Kurokawa asked for clarification on whether the bridge and embankment 84
work are being treated as one project, as erosion from stormwater runoff has blocked access along 85
the Old Māmalahoa Highway near Kolekole Park. Discussion noted the community’s interest in 86
reopening this route and restoring park access. Planning staff will follow up with DPW to clarify 87
whether the embankment and bridge improvements are being managed as one project or two 88
separate projects and report back to the committee. 89
90
This item concluded at 5:47 p.m. 91
92
4. Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures Update 93
(Communication No. 2025-02). 94
95
Although the proposed amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures was 96
listed as an announcement on the agenda, Chair Kurokawa initiated a discussion on the item. 97
98
This item was called to order at 5:47 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:09] 99
100
Planning staff provided an update on the Committee’s previously submitted letter recommending 101
that the Planning Department expand public notice procedures to include email listserv notifications, 102
in addition to the legally required newspaper postings. The letter was well received by Planning 103
Director Darrow, who expressed support for the concept and noted its potential to increase 104
transparency and accessibility for residents. Staff explained that they are currently working with 105
Information Technology (IT) and clerical staff to determine how a listserv system could be integrated 106
into the department’s workflow, but that creating district-specific lists may exceed current staffing 107
capacity. The Committee was informed that the proposed language will be forwarded to consultants 108
working on the County’s Zoning Code update, ensuring that it will be considered in the next revision 109
cycle following completion of the General Plan update. Because that process may take a while, 110
members discussed the need for an interim solution to improve public access to information more 111
quickly. Options identified included incorporating the practice through the Planning Department’s 112
administrative rules or by issuing a Planning Director’s memo that could guide staff procedures in 113
the meantime. Committee members emphasized the importance of early and consistent notification 114
for community engagement, particularly in rural districts where residents may not regularly access 115
printed notices. 116
117
Chair Kurokawa made a motion to recommend that, as an interim measure, the Planning 118
Department incorporate the proposed amendment through either an administrative rule or a 119
Planning Director’s memo, and that the correspondence be copied to all other CDP Action 120
Committees. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Maikui and passed unanimously. 121
122
This item closed at 6:03 p.m. 123
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 1, 2025
4
THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 124
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:02:39] 125
Council Member Heather Kimball was unable to attend the meeting to provide the Waipi‘o Steering 126
Committee update. Vice Chair Maikui noted that the steering committee is currently working to schedule 127
its next meeting. Chair Kurokawa mentioned that Council Member Kimball had previously shared 128
several draft documents with members, including materials related to pedestrian access improvements 129
and a preliminary proposal to establish the Wahi Pana through coordination with the Cultural Resources 130
Commission and the Department of Research and Development. These efforts are intended to engage 131
community stakeholders in developing a framework for a countywide cultural and historical designation. 132
A more detailed update will be provided once the Waipi‘o Steering Committee reconvenes. 133
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA 134
Corey Harden commented about improving access to public notice by looking up the permit applications 135
by Tax Map Key [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:05:30] 136
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 137
Vice Chair Mahealani Maikui made a motion to approve the August 13, 2025 meeting minutes. The 138
motion was seconded by Committee Member Keeney and passed unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE 139
TIMESTAMP 1:07:42] 140
NEW BUSINESS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:09:00] 141
• Updates on bus shelters and accountability 142
• Planning Department public notice procedures update 143
• Waipi‘o Steering Committee update 144
• Crossing flashing lights in Pāpaʻikou 145
• Pāpaʻikou Community center and safety improvements 146
ANNOUNCEMENTS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:15:05] 147
• Action Committee Keeney reported on potential County acquisition of Kāwaianui Makai property 148
(80 acres in Onomea). Rated highly by PONC Commission; pending purchase agreement 149
around $6M. 150
• The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Hāmākua CDP Action Committee and 151
requests assistance to get the word out to interested community members. The application can 152
be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-153
commissions/boards-and-commissions-application 154
ADJOURNMENT 155
Chair Kurokawa adjourned this meeting at 6:24 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:23:56] 156
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Hāmākua 157
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents 158
Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 159
961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 160