HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-03 HCDP Meeting Packet
County of Hawai‘i
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
(808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda,
Ph.D.
Mayor
Brad Kurokawa, Chair
Mahealani Maikui, Vice-Chair
Ben Dalauidao
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Robert Nishimoto
Tawn Keeney
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Hāmākua
Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) in accordance with the provisions
of Sections 92-3.7 and 92-7, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS). This meeting will be held in-
person at the location listed in this notice and by Interactive Conference Technology (ICT)
through Zoom.
DATE: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
TIME: 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Pa’auilo Elementary & Intermediate School Library
43-1497 Hauola Rd
Pa’auilo, HI 96776
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/ifVzB-70Rq-2xJweN7cc0Q
INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGY (ICT): A meeting held by ICT shall be
automatically recessed for up to 30 minutes to restore communication when audiovisual
communication cannot be maintained with all members participating in the meeting or with the
in-person location identified in this notice. The meeting may reconvene when either audiovisual
communication is restored, or audio-only communication is established after an unsuccessful
attempt to restore audiovisual communication. If it is not possible to reconvene the meeting as
provided in this subsection within 30 minutes after an interruption to communication, the
meeting will be automatically terminated.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY: The public may provide oral testimony at the meeting by joining Zoom
or attending in-person at the physical location listed above. Although not required, to register
in advance for oral testimony please contact staff at CDP@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-
8288. Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested persons who want to provide oral testimony
may do so either at the time the committee takes public statements on the agenda, or at the
time the specific agenda item is called. Please note that public testimony may be limited to
three (3) minutes in length per agenda item. In addition, although not required, to ensure timely
delivery of written testimony to committee members, it is requested that written testimony be
submitted by 4:30 p.m. at least two business days prior to the meeting via email to
CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. When submitting written testimony, please specify for which agenda
item written testimony is being submitted. All written testimony will be a part of the public record.
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – The Committee will consider approving the draft
minutes from the October 1, 2025
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS – Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS,
interested persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so now, or at the time the
specific agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in
length per agenda item.
IV. BUSINESS:
1. Proposed Nīnole Community Hub – Presentation by Christy Toledo on developing
a community hub at TMK: 3-2-003-006, which includes a gas station, post office, and
convenience store. Discussion and potential action to follow.
2. Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures
Update – Planning department staff will provide an update to the proposed
amendment to the Planning Department’s Public Notice Procedures. (See
Communication No. 2025-02a)
3. Roads-in-Limbo – Committee member Keeney will propose the committee prioritize
roadways where ownership and responsibility are unclear and hamper public access.
Discussion and potential action to follow. (See Hāmākua CDP Policy 49, page 71).
4. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair – Discussion and potential action to elect a Chair
and Vice-Chair for the Hāmākua CDP Action Committee for 2026
V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Public testimony may
be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. (Pursuant to SB 869)
VI. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – The Action Committee may
receive and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not
included in a publicly noticed agenda. The Action Committee may only make decisions
on matters originally raised by third-party reports from any government official at a later
meeting, where the agenda for the meeting gives notice of decision-making on the
matter. (Pursuant to SB 405)
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) installed at intersection of Highway
19, Mamalahoa Hwy and Mill Rd in Pāpaʻikou.
• The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Hāmākua CDP Action
Committee and requests assistance to get the word out to interested community
members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website
at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions/boards-and-
commissions-application
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s
Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi
Public Document Repository:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/fol/109367/Row1.aspx. These documents may also
be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing
CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. The recorded video of this meeting will be uploaded to the Planning
Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cohplanningdepartment
The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable opportunity
to be heard on the above items. A person desiring to submit oral or written testimony may
indicate their name and whether the testimony is on their behalf or as a representative of an
organization or individual. Written testimony can be submitted via email or hard copy. Hard
copies should include an original and nine copies and be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. two
business days prior to the meeting.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service, other reasonable modification, or language
interpretation to access this meeting please contact the Planning Department at (808) 961-
8288 or CDP@hawaiicounty.gov as soon as possible, but no later than five business days prior
to the meeting date, to arrange for accommodations. If a response is received after the five-
business days deadline, we will try to obtain the auxiliary aid/service or accommodation, but
we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled. “Other reasonable modification” refers to
communication methods or devices for people with disabilities who are mentally and/or
physically challenged. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large
print, Braille, or electronic copy.
If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaiʻi County Clerk within five days of
becoming a lobbyist. (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai‘i County Code). A lobbyist means,
“any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any
month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or
administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.”
(Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawai‘i County Code). Registration forms and expenditure
report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street,
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720.
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
BRAD KUROKAWA, Chair
Meeting Packet QR Code:
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
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
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai i 96720
(808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
Brad Kurokawa, Chair
Mahealani Maikui, Vice Chair
Ben Dalauidao
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
Robert Nishimoto
Tawn Keeney
October , 2025
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, 96720
Subject:Community Development Plan Action Committee Letter
Regarding Proposed Amendment to the Planning Department s
Public Notice Procedures
Aloha Director Darrow:
October 1, 2025, at the Gym. Included on the agenda was a discussion regarding the
previously submitted
(Communication 2025-02). The AC recognized the importance of implementing interim measures to
ensure timely and effective public notification. The AC voted unanimously to recommend that the
Planning Department incorporate the proposed amendment through a Department Rule or Planning
Director memo until the proposed amendment can be incorporated via a code revision and ordinance.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter and for your continued support
Committee.
Sincerely,
Brad Kurokawa, Chair
Community Development Plan Action Committee
JL
cc via email:
Michelle Ahn, Deputy Planning Director
Enclosure:Communication 2025-02
Communication No. 2025-02a
To: DHHL Lessees with property bounding Mealani Rd. between Mana Rd. and Hwy. 19
From: Tawn Keeney
Subject: Ownership and Authority over Mealani Rd: DHHL or County of Hawaii
Below is a letter which I have sent to Mr. Yoshida this morning. This follows some investigation
as to the ownership of this road, which is as yet unresolved in my mind. Along the path of this
investigation I have had opportunity to converse with a number of gracious and knowledgable
people. I have thanked them, and yourselves for any interest or participation which you might
have in this conversation.
Kelbert Yoshida, administrator
Land Development Division
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Dear Mr. Yoshida,
I wish to begin by thanking you for your very knowledgable responses to my inquiry last
week over the phone pertaining to the legal and administrative status of a segment of Mealani
Road in Waimea, Big Island.
As you recall, my interest was in investigating the possibility that the Mealani segment
connecting Mana Road to Highway 19 might be available to bicyclists, in that it provides the
only practical safe route (due to hazardously narrow shoulders on Highway 19 on the east side of
Waimea) for bicycling between Waimea and Honokaa. As I mentioned also, the Mana Road -
Old Mamalahoa Highway - Kahana Drive route is a spectacularly beautiful ride to Honokaa,
apparently described by Lance Armstrong in a Bicycling magazine as one of the 10 best bicycle
routes in the world.
Following our conversation, wherein you had suggested that I would file a UIPA request or
ICLO(?) with your Community Relations Office in order to access the appropriate
documentation of legal and administrative status of the segment of Mealani Road in question, I
rather, visited the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works, County of Hawaii. I
had doubted that I would have the expertise to interpret whatever documents I would find from
your DHHL archives. As you recall, the only documentation of the legal status of this section of
Mealani Road which I have found thus far lists ownership as being with the County of Hawaii,
though my conversation with the administrator of the Property Tax Division, whose map shows
this to be a County Road, concluded with his statement that the County Property Tax Maps are
sometimes wrong.
With this background I wish to forward to you the email which I received from the Civil
Engineer at DPW following our conversation:
Communication No. 2025-04
Hi Tawn,
Our Land Surveyor, Randy, checked our files and spoke with our Division Chief who mentioned
that the current administration sees roads listed as “Road-in-Limbo” (RIL) as government roads
that should fall under the County’s jurisdiction.
In this case, Mealani Road in Waimea is listed as “RIL-Not in Inventory.” We do acknowledge
Mealani Road as a government road. If you would like the County to look into it further, please
fill out and submit a complaint form online. Once we get it, we’ll start the process to investigate
and determine who put up the gate and whether it’s blocking access on the government road. If it
checks out, we’ll go from there and decide on the next steps.
From my conversations with Randy, our next steps may be either requesting whoever put up the
gate to remove it, or if they give us valid enough reason for having the gate in place we would
request that they keep it closed but unlocked. We would need to discuss further for other possible
options.
Please use the following link to our complaint form if/when you decide to file it: https://
www.dpw.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/administration/information-complaint-form
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Keanu Payao
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
My request to Mr. Payao had included that the documentation establishing ownership and
administrative authority might be accessed. I am not sure whether any such access was
accomplished, other than the County Tax Map. Therefore, I continue to be less than confident
about the ownership and authority status of the Mealani Road section that would allow the above
bicycle access. However, the next step would seem clear, to file the complaint as suggested.
However to file this complaint seems problematic in the following ways. I have no interest in
whether the gate preventing vehicular access is closed or locked. My interest is in bicycle access
which is already provided by an open walkway around the closed gate, though bicyclists are
being asked to leave and not use the road. If the few residents along the road wish to deny public
vehicular access, I do not wish to interfere. However, I would ask that the County and nearby
residents (and DHHL) would agree to allow bicycle access.
Perhaps even more problematic is the realization that my filing of the complaint may end up
jeopardizing DHHL’s authority over that section of Mealani Road which leads mauka to an
extensive DHHL subdivision. This seems the case as the entirety of Mealani Road along with a
rather long section of Mana Road which extends either side of the Mealani Road intersection is
designated on the Property Tax Map as all one property belonging to the County of Hawaii, and
thus, likely all one County Road with public access. It may be that the owners of those
properties in that mauka subdivision would wish to have that Mealani access route remain as
‘public access restricted’ as is indicated on the sign currently. Again I would rather not interfere.
Once the complaint is registered, if it does turn out that this is a ‘County Road’ or government
road as Mr. Payao is suggesting, then I think that the signs limiting Mealani Road access in both
directions will need to be removed, along probably with the gate.
I would feel that before that point is reached, perhaps DHHL should examine all available
documentation. If confidence continues that DHHL has ownership and authority over Mealani
Road then I will proceed to file the complaint and allow the discussion to proceed. However, if
there might be uncertainty, then perhaps an agreement could be reached between DHHL and the
residents on the Mealani section joining Mana Road to Highway 19 that bicyclists would be
allowed this access. Perhaps a simple sign by the walk through open gate stating something like
‘Hawaii Resident Bicycle Access Allowed’ could be placed. The ‘Hawaii Resident’ part may
discourage the development of ‘bicycle tours’ that includes Mealani, if that is felt to be
important. Also the gate at Highway 19 should probably remain open, at least daytime, or a
walk-around open or unlocked gateway be constructed.
I thank you for your consideration of the above and look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Tawn Keeney MD
Box 248
Honokaa, Hawaii 96727
tawn@honokaapeople.com
808-937-7674
Cc.
Keanu Payao
Lessees of adjacent properties
David K Beamer
Clayson Stone
Alexianne Blake
Mona Ramos
Julita, Edgar, Lani, Pomaikai Spencer
Sydney Lee Stevens
Communication No. 2025-05
Resolution of the Hamakua CDP Action Committee in consideration of Mealani Road (East side of Waimea) bicycle access
RESOLUTION:
The Hamakua CDP Action Committee requests that District 1 Council Member, Heather Kimball, request of the Hawaiian Homes Commissioner for West Hawaii Island, Makai Freitas, that he direct the legal counsel for Hawaiian Homes to examine and present to both Commissioner Freitas and Council Representative Kimball all evidence and confirmation of Hawaiian Homes Jurisdiction and Authority over that property on the west side of Waimea identified as Mealani Road. If documentation of Hawaiian Homes Jurisdiction and authority over Mealani Road is not received within two weeks of this request to Commissioner Freitas then Council Representative Kimball is herein requested to choose between the following two options. 1) Enter into discussion with Commissioner Freitas regarding allowance of bicycle access to traverse Mealani Road between Mana Road and Highway 19 with conditions and stipulations as agreed upon. Any such agreement on access and conditions would be subject to review and curtailment by either party, Hawaiian Homes and County of Hawaii, on a yearly basis. 2) Direct the County of Hawaii Corporation Counsel to retrieve and examine all documentation of authority and jurisdiction over that property designated as Mealani Road. This documentation will be presented to Council Representative Kimball and Commissioner Freitas. Subsequently discussion will be held regarding the allowance of bicycle traverse between Mana Road and Highway 19 over Mealani Road, including revocable conditions and stipulations as above.
Communication No. 2025-06