HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-18 Kaʻū CDP Minutes Final
KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4 November 18, 2025 5
CALL TO ORDER: 6
Chair Masters called the Kaʻū Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) 7
meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. This meeting was held in person at the Ocean View Community 8 Center and online via the Zoom platform. 9
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JVSoDTcOr4 11
ROLL CALL: 12
Members Present (in person): Babette Morrow, David Kuahiwinui, Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi, 13
Taylor Spurgeon, Catherine Williams, Kaweni Ibarra, Gary Davis, and Chair Jason Masters. 14
County Staff Present (in person): Maryam Palma and Kawelo Kalili. 15
County Staff Present (via Zoom): Janice Hata 16
There were approximately nine (9) members of the public in attendance – (3) in person and 17
(6) via Zoom. 18
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:39] 19
Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi moved to approve the September 23, 2025, minutes with 20 corrections: line 52 should read “County would take this step by step” instead of “Committee 21 would take this step by step,” line 88 should correct the name to “Espaniola,” and line 15 22
should note that Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi was absent. The motion was seconded by Committee 23
Member Morrow and approved with a unanimous aye voice vote. 24
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:54] 25
No testifiers were present in person or on Zoom. 26
BUSINESS: 27
1. Chair and Vice Chair Elections – Discussion and action to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair 28
for the Kaʻū CDP Action Committee for 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 5:42] 29
Committee Member Morrow moved to nominate Jason Masters as Chair and herself as 30 Vice Chair. Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi seconded the motion. Chair Masters accepted 31 the role of Chair for 2026. 32
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 2
Committee Member Davis moved to nominate Jason Masters as Chair and Kaʻohinani 33 Mokuhaliʻi as Vice Chair. Committee Member Ibarra seconded the motion. Chair Masters 34
accepted the role of Chair and Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi accepted the role of Vice 35
Chair for 2026. 36
A roll-call vote was taken for Jason Masters for Chair and received eight aye votes 37 (Morrow, Kuahiwinui, Mokuhaliʻi, Spurgoen, Williams, Ibarra, Davis, Masters). [SEE 38 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 9:18] 39
A roll-call vote was taken for Kaʻohinani Mokuhaliʻi for Vice Chair and received eight aye 40
votes (Morrow, Kuahiwinui, Mokuhaliʻi, Spurgeon, Williams, Ibarra, Davis, Masters). 41 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 9:52] 42
2. Hīlea Property Permitted Interaction Group Report – The Hīlea Property Permitted 43 Interaction Group will present its findings on the proposed acquisition. *Note: Committee 44
members may ask clarifying questions, but full discussion will be held at the next 45
meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:29] 46
Committee Member Ibarra moved to present the Hīlea Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) 47 findings. Committee Member Morrow seconded the motion. 48
Committee Member Ibarra reported on a July site visit to the property with Committee 49
Member Williams and former Vice Chair Hanoa via The Nature Conservancy access 50
road. He reviewed the community hunting access program, weather tracking efforts in 51 collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi, and the property’s grazing license and lease 52 with Wally Andrade. He noted that The Nature Conservancy partners with the State to 53 access the State Forest Reserve and would be positioned to pursue land acquisition if 54
the property were offered for sale, subject to market value and secured funding. He 55
emphasized the organization’s focus on watershed protection, with no plans to divert or 56 relocate water. Committee Member Ibarra also reported on efforts to address Rapid 57 ʻŌhiʻa Death, noting observable differences in fenced areas. He stated that The Nature 58 Conservancy is under trustee oversight and outlined its primary goals of acquiring land, 59
holding and transferring property, and purchasing development rights from property 60
owners. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 11:05] 61
Committee Member Williams reported that extensive replanting of native forest species 62 was underway, with efforts focused on ʻōhiʻa health and watershed protection. She stated 63 that there was no diversion of water occurring on The Nature Conservancy land, 64
addressing concerns raised by a community member. She emphasized the value of the 65
work being done, including restoration of native species, exclusion of feral pigs, and 66 management of hunting licenses. Committee Member Ibarra added that former Vice 67 Chair Hanoa provided additional insights during the visit, noting his familiarity with the 68 area from having grown up there. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 13:54] 69
Chair Masters inquired about hunting access and was informed by Committee Member 70
Ibarra that additional information was available on The Nature Conservancy’s website. 71 Committee Member Ibarra also stated that the Olson Trust was the current landowner. 72
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 3
In response to questions from Committee Member Kuahiwinui, Committee Member 73 Ibarra explained that access to the property was not limited to hunters and included 74
gathering activities, and Committee Member Williams added that a tour program was 75
available. Committee Member Ibarra further noted that a county road on the left side 76 provided public access. Committee Member Kuahiwinui requested additional access 77 information, and Chair Masters indicated that further discussion on the agenda item 78 would occur at the next meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 15:20] 79
Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi stated that when the matter was first presented to the 80
CDP, it followed the awarding of Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) 81 funds, at which time the group traveled to Oʻahu to demonstrate intent to purchase the 82 land should it become available. She noted that no further action occurred after that, but 83 the intent to acquire the property remained part of the plan. She added that if the matter 84
progressed further, clarification could be requested. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 85
18:14] 86
Committee Member Davis asked about past funding, and Chair Masters responded that 87 the question would be addressed at the next meeting during discussion. Committee 88 Member Ibarra clarified that the parcel visited during the site visit was already owned by 89
The Nature Conservancy, but they were inquiring about the parcel below. [SEE 90
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 19:57] 91
3. Action Committee Orientation – Planning Department presentation regarding Action 92 Committee scope. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 21:23] 93
Chair Masters moved that the Planning Department provide a presentation regarding the 94
Action Committee scope. Committee Member Kuahiwinui seconded the motion. [SEE 95
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 21:36] 96
Staff presentation was given by Maryam Palma. See Communication No. 2025-16 for 97 the PowerPoint Presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 23:14] 98
Committee Member Ibarra asked whether the adoption of the General Plan for 2045 99
would require the CDP to be redone. Ms. Palma responded that CDP’s are updated 100
independently, typically about every ten years. Chair Masters asked for an example of a 101 change or update that might be made to the CDP, and Ms. Palma noted that the current 102 Kaʻū CDP had just been updated. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 39:06] 103
Councilmember Galimba stated that there were items in the CDP that could be changed 104
in the General Plan. Ms. Palma responded that the General Plan was currently with 105
Council and recommended that comments be submitted there. She noted that Council 106 deliberations were scheduled for February 2026. Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi noted 107 that the population was growing and that several areas originally zoned for specific uses 108 were changing, including Nā‘ālehu, Ocean View, and Pāhala. Committee Member 109
Spurgeon requested clarification of the term “spot development” on page 38 of the Kaʻū 110
CDP. Ms. Palma explained that it referred to concentrating development within town 111 centers rather than scattering development throughout the area. Committee Member 112
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 4
Mokuhaliʻi requested that the committee review the CDP maps to propose changes and 113 suggested bringing the agenda item back in January 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE 114
TIMESTAMP 41:06] 115
Chair Masters asked if there were any further questions or discussion, and none 116 occurred. He then asked the Committee if the CDP land use policy map review should 117 be placed on the agenda for the January 27, 2026, meeting, and the Committee agreed. 118 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:26] 119
4. Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2 Highway Project Concept – Presentation and 120
discussion on whether to draft a letter in support of the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2 121 Highway Project Concept. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:26] 122 123 Chair Masters moved to hear a presentation from Olson Trust and to allow the Action 124
Committee time for discussion. Committee Member Ibarra seconded the motion. [SEE 125
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 49:51] 126
A presentation was provided by Mr. John Cross. He stated that he had given 127 presentations at the previous two meetings held in Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. He explained 128 that in 2024, a new trustee inquired about highway development outside of Pāhala and 129
noted that the area contained appropriately State urban zoned land. He reported that he 130
met with the Planning Department, and provided a concept for a fuel station, coffee shop, 131 and convenience store along Highway 11, and that the Planning Department had already 132 submitted the General Plan maps to Council. He explained that, in order to proceed with 133 development, community support would be required, including presenting it to the Action 134
Committee and explaining why the General Plan and the recommendations made by 135
LUPAG would be altered. Once completed, the rezoning process and entitlement 136 reviews would begin. He stated that this was the status of the project and requested a 137 letter from the Action Committee recommending that the maps be changed to a medium-138 density urban designation. See Communication No. 2025-11 for the letter to the Action 139
Committee. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 50:12] 140
Mr. Cross stated that under the General Plan the property was currently designated as 141 State urban zone but was proposed to change to Important Agricultural Land, noting that 142 the site had been zoned urban for approximately 50–60 years. He requested that the 143 Action Committee recommend the project as one that was wanted and needed for the 144
Pāhala community and the Kaʻū District. He explained that the project site was located 145
approximately 0.6 miles northwest of Pāhala and that surveyor tape currently marked the 146 proposed highway entrance, which would be re-evaluated through a Department of 147 Transportation (DOT) traffic study. He added that a reduced speed limit was also being 148 considered. He stated that coffee production would remain on the property and that 149
existing monkeypod trees would be preserved as much as possible. He emphasized that 150
the project considered public interest, as well as proximity to community facilities and 151 services along the existing highway. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 53:54] 152
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 5
Mr. Cross also noted that the convenience store would include an educational 153 component highlighting the cultural and historical aspects of the area to educate visitors. 154
He stated that public comments had expressed a desire for good food options nearby 155
and for public restrooms. He indicated that following the meeting, the project team would 156 return to the Planning Department and appear before the Planning Commission, and that 157 they would like to share the Committee’s testimony. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 158 59:02] 159
Mr. Cross identified Mr. Carl Okuyama as the project operator. Mr. Okuyama stated that 160
there were four stores and three gas stations. Mrs. Brenda Iokepa-Moses noted that the 161 team had met with the high school Vice Principal, who expressed interest in adding 162 recycling to the proposed facility. A presentation would be given to juniors and seniors to 163 obtain their feedback. Mrs. Iokepa-Moses also shared that shuttles could operate 164
possibly three days a week at certain times and could also transport seniors from Ocean 165
View. Committee Member Davis noted that the County’s senior centers already organize 166 field trips and have a county van available. Committee Member Mokuhaliʻi raised 167 concerns regarding safety for children and foot traffic. Mrs. Iokepa-Moses responded that 168 the community had indicated the location was ideal, keeping it away from residential 169
areas, and that a shuttle remained a viable option. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 170
1:04:44] 171
Committee Member Ibarra asked if the traffic study had been completed, and Mrs. 172 Iokepa-Moses responded that it had not. He recommended the addition of a sidewalk 173 and advocated improvements to the highway. Mrs. Iokepa-Moses expressed concerns 174
about the financial feasibility of these improvements. Committee Member Ibarra 175
suggested creating a trail off the road. Several Committee Members expressed concerns 176 regarding vehicular and foot traffic to the proposed project and related safety issues. A 177 brief discussion about the zoning occurred. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:12:40] 178
Chair Masters stated that he remained concerned about the project due to its location 179
adjacent to the highway and noted that he was also considering future development of 180
the entire parcel. Mrs. Iokepa-Moses stated that the Olson Trust owned approximately 181 85 acres and that only a small portion of the property was being developed. She 182 explained that the proposed location was determined to be the most logical. Mr. 183 Okuyama briefly described his reasoning for the development. All Committee Members 184
expressed concern regarding the safety of the sidewalk. Chair Masters discussed the 185
possibility of lowering the speed limit but noted concerns regarding large trucks slowing 186 down and then accelerating. He also stated that traffic could back up unless an additional 187 lane was added. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:29:17] 188
Committee Member Ibarra moved to draft a letter in support. Committee Member Davis 189
seconded the motion. A brief discussion occurred. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 190
1:46:09] 191
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 6
Committee Member Ibarra withdrew his motion. The Committee Members agreed that 192 Committee Member Ibarra would draft the letter of support and present it at the next 193
Action Committee meeting prior to finalization. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:08:36] 194
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 195
2:09:27] 196
No testifiers were present in person or on Zoom. 197
THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 198
2:09:56] 199
Council Member Galimba reported on issues in Ocean View. She stated that the County 200 conducted a Laulima survey to gather community input on priorities and vision, noting that 201 the number one issue identified was dogs. She reported that she had been advocating for 202 animal control services to address wandering and feral dogs. While some efforts had been 203
made, she requested community feedback and mentioned the possibility of establishing a 204
small animal control shelter in Ocean View. She also discussed conversations with the 205 Mayor regarding the potential for a full police station in the area, noting that the closest 206 station is currently in Nā‘ālehu. 207
Council Member Galimba also reported that she was working with fellow Council Members 208
on Bill 83, which would require food service providers to use compostable containers. She 209
stated that the bill addressed concerns about the Waikōloa landfill filling up rapidly and could 210 help initiate a composting program. She noted that students from Ka‘ū High School planned 211 to support Bill 83. 212
Additional issues discussed included wastewater projects in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, as well 213
as renovations in Hilo and Kona. She also reported on the Punalu‘u area, stating that the 214
developer had withdrawn the Special Management Area (SMA) application. She noted that 215 policies in the Ka‘ū Community Development Plan converged in Punalu‘u and stated that it 216 was an appropriate time to begin planning efforts for the area. 217
Council Member Galimba stated that she was developing a survey to gather community 218
concerns and input, which was expected to be distributed within the next few weeks. She 219
noted that once survey results were received, she would return for further discussion. She 220 stated that the survey would be shared through her newsletter, County website, and Ka‘ū 221 News. She also reported that she was working with the Research and Development 222 Department, which had agreed to attend community events to engage with residents and 223
collect feedback. 224
PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:21:15] 225
1. Hīlea Property Permitted Interaction Group Discussion 226 2. Analysis of the CDP Land Use Policy Maps Discussion 227 3. Kamaʻoa Road Unpermitted Grading and Excavation Progress Report 228
KAʻŪ CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Draft Minutes of November 18, 2025 Page 7
Ms. Elsa Dedman reported that she followed up with the Department of Public Works 229 (DPW) and was informed that the department currently has only two engineers. She 230
stated that one engineer was assigned to East Hawaiʻi and was fully occupied, while 231
the other was working extensively on the Pāhala Wastewater Treatment System. As 232 a result, DPW was unable to conduct the necessary research and field work at this 233 time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:23:14] 234
ANNOUNCEMENTS: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:25:01] 235
1. The Environmental Notice – Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Restoration Project – Draft 236
EA (AFNSI): https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2025-10-237 08-TEN.pdf 238
2. The Environmental Notice – Development of the Kaʻū Cultural Center – Draft EA 239 (AFNSI): https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/The_Environmental_Notice/2025-11-08-240
TEN.pdf 241
3. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 27, 2026, at the Nā‘ālehu 242 Community Center. 243
4. Chair Masters reported that Nohopapa Hawaiʻi LLC held an informational meeting 244 and requested community input regarding the future of Kiolakaʻa and the surrounding 245
area where cattle were historically pushed into the water to swim out to the boats. He 246 stated that additional meetings would be held as part of a 12-month process and that 247 the group was working with the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. He noted that PONC 248 had acquired the land to protect cultural and historic resources. Chair Masters 249 reported that most attendees expressed concerns about protecting coastal areas and 250
significant cave systems while ensuring that Kaʻū residents’ ability to fish and gather 251 along the coast would not be limited. 252
ADJOURNMENT: [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:27:49] 253
Chair Masters adjourned this meeting at 7:33 p.m. 254
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kaʻū 255
Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 256 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning 257 Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 258