HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-23 PCDP Meeting Packet
County of Hawai‘i
PUNA 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
Vacant
Jennifer Scheffel
Vacant
Vacant
Melissa Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair
Stephanie Bath
Leila Kealoha
Susan Osborne, Chair
Frances Brewer
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING – AMENDED APRIL 17, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Puna
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, April 23, 2026
TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Keaʻau Community Center
16-186 Pili Mua Street
Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi 96749
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/CfnRTsm_TfKZ-iMBMd-Cfw
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.
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AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The AC will consider approving the draft minutes
from the February 26, 2026 meeting.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS: Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS,
interested persons may provide oral testimony either at this time or when the
applicable agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3)
minutes per agenda item.
IV. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: Pursuant to Act 72 (Senate
Bill 405), the AC may receive and discuss information from third-party reports by any
government official not included in a publicly noticed agenda. The AC may only make
decisions on matters originally raised by third-party reports from any government
official at a later meeting, where the agenda provides notice of decision-making on the
matter.
Connectivity Update (Patti Pinto)
o Puhala connection between Fern Acres and South Kopua Road
o Fern Forest and Eden Roc connection on Kaleponi
o Olaʻa Road connection (no updates currently)
V. BUSINESS
1. Keaʻau Benioff Health Center Project Presentation: Informational presentation
by project representatives regarding the proposed project and its relevance to the
Puna Community Development Plan.
2. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission (PONC) Presentation: Informational presentation by County staff
providing an overview of the PONC nomination process, including properties in
Puna that have been nominated and/or are on the current priority list.
VI. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA: Pursuant to Act 53 (Senate
Bill 869), the AC may receive public testimony on matters not listed on this agenda.
Testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
VII. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS: The AC will discuss potential agenda items for future
meetings.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The County of Hawaiʻi announces the launch of the Coastal Zone Management
Atlas, a new online tool that helps the public explore the island’s coastal hazards
and ecosystems. The atlas can be viewed at:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4bf2aae3b12c4f30943097b191c014b5.
The Planning Department will be hosting two informational webinars to introduce
the atlas, provide useful navigation tips and answer any questions. The webinars
3
will cover the same content on both days. The dates and registration links are
below:
1. April 9, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_inJSbbDCQveNHtMZahJS
sw
2. May 7, from 10-11 a.m.
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UYo4Rl9YQFCrh7twGjSZ
4w
The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Puna CDP Action
Committee and requests assistance in spreading the word to interested community
members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at:
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions
The next Puna CDP AC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026
IX. ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning
Department’s Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the
County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/13985/Row1.aspx
These documents may also be requested from the Planning Department by calling (808)
961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. The recorded video of this meeting will be
uploaded to the Planning Department’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@cohplanningdepartment
The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable
opportunity to be heard on the above items. A person desiring to submit oral or written
testimony shall indicate their name and whether the testimony is on their behalf or as a
representative of an organization or individual. Written testimony can be submitted via
email or hard copy. Hard copies should include an original and nine copies and be
submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. two business days prior to the meeting.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service, other reasonable modification, or
language interpretation to access this meeting please contact the Planning Department
at (808) 961-8288 or CDP@hawaiicounty.gov as soon as possible, but no later than five
business days prior to the meeting date, to arrange for accommodations. If a response is
received after the five-business days deadline, we will try to obtain the auxiliary
aid/service or accommodation, but we cannot guarantee that the request will be fulfilled.
“Other reasonable modification” refers to communication methods or devices for people
with disabilities who are mentally and/or physically challenged. Upon request, this notice
is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawai‘i County Clerk within five days of
becoming a lobbyist. (Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawai‘i County Code). A lobbyist
means, “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five
hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to
influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to
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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.
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Susan Osborne, Chair
Meeting Packet QR Code:
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
DRAFT MINUTES 4
February 26, 2026 5
Call to Order 6
Chair Leilani DeMello called the meeting of the Puna Community Development Plan 7
(CDP) Action Committee (AC) to order at 5:03 p.m. The meeting was held in person at 8
the Keaʻau Community Center and online via the Zoom platform. 9
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10
https://youtu.be/bDcMSAzVBVw?si=XOINe_3IwPZ1gaLs 11
Roll Call 12
AC Members Present (in person): 13
Leilani DeMello, Chair 14
Stephanie Bath 15
Martha Morishige 16
Susan (Susie) Osborne 17
AC Members Present (via Zoom): Leila Kealoha 18
AC Members Absent: 19
Gregory Henkel, Vice Chair 20
Jennifer Scheffel 21
Frances Brewer 22
Planning Department Staff Present: 23
Janice Hata 24
Maryam Palma 25
Kawelo Kalili (via Zoom) 26
There were approximately nine members of the public in attendance (seven in person 27
and two via Zoom). 28
Approval of the Minutes 29
Chair DeMello requested approval of the August 28, 2025 draft meeting minutes at 30
approximately 5:06 p.m. AC Member Osborne moved to approve the minutes as drafted, 31
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 26, 2026
2
and AC Member Bath seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. [SEE 32
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:19] 33
Public Testimony on Agenda Items 34
Chair DeMello called for public testimony on agenda items at approximately 5:07 p.m. No 35
public testimony was provided at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:30] 36
Third-Party Reports; Government Officials 37
Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Senate Bill 405 (2025), signed into law as Act 72, the AC may receive 38
and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included 39
in the publicly noticed agenda, but may not make decisions on matters raised through 40
such reports until a later meeting with proper notice. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:56] 41
Road Connectivity Update 42
Patti Pinto, Recovery and Redevelopment Assistant, provided a road connectivity 43
update following earlier discussions with the former Department of Public Works 44
(DPW) Director Neil Azevedo. She reported that three connectivity points had been 45
approved: 46
Eden Roc to Fern Forest; 47
Fern Acres to Kopua; and 48
a connection from the top of Hawaiian Acres toward Highway 11 to improve access 49
for Orchidland and Hawaiian Acres 50
She explained that the work would improve emergency egress for seven subdivisions. 51
She also noted that the Eden Roc connection has encountered a property ownership 52
issue involving a dissolved corporation, which may require either title action under 53
recently adopted state legislation or county eminent domain. AC Member Bath raised 54
a question regarding flood concerns on the Olaʻa side; Patti reported that mitigation 55
had been discussed. She said she would follow up with DPW and return with an 56
update at a future meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 06:23-09:37] 57
Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz Update 58
Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz joined by Zoom and provided a high-level update 59
on district and county priorities. She asked the Committee to consider submitting 60
support for the proposed Pāhoa Special District legislative package before the 61
Windward Planning Commission hearing scheduled for April 2, 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE 62
TIMESTAMP 09:50] 63
Her update also covered ongoing work related to economic development code 64
updates; a “Made on and Grown on Hawaiʻi Island” designation; General Plan 65
redrafting; Chapter 11 affordable housing amendments; revisions to county code 66
relating to animals, dangerous dogs, and dangerous flora such as albizia; ahupuaʻa 67
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 26, 2026
3
signage; native plant legislation; Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources 68
Preservation Commission (PONC) coordination and land acquisition work; emergency 69
management and disaster recovery institutionalization; Lower Puna interpretive 70
signage; community activation events; and geothermal-related water quality 71
monitoring. Committee members thanked Council Member Kierkiewicz for the breadth 72
of work underway and noted the Committee’s intent to track items that may warrant 73
future letters of support. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 11:28-20:06] 74
In regard to Cape Kumukahi, Council Member Kierkiewicz noted that the Mayor had 75
filed the PONC report with the County Council on Friday, February 20, 2026. The 76
Council expects to review this at the mid-March meetings. Council Member 77
Kierkiewicz’s office has drafted a resolution to authorize the Finance Director to enter 78
into negotiation on all of the properties that were presented in the report. [SEE 79
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 21:31] 80
Business 81
1. Pāhoa Special District Proposed Legislative Suite: The AC will review 82
Communication No. 2026-01, a draft letter regarding the proposed Pāhoa 83
Special District legislative suite. The AC may approve the letter as written or 84
with revisions and authorize Planning Department staff to transmit the letter to 85
the Windward Planning Commission. 86
This item was called to order at approximately 5:26 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE 87
TIMESTAMP 23:17] 88
There was no public testimony at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 24:05] 89
AC Member Osborne noted that she had worked closely with Council Member 90
Kierkiewicz’s office on the draft letter and believed the content accurately reflected the 91
proposal. 92
AC Member Bath moved to approve the letter as drafted, and AC Member Osborne 93
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, and Planning Department staff 94
were authorized to transmit the letter to the Windward Planning Commission. [SEE 95
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 25:10] 96
2. Support for Cape Kumukahi – Letter to PONC: The AC will consider whether 97
to submit a letter to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources 98
Preservation Commission (PONC) in support of Cape Kumukahi (Tax Map Key 99
(3) 1-4-002-052), which is on PONC’s prioritized list. The AC may provide 100
direction on the letter’s content, approve the letter with any revisions, and 101
authorize Planning Department staff to transmit the letter on behalf of the AC. 102
This item was called to order at approximately 5:30 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE 103
TIMESTAMP 26:39] 104
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 26, 2026
4
There was no public testimony at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 29:09] 105
AC Member Osborne clarified that Cape Kumukahi has already advanced through the 106
PONC prioritization process and will now proceed to the County Council, as 107
mentioned by Council Member Kierkiewicz. She also identified revisions needed to 108
the draft, including corrections to language and spelling, and noted an outstanding 109
question regarding whether certain state-owned portions of the area could affect 110
eligibility for stewardship funding. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 27:31] 111
AC Member Osborne moved to approve the letter with revisions, and AC Member Bath 112
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The Committee authorized 113
Planning Department staff to transmit the revised letter on its behalf. [SEE YOUTUBE 114
TIMESTAMP 29:40] 115
This item concluded at approximately 5:33 p.m. 116
3. Election of Chair and Vice Chair – 2026 Calendar Year: The AC will elect a 117
Chair and Vice Chair to serve for the 2026 calendar year. 118
This item was called to order at 5:34 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 30:27] 119
There was no public testimony at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 30:50] 120
Chair DeMello opened nominations for the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair of the 121
Committee. AC Member Kealoha nominated Susie Osborne to serve as Chair. After 122
discussion regarding continuity and committee turnover, the nomination was 123
seconded by AC Member Bath and was approved unanimously. 124
Susie Osborne nominated Leilani DeMello to serve as Vice Chair. The nomination was 125
seconded by AC Member Morishige and was approved unanimously. [SEE YOUTUBE 126
TIMESTAMP 31:20] 127
This item concluded at approximately 5:37 p.m. 128
Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda 129
This item was called to order at 5:37 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 33:52] 130
Diane Ware provided testimony on the Volcano Community Association’s ongoing efforts 131
to address large-scale “pin-to-pin” clearing and to protect native forest resources in the 132
Volcano area. She noted that these efforts have continued since the original Puna CDP 133
process and remain active today through initiatives such as a Forest Overlay Committee, 134
as well as ongoing coordination with Council Member Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder. [SEE 135
YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 34:56] 136
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 26, 2026
5
Sandee Maeda, Secretary of the Hawaiian Paradise Park Owners Association Cultural 137
Preservation Committee, testified about ongoing concerns involving iwi kupuna 138
protection, burial preservation planning, and internal governance disputes within the 139
association. She stated that the committee has been working with the State Historic 140
Preservation Division and cultural descendants. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 43:26] 141
This item concluded at approximately 5:56 p.m. 142
Proposed New Business 143
Committee members and members of the public suggested several items for future 144
agendas, including: 145
an update from Council Member Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder; 146
follow-up discussion and proposed action on grading, grubbing, and native forest 147
protection issues affecting Volcano and Upper Puna; 148
continued monitoring of road connectivity and emergency egress issues; 149
information regarding the Keaʻau Benioff medical center project; and 150
information from PONC staff or commissioners regarding current nominations and 151
the property prioritization process 152
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 52:50] 153
Shannon Matson testified in support of including a discussion on road connectivity at the 154
next meeting. She also noted that the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 155
Keaʻau Benioff Medical Center project had recently been published and was open for 156
public comment through March 25. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 58:38] 157
The Draft EA is available at the following link: 158
https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2026-02-23-HA-DEA-Hilo-Benioff-159
Medical-Center-Medical-Offices-in-Keaau.pdf 160
Patti Pinto suggested that a future agenda include a presentation by a member of the 161
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) 162
on the nomination process and the types of properties the Commission is interested in 163
acquiring. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:02:57] 164
Announcements 165
The next meeting of the Puna CDP Action Committee was announced for Thursday, April 166
23, 2026. 167
The Planning Department is continuing to seek applicants for the Puna CDP Action 168
Committee and encouraged interested community members to apply through the 169
County’s boards and commissions process. The link to the boards and commissions 170
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 26, 2026
6
website can be accessed here: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-171
commissions 172
Adjournment 173
Chair DeMello adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m. 174
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s 175
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi 176
Public Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the 177
Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing cdp@hawaiicounty.gov. 178
Kea`au Benioff Health Center
A Partnership for a Healthier East Hawaiʻi
Presented by Hilo Benioff Medical Center in partnership with W.H. Shipman, Ltd.
April 2026
Communication No. 2026-06
Our Vision
•A place of healing,
connection, and community
•Family-focused care for
children and adults
Community Impact
•Expands local healthcare
access
•Reduces travel burden to Hilo
•Creates local jobs
•Supports community
resilience
•Strengthens partnerships with
schools, police, fire, and
businesses
Collaboration in Action
•Hilo Benioff Medical Center (HHSC
East Hawaiʻi Region)
•W.H. Shipman, Ltd.
•State of Hawaiʻi (Governor &
Legislature)
•Benioff Foundation
•Hawaiʻi County (Mayor & County
Council)
•Local schools, first responders, and
business community
Shipman Park
Kea`au Elementary
& High School
Kea`au Benioff Health
Center Project
Access road concept
–not finalized Main Kea`au intersection
on Hwy 11
w/traffic signal
Project Overview
•Size: 36,000 sq. ft.
•Completion: 2028
•Staffing: 95 employees + 25
providers
•Hours: 12 hrs/day, 7
days/week (most activity
during business hours)
•Cost: $70+million
Services
•Enhanced Urgent Care -No
emergency room or ambulance
transport
•Primary Care
•Specialty Care –Ex. Cardiology,
Urology
•Imaging –X-Ray, Ultrasound and CT
•Behavioral Health -Preventive and
management services for adults and
children, no crisis management, no
substance abuse treatment “We’re not just investing in a building —we’re
investing in people.” —Sen. Joy San Buenaventura
Urgent, Primary, Specialty Care & Imaging
Outpatient Behavioral Health –Adults & Children
Facility Construction Timeline
WINTER 25
Environmental Assessment
WINTER 25–SPRING 26
Design Development
FALL 26-WINTER 26
Permitting & Approvals
WINTER 26
Contractor Procurement
SPRING 27
Groundbreaking
FALL-WINTER 2028
Facility Opening
FALL 25
Community Conversations
Traffic Impact Analysis
•No big traffic problems expected. Roads
including Hwy 11, Route 139, and the
road near Keaʻau High School —will
continue to move smoothly.
•A small increase in cars, not a major
change. Clinic will add about 100 extra
cars in the morning and around 150 in
the evening.
•A new driveway will help with flow. A
new access road will connect Highway 11
to the clinic.
•No need for road widening or new traffic
lights. No major road construction
needed.
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee Questions
1.Are there any plans to expand the campus to include an adjacent hospital? If so, is
there a general timeline for when planning/design might begin?
2.In what ways will the Hilo Benioff Medical Center support employment and career
pathways to high school students in Keaʻau?
3.How will the Medical Center ensure staff are appropriately trained to serve the local
community, including an understanding of local traditions, values, and
communication styles?
4.How will native plants be incorporated into the project’s landscape design?
5.What partnerships or relationships are being established to demonstrate the Medical
Center’s commitment to being a long-term community steward?
6.How will the design of the facility (both structurally and aesthetically) reflect the
community it serves?
7.Will there be a focus on local hiring, and if so, what processes will support that
effort?
Community Concerns
•Behavioral Health
•Not an Emergency Room
•Location
•Future Development
•Business Competition
“We’re building more than a health center —
we’re building a future of wellness and
opportunity for East Hawaiʻi"
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Responses to Submitted Questions
Are there any plans to expand the campus to include an adjacent
hospital? If so, is there a general timeline for when planning or design
might begin?
At this time, there are no plans to construct an additional hospital adjacent to the campus. The
site can support expanded outpatient services, additional medical office space, and long-term
care facilities. However, the population base is not expected to support another full-service
hospital located such a short distance from Hilo Benioff Medical Center (HBMC).
In what ways will Hilo Benioff Medical Center support employment and
career pathways for high school students in Keaʻau?
HBMC intends to continue offering the high school workforce development programs currently
available in Hilo, but at the Keaʻau Benioff Health Center (KBHC) site as well. We are actively
exploring the possibility of offering a Medical Assistant training track at KBHC, similar to the
Certified Nurse Aide program that Waiākea High School operates using HBMC facilities. We also
welcome discussions with Keaʻau High School and Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu about what
pathways or programs would be most beneficial for their students.
How will the Medical Center ensure staff are appropriately trained to
serve the local community, including understanding local traditions,
values, and communication styles?
For providers who join us from outside Hawaiʻi, HBMC offers both cultural orientation and
ongoing mentoring to ensure a foundational understanding of local values and traditions. For
clinical and support staff, we expect many employees to be residents of Keaʻau and greater
Puna. Approximately half of our patients already come from the Puna region, and our staff have
longstanding experience providing care with cultural sensitivity, respect, and awareness of
community norms.
Communication No. 2026-07
How will native plants be incorporated into the project’s landscape
design?
The landscaping plan incorporates a blend of native Hawaiian plants, Polynesian-introduced
species, and selected ornamental plantings. This approach is intended to reflect the cultural,
ecological, and aesthetic values of a wide range of community stakeholders. The landscaping is
not an afterthought; it is integrated into the comprehensive project design (see Leonard Bisle’s
narrative Attachment 1).
What partnerships or relationships are being established to
demonstrate the Medical Center’s commitment to being a long-term
community steward?
The development of this facility—an $80–$90 million investment—demonstrates the East
Hawaiʻi Regional Board’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and infrastructure in
Puna. We are also engaged in a long-term partnership with W.H. Shipman, a legacy landowner
and key partner in broader community development efforts. As the facility becomes
established, we anticipate expanding additional collaborations with local schools, organizations,
and community leaders.
How will the design of the facility reflect the community it serves, both
structurally and aesthetically?
The architectural design for the Keaʻau Benioff Health Center blends modern healthcare
functionality with the distinct cultural and rural environmental character of the Puna District
and surrounding Keaʻau environment. By prioritizing local materials and climate-responsive
forms, the building endeavors to feel less like a sterile institution and more like a natural
extension of the Keaʻau landscape. The result is a facility that feels like a "Place of Healing"
specifically designed for the people of Hawaiʻi Island, honoring both its rugged volcanic roots
and its lush, welcoming spirit.
The building was intentionally designed to be one-story to reflect the prevalent architecture of
the surrounding community and to provide an inviting and welcoming impression reinforcing its
role as a “place of healing”. The design avoids intimidating, fortress-like walls. Instead, it uses
expansive glazing, sheltering overhands and open walkways.
Materials were chosen to be connections to the land and generally consist of lava rock (pōhaku)
masonry for building and landscape accents; Puna is a landscape defined by volcanic activity.
Incorporating rock walls anchors the building to the literal earth of the region.
Rather than cold clinical whites or industrial grays, the solid portion of the facade features the
appearance of warm wood siding. The metal panel siding on the exterior walls and overhead
soffits have similar dimensions and configurations as traditional single-wall building aesthetics
familiar to the community while consisting of modern robust materials suitable for the local
climate. Wood is associated with the lush, forested parts of Puna; using these tones makes the
medical center feel approachable and "warm," which can help reduce the anxiety often
associated with healthcare visits.
Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels allow the interior spaces to look out onto the covered outdoor
walkways and landscape spaces reinforcing the Hawaiian value of mālama (to care for) both the
person and the land. By making the interior visible and the exterior public-facing portions of the
building “porous”, the architecture signals transparency and inclusivity. It reflects a community-
based approach to health where services are easily accessible and integrated into daily life.
The building utilizes a long, low-profile silhouette with deep, extended eaves supported by
angled columns and serves as a modern interpretation of the sheltering “Hale”. These covered
walkways and overhangs are provided along the length of the public approach to the building
entrances and are essential for the Keaʻau climate, providing critical shade and protection from
the frequent, heavy tropical rains while allowing for outdoor circulation. The expansive, shaded
walkways invite the community into a protected, naturally ventilated space. The angled columns
add a contemporary rhythmic energy that references the exposed support structure found in
traditional Hawaiian architecture.
Will there be a focus on local hiring, and if so, what processes will
support that effort?
Hiring decisions will continue to be based on qualifications rather than geographic preference.
However, many current employees who live in Puna are expected to request transfers to the
new Keaʻau facility, minimizing commute time. Over time, applicants from Keaʻau, Volcano, and
lower Puna will likely make up a significant portion of the hiring pool, resulting in a workforce
that reflects the local community. To further support local access to employment, we will host a
job fair in Keaʻau as we move into the staffing phase.
Keaau Benioff Medical Center
Wellness and Behavioral Health
Landscape Planting Description
PLANTING:
The proposed planting will consist of a mixture of exotic ornamental (O), native Hawaiian (N) and
Polynesian-introduced (P) plants. Planting for the site falls into a number of distinct areas, as described
below:
Roadside / Entry Landscape:
The landscape along either side of the project entry driveway will consist of open, mower-
accessible, grass areas that slope gradually (+/-7’) into what will serve as detention basins for the
project drainage. Large Aleurites moluccana / Kukui trees (P) will punctuate this area giving it a
park-like feel.
The project entry landscape will consist of a tree and palm-lined driveway consisting of Thespesia
populnea / Milo trees (N) and Pritchardia hillebrandii / Loulu palm (N) with turf and stone
groundcover below. A +/-4’ tall Hibiscus arnottianus / Koki’o keoke’o (N) hedge will create a
backdrop for these plantings and visually separate this area from the detention basins beyond.
Parking Lot Landscape:
The landscape in the parking lot will consist of a mix of Cassia spp. / Shower trees (O) and
Bauhinia tomentosa / Yellow Bauhinia (O) trees. Groundcover beneath the trees will consist of ¾”
diameter gravel groundcover over weed mat where tree wells are located along the outer perimeter
and Phymatosaurus grossus / Dwarf Lauae Fern (N) groundcover and Crinum asiaticum / Green
Spider Lily (O) where tree wells are located close to the buildings. The same +/-4’ tall Hibiscus
arnottianus / Koki’o keoke’o (N) hedge is proposed around the perimeter of the parking lot to clearly
define the current limits of the development. Pinanga kuhlii / Ivory Cane palms (O) will be used to
screen the trash enclosure at the west side of the parking lot.
Public Landscape:
The landscape around the perimeter of the buildings is proposed to be very clean and simple. A
limited number of plant species are proposed to be used. The plant palette will include more exotic
plants to emphasize flowers, bold form, color and scent but will include selected native or
Polynesian-introduced plants that offer some of the same attributes. The plant palette for the public
landscape areas will include the following plants:
Adonidia merrilii / Manila Palm (O)
Cyrtostachys renda / Sealing Wax Palm (O)
Asplenium nidus / 'Ekaha (N)
Bromeliad spp. / Bromeliad (O)
Cordyline fruticosa / Ki (O)
Crinum asiaticum / Spider Lily (Green) (O)
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora / Blue Ginger (O)
Gardenia taitensis (Dwarf) / Dwarf Tahitian Gardenia (O)
Hibiscus arnottianus / Koki'o Keoke'o (N)
Microlepia strigosa / Palapalai (N)
Philodendron "Rojo Congo" / Philodendron (O)
Attachment 1
Peperoemia obtusifolia / Baby Rubber Plant (O)
Peperoemia obtusifolia / Baby Rubber Plant (Variegated) (O)
Phymatosaurus grossus / Dwarf Lauae Fern (N)
Turf Grass (O)
Private Viewing Garden:
The private viewing garden will be located adjacent to and visible from selected therapy rooms and
provider offices. The gardens will be surrounded by staggered privacy walls punctuated with
decorative privacy screens. Landscaping in the garden will consist of earth mounds embedded with
large boulders and covered with decorative stone. Planting will be minimal but impactful. Planting
will be selected and placed to create interesting views or “vignettes” from each room or office with
the plants serving as sculptural elements. The garden is intended for viewing only. The garden will
be accessible for maintenance but not for general use. The plant palette for the private viewing
garden will include the following plants:
Phoenix robelenii / Pigmy Date Palm (O)
Bromeliad spp. / Bromeliad (O)
Microlepia strigosa / Palapalai (N)
Philodendron "Rojo Congo" / Philodendron (O)
Peperoemia obtusifolia / Baby Rubber Plant (Variegated) (O)
Aloha Puna Community Development Action Committee and Chair Osborne,
Hawaiian Paradise Park Sustainable Development Committee needs your assistance pertaining to a proposed
Commercial Development by Ohana Foods & Gas and Pacific Realty Organization, LLC.
Carl Okuyama and Richard Wheelock in March invited HPP residents to watch their power point presentation
on building a 20,000 sq ft grocery store and gas station on 20 acres.
Currently the land is owned by Watumull Investment Co. and located on Kaloli Dr between 25th and 24th
Avenue, Parcel # 3-1-5-039-230-0000. The zoning is currently Ag-1a and we cannot see that the deed states it’s
zoned Commercial. Carl stated, “Watumull owns 6- 20-acre parcels in HPP that were originally for Commercial
development”. But we found in the original deed it was intended for residential use. The deed restriction then
sunsetted on 12/31/86, reverting the land use to A-1a zoning.
Richard Wheelock, Pacific Realty Organization, LLC, said he is “In-Escrow” to privately purchase the land. Carl
Okuyama, Ohana Foods, said he’s planning on a Phase 2 to build a larger 40,000 sq ft. grocery store, restaurant,
medical center, and police station on the 20 acre parcel.
How does a “Shopping Center” get permits to build in an Agriculturally zoned Ag-1a private subdivision with
substandard roads, no water lines, no sewers, no sidewalks, no lights, no makai entrance or exit ramps to
Highway 130, and no entrance onto Kaloli Dr. or Shower Dr. during rush hour going south off Highway 130.
This is clearly a safety issue and an economic burden on our Hawaiian Paradise Park property owners who pay
for road maintenance.
Increased traffic would create hazardous safety conditions for cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Causing an
increased potential for accidents, injuries, noise, crime, air and soil pollution, and well water contamination.
During their presentation they stated they will not be improving the roads, not paying additional roads fees for
commercial use, will be hauling in County water and plan to build their own road off Kaloli Dr. which is not
allowed by our By-Laws. The Conceptual Plan they presented showed access roads onto 24th and 25th Ave. half
way down. This would affect the neighbors that live there and those trying to access Kaloli Dr.
Their large trucks will be driving up and down Kaloli Dr. or Paradise Dr. off Highway 130 delivering gas, food,
and hauling water on substandard narrow roads with no shoulders and no street lights.
What is the Planning and Permitting process that allows this sizable commercial enterprise to be permitted and
how does our Community protect itself from developers wanting to make a profit at our expense.
They stated they will apply for a “Special Use Permit”. They also stated that a Traffic Engineer’s, Traffic Impact
Analysis Report (TIAR) is in progress. They stated there will be a follow up meeting. This has not happened.
Will they be required to do an archaeological study, environmental assessment, grubbing and grading permits,
and hold public hearings with the Planning Commission?
How do we check on their progress and if all the steps are being done correctly?
What are the County and State requirements before a Commercial Developer can build in a private Ag-1a
zoned community? Such as requiring Infrastructure improvements and Safety measures to get done.
Mahalo Nui Loa, Judi Houle, HPP Sustainable Development Committee Co-Chair 4-23-26
Testimony Rec'd 4/23/2026