HomeMy WebLinkAboutSummaries of Urgent Community Needs by ZCTA
2025 LAULIMA COMMUNITY SURVEY
Hawaiʻi County is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Summaries and themes, by Zip Code Tabulation Area, from resident responses to survey
question 17, “Please share what you feel are the most urgent issues facing your community.”
Contents
96704 Captain Cook ...................................................................................................................... 1
96710 Hakalau .............................................................................................................................. 3
96719 Hāwī ................................................................................................................................... 4
96720 Hilo ..................................................................................................................................... 6
96725 Hōlualoa ............................................................................................................................. 8
96726 Hōnaunau ......................................................................................................................... 10
96727 Honokaʻa .......................................................................................................................... 12
96728 Honomū ........................................................................................................................... 14
96737 Ocean View ...................................................................................................................... 15
96739 Waikoloa .......................................................................................................................... 16
96740 Kailua Kona ....................................................................................................................... 18
96743 Kamuela ........................................................................................................................... 20
96749 Keaʻau .............................................................................................................................. 22
96750 Kealakekua ....................................................................................................................... 24
96755 Kapaʻau ............................................................................................................................ 26
96760 Kurtistown ........................................................................................................................ 28
96764 Laupāhoehoe ................................................................................................................... 30
96771 Mountain View ................................................................................................................. 32
96772 Nāʻālehu ........................................................................................................................... 34
96773 Ninole ............................................................................................................................... 36
96774 ʻOʻōkala ............................................................................................................................ 37
96776 Paʻauilo ............................................................................................................................. 38
96777 Pāhala ............................................................................................................................... 39
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96778 Pāhoa ............................................................................................................................... 40
96780 Pāpaʻaloa .......................................................................................................................... 42
96781 Pāpaʻikou .......................................................................................................................... 43
96783 Pepeʻekeo ......................................................................................................................... 45
96785 Volcano ............................................................................................................................ 47
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96704 Captain Cook
134 Responses
Residents most often talk about unaffordable housing, the high cost of living, poor
infrastructure, and strained public services, along with frustration about tourism impacts and
government responsiveness.
Core economic and housing concerns
• Affordable housing and rent come up in well over half of the responses, including lack of
inventory, many short-term vacation rentals, second homes, and displacement of local
families, workers, and Native Hawaiians.
• Cost of living is a major theme: food and groceries, utilities, taxes, and general “priced
out of paradise” worries are repeated throughout.
• People link the housing crisis to staffing shortages for teachers, medical workers, first
responders, and other essential jobs.
Infrastructure, roads, and basic services
• Roads are widely described as dangerous, poorly maintained, congested, and
inadequate, including erosion, potholes, lack of striping, and speeding traffic.
• Many note missing or unreliable basic services: county water in South Kona, fire
services, trash transfer stations and recycling hours, mail and delivery, and internet in
certain areas.
• Residents want better parks, sidewalks, crosswalks, and safe play spaces and gyms for
keiki and kupuna, including specific mention of Yano Hall, Konawaena pool, and the need
for a better community park/gym in Kona.
Health, safety, and social services
• Access to quality healthcare is a major worry: lack of primary care doctors, urgent care
and trauma services, and overall poor local hospital reputation.
• People highlight homelessness, drug addiction, lack of mental health and rehabilitation
services, and rising crime and theft.
• Several emphasize animal issues: feral cats, dogs, pigs, mongoose, animal abuse, and
weak animal control.
Tourism, environment, and community character
• Many feel “choked” by tourism: traffic, beach and trail overcrowding, paid parking, and
disrespectful visitors and illegal or unpermitted vacation rentals and retreats.
• Environmental concerns include overdevelopment, destruction of native forest, pollution
at beaches and leach fields, trash dumping, and impacts on reefs and native wildlife.
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• Some respondents are upset by trap-and-release cat practices and ATV tours, and want
stronger protection for areas like Kealakekua Bay, Nāpōʻopoʻo, and local beach parks.
Government, policing, and broader politics
• Many express distrust of government: calls for representatives who “work for the
people,” anger over agricultural tax rule changes, high property taxes, and perceived
corruption or “over-regulation.”
• There are repeated objections to local police cooperation with ICE/HSI (MOUs, 287(g)),
with concerns about community fear and harm to agricultural workers.
• Some comments mention national or global political fears (Agenda 21, “New World
Order,” loss of democracy, MAGA movement), while others simply call for better law
enforcement presence or criticize police quality.
Youth, education, and community life
• Respondents ask for more youth opportunities: free or affordable preschool/daycare,
better K–12 schools, adult education, safe hangout spaces beyond beaches (e.g., more
than one theater or bowling alley).
• Bullying and violence among kids, need for community outreach, and more structured
activities for keiki and kupuna are noted.
• Some also mention support for local farmers and locally grown food access, both for
economic resilience and healthier, more affordable diets.
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96710 Hakalau
23 Responses
Residents’ responses focus on high costs, weak infrastructure, and distrust in government.
Main themes
• Cost of living: Frequent concern about rising prices for food, gas, and general living
expenses, along with continually increasing property taxes.
• Government and trust: Multiple responses cite government overreach, poor
transparency and communication, perceived corruption, and excessive regulation,
including fears of outside or “unelected” control.
• Infrastructure and bridges: Many mention failing or closed bridges on Old Māmalahoa
Highway, poor road conditions, and slow or inadequate repairs.
• Public safety and services: Limited fire, ambulance, and police coverage, worries about
crime, dumping, and lack of accountability are highlighted.
• Housing and homelessness: Repeated calls for more affordable housing and concern
about homelessness in the area.
• Healthcare and local services: Need for better access to healthcare, more grocery stores,
and criticism of local healthcare administration decisions.
• Land use and environment: Concerns about visitors purchasing land, non-local farmers
“poisoning” land and water, and a desire to reopen and maintain local parks like Hakalau
and Waikaumalo.
• Disasters and emergency preparedness: Some mention vulnerability to hurricanes, fires,
and earthquakes, and the need for prompt emergency services.
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96719 Hāwī
37 Responses
Residents highlight a cluster of urgent concerns: affordable housing and cost of living, water and
infrastructure failures, public services (schools, childcare, health care, transport), environmental
protection, and policing and immigration enforcement practices.
Housing and cost of living
Many responses name affordable housing as the single biggest issue: there are few or no
affordable family homes, rental housing is scarce and unstable, and new development is seen as
either blocked or priced for wealthy newcomers. People describe being unable to plan
long-term in Kohala, struggling for years to find adequate rentals, and feeling that median home
prices are completely out of reach for local incomes. High costs of food, healthcare, and basic
goods deepen this stress, with some respondents saying they struggle to get by even on what
would normally be a solid monthly income.
Water, infrastructure, and transportation
Water problems are a major theme: broken or inadequate water tanks and pumps,
above-ground PVC lines running long distances, and lack of county water along certain streets
are described as dangerous, neglected, and long-standing. Poor infrastructure more broadly—
roads, electricity, parks, lack of sidewalks and bike lanes—is seen as both a safety issue and a
barrier to making Hāwī/North Kohala a walkable community. People also mention limited public
transportation and difficulties with building permits and water taps, which they link to
constrained housing and business development.
Public services: schools, childcare, health, and community spaces
Several responses criticize the public school system for favoritism and express concern about
overall education quality and the need for stronger reading programs. There is concern about a
lack of affordable, quality childcare, few higher education opportunities nearby, and long waits
for dental care under Quest, with one person citing a waitlist of hundreds. Residents also point
to the absence of public restrooms in Hawi, few public gathering spaces, and limited food access
after evening hours, all of which make daily life and community connection harder.
Social issues, safety, and governance
Respondents mention drugs, homelessness, and racism or cultural separation between locals
and transplants as ongoing social problems. Some describe heavy or troubling law-enforcement
behavior, including aggressive ticketing, high-speed driving by police, and fear of ICE/HSI
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presence and its collaboration with local police. There is also frustration with what people see
as unresponsive or reactive government, including complaints about water and infrastructure
not being addressed for years and a desire for North Kohala to have stronger local
representation and its own say over budget priorities.
Environment, agriculture, and land use
People stress protecting undeveloped land, the ocean, and natural resources from
overdevelopment, pollution, and extractive practices, and they connect this to broader climate
and plastics concerns. At the same time, they emphasize the need to support agriculture:
securing agricultural water, protecting farmers from tax changes, and enabling smaller lots and
subdivisions so local farmers can own land and produce food. Some respondents see current
land-use and water policies as effectively “land-locking” North Kohala, limiting both affordable
housing for locals and viable agricultural activity.
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96720 Hilo
719 Responses
Resident responses overwhelmingly highlight homelessness, housing, cost of living,
crime/drugs, healthcare access, and infrastructure as the most urgent issues facing the
community.
Top Urgent Issues
• Homelessness and public safety: Many respondents describe homelessness as “out of
control,” especially downtown Hilo, Bayfront, Banyan Drive, Keaukaha access points, and
parks, linking it to visible encampments, public sanitation problems, aggressive behavior,
theft, and fear of using public spaces or walking at night.
• Affordable housing and displacement: There is strong concern about high housing costs,
lack of truly affordable rentals and starter homes, proliferation of STVRs and multiple-
home/non-resident owners, and long wait times for DHHL, which together are “pricing
out” local and Native Hawaiian families and pushing younger generations to leave the
island.
• Cost of living and wages: Respondents frequently cite unaffordable food, utilities, gas,
childcare, and insurance relative to stagnant or low wages, noting ALICE households,
difficulty surviving on one job, and fears that their children will not be able to remain in
Hawaiʻi.
Crime, Drugs, and Mental Health
• Many responses tie rising crime—property theft, burglaries, break-ins, violent incidents,
and traffic lawlessness—to drug use (especially meth/ICE) and untreated mental illness,
often connected to houseless individuals.
• Residents call for more substance abuse treatment, detox and mental health facilities,
better crisis intervention, and, in some cases, stronger enforcement and consequences,
expressing frustration with repeat offenders and perceived weak prosecution.
Healthcare and Social Services
• Respondents repeatedly mention shortages of physicians and specialists, long waits, and
frequent need to travel to Oʻahu or even the mainland (e.g., Mayo Clinic) for adequate
care, including mental health and dental services.
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• People also highlight gaps in behavioral health and support for keiki, young adults,
kupuna, and caregivers, and call for more services for domestic violence survivors, youth
programming, and childcare.
Infrastructure, Environment, and Transportation
• Common complaints include poor road conditions, potholes, speeding, lack of sidewalks
and safe crossings (especially in Keaukaha, Kalanianaole, and neighborhood streets),
limited bus service, and insufficient alternative routes (e.g., Puna access, Keaukaha
emergency egress, Saddle and Puna highways).
• Many are worried about wastewater and cesspools leaking into Hilo Bay and Puhi Bay,
aging sewage plants, fuel storage near neighborhoods, airport noise and emissions, and
broader climate and ocean health concerns, while also calling for better parks, lighting,
restrooms, and public spaces.
Governance, Economy, and Community Character
• A significant number of respondents criticize government performance, citing
corruption, nepotism, union and special-interest influence, slow or restrictive
permitting, mismanagement of tax revenue, and lack of transparency or responsiveness.
• Economic concerns include limited quality job opportunities (beyond tourism), need for
more diversified industries (agriculture, forestry, small business, remote work), and
worries about over-tourism, outsiders “changing” the island, cultural disrespect, and loss
of local identity and sense of belonging.
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96725 Hōlualoa
63 Responses
Residents consistently describe a community under pressure from housing costs, infrastructure
strain, and social inequities, with strong concern about displacement of long-time residents and
the character of Holualoa/Kona.
Major urgent issues
• Housing and cost of living: Affordable housing is repeatedly named the number one
challenge, with residents describing a “housing crisis,” rising rents, gentrification, and
property tax increases pushing long-time and working-class families out or forcing them
into multiple jobs.
• Traffic and transportation: Traffic congestion on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, Aliʻi Drive,
Palani Road, Hina Lani, and through Holualoa town is described as dangerous and “a
disaster waiting to happen,” with specific references to school traffic, lack of connector
roads, unsafe turning lanes, speeding, and use of Hwy 180/back road as an unsafe
bypass.
• Healthcare and public services: Respondents cite lack of good doctors and specialists,
limited hospital capacity, difficulty getting approvals for tests, and the need for better
public bathrooms, parks, and recreational facilities (especially Old Airport and beach
parks) as urgent.
Community equity and displacement
• Displacement of local and Native residents: Many responses stress that kānaka and
local families are being forced to move due to housing costs, short-term rentals, luxury
development on agricultural land, and high agricultural property taxes, which make it
hard for old-time families to keep land.
• Tourism and outside investment: There is strong sentiment that government favors big
business, tourism, and mainland/foreign investors over local needs, resulting in empty
homes, high commercial rents, and loss of small businesses.
• Civil rights and policing: Several respondents oppose ICE cooperation, MOUs/287(g)-
type agreements, and describe ICE/HSI actions and raids as immoral, frightening for
farmworkers, and undermining trust in local police, urging county leadership to
terminate such collaborations.
Local quality-of-life concerns
• Downtown Kona and Hōlualoa town: People describe Kona town as weather-beaten,
unloved, with aging infrastructure, overpriced or gated parking, and an environment
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that hurts small businesses. In Hōlualoa, closure of the main parking lot, lack of
sidewalks, speeding, noise from specific businesses, and monopolization of commercial
spaces by a single owner are seen as making town less safe, less accessible, and less
community-oriented.
• Homelessness and public space: Respondents are divided; some emphasize compassion
and transitional facilities with services, while others focus on enforcing bans on
sitting/lying/solicitation, removing “druggies,” and concerns about safety in parks, Old
Airport, and downtown.
• Environment and ʻāina: Concerns include overuse of toxic farm products, wild pig and
feral chicken impacts, coral reef decline, opposition to aquarium trade, geothermal
expansion, and plastic processing facilities seen as “greenwashing” with pollution risks.
Youth, education, and opportunities
• Opportunities for keiki and teens: Several responses ask for more activities, safe
recreation areas, and “fun stuff” like indoor playgrounds or trampoline parks, noting that
existing public spaces feel unsafe or neglected.
• Education quality and access: People mention uneven school standards, the need to
value trades alongside university paths, school traffic and attendance concerns, low
teacher pay, and the difficulty of maintaining a decent quality of life while working in
education.
• Jobs and economic vitality: Lack of good jobs, unfilled or overpriced commercial spaces,
small business challenges, and the need for living-wage employment are repeated
themes, along with calls for more support for farmers over tourism.
Underlying themes and implications
• Governance and trust: Many comments express distrust or frustration with county and
state leadership, citing specific mayoral decisions (e.g., not purchasing a parking lot or
PONC parcel) as evidence that Kona and Hōlualoa are not prioritized.
• Desire for community-led planning: Respondents propose detailed solutions: land trusts
on the shoreline, moratoria on certain developments until roads are fixed, dedicated
parking lots, recycling and bottle-crushing initiatives, hospital upgrades, and policy
changes on taxes and law enforcement agreements, signaling a strong desire for
participatory, place-based planning.
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96726 Hōnaunau
13 Responses
Residents describe a community struggling with high costs, weak infrastructure, and social
stresses, with particular concern for housing, safety, and long-term viability.
Core urgent issues
• Infrastructure: People highlight deteriorating roads, outdated infrastructure, limited
internet, lack of a modern hospital, and inadequate public transportation, including calls
for more buses and better information tools.
• Cost of living: Rising taxes and property values are pushing up rent and threatening
multigenerational homesteads, making it hard for children and working families to
remain in the community.
• Affordable housing: There is strong concern about the shortage of affordable housing for
seniors, younger adults, and local families, as well as the need for more accessible
farmland.
Social and safety concerns
• Public safety: Respondents mention unsafe beaches, vandalism, drug activity, impaired
driving, and rising road rage, with a sense that public spaces feel less secure.
• Education and youth: Some describe poor school quality, lack of effective teaching, and
insufficient vocational programs, alongside worries about teen pregnancy and cycles of
poverty and abuse.
• Health and mental health: A modern hospital near the airport is described as essential,
and there is concern about limited resources for mental illness despite growing need.
Economic and governance themes
• Economic dependence on tourism: People worry that over-reliance on tourism makes
the county vulnerable and want more self-sustaining local revenue sources.
• Perceived unfairness in policy: Several responses criticize tax policy, politics that “cost us
money we do not have,” and inequities between different parts of the island.
• Community equity and opportunity: There are calls for more opportunities for Native
Hawaiians, better jobs and training, and protection of long-time generational lands from
displacement.
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Quality of life and environment
• Quality of life: Respondents connect quality of life to parks, recreation facilities, clean
public spaces, and reduced homelessness, seeing current conditions as inadequate.
• Sustainability: Sustainability is named explicitly, with concern that housing pressures,
tourism dependence, and weak local systems threaten the long-term health of the
community.
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96727 Honokaʻa
63 Responses
Survey responses center overwhelmingly on affordable housing and cost of living, with closely
linked concerns about homelessness, drugs, public safety, infrastructure, healthcare access, and
environmental quality.
Core themes
• Housing and cost of living: Many respondents say housing is unaffordable to buy or rent,
note fear of foreclosure, and worry local families and kānaka are being pushed out by
wealthy mainland and “celebrity” buyers or short-term rentals. People repeatedly name
“affordable housing” and “cost of living” (including food, utilities, and taxes) as the single
most urgent challenge.
• Homelessness, drugs, and safety: Numerous responses link rising homelessness with
drug use, petty theft, fires, and feelings of being unsafe in town and parks, especially for
children and kūpuna. Several describe specific encampments, visible drug activity, public
nudity, and multiple recent fires attributed to homeless camps
Services, jobs, and youth
• Healthcare and childcare: People report a lack of doctors and specialists nearby, long
waits, and inadequate services for seniors outside main centers. Affordable, accessible
childcare—especially for toddlers, after school, weekends, and summers—is described
as severely lacking.
• Employment and economic opportunity: Some respondents highlight limited local job
opportunities with decent wages and worry that this, combined with high costs, is
driving families to leave. Others call for more sustainable, locally based employment and
industry beyond tourism, including science and agriculture.
Infrastructure, disasters, and public spaces
• Disaster risk and infrastructure: Residents are concerned about drought, wildfires, storm
damage, and having only one road out, with inadequate evacuation routes, alerts, and
communication in outages. Comments mention poor or unsafe roads, speeding,
dangerous or feral dogs, lack of bypass routes, and neglected maintenance of parks,
sidewalks, and facilities.
• Public amenities and access: People mention the lack of a local pharmacy, limited library
hours, no consistently available public pool, and poor park conditions as quality-of-life
issues. Access restrictions to Waipio Valley and a desire for more trails and recreation
options also appear.
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Environment, tourism, and governance
• Environmental and food issues: Respondents worry about herbicide use (Roundup),
burning plastics for power, green waste and recycling gaps, water security, and the
health of land and trees. Access to affordable, quality food—especially for kupuna and
youth who cannot travel far—is a recurring concern.
• Tourism, property rights, and politics: Some criticize unmanaged tourism and
gentrification, while others defend vacation rentals and oppose county overreach on
property use. Several responses express frustration with local politics, lack of
accountability, decisions made “from the top” without community input, and a sense
that money and outside interests have too much influence.
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96728 Honomū
11 Responses
Residents describe urgent issues around infrastructure, housing, local economy, and access to
services in the Honomū–Hāmākua/South Hilo area.
Infrastructure and basic services
• Roads and bridges are seen as deteriorating, with concerns about being cut off by
storms and vehicle damage from poor road conditions.
• Residents cite frequent past power and internet outages, aging or inadequate
wastewater and sewer systems, and limited county water as constraints on daily life and
business growth.
Housing, land, and community change
• There is strong concern about a lack of affordable homes for working families, with mid-
range housing (around the 300–400k level) described as scarce in Honomū, Pepeʻekeo,
and Hakalau.
• People worry about land being sold to “outsiders,” a shift toward wealthier retirees, and
the sense that local families and keiki are being pushed to Puna or the mainland.
Economy, farming, and local food
• Support for small farmers, local food production, and community markets is viewed as
critical to maintaining Hāmākua’s rural agricultural identity and strengthening the local
economy.
• Some link a stronger agricultural economy and better infrastructure to broader business
opportunities and community revitalization, including filling empty storefronts.
Health, homelessness, and social issues
• Access to healthcare, especially primary care, is described as declining and becoming
more expensive.
• Residents mention homelessness, “chronics,” and a need for more youth recreation
areas, alongside calls for greater individual responsibility for actions.
Daily life, amenities, and safety
• Concerns include transportation options, zoning laws, wild pig damage, and the need for
speedbumps and road repairs.
• People see gaps in affordable, healthy food options and feel the community
complex/gym, while decent, could be more robust in serving local needs.
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96737 Ocean View
86 Responses
Responses describe a community struggling with crime, drugs, loose dogs, trash and abandoned
vehicles, and a severe lack of basic services and infrastructure.
Public safety and crime: Residents repeatedly highlight crime (theft, burglary, property damage,
drug-related activity) as one of the most urgent issues, along with frustration that offenders face
few or no consequences in court. Many mention feeling unsafe due to shootings, rampant drug
use (especially meth), squatting, and homelessness, and call for more police presence,
enforcement, and accountability from both law enforcement and judges.
Infrastructure, roads, and utilities: People emphasize that Ocean View lacks fundamental
infrastructure, including county water/sewer, reliable roads, and adequate waste facilities.
Poorly maintained highways, a dysfunctional or unfinished transfer station, and no tsunami
siren or alternative evacuation routes are seen as serious safety and access problems.
Health care, schools, and services: There is strong concern about the absence of local medical
care, schools, and essential services like pharmacies, banks, and emergency shelters. Residents
report long drives (45–60 minutes) for medical help, multiple mentions of needing at least an
elementary school and preschool, and a desire for more mental health, addiction recovery,
veterinary, and animal control services.
Housing, cost of living, and jobs: Many responses point to poverty, high cost of living
(especially food and water delivery), and a lack of affordable housing and local jobs. Some note
that job opportunities are scarce and that regulations make starting a business or operating
markets expensive, while also criticizing rent levels that do not match the limited services
available locally.
Environment, trash, and land use: Residents are concerned about widespread garbage,
abandoned cars, illegal dumping, unpermitted shacks, and derelict vehicles degrading the
landscape and property values. Additional environmental and land-use issues include drought
and wildfire risk, controversial industrial or foreign-owned solar farms on ranch lots, loss of
beach access, and worries about illegal quarrying and overgrowth along highways increasing fire
danger.
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96739 Waikoloa
229 Responses
Waikoloa Village residents are most urgently concerned about inadequate infrastructure,
especially road access and fire safety, along with affordability, schools, and basic community
services.
Top urgent issues
• The most dominant concern is the need for a second permanent, multi-lane road in and
out of Waikoloa Village for everyday use and emergency evacuation, as the community
currently functions like a large cul-de-sac with only one main access.
• Residents repeatedly cite wildfire danger and past evacuations with severe traffic
gridlock as evidence that current evacuation routes are unsafe and insufficient.
Roads, traffic, and evacuation
• Many responses call for: a paved secondary evacuation road; additional arterial roads;
and better traffic control at the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue intersection (signal or
roundabout), which is widely described as dangerous and congested.
• People link ongoing and rapid housing development to worsening congestion, arguing
that new construction should pause until road infrastructure catches up.
Fire, safety, and policing
• Wildfire risk is described as extreme, with fears of a Lahaina- or Camp Fire–type disaster
and demands for better fire roads, fire mitigation, detection systems, sirens, and
evacuation planning.
• Residents also mention speeding, drag racing, lack of police presence, animal control
issues (feral goats, dogs, chickens, cats), fireworks, and general crime and homelessness
as important safety concerns.
Housing, cost of living, and services
• Affordable housing and workforce housing are major worries; people describe high
rents, limited long-term rentals (especially with many short-term vacation rentals), and
rising HOA, water, food, and insurance costs.
• There are repeated complaints about limited healthcare access (no local hospital or
urgent care, few doctors), lack of reliable public transit, and insufficient grocery and
shopping options.
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Schools, parks, and community facilities
• Many respondents want a local high school, better K-12 facilities, and youth programs so
students are not bused long distances and teens have constructive activities.
• Residents call for more and better parks, a community center or gymnasium, dog parks,
finished playgrounds, and improved maintenance of existing public spaces and projects
that have been delayed for years.
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96740 Kailua Kona
666 Responses
Kailua-Kona respondents consistently identify a set of interconnected, urgent issues: lack of
truly affordable housing, homelessness, cost of living, weak infrastructure (especially roads,
parks, and parking), and inadequate health care and education.
Top Concerns
• Affordable housing and homelessness: Residents repeatedly cite severe housing
unaffordability for local working and middle-class families, with many linking this to
short-term rentals, outside buyers, luxury development, and rising rents that displace
kamaʻāina. Homelessness is described as “out of control,” highly visible in parks,
beaches, and downtown, and intertwined with mental health, substance use (especially
meth and fentanyl), and public safety concerns.
• Cost of living and wages: People describe food, utilities, property taxes, childcare, and
insurance as unsustainably expensive relative to local wages, forcing multiple jobs, out-
migration, and fears of becoming homeless even while employed. Many worry that
younger and Native Hawaiian families are being priced out of their own community,
threatening cultural continuity and intergenerational ʻohana stability.
Infrastructure, Roads, and Parking
• Roads, traffic, and safety: Respondents emphasize failing or inadequate roads (Queen
Kaʻahumanu and Hawaiʻi 11, neighborhood streets, poor lighting, dangerous shoulders)
and daily traffic congestion, especially around Aliʻi Drive, Henry Street–Kam III, and
Kailua town. Specific complaints include the one-way reconfiguration of Aliʻi Drive, lack
of alternate routes, speeding, red-light running, and insufficient enforcement, all seen as
serious safety hazards.
• Parking and public facilities: Paid parking and loss of free stalls downtown are widely
blamed for “killing” local businesses and keeping residents away from Kailua Village.
Public facilities—especially bathrooms and park infrastructure at Old Airport, Kahaluʻu,
the pier, and beach parks—are described as broken, dirty, unsafe, and neglected, despite
Kona generating significant tax revenue.
Health Care, Education, and Youth
• Health care access: Many call for a new, modern hospital in or near Kona (often near the
airport) and more doctors, specialists, dentists, and mental health services, citing long
waits, poor quality, and the need to fly off-island for care. Aging populations, chronic
Page | 19
disease, addiction treatment gaps, and lack of inpatient rehab and community mental
health facilities are seen as acute unmet needs.
• Schools, childcare, and keiki spaces: Respondents criticize underfunded, overcrowded,
and aging public schools, low teacher pay, and limited afterschool and youth programs.
Parents stress a shortage of safe, well-maintained parks, playgrounds, fields, gyms, and
teen gathering spaces, arguing that better facilities and activities are critical to prevent
crime, drug use, and “kids roaming in parking lots.”
Governance, Tourism, and Community Fabric
• Governance and priorities: Many express mistrust of county and state leadership, citing
slow or absent follow-through, perceived favoritism toward Hilo or mainland interests,
poor maintenance, and “corrupt” or unresponsive agencies and nonprofits. Some
specifically oppose police collaboration with ICE and federal agencies, military use of
Pōhakuloa, and policies they see as criminalizing houselessness instead of addressing
root causes.
• Tourism, development, and culture: Residents worry about over-tourism, environmental
degradation (sewage in the ocean, trash, invasive species, coral damage), gated
shoreline access, and short-term rentals eroding neighborhood life. Many call for more
balanced, sustainable development that protects local families, grows non-tourism jobs,
strengthens food security and local agriculture, and preserves Hawaiian culture and
access to ʻāina and kai.
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96743 Kamuela
150 Responses
Residents describe a cluster of urgent, interconnected issues: unaffordable housing and cost of
living, strained infrastructure (roads, water, schools, public facilities), limited health and social
services, and deep concern about tourism-driven change, outside investment, and the erosion
of local community and culture.
Core economic pressures
• Affordable housing (both rentals and ownership) is the single most repeated concern;
many say even good salaries cannot secure decent housing, forcing multigenerational
living or out-migration of local families and young adults.
• High cost of living (food, gas, utilities, property taxes, insurance) leaves residents
struggling to meet basic needs such as childcare, groceries, and car maintenance.
• People worry about low availability of well-paying, non-tourism jobs and limited
opportunities for career growth or “pathways” from low-income or subsidized housing
into true financial stability.
Infrastructure, traffic, and water
• Roads and traffic are described as unsafe, congested, and outdated, especially through
central Waimea, between Kona and Kawaihae, and on Kohala Mountain Road; residents
call for bypass routes, added lanes, safer speeds, evacuation routes, and better
maintenance.
• Water supply, water cost, fire mitigation, and transmission limits (water meters) are
major worries, especially given ongoing growth and wildfire risk; some feel permits are
approved without regard to water or evacuation capacity.
• People note gaps in sidewalks, bike and walking paths, public restrooms, beach facilities,
harbors, parks, and public pools, and emphasize the need for better sewers in areas like
Puakō and key parts of Waimea.
Health, education, and social services
• Residents repeatedly cite lack of accessible health care: difficulty finding primary care
providers and specialists, long wait times, and inadequate local hospital capacity and
staffing.
• Public education is seen as underfunded and low-quality, with aging, insecure school
facilities and weak support for learning-disabled students; many call for a public high
school in or near Waimea/Waikoloa and more enrichment and youth programs.
Page | 21
• Social concerns include domestic violence, addiction, mental illness, homelessness, food
insecurity, and a missing continuum of care and shelter options, especially for people
released from hospitals with nowhere to go.
Governance, environment, and safety
• Many express frustration with government corruption or ineffectiveness, overregulation
in some areas and under-enforcement in others (e.g., noise, roadside herbicide use), and
lack of consistent long-term planning.
• Environmental concerns focus on roadside poisons, climate change, protection of
agricultural lands and native ecosystems, fire risk, and ensuring local access to ʻāina,
trails, and beaches rather than overdevelopment and privatization.
• Safety issues raised include speeding and reckless driving, crime, nuisance behavior in
parks, inadequate animal control, and fears about future violence if housing and mental
health crises worsen.
Community identity, tourism, and outside investment
• Many feel overrun by wealthy newcomers, large investors, and speculative development
that drive up prices, property taxes, and rents, while leaving homes empty and reducing
long-term rental stock.
• Residents describe overtourism and some hotels as degrading quality of life through
noise, environmental impacts, and “theme park” style experiences that ignore local
culture and values.
• There is strong anxiety about the erosion of local culture and community fabric:
displacement of longtime families, loss of access to local beaches and gathering places,
brain drain of educated youth, and a widening gap between billionaires and paycheck-
to-paycheck residents with “no middle ground.”
Page | 22
96749 Keaʻau
218 Responses
Survey responses describe a community that feels strained by rapid growth, weak
infrastructure, rising costs, and public safety concerns, with Puna and Hawaiian Paradise Park
(HPP) repeatedly highlighted as under-served.
Top urgent issues
• Traffic and roads: Severe congestion on Highway 130 and Route 11, long commute
times, lack of alternate evacuation routes, unsafe intersections, unpaved and dusty
subdivision roads, and calls for Puna Makai/Mauka and additional lanes.
• Cost of living and housing: High cost of food, gas, utilities, and property taxes, lack of
truly affordable rentals and homes (especially for locals, kupuna, and first-time buyers),
off-island buyers driving up prices, and fear of locals being forced to leave.
• Crime, drugs, and safety: Widespread concern about theft, violent crime, drugs
(especially meth), squatters, domestic violence, and a general feeling of being unsafe at
home and in public spaces.
• Health care access: Too few doctors and dentists, very long waits for specialists, need for
an emergency room and medical center in Puna, and frustration at having to travel to
Hilo or Oahu for critical care.
• Homelessness and poverty: Visible homeless encampments in parks and streets, lack of
shelters or safe camping, and a strong link made between poverty, lack of jobs, drugs,
and crime.
Infrastructure and services
• Water, sewer, and utilities: Many large subdivisions lack county water, sewer, and
adequate electrical infrastructure; residents request water lines, sewer expansion, and
help converting cesspools.
• Public transportation and mobility: Hele-On is seen as unreliable and infrequent;
people want better bus routes through Puna, real-time tracking, more walkability, safe
bike lanes, and sidewalks.
• Parks and recreation: HPP and other areas are described as having no parks or safe
recreation spaces; there is strong desire for youth facilities, indoor sports, green space,
and safe beach access.
• Mail and basic services: Lack of home mail delivery, limited shopping options (requests
for a store in HPP and a larger retailer like Costco), and calls for expanded postal and
basic town services in Puna communities.
Page | 23
Community character, enforcement, and governance
• Planning, overbuilding, and enforcement: Residents worry about overbuilding, illegal
structures, short-term rentals in ag/res-ag areas, weak enforcement of building and
zoning codes, junked vehicles, and unplanned growth outpacing infrastructure.
• Government responsiveness: Many feel Puna is neglected by county and state, that
traffic and infrastructure have been studied but not fixed, and that regulations
sometimes hurt locals (e.g., short-term rental rules, taxes) while bigger problems go
unaddressed.
• Jobs and economic opportunities: Lack of good-paying jobs, limited career paths for
youth, and desire for more local businesses, cottage industries, and tourism that directly
benefits residents rather than large corporations.
Animals, environment, and nuisances
• Dogs and animal control: Frequent reports of loose and dangerous dogs, dog attacks,
animal cruelty, roaming pets, and frustration with animal control capacity and access to
free or low-cost spay/neuter.
• Wild animals and nuisances: Problems with wild pigs, noisy roosters, fireworks, noise,
dust from unpaved roads, and burning trash in yards.
• Environmental concerns: Tree removal without replanting, lack of evacuation routes,
waste management issues, plastic pollution concerns related to Malama One, and
opposition to activities at Pōhakuloa due to environmental and cultural impacts.
Equity, culture, and specific policy concerns
• Local displacement and inequity: Strong concern that locals and Kānaka are being
priced out, wages lag far behind costs, and government jobs no longer provide a stable
living; many mention generational residents needing priority in housing and policy.
• Youth, education, and health: Need for better schools, youth activities, financial literacy
and job training, mental health and substance use services, and support for kupuna
(transportation, housing, home care).
• Law enforcement relationships: Mixed views of police; some call for more officers and
faster response, while others raise concerns about HPD collaboration with ICE/HSI, lack
of oversight, and desire for resolutions limiting such cooperation.
• Named issues and resolutions: Several responses specifically call out Malama One’s
proposed plastic facility, Pōhakuloa training area and related county resolution, and the
need to end HPD cooperation with ICE/HSI agreements.
Page | 24
96750 Kealakekua
43 Responses
Responses center on a few clear themes: unaffordable housing and cost of living, strained
infrastructure and transportation, weak health and social services, and concern for education,
safety, environment, and local control.
Core urgent issues
• Housing and cost of living: Nearly every response mentions unaffordable housing or
rent, gentrification, high property taxes, lack of rentals, and young/local families and
keiki being unable to stay or return home. Vacation rentals on residential and ag lands
and outside buyers are seen as major drivers, with multiple people saying they would be
homeless or must live far from work without family land or temporary arrangements.
• Cost of daily life: People highlight high prices for food, gas, utilities, and restaurant
meals, describing it as “through the roof” and making families feel trapped in poverty.
Infrastructure, traffic, and land use
• Roads and traffic: Many mention worsening traffic, lack of connected roads, need for
more lanes (Kona, Keauhou, Kam III, HWY 19, HI Belt Road), overtaking lanes, and better
signal timing. There are repeated calls to stop new construction without improving roads
and core infrastructure like sewer and water.
• Walkability and public spaces: Respondents note a lack of sidewalks and safe
walking/biking routes (especially for keiki in Honalo, Kealakekua, and South Kona),
limited parks or poorly maintained ones, need for covered play courts and better
equipment, and more county investment in usable public spaces.
• Water, sanitation, and environment: People want unpolluted drinking water, working
restrooms at parks, better cesspool conversion options, limits on herbicide use, stronger
protection of coastal/reef ecosystems, and more support for agriculture and a resilient
local food system.
Health care, safety, and social needs
• Health care: Multiple responses describe inadequate local health care, especially on the
Kona side: long waits for primary care and mental health, need for urgent care services,
and a strong plea for a new, better-equipped hospital so residents (especially kupuna)
are not forced to travel to Oahu for serious treatments.
• Aging population and care: There is concern that services have not kept pace with a
growing older population, with calls for better oversight of private care homes and more
dignity and safety for elders.
Page | 25
• Crime, policing, and homelessness: Several people link rising crime, homelessness, and
cost of living, and call for quicker police response, more patrols in South Kona,
neighborhood police presence (like koban/substations), and more accountability for
crime. Homelessness is described as widespread, affecting businesses and community
safety.
Education, jobs, and youth
• Schools and childcare: Respondents describe mediocre or under-resourced public
schools, outdated facilities except for sports upgrades, teacher shortages and turnover
(blamed partly on low pay and high housing costs), lack of school buses, and limited
affordable childcare and preschools.
• Transportation for students: Lack of a robust school bus system forces parents to drive,
worsening traffic and safety issues around schools.
• Jobs and opportunities: People note a shortage of good-paying, career-path jobs for
young people with degrees, making it hard for them to stay, even if they want to serve
the local community.
• Progressive, quality education: There are calls for quality, “progressive” public schools
and more good teachers, with education for all emphasized as a priority.
Governance, tourism, and local control
• Tourism impacts and visitor behavior: Many express frustration with “unsustainable
extractive tourism,” too many tourists, disrespect for ʻāina and ocean, and the
conversion of housing to short-term vacation rentals or retreat centers on ag land. Some
want stronger limits on non-resident buyers and on owning multiple homes.
• Trust in government and use of taxes: Several responses criticize government
corruption, waste, bureaucracy, poor leadership, and lack of accountability, saying
property taxes are soaring while services decline. There are concerns about misused or
wasted funds, and a feeling that South Kona and similar areas are neglected.
• Community identity and equity: Some responses express deep grief and anger over
multigenerational local families being priced out, feeling replaced by wealthier
mainlanders, and fearing loss of culture and future for their children. There is also
concern over drugs (ICE), mental health, and the erosion of strong community
leadership and support systems.
Page | 26
96755 Kapaʻau
55 Responses
Kapaʻau respondents consistently highlight housing, cost of living, drugs, local control of land,
and basic services as the most urgent community issues.
Core themes
• Affordable housing and cost of living: Nearly every response cites unaffordable housing,
lack of rentals, and high food and utility costs, especially for local and low-income
families, young people, and working middle-class households. Many mention greed,
mainland buyers, vacant homes, strict rental regulations, and locals needing to add on to
family homes just to stay.
• Economic opportunity and jobs: Residents point to limited quality jobs and career paths,
especially for youth, forcing people to commute far or leave the community.
• Drugs and social harms: Multiple responses name crystal meth and drug abuse as major
concerns, especially for keiki, and connect this to boredom, disconnection, and
unhealthy lifestyles.
Land, outsiders, and public space
• Land ownership and outsiders: Many feel wealthy mainland newcomers are buying up
land, building multimillion-dollar homes, driving up prices, and trying to change local
ways, with strong calls to “keep Kohala, Kohala.”
• Loss of access and public space: People describe long-used trails and shoreline routes
being gated or posted with “no trespassing,” reduced access from mauka to makai, and
privatization limiting enjoyment of ʻāina and ocean.
• Parks and facilities: County parks, gyms, ballfields, beach pavilions, and public buildings
are described as rundown, termite-damaged, outdated, and in need of major upgrades
and maintenance.
Basic services and infrastructure
• Health care: Respondents say medical care is sparse locally, forcing trips to Waimea, and
want more accessible, quality health services for all ages.
• Roads, restrooms, and utilities: Concerns include poor road conditions, inadequate road
maintenance, lack of public restrooms in Hawi, aging facilities, and questions about
costly septic requirements. Some also mention water and electricity reliability and
recycling/trash issues.
• Transportation: A few responses mention limited transportation schedules and difficulty
getting rides outside the immediate area.
Page | 27
Food, farming, and environment
• Food access and agriculture: Residents want more affordable, nutritious, local food,
better support for farmers, encouragement of young farmers, and progress toward local
self-sufficiency.
• Environmental care: People mention restoring native forests and watercourses,
protecting the ocean, and improving education around sustainability and land/water
issues.
Youth, kupuna, and community voice
• Youth and kupuna support: Respondents call for more youth programs, a rec center,
swimming and water-safety opportunities, childcare, and kupuna care.
• Schools and education: Concerns include under-resourced schools, lack of preschool and
daycare, and the need for better educational support and an improved education
system.
• Representation and policing: At least one person describes difficulty reaching county
council members, feeling a disconnect from decision-makers, while another calls for
trauma-informed training for police.
Page | 28
96760 Kurtistown
43 Responses
Residents’ responses focus on cost of living, poor infrastructure and roads, housing, traffic, and
public safety, with additional concerns about homelessness, drugs, and lack of community
amenities.
Main themes
Cost of living and taxes
• Repeated concern about high costs of food, fuel, electricity, and medical care.
• Requests for property tax relief and for a Costco on the Hilo side to reduce grocery costs.
Housing and homelessness
• Strong emphasis on lack of housing and especially affordable housing, including
predatory landlords, weak renter protections, and vacant or investor-owned homes.
• Concerns about homelessness/houselessness, squatters, and people moving in from the
mainland or visitors buying land and driving up prices.
Roads, traffic, and infrastructure
• Many complaints about “crap roads,” substandard or unimproved roads (especially
Hawaiian Acres), lack of mail delivery, county water, and reliable electricity in some
areas.
• Traffic congestion in Pana’ewa, Keaʻau, Hwy 130, need for better traffic management,
turning lanes, and alternate routes, including “road redundancy” and connectivity
between subdivisions.
• Poor road conditions tied directly to slow or failed emergency response, including one
account of a death attributed in part to ambulance delay on bad roads.
Public safety, crime, and policing
• Concerns about high crime, drugs, theft, trespassing, squatters, and homelessness, plus
perceptions of poor or reactive policing and low-quality law enforcement due to low pay.
• Worries about proposed bills involving ICE and policing, perceived authoritarian trends,
and lack of effective animal control and spay/neuter services.
Community facilities, services, and health
• Limited safe community spaces (e.g., only a small, uncomfortable Kurtistown park), lack
of sidewalks and safe areas to walk or exercise, and poor internet service.
Page | 29
• Complaints about degraded camping beach parks (no water or bathrooms), limited
access to specialized health care, and emergency response times for EMT, police, and
fire.
Environment and utilities
• Objections to roadside herbicide spraying and its health and wildlife impacts.
• Concerns about affordable energy, opposition to restrictions on propane for off-grid
residents, and suggestions to import LNG for cheaper, “cleaner” electricity than oil.
Overall, people describe feeling that Puna and upper Puna are neglected by government, that
rapid population growth is outpacing infrastructure, and that local voices are not adequately
represented in county decisions.
Page | 30
96764 Laupāhoehoe
18 Responses
Laupāhoehoe residents describe a cluster of urgent concerns around safety, cost of living,
environment, and local infrastructure.
Key community concerns
• Crime and weak prosecution of repeat offenders, which some describe as a long-running
pattern.
• High cost of living, including housing, food, healthcare, land tax, and insurance, with
many calling for more affordable housing and basic needs support.
• Lack of jobs, limited employment opportunities, and few chances for young people to
build skills or find work.
• Childcare affordability, food security, and homelessness as growing social issues.
Infrastructure, parks, and safety
• Strong concern about the degrading and dangerous Laupāhoehoe Point boat ramp, plus
broken promises to fix it and improve the road to the park.
• Worries about bridge and road conditions, completion of a bridge project, outdoor gym
construction, and lack of fire hydrants in some neighborhoods.
• Desire for investment in public open space, park improvements, a community center,
and better access and views at scenic points (clearing vegetation, preventing private
blockage of ocean views, safer guardrails, possible visitor center).
Disaster and emergency preparedness
• Anxiety about serious tropical storms, hurricanes, drought, wildfires, earthquakes,
flooding, and storms, with a feeling that homes are fragile and shelters and planning are
inadequate.
• Requests for stronger Civil Defense engagement through brochures, talks, community
meetings, and school events on disaster preparedness.
Environmental and animal issues
• Repeated concern about feral pigs and goats causing crop damage, erosion, and harm to
gulches, nearshore ocean life, and coral, as well as killing ʻŌhiʻa trees.
• Reports of animal mistreatment and neglect (chained dogs, hungry cows, tethered
roosters) and general ecological damage from pigs.
Page | 31
Broader social and governance worries
• Fears about population growth, uncontrolled development, decline of democracy,
growing poverty, and lack of a safety net.
• Calls to prioritize education for young people and stronger community infrastructure to
address long-term social and economic stability.
Page | 32
96771 Mountain View
85 Responses
Residents highlight recurring concerns with safety, cost of living, infrastructure, and lack of basic
services across Mountain View and nearby Puna communities.
Top community concerns
• Widespread worry about crime, drugs (especially meth), theft, and feeling unsafe in
neighborhoods, downtown, and rural subdivisions.
• Significant frustration with homelessness, including perceptions that many unhoused
people are not from the local community and are tied to drug activity.
• Strong concern about unaffordable housing and rising cost of living, with many fearing
their children cannot afford to stay and employed people still struggling to survive.
Infrastructure and roads
• Roads are repeatedly described as damaged, full of potholes, unpaved, unsafe, or lacking
connectivity, with only one way in and out in many areas, raising serious evacuation and
emergency-access fears.
• Traffic congestion on Highway 11 and local roads, lack of turn lanes and pullouts,
flooding, and poor maintenance are major complaints.
• Residents note inadequate lighting, lack of safe bike lanes and walking shoulders, and
concerns about noisy or unsafe driving (speeding, engine braking, ATVs, dirt bikes).
Services, health, and emergency access
• Many say there is a lack of nearby services: no local urgent care, limited clinics, long
waits for primary care, few pharmacies, and poor access to medical, dental, and eye
care; trips to Hilo or further are often required.
• Emergency response is a worry, with examples of medics unable to reach residents due
to road conditions, single-access roads, and limited ambulances, fire, and police
presence.
• Residents mention insufficient mental health resources, lack of home health services in
rural areas, and high levels of poor health and food insecurity.
Governance, policing, and equity
• Respondents criticize inefficient or “lazy” governance, lack of county investment in Puna
compared with other areas, slow permitting, and perceived corruption in county and
police leadership.
Page | 33
• There are calls for more visible, quality police presence, better management, and
enforcement on issues like unpermitted building, dumping, crime, and dangerous dogs.
• Some raise concerns about state/county priorities, feeling older or poorer communities
are neglected compared with places like Kona or lower Puna.
Community life, environment, and amenities
• People want more community hubs: improved parks and gyms, youth sports and
activities, farmers markets, safe public spaces, and a stronger sense of community.
• Environmental concerns include trash and abandoned vehicles on roads, invasive species
(especially feral cats and chickens), climate impacts, and fire risk.
• Residents also note limited jobs and economic opportunities, dependence on imported
goods and shipping costs, and anxiety about broader issues like war, tariffs, and disaster
preparedness.
Page | 34
96772 Nāʻālehu
57 Responses
Residents most often highlight inadequate health and dental care, poor infrastructure
(especially roads), limited affordable housing and jobs, public safety concerns, and loss or lack
of key local services and amenities.
Top community concerns
• Health and dental care: Many respondents say there is no quality medical care nearby,
with long waits, limited providers, lack of specialists (mental health, dental, dialysis), and
frequent need to travel to Hilo, Kona, or Oahu for treatment. Several call for an urgent
care clinic and a better equipped ER at Kaʻū Hospital.
• Public safety and crime: Concerns include drug abuse (especially meth), rising property
crime, wild/loose dogs, homelessness, and perception of weak or insufficient law
enforcement and judicial follow-through.
• Roads and transportation: People repeatedly mention deteriorated or unpaved
subdivision roads (especially Mark Twain and Discovery Harbour), Highway 11
conditions, lack of maintenance, and unreliable or limited mass transit service in rural
areas.
• Affordable housing and cost of living: Respondents note a lack of affordable, quality
homes, frustration with permitting delays and unpermitted rentals, and overall high cost
of living and taxes.
• Jobs and economic base: Many describe a lack of good employment opportunities,
limited local businesses and retail, and the need for strategic economic development so
young people can stay.
Services, facilities, and amenities
• Loss or absence of key services: People want Department of Motor Vehicle services
returned to Naʻalehu, more consistent animal control services with facilities and
veterinarians, and better access to social services for kūpuna and keiki.
• Community facilities: Requests include fixing or providing public swimming pools,
repairing Naʻalehu tennis courts and park lights, better restrooms at parks,
gyms/workout facilities, and more community activities.
• Retail and food access: Residents stress the lack of a full grocery store in Naʻalehu (none
since 2015) and limited options in Pāhala, dependence on expensive gas-station
groceries, need for more food security and locally grown food, and desire for more
grocery and fast-food providers.
Page | 35
Land, environment, and access
• Ocean and recreation access: Some are concerned about blocked access to Kaʻaluʻalu
and related areas after land changes, seeing this as harming cultural practices, safe
family ocean access, and leading to overuse of other bays like Punaluʻu and Honuʻapo.
• Environmental degradation: Respondents mention damage at South Point and Honuʻapo
from constant camping, trash, off-road vehicles, and erosion into the ocean.
• Water and utilities: Issues include limited or unfair water distribution, lack of water lines
for rural families and farmers, exposed roadside water lines, and calls for EV charging
stations.
Governance and equity issues
• Perceived neglect by the County: Several say Kaʻū and Naʻalehu receive less help and
investment than other parts of the island, especially for animal control, road
maintenance, and infrastructure.
• Systems and regulation problems: Comments cite slow permit approvals (e.g., with the
utility), frustration about unpermitted homes not being enforced, and desire for better
planning, more police presence, and even a local jail facility.
• Planning, preservation, and development: There are concerns about preserving Kaʻū’s
open spaces and natural resources, managing development at Punaluʻu, and aligning
growth with community needs and Agenda 2030–type frameworks.
Representative specific requests
• Reopen ocean access at Kaʻaluʻalu with culturally appropriate stewardship.
• Repave roads in Mark Twain and Discovery Harbour and improve Highway 11.
• Restore DMV services to Naʻalehu and expand post office capacity.
• Establish urgent care, more doctors and dentists, animal control/vet center, and
improved ER capabilities in Kaʻū.
• Build or repair community amenities such as pools, courts, parks, and public restrooms;
expand public transportation and county transfer station hours.
Page | 36
96773 Ninole
9 Responses
Responses highlight concerns about transportation, basic services, cost of living, housing, and
homelessness.
Key themes:
• Traffic and roads: Speeding, road maintenance, repairs, and frustration with endless
bridge work.
• Emergency services: Desire for more responsive police, fire, and medical services.
• Economy and jobs: Need for jobs closer to home, worries about a poor economy, and
declining services like stores, banks, and restaurants.
• Cost of living: High cost of living overall, including especially expensive food.
• Housing and homelessness: Shortage of affordable housing, rising rents and home
prices, more homelessness in Hilo, and a need for better services that address addiction
and mental illness.
• Infrastructure and permitting: Slow permitting for basic needs like septic systems, and
concern that sanitation facilities in Hilo and coastal communities need upgrades to
protect marine ecosystems, food supply, and recreation.
• Education and sustainability: Uneven quality of education at LCPCS and a desire for
greater focus on sustainability.
• Everyday support: Difficulty finding reliable casual workers for small home jobs.
Page | 37
96774 ʻOʻōkala
4 Responses
Residents identified several urgent community issues spanning infrastructure, economic policy,
and social well-being:
• Infrastructure and public safety: Multiple respondents emphasized the need for better
road maintenance, clearing overgrown vegetation, and reopening inaccessible roads.
• Environmental compliance and housing costs: Some raised concern about unfunded
mandates requiring homeowners to install septic systems by 2050, calling for tax credits
or financial assistance to meet these expensive requirements.
• Economic strain and inequality: Residents pointed to high excise taxes and monopolistic
business practices as barriers to small business growth and middle-class stability,
suggesting that state policies stifle economic opportunity.
• Social and public health challenges: Others highlighted rising homelessness, drug use,
theft, and mental illness — describing a cycle in which unemployment leads to addiction
and crime, eroding community safety and trust.
Overall, the responses reflect frustration with both systemic economic pressures and visible
local problems, from deteriorating roads to homelessness, all seen as interconnected threats to
a healthy, sustainable community.
Page | 38
96776 Paʻauilo
14 Responses
Responses highlight concerns about land use, housing, wildfire risk, basic services, and local
culture and livelihoods.
Main themes
• Out-of-state buyers, developers, and “celebrity” home flippers are seen as driving loss of
agricultural land and removing remaining affordable homes, with strong sentiment to
protect local ownership and rural character.
• Residents are worried about increasing wildfire hazards and inadequate evacuation
routes and suggest using “roads in limbo” and creating escape routes through large
landholdings.
• Housing and rentals are described as unaffordable, especially for younger people, with
support for options like tiny homes and distributed energy systems.
• People cite poor road conditions, aggressive dogs, invasive species, and limited
emergency preparedness as significant rural community issues.
• Cost of living, lack of reliable internet, and limited medical and emergency care access
are major quality-of-life concerns.
• Water access is a problem for those on catchment, including extra costs because water
trucks cannot use local hydrants and reliance on a single hauling company.
• Respondents want better pay for lifeguards so keiki can learn and practice swimming at
the local pool, which currently has limited hours due to staffing.
• Several responses emphasize getting Native Hawaiians back on Hawaiian lands, criticize
OHA, and oppose Hawaiʻi Island being used as a “dumping ground” for homeless people
from elsewhere.
• Some emphasize preserving dark, quiet nights (resisting added lighting) as a key part of
what makes the area a good place to raise children.
Page | 39
96777 Pāhala
11 Responses
Residents highlight several major concerns: high costs of housing, food, water, and wastewater;
poor infrastructure; and under-served public services in Kaʻū and Pāhala.
Key themes
• Affordable living: Need for more affordable housing (especially for first-time buyers) and
lower grocery prices, along with concerns about being in a food desert.
• Basic services and infrastructure: Complaints about long post office lines and hours,
failing sewer and water systems, high water and wastewater costs, and poor road
conditions, especially Highway 11 and local streets.
• County maintenance and facilities: Perception that the County of Hawaiʻi under-serves
Kaʻū, including poor maintenance of parks, restrooms (especially Waiʻōhinu Park), and
reliance on porta-potties at county sites.
• Safety and emergency response: Concerns about crime and robberies, lack of lifeguards
during children’s activities at Onekahakaha Beach Park, and the need for more reliable
emergency response to natural disasters.
• Environment and community assets: Desire to protect Punaluʻu Beach, park, boat ramp,
and coastline access; concerns about feral cats and dogs.
• Economic opportunity and transportation: Need for more local employment, vocational
and education opportunities, better transportation and facilities, and enforcement and
education around county rules and regulations.
Page | 40
96778 Pāhoa
184 Responses
Responses describe a community under strain from high costs, weak infrastructure, and
concerns about safety, health care, and the environment.
Core economic and cost-of-living concerns
Residents repeatedly cite unaffordable housing, food, utilities, gas, and homeowners insurance
as major hardships. Many mention low wages, limited job opportunities, and dependence on
tourism, short-term rentals, and informal work like landscaping or construction. People worry
about homelessness, “slumlords,” out-of-state buyers and investors, and rents that working
families and kūpuna cannot afford.
Infrastructure, roads, and transportation
Traffic congestion on Keaʻau–Pāhoa Road (130) and the lack of alternate routes to Hilo are
among the most urgent issues, especially for evacuation and emergency access. Residents ask
for widening Highway 130, adding lanes, rethinking or enlarging roundabouts, contraflow, new
roads (Railroad, Beach Road, coast roads), and better road maintenance. Many stress pedestrian
and bike safety—sidewalks, crosswalks, speed bumps, bike lanes, street lighting—and note poor
or unrepaired roads in specific subdivisions and along the coast.
Health care, education, and social services
There is strong concern about inadequate health care: too few doctors, specialists, dentists,
emergency departments, and the need for a hospital or full-service clinic in or near Pāhoa.
Respondents describe long waits for appointments, difficulty accessing specialty care, and
barriers when care must be obtained off-island or from out-of-state providers. Public schools are
described as under-resourced, unsafe, and lacking supports for teachers, young children, and
students’ mental health; people call for leadership training, early learning, child care, and more
programs for keiki and kūpuna.
Crime, public safety, and policing
Many answers emphasize crime (theft, burglary, drugs, squatting, property damage),
homelessness, meth use, and feeling unsafe in neighborhoods and public spaces. People
describe limited police presence, slow response, perceived negligence or favoritism, and ask for
more officers, substations, community policing, and faster, more accountable enforcement.
Animal-related issues—stray or aggressive dogs, feral cats and pigs, animal abuse, barking
dogs—are also frequent, with calls for stronger animal control and spay/neuter services.
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Environment, land use, and development
Respondents worry about rapid development, clear-cutting forest lots, loss of ‘ōhiʻa rainforest,
and unmanaged vacant parcels that increase fire risk and hazards from trees and weeds. Some
raise specific concerns about PGV (geothermal), lava-impacted areas, lack of road restoration
after the 2018 eruption, and impacts on air quality, water, and cultural values. Many want
policies that protect native ecosystems, require some tree preservation, promote local food
production and backyard growing, and improve disaster preparedness for lava, hurricanes, and
other hazards.
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96780 Pāpaʻaloa
6 Responses
The responses highlight concerns about neglected infrastructure, land use constraints, rising
costs, and changing community character in the Pāpaʻaloa–Laupāhoehoe area.
Main themes
• Neglected roads and safety: A dangerous stream crossing has not been fixed despite
meetings with multiple mayors, and there have been fatalities on this road. Roadside
reflectors are missing in many areas of Highway 19, which is especially hazardous for
elderly drivers at night and in rain or mist.
• Land use, agriculture, and wild pigs: Residents report wild pigs breaking through fencing
and feel there are too many regulatory requirements to make improvements on their
own land. They suggest downsizing Ag-20 lots so owners can sell smaller parcels to help
meet local housing needs.
• Community facilities and amenities: People want repairs and upgrades to local assets,
including indoor showers at the Laupāhoehoe swimming pool, reopening the dump,
finishing the park play structure, fixing the bridge by the Country Store, and repairing
and reopening the Hongwanji building.
• Demographics, housing, and gentrification: Rising land and housing costs mean mostly
retirees can afford to move in, which residents feel is changing the area’s character and
contributing to gentrification.
• Water, connectivity, and cost of living: Off-grid residents struggle with drought, high
water delivery costs despite nearby spring water, limited local jobs, and unaffordable or
unavailable housing. Cell coverage is weak with significant dead zones, and many rely on
costly Starlink, forcing tradeoffs between communications and basic needs.
• Broader safety and security worries: Respondents note fire preparedness challenges, an
aging population, blinding halogen headlights, and concerns about food security tied to
tariffs, rising ocean levels, and increasing costs, while emphasizing the importance of
clarity about what the County and State can and cannot do.
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96781 Pāpaʻikou
30 Responses
The responses highlight housing insecurity, cost of living, homelessness, and safety as the most
urgent community concerns.
Core urgent issues
• Housing and homelessness: Many respondents cite lack of affordable housing, rising
housing costs, failing homes, gentrification, and growing houselessness, including
chronically homeless residents and downtown encampments.
• Cost of living and wages: People report prices for “everything” going up, minimum wage
not matching costs for food, gas, and housing, and limited good-paying jobs or work
opportunities.
• Food security: Several responses mention food insecurity, emergency food supply,
invasive species threats (like CRB), and interest in turning former cane lands into
productive local food production.
• Safety, crime, and drugs: Residents worry about drugs, crime, public intoxication, unsafe
behavior near the Pāpaʻikou post office, normalized dangerous driving, and lack of
enforcement, with specific requests for more police patrols and traffic calming like speed
bumps.
• Infrastructure and transportation: Concerns include dangerous roads and highways,
side-of-road maintenance, congestion from a proposed roundabout, limited
transportation options, and a need for larger roads to serve a growing population.
Social and health concerns
• Mental health and substance use: Multiple responses tie mental health issues, drug
abuse, and homelessness together as visible and growing problems.
• Healthcare access: Availability of healthcare professionals and general access to
healthcare are recurring concerns as people live longer with limited income.
• Opportunities for youth: There is worry that younger adults (20–30 years old) and keiki
cannot afford to stay, with calls for local jobs, housing, and educational options such as a
specialized or charter school.
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Environment and land use
• Environmental quality: Respondents mention water quality and pollution, trash dumping
in gulches, leaking car fluids into rivers, and worries about invasive species.
• Self-sufficiency and land use: People express interest in self-sustainability (food, energy,
healthcare, housing), support for agroecology and agroforestry, bamboo construction,
and possible geothermal energy.
• Resource management and tourism: Concerns include resources being shipped off-
island, visitor management in coastal areas, vacation rentals, and the perception that
developers’ needs are prioritized over residents.
Governance, services, and community amenities
• Government and enforcement: Some respondents feel county officials “waste money,”
do not respond adequately (e.g., animal control, homelessness, recycling, road repair),
and that enforcement of laws in downtown and coastal areas is weak.
• Community facilities and recycling: People want easier access to recycling without fees,
hazardous waste disposal options for small businesses, and better use of empty
commercial spaces for community needs like groceries and retail.
• Public spaces and mobility: Lack of walkable parks, safe bike lanes, and safe walking
spaces in neighborhoods like Old Mamalahoa Hwy are noted as barriers to healthy
lifestyles and quality of life.
Notable specific concerns
• Generational animal cruelty: One response highlights ongoing abuse and
undernourishment of dogs and unresponsive animal control.
• Specific local projects: Respondents mention a proposed roundabout near Hilo Hospital,
future planning for Kalanianaole School (e.g., charter or magnet school), and calls to
improve cell phone coverage.
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96783 Pepeʻekeo
31 Responses
Residents identify several major issues: high cost of living and housing, inadequate
infrastructure and services, limited economic opportunity, and deep frustration with
government responsiveness and trustworthiness.
Cost of living, housing, and affordability
Many responses highlight unaffordable housing, high rents, and overall rising costs that force
people to work multiple jobs or side hustles, leaving less time for families and community.
Several mention affordable housing as a central problem for East Hawaiʻi and Pepeʻekeo
specifically. Infrastructure limits (water units, sewer connections) are seen as directly
constraining housing supply and community growth in old plantation towns.
Health care and essential services
People report poor access to medical and dental care, with some insurance not accepted and 4–
6 month waits for appointments if providers are even taking new patients. Residents also
mention lack of nearby groceries (needing to drive to Hilo) and call out the need for better
specialty cancer care, including permanent oncologists and PET scan capacity.
Infrastructure, transportation, and safety
Respondents criticize substandard county planning, poor road maintenance, dangerous traffic
conditions, and specific hazards such as unsafe access near the post office and problematic bus
stop placement on the highway. Speeding cars, off-road vehicles on roadways, and requests for
speed humps or speed tables appear in multiple responses, along with concerns about cesspool
conversion and affordable broadband.
Community spaces, environment, and quality of life
Several responses stress the absence of accessible ocean recreation areas, pools, and safe
sidewalks for kūpuna and keiki, framing this as inequitable and harmful to health and social
cohesion. People also cite environmental worries including polluted streams and ocean water,
cruise ship sewage, feral chickens, and fire hazards from stored cut trees. Drugs and lack of safe,
vibrant community spaces are mentioned as ongoing problems.
Government performance and trust
There is strong criticism of county and broader government: people describe permitting
barriers, slow and inconsistent administration, and lack of support for agriculture and local
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investment. Some respondents express extreme distrust of federal and county government,
including views that policies around Covid, land use, and enforcement are oppressive or
fraudulent, and that regulations block economic opportunity such as farm-based businesses or
cannabis-related ventures.
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96785 Volcano
85 Responses
Residents’ responses center on affordable housing, infrastructure and safety, access to services
(especially health care and food), environmental protection, tourism impacts, and social
problems such as drugs, crime, and homelessness.
Core economic and housing issues
• Affordable housing is repeatedly cited as a top concern, with residents describing being
priced out by short-term vacation rentals, outside buyers, speculative development, and
rising taxes.
• Many note a lack of local job opportunities, especially for younger people and working
families, forcing reliance on outside income or long commutes.
Infrastructure, traffic, and safety
• People emphasize poor road conditions on Highway 11 and other local roads, including
potholes, lack of lighting, unsafe driving, and insufficient traffic monitoring.
• Traffic congestion during eruptions and tourism surges is seen as dangerous, with calls
for alternate routes, secondary access roads (especially for Volcano Golf Course), and
improved ingress/egress for emergencies.
• Residents mention the need for warning sirens, better disaster preparedness, and
additional escape routes in case of wildfires or volcanic events.
Access to services and quality of life
• There is strong concern about limited access to medical and dental care, mental health
services, senior transportation, and local banking and shopping options, requiring trips
to Hilo for basic needs.
• Respondents call for more affordable food options, covered bus stops and expanded bus
routes, community centers, youth activities, and facilities like public pools, parks, and a
local school or library to improve quality of life.
Environment, animals, and tourism
• Many highlight destruction of native forest through clear-cutting and “pin-to-pin”
bulldozing, invasive species (coqui, fire ants, Jackson’s chameleons), rapid growth of feral
pigs and chickens, and concern for fragile ecosystems and sacred cultural areas.
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• Feral and free-roaming cats and dogs, weak animal control, and concerns about Bill 51
and animal welfare agencies are recurring themes.
• Residents describe overcrowded tourism, eruption viewing traffic, helicopter noise, and
vacation rentals as straining infrastructure, degrading sacred places, and shifting the
community toward retirees and tourists over local families.
Social issues and governance
• People note crime, property crime, drug use, poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity
as serious community challenges.
• Several responses criticize inadequate police presence, lack of a local substation, slow
emergency response, and broader dissatisfaction with county/state decision-making,
regulation, and hiring practices.
• Some mention broader concerns like federal immigration enforcement (ICE),
dependence on imported food, and the need for better support for residents on
catchment water and clear information on volcanic emissions and water safety.