HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-20 Daniel J. Volpe, Temporary Fire Chief Support TestimonySubject:HFD: Submitting Written Testimony
From:Mantz, Jordyn
To:Planning LPC Testimony
Cc:Volpe, Daniel; Williamson, Lauren M.K.
Date:Monday, April 20, 2026 3:26:50 PM
Attachments:260420 Site M Letter of Support.pdf
Good afternoon Leeward Planning Commission,
Please see attached written testimony I am submitting on behalf of Temporary Fire Chief
Daniel Volpe. This is regarding the requested amendment to SMA Use Permit No. 07-000019
for the Mauna Lani development.
Mahalo,
Jordyn Mantz
Clerk III, Administration
Hawaii Fire Department
808-932-2900
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
William V. Brilhante, Jr.
Managing Director
Daniel J. Volpe
Temporary Fire Chief
County of Hawai‘i
HAWAI‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni Street • Suite 2501 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 932-2900 • Fax (808) 932-2928
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
April 20, 2026
Leeward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission members:
I am submitting this letter in support of the requested amendment to SMA Use Permit No. 07-
000019, which, if approved, would require the construction of an emergency evacuation road for
the Mauna Lani development.
The Mauna Lani Resort is presently served by a single access point to the State’s Queen
Kaʻahumanu Highway via a primary two-lane undivided roadway with one inbound and one
outbound lane. Single-access developments such as Mauna Lani are especially vulnerable during
emergency situations. The lack of a secondary roadway is therefore a significant public safety
concern. Should an evacuation ever be necessary, traffic congestion at the existing access point
could cause substantial delays, complicate overall evacuation efforts, and jeopardize the safety of
residents, guests, and responding first responders.
Additionally, if the existing entrance were ever blocked during a fire, natural disaster, or other
emergency event, evacuation efforts would be further complicated, and Hawaiʻi Fire Department
personnel could be prevented from responding, or significantly delayed in responding, to
emergencies and providing lifesaving assistance. For this reason, any emergency evacuation road
developed for Mauna Lani should take into consideration the need for unimpeded access for fire
apparatus to respond to emergencies and return to the station. The roadway should be of
sufficient width to accommodate both exiting traffic and responding fire apparatus so that
emergency operations are not hindered during a critical incident.
The Hawaiʻi Fire Department supports the requested amendment to SMA Use Permit No. 07-
000019 to require the development of the proposed emergency evacuation road for Mauna Lani
in connection with the Site M project.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (808) 932-2903 or by email at
daniel.volpe@hawaiicounty.gov.
Sincerely,
DANIEL J. VOLPE
Temporary Fire Chief, Hawai’i Fire Department