Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12 KCDP Meeting Packet County of Hawai‘i KONA 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 John Pelletier, Chair Raymond Kirchner Vacant Shane Palacat-Nelsen Charles Young Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair Charla Thompson Vacant Roselyn Molina NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Kona 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: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 TIME: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LOCATION: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building G (Community Meeting Hale) 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/v2QZv267SAOLYOBfYvlKIA 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. 2 AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The AC will consider approving the draft minutes from the April 14, 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. V. BUSINESS 1. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 66 (Draft 2): The AC will discuss Bill 66 (Draft 2), including updates from the May 4, 2026 meeting of the County Council Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development. The AC may take action, including the consideration of submitting testimony to the County Council. 2. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 147, Relating to Transient Accommodations: The AC will discuss Bill 147 and its potential implications for the Kona CDP. The AC may take action, including the consideration of submitting testimony to the County Council. 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 • Mālama ʻAimakapā Community Workdays at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Park: o Thursday, May 14 – 8:30 am-12 pm o Thursday, June 11 – 8:30 am-12 pm o Thursday, July 9 – 8:30 am-12 pm o Saturday, July 11 – 8:30 am-12 pm • Holomua Marine Initiative Talk Story Sessions: o Wednesday, May 20 – 5:00-7:30 pm at Yano Hall, Captain Cook o Thursday, May 21 – 5:00-7:30 pm at Hawaiʻi Big Game Fishing Club, Kailua-Kona • The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions • The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026 IX. ADJOURNMENT 3 NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/9059/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 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. Meeting Packet QR Code: KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE JOHN PELLETIER, Chair KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 April 14, 2026 5 Call to Order 6 Chair John Pelletier called the meeting of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) 7 Action Committee (AC) to order at 12:04 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the West 8 Hawaiʻi Civic Center – Building G, and online via the Zoom platform. 9 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://youtu.be/I1joldTwVR4?si=FOgnZ_Z8tyXfv4Yf 11 Roll Call 12 Members Present (in person): 13 • John Pelletier, Chair 14 • Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair 15 • Charla Thompson 16 • Charles Young 17 Members Present (via Zoom): Shane Palacat-Nelsen 18 Members Absent: Raymond “RJ” Kirchner and Roselyn Molina 19 Planning Department Staff Present (in person): 20 • Janice Hata 21 • Maryam Palma 22 • Jessica Lahip 23 • Kawelo Kalili 24 There were approximately 19 members of the public in attendance (four in person and 15 25 via Zoom). 26 Approval of Minutes 27 Chair Pelletier requested approval of the March 10, 2026 draft meeting minutes at 28 approximately 12:07 p.m. Vice Chair Pisicchio moved to approve the minutes, and 29 Committee Member Thompson seconded the motion. There being no discussion or 30 corrections, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the March 10, 2026 draft 31 meeting minutes. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:06] 32 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 2 Public Testimony on Agenda Items 33 Chair Pelletier called for public testimony on agenda items at approximately 12:08 p.m. 34 Testimony was received primarily regarding Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 66, Draft 2, the 35 Draft General Plan 2045, and the proposed General Plan 2026. 36 Michelle Melendez testified in opposition to General Plan 2045 and in support of the 2026 37 proposal. She stated that the 2045 draft is too lengthy, vague, and difficult for the County 38 to implement, and expressed concern that its language would allow outside organizations 39 and stakeholders to influence Hawaiʻi Island planning. She also raised concerns about 40 climate change-related policy language and asked the Committee to support the 2026 41 proposal, while noting that maps are needed. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:42] 42 Donna Thompson testified in support of the 2026 proposal and raised concerns about 43 General Plan 2045, including alleged links to outside templates, sustainability initiatives, 44 privacy rights, rezoning, and implementation complexity. She stated that the general plan 45 should be streamlined, simpler to understand, and made available for broader public 46 review, including maps. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 09:36] 47 Sarahlee Kittons testified against General Plan 2045 and in support of the 2026 proposal. 48 She stated that the 2045 draft includes vague policies that could allow outside 49 stakeholders to influence land use decisions and expressed concern about data systems, 50 resource management, and community control. She urged more local involvement in 51 planning. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 14:13] 52 Kevin Hill testified against General Plan 2045 and in support of the 2026 proposal, with 53 reservations. He stated that any new plan should still go through public review, the 54 Planning Commission, and County Council. He also expressed concern that Hilo has not 55 had an updated Community Development Plan and that public testimony during earlier 56 stages of the General Plan process had not been adequately incorporated. [SEE 57 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 17:38] 58 Janice Palma-Glennie testified in support of continuing work on General Plan 2045 rather 59 than replacing it with the 2026 proposal. She stated that community-based land use 60 planning, CDPs, maps, zoning guidance, and implementation provisions are important 61 tools for protecting natural and cultural resources, reducing sprawl, and supporting future 62 planning. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 23:16] 63 Juhl Rayne testified in support of the 2026 proposal and against General Plan 2045. She 64 expressed concern that the 2045 draft could affect property rights and described the 65 document as too long and influenced by outside agendas. She stated that the 2026 66 proposal is not perfect but is preferable. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 26:27] 67 Lily Booth testified about concerns related to land clearing, development, public 68 awareness, and access in South Kona. She stated that local families need more 69 information and education about land use planning and the General Plan process, and 70 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 3 that meeting times can make participation difficult for working residents. [SEE YOUTUBE 71 TIMESTAMP 30:20] 72 Millicent Cummings testified in opposition to General Plan 2045 while expressing 73 concerns about voting on the 2026 proposal without associated maps and without a 74 complete public process. She raised concerns about procedure, Sunshine Law 75 compliance, Hilo’s lack of an updated CDP, Hawaiian Home Lands, and public trust 76 resources. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 34:30] 77 Melvin Mason Jr. testified regarding Bill 66, Draft 2, and the proposed draft General Plan 78 2026. He urged the Committee to ground its decision in kuleana and stated that the 79 General Plan guides land use, infrastructure, economic development, and protection of 80 cultural and natural resources. He expressed concern that replacing General Plan 2045 81 with a substantial rewrite could undermine public process, Native Hawaiian rights, 82 consultation, and the County’s ability to influence decisions affecting federal lands [SEE 83 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 41:31] 84 Josephine Keliʻipio testified against General Plan 2045 and stated that she had changed 85 her earlier position after reviewing concerns about the plan’s climate change-related 86 content. She urged rejection of the 2045 draft. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 47:32] 87 Third-Party Reports; Government Officials 88 Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Senate Bill 405 (2025), signed into law as Act 72, the AC may receive 89 and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included 90 in the publicly noticed agenda, but may not make decisions on matters raised through 91 such reports until a later meeting with proper notice. No third-party reports were 92 presented. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 51:40] 93 Business 94 Chair Pelletier reordered the agenda to take up Business Item 2, regarding Hawaiʻi County 95 Council Bill 66 (Draft 2), as the first item of business. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 13:20] 96 1. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 66 (Draft 2): The AC will discuss Bill 66 (Draft 2), 97 including its potential implications for the Kona CDP and any relevant developments 98 arising from the April 7, 2026 meeting of the County Council Policy Committee on 99 Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development. The AC will consider submitting 100 testimony to the Council on this matter. Supporting materials are included in the 101 meeting packet: 102 • Communication No. 2026-05 Testimony of Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow – Bill 103 66, Draft 2 104 • Communication No. 2026-06 Documents and Supporting Information – Bill 66, 105 Draft 2 106 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 4 This item was called to order at approximately 12:56 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 107 51:45] 108 Chair Pelletier summarized the status of Draft General Plan 2045, which was before 109 Council as Bill 66, Draft 2, and described Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz’s 110 proposed substitute document, referred to during the meeting as the “General Plan 111 2026” proposal. He noted that the 2026 proposal was introduced as an amendment to 112 General Plan 2045, that Corporation Counsel had discussed whether such a 113 substantial change could proceed, and that additional public, state, and federal 114 consultation would likely be required if the proposed substitute moved forward. Chair 115 Pelletier also noted that the 2026 proposal did not yet include maps, while land use 116 maps are a required component of the General Plan. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 117 52:54] 118 Vice Chair Pisicchio stated that the proposed 2026 document was concerning 119 because, if adopted as a substitute amendment, it would replace the 2045 draft rather 120 than remain as a separate option for further work. She stated that the 2026 proposal 121 is too stripped down, removes important planning and implementation material, and 122 reduces opportunities for community participation. She cited the implementation 123 chapter of the 2005 General Plan as an example of language that helped establish the 124 CDP program. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 56:25] 125 Committee Member Young stated that it was concerning for a substantially different 126 proposal to be introduced late in the process. He said that, although he did not agree 127 with every part of the General Plan 2045 process, he did not believe the existing draft 128 should be dismissed. He also emphasized that the world and planning issues are more 129 complex than they were decades ago, and that the County needs to recognize 130 changing environmental conditions, including impacts to reefs and ocean resources. 131 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:02:03] 132 Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen commented on outside influences, aloha ʻāina, the 133 need to uphold public process, and the importance of scrutinizing planning 134 amendments while recognizing the long history of outside influence in Hawaiʻi. [SEE 135 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:05:49] 136 Vice Chair Pisicchio moved that the Kona CDP Action Committee recommend that the 137 Council not support the substitution requested through Communication 372.192 and 138 instead work collaboratively to make further improvements to and adopt Bill 66, Draft 139 2, the 2045 General Plan. The motion stated that Bill 66, Draft 2, includes visions, 140 objectives, policies, actions, and implementation provisions compatible with the Kona 141 CDP and that the proposed substitute does not qualify as an amendment but 142 constitutes a complete rewrite and new general plan. Committee Member Young 143 seconded the motion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:08:22] 144 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 5 Chair Pelletier stated that neither plan is exactly what the County needs, but that 145 continuing to work from the 2045 draft would provide a better path than starting over 146 with a proposal written by one council member and not yet supported by the same 147 level of community or Planning Department collaboration. Vice Chair Pisicchio further 148 noted that General Plan 2045 includes a section supporting the County planning 149 system and the CDP program, while the proposed 2026 substitute eliminates much of 150 that material. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:13:13] 151 The Committee voted unanimously to submit the testimony to Council, with Chair 152 Pelletier to present or submit the testimony as appropriate. [SEE YOUTUBE 153 TIMESTAMP 01:16:41] 154 This item concluded at approximately 1:17 p.m. 155 Quorum was lost at approximately 1:17 p.m. when Committee Member Palacat-Nelsen 156 left the meeting. The Committee continued with discussion only and took no further 157 action. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:17:14] 158 2. Tree City USA Designation: Committee Member Charla Thompson will provide an 159 update on the County’s designation as a Tree City USA community. Discussion on next 160 steps and potential action to follow. 161 This item was called to order at approximately 1:22 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 162 01:18:32] 163 Chair Pelletier called for public testimony on this item. No public testimony was 164 provided. 165 Committee Member Thompson reported that the County had officially received the 166 Tree City USA designation and that she had begun reviewing suggested next steps. 167 She described possible future work, including forming a committee or nonprofit effort, 168 identifying a steering committee, coordinating with arborists and County departments, 169 planting appropriate trees in parks and along public roadways, increasing shade in 170 parking lots and walking areas, supporting arboretums and educational projects, and 171 exploring grants and maintenance funding. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:18:59] 172 Vice Chair Pisicchio thanked Committee Member Thompson for her work and 173 suggested that the AC invite people with direct experience in Tree City USA 174 implementation to provide a public presentation. She suggested that County staff and 175 community members with arborist experience, including Kevin Sullivan, may be able 176 to help explain what the designation requires and what opportunities it creates. 177 Committee Member Young noted that funding, potential ordinance changes, and 178 possible capital improvement needs may need to be considered once the program 179 requirements are better understood. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:22:06] 180 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 6 Discussion also addressed the importance of tree species selection, cultural and 181 traditional practices, use of trees for food and lāʻau lapaʻau, maintenance of existing 182 trees, tree safety, shade, walkability, and coordination with other organizations. 183 Committee Member Thompson stated that she would begin identifying presenters and 184 next steps for a future discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:27:55] 185 This item concluded at approximately 1:41 p.m. 186 Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda 187 Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Senate Bill 869 (2025), signed into law as Act 53, testimony on matters 188 not on the agenda may be limited to three minutes per speaker. Chair Pelletier called for 189 testimony at approximately 1:46 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:42:07] 190 Janice Palma-Glennie provided testimony regarding the General Plan process. She stated 191 that she agreed with some concerns raised by testifiers about process and public 192 outreach, while also believing that planners had tried to engage the public. She stated 193 that some meetings felt too top-down and urged broader outreach and improved meeting 194 formats to help rebuild trust and incorporate public concerns through the General Plan 195 2045 process. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:42:42] 196 Proposed New Business 197 This item was called to order at approximately 1:49 p.m. Committee members discussed 198 placing the General Plan on the next agenda for a report on Council action, continuing 199 discussion of the Tree City USA designation and next steps, and exploring whether 200 Committee Member Young would have a water-related update. Committee members also 201 discussed coordinating Tree City USA information with the other CDP Action Committees. 202 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:45:13] 203 Announcements 204 Chair Pelletier provided an update on Senate Bill 2372, Relating to Trees. He stated that 205 the AC had submitted testimony, that the bill had passed House committees with minor 206 amendments, and that the Committee’s testimony had been referenced in committee 207 reports. He reported that the bill had passed third reading in the House and would next 208 move through the remaining legislative process. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:48:48] 209 Chair Pelletier also announced Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 147, relating to short-term 210 vacation rentals. He explained that the bill would redefine hosted and unhosted short-term 211 vacation rentals, identify where such uses may operate, and proceed through the Planning 212 Commissions before returning to Council. Janice Palma-Glennie commented that vacation 213 rental regulation is important to land use and community planning even though the Kona 214 CDP may not expressly mention vacation rentals. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:51:43] 215 KONA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 14, 2026 7 The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Kona CDP Action Committee. 216 The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: 217 https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions 218 The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 219 Adjournment 220 Chair Pelletier adjourned this meeting at 1:59 p.m. 221 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Kona 222 Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 223 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning 224 Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 225 1 Hata, Janice From:Leslee Cook Sent:Thursday, May 7, 2026 5:07 PM To:Planning CDP Subject:written testimony to Veto Bill 66 Hawaii's County General Plan 2045 on May 12, 2026 Aloha Kona Planning Department, I want to explain why I, my family and friends are against the County General Plan 2045, Bill 66. This CGP 2045 was written in such an unprofessionally vague manner that it’s likely to lead to unclear and inconsistent implementation. The 2045 plan places huge emphasis on environmental, hazard and infrastructure- based planning, which concerns many of us about how future land-use decisions could negatively affect us residents. Page 62 10.5 Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations that directly promote the agriculture industry, health and wellness industry, or are near points of interest. We object to that statement and instead it should read Only accommodations that directly promote agriculture should be allowed. More transparency is needed in reference to the “health and wellness industry” Can you explain why "Health and Wellnes" is connected to promote the Ag land use industry? There is no logical and financial appropriateness so please remove it. Those industries ARE NOT AN INTEGRAL PART of AG land use. They are a bi-product of good farming practices. We want to see specific policy and plans to support small scale agriculture. Also policies to support local farmers policy for bringing their food to market. We don’t want to keep importing so much produce, which doesn’t help support our infra structure and leads to less income for farmers andmore trash. Also show us plans to teach the agricultural residents how to grow natural food without using harmful pesticides and herbicides which are polluting our ground water, killing us and our marine life and our important bugs and wildlife. . 3.3 Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, and other “STAKEHOLDERS" ( you don't explain who these “Stakeholders" are) to monitor impacts that may be specific to Hawaiʻi County due to its unique exposure to climate change and sea level rise impacts. I would like to see the statistics that sea levels have risen in the last 10 years since this fear of Climate Change and rising sea levels was announced. The planning department should take into consideration that over 1,900 scientists from around the world, have signed a declaration that there is no climate emergency. Climate change has been occurring on this planet all along. https://clintel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/WCD-version-081423.pdf Local Engagement Foster grassroots participation and balancing of interests by providing opportunities for active civic engagement, where citizens have the means to collaborate with the government and are empowered to effect positive change consistent with plans developed under this chapter. p. 202 We like the idea of Hawaii County collaborating Local Engagement and fostering grassroots participation but thow do you imagine this coming about? Meetings take time away from our jobs, what kind of opportunities/compensation would these citizens receive? 2 Transparency is needed on exactly how governmental agencies, private corporations, nonprofit agencies are involved and please clarify who these “stakeholders” are! “WASTE-TO-ENERGY” Two “waste-to-energy” proposals (2008 and 2015) for Hawai’i Island were rejected after months of divisive debate. It was concluded this island doesn’t generate enough garbage to make it cost effective. Oahu taxpayers are paying penalties to H-Power because O’ahu can’t generate enough waste to fulfill the contract. 4. While some advanced waste treatment technologies are promoted as alternative energy producing, the energy conserved by recycling and composting the source materials exceeds the amount of energy produced by these technologies by three to five times. Incineration is a form of Destructive Disposal via combustion or thermal conversion/treatment, using high temperatures of discarded materials into ash/slag, syngas, flue gas, fuel, or heat. Incineration includes facilities and processes that may be stationary or mobile, may recover energy from heat or power and may use single or multiple stages. Some forms of incineration may be described as resource recovery, energy recovery, trash to steam, waste to energy, energy from waste, fluidized bed, catalytic cracking, biomass15, steam electric power plant (burning waste),pyrolysis, thermolysis, gasification, plasma arc, thermal depolymerization or refuse derived fuel. Please don’t support Incineration, here in Kona we get enough VOG we don’t need our skies and lungs polluted further by this short term solution. Priority Actions 9.d Amend the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code to establish Clustered Rural Subdivision PUD. p. 60 The meaning of “Clustered Rural Subdivision PUD” should be explained. But from what we have deciphered from the terms WE THE CITIZENRY DO NOT WANT TO LIVE IN CLUSTERED HOUSING! Thank you for listening to me and my friends from all over The Big Island, who collaborated with me to write this testimony regarding the reasons why we want GP 2045, Bill 66 to be vetoed. Mahalo nui loa, Leslee Cook, retired LMFT Kona, The Big Island 1 Hata, Janice From:jlkinkona Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 12:02 PM To:Planning CDP Subject:Bill 66 Dear Kona Action Committee, I wanted to highlight a few things that jumped out at me as I watched the video last night of last week's May 4 County Council Planning Committee meeting. In David Webbs testimony he said that the 2005 GP, which he claimed was the best GP ever written for Hawaii County, listed a total of 349 actions. The 2045 GP on the other hand, listed over 1,000 actions. He called the GP 2045 a runaway plan because, IMO, with the Planning Dept already lacking in manpower, how the heck will all those actions ever be accomplished? Councilman Hustace caught 7 errors on the maps for his district only. He said that those errors should not have been there. Just imagine how many more errors are waiting to be discovered in the other 8 districts all because the Planning Dept doesnt have the manpower to catch its mistakes? Finally, and this to me is a BIG RED FLAG, Mr Hustace said that the GP 2045 does not allow for amendments after it is passed. Is this why Council lady Heather Kimball was pushing through her many pages of amendments calling for stronger language in the plan and preparing Hawaii County for Data Centers? How many of the Council members knew about this besides Ms Kimball and Mr Hustace? And why did Planning Director Darrow not make the Council fully aware that GP 2045 does not allow for amendments after it is passed? Or the better question is, why is Planning Director Darrow allowing the GP 2045 to be passed without allowing amendments after it is passed? Is this an intentional trap? The GP 2045 is a poorly written document and it is riddled with mistakes. Not allowing any amendments after it is passed is a BIG warning of what is to come. Anyone who wants it passed is putting Hawaii County in great jeopardy. Mahalo. Josephine Keliipio Kailua Kona, Hi Sent from Proton Mail for Android. Communication No. 2026-08 | hunden.com | ©2025 Hunden 19 Visitation Trends (Con’t.) Hunden used Azira data from 2024 to identify visitor trends to various points of interest on the Island of Hawai‘i. ▪Of the top 30 points of interest on Hawai‘i Island, more than half of all visits occurred at the top four locations, with Kailua-Kona Town receiving the largest share at 25.7 percent. ▪The top locations include local neighborhoods, national parks, and retail districts, indicating that visitors prioritize cultural experiences, outdoor recreation, and retail spending during their vacations. ▪Of all non-resident visits to points of interest on Hawai‘i Island, 97 percent originated domestically from other parts of the United States, while only 3 percent were international visitors. ▪The average number of visits to all points of interest, across both domestic and international visitors, was 5.9 times. ▪The top origin state for domestic visits was California (28.9 percent), while the leading origin countries for international visits were Canada and Japan, at 27.9 percent and 25.5 percent, respectively Top 30 Points of Interest on Hawai‘i Island Percent Share of Visits by Visitors to Hawai‘i Island Kona CDP Housing and Transportation Goals Housing Transportation Strategies Communication No. 2026-09