HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-03 HCDP Meeting Packet
County of Hawai‘i
HĀMĀKUA 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
Brad Kurokawa,
Tisha Mahealani Maikui, Chair
Ben Dalauidao
Maile Lavea-Malloe, Vice Chair
Leonard Luiz
Vacant
Vacant
Robert Nishimoto
Tawn Keeney
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Hāmākua
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: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
TIME: 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Honomu Gym
28-1641 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Honomu, HI 96728
ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/l7Bo8YuEQlSgMzhjtP2P4g
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.
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – The AC will consider approving the draft minutes from
the April 1, 2026 meeting.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS – Pursuant to Section 92-3, HRS, interested
persons who want to provide oral testimony may do so now, or at the time the specific
agenda item is called. Public testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes in length per
agenda item.
IV. BUSINESS:
1. Teppy Mountain Application (PL-SPP-2024-000075) Permitted Interaction Group
Report – The group members will provide their report of the testimony they provided at
the recent Windward Planning Commission Special meeting. The committee may vote
to dissolve the permitted interaction group if no further action is expected.
2. Kaiwilahilahi Stream Bridge Repair – The Action Committee will discuss sending a
formal letter to the Department of Public Works Engineering Division requesting an
update on the Kaiwilahilahi Stream Bridge Repair Project.
3. Hāmākua Trails Program Review Feasibility Study – Presentation by Council
Member Heather Kimball on the proposed Hāmākua trail project, including an overview
of the proposed route and a discussion to gather committee input on the development
of the feasibility study scope of work.
4. Hawaiʻi County Council Bill 66 (Draft 2) – The AC will discuss Bill 66 (Draft 2) and
may take action, including the consideration of submitting testimony.
V. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Public testimony may
be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
VI. THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS – 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
for the meeting gives notice of decision-making on the matter.
VII. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS – AC members will discuss potential agenda items for
the next meeting.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hawaiʻi County has received the Tree City USA designation in recognition of its
commitment to urban forestry, tree stewardship, and community investment in
maintaining and expanding tree resources throughout the county.
The Environmental Notice
o Halepōhaku Fuel Storage System Upgrade – Final EA (FONSI)
Proposed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to upgrade the fuel storage
system at Halepōhaku (Hāmākua, TMK: 4-4-015:012). The project involves
replacing underground storage tanks with aboveground tanks to meet
regulatory requirements and support ongoing Maunakea operations. A
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued.
The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Hāmākua CDP Action
Committee and requests assistance to get the word out to interested community
members. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website
at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions/boards-and-
commissions-application
IX. ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s
Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi
Public Document Repository:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/fol/109367/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 may
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.
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
TISHA MAHEALANI MAIKUI, Chair
Meeting Packet QR Code:
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
ACTION COMMITTEE 2
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3
4
DRAFT MINUTES 5
April 1, 2026 6
CALL TO ORDER 7
Chair Tisha Mahealani Maikui called the meeting of the Hāmākua Community 8
Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) to order at 5:05 p.m. This meeting was 9
held in person at the Kulaʻimano Community Center and online via the Zoom platform. 10
The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oscYwGXKQRY 12
ROLL CALL 13
Members Present (in person): Maile Lavea-Malloe (Vice Chair), Brad Kurokawa, Tawn 14
Keeney, Robert Nishimoto, and Ben Dalauidao 15
Members Present (via Zoom): Tisha Mahealani Maikui (Chair) 16
County Staff (in person): Bethany Morrison (Long Range Division Manager), Jeffrey 17
Darrow (Planning Director), Maryam Palma, Janice Hata, and Jessica Lahip 18
County Staff (via Zoom): Kawelo Kalili 19
There were approximately thirteen (13) members of the public in attendance – five (5) in 20
person and eight (8) via Zoom. 21
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 22
Vice Chair Lavea-Malloe moved to approve the February 4, 2026 draft meeting minutes. 23
The motion was seconded by committee member Kurokawa and passed unanimously. 24
[SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 5:08] 25
PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON AGENDA ITEMS 26
Jim McMahon provided testimony on Business Items 1 and 2. [SEE YOUTUBE 27
TIMESTAMP 8:10] 28
Gretchen Grove provided testimony on Business Item 2. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 29
13:09] 30
BUSINESS: 31
1. Report from the Planning Director about: 32
• Planning Department’s Public Notices Procedures 33
• Special Permit Process [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 16:35] 34
Chair Maikui called this item to order at 5:21 p.m. 35
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of April 1, 2026
2
Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow provided an overview of the Planning Department’s 36
public notice procedures and the special permit process. The presentation focused on 37
how community members can access application information through the County’s 38
website and Electronic Processing and Information Center (EPIC) system. It was 39
explained that public notices are posted regularly and that application details can be 40
accessed by using the assigned permit numbers. During the discussion, several 41
challenges were identified, including inconsistencies in how application numbers are 42
formatted – particularly the omission of leading zeros – and the overall complexity of 43
navigating the system. 44
Committee members raised concerns about accessibility and user experience, noting 45
that the current process may be difficult for the public to follow. Suggestions were 46
offered to improve transparency and usability, such as incorporating direct hyperlinks 47
to application files, standardizing internal data entry practices, and creating district-48
specific summaries of applications. Director Darrow acknowledged these concerns 49
and shared that the department is working toward improving consistency, exploring 50
ways to generate district-level reports, and enhancing public access to information. 51
The discussion also included an overview of the special permit process. Director 52
Darrow explained the distinction between permits under and over 15 acres, the role 53
of the Planning Commission as the decision-making body for smaller applications, and 54
the involvement of the Land Use Commission for larger requests. Additional 55
explanation was provided on the criteria used to evaluate applications, the preparation 56
of staff reports, and the contested case hearing process. Members discussed the 57
importance of public participation and the multiple opportunities for community input 58
throughout the process. 59
2. Letter to Windward Planning Commission regarding the Teppy Mountain 60
Application (PL-SPP-2024-000075): Discussion and decision-making on 61
submitting testimony to the Windward Planning Commission. [SEE YOUTUBE 62
TIMESTAMP 1:16:24, 1:24:19 & 1:59:36] 63
Chair Maikui called this item to order at 6:21 p.m. 64
The Committee discussed whether to submit testimony to the Windward Planning 65
Commission regarding the Teppy Mountain Special Permit application. Building on 66
earlier public testimony, members shared concerns about the nature and potential 67
impacts of the proposed uses. Discussion included the combination of industrial-type 68
activities and large-scale event operations on agricultural land, as well as whether the 69
application aligns with the intent of the General Plan and the Hāmākua Community 70
Development Plan. 71
Members raised concerns regarding potential noise impacts and the adequacy of 72
proposed mitigation measures, noting that sound may travel across the landscape due 73
to local wind patterns and topography. There was also skepticism about the 74
enforceability of certain conditions, such as event time limits, particularly for large, 75
multi-day gatherings. Additional concerns included the precedent that approval of this 76
application could set for future special permit requests, as well as impacts related to 77
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of April 1, 2026
3
access, including the use of private roads and potential effects on surrounding 78
communities. 79
In response to these concerns, the Committee discussed the need to provide formal 80
input to the Windward Planning Commission. A Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) was 81
established to draft a letter on behalf of the committee. 82
The motion was clarified by County staff and read as follows: the Action Committee 83
establish a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG), consisting of members Kurokawa, 84
Lavea-Malloe, Nishimoto, and Keeney, to draft and present testimony at the Planning 85
Commission’s scheduled special meeting in May regarding the Teppy Mountain 86
application. The group will work collaboratively to prepare a letter that includes an 87
introductory summary of the application, a rationale outlining its consistencies and 88
inconsistencies with the Hāmākua Community Development Plan (CDP) policies, and 89
any additional recommendations based on those policies. The testimony will be 90
presented on behalf of the action committee. The motion was seconded by committee 91
member Kurokawa. Chair Maikui conducted a roll call vote. Committee Members 92
Kurokawa, Nishimoto, Keeney, Dalauidao, Vice Chair Lavea-Malloe, and Chair 93
Mahealani all voted aye. The motion passed unanimously. 94
Jim McMahon provided testimony. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:10:37] 95
THIRD-PARTY REPORTS; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 96
1:47:40] 97
Council Member Heather Kimball provided updates on several district and legislative 98
matters. She shared progress on the Hāmākua Heritage Trail, noting a potential corridor 99
has been identified and that a feasibility study will be the next step. 100
She also discussed recent developments related to the General Plan, including proposed 101
amendments that may significantly alter the current plan, and encouraged continued 102
community engagement. 103
Additional updates included proposed changes to short-term vacation rental regulations, 104
as well as transportation improvements such as planned bus shelter installations, which 105
are currently pending state permits. 106
PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS 107
Due to the meeting running late, proposed new business can be emailed to Chair and 108
Vice Chair at CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:23:17] 109
ADJOURNMENT 110
Chair Maikui adjourned this meeting at 7:30 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:25:22] 111
These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s 112
Hāmākua Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of 113
HĀMĀKUA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE
Minutes of April 1, 2026
4
Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the 114
Planning Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 115
Communication No. 2026-09
May 31, 2026
TO: Hamakua Community Development Action Committee
FROM: Meizhu Lui, Papaaloa
RE: Bill 66
As an ordinary resident, I was involved in the long process of developing
the Hamakua Community Development Plan, beginning around 2008. The
first step was asking us what we wanted for Hamakua’s future. To ensure
that everyone was comfortable participating, anyone could host a visioning
meeting wherever, guided by a set of simple questions. The Plan grew from
the ground up.
The Community Development Plans that resulted were to provide a basis
for the General Plan. At first I was afraid that the community plans would
not be followed, but I have been convinced that the General Plan does
adequately reflect the vision of community residents.
While some may say that it does not include enough input from newer
residents, I believe that the views of longer term residents who understand
and agree that Hawaiian values should continue to guide our island into the
future should carry the most weight. Too often newcomers want to remake
our County into the kinds of places they came from, rather than
appreciating Hawaii’s unique history and culture.
Some also say that times have changed since the process began. The Plan
does take major changes into account, particularly climate change; as we
prepare for a worsening El Niño years including this year, this is important.
After thousands of people’s input, after thousands of hours of work by
County staff, after more than enough opportunities for community members
to review and testify — it’s time to pass the Plan! It is not only important as
a path to the future most of us want. It is also a tool for community
members to ensure that our government abides by the Plan in the spirit of
“of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
I support Bill 66.
Meizhu Lui
Testimony Rec'd 5/31/2026 4:48 PM
DRAFT - HAMAKUA HERITAGE TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The County of Hawaiʻi seeks proposals from qualified multidisciplinary consulting teams to
conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Hamakua Heritage Trail, a regional
multi-use trail corridor extending generally from Hilo to Kukuihaele along the Hāmākua Coast.
The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of establishing a safe, culturally
grounded, environmentally responsible, economically beneficial, and resilience-supportive trail
system connecting communities, historic resources, scenic landscapes, and recreational
destinations throughout the Hāmākua District.
The County intends to procure a feasibility study and implementation strategy, not final
engineering design. The selected consultant will evaluate potential alignments, identify land
ownership and access requirements, assess environmental and cultural constraints, examine
economic and resilience benefits, engage stakeholders and landowners, and prepare a phased
implementation roadmap.
The final study will provide the County with the information necessary to pursue future
environmental review, land acquisition, easements, design, permitting, and capital funding.
BACKGROUND
The Hāmākua Coast contains some of Hawaiʻi Island's most significant natural, cultural, scenic,
and historic resources. Communities along the corridor include Waipiʻo Valley, Kukuihaele,
Honokaʻa, Paʻauilo, ʻŌʻōkala, Laupāhoehoe, Papaʻaloa, Ninole, Umauma, Hakalau, Honomū,
Pepeʻekeo, Papaʻikou, Wainaku, and Hilo.
Historically, these communities were connected through transportation networks associated with
the Hawaiʻi Consolidated Railway, plantation-era infrastructure, service roads, bridges, and
trails. While much of this infrastructure no longer functions as a continuous transportation
corridor, remnants remain throughout the district and may present opportunities for future trail
development.
The concept of the Hamakua Heritage Trail is consistent with broader statewide and national
efforts to create interconnected trail systems that support economic development, active
transportation, public health, recreation, historic preservation, and community resilience.
Examples of nationally recognized trail systems demonstrating the potential value of regional
trail investments include:
• The Great American Rail-Trail, connecting communities across the continental United States
through a network of multi-use trails.
Communication No. 2026-10
• The North Carolina Statewide Greenway System, which links communities through active
transportation corridors while supporting economic development, tourism, and quality of life.
• The Mammoth Lakes Trail System in California, which integrates recreation, transportation,
visitor management, and environmental stewardship.
• The Virginia Capital Trail, connecting Richmond and Williamsburg while generating
substantial tourism and economic benefits.
• The West Maui Greenway and Hāna Community Pathway initiatives, which demonstrate how
rural Hawaiian communities can use trail infrastructure to improve connectivity, safety, and
resilience.
The County seeks to evaluate whether a similar corridor can be successfully implemented within
the unique environmental, cultural, and land ownership conditions of the Hāmākua Coast.
PROJECT PURPOSE AND JUSTIFICATION
The proposed study is intended to evaluate whether the Hamakua Heritage Trail can serve as:
• A regional recreation and active transportation corridor.
• A cultural and historical interpretation corridor.
• An economic development catalyst supporting local businesses and rural communities.
• A community health and wellness asset.
• A visitor management tool that distributes recreational use while protecting sensitive resources.
• A resilience and emergency-access asset that enhances transportation redundancy and
evacuation options where feasible.
The County recognizes that implementation of such a corridor would require careful
consideration of land ownership, cultural resources, environmental constraints, agricultural
operations, public access rights, maintenance obligations, and long-term governance.
Accordingly, this study must provide a realistic, implementation-focused assessment rather than
a conceptual vision document.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The consultant shall:
1. Determine whether a continuous regional trail corridor is feasible.
2. Identify and evaluate alternative alignments.
3. Recommend a preferred alignment and implementation strategy.
4. Assess land ownership, easement requirements, and access opportunities.
5. Evaluate environmental, cultural, engineering, and operational constraints.
6. Identify economic, recreational, and resilience benefits.
7. Develop implementation phases and funding strategies.
8. Create public-facing mapping and educational tools.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Task 1 – Project Management and Coordination
• Project kickoff meeting.
• Project management plan.
• Schedule and quality-control plan.
• Coordination with County, State, Federal, and community stakeholders.
Task 2 – Existing Conditions Assessment
• Existing plans and policy review.
• GIS data compilation.
• Land ownership mapping.
• Transportation and access inventory.
• Historic and cultural resource inventory.
• Existing trail and active transportation network assessment.
Task 3 – Corridor Alternatives Development
• Develop multiple corridor alternatives.
• Identify route opportunities and constraints.
• Evaluate alternatives using established screening criteria.
Evaluation criteria shall include:
• Safety
• Connectivity
• Scenic quality
• Cultural significance
• Environmental impacts
• Land acquisition complexity
• Constructability
• Community benefits
• Economic development potential
• Resilience and emergency access value
• Long-term maintenance requirements
Task 4 – Land Tenure and Access Analysis
For each potential corridor segment:
• Identify parcel ownership.
• Assess existing public rights.
• Evaluate easement opportunities.
• Identify acquisition requirements.
• Review recorded encumbrances.
• Develop a parcel-level land action matrix.
Task 5 – Concept-Level Engineering Assessment
Develop feasibility-level concepts including:
• Shared-use paths
• Natural-surface trails
• Sidepaths
• On-road bicycle connections
• Bridge and trestle reuse opportunities
• Stream and gulch crossings
• Accessibility considerations
• Wayfinding concepts
Task 6 – Trailheads and Access Nodes
Identify and evaluate potential:
• Trailheads
• Parking facilities
• Restroom opportunities
• Community gateway locations
• Transit connections
• Emergency access points
Task 7 – Environmental and Cultural Constraints Analysis
Assess:
• Biological resources
• Wetlands and waterways
• Flood hazards
• Erosion hazards
• Wildfire risks
• Historic properties
• Archaeological resources
• Traditional and cultural landscapes
• Anticipated permitting requirements
Task 8 – Resilience and Emergency Access Assessment
Evaluate whether portions of the corridor could support:
• Emergency egress
• Alternative transportation routes
• Disaster response access
• Emergency staging areas
• Climate resilience investments
Task 9 – Economic Development Analysis
Assess:
• Visitor spending opportunities
• Trail town development potential
• Local business impacts
• Workforce and construction benefits
• Tourism diversification opportunities
• Economic return on investment
Task 10 – Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
Minimum requirements include:
• Stakeholder interviews
• Community workshops
• Landowner meetings
• Agency consultations
• Online engagement platform
• Youth engagement opportunities
Task 11 – Implementation and Funding Strategy
Prepare:
• Phased implementation plan
• Cost estimates
• Maintenance cost projections
• Governance alternatives
• Funding matrix
• Grant strategy
• Partnership opportunities
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
The consultant shall provide:
1. Existing Conditions Report
2. Corridor Alternatives Analysis and Screening Report
3. Parcel Ownership and Easement Atlas
4. Interactive GIS Web Map
5. Trailhead and Access Strategy
6. Concept-Level Engineering and Design Framework
7. Environmental and Cultural Constraints Report
8. Resilience and Emergency Access Memorandum
9. Economic Development Assessment
10. Funding and Implementation Strategy
11. Executive StoryMap and Public Education Tool
12. Final Feasibility Study Report
CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS
The County seeks teams with demonstrated expertise in:
• Trail planning and greenway development
• Active transportation planning
• GIS and spatial analysis
• Land tenure and easement acquisition
• Environmental planning
• Cultural resource management
• Community engagement
• Transportation engineering
• Economic impact analysis
• Grant funding and implementation strategies
Preference may be given to teams with experience in Hawaiʻi, rural communities, large-scale
trail systems, rails-to-trails conversions, greenway development, and resilience planning.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals may be evaluated using the following criteria:
• Understanding of Project Goals – 20%
• Relevant Experience and Qualifications – 25%
• Technical Approach and Methodology – 25%
• Community Engagement Strategy – 10%
• Project Schedule and Management – 10%
• Cost Proposal – 10%
PROJECT SCHEDULE
The County anticipates completion of the feasibility study within twelve (12) to eighteen (18)
months following contract award.
The consultant shall propose a detailed project schedule identifying major milestones, review
periods, public engagement activities, and final deliverables.
END OF SCOPE
Communicaton No. 2026-11