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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-11 Cultural Resources Commission Meeting CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES February 11, 2026 MEETING LOCATION: Hybrid in-person and interactive video conference through Zoom with live observation through YouTube. The in-person location was held at the Puna Conference Room – Hawaiʻi County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1501, Hilo, HI 96720. The full YouTube video of this hearing can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGVfU90br4Y COMMISSIONERS PRESENT IN PERSON: Aaron Spielman (arrived at 10:31 a.m.). COMMISSIONERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Matthew Clark (Chair), Desmon Haumea (Vice Chair), Darde Gamayo, Kealohanuiopuna Kinney, Janet Six. ALSO PRESENT: Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Bethany Morrison, Planning Program Manager; Kim Tanaka, Planner IV; and Catherine Nelson, Temporary Assignment to Board Secretary. Chair Clark called the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. A quorum was established with five members in attendance. It was announced that pursuant to Act 220, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2021, which amended the Sunshine Law to allow meetings to be remotely conducted online, effective January 1, 2022, the Cultural Resources Commission meetings will be held online, with an in-person location for the public to provide testimony. The meeting can be viewed live online, and a link to YouTube can be located on the County website, as well as links to reports and surveys reviewed at this hearing. Commissioners were reminded that only one person may speak at a time and were asked to raise their hands to be recognized before speaking. Commissioners introduced themselves and staff introductions were made. There were no addendums or supplemental agenda items. STATEMENT(S) FROM THE PUBLIC At 10:25 a.m., Chair Clark opened the floor to receive public testimony. Procedures for testimony were provided. There is a three-minute time limit on each agenda item; statements must relate to items on the agenda. There was (1) public testifier in person. Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 2 of 7 Bruce Larson provided testimony on Agenda item #4. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 7:35] Public Testimony ended 10:41 a.m. OLD BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION 1. Hakalau Stream Bridge Rehabilitation (PL-INT-2022-001654) Discussion and comments on draft video documentary pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement among the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, and the State Historic Preservation Officer. Location: Hakalau Ahupuaʻa, Hilo Moku, Hawaiʻi Island TMK: (3) 3-1-001:001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, 777, 999; 2-9-002:023, 025, 039, 064, 080, 888, 999; and 2-9-006:021 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 22:05] This agenda item was called to order at 10:42 a.m. Chair Clark reminded commissioners that a link to the video had been provided, and that this item had previously come before the Commission. He explained that the applicant is seeking input on the draft video. There was one project member in attendance, Ms. Holly Yuen from Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. There were five members of the public in attendance. No public testimony was provided for this agenda item. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 23:25] Chair Clark asked if the applicant wished to provide any additional input before members begin their discussion. Ms. Yuen stated that they believe that they have a very good product highlighting the Hakalau area and the bridge’s history, and as part of the Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, the Commission may review the draft video and provide comments on it. [SEE YOU TUBE TIMESTAMP – 24:00] Chair Clark expressed his appreciation for the video. Vice Chair Haumea expressed concerns about traffic impacts along the Hāmākua coast as there are numerous bridge rehabilitation projects taking place within the same timeframe. He requested that careful consideration be given to traffic management. Commissioner Gamayo echoed his sentiment. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP - 27:36] Chair Clark and Vice Chair Haumea agreed that the video was well done and expressed their appreciation for the effort put into documenting the history to share with the community and feel that it is a good example to set for future projects going forward. Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 3 of 7 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 28:45] Neil Erickson, member of the public, commented on the consideration of traffic management and suggested a possible alternate route of Old Mamalahoa Highway. Vice Chair Haumea added that considerable rehabilitation would be needed to use the old highway as an alternate route as it is very narrow and there are also areas of collapse. This matter concluded at 10:49 a.m. 2. Kolekole Stream Bridge Rehabilitation (PL-CRC-2025-000040) Request for Board direction, following comments received at a meeting held on December 10, 2025, regarding sharing of project contact information with the community to solicit additional public input. Location: Wailea and Honomū, Kahua Ahupuaʻa, Hilo Moku, Hawaiʻi Island TMK: (3) 2-9-003:999; (3) 2-8-015:999; and portions of (3) 2-8-015:015 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 30:27] This agenda item was called to order at 10:50 a.m. Project consultants Maile McClellan and Evan Kimoto from WSP were in attendance. There were five members of the public in attendance. Chair Clark provided that the applicants have requested recommendations of groups or contacts in the community to solicit additional public input. Chair Clark recommended Makahanaloa Fishing Association (makahanaloa.com), a group that has worked extensively to purchase land and protect fishing areas. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 32:01] Project consultant Malie McClellan, in attendance via Zoom, thanked the Commission for their time, and was appreciative of the Commissioner’s assistance in providing any additional community contacts. She requested the Commission share her contact information with the additional community contacts or groups to coordinate further. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 33:01] Commissioner Kinney provided a contact name, Noʻeau Peralta, and stated that he may be a good resource to discuss the region’s historical names and functions of the area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 33:43] Chair Clark asked staff if a letter could be drafted to list the contact suggestions of the different groups and websites being shared in today’s meeting. Ms. Morrison confirmed that staff will draft a letter with the additional contacts. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 34:55] Vice Chair Haumea commented that there are many Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 4 of 7 families that have deep cultural ties to the area and his concerns for the project are post- construction. He is hoping to see the area returned to what it was previously utilized for and not just the development of the bridge. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 36:35] Chair Clark requested commissioners provide additional contact suggestions within two to three weeks for the letter to be prepared by staff and reviewed and signed by the Chair. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 36:52] Vice Chair Haumea made a motion for staff to draft a letter with contact suggestions as described by the Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Spielman. The motion was carried with a unanimous aye vote. This matter concluded at 10:57 a.m. 3. Kawaihae’s Significance to Hawaiʻi’s History and Concerns Regarding Potential Loss of Historic Resources Discussion of permitted interaction group site visit report and review of letter prepared on behalf of the Commission. Location: Ahupuaʻa of Kawaihae 1 & Kawaihae 2, South Kohala District, Island of Hawaiʻi [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 37:59] This agenda item was called to order at 10:58 a.m. There were seven members of the public in attendance. No public testimony was provided for this agenda item. Ms. Morrison stated that the community member, Ms. Jojo Tanimoto, was unable to attend today’s meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIME STAMP – 38:30] Chair Clark opened the discussion regarding the report from the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to help identify potential actions that could help further support the protection of Kawaihae’s history and historic resources. A draft letter to Ms. Tanimoto was presented to the Commission which included recommendations to help facilitate historic preservation in Kawaihae. Some suggestions included discussing this matter with the South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) to identify potential amendments to the South Kohala CDP regarding the significance of the Kawaihae’s cultural history; identifying potential funding sources to help support the protection and/or preservation of historic resources; and possibly create a location on the County’s website where existing resources could be shared with the community. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 41:16] Chair Clark asked for a motion to approve the letter as written or with modifications. Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 5 of 7 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 41:23] Commissioner Gamayo made a motion to approve the letter, with changes, as requested by the Chair. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Haumea. Chair Clark stated that the changes would include adding additional information on resources that could be available, including a link to the State Historic Preservation District (SHPD’s) site. The motion was carried with a unanimous aye vote. This matter concluded at 11:06 a.m. 4. ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project Consultation Request (PL-CRC-2025-000022) Review of letter prepared on behalf of the Commission consisting of comments offered at the December 10, 2025, and January 14, 2026, meeting. Location: Ahupuaʻa of Punahoa 2 and Piʻihonua, South Hilo District, Island of Hawaiʻi TMK: (3) 2-3-030:001 (por.), 004, and 2-3-031:001 (por.) At 11:07 a.m., Chair Clark recused himself from agenda Item #4 and left the room. SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 46:24] This agenda item was called to order at 11:07 a.m. by Vice Chair Haumea. There were five members of the public in attendance. No public testimony was provided for this agenda item. Applicants Dr. Benjamin Barna and Mr. Neil Erickson were present in the Zoom meeting. Mr. Neil Erickson stated that they had no new information to include at this time and added that the responses to the Archaeological Inventory had been adequately addressed but were not published prior to this meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 48:19] Vice Chair Haumea briefly discussed an additional document from Hawaiian Evangelical Churches, provided by Reverend Ronald Fujioshi of Olaʻa Church, which includes listings of previous residents and families tied to this area. Vice Chair asked staff to forward a copy of the communication to Dr. Barna and his team. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 49:52] Vice Chair Haumea made a motion to include the Hawaiian Evangelical Churches document as an attachment to the forthcoming letter of comments offered at the December 10, 2025, and January 14, 2026, meetings. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Six. The motion was carried with a unanimous aye vote. Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 6 of 7 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 51.08] Vice Chair Haumea motioned to approve the revised comment letter for distribution the motion was seconded by Commissioner Six. The motion was carried with a unanimous aye vote. This matter concluded at 11:22 a.m. At 11:24 a.m., Chair Clark returned to the Zoom Meeting. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Approval of minutes for the meeting held on January 14, 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 54:58] Chair Clark asked for a motion to approve the minutes as circulated. A motion was made by Commissioner Six and seconded by Commissioner Haumea. No discussion occurred. The minutes were approved without opposition with a unanimous aye voice vote. 2. Next meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 55:23] Chair Clark asked staff if there were any updates. Ms. Morrison reminded the board that staffing has changed as the previous Board Secretary, Ashley DeVera, is no longer with the Planning Department, and temporary staff assignments have been made. Ms. Morrison thanked the Commission for their patience and understanding and assured the Commission that the Department will continue to be responsive to the needs of the Commission. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 56:26] Chair Clark asked that commissioners be provided the link to the boards and commissions application so they may share it with individuals interested in serving. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 56:32] Chair Clark and Ms. Morrison discussed how new items are added to future agendas. While the formal rules do not outline a specific process, commissioners may submit suggested items for review. These items are evaluated by the Chair and Vice Chair to ensure they are relevant and timely. Commissioners can also meet with staff to discuss proposed items, keeping comment deadlines in mind. Additionally, agenda items should be actionable, meaning commissioners should be able to vote or carry out a formal action. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 58:063] Vice Chair Haumea asked whether commissioners who have termed out may continue serving if their seat has not yet been filled. Jean Campbell stated that former commissioners may hold over for up to 90 days if their seat hasn’t been filled, but it is Cultural Resources Commission February 11, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 7 of 7 optional. Chair Clark reminded members that a quorum is five and asked for advance notice if anyone is unable to attend meetings. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Gamayo and seconded by Commissioner Six. The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 a.m. with a unanimous aye vote. Respectfully Submitted, Catherine Nelson Catherine Nelson Temp Assignment to Board Secretary A T T E S T : Matthew Clark, Chairman Cultural Resources Commission Matthew R Clark (Mar 11, 2026 15:23:17 HST)