HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2026-15 KOSN Draft Resolution Submitted by Nancy PisicchioTHIRD DRAFT KOSN RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Kona Community Development Plan was adopted by ordinance in
2008.
WHEREAS, the Environmental Resources chapter, Objective ENV-2, called for
developing an Open Space Network. Action ENV–2.1a directed the County of Hawaiʻi to
budget for and hire a consultant to prepare the Open Space Network Program.
WHEREAS, the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee, along with its
Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) subcommittee, has guided this project’s progress
over the years. Since 2015, the KOSN subcommittee has defined the plan’s vision and
goals and helped shape the project’s scope.
WHEREAS, the County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department initiated the Kona Open Space
Network (KOSN) Plan project, with Jacobs Engineering Group as the primary consulting
firm. From 2023 to 2025, the Plan was developed with lead consultant Jacobs
Engineering Group through community workshops and GIS mapping.
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2026, the Kona Open Space Network subcommittee
presented its Final Report to the Kona Community Development Plan Action
Committee. In its Report, the KOSN subcommittee submitted its favorable
recommendation to adopt the KOSN Plan.
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2026, the KCDP Action Committee voted to forward the
KOSN Plan to the Hawaiʻi County Council with a favorable recommendation for
approval, and requested that the Planning Director forward the Kona Open Space
Network Plan to the Hawaiʻi County Council.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII,
that the Kona Open Space Network (KOSN) Plan is a community-driven initiative under
the Kona Community Development Plan designed to connect public parks,
neighborhoods, and historic sites while preserving vital green spaces. The KOSN Plan
establishes an integrated network of hubs and links. This network elevates open space
to the level of essential infrastructure.
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, concurrent with adoption of this plan, the
County Council establishes the following process for reviewing and recommending
amendments to the Kona Open Space Network Plan.
As provided by HCC Chapter 16, Section 16-6, the CDP Action Committee is directed
to:
(1)Provide ongoing guidance and advocacy to advance implementation of
the CDP goals, objectives, policies, and actions;
Communication No. 2026-15
THIRD DRAFT KOSN RESOLUTION
Proposals to amend the Kona Open Space Network as identified in the Illustrative Plan
(Figures 1-5 in Chapter 3) or the KOSN Projects Summary Table (Chapter 4) shall be
placed on the Kona CDP Action Committee agenda for public discussion and
recommendations.
The KCDP Action Committee may then submit recommendations regarding proposed
amendments to the County Planning Director to be forwarded to the County Council.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution
to Director Jeffrey Darrow, Department of Planning