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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-22 PCDP Meeting Packet County of Hawai‘i PUNA 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 Vacant Jennifer Scheffel Gary Rosenberg Jaylyn Rose Brendlen Melissa Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair Stephanie Bath Leila Kealoha Susan Osborne, Chair Frances Brewer NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the following matters to be considered by the Puna 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: Thursday, October 22, 2026 TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Keaʻau Community Center 16-186 Pili Mua Street Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi 96749 ZOOM: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/MZBcLzdJSDGy75KvjzXbig 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. 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. 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. Please specify the agenda item for which written testimony is being submitted. All written testimony will be a part of the public record and may be submitted by email or hard copy. Hard copy submissions should include one original and nine copies. 2 AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The AC will consider approving the draft minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting. A meeting record was prepared for the August 27, 2026 meeting, as quorum was not established and no official business could be conducted. 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. IV. 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 provides notice of decision-making on the matter. V. BUSINESS 1. Council District 4 Updates – Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz: Council Member Kierkiewicz will provide updates on district initiatives and priorities, which may include native plants, ahupuaʻa markers, the Town Revitalization Fund, recovery efforts and related legislation, the County’s information technology (IT) audit, and the Smoke It Up initiative. The AC may discuss these initiatives and consider recommendations or other action related to the identified topics. 2. Pāhoa Village Ordinances and Role of the Puna CDP Action Committee: The AC will discuss the recently adopted Ordinance No. 26-56 and Ordinance No. 26-57, which affects Pāhoa Village, including potential implications for implementation of the Puna Community Development Plan and the Action Committee’s advisory role. 3. Road Connectivity Update: Update regarding road connectivity matters within the Puna District, including the status of current or proposed roadway connections, related planning or coordination efforts, and anticipated next steps. Discussion and possible action. 4. Letter of Support for Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Staff: The AC will discuss and consider a proposed draft letter supporting recovery efforts in the Puna District, including recovery priorities relevant to the Puna Community Development Plan. The Committee may consider approving the letter, proposing revisions, and authorizing its transmittal to appropriate agencies or officials. 5. Letter of Support for Community Planning Staff: The AC will discuss and consider a proposed draft letter supporting staffing resources for the implementation and administration of Community Development Plans, including the Puna CDP. The Committee may consider approving the letter, proposing revisions, and authorizing its transmittal to appropriate County officials. 6. Agricultural Development and Community-Based Economic Initiatives in Hawaiian Acres: Discussion regarding opportunities to advance agricultural development and local food production in Hawaiian Acres, consistent with the Puna 3 Community Development Plan, Section 3.2 Agriculture and Economic Development. The AC will consider a member’s proposal to explore coordination with State agencies to develop a technology-supported, coordinated small-farm model. Discussion may include opportunities to support agricultural production on individual properties, explore productive uses and improved stormwater management along private roads, complete renovations to the Hawaiian Acres Community Center, and expand the facility’s role in supporting local economic development. The Committee may consider recommendations, potential partnerships, and appropriate next steps to advance these initiatives. VI. PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA VII. PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS: The AC will discuss potential agenda items for future meetings. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS • The County of Hawaiʻi invites Puna residents to participate in a community survey launched as part of the Puna Alternate Route Study. The online survey seeks to gather public input on travel patterns in and out of Puna, existing transportation conditions and concerns, and emergency access and resilience. Responses will help inform the Puna Alternate Route Study, funded by the County and State of Hawaiʻi. The study will identify potential alternate routes to alleviate traffic congestion in Puna. The survey can be found at https://punaalternateroute.org. As the study moves forward, the website will be updated to include additional information, including public meeting notices and draft route alignments. • The Planning Department is seeking applicants for the Puna CDP AC. The application can be found on the Mayor’s office website at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-commissions IX. ADJOURNMENT NOTICE: This agenda and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents Repository: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/fol/13985/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 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. 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, 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 4 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: PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE SUSAN OSBORNE, Chair PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 DRAFT MINUTES 4 April 23, 2026 5 Call to Order and Roll Call 6 Chair Susie Osborne called the meeting of the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) 7 Action Committee (AC) to order at 5:01 p.m. The meeting was held in person at the Keaʻau 8 Community Center and online via the Zoom platform. 9 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 10 https://youtu.be/-V4j3g_HJic?si=hR_YuTcxITyNhu60 11 AC Members Present (in person): 12 • Susie Osborne, Chair 13 • Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair 14 • Stephanie Bath 15 • Franny Brewer 16 AC Members Present (via Zoom): Leila Kealoha 17 AC Members Absent: Jennifer Scheffel 18 Planning Department Staff Present: 19 • Janice Hata 20 • Jessica Lahip 21 • Maryam Palma 22 There were approximately 26 members of the public in attendance (20 in person and six 23 via Zoom). 24 Approval of the Minutes 25 Chair Osborne requested approval of the February 26, 2026 draft meeting minutes at 26 approximately 5:04 p.m. AC Member Bath moved to approve the minutes as drafted, and 27 AC Member DeMello seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. [SEE 28 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 02:48] 29 Public Testimony on Agenda Items 30 Chair Osborne called for public testimony on agenda items at approximately 5:04 p.m. No 31 public testimony was provided at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 03:18] 32 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 2 Third-Party Reports; Government Officials 33 Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Senate Bill 405 (2025), signed into law as Act 72, the AC may receive 34 and discuss information from third-party reports by any government official not included 35 in the publicly noticed agenda, but may not make decisions on matters raised through 36 such reports until a later meeting with proper notice. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 04:21] 37 Road Connectivity Update 38 Patti Pinto of the Planning Department – Recovery Division provided an update on 39 Puna road connectivity and reported that the Department of Public Works (DPW) had 40 been reviewing three connectivity points that may be implemented in the coming year. 41 These connectivity projects would provide additional access for four subdivisions and 42 improve the ability of residents and first responders to travel between subdivisions and 43 Highway 11. 44 • Puhala extension between Fern Acres and Kopua Farm Lots/South Kopua Road: 45 This project would provide additional access for Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, 46 Kopua Farm Lots, and Eden Roc. Construction plans had been submitted and 47 that right-of-entry documents were being reviewed, including by Corporation 48 Counsel, because of title issues related to the road lot. 49 • Fern Forest and Eden Roc connection on Kaleponi: Patti Pinto described this as 50 a short connection, estimated at approximately 200 to 300 feet, that would 51 require clearing and dozing and would depend on cooperation between the 52 relevant community associations. 53 • Olaʻa Road connection: DPW had begun investigating ways to connect Olaʻa 54 Road to the upper area of Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland using and improving 55 existing roads where feasible. In response to a question, Patti Pinto clarified that 56 the route may cross the old Volcano Trail but would not use it. 57 Patti Pinto also noted recent state legislation allowing subdivisions without title to 58 certain subdivision roads to assume title when the corporation that originally held the 59 road lot has been dissolved for more than five years. The AC discussed the importance 60 of community association cooperation and continued updates on this work. 61 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 05:40] 62 Business 63 1. Keaʻau Benioff Health Center Project Presentation: Informational presentation by 64 project representatives regarding the proposed project and its relevance to the Puna 65 Community Development Plan. 66 This item was called to order at approximately 5:12 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 67 10:59] 68 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 3 Chair Osborne called for public testimony. No testimony was provided at this time. 69 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 11:55] 70 Dan Brinkman, Chief Executive Officer of Hilo Benioff Medical Center and the East 71 Hawaiʻi Region of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation, presented information on the 72 proposed Keaʻau Benioff Health Center, which is intended to expand local access to 73 healthcare for Puna residents. A project video was shown describing the need for 74 primary, urgent, specialty, diagnostic, wellness, and behavioral health services in the 75 Puna region. The video can be accessed using the following link: 76 https://youtu.be/UV_tTSQZPVA?si=yPFmtfFzwf1cbkCX 77 Dan Brinkman stated that the project is planned for a 20-acre site in the Shipman area 78 near Keaʻau, within an area identified for regional services and commercial 79 development. The single-story facility is expected to open toward the end of 2028 or 80 early 2029, depending on permitting and approvals. He stated that the projected cost 81 had increased to approximately $80 million due in part to infrastructure needs at the 82 new location. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 19:08] 83 The proposed services include primary care, enhanced urgent care, specialty clinic 84 days or hours, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient behavioral health for children and 85 adults. Dan Brinkman clarified that the center is not planned as a hospital or 86 emergency room and would not receive ambulances; emergency cases would 87 continue to be transported to a hospital setting. He stated that the urgent care model 88 could safely handle a broader range of non-emergency needs because imaging 89 services are planned on site. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 33:14] 90 The presentation noted that imaging services are expected to include X-ray, 91 ultrasound, and CT, with possible mammography and future MRI as population growth 92 warrants. Behavioral health services were described as preventive and outpatient in 93 nature, not crisis or inpatient care, with space planned for both adult and child services. 94 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 35:05] 95 Committee members and the public asked questions about the existing Keaʻau clinic 96 near Longs, hospital services, dialysis, solar energy, staffing, local hiring, cultural 97 responsiveness, landscaping, and transparency. Dan Brinkman stated that the existing 98 clinic is part of East Hawaiʻi Health and could move into the new facility, though future 99 use of the current space had not been determined. He stated that a hospital is not 100 anticipated in Puna because of population, cost, and operational feasibility, that dialysis 101 presents similar sustainability challenges, and that solar is not currently planned based 102 on the organization’s return-on-investment analysis. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 103 41:17-54:48] 104 Peggy Farias of W.H. Shipman stated that Shipman is selling the land to the medical 105 center and that the area is envisioned in the Puna CDP and Shipman master planning 106 as a hub for regional services. She stated that Shipman is also discussing possible 107 county services nearby, including a fire station, police station, other county services, 108 commercial services, grocery options, and a possible transit hub. Chair Osborne 109 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 4 requested that Shipman return to present more concrete plans to the AC as the plans 110 develop. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 58:53] 111 No formal action was taken on this item. 112 This item concluded at approximately 6:00 p.m. 113 2. Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission 114 (PONC) Presentation: Informational presentation by County staff providing an 115 overview of the PONC nomination process, including properties in Puna that have 116 been nominated and/or are on the current priority list. 117 This item was called to order at approximately 6:01 p.m. There was no public testimony 118 at this time. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:01:36] 119 Benjamin Schapiro, County staff assigned to the PONC program, provided an 120 overview of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation 121 Commission and the County’s land acquisition and stewardship processes. He stated 122 that PONC was established by public referendum in 2006 to preserve and protect the 123 natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi Island by acquiring and protecting 124 important coastal, cultural, and natural resources. He reported that, to date, the 125 program has helped protect 30 properties totaling nearly 11,000 acres islandwide. 126 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:02:36] 127 Benjamin Schapiro explained that nominations may be submitted by the public and 128 are considered annually, with the annual cycle closing at the end of January. 129 Nominated properties must meet at least one statutory purpose, such as recreation 130 and access, cultural or historic protection, natural resource preservation, agricultural 131 land preservation, or watershed protection. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:05:41] 132 The presentation included a summary of the PONC process: the PONC Commission 133 reviews nominations, conducts site visits, consults with nominators and community 134 members, scores and ranks properties, and prepares an annual report for the Mayor 135 by December 31. The report is then transmitted to the County Council, which may 136 adopt resolutions authorizing the Director of Finance to negotiate for acquisition by fee 137 simple purchase or conservation easement. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:07:12] 138 Benjamin Schapiro highlighted Puna properties, including Pohoiki Bay, acquired in 139 2015, and Waiʻele, acquired in 2021. He stated that Honolulu Landing was in active 140 negotiation and that the County hoped to close by the end of May 2026. He also noted 141 that Kumukahi had received a unanimous Council resolution the day before the 142 meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:09:14] 143 The presentation also described the maintenance fund, which supports stewardship 144 grants to qualified community organizations. Benjamin Schapiro stated that grant 145 applications are expected to open in July and be due in August and clarified that the 146 $3 million cap discussed during the presentation is the total cap for the maintenance 147 fund, not an amount available to a single organization. He reported that the 148 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 5 preservation fund has approximately $22 to $24 million available. [SEE YOUTUBE 149 TIMESTAMP 01:10:32] 150 Chair Osborne noted that Puna has fewer PONC-acquired properties than some other 151 districts and encouraged continued attention to preserving important Puna lands. It 152 was also noted that the County is seeking applicants for a Puna representative on the 153 PONC. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:13:55] 154 Committee members and members of the public asked questions about stewardship, 155 multiple stewards on one parcel, state or county land, grant timelines, and parcel sizes. 156 Benjamin Schapiro stated that multiple stewards may be appropriate where roles are 157 clear, non-overlapping, and coordinated; there is no size requirement for nominated 158 parcels. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:15:43] 159 No formal action was taken on this item. 160 This item concluded at approximately 6:28 p.m. 161 Public Testimony on Matters Not on the Agenda 162 This item was called to order at approximately 6:29 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 163 01:27:32] 164 Dave Webb testified by Zoom and asked about public transparency in public-private 165 partnership decision-making. He also asked about the status of the County General Plan 166 and whether the Puna CDP would be updated to align with it. Chair Osborne and Council 167 Member Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder explained that the General Plan remains under review 168 and that review of the Puna CDP would occur after the General Plan is approved. [SEE 169 YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:28:17] 170 Council Member Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder also discussed the importance of planning 171 holistically for Keaʻau and Puna as growth continues, including coordination among the 172 proposed health center, regional commercial and public services, police and fire facilities, 173 parks, public facilities, roads, water, sewer, and mass transit. He stated that police and fire 174 had prioritized the Keaʻau police and fire station project and that the Mayor had asked 175 departments to begin looking at design needs. He noted that the Pāhoa police and fire 176 facilities function as substations and that a Keaʻau facility could reduce travel time for calls 177 across the district. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:32:34] 178 In response to questions from AC Members, Council Member Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder stated 179 that the Puna Makai Alternative Route (PMAR) study had been completed and that DPW 180 would be organizing community meetings with affected communities. AC Members 181 emphasized that PMAR discussions should include the broader Puna community because 182 regional traffic and evacuation routes affect communities beyond the immediate route 183 area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:39:48] 184 This item concluded at approximately 6:45 p.m. 185 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 6 Proposed New Business 186 At approximately 6:46 p.m., committee members and members of the public suggested 187 several items for future agendas, including: 188 • Continued road connectivity updates from Patti Pinto as a recurring update. 189 • An update on Kīlauea recovery projects. 190 • Discussion of food security issues, including possible incentives or support for 191 people growing food. 192 • Future presentations from County departments and/or partners regarding the 193 Keaʻau police and fire station, parks and recreation, mass transit, Shipman area 194 planning, and other regional services related to the Puna CDP. 195 • Follow-up on the PMAR study and upcoming public meetings, with attention to 196 broader Puna impacts. 197 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:43:00] 198 Judi Houle of Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP), co-chair of the Sustainable Development 199 Committee, requested assistance regarding a proposed commercial development by 200 Ohana Foods and Gas and Pacific Realty Organization, LLC, on approximately 20 acres in 201 HPP. She stated that the proposal discussed with residents included a grocery store and 202 gas station, with possible future phases. She raised concerns about agricultural zoning, 203 deed history, subdivision roads, lack of water, sewer, sidewalks, streetlights, access, traffic, 204 safety, road maintenance costs, possible pollution, and the County and State permitting 205 process. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:46:42] 206 Chair Osborne encouraged a discussion with Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow. Council 207 Member Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder noted that any special management area, special permit, 208 rezoning, or related permit process would include public notice and opportunities for 209 testimony. AC Members also encouraged review of the Puna CDP and asked that Judi 210 Houle return with updates. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 01:51:24] 211 Announcements 212 Chair Osborne provided announcements at approximately 6:59 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE 213 TIMESTAMP 01:57:42] 214 The County of Hawaiʻi announced the launch of the Coastal Zone Management Atlas, a 215 new online tool to help the public explore coastal hazards and ecosystems. The Planning 216 Department announced informational webinars to introduce the Atlas, including a May 7, 217 2026 webinar from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 218 The Planning Department is continuing to seek applicants for the Puna CDP Action 219 Committee and encouraged interested community members to apply through the 220 County’s boards and commissions process. The link to the boards and commissions 221 website can be accessed here: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/boards-and-222 commissions 223 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Minutes of April 23, 2026 7 The next meeting of the Puna CDP Action Committee was announced for Thursday, June 224 25, 2026. 225 Adjournment 226 Chair Osborne adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:01 p.m. 227 These minutes and all related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Puna 228 Community Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public 229 Documents Repository. These documents may also be requested from the Planning 230 Department by calling (808) 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 231 PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1 ACTION COMMITTEE 2 COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI 3 MEETING RECORD 4 August 27, 2026 5 6 Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026 7 Time: 5:02 p.m. to 6:39 p.m. 8 Format: Hybrid meeting: in person and by interactive conference technology 9 Location: Keaʻau Community Center and Zoom 10 Attendees: Susan Osborne, Chair; Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair; Stephanie Bath, Franny 11 Brewer 12 Planning Staff: Maryam Palma, Janice Hata, and Kawelo Kalili (Zoom) 13 No quorum was established. Due to the lack of quorum, the Puna Community 14 Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee (AC) did not approve prior minutes, conduct 15 official committee deliberations, make decisions, vote, or take any formal action. 16 The full YouTube video of this meeting can be found here: 17 https://youtu.be/KsaIO1aZQVI?si=XZmqJRdL5XpoKnzU 18 Approximately 10 members of the public attended the meeting, with five attending in 19 person and five participating via Zoom. 20 Record of Proceedings 21 Chair Osborne provided hybrid meeting and testimony instructions and noted the lack of 22 quorum. The group continued solely to receive scheduled informational presentations, 23 public testimony, staff procedural guidance, and announcements. These proceedings 24 were informational and did not constitute action by the committee. 25 Informational matters received included: 26 • an update on road connectivity in the Puna District; 27 • an overview of Kilauea recovery programs and projects; 28 • a presentation on a proposed youth agricultural and workforce-readiness initiative; 29 • public testimony and informational comments on community priorities, 30 transportation and emergency access, parks and open space, and committee 31 procedures; and 32 • an invasive species update and general announcements. 33 PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTEE Meeting Record of August 27, 2026 2 No motions were made, no votes were taken, and no committee recommendations or 34 decisions were adopted due to the absence of quorum. 35 The Chair adjourned the gathering at 6:39 p.m. The next regular meeting was announced 36 for Thursday, October 22, 2026. 37 Note: This document was prepared as a summary record from the video recording, which 38 can be accessed at the following link: 39 https://youtu.be/KsaIO1aZQVI?si=SCGrBQifA8cUz0WU 40 All related documents are available in the Planning Department’s Puna Community 41 Development Plan Action Committee folder via the County of Hawaiʻi Public Documents 42 Repository. For more information, please contact the Planning Department by calling (808) 43 961-8288 or emailing CDP@hawaiicounty.gov. 44 ONSYOF NAYtP COUNTY OF HAWAII '+_ `' STATE OF HAWAII OF.H.'.. BILL NO. 125 ORDINANCE NO. 26 56 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25,ARTICLE 7,DIVISION 4, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED),RELATING TO THE PAHOA VILLAGE DESIGN DISTRICT. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Chapter 25, article 7, division 4, section 25-7-40, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended to read as follows: Section 25-7-40. Purpose and applicability; boundaries. a) The PVD (Pahoa Village Design)District is established to [reinforce]_ 1) Reinforce and promote Pahoa's role as a regional town center while retaining its rural village feel and identity[: The purpose of the regional town center is to serve aat. 2) Support a diversity of land uses consistent with a compact medium density area [for], including retail shopping,administrative and professional activities, cultural and artistic activities, other supportive business activities, and a mix of residential uses,,capable ofserving both village residents and the ever more populous surrounding subdivisions[.Further,the PVD district seeks to preserve]; and 3) Preserve the historical Hawaii plantation architectural [theme] style that has come to symbolize Pahoa's unique sense of place and identity[,through the implementation of design guidelines within the PVD district]. b) The PVD district, as used in this chapter,means the area [delineated on the map as and further] described as: 1) All parcels having frontage on Pahoa Village Road from the Pahoa Village Road and Kea`au-Pahoa Road intersection and the Pahoa Village Road and Pahoa-Kalapana Road intersection; 2) All parcels having frontage on Post Office Road between Pahoa Bypass Road and Pahoa Village Road; 3) All parcels having frontage on the west side of Kea`au-Pahoa Road between and inclusive of tax map key numbers: 1-5-007:012 and 1-5-007:080; 4) All parcels having frontage on Kahakai Boulevard, including any extensions of Kahakai Boulevard up to the parcel identified by tax map key number 1-5-008:001,west of Pahoa Bypass Road; 5) Parcels identified by tax map key numbers: 1-5-005:024, 1-5-006:037, 1-5-006:015, 1-5-003:037 and 1-5-003:046; and Communication No. 2026-11 6) All parcels any part of which are designated medium density urban in Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 12-89 amending the general plan land use pattern allocation guide (LUPAG)map, [with the following exclusions:]except: A) That portion oftax map key no: 1-5-002:020 [that is]not designated medium density urban in Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 12-89; and B) Parcels identified by tax map key numbers: 1-5-001:003 and 1-5-008:001." SECTION 2. Chapter 25, article 7, division 4, section 25-7-41, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition,as amended) is amended to read as follows: Section 25-7-41. Design guidelines; intent; adoption; applicability. a) [The intent of the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines (hereinafter"design guidelines")is to] Any design guidelines applicable to the PVD district: 1) Shall be known and may be cited as the"Pahoa Village Design Guidelines"; 2) Shall be adopted and subject to amendment by resolution; and 3) Shall articulate primary architectural features and building design characteristics that have historically been identified as the Hawai`i plantation architectural style or theme. b) [Design guidelines may be adopted by resolution or as standards by ordinance and shall be administered by the director] The director shall administer, implement, and enforce the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines after giving due consideration to the recommendations of the Pahoa design review committee [having been established in accordance with section 25 2 72 of this chapter]. c) [While no specific minimum number of the architectural features in the design guidelines shall be required for any proposed project, all] All buildings and structures, including renovations or alterations to existing ones.,within the PVD district[, except as otherwise specified in section 25 7 42(d)below,] shall be designed Re-be] in a manner consistent with the [design guidelines and to be complementary with the existing structures.]Pahoa Village Design Guidelines." SECTION 3. Chapter 25, article 7, division 4, section 25-7-42, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended to read as follows: Section 25-7-42. Pahoa design review committee; purpose; procedures. a) The purpose of the Pahoa design review committee [(hereinafter"committee")] is to provide [an opportunity for local review and comment,for consistency with the design guidelines, on plans for] local oversight and ensure that all [new] buildings and [structures as well as alterations to the exterior of existing buildings and structures] exterior alterations within the PVD district[.-] comply with the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines. b) [ Committee.(PCDP AC) shall identify and recommend one or more appropriate PTho b^ ed community organization t1, t ll b ibl bl' h' +hJbt+ a o u rz.za ciie 2 committee and providing any necessary administrative support that may be- required.] The Puna community development plan action committee shall invite one or more appropriate Pahoa-based community organizations to form and provide administrative support for the Pahoa design review committee. Committee membership should reflect a broad [cross section] cross-section of the Pahoa regional town center [service arca and,to the extent reasonably possible, shall include representation from the construction industry, local businesses, and architecture and design professionals.],with efforts to include professionals from the construction, small business, architecture and design industries. The Puna community development plan action committee shall verify and affirm the participation of each supporting organization and member of the committee every two years. c) [The director shall provide the committee with an opportunity to conduct an architectural and design review,for consistency with the design guidelines, of all y..lic do s f r.,la a al 'DUD it t o a o f r vaJivx subsection(d)below.] The committee shall review and submit recommendations on all applications for plan approval, a P.U.D. permit, or a sign permit in accordance with section 25-2-73, section 25-6-7, or chapter 3, article 3, of this Code, respectively. 1) The committee shall complete its review of any application for plan approval a submit its. ritte„ « bons .,long with the r ea plansLL..M JL.V1111L 1LJ 1'Y stamped"Reviewed by"with the date and signature of the committee chair to the director withi„ t..,e„t„ f e e len,l..r days of receipt of su h l t from the director. 2) The ^ mittee shall ^ plete :ts r e of any application for a P.U.D. and Review " i e-dirty cnrd-srgnature oftcxhe corr mince chairto the director with.., +went., five e lend.,days of re t f 1 f rt' 1 final full approval from the director. 3) The committee shall review and submit its written recommendations on applications for sign permits as provided in chapter 3, article 3 of this Code. 4)1 Committee recommendations to the director shall be consistent with the provisions of the County Charter, general plan,Puna community development plan,Pahoa Village Design Guidelines,zoning and other related ordinances and any master plan adopted for the PVD district. d) The director may waive the requirement for architectural and design review by the committee when the proposed improvements will clearly have little or no visual impact on [ the Hawai`i plantation architectural theme, including,but not limited to: 1) [The construction or installation] Construction of accessory buildings or structures or minor exterior alterations to the exterior of any existing building or structure that is not visible from any street frontage of the building site; 2) [The addition or replacement]Additions or replacements of accessory features such as flag poles,roof gutters and downspouts,railings and fencing of similar size, style and material or that more closely conforms to the design guidelines; 3 3) Painting or repainting ofthe exterior of any building, structure or accessory feature that is consistent with the design guidelines; or 4) [The replacement of existing] Replacement ofdoors and windows [w size of the replacement door or window],provided that the new size is within ten percent of the size of the original [dearer-wlew]. e) [In order to assist applicants with designing projects that satisfactorily conform to the des:...., ,uideli e tl,e . „,,:ttee shall also develop s a b it bl to provide preliminary review of conceptual plans prior to formal submittal of detailed 1.,...s and ., lic do f « 1,uild;...g..e,mit plan 1 D TT D sign permit.] Upon request of prospective applicants,the committee shall provide preliminary review and comments on draft or conceptual plans prior to submittal of an application to the director. f) [The . mittee shall . .duct., mprel,e„sive « f th .l • b b id l'd design guidelines and PVD district boundaries to the PCDP AC within ten years following adoption of the design guidelines, and every ten years ther after. The committee may prepare and submit to the PCDP AC recommendations for interim amendments to the design guidelines and PVD district boundaries as it deems necessary.] The Pahoa design review committee or the Puna community development plan action committee shall consult with one another before recommending any amendments to the PVD Guidelines or the PVD district boundaries. Any proposed amendments,along with the recommendations of both committees, shall be forwarded through the director to the council for its consideration, subject to the authority of the director under section 25-2-43 in the case of any PVD district boundary amendment. g) Once every ten years,the Puna community development plan action committee shall invite all current and former organizations and members of the design review committee to review the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines and the PVD district boundaries and submit recommendations thereon. Any recommendation accepted by the Puna community development plan action committee shall proceed as provided in subsection(f)." SECTION 4. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance,the brackets, bracketed and stricken material, and underscoring need not be included. SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid,the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable. 4 SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval. INTR ED BY: CO CIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF'HAWAI`I Kona Hawai`i Date of Introduction: July 8, 2026 Date of 1st Reading: July 8, 2026 Date of 2nd Reading: July 23, 2026 Effective Date: August 5, 2026 REFERENCE Comm.--—709--— I IE111111111111 5 LRB 25-015 D4 OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK COUNTY CLERK County ofHawai`i COUNTY OF HAWAI Kona,Hawai`i 2026 AUG -5 PM : 53 Introduced By: Ashley L. Kierkiewicz ROLL CALL VOTE Date Introduced: July 8, 2 0 2 6 AYES NOES ABS EX First Reading: July 8, 2 0 2 6 Galimba X Published: July 17, 2026 Hustace X Inaba X REMARKS. Kagiwada X Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder X Kierkiewicz X Kimball X Onishi X Villegas X Second Reading: July 23, 2026 9 0 0 0 To Mayor: August 3, 2026 Returned: August 5, 2026 ROLL CALL VOTE Effective: August -5, 2026 Published: August 21, 2026 AYES NOES ABS EX Galimba X REMARKS: Hustace X Inaba X Kagiwada X Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder X Kierkiewicz X Kimball X Onishi X Villegas X 8 0 1 0 I DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing BILL was adopted by the County Council published as indicated above. COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON Approve. Disapproved this 11day Ak of att911.4.20 e2(0 . COUNTY 'LERK 125 Bill No.: MAYOR, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I C-7 09/PCPLUED-11 Reference: Ord No.: 26 56 1rs M'U7. COUNTY OF HAWAI`I •( = „,:.STATE OF HAWAII art OF N' BILL NO. 126 Draft 3) ORDINANCE NO. 26 57 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 25,ARTICLES 1,3, 5,AND 7, OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION,AS AMENDED),RELATING TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: SECTION 1. Purpose and findings. The purpose ofthis ordinance is to reinforce and promote the role of Downtown Pahoa as a cultural and economic hub for Pahoa and the surrounding Lower Puna communities, in alignment with the vision set forth in the Puna Community Development Plan. By establishing the Downtown Pahoa Commercial (hereinafter DPC") district and providing clear standards for mixed-use development,this ordinance seeks to encourage sustainable economic growth while preserving and celebrating Pahoa's unique cultural,historic, and environmental identity. The Council finds that Downtown Pahoa serves as an important center for commerce, culture, and community gathering within the Puna region. The Council further finds that the area's distinct historic development pattern and community character are not fully accommodated by existing zoning classifications, giving rise to a need for more flexible zoning and land use regulations.Allowing a broader mix of commercial,residential, cultural, and creative uses will support locally-owned businesses, expand housing opportunities, strengthen community resilience, and promote a more walkable and vibrant town center. The DPC district established by this ordinance is intended to support the long-standing community planning framework developed through the Puna Community Development Plan and related planning efforts for Pahoa Village. Consistent with this area-wide planning approach,the Council finds it appropriate to identify suitable areas for the district and allow individual property owners within those areas to voluntarily elect participation in the district. This approach promotes investment and adaptive reuse,reduces unnecessary costs and procedural burdens associated with individual change of zone applications, supports the existing community planning framework,while also remaining subject to legislative oversight through the Council's authority to designate eligible areas. Accordingly,this ordinance establishes the DPC District, identifies permitted uses and development standards for the district, and creates procedures to facilitate voluntary participation in the district while advancing economic vitality, cultural preservation,housing opportunity, and community-centered development. 1 Communication No. 2026-12 SECTION 2. Chapter 25, article 1, section 25-1-5, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 2016 Edition, as amended) is amended by adding definitions to be appropriately inserted in subsection(b)and to read as follows: Co-working and innovation hub"means an establishment where office space, supplies, amenities, and other related services are shared among multiple businesses or individuals." Creative media space"means a facility used for the production of creative media, including film,television, graphic design,website development,video games, and other digital content, or for the instruction of skills,techniques,methods, and processes used therein. Creative media spaces typically include,but need not have, a sound stage, audiovisual recording and editing equipment, and office space." Cultural enterprise"means an establishment primarily involved in the creation, display, and sale of arts, crafts,music,performances,activities, and educational experiences related to the cultural heritage of Hawai`i." SECTION 3. Chapter 25, article 3, section 25-3-2, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 2016 Edition, as amended) is amended to read as follows: Section 25-3-2. Designation of special districts. The special zoning districts of the County shall consist of the following: 1) Kailua Village design commission(article 7, division 1). 2) CDH,Downtown Hilo commercial district(article 7, division 2). 3) UNV, University district(article 7, division 3). 4) PD,Project districts(article 6, division 4). 5) APD,Agricultural project districts (article 6, division 5). 6) PVD,Pahoa Village Design district(article 7, division 4). 7) DPC, Downtown Palma commercial district(article 7, division )." SECTION 4. Chapter 25, article 4, division 1, section 25-4-15, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended by amending subsection(a)to read as follows: a) Agricultural tourism is permitted as an accessory use to agricultural processing facilities in the CG, CDH, CV, CN,ML,MG, [ ]MCX, and DPC districts." SECTION 5. Chapter 25, article 4, division 1, section 25-4-17, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended by amending subsection(b)to read as follows: b) Meeting facilities,which may include special events, are permitted: 2 1) In the RCX,V, CN, CG, CV,MCX,ML,MG, [and] CDH, and DPC districts, provided that the director has issued plan approval; 2) In the RA,FA, and A districts,provided a use permit or a special permit is obtained; and 3) In the IA district,provided a special permit is obtained." SECTION 6. Chapter 25, article 4, division 5, section 25-4-59.2, of the Hawai`i County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended to read as follows: Section 25-4-59.2. Exceptions to the off-street parking and loading requirements. The off-street parking and loading requirements of this chapter shall not apply to the following: Ka)] (1) Non-residential uses located within that area in the City of Hilo,bounded by Kino`ole Street,Ponahawai Street, and an imaginary straight line extension of Ponahawai Street into Hilo Bay and Wailuku River[:]1 13)] (2) Dwelling units with a maximum density of one thousand square feet of land area per unit or less,within that area in the City of Hilo, bounded by Kino`ole Street,Ponahawai Street, and an imaginary straight line extension of Ponahawai Street into Hilo Bay and Wailuku River[:]S E)] al That area immediately fronting either side of that portion of the Hawai`i Belt Highway which runs from the real property designated as tax map key no: 7- 9-7-66 to the real property designated as tax map key no: 7-9-9:22, in Kainaliu,North Kona[.-]; and d) Those lots in the PVD district having a total area of less than seven thousand five hundred square feet and that have frontage on Pahoa Village Road between Post Office Road and the eastern intersection of Akeakamai Loop and Pahoa Village Road;provided that any lot created through parcel consolidation does not result in a lot having a total ar a of seven thousand fivo hundred square feet or more, or a parcel consolidation and resubdivision that provide off street parking in accordance with the requirements ofthis chapter.] 4) Any property wholly within the DPC district, except as may be otherwise required by plan approval." SECTION 7. Chapter 25, article 7, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended) is amended by adding a division to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows: Division . Downtown Pahoa Commercial District. Section 25-7- .Purpose and applicability. a) The DPC (downtown Pahoa commercial) district is established to: 3 1) Encourage a dynamic town where environment, culture, commerce, and community coexist harmoniously; 2) Support diverse economic development,with an emphasis on locally-owned businesses. 3) Celebrate the historical and cultural heritage of Pahoa in alignment with applicable design guidelines of the PVD district; 4) Enhance the quality of life of residents and visitor experiences through improved infrastructure and amenities; 5) Provide opportunities for recreation, dining, cultural practices, creative activities, education, business and commercial services, and community programs in a safe and walkable built environment; and 6) Promote housing availability and community-driven economic growth through mixed residential-commercial development. b) The zoning requirements of this district shall not be applicable to any parcel,unless wholly within the PVD district. Section 25-7- .Designation of the DPC district. The DPC (downtown Pahoa commercial) district shall be designated by the symbol DPC." Section 25-7- .Permitted uses. a1 The following uses shall be permitted in the DPC district: 1) Adult day care homes. al Agricultural products processing,minor. 3) Agricultural tourism,as permitted under section 25-4-15. 4) Amusement and recreation facilities, indoor. 5) Apiaries. 6) Art galleries. 7) Automobile service stations. 8) Bakeries. 9) Bars and cocktail lounges. 10) Boarding facilities,rooming, or lodging houses. 11) Botanical gardens,nurseries and greenhouses, seed farms, plant experimental stations, arboretums,floriculture, and similar uses dealing with the growing of plants. 12) Breweries, distilleries, and alcohol manufacturing facilities. 13) Broadcasting stations or studios (radio and television). 14) Business services. 15) Car washing, provided that the facilities are not detrimental to the character of the district. 16) Catering establishments. 17) Co-working and innovation hubs. 18) Creative media spaces. 19) Cultural enterprises. 20) Display rooms for products sold elsewhere. 4 21) Dwellings, double-family or duplex,with a minimum density of five hundred square feet of land area per rentable unit or dwelling unit. 22) Dwellings, multiple-family,with a maximum density of five hundred square feet of land per rentable unit or dwelling unit. 23) Dwellings, single-family. 24) Family child care homes. 25) Farmers markets. 26) Financial institutions. 27) Food manufacturing and processing facilities. 28) Group living facilities. 29) Home occupations, as permitted under section 25-4-13. 30) Hospitals,old age, nursing and rest homes. 31) Ice storage and dispensing facilities. 32) Laundries other than those utilizing steam cleaning equipment,provided that facilities are not detrimental to the character of the district. 33) Manufacturing, processing and packaging, light, provided that the activities are not detrimental to the character of the district. 34) Medical clinics. 35) Meeting facilities, including special events, as permitted under section 25-4-17. 36) Modeling agencies. 37) Museums and libraries. 38) Neighborhood parks,playgrounds,tennis courts, swimming pools, and similar neighborhood recreational areas and uses. 39) Offices. 40) Personal services. 41) Photography and art studios. 42) Printing and publishing, including print shops and publishing houses, and digital media production studios. 43) Public uses and structures, as permitted in section 25-4-11. 44) Repairs establishment, minor. 45) Restaurants. 46) Retail establishments, provided that they are not detrimental to the character of the district. 47) Schools, business. 48) Schools,photography, art,music, dance or other similar studios or academies. 49) Schools,vocational. 50) Special events. 51) Storage and sale of seed, feed, fertilizer, and other products essential to agriculture production. 52) Theaters, auditoriums and indoor sports arenas. 53) Wholesaling and distribution operations. b) Residential uses in connection with the operation of any permitted use shall be permitted in the DPC district. c) Buildings and uses normally considered accessory to the above uses shall also be permitted in the DPC district. 5 Section 25-7- .Height limit. The height limit in the DPC district shall be thirty feet. Section 25-7- .Minimum building site area. The minimum building site area in the DPC district shall be seven thousand five hundred square feet. Section 25-7- .Minimum building site average width. Each building site in the DPC district shall have a minimum building site average width of fifty feet. Section 25-7- .Minimum yards. Front,rear, and sides: none, except as required by plan approval. Section 25-7- .Other regulations. Plan approval is required for all new structures and additions to existing structures in the DPC district, except for construction of one single-family dwelling per lot and anv accessory buildings. Section 25-7- .DPC eligibility; designated area. a) The following areas, as determined by the zoning district boundaries as of the effective date of this ordinance, are designated as eligible for the DPC zoning district: 1) All parcels having road frontage on the northern side of Pahoa Village Road, between Post Office Road and Akeakamai Loop,that are wholly or partially within the RS zoning district; 2) Anv contiguous area covered by two or more adjacent parcels having road frontage on Akeakamai Loop or on the northern side of Pahoa Village Road, between Post Office Road and its eastern terminus,that are wholly or partially within the CV zoning district; 3) Any contiguous area covered by two or more adjacent parcels having road frontage on the southern side on Pahoa Village Road that are wholly or partially within the CV zoning district,exclusive of any area within the State land use agricultural district; and 4) All parcels adjacent to any area hereinabove described that are wholly within the CV zoning district. b) The designation set forth in subsection (a) does not constitute a change of zone and any property so designated remains subject to its underlying district classification, until the owner elects to change the zone of the property pursuant to the following section. Section 25-7- .DPC election; administrative procedures. fal Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary,the DPC change of zone process set forth in this section is exempt from article 2, division 4, of this chapter. 6 b) Any owner ofproperty designated under the preceding section may submit to the director a written election, in a form prescribed by the director, for a change of zone to DPC. Upon verification that the owner and property are eligible for the DPC zoning district,the director shall change the district classification of the property to DPC. A change of zone under this section shall have the same force and effect of law as if made in accordance with article 2 of this chapter. Lel Any use or structure existing at the time of a change of zone under this section that conforms to the requirements and standards of the DPC zoning district is deemed conforming.Any use or structure existing at the time of a change of zone under this section that does not conform to the requirements and standards of the DPC zoning district is deemed nonconforming, subject to article 4, division 6, of this chapter. fp Nothing in this section precludes or prevents any owner of property not designated under the preceding section to initiate an application for a change of zone under article 2, division 4, of this chapter." SECTION 8. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance,the brackets, bracketed and stricken material, and underscoring need not be included. SECTION 9. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid,the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications ofthe ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable. SECTION 10. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: ASHLEY KIERKIEWICZ Council Member Kona Hawai`i Date of Introduction: July 8, 2026 Date of 1st Reading: July 8, 2026 Date of 2nd Reading: July 23, 2026 Effective Date August 5, 2026 REFERENCE Comm. ‘_...310.6 I IIIIIIII 111111101 7 LRB 26-007 D4 OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK C N T Y CLERK County of Hawai`i COUNTY OF HAWAI Kona, Hawai`i 2026 AUG -5 PM l: 5 Draft 2) Introduced By: Ashley L. Kierkiewicz ROLL CALL VOTE Date Introduced: July 8, 2 02 6 AYES NOES ABS EX First Reading: July 8, 2 0 2 6 Galimba X Published: July 17, 2026 Hustace X Inaba X REMARKS: Kagiwada X Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder X Kierkiewicz X Kimball X Onishi X Villegas X Second Reading: July 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 9 0 0 0 To Mayor: August 3, 2026 Draft 3) Returned: August 5, 2026 ROLL CALL VOTE Effective: August 5, 2026 AYES NOES ABS EX Published: August 21, 2026 Galimba X REMARKS: Hustace X Inaba X Kagiwada X Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder X Kierkiewicz X Kimball X Onishi X Villegas X 8 0 1 0 I DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing BILL was adopted by the County Council published as indicated above. J COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON rove. Disapproved this day of t 20 0U0 . COUNTY CLERK 126 (Draft 3) Bill No.: MAYOR, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I C-710 . 6/PCPLUED-12 Reference: OrdNo.: 26 57 eyouelf County of Hawai‘i PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 C.Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor Vacant Jennifer Scheffel Gary Rosenberg Jaylyn Rose Brendlen Melissa Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair Stephanie Bath Leila Kealoha Susan Osborne, Chair Frances Brewer October 22, 2026 Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair and Members of the Hawaiʻi County Council 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1401 Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 Email: counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov Dear Chair Inaba and Council Members: SUBJECT: Support for Funding Permanent Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Staff This year, the County of Hawaiʻi took an important step toward establishing a formal disaster recovery framework. The new ordinance outlines a process for the Mayor to appoint a Disaster Recovery Officer and establishes qualifications for that position. However, the ordinance does not provide for a permanent staff position to support ongoing disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. We believe establishing a Recovery and Mitigation Coordinator position within the Civil Defense Agency should be the next step. As we have seen repeatedly, Hawaiʻi County is vulnerable to many types of disasters, both large and small. Our County is well equipped to respond to emergencies. However, response is only the beginning. We have not yet established an ongoing recovery and mitigation function within our government structure and staffing. The Kīlauea Eruption Recovery Program has provided the County with an extraordinary body of experience and expertise in disaster recovery. The program has successfully managed the largest federal grant ever received by the County and has also secured funding for disaster mitigation projects. As this highly successful program nears completion, the contract employees who have developed this expertise will soon leave County service. We believe it is important to retain this knowledge and build it into the County's permanent capacity. A dedicated Recovery and Mitigation Coordinator would provide that continuity. Communication No. 2026-13 Chair Inaba and Council Members October 22, 2026 Page 2 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov Civil Defense staff already have extensive experience managing federal emergency and disaster grant programs. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regularly make significant funding available for disaster recovery, mitigation, resilience, and preparedness projects. A dedicated staff person would position the County to identify these opportunities, develop competitive applications, manage awarded funds, and coordinate projects across County departments. The potential financial benefit alone could more than offset the cost of the position. More importantly, having this capacity in place would allow the County to be proactive rather than waiting until the next disaster occurs. Disasters may be over in hours or days, and emergency response may conclude within weeks, but recovery can take years. A Recovery and Mitigation Coordinator would enable the County to begin planning for recovery while response is still underway and ensure that recovery and mitigation efforts continue in an organized and coordinated manner. Developing and securing major federal grants requires specialized knowledge, experience, and preparation. Establishing this position now would allow the County to maintain that expertise between disasters rather than having to rebuild it after each event. It would also provide the Mayor with an experienced County employee who could be considered for appointment as the Disaster Recovery Officer when a major disaster occurs. Federal mitigation funding can support a broad range of projects that directly benefit Hawaiʻi County communities, including: • Wildfire prevention and mitigation • Fire Department equipment and vehicles • Hurricane shelter facilities • Water supply upgrades and infrastructure • Stormwater infrastructure • Flood studies • GIS and hazard mapping • Emergency communications • And other disaster preparedness, mitigation, and resilience projects The Kīlauea recovery experience has demonstrated the value of having dedicated expertise within County government. We have an opportunity now to preserve that knowledge, build permanent capacity, and put the County in a stronger position to prepare for, recover from, and mitigate future disasters. The Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee strongly urges the Council to include a Recovery and Mitigation Coordinator position within the Civil Defense Agency in the coming year’s budget. We are more prepared than we have ever been, we have gained invaluable experience, and the need for this capacity is substantial. We believe this position is a prudent investment that will strengthen the County’s resilience and could bring significant additional federal resources to Hawaiʻi County. Chair Inaba and Council Members October 22, 2026 Page 3 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to the safety and resilience of our communities. Sincerely, Susan Osborne, Chair Puna CDP Action Committee County of Hawai‘i PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor Vacant Jennifer Scheffel Gary Rosenberg Jaylyn Rose Brendlen Melissa Leilani DeMello, Vice Chair Stephanie Bath Leila Kealoha Susan Osborne, Chair Frances Brewer October 22, 2026 Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director Hawaiʻi County Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 Email: planning@hawaiicounty.gov Aloha Director Darrow: SUBJECT: Request for Dedicated Secretary Support for the Community Development Plan Action Committees The Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee has operated since 2008 without dedicated clerical support. This Committee provides ongoing guidance and advocacy to implement the CDP’s goals, builds partnerships with governmental and community organizations to carry them out, and helps monitor our plan’s progress. That work depends on the Action Committee, County agencies, and elected officials collaborating to advance these strategies. The Planning Department is responsible for administering this Committee, and for eighteen years that administration has come without the clerical staffing comparable advisory bodies rely on. We ask the County to establish two dedicated secretary positions to serve all the CDP Action Committees, funded within the current FY26-27 budget if at all possible. If that timeline isn’t workable, we would support the positions being funded and filled starting FY27-28 as a reasonable compromise, but after these many years, further delay is hard to justify. The need has only grown. As of the 2020 Census, Puna is the County’s most populous district with 51,704 residents, up 65 percent since 2000, and now larger than South Hilo. Like other County boards, this Committee has requested a monthly meeting schedule, twelve meetings a year. We are currently on track for about four, because Planning does not have the secretarial capacity to administer more. That shortfall pulls community planners away from the planning expertise this Committee needs and into administrative work that doesn’t require their training, and it often means the Committee cannot convene in time to weigh in collectively on matters Communication No. 2026-14 Jeffrey Darrow, Director Hawaiʻi County Planning Department October 22, 2026 Page 2 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov moving through the Council or other agencies; members are instead asked to submit testimony individually, which defeats the purpose of a committee speaking with one voice. The County has also recently expanded this Committee’s own administrative duties. A County ordinance effective August 2026 now requires the Puna CDP Action Committee to organize community participation on the Pahoa design review committee, verify and affirm its membership every two years, and coordinate periodic review of the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines and district boundaries, new, ongoing clerical work added with no corresponding increase in support. Several comparable County advisory bodies already have dedicated secretarial support. We are not asking for special treatment, only for the administrative footing this Committee’s role already calls for. Me ke aloha nui, Susan Osborne, Chair Puna CDP Action Committee cc: Long Range Planning Program Manager Office of the Mayor Council Members Finance Director Human Resources Director JH \\hawaiicounty.gov\depts\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP - Puna\Action Committee\Meetings\2026\2026 Letters