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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-09 Cultural Resources Commission Meeting CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES September 9, 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 Hilo Planning Department Conference Room, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720. The full YouTube video of this hearing can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJlJ3cOLerA&t=3s COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Via Zoom: Matthew Clark (Chair), Desmon Haumea (Vice Chair), Darde Gamayo, Shawna Kaulukukui, Kealohanuiopuna Kinney (Left at 10:32 a.m.), and Aaron Spielman (Joined at 10:27 a.m.). Also Present: Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Bethany Morrison, Planning Program Manager, and Jeffrey Deason, Planner VI. Chair Clark called the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) meeting to order at 10:11 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 newly appointed Commissioner Shawna Kaulukukui provided a brief introduction. Staff introductions followed. All members reported being alone at their respective locations, except Commissioners Haumea and Gamayo, who each identified one individual present with them. There were no addendums or supplemental agenda items. STATEMENT(S) FROM THE PUBLIC Staff reported that no written public testimony had been received. Chair Clark opened the floor to receive testimony. There were no testifiers at this time. Public testimony closed at 10:15 a.m. Cultural Resources Commission September 9, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 2 of 6 NEW BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION 1. Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission (PL-CRC-2026-000051) Nomination to the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places and National Register of Historic Places. Location: 76-5945 A Māmalahoa Highway, Hōlualoa, North Kona, Hawaiʻi and 76-5945 Māmalahoa Highway, Hōlualoa, North Kona, Hawaii TMKs: (3) 7-6-004:047, including the adjoining Right-of-Way [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 5:33] Chair Clark called this agenda item to order at 10:15 a.m. Also present via Zoom: Motter Snell, nominator of the subject nomination [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 6:24] Ms. Snell provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the nomination of the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission and the 88 Sacred Places Monument. She provided background on her preparation of the nomination and reviewed the history of the Mission, temple, monument, and associated historic resources. Ms. Snell discussed the contributing resources included in the nomination, the architectural and historical significance of the property, and the history of the 88 Sacred Places pilgrimage. She also reviewed the proposed National Register Criteria A and C and the period of significance from 1925 to 1976. Ms. Snell concluded with an overview of the historical research and supporting materials included with the nomination. Commissioner Spielman joined the meeting at 10:27 a.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 19:30] Chair Clark thanked Ms. Snell for her presentation and commented favorably on the nomination and its supporting historical information. He noted that he conducted an archaeological survey of the property in 2005 as part of a consolidation and resubdivision and expressed support for the nomination moving forward. Chair Clark stated that he agreed with the proposed significance under Criteria A and C and then opened the floor to Commissioners for questions. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 20:04] Chair Clark asked whether there were any plans for the former 1925 temple site or to memorialize the former temple. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 20:18] Ms. Snell stated that, to her knowledge, there were no plans to memorialize the former temple. She noted that few members of the Cultural Resources Commission September 9, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 3 of 6 community remain and that funding for ongoing maintenance and repairs continues to be a challenge. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 20:47] Commissioner Spielman complimented the presentation and shared his personal connection to the property, noting that he attended preschool in the building as a child. He commented on the historical significance of the Hōlualoa corridor, including its various religious communities and historic buildings, and expressed his support for moving the nomination forward. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 21:40] Commissioner Kinney expressed his support for the nomination and thanked Ms. Snell for her presentation. He stated that he believed the property was worthy of the nomination and supported efforts to move it forward. Commissioner Kinney departed the meeting at 10:32 a.m. Quorum was maintained. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 22:31] Chair Clark asked if there were any additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. Vice Chair Haumea asked whether the traditional suzu bells remained at the temple. Ms. Snell confirmed that large bells remained near the lānai entrance to the temple and noted that a photograph was included in the nomination materials. Vice Chair Haumea asked about the “Previous Documentation on File with the NPS” section of the nomination. Ms. Snell stated that she did not believe there was any previous documentation on file with the National Park Service regarding the temple. Vice Chair Haumea recommended including the geographic coordinates in the nomination in addition to the TMK, noting the historical significance of the site. He also asked whether there were any plans to revive agricultural activities on the property. Ms. Snell responded that the property had been cleared and that there was no longer agricultural activity on the property. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 26:14] With no further questions, Vice Chair Haumea moved to accept the nomination. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 26:21] Chair Clark explained that including the geographic coordinates would assist in identifying the property and offered to assist Ms. Snell in obtaining them. Ms. Snell indicated that she would need assistance. Vice Chair Haumea clarified that he recommended including the coordinates because of their usefulness in locating specific sites for navigation purposes. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 26:52] Chair Clark asked if there were any additional questions from the Commissioners. He then requested that Vice Chair Haumea clarify Cultural Resources Commission September 9, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 4 of 6 his motion, explaining that staff would prepare a draft letter for the Chair’s review regarding the Commission’s recommendation to the mayor on the nomination. Ms. Snell asked how she could track the nomination as it moved through the process. Chair Clark stated that CRC staff would keep her updated. He explained that following the Commission’s vote, staff would draft a recommendation letter for review, provide Ms. Snell with a copy, and forward the letter to the mayor. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 27:57] Chair Clark clarified Vice Chair Haumea’s motion as follows: to direct staff to prepare a letter to the Mayor incorporating the Commissioners’ comments regarding the nomination of the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission for listing on the Hawaiʻi and National Registers of Historic Places, with the Chair working with staff to finalize the letter. Vice Chair Haumea confirmed that the statement reflected his motion. Chair Clark called for a second to the motion. Commissioner Gamayo seconded the motion. No further discussion occurred. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed with five ayes (Clark, Haumea, Gamayo, Kaulukukui, Spielman). This matter concluded at 10:40 a.m. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Approval of minutes of the meeting held on August 12, 2026. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 30:47] A motion was made by Commissioner Kaulukukui and seconded by Vice Chair Haumea to approve the August 12, 2026, meeting minutes as circulated. No discussion occurred. The minutes were approved without opposition with a unanimous aye voice vote. 2. Planning Department Staff Updates [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 31:28] Ms. Morrison provided an update regarding Robert “Bobby” Camara’s appointment as a new Commissioner and noted that the appointment process was moving forward. Ms. Morrison also informed the Commission of SHPD rulemaking proceedings concerning the identification and evaluation of historic properties and burial sites, as well as the inclusion of lineal and cultural descendants in the historic preservation review process. She noted upcoming informational and public scoping meetings and stated that information had been provided to the Commissioners by email. Ms. Morrison also informed the Commission of an upcoming National Alliance of Preservation Commissions webinar regarding public engagement in disaster planning Cultural Resources Commission September 9, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 5 of 6 and recovery and noted that the information had been distributed to the Commissioners by email. Ms. Morrison noted the relevance of disaster planning in light of recent storms and invited Chair Clark to provide a brief update on a potential future agenda item. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 33:29] Chair Clark provided a brief update regarding storm and flood damage to a cemetery in Nāʻālehu, including the displacement of human remains. He stated that he had been involved in recovery efforts and coordination with the community. Chair Clark noted that the County’s emergency response plans did not appear to specifically address impacts to cemeteries or historic properties during disasters. Chair Clark suggested placing the matter on a future agenda for discussion, including consideration of appropriate response procedures, agency and community contacts, and possible formation of a permitted interaction group. He acknowledged that the matter was not on the current agenda and therefore could not be discussed further at this meeting. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 35:23] Commissioner Spielman expressed his strong support for placing the matter on a future agenda and indicated that he had additional comments to share when the matter was open for discussion. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 35:39] Chair Clark stated that staff would work to place the matter on an upcoming agenda, noting that the discussion could assist the County in preparing for similar incidents in the future. Vice Chair Haumea briefly noted that related emergency discussions were also occurring elsewhere. Chair Clark reiterated the importance of community support and stated that further discussion would be deferred until the matter was properly agendized. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP – 36:18] Ms. Morrison informed the Commission that staff was considering holding the November meeting in person, potentially in conjunction with the Permitted Interaction Group’s report to the Commission. She stated that staff would continue coordinating the details and provide additional information as plans were finalized. Next meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026. There were no additional announcements. Cultural Resources Commission September 9, 2026 DRAFT Minutes Page 6 of 6 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Spielman and seconded by Vice Chair Haumea. The meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m. with a unanimous aye vote. Respectfully Submitted, Shantel Miller Shantel Miller Board Secretary A T T E S T : Desmon Haumea, Vice Chair Cultural Resources Commission Desmon Haumea (Oct 20, 2026 11:37:56 HST)