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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-13 NKCDP Minutes Final NORTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING DATE June 13, 2011 TIME 4:30 p.m. PLACE Kohala Senior Center, 54-3900 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaau, Hawaii 96755 ATTENDANCE Members Present: Joe Carvalho, Susan Fischer, Ron Friman, Giovanna Gherardi, Collin Kaholo, Richard Liebmann Members excused: Marlene Ching, Hermann Fernandez, Bob Martin Planning Department: Rosalind Newlon Public Attendance: Rallene Buchanan, Daniel Otake, Fred Cachola, Megan Solis, Virginia Graham, Howard Olsen, Carol Ann Olsen, Jesse Wells, April Lee APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Susan thanked Rosalind for consistently helpful and timely meeting notes. Since Planning Department staff will begin attending AC meetings on a bi-monthly basis, Rosalind will not be at the July meeting. The Planning Department will continue to provide copies of agendas, minutes, and reports for distribution to AC members and members of the public. To increase accuracy and efficiency, Susan requested reports to be summarized and emailed digitally within a week after each meeting for inclusion in the minutes. Giovanna made a motion to defer approval of the May 9 minutes to the July meeting, Ron seconded the motion, and the motion was carried by unanimous vote. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: April Lee asked when the minutes are posted online for each meeting. Rosalind explained minutes are available online after approval by the AC, normally at the following meeting. REPORTS: 1) LAND USE PERMIT ACTIVITY REPORT – Rosalind Newlon, Project Manager gave the land use and permit activity report, including subdivisions for Harrison Family Trust and EWM Enterprises, additional farm dwelling for Pa Ka Makani Farm, and setback variance for Jonathan and Sheri Bartsch. Rosalind passed around a large map including the Harrison Family Trust parcel, located along the shoreline makai of Ainakea. Lateral public access will be addressed during the subdivision process of the Harrison parcel. Collin asked why a setback variance was requested now for the Bartsch structure, since it was built years ago. Rosalind explained that minor discrepancies, such as the Bartsch situation where the building is found to extend a short distance into the setback, are sometimes found by more precise survey methods. 2) REDISTRICTING REPORT Joe Carvalho, NKCDP Chair and Redistricting Commissioner, reported the software was not yet ready, although is anticipated by mid June. County Council Member Brenda Ford provided insight on redistricting. Census results show larger growth in Puna and North Kona. Procedures and duties were reviewed by Michael Udovic, County Deputy Corporation Counsel. NEW BUSINESS: 3) OPEN OCEAN FARMING AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE NKCDP – Joe asked if the AC would like to invite the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to do a presentation on the State's reasons for approving permits for open ocean fish farming. Giovanna referred to scientist Wendy Minor who gave a presentation in Kawaihae. Giovanna sees the role of the AC to gather sufficient data to educate the public of the pros and cons, not to take a stand. Joe added if the issue is important enough for the AC to take a stand, the CDP could be amended. Rosalind clarified the CDP is generally concerned with land based development, while the nearshore ocean is under State jurisdiction. Richard referred to NKCDP page 12 key planning implications related to Kohala’s natural and cultural resources which includes "Coastal (makai) resources – Kohala’s pristine coastline and abundance of marine life should be protected from development . . ." Richard asked if anyone present thinks there is no potential impact; if there is potential impact, then the AC should be concerned. Ron expressed it is important for the AC to be involved in issues surrounding critical resources of the area, as to what is safe and responsible. Rosalind suggested the AC could submit a comment letter to the Planning Director, asking for the letter to be forwarded to the State. Richard asked if the AC should assign a subgroup or investigative subcommittee as fact finder to do research. Joe would like to get more information from DLNR as to the reasoning for the permit approval, since the AC has already received information from one side of the issue at a previous meeting. Rosalind cited Dr. William Walsh as a State DLNR marine biologist who could be asked to speak to the AC. Giovanna prefers a small subgroup to expedite fact finding, connect with the various people, gather information, study the research, then come to the AC. 4) PROPOSALS FOR INCLUSION IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CIP) 2011-2012 BUDGET – The Infrastructure A subcommittee has concluded there is a need for permanent restrooms at Mahukona Park, with a cost of approximately $450,000 to $500,000. A master list of projects should be created to put forward and prioritize all CIP projects. Rosalind will email the CIP application to Giovanna, who will forward the completed application to the Planning Director. Susan suggested starting to apply for funding to plan and improve Pololu lookout. Collin voiced the need to extend the County cemetery, which lies in a flood zone. The State owns the adjoining property. Ron suggested a priority list and will work on coming up with a sample list. OLD BUSINESS: 5) NKCDP Subcommittee Reports Joe asked each subcommittee to come up with a workplan of at least two or three things to accomplish in the next year, including the status of each one, to help the AC be accountable to the community. Giovanna agreed with the importance of building accountability into the AC, and offered to come up with a template to include a mission statement, goals for the coming year, how to go about accomplishing the goals, and a timeline. Joe emphasized the importance of remaining within the goals of the CDP. no report Growth Management: June 1 meeting. Upolu Airport area - Chauncey Wong Yuen, Airports Public Access: Division, Hawaii District Manager. Water isn't available, except for the Upolu Airport building.A coastal restoration grant could provide funding for a waterline. The landowner on the West side of the airport may be willing to participate in restoration and\or supply water.A community planting may be coordinated, including a historic overview of the area.The airports division is starting naupaka cuttings in Kona.Fencing is being done by a contractor.Bruce Tsuchida, Townscape President, was contracted in 2007 by the County of Hawaii to work on the North and South Kohala community development plans. Townscape was invited to the meeting concerning a stewardship plan for all accesses and properties acquired for open space.Bruce wanted to hear what ideas the community has on stewardship, and then will do some proposals for us.Ideas from our groupWho will steward these lands.Public lands – purchased five - parcelsGovernment lands – UpoluNon-profit lands form government/private/grant . . purchases. Identified nine community groups willing to helpNew Items include - Public . Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC), Keawenui easement, Kaiholena three southern parcels, Mahukona, Kukuipahu – Ha’ena, Hapu’u to Kapanai’a, Niuli’i to east side of Keokea (48 acres of coastal lands). Cultural history of lands is available in County offices. The Kohala Library may be asked for a designated area to share these records. Ainakea – Terry Harrison has an application for an eight parcel subdivision. Ranch at Puakea, south of Puakea Bay Ranch, has two oceanfront lots going for SMA permits. There is concern as to the lateral shoreline public access. State Historic Preservation Division is wondering if there are any historic trails on these lots. Ron asked if access will be available to drive along the coast at Upolu Point. Joe responded that despite both ends being fenced off, the gates are being left open for now. The presence of fencing and signs have resulted in a decrease in all terrain vehicle activity that had resulted in erosion. June 2 meeting. Kapa'a Park Restrooms - Bill Shontell and Surety Kohala Infrastructure A: supplied 3000 feet of plastic water pipe and assisted with laying a portion of the pipe from Surety's water source. A crew of volunteers headed by Bobby Glory laid the remaining pipe down to the park and connected it to the restroom facilities. The toilets are now flushing and a new shower has been installed. Mahukona Park Restrooms and Pavilion - The subcommittee requested the Park and Recreation Department transfer the portable restrooms from Kapa'a to the wharf area at Mahukona, and recommended a CIP be submitted for permanent restrooms. The pavilion will be assessed and a plan will be made for its restoration Work plan . for 2012 - Preparations are being made to develop a master plan for the subcommittee's work for the coming year. Viewplane Protection - The Historic/Scenic Byway preliminary application Infrastructure B: was accepted for nomination of the route between Pololu and Honokoa Gulch. A meeting will be scheduled soon with the Pololu area residents to receive their input. Years ago, a new lookout was proposed to be located lower down the hill, farther from the residents, with a better view all the way to Waimanu, and a trailhead starting lower, intersecting the present trail farther down. Rural infrastructure - Sediment retention efforts above the shoreline of Hawaiian Homelands, as well as Upolu Point, are proposed to be done by hand, without grading equipment, possibly in the form of check dams such as the grass fabric rolls containing native seed installed by hand above Pelekane Bay, Kawaihae. Electric Reliability - Follow-up after last meeting's presentation by Helco indicates improvements to Kohala's electric reliability are proposed to be routed in an hourglass shape, through Kohala Estates, Kohala Ranch, Kahua Ranch, down Honoipu to Mahukona. Since areas with a high growth rate are Helco's priority, substantial improvements are unlikely until such time as Kohala's growth increases. Collin cited the Housing Subcommittee mission statement as Affordable Housing: Communicate, Participate, Educate, Appreciate, and Alleviate. Contact has been made with potential sources of affordable housing. A meeting with Catholic Charity is planned for June 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Hall. Hawaiian Homelands point of contact is robertl@oha.org. Tinguely Development contact is phil@tinguelydevelopment.com. Self Help Homes Kamakua Phase II project has an estimated starting timeframe of September. Land for affordable housing is an ongoing concern. A May 18 meeting was held with Deborah Winter and Richard Russell to develop Agriculture: graphics and discuss strategic plans around the issue of North Kohala food sustainability. At a June 1 meeting, Marc Kinoshita, Project Manager of Hoea Ag Park, discussed the current status of the project. Marc, David Fuertes of Ka Hana Noeau, and Andrea Dean of Sustainable Initiatives have been meeting regularly to focus on developing a strategic plan for ag sustainability. Richard Liebmann will be attending their next meeting on July 11 with Deborah Winter and Kathie Pomeroy to form the new Ag subcommittee. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Fred Cachola encouraged the lookout at Pololu Valley to be a priority on the CIP list, as the Scenic Byway program is going to take time to get going. A Stewardship plan for accesses and properties acquired for open space should be carefully monitored. Fred agreed toilets are needed at Mahukona Park. A member of the public asked if there is any update on the siting of the transfer station. Giovanna responded no further site has been selected at this point. April Lee stated a priority should be to protect visitors on the Pololu trail. April encouraged keeping an open mind on fish farming and a new boat ramp, due to Kohala's isolation and vulnerability to being cut off in disasters. April suggested advertising for donors to help with school gardens. Daniel Otake spoke on Pololu as a difficult trail. More foot traffic will result in more impact. Giovanna agreed, citing the cleanup efforts required to keep the beach area clear of debris. Fred Cachola spoke again, suggesting the AC include community cultural events as part of the agenda, in part, to help develop a sense of place. ANNOUNCEMENTS : Rosalind announced applications are being accepted for future vacancies on the Action Committee, with a submittal deadline of August 15. NEXT MEETING: Date: Monday, July 11, 2011 Place: Kohala Senior Center Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Agenda: Land Use Activity Report – Rosalind Redistricting Report Proposals for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget Subcommittee Assignments to conduct research on open ocean aquaculture Subcommittee Reports ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved by Giovanna, seconded by Collin, and unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 6:00 p.m.