HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-58 Infrastructure Fourm Summary 9-25-13Communication No. 2013 -58
Puna Infrastructure Hui Meeting
September 25, 2013 1:30 pm
W. H. Shipman, Limited, 16 -523 Kea`au -Pahoa Road, Kea`au
In attendance: Bill Walter, Russell Ruderman, Mark Hinshaw, Dan Taylor, Bobby Command,
Greggor Ilagan, Larry Brown, Marlene Hapai, Kimo Lee, Patti Pinto
Absent: Zendo Kern, Richard Onishi, Faye Hanohano, Duane Kanuha
The agenda for this second meeting was to survey, review and discuss infrastructure projects
needed in Puna and see if we can select one or two as top priority projects and put our support
behind seeing the project become reality.
Proiects suggested
Regional Library Medical Center
Pohoiki Swim area Jobs in Puna
Roads in Puna (substandard and connecting) Food Production in Puna
Waste Water Treatment in Pahoa Mass Transit, Hub and Spoke
In addition to discussion of Puna's infrastructure needs, the greater question of how do we
collaborate between State Senate and House and County Representatives, the PCDP Action
Committee, County Planning Department and volunteer planning and activist groups in Puna.
As all projects will be done in a piece by piece manner, we need to have a strategic plan so that
we can prioritize the work that needs to be done and ensure that there is equitable and intelligent
allocation of improvements. There are several priority lists in play; can we synchronize them
with the PCDP Action Committee list?
Funding of projects was discussed. Improvement districts were suggested. We discussed the
importance of stakeholders demonstrating a willingness and ability to participate in the funding
of a project.
The concept of a shovel ready project was discussed. How do we present a project that is ready
to break ground?
Greggor reported that he had spent a week commuting on Hele On and had surveyed the riders.
He met with Tiffany Kai to discuss various suggestions for greater and more responsive service.
Greggor was encouraged to collaborate with the PCDP subcommittee on Mass Transit.
Puna roads were discussed and various means of funding improvements.
We brought the meeting to a close with a discussion of whether we could decide on a single
project that we consider to be a first priority and can we all support its progress. It was decided
that the wastewater treatment for Pahoa project will be that project. As CIP funding for a
feasibility study for wastewater treatment and for a planning consultant for the Pahoa Regional
Town Center Plan have both been approved, our next step is to write a letter in support of these
two projects and urging the Mayor to release the funds.
Patti volunteered to write the letter and to circulate it among the participants.