HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC-PD Pahoa Plan 8Apr14 JNZY OF h,�
William P.Kenoi �:•'�� �'.ol Duane Kanuha
Mayor Director
Bobby Command
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>e oF'N►�' Deputy Director
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
April 8, 2014
Duane Kanuha, Director
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Initiating Development for the Pahoa Plan
Aloha Director Kanuha,
The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan, respectfully requests that the
selection and hiring of a consultant to write the Pahoa Plan occur as soon as possible. Though there
has been discussion about writing the plan in house, we do not believe there is adequate staff available
for this task. Therefore, we support the hiring of an outside consultant. The intensity of recent
development activity in Pahoa has made it critically important that a comprehensive strategic plan to
guide the development of Pahoa as a Regional Town Center is created and adopted before any more
opportunities are lost in preserving our community. Therefore, we urge you to initiate the process
without further delay.
We are aware of the urgency of the situation, as several businesses and landowners in the Pahoa
community are coming under pressure from the EPA regarding existing waste water system
deficiencies. Also, a variety of other infrastructure and safety issues need to be addressed in order for
local entrepreneurs to be able to establish their businesses. Businesses are struggling to open and meet
guidelines with no plan in place and no certainty about how to address regulations. There are many
empty storefronts and current businesses are under risk of being shut down by the EPA.
Mahalo for your time, understanding and support of the Pahoa community.
Sincerely,
(A— Z(—
Patti Pinto
Chair, PCDP AC
CC: Mayor Kenoi
Zendo Kern, Council Member 5th Dist.
Greggor Ilagan, Council Member 4th Dist.
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer