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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC Minutes 14Oct2014 DRAFT JNZY OF h,� William P.Kenoi �:•'�� �'.ol Duane Kanuha Mayor Director Bobby Command f•• N�M >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 Tuesday, October 14, 2014 DRAFT Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Patti Pinto called the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee (AC) to order at 3:01 p.m. in the Kea'au Community Center. The following persons were present: Action Committee: Sharon Daun, Elmer Solis, Leila Kealoha, Patti Pinto, Susan Osborne, June Conant, Farris Etterlee, Oshi Simsarian and Rene Siracusa. Staff. Larry Brown—PCDP Planner, Hans Santiago— my Planner and Keiko ercado—PCDP Planning Assistant. Members of the public: 8 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None ANNOUNCEMENTS: The November Action Committee Meetin scheduled for November I8th due to the 11th being Veteran's Day, a State and County holiday. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Seven people signed up to testify, four chose to testify at the start of the meeting and three chose to defer their testimony until their agenda items came up for consideration by the AC. 1. Stephanie Bath testified first on agenda item 1 under Unfinished Business, Communication No. 2014-63, the Draft Grubbing and Grading bill. She urged action be taken on this long neglected focus of the PCDP. Second to the transportation issues, protecting the natural treasures of Puna was forefront in the discussion when the PCDP was being created. The enforcement of grubbing and grading policies is an extremely important issue. Second, Stephanie testified on agenda item 4, Communication No. 2014-68, and urged the AC to accept and send the letter drafted to Mass Transit regarding the implementation of a Hub and Spoke system for Puna. With the impeding lava flow it will be critical to have a looping system in place. Third, Stephanie testified on agenda item 5 (Budget Subcommittee). She encouraged the funding for Mass Transit and the eradication of Albizia Trees. Lastly, Stephanie testified on agenda i m 1, stating that she strongly suggests that communication begin with W.H. Shipman d in an attempt to begin a discussion about opening up the Shipman side of Railroad Ave. 2. Toby Hazel tests on agenda item 10 (Impact of the Lava) and expressed her frustration over the attempted r oval of the Monkey Pod trees at the Senior Center in Pahoa. Toby says that she is tired of the imposition of the County and she would like this issue to be discussed more thoroughly. Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer 3. Jon Olson testified on agenda items 9 (Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan) and 10 (Impact of the Lava). "Pahoa is not going to disappear because it doesn't have an actual GPS, Pahoa is a state of mind." Pahoa has been through a lot and has always rebuilt. The question is "will there be a need for a Regional Town Center" in the future. This cannot be answered right now and will change as the needs change. This could be an opportunity to right some wrongs with regards to the creation of certain subdivisions. 4. Samantha Martoni testified on agenda item 8 (Town Meeting Subcommittee). As a Hawaiian Shores representative, she wanted to inform the AC of their support for a Village Center. The Hawaiian Shores Community is offering 10-12 acres of grassland for use as a possible "container town"type Village Center. HELCO, Oceanic Cable, Hawaiian Telcom, AT&T and Verizon are working on boosting services and the Police De has been invited to use the Community Center as a substation. 5. Charlie Maas testified on agenda item 9 (Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan). It is Charlie's strong recommendation that we keep pushing forward with the Pahoa ordinances even though it's his understanding that Councilman Kern has proposed taking the Pahoa ordinances off the table. It's possible that should these ordinances pass, they would have to be modified to fit the current situation as it plays out. Let's have them decide this on the Council level, lots of work has been put into this and it would be wrong to just dismiss it. Charlie also said that his recommendation would be to wait on a consultant for the town center master plan until we see how the lava plays out. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Elmer moved to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2014 meeting as submitted. Second by Rene. The motion to approve the minutes as submitted passed with 9 tes aye, 0 votes nay. Elmer moved to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2014 Special Meeting as submitted. Second by Rene. The motion to approve the minutes as su fitted passed with 9 votes aye, 0 votes nay. NEW BUSINESS: "A 1. Communication Nos. 2014-65 & 2014-69—Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee (CERS) Report: Marlene Hapai (CERS Chairperson) was out of town so CERS members Patti Pinto and Stephanie Bath shared the recent activity of the subcommittee. Pa ported that the PREP fair was very successful and that the mapping room provided new a. The subcommittee believes thehave completed their first mission of engaging the unity and collecting data to determine points of connectivity. It is now time for the su ittee to begin trying to implement the points of connectivity that the community has prove Stephanie explained the process of the mapping room and how data was collected and reco A report with the proposed connectivity locations will be presented at the next AC meetin November 18. Rene asked if the individual communities have been contacted regarding their particular connectivity locations for their approval. Stephanie explained that after the compilation of information is complete, they will look further into the viability of each connectivity location and then it will be presented to the appropriate communities for further input. Patti reminded the AC that over a year ago, Community Associations who were impacted by possible points of connectivity were sent surveys in an attempt to gain their input. Eleven Community Associations returned the surveys. Oshi expressed her thanks to the CERS for their work and her appreciation that they are looking towards the future beyond the current emergency. 2. Communication No. 2014-66—CERS Letter to Kalapana Sea View Estates (KSVE) Residents: Stephanie asked that the PCDP AC consider a draft letter to KSVE residents submitted by the CERS regarding connectivity location 931 suggesting a connection between Kamoamoa St. and Ohe Ele Rd. as presented in the Emergency Response Subcommittee of the PCDP Report on Prioritized Connectivity Locations, May 13, 2014. Larry asked if the CERS is suggesting the AC send the letter to each petitioner or to the Homeowner's Association. Patti agreed that they should send it to the Homeowners Association, both by mail and e-mail. Oshi wanted to clarify that the third paragraph was stating that CL#31 will remain on the list for the first report but the petition will be reflected in the Community Comments section of the 2015 updated report. Patti confirmed that CL 931 cannot be removed from the initial report because it represents the input of the public and it would be improper to de portion of the data collected. Sharon moved to approve Communication No. 2014-66. Second b Susan. Motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. 3. Communication No. 2014-67—Mass Transit Subcommittee (MT une summarized the subcommittee meeting minutes from September 23, 2014 and reported o the activities of the subcommittee. At the 2014 PREP Fair, Twenty five "bus u e surveys"were returned and the feedback was positive for implementing a Hub & Spoke sys . Some of the comments received on the surveys emphasized the need for bus service to'Snday church services and to the airports. Riders were also interested in express busses during peak hours, more in-depth coverage of subdivisions, better posting of schedules and better schedules for workers. Given the current projected path of the lava, this could be an ideal time to advocate for the Hub & Spoke system with the possibility establishing park and ride lots in Nanawale and Volcano. 4. Communication No. 2014-68—AC—Tiffany Kai Hub and Spoke Letter: The PCDP will consider the draft letter submitted by the MTSC urging implementation of a hub and spoke mass transit system y* Puna. Sharon moved to accept Communication No. 2014-68. Second by Elmer. Discussion ensued regarding the options both before and after the possibility of lava crossing over Hwy130. Also discussed were the possible locations of the park&ride in Nanawale. Stephanie clarified that the plan is asking for Kea`au to be the primary hub and Nanawale and Volcano to be the secondary hubs. Motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. 5. Communication No. 2014-70 Budget Subcommittee: Members from the Budget Subcommittee reported on their-progress in prioritizing existing CIP and identifying new items that should be recommended by the AC for inclusion in the FY 2014-16 CIP and General Operating budgets. Elmer will submit his CIP for a Grubbing & Grading brochure by the next AC meeting, if anyone else has a new CIP to submit it needs to be sent to members of the budget subcommittee as soon as possible. The priority list along with a cover letter and a list of questions will be presented to the AC for approval to be forwarded on to the Planning Department. 6. Mt. View Subcommittee: Patti gave a brief overview on the activities of the Mt. View Village Center Subcommittee. Frank Commendador has resigned as the Mt. View Subcommittee Chairperson and a new Chairperson has yet to be elected. Currently the Subcommittee is wrapping up the analysis of the Mt. View Shaping our Future Survey and finalizing their summary page. Work on the asset survey is progressing. The subcommittee has discussed the impacts that the lava might have on upper Puna with an increase in traffic, increased request for commercial development and an increased demand on the existing inadequate infrastructure. The water well that was completed approximately a year ago may go on line this year. The next meeting is Thursday,November 13th at 6pm at the Mt. View School cafeteria. 7. Communication No. 2014-71 —Volcano Long Range Plan: The PCDP AC considered the draft letter submitted by Sharon on behalf of the VLRP Subcommittee transmitting the Volcano Long Range Plan—July 2014 to the Planning Director. Leila moved to accept Communication No. 2014-71. Second by Rene. Sharon clarified that this letter is to accompany the VLRP to the Planning Director. 4 Rene moved to amend the first sentence of the sixth paragraph to read "We believe that our current......linked with the PCDP and the Hawaii County General Plan. " Second by Patti. Motion failed with 4 votes aye and S votes nay (Leila, Patti, Elmer, Sharon, June). Farris moved to amend the letter as follows: Amend the first sentence of&second paragraph to read "The attached 2014.....Plan (PCDP)". Remove the fourth paragraph completely. Amend the last sentence of the fifth paragraph to read "As such we believe.....you first whether the attached VLRP is adoptable in its current form or if a planning consultant is required. " Second by Susan. Motion failed with 0 votes aye, 8 votes nay and I vote to abstain (Leila). Oshi moved to amend the letter as follows: Amend the first sentence of the second paragraph to read "The attached 2014....is a strategic action plan....(PCDP). Remove the fourth paragraph completely. Second by Farris. The motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. OK Leila moved to amend the letter as follows: Switch paragraphs one and two. Add "RE: The attached Volcano Long Range Plan"above paragraph one. Add "encl: VLRP"at the end of the letter. Second by Elm . The motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. The main motion to accept Communication No. 2014-17 passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. 8. Town Meeting Subcommittee: Members of own Meeting Subcommittee reported on their efforts to gather information from the dif erent Community Associations regarding Village Center locations and the possible relocation of Pahoa businesses. Public Testimony: 1. L.J. Bates, Executive Direct of Kalani Honua testified that they are willing and able to help in any capacity that they can. After Hurricane Iselle, Kalani Honua became a hub r providing services and supplies and they would like to be able to do that again now. y are continuing to do business and are working with different vendors to increase storage and delivery of goods. Kalani Honua has been having great discussions with Civil Defense and a tower with a Ham Radio is being put in now to increase the ease of communication. Kalani Honua is 120 acres of Ag zoned land. The subcommittee reached out to about 20 different Community Associations and at this time has received little feedback. Leilani Community Association, Hawaiian Shores Community Association, Koa'e Community Association and Orchidland Community Association are the four associations who have provided information back to the subcommittee. The overall feeling is positive with most in favor of the smaller Village Centers and willing to help however they can but most of the areas do not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate a Village Center. The subcommittee is continuing to move forward and will present information as they gather it. The next step is to facilitate a meeting that includes as many Community Associations as are willing to participate,to discuss options related to the Village Town Centers that are feasible. 9. Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan: The AC discussed the status of the Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan project, including options and recommendations to the Planning Director for moving forward. Public Testimony: 1. Mark Hinshaw, member of the Pahoa Regional Town Center Subcommittee, testified on his frustration that the three ordinances were pulled from the Planning Commissions Agenda. He would like to continue pushing forward with the ordinances and urged the AC to support their efforts. If the ordinances are approved, they can be amended if need be with regards to the lava and the impact it will have on Pahoa. Mark stressed the need to have these ordinances come before the Planning Commission. Larry noted that the next Planning Committee meet' on November 3rd and this would be the next opportunity for the ordinances to be on the agenda. There are valid concerns about the impact the lava will have on Pahoa. Rene agrees with Mark that no matter how the flow bisects Pahoa the design guidelines would be valid on both sides of the flow. By not putting forward we may be giving more people an opportunity to take advantage of the situatio After some discussion it was decided that the AC would draft a letter to send to the Planning Director. Sharon moved to table agenda item 9 until the end of the meet* g. Second by Leila. The motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. After the last agenda item was discussed, Sharon moved to brie agenda item 9 back to the table. Second by Leila. The motion passed with 9 votes aye an0 votes nay. Oshi moved that the AC accept a draft letter to the Planning Department, Councilperson Zendo Kern and Councilperson Greggor Ragan regarding the Pahoa Plan and related ordinances. Second by Sharon. The letter is as follows o: Duane Kanuha Zendo Kern, Yreggor Illagan From: Patti Pinto, Chair PCDP AC Re: An ordinance amending Chapter 25, HCC, establishing the Pahoa Village District as a special district under article 7. An ordinance amending Chapter 25, HCC,relating to the review applications for Ian Approval and Planned Unit Development projects in special districts with dopted design guidelines. An ordinance amending Chapter 3, HCC relating to the regulation of signs in the Pahoa Village District. The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan urges you to support the placement of the three ordinances intended to create the Pahoa Village Design District that are necessary to implement the Design Guidelines on the County Council agenda at the earliest possible time. These ordinances continue to be urgently needed to guide development in Pahoa especially in these times of uncertainty and the relocation of businesses. Mahalo for your consideration and all the valuable work you do. The motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. 10. Impact of Lava: The PCDP AC discussed the impacts that the lava flow is having on the Puna Community and the potential short term and long-range effect it may have on implementing the PCDP. Rene started by clarifying that neither she nor Malama O Puna were responsible for the planned removal of the Monkey Pod trees. Puna Community Medical Center is working with several County agencies to ensure medical service south of the lava flow. oking like the old Neighborhood Place of Puna building will be the new location for PCMo1w ith room for Clinical Laboratories also. Both Councilperson Ilagan and Councilperson Kern have committed to providing monies to support these efforts. There has been talk of a possible vending machine type medication dispenser, a mobile dental van for Clinic patients, and the possibility of Kaiser allowing their patients to seek services at PC Farris expressed concern about the fact that X mbers live on the south side of the flow and that may impact future meetings of the Oshi verbalized her appreciation of this agenda item being added. It's a way for the AC to inform each other and stay abreast to everything that is happening during this time. It's comforting to hear the different supports being set up for the south side of the flow. Leila shared that right now the smoke is probably the biggest problem. Everyday has been extremely smoky, and she's been keeping all of her windows and doors closed with the air purifier going constantly. Poor air quality may be the reason people move sooner than later. Patti asked if the Planning Dept. has received any requests from businesses to relocate. Larry said that he hasn't been informed of any such requests, however there have been several permits requested to move homes from one property to another. There have also been reports of renters moving out and not paying their owed rent or water bills, squatters, and a possible increase in crime. Farris reported that Puna Beach Palisades is trying to organize a Neighborhood Watch but is having difficulty getting signs to be put up. Elmer announced that the VFW has partnered up with the VA to have a doctor available on the south side of the flow should it cross HWY 130. Through all of the uncertainty, communities are coming together and there are some positive things coming out of all of this. At this point many people are intending to stay on the south side of the flow and are doing their best to work together. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Communicatio No. 2014-63—Draft Grubbing and Grading Bill Proposed by Malama O Puna: The AC considered a draft bill presented by Rene, proposing stiff fines and penalties for land owners and heavy equipment operators who violate the existing grubbing and grading laws. Rene explained that she added a really big penalty because she knows that it will get whittled down. The idea is to create a strong disincentive to improper grubbing and grading. Farris suggested that new regulations and standards be listed in the bill. Larry suggested that the bill needs more specificity. For example, specifically address what changes are being asked for in the code. Elmer moved to refer the document back to Malama O Puna for further editing. Second by Leila. The motion passed with 9 votes aye and 0 votes nay. AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: (November 18, 2014) 1. Review of Malama O Puna's draft grubbing and grading bill. 2. Town Hall Subcommittee 3. Budget Subcommittee 4. Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee 5. Impact of Lava ADJOURNMENT: The Chair, without objection, adjourned the mee ' at 6:0 p.m.