HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-29 PRTCSC corrected minutes 6July15Communication No. 2015 -29
Pahoa Regional Town Center Steering Committee
Meeting July 6, 2015
The steering committee convened at 8:00 am at Luquin's and in response to the Mayor's request,
re- convened at the Mayor's office in Hilo at 9:00 am. At the Luquin's portion of the meeting we
addressed (1) the formation of the Design District Review Committee. Mark agreed to work with
Mainstreet Pahoa to expedite the recruitment of Review Committee members. Hans Santiago has
offered assistance. (2) Evident development on the Ogasuwara property, has anything come before
Planning? The question arose, is the Steering Committee still being made aware of permit requests
in the Pahoa Village area?
Mayor Kenoi's Office, 9:15 am
Present: Mayor Billy Kenoi, State Representative Joy San Buenaventura, Planning Director Duane
Kanuha, Deputy Planning Director Bobby Command, Mark Hinshaw, Madie Greene, Patti Pinto, Jon
Olson. By telephone: Environmental Management Director Bobby -Jean Leithead -Todd, County
Representative Danny Paleka.
Agenda
1. Pahoa Planning Consultant /Waste Water Study: The recent history of the planning
consultant hiring was discussed as well as the letters from the Planning Department stating
the hiring of the consultant was on hold, primarily due to staffing issues. The concerns of
the PRTCSC ( Pahoa Regional Town Center Steering Committee) are that Pahoa remains
without a guiding plan for development and waste water treatment; development is on-
going, possible future projects such as the Regional Library could be impacted. The
community members have gathered the data, a professional planner is needed to create the
Plan and the waste water feasibility study is necessary. It was pointed out that the planning
study area has been impacted by lava inundation which makes certain circulation
alternatives unfeasible so a re- assessment of the study area and objectives is necessary. It
was agreed that a re- allocation of both planning and feasibility funds may be in order and
that we would meet to firm up those priorities.
2. Luquin's Parking Lot and Parking Alternatives: Discussion about the stalled efforts to
negotiate the purchase of portions of Luquin's parking lot. Danny and Greggor will pursue
the negotiations for the project.
3. Post Office Road Extension /Widening: Discussion of widening of Post Office Road to pave
the shoulders on the available right of way to allow for safe pedestrian traffic between
Highway 130 and Village Road. A relatively small project estimated to cost $50,000-
$90,000. Joy agreed to investigate State DOT willingness to install a traffic light at the
intersection. Extension of Post Office Road into the new Park is part of phase II of the
project. Could the Planning Department please initiate this project with Public Works?
4. Lava Viewing and Education Center: Discussion of the need to provide a lava viewing area in
Pahoa, tourist demand, Pahoa merchant request. Joy agreed to approach the land owner at
the lava /road junction on Apa'a Road to see if he is willing to provide space for a
Communication No. 2015 -29
parking /restroom /education kiosk on his property. Specific land use questions still need to
be addressed.
Space for large tour buses to park at Community Center /swimming pool upper parking lot
for large buses and other alternate tourist parking /restroom places in Pahoa was discussed.
It is an issue that requires further investigation, work with appropriate departments, and
study as part of the Pahoa Plan.
Adjourn 10:25 am