HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-34.1 PCDP ProgressReport May 2014 to April 2015-DRAFTCommunication No. 2015 -34.1
PUMA COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Fifth Progress Report
Implementation of Actions
May 2014 - April 2015
Malama Puna A Mau Loa
(Take Care of Puna Forever)
A
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
(All members serving during this reporting period)
June Conant
Sharon Daun
Farris Etterlee
Leila Kealoha
Susan Osborne
Patti Pinto
Oshi Simsarian
Rene Siracusa
Elmer Solis
Planning Department
Duane Kanuha
Planning Director
Larry M. Brown & Hans Santiago
CDP Planners
Keiko Mercado
Community Planning Assistant
William P. Kenoi
Mayor
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Duane Kanuha
Director
Bobby Command
Deputy Director
West Hawaii Office
74 -5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua -Kona, Hawaii 96740
Phone (808) 323 -4770
Fax (808) 327 -3563
East Hawaii Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961 -8288
Fax (808) 961 -8742
Aloha,
On behalf of the Planning Department and the Puna Community Development Plan
Action Committee, I am pleased to present this Fifth Puna CDP Progress Report for the period
May 2014 to April 2015. Printed copies of the Puna CDP are available at the Hilo, Pahoa,
Kea`au and Mt. View public libraries, and in the Planning Department. Printed copies may also
be purchased from the Planning Department at a cost of $10.00 each. To view the online version
in PDF format go to http: / /tinyurl.com/Puna -CDP.
This report provides a summary of the progress made by the Puna Community
Development Plan Action Committee (PCDP AC), government agencies, community groups and
associations and individuals in the community towards implementing the Actions called for in
the Puna CDP during this reporting period. Previous progress reports are also available online
at http: / /tinyurl.com/PCDP- Progress - Reports.
In order for any community development plan to remain viable and relevant it is
important that it have broad -based public support for the goals and objectives defining the
community vision. To that end, the Action Committee and the Planning Department continue to
encourage ongoing public participation in the CDP process. It is also important to recognize the
efforts and achievements of those engaged in this process, which are hopefully captured in this
report.
Mahalo to all of the community volunteers and organizations, private sector
entrepreneurs, and government agencies that have contributed to the accomplishments to date
and those to come.
Sincerely,
DUANE KANUHA
Planning Director
www.cohplanningdept.com
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
planning@co.hawaii.hi.us
Puna Community Development Plan
Fifth Progress Report on Implementation Actions
May 2014 through April 2015
BACKGROUND
The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) was adopted by ordinance on September 10,
2008; amended by Ordinance 10 -104 on November 4, 2010; amended on June 8, 2011, by
Ordinance Nos. 11 -51, 11 -52, and 11 -53; and amended on December 6, 2011, by Ordinance Nos.
11 -117 and 11 -118. The five (5) amendments adopted in November and December 2011 were
those suggested by the PCDP Action Committee and introduced by the Planning Director
following the adoption of Ordinance 10 -104. They include:
1. Ordinance No. 11 -51 relating to Mass Transit Hele -On Service to the Hilo and Keahole
International Airports, calling for regular service from all existing and future routes.
2. Ordinance No. 11 -52 relating to transportation and the development of at least one scenic
turnout near Kehena Beach that includes restroom facilities and an emergency phone.
3. Ordinance No. 11 -53 relating to community park designations in Hawaiian Acres, to be
determined through a community involvement process.
4. Ordinance No. 11- 117 relating to non - substantive formatting and clerical revisions to the
Puna CDP.
5. Ordinance No. 11 -118 relating to reinsertion of the word "Preliminary" in the boundary
title for the Regional Town Centers, Community Village Centers and Neighborhood
Village Centers depicted in figures 5 -1 to 5 -11.
The PCDP is intended to serve as an extension of the County of Hawaii General Plan by
articulating district - sensitive specific growth management strategies and the delivery of
governmental services through a broad -based community input process. According to Chapter
16 -4 of the Hawaii County Code (HCC), each community development plan shall have an
Action Committee (AC), which is advisory to the Planning Director, to serve as a proactive,
community -based steward of the plan's implementation and update.
The First Annual Progress Report on Implementation of Actions was approved by the AC at its
May 10, 2011 meeting.
The Second Annual Progress Report on Implementation of Actions was approved by the AC at
its June 12, 2012 meeting.
The Third Annual Progress Report on Implementation of Actions was approved by the AC at its
July 9, 2013 meeting.
The Fourth Annual Progress Report on Implementation of Actions was approved by the AC at its
August 12, 2014 meeting.
Action Committee:
Seat vacancies are extremely rare and failing to meet quorum occurred only once in June when at
least five members were not available due to business or personal vacations. The AC has
continued to engage an increasing number of residents and stakeholders in the implementation
projects being pursued.
PUNA CDP ACTION COMMITTE
Current Membership:
June Conant — Hawaiian Paradise Park Susan Osborne — Leilani Estates
Sharon Daun — Mountain View Patti Pinto, Chair — Fern Acres
Farris Etterlee — Puna Beach Palisades Oshi Simsarian — Pahoa
Leila Kealoha — `Opihikao/Kaueleau Rene Siracusa — Ka`ohe Homesteads
Elmer Solis, V -Chair — Hawaiian Paradise Park
This reporting period can be defined by two significant events that affected the Puna Community.
Tropical Storm Iselle made landfall on August 8, 2014 and caused significant damage to
structures and infrastructure in the Puna area. Many homes and businesses were without power;
up to five weeks for some. Roads were blocked and power lines downed by invasive albezia
trees. The Puna Community banded together and assisted each other to clear roads and provide
ice and other necessities to those in need. The storm highlighted some genuine community
concerns that the PCDP AC members have been addressing in their subcommittees. Foremost is
the need for emergency connectivity between subdivisions that the Connectivity and Emergency
Response Subcommittee (CERS) has been working on. Additionally, the CERS held its second
annual Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Fair on August 30, 2014 at the Kea`au High School.
This community event had approximately 300 volunteers, 72 exhibitors, and approximately 2000
participants. Valuable data was collected from PREP Fair participants including demographics,
road connectivity suggestions and comments on existing connectivity points.
The June 27th Lava Flow from Kilauea Volcano threatened Pahoa Village and Highway 130.
The lava flow was on a direct course to cover Highway 130 and cut off thousands of lower Puna
residents from basic necessities and services. Several major businesses closed as the threat
became imminent. Access to food, medicine and fuel became increasingly difficult for the Pahoa
service area residents. In response, the PCDP AC held a special meeting on September 22, 2014
at the Nanawale Community Center. The purpose of the meeting was to provide to the Planning
Director comments and recommendations on the relocation of existing businesses with respect to
the land use goals, objectives and actions of the PCDP. Subsequently, the Town Meeting
Subcommittee proceeded to survey the various Puna subdivisions /communities as to their
willingness, types of infrastructure, and availability of land to host commercial activities and
services if /when the lava flow inundated Pahoa Village. A report summarizing that survey was
submitted to the Planning Department in November 2014. Fortunately, the lava threat has
subsided and businesses have returned to Pahoa.
Other topics of discussion for this reporting period are as follows. The Planning Department
budget included funds making it possible to again hire a Community Planning Assistant to help
with the administration of AC meetings, web site updating, AC tool development and the
preparation of this annual report. Community -based development of village center plans,
roadway connectivity recommendations and emergency preparedness awareness, implementation
of mass transit issues, new park development and the enhancement of existing parks,
collaborative planning to broaden local access to medical services, and open space preservation
remain notable among the activities and efforts of AC members and other community volunteers
during this reporting period.
2
During the December 9, 2014 meeting the AC members elected Patti Pinto to serve as Chair and
Elmer Solis to serve as Vice -Chair of the PCDP AC for the next 12 months.
Meetings:
Regular monthly meetings of the AC continued to be held at the Kea`au Community Center from
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month during the period of May 2014 to
April 2015. A special meeting was held on September 22, 2014.
Subcommittees:
The AC has several subcommittees focused on projects initiated by AC members and /or
community groups seeking to implement specific Action items in the PCDP. Subcommittees
consist of 1 to 4 AC members and other community volunteers interested in the purpose or task
of the subcommittee. Listed in the table below are the current active subcommittees, the
purpose of the subcommittee and the AC members involved at the end of this reporting period.
Membership does change from time to time.
Subcommittee
Date SC Formed
Purpose
Activities
Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan
Members: Oshi Simsarian, Elmer Solis & Patti Pinto
2/14/12
Prepare a master plan for Pahoa Village
• Monthly meetings
• Develop design
guidelines
• Develop ordinances for
special district
• Plan development
Budget
8/12/14
Prepare General Operating
• Develop PCDP priorities
Members: Farris Etterlee,
and Capital Improvements
. Develop and submit
Elmer Solis, Oshi Simsarian
Projects (CIP) budget
FIS /CIP requests
& Susan Osborne
recommendations for
. Coordinate with agencies
submittal to the County.
on fiscal priorities
Mt. View Village Center
10/9/12
Prepare a master plan for a
• Monthly meetings
Plan
Mt. View Village Center.
. Conduct public surveys
Members: Sharon Daun &
• Compile background
Patti Pinto
information
• Community outreach
• Plan development
Connectivity and
12/11/12
Identify inter - subdivision
• Monthly meetings
Emergency Response
connectivity criteria and
. Hold community events
Members: Sharon Daun,
appropriate connection
to gather feedback
Farris Etterlee, Patti Pinto &
locations. Expanded to
. Prioritize connectivity
Susan Osborne
include emergency
locations
preparedness within
. Coordinate with agencies
subdivision communities.
Mass Transit
2/12/13
Identify strategy for
• Monthly meetings
Members: June Conant &
implementing mass transit
. Develop mass transit
Sharon Daun
provisions of the PCDP.
priorities
• Coordinate with agencies
Subcommittee
Date SC
Formed
Purpose
Activities
Volcano Long Range Plan
4/8/14
Prepare a master plan for
• Monthly meetings
Members: Sharon Daun
Volcano Village.
• Conduct public surveys
• Compile background
information
• Community outreach
• Plan development
Town Hall Subcommittee
5/13/14
Coordinate informational
• Attend community
Members: Elmer Solis,
events for the community
meetings and events
Leila Kealoha, Susan
regarding the functions of
. Met with community
Osborne, Sharon Daun
the PCDP.
organizations
• Develop PCDP
informational brochure
• Survey community
organizations for lava
preparations
Budget Priority List:
The AC list of priority Actions as amended on January 10, 2014 was subsequently replaced
through the budget process and became the Budget Priority List on April 14, 2015. Priority
rankings were assigned to each department's CIP appropriation list as it pertains to PCDP
planning area. This list includes all current CIP appropriations including those submitted by the
individual Departments and not specifically submitted by the PCDP AC. Most of the projects
were assigned one or more AC members as "champions" of the project. Champions are to track
the efforts of their assigned projects. Each project is in varying stages of development.
CIVIL DEFENSE PROJECTS
1. Lower Puna Community Relief Center (Civil Defense initiated CIP request)
Champion: Elmer Solis
The FY 2012 -2013 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $200,000 for the design,
development, and construction of a new multi - functional facility to support emergency
and disaster response and recovery operations in the lower Puna area.
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROJECTS
1. Kea`au Fire Station Replacement (PCDP 3.4.1a)
Champion:
The FY 2011 -2012 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $600,000 for the
development of a fire station serving the Kea`au area. This CIP request could potentially
be combined with item 93 listed below.
2. HPP Fire Station Replacement (PCDP 3.4.1a, 3.4.3a)
Champion: June Conant
The FY 2011 -2012 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $775,000 for the
development of a fire station serving the Hawaiian Paradise Park community. The AC
F1
will need to coordinate with the Fire Department to get this CIP request re- appropriated
(lapsed June 2014).
3. Puna Regional Fire Station (PCDP 3.4.1a)
Champion:
The FY 2013 -2014 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $300,000 for the
development of a fire station serving the Puna region. This CIP request could provide
local services to the Kea`au Community and replace CIP item 91 above.
4. Puna Water Safety District Operations Facility (Fire Department initiated request)
Champion: Leila Kealoha
The FY 2012 -2013 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $150,000 to develop a
facility for the operations of the Water Safety Offices to improve operational efficiency.
MASS TRANSIT AGENCY PROJECTS
1. Kea`au Bus Terminal (PCDP 4.2.1a, 4.2.1c, 4.2.3c.1)
Champions: June Conant & Leila Kealoha
The FY 2013 -2014 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $300,000 to develop a mass
transit facility for the Puna region.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT PROJECTS
1. Ahalanui Beach Park New Comfort Station & DPR Ahalanui / Pohoiki Bay Beach
Parks (PCDP 3.5.3b.1)
Champions: Leila Kealoha & Susan Osborne
The FY 2013 -2014 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.2 million for a new
comfort station and appurtenant improvements to address the needs of this heavily
utilized park.
2. Pohoiki Swimming Area Study & Planning (PCDP 3.5.3b.2)
Champion: Oshi Simsarian
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $40,000 for a feasibility study
and preliminary planning to develop a safe swimming area at Isaac Hale Beach Park.
3. Pahoa Park Expansion (PCDP 3.5.3c.2)
Champions: Rene Siracusa & Elmer Solis
The FY 2013 -2014 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $20 million to support the
improvement and expansion of the Pahoa Regional Park.
4. Isaac Hale Beach Park Expansion (PCDP 3.5.1 a)
Champion: Oshi Simsarian
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $12 million for infrastructure
improvements, new buildings or structures at Isaac Hale Beach Park.
5. Mountain View Gym & Adjoining Bldgs. Roofing & Gutters (PCDP 3.5.3c.6)
Champion: Patti Pinto & Sharon Daun
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $200,000 for re- roofing and
new gutters & down spouts at the Mt. View Gym.
6. Kikala- Keokea New Park Development (PCDP 3.5. lb)
Champion: Leila Kealoha
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.5 million for the planning,
engineering & design of infrastructure improvements, new buildings or structures at the
proposed Kikala- Keokea Beach Park.
7. Mt. View Senior Center Kitchen & Restroom Facility (PCDP 3.5.3c.8)
Champion: Patti Pinto
The FY 2011 -2012 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1 million to construct a
kitchen and restroom facility at the Mt. View Senior Center.
8. HPP Community Park (PCDP 3.5.3c.4)
Champion: June Conant
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $300,000 for the development
of a community park.
9. Kurtistown Park Improvements (PCDP 3.5.1b, 3.5.1c)
Champion:
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.15 million to recondition
the old baseyard site, resurface basketball and tennis courts, construct dugouts, and
improve emergency water spigot access.
10. Herbert Shipman Park Lighting Improvements (PCDP 3.5.3c.3(5))
Champion:
The FY 2011 -2012 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $750,000 for the installation
of outdoor lighting for recreational functions of the park.
11. Shipman Park Improvements (PCDP 3.5.3c.3)
Champion:
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $300,000 for park expansion,
improvements and new facilities.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT PROJECTS
1. Pahoa Regional Town Center Master Plan (PCDP 2.1.3a.2 & 3.1.3d.1)
Champions: Patti Pinto, Oshi Simsarian & Elmer Solis
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included appropriations of $300,000 for a sewer feasibility
study and $150,000 to initiate a community -based effort to prepare a strategic growth
management master plan suitable for adoption by the County that establishes Pdhoa as a
regional town center and Special Design District.
2. Volcano Long Range Plan (PCDP 2.1.3a.1 & 2.2.3a. & 3.1.3d.1)
Champion: Sharon Daun
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $100,000 for community -
based efforts to update the Volcano Long Range Plan with the intent of creating a growth
management plan for the village, establishing a historic and /or design district and a forest
canopy overlay district suitable for adoption by the County.
POLICE DEPARTMENT PROJECTS
1. Puna Regional Police Station (PCDP 3.4.1a)
Champion:
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $300,000 to develop a police
station for the Puna region.
Al
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
1. South Lauko Road Connectivity (PCDP 4.3.1a, 4.3.2c, 4.3.3a.5)
Champions: Patti Pinto & Sharon Daun
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1 million for land acquisition
and infrastructure improvement to reconnect South Lauko Road with Puhala Street.
2. Puna Inner - Connectivity and Emergency Access Routes (PCDP 4.3.3a.3, 4.3.3a.5)
Champion: Patti Pinto
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1 million for land acquisition,
infrastructure improvement, planning, feasibility, engineering and design studies for
various connectivity and emergency access routes.
3. Highway 137 Biking/Walking Path Feasibility Study (PCDP 3.5.3d.1, 3.5.3d.3,
4.5.3f.5)
Champion: Farris Etterlee
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $35,000 for a feasibility study
on developing a biking and walking path for the Highway 137 corridor.
4. Highway 137 Scenic Turnouts (PCDP 4.5.3£5)
Champion: Farris Etterlee
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $40,000 for local community
effort to create scenic overlook pullouts and walking /biking pathways along the Red
Road corridor.
5. Puna CDP Road Projects (PCDP 4.5.34)
Champion: Patti Pinto
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $400,000 for associated
community efforts.
6. Pahoa Town Center Land (PCDP 3.5.3c2)
Champions: Oshi Simsarian & Elmer Solis
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $3.259 million to purchase
land in Pdhoa Village to create a public parking lot.
7. Highway 132 Road Shoulder repair, widening & clearing (PCDP 4.3.1c)
Champion: Oshi Simsarian
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $200,000 to clear vegetation,
prepare and widen the shoulder of Highway 132 between the 0.5mm and the 4mm to
allow for safer pedestrian and bicycle movement.
8. Post Office Road Extension (PCDP 4.3.2c)
Champions: Elmer Solis, Oshi Simsarian & Patti Pinto
The FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $201,000 for planning and
land acquisition to extend the road to provide for an alternate connection between Pdhoa
Village Road and the new Pdhoa Regional Park.
9. Kuauli Road Traffic Improvements (PCDP 4.3.1d)
Champion: Patti Pinto & Farris Etterlee
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1 million to create a right turn
lane from Kuauli Road onto Highway 11.
10. Puna Emergency Access Road Improvements (Hawaiian Acres) (PCDP 4.3.2c)
Champion: Patti Pinto & Farris Etterlee
11
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.1 million for spot
resurfacing and drainage improvements.
11. South Knlani Road Improvements (PCDP 4.3.1d)
Champion: Patti Pinto & Farris Etterlee
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.5 million for repaving of
roadway to create safe pullouts on South Kulani Road.
12. Puna Makai Alternate Route (PCDP 4.3.2b)
Champion: Patti Pinto & Farris Etterlee
The FY 2009 -10 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $190,000 for feasibility study
for the Puna Makai Alternate Route. There is no current appropriation for this project.
13. Apa`a Street Improvements (Blind curve realignments) (PCDP 4.3.1d)
Champion: Rene Siracusa
The FY 2012 -2013 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $200,000 to realign blind
curves along Apa`a Street.
14. Pahoa Village Road Drywells (PCDP 4.3.1d)
Champion: Elmler Solis & Farris Etterlee
The FY 2013 -14 CIP Budget included an appropriation of $1.1 million to construct,
repair and maintain drywells along Pahoa Village Road.
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS WITH NO CIP APPROPRIATIONS
1. Glenwood Park Improvement (PCDP 3.5.3cl)c)
AC Champion effort to initiate actions to address safety concerns related to the existing
Glenwood Park alongside Hwy. 11.
2. Management Plan for Wai`opae Marine Life Conservation District (PCDP 3.5.3.e.2)
Application submitted to the Public Access Open Spaces and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission for acquisition of 322+ acres south of Vacationland Hawaii
subdivision and adjacent to the Wai`opae Marine Life Conservation District.
3. Establish Hub and Spoke Public Transit System in Puna (PCDP 4.2.3b.4)
Mass Transit Subcommittee continued to work with the Mass Transit Agency and County
Council representatives to encourage planning and implementation of hub - and -spoke
transit system and develop transit hubs in Kea`au, Pahoa, Volcano and Mt. View.
PCDP PROJECTS NOT STARTED
1. Upgrade Wastewater Disposal Practices in Lower Puna (PCDP 2.3.3)
Renew efforts to establish a plan for Kapoho Beach Lots subdivision that would produce
appropriate wastewater management practices.
2. Secure Mobile telephone and Internet Service for all of Puna (PCDP 3.4.3.c)
3. Acquire and Develop Coastal Parks (PCDP 3.5.3.b; 3.5.3.c; 3.5.3.e)
4. Secure Land & Build Infrastructure for Farmers' Markets (PCDP 3.2.34)
5. Articulate a policy that promotes Agriculture Tourism (PCDP 3.2.31)
Budgets
In an effort to manage current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) appropriations and AC
priorities, the AC did not submit any new CIP requests for this budget cycle. The total Puna CIP
N.
budget of $57,175,000.00 is compiled from existing CIP appropriations. The total appropriation
includes CIP requests from agencies and only defines the total value of current CIP projects
approved. Actual funding for projects may be substantially lower than that appropriated.
The only Operating Budget request was for $20,000.00. The requested funds were to be used to
contract with a person qualified to assist the PCDP Planner and the PCDP AC in the ongoing
efforts to implement the PCDP.
Guidance and Advocacy
The PCDP AC reviewed three applications for change of zone, one application for a State Land
Use Boundary Amendment, and two applications for special permits within the PCDP planning
area and provided comments to the Planning Director and /or appropriate agency on the
consistency of the project being proposed with the goals and objectives of the PCDP.
Additionally, the AC reviewed and commented on the proposed LUPAG amendment for
portions of the Kea`au Regional Town Center area. All are listed below:
Change of Zone Applications
Paul Ogasawara, Change of Zone (REZ 14 -176) from RS -15 to CV -10 for Tax Map
Key 1 -5- 014:005.
130 Holdings LLC, Change of Zone (REZ 14- 000184) from Agricultural 3 acre to
Village Commercial 1 acre for Tax Map Key 1 -6- 010:083.
Harry and Sandra Freitas, Change of Zone (REZ 14- 000185) from Agricultural 20
acres to Agricultural 5 acres for Tax Map Key 1 -8- 005:133.
State Land Use Boundary Amendment
130 Holdings LLC, State Land Use Boundary Amendment Application (SLU 14-
000041) from Agriculture to Urban for Tax Map Key 1 -6- 010:083.
Special Permit Applications
Peter Blake, Lunch Wagon and Eating Area, Application SPP 14 -167.
Ronald Quade, D.D.S., Professional Dental Clinic, Application SPP 14 -168.
Amendments to the General Plan
The AC commented on the Planning Director- initiated Amendment to Map 14 of the
Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide ( LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawaii General
Plan. Land use designation from Low Density Urban to Urban Expansion Area and
Important Agricultural Land to Urban Expansion Area.
Puna CDP Amendments
On May 13, 2014, the AC approved amending the operating guidelines as adopted by the AC in
2009 to include the PCDP mission statement as written, as #4 in the guidelines. "The mission of
the PCDP is to develop a sustainable, efficient, and organized plan that serves the diverse
community of Puna, and protects and nurtures the `aina."
Puna CDP Implementation Update
7
The PCDP AC, State of Hawaii, County of Hawaii and other private or community groups
have engaged in a variety of projects either consistent with the goals and objectives of the PCDP
or specific Actions called for within the plan. The attached table lists those PCDP Action items
that are actively being implemented and identifies significant accomplishments and milestones
achieved during the reporting period.
May 2014 -April 2015
PCDP Goal, Objective & Action Items
Progress Update
2.2.1 b. Destruction of native forest
Building in Puna Brochure Work on the
through development activity is abated
grubbing and grading brochure commences.
2.2.1 c. The spread of invasive species
through abandonment of previously cleared
areas is reduced
2.2.2 d. Increase the County's role in
helping to sustain the native forest,
primarily through tax incentives, new
regulations and zoning changes.
3.1.3 d. Facilitate land use entitlements
Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan (PRTCP):
and financing for the development of new
village /town centers by:
o The Pahoa Village Design Guidelines
1) Creating a regional town center plan
adopted by Resolution Number 454 -14
for each village /town area as prescribed
o Ordinances amending Chapters 3 (Sign Code)
in Section 5.2.1...
and 25 (Zoning Code) of the Hawaii County
Code to provide for: (1) establishment of the
Pahoa Design District; (2) procedures for
project review against the adopted design
guidelines; and (3) special sign regulations for
the Pahoa Design District have been drafted,
approved by the Pahoa Regional Town Center
Plan Subcommittee, the Puna CDP Action
Committee, and the Planning Commission
and submitted to the County Council for
adoption.
o FY 2014 -15 CIP Budget included $2,161,000
to extend Post Office Road between Pahoa
Village Road and the new Pahoa Park.
o Allotment approved for $300,000 in FY 2013-
14 CIP project for the Pahoa Sewer
Feasibility Study.
o Allotment approved for $150,000 CIP project
for Pahoa Regional Town Center Master Plan.
o $1.26M CIP allotment approved for Pahoa
Town Center land acquisition. Ongoing
negotiations with landowners commenced in
March 2014.
10
PCDP Goal, Objective & Action Items
Progress Update
o Process for selection of a primary consultant
for the Pahoa Regional Town Center Master
Plan commenced in April 2014.
Volcano Long Range Plan:
• The Volcano Long Range Planning
Subcommittee reengaged the Volcano
Community to gain further insight and
participation in the overall planning process.
• The master plan was revised based on
community input and submitted to the
Planning Department for review. The plan
included design guidelines and a forest
canopy overlay district for the greater
Volcano area.
Mountain View Village Center Plan:
o Subcommittee assessing the progress of work
in gathering background data for plan
development.
o Subcommittee decided that the Mt. View plan
should follow the format of the Puna CDP.
o Discussion on the need to develop design
guidelines and signage guidelines similar to
what was done for Pahoa.
o Regular monthly meetings are being
conducted.
3.2.3 f. Provide land and infrastructure for
o Allotment approved for $1.2 million in FY
farmer's markets within village /town
2013 -14 CIP budget for land acquisition in
centers.
Pahoa. Negotiations with land owners are on-
going.
3.3.3 a. Develop a centrally located, 24-
o PCMC has received donations from:
hour, full- service medical facility, with
Nanawale CA ($1,000) and Hawaiian
trauma care, in Puna.
Beaches CA ($1,293) to support the Building
Fund for its proposed Emergency Room.
o PCMC received $5,000 from Councilman
Zendo Kern's contingency fund to help defray
the costs of planning and permitting.
o A State Grant -in -Aid application to fund the
planning and permitting costs of the PCMC
emergency room resulted in a $750,000
award, which has not yet been released.
o A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
was issued in June 2014 for the Final
Environmental Assessment submitted for the
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PCDP Goal, Objective & Action Items
Progress Update
use of State Land for the proposed relocation
of the Puna Community Medical Center. A
lease has not yet been finalized.
o Over 35,000 patient visits have been
documented since 2009.
3.5.3 b. Improve and expand Coastal
o Two large appropriations were approved in
Activity Areas as follows:
FY 2012 -2013 and FY 2013 -2014 for
1) At Ahalanui Beach Park...
improvements to expand and improve the
beach parks at Ahalanui and Pohoiki. This
included construction of permanent restroom
2) Modifications to tidepools east of
facilities.
Pohoiki Bay ... for "keiki pools" ...
o A meeting with Army Corp of Engineers,
P &R, Russell Ruderman, & community
group. The idea of an alternative location for
the swimming area was discussed. The
purchase of the 26 acres at Pohoiki by the
county under the auspices of PONC is needed
before this location can be evaluated. The
project is on hold pending purchase. The lava
emergency also stalled progress.
3.5.3 c. Improve and expand Community
o October 2013 - FONSI granted for
Parks as follows:
Environmental Assessment Pahoa Park
2) Pahoa Regional Park: (Various
Expansion Master Plan.
improvements)
o Engineering and design nearing completion
and construction expected to begin before the
end of 2014.
o Park construction halted because of June 27th
Lava Flow
6) Provide accessibility, playground and
o First Phase scope had been initially reduced
other improvements at Mountain View
due to lava concerns but was fully reinstated.
Community Park and A.J. Watt Gym.
o Playground equipment installed and open for
keiki use.
3.5.3d. Create and improve Linear Parks
o FY 2014 -15 CIP budget request submitted by
as follows:
the AC for widening and scraping the
1) When acquiring rights -of -way for
shoulder of Highway 132 from Pahoa to the
constructing new roadways or improving
4mm to allow for safer pedestrian and bicycle
existing major roadways, make provisions
use.
for parallel multi -use recreational trails
o Councilman Ilagan and DPW Director
with appropriate landscaped buffers on
Warren Lee informed about concerns over the
either side and provide connections to other
hazardous situation presented by the Albizia
such existing or planned trails, to the extent
"tree tunnel" along the Pahoa - Kapoho Rd.
possible.
o Propose development of the Beach Road
right -of -way that connects Kahakai Blvd. to
Maku`u Dr. as a paved bicycle path and
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PCDP Goal, Objective & Action Items
Progress Update
25mph roadway.
3.5.3e. Create and improve Preserves as
o The Public Access, Open Space and Natural
follows:
Resource Preservation Commission (PONC)
states that the Vacationland Trust /Hara
2) Improve conditions at Wai`6pae
Property is ranked 91 by the Legacy Land
Tidepools and the Marine Conservation
Conservation Commission, was awarded
District by...
$1,332,916.64 and is awaiting grant
(4) Providing permanent public access.
documentation from the State.
o December 2013 - Resolution 201 -13 passed
by County Council authorizing negotiations to
acquire the 322 acres of Vacationland
Trust/Hara properties on the PONC priority
list and to initiate appropriate funding
mechanisms for the acquisition.
o Legacy land funding approved
o Management Plan for Wai`opae MLCD is
currently in the process of being written.
4.2.3a. Prepare a county -wide Transit
o The Mass Transit Subcommittee has been
Master Plan
continuing dialogue with the COH Mass
4.2.3b. Improve transit service operations
Transit Agency to increase routes and
by:
accessibility. Additionally working with
4) Establishing a hub - and -spoke transit
Councilmembers requesting a "hub and
system, in which transit circulators are
spoke" type of system that could be defined
teamed with trunk routes on major
by a mass transit "master plan ".
highways.
o April 20, 2015 - Bus routes opened to the
4.2.3 k. Expand Hele -On service to include
airports.
regular service to the Hilo and Keahole
o Began work to encourage creation of a
International Airports
county -wide transit plan.
4.3.1 a. There are adequate emergency and
o The Connectivity and Emergency Response
evacuation routes and connectivity
Subcommittee (CERSC) continues to meet
throughout Puna's roadway network.
regularly in order to create a refined report for
connectivity points in all communities
included in the PCDP. Changes are based on
3) Establish emergency routes using
public input and additional information
mostly existing road beds;
gathered as to the feasibility of recommended
connectivity locations.
5) Create connectivity alignments
o CIP budget allocation (ord. 14 -82) of $1
between the following subdivisions...
million for completion of S.Lauko road
connectivity between Hwy 1 I and Puhala St.
in Fern Acres. Survey commenced.
o Mapping exercises at the August 2014 Puna
Regional Emergency Preparedness (PREP)
Fair was to reaffirm the information gathered
at the first prep fair and refine potential
13
PCDP Goal, Objective & Action Items
Progress Update
connectivity locations in the Puna district.
a August 30, 2014 proclaimed Puna Emergency
Preparedness Day by Governor Abercrombie.
o Council approved transfer of $3,000 from
Councilman Kern's contingency fund for the
PREP Fair.
o 2nd Annual PREP Fair was held on August
30, 2014 at Kea`au High School.
4.5.3 f. Improve Highway 137 (Red Road)
o KAPONO / Kalani Honua / Kua O Ka La
as a scenic corridor...
PCS continue to meet as a local byway
committee to complete the required Corridor
Management Plan, which has begun to define
the corridor and to map existing resources and
conditions.
o The Action Committee begins its study of the
update of the General Plan and makes initial
submissions.
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