Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC Minutes 11Aug2015 DRAFTWilliam P. Kenoi Mayor County of Hawaii PLANNING DEPARTMENT Duane Kanuha Director Bobby Command Deputy Director PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Phone (808) 961 -8288 • Fax (808) 961 -8742 1. Rene announced that PONC (Public Access and Open Spac ommission) is still working on the Vacationland Trust property and noted there ere no property applications from Puna for this year. She encouraged the AC and the public to start working on their applications now to be ready for next year. 2. Rene also announced that Puna Community Medical Center (PCMC) is still awaiting confirmation on the new lease conditions and continue to work with the Department of Health in accessing grant monies that were approved. Senator Ruderman and Representative SanBuenaventura are aware of the issues and are trying to exert some influence. PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Two people signed up to testify; one chose to testify at the start of the meeting and one chose to testify at the of their agenda item. 1. Councilman Paleka introduced Mass Transit Administrator Tiffany Kai and asked her to speak to the Mass Transit Masterplan. Tiffany explained that there would be lots of public outreach to access the wants and needs of the community. A consultant has not been selected yet but the process has begun. June asked Tiffany what her thoughts were on their request for an island wide task force or advisory group to start work prior to the consultant being hired. Tiffany stated that they are looking into it. Rene asked how the Mass Transit Masterplan will line up with the General Plan Update. Councilman Paleka informed the AC that he recently introduced a resolution that the Mass Transit Masterplan will be included in the General Plan Update even if it is not completed at that time. Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Councilman Paleka also wanted to update the AC on the parking lot acquisition in Pahoa. They are moving forward to get appraisals on the suggested parcels because previous negotiations were too high. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Rene moved to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2015 meeting as submitted. Second by Susan. The motion to approve the minutes as submitted passed with 7 votes aye, 0 votes nay, and I vote to abstain (Sharon was not present at the June 9rh AC meeting). NEW BUSINESS: ME 2. Communication No. 2015 -30: Volcano Long Range Plan Subcommittee (VLRPS): Dan Taylor reported that the Volcano Long Range Plan continues to be a work in progress and has just been updated to include significant community input. The top priority of the VLRP right now is to ask for County support in establishing a Village Design District. Dan and other members of the VLRPS showed the AC (on maps) the area that they would like to designate a Design District and explained the communities reasoning behind the selection of this area. At this point the VLRP feels that they do not have the necessary tools to move forward without the assistance of the Planning Department and are requesting the AC forward their request for assistance (Communication No. 2015 -30). The AC asked for clarification on who the communication was coming from, Volcano Community Association or the AC. Discussion ensued as to whom the letter should come from and what roles the AC and the VCA play with regards to the VLRPS. They AC decided that they could either submit a letter of support, supporting the VCA and its efforts, or they could amend the current letter to be the voice of the AC. The AC continued discussion. Rene suggested removing the second line "Through: Ms. Patti Pinto, Chair, Puna CDP Action Committee" and send the letter strictly from the VCA. In addition the AC will draft a letter expressing support of the VCA's letter. Susan questioned some of the content regarding zoning in the draft proposal for a Volcano Village Design District. Dan reiterated that this is the exact reason they need assistance from the Planning Department, to tighten up the draft. Extensive discussion continued with AC members working to figure out the best way to address this. Sharon moved that she, Hans and the Volcano Village Design District Committee get together to edit and tighten up the content of the letter and bring it back to the next meeting. Second by Leila. Motion failed with 4 votes aye and S votes nay. Farris moved that the AC write a letter congratulating the VLRPs efforts and supporting the intent of the VCA letter asking that the Planning Department review the draft plan and offer guidance and advice. Second by June. 5. Communication No. 2015 -31: Mass Transit Subcommittee (MTS): Public Testimony: 1. Hannah Hedrick testified that she continues to be concerned about the Mass Transit Agencies failure to create a plan. For the past two decades they have failed to act on recommendations by the PCDP and other agencies. Two questions on the information provided on Mass Transit in the Draft Annual Report regarding the Mass Transit Facility in Puna and its CIP funding, and what the AC's plans are for the hub and spoke system. Hannah wonders why there is no reference to the PCDP AC Mass Transit issues in the Statewide Mobility Management Plan Report when both Tiffany Kai and Larry Brown served on the taskforce. June introduced Jesse Floyd (State Council on Developmental Disabilities) and spoke about his instrumental role in the August 20th Disability Forum. Mass Transit is critical in this area. In May a letter was sent to Councilman Paleka requesting the formation of an advisory group for the Mass Transit Masterplan. At their next meeting the subcommittee will begin to identify possibilities for hub and spoke routes. Hans clarified Sunshine Law for the subcommittee in UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: (September 8, 2015) 1. CERS Report 2. VLRPS Report 3. MTS Report 4. MVPS Report 5. PRTCPS Report 6. Building in Puna Brochure 7. Budget Subcommittee 8. Draft Annual Report 9. Wastewater and how it relates currently to the CDP (Sharon) 10. Bond update (Farris) 11. Hurricane Hilda (If applicable) 12. New member recruitment ADS