HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-10 Puna CDP FINAL MinutesHarry Kim
Mayon
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, January 10, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Michael Yee
Director
Daryn Arai
Deputy Director
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Larry Brown called the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee (AC)
to order at 3:05 p.m. in the Kea'au Community Center. The following persons were present:
Action Committee: Frank Commendador, Larry Brown, Leila Kealoha, Michael Bernard, Patti Pinto,
Teresa Reveira, and Yumi Kawano. Elmer Solis and Susan Osborne were absent.
Staff: Hans Santiago — Puna CDP Planner, Keiko Mercado — Puna CDP Planning Assistant, and Ron
Whitmore — COH Senior Planner.
Members of the public: 12
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: NONE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Hans welcomed new Action Committee members to their first meeting— Michael Bernard,
Yumi Kawano and Teresa Reveira.
2. Hans recognized and thanked Councilmember Eileen O'Hara and CouncilmemberJen Ruggles
for attending the Action Committee meeting.
3. Hans introduced County Staff from the Planning Department: Ron Whitmore, Senior Planner
and April Surprenant, Long Range Manager. He also introduced the Planning Departments new
Planning Director, Michael Yee.
Michael shared a little about his background with the Action Committee and members of the
public in attendance. He has an extensive background in community work and looks forward to
working with all of the Community Development Plans.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY:
Three people signed up to testify. Two chose to testify at the start of the meeting and the other at the
time of their agenda item.
1. Jon Olson, representing himself, testified on agenda item #3 — 2017 Subcommittees of the
Action Committee: Jon feels that one of the things becoming more and more apparent is that
most of the focus of the CDP has so far gone into Puna Makai. While he feels that was logical
due to the amount of residents, he wants to ensure that the upper subdivision areas get equal
time and consideration. He feels this could be done by creating additional subcommittees. He
suggested having every subdivision recognized and participating.
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2. Patrice MacDonald, representing herself, testified on agenda item #1 under Communications
not requiring Action — Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee:
Patrice shared that Hawaiian Acres has reviewed the plan and they are not in favor of a central
corridor through the subdivision like Moho Road. Connectivity location 4 (CL4) was to be
removed from the report and there was a deposition that no one showed up for. She
requested that communications be kept open. Like Moho road, millions of dollars will be spent
and it wouldn't benefit the community.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Patti moved to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2016 meeting os submitted. Second by Ledo.
The motion to approve the minutes os submitted passed with 6 votes aye, 0 votes nay. (Teresa was not
present of the time of the vote)
BUSINESS:
Presentation from the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission (PONC):
The goal of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission is
to solicit suggestions from the community for lands considered to be worthy of preservation
and to provide the Mayor with an island wide list of prioritized properties. PONC Commissioner
Ren6 Siracusa suggested the Action Committee use the commission as a tool to help with the
implementation of the CDP. As an example, Ren6 offered that properties in Volcano be
submitted as possible buffer zones/forest overlay areas. Ren6 also suggested the AC look at
revisiting an earlier PONC suggestion for Wai'ele. She also encouraged Frank to work on the
details of his past suggestion in Mt. View and resubmit it. Commissioner Kai'ena Bishaw
suggested that AC members contact Iwaloa Chilson at the County of Hawai'i Finance
Department to make sure they are clear on the requirements and to ensure that their
suggestion forms contain the necessary information. Ren6 urged AC members not to lose
heart if their suggestion is not accepted the first time because subsequent submittals are often
accepted after applications have been further refined. The commission works with the Finance
Department for acquisition and Parks & Recreation for the stewardship program.
Hans reminded the Action Committee that there are several actions within the PCDP that could
be the impetus for moving forward on some acquisitions through PONC. For example, park
sites in Puna, linear parks, and preserves. He reiterated what Ren6 said about some of the
buffer areas in Volcano that could be considered for preservation to protect the forest.
More information on PONC can be found on the County of Hawai'i website: http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/boards-
and-commissions, PONC Suggestion Forms for Lands and/or Property Entitlement for Acquisition can be viewed
and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/edoc/71784/PONC`/`20Suggestion`/`2OForm`/`20(1-12-15)`/`20-
%20fillable.pdf and PONC Stewardship Grant Request Form can be viewed and downloaded from the following
website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/edoc/80189/PONC`/`20Stewardship`/`2OGrant`/`2OReq uest`/`2OForm`/`20(
aaalication%20Deriod%20801%20-%2083116).Ddf
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2. Review of the PCDP Implementation Table and Action Committee Annual Schedule:
Ron Whitmore thanked the Action Committee for their commitment and service to their
communities. He explained that he was recently appointed as the Deputy Director for
Research and Development (R&D) and he hopes to work collaboratively across agencies. Ron
explained that the Planning Departments' role vis a vi the Action Committee and the rest of the
Community in terms of CDP implementation is to support, provide the tools needed to be
effective, and help with making good use of time. He reiterated that the Puna CDP throughout
its creation and now through its implementation has been very good at matching form and
function. For example; the action table provided in the plan, the implementation of
subcommittees, and the annual reports, etc.
After the Puna Community Leaders Meeting on November 19, 2016, Planning Staff revisited the
action table and developed a revised Action -Objective Alignment Table. This excel based table
allows you to easily sort action items based on PCDP sections or strategy types. Also included
in the table is the current status of the action item, current CIP status, and community
comments such as those received at the November 19th meeting.
Strategy Types are defined as the following:
• County Policies: Controls established at adoption that limit the range of decisions that can
be made in the future (approximately 3% of action items)
• County Actions: Guides to future priorities and initiatives, not mandated or legally -binding,
often require additional legislative and administrative directives (e.g., land acquisition,
capital improvements, code changes) (approximately 50% of action items)
• Other Non -County Action: Actions outside County jurisdiction (approximately 29% of action
items)
• Aspirational Policy: General statements of what the community is aspiring to (can be
defined as goals) (approximately 17% of action items)
• Community: Actions outside County jurisdiction that community groups could initiate
(approximately 1% of action items)
The PCDP Action -Objective Table can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/85061/Pagel.aspx
Ron also pointed out that County and State legislative dates have been added to the Puna CDP
Annual Schedule to help AC members as they plan how and when to implement certain actions.
The updated AC Annual Schedule, Communication No. 2017-3 can be viewed and downloaded from the following
website: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/85052/Pagel.aspx
— Response to Communication No. 2016-34: Report of Puna Community Leaders Meeting:
Hans provided some background on how the Puna Community Leaders Meeting came
to be, Councilmembers Eileen Ohara and Jen Ruggles, along with Jon Olson (long time
community leader) wanted to provide a voice for Puna. The idea was to take the
feedback they received at the meeting and present a priority list to the new
administration. Communication No. 2016-34 is the report compiled by Council staff
summarizing the meeting and all of the comments that were received.
Preparing a response to Communication No. 2016-34 was simplified by using the PCDP
Objective and Action Alignment Table. It was found that every comment received at
www. cohplanninQdept.com puna(Whawaiicounty.Qov Page 3
the Puna Community Leaders Meeting was aligned with the Puna CDP with exception of
a few general comments that apply very broadly.
Patti moved to approve the PCDP Response to Report from Community Leaders Meeting
draft letter. Second by Frank.
Discussion ensued. Comments listed in the report were community member's opinions
and were listed verbatim. Larry expressed that he would like the Action Committee to
be tasked with forming a prioritization of CDP actions. He asked for feedback from AC
members on how and when this prioritization should be done, adding that it would be
more comprehensive to use the CPD itself and not just the most recent comments from
the community meeting.
Patti made a friendly amendment to address the letter to both Councilmember Ohara
and Councilmember Ruggles. Second by Michael. Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0
votes nay.
Patti suggested that the comments received at the November 191h meeting need to be
considered when the AC is prioritizing actions. Discussion continued regarding the draft
letter in Response to the Report from the Community Leaders Meeting.
The main motion as amended passed with 6 votes aye and 1 vote nay (Michael).
Although some AC members wanted to tackle the job of prioritization at the meeting,
they were unable to do so because it had not been clearly agendized. It was suggested
that a special meeting be held that would focus solely on preparing a priority list.
Patti moved that Action Committee Members and County Staff look at their calendars to
suggest possible dates for the special meeting to prioritize PCDP action items. Second by
Michael. Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
February 7th & 8th at 3pm were the suggested dates. County staff will confirm date,
time, and venue as soon as possible.
Larry asked committee members to come to the special meeting prepared. He
recommended that AC members look at the Puna CDP and the community in which
they reside and the needs of that community. He suggested everyone come prepared
with their top five priorities.
Communication No. 2016-34 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=82167&page=1&cr=1 and the Response to the
Report from Community Leaders Meeting can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co. hawa i i. h i. us/webl i nk/1/edoc/85024/AC-Response%20to%20Com%20Mtg%20111916-
FINALwENCL.pdf
3. Approval of 2017 Subcommittees of the Action Committee:
Public Testimony:
1. June Conant, representing herself, provided testimony on agenda item #3 —Approval of
2017 subcommittees of the Action Committee: She requested that she be able to
continue as the Chairperson for the Mass Transit Subcommittee and shared that
Michael has agreed to be the AC representative.
www. cohplanning-dept.com puna(dhawaiicounty.gov Page 4
Ron Whitmore explained the decision tool (Form Follows Function: Types of Organization) that
planning staff created to help the Action Committee with their discussion on subcommittees
and the standards to which they are held. The decision tool shown below allows us to easily
see what the Sunshine Law requirements are for each type of organization. Based on Sunshine
Law requirements, the table also shows us what type of organization staff suggested for
existing subcommittees and possible new subcommittees. The AC was not obligated to follow
County staff suggestions.
Types of
Purpose
AC
Community
Sunshine Law
Initial Proposal
Organization
Representation
Representation
Applicability
for 2017
Investigatory
• Defined
• At least 2 AC
• Defined by
• Not subject to
• Budget
Subcommittee of
by AC
members but
AC
Sunshine Law
• Connectivity
the Action
less than
• Agendized on 3
and
Committee
quorum
AC meetings:
Emergency
scope,
Response
recommendati
(CERS)
ons, decision
• Legislative
• PONC
Subcommittee of
• Defined
• No limitation
• Defined by
• Subject to
the Action
by AC
on number of
AC
Sunshine Law:
Committee
AC members
notice, agenda,
open meetings,
testimony,
minutes
CDP Community
• Defined
• Up to 2 AC
• Defined by
• Not subject to
• Mass Transit
Partner
by group
representativ
group
Sunshine Law
(MTS)
es
• Mt. View
Community
Village
Center Plan
(MVPS)
• Pahoa
Regional
Town Center
Plan
(PRTCPS)
• Volcano Long
Range Plan
(VLRPS)
The Action Committee engaged in lengthy conversation regarding existing subcommittees and
how each one currently functions. Also discussed at length was which type of organizational
classification would allow each subcommittee the capacity to work most effectively. The scope
of work for each committee needed to be clearly determined in order to adequately assign
which type of organization would be the best option. The AC spent a good deal of time
thoughtfully exploring the different options for each subcommittee.
Ledo moved to establish o 2018-2019FY Investigatory Budget Subcommittee tasked to collect,
prioritize, and prepare Copitol Improvement and Operating Budget requests from the Action
Committee to the County for funding necessary to support the implementation of the PCDP.
Second by Patti.
— Budget Subcommittee members will be Leila, Patti, and Yumi.
Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
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After lengthy discussion, it was decided by the Action Committee that the Connectivity and
Emergency Response Subcommittee will remain an investigatory Subcommittee of the Action
Committee tasked with beginning the work of investigating connectivity in Puna Waena and
Puna Kai. Marlene Hapai stepped down as Chairperson, but will continue to work with the
subcommittee; Patti Pinto will serve as the new Chairperson. Teresa and Leila will serve as AC
representatives on the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee.
Based on the fact that the Mass Transit Subcommittee has completed its task of getting the
Mass Transit Agency to commence a master plan for the island of Hawai'i, the Action
Committee decided it would recognize the Mass Transit Group as a Community Partner and
disband the current subcommittee.
Frank moved to disband the Mass Transit Subcommittee. Second by Patti. Motion passed with
7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Leila moved to appoint Michael as the Action Committee liaison for the Mass Transit
Community Partner Group. Second by Frank. Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Work on the Mt. View Village Center Plan has been on hold and will remain on hold until work
begins on the larger picture for Village Center Plans.
Patti moved to disband the Mt. View Village Center Plan Subcommittee. Second by Leila.
Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Action Committee members discussed the pros and cons of having the Pahoa Regional Town
Center Plan remain an Investigatory Subcommittee vs a Community Partner Group.
Patti moved to keep the Pdhoa Regional Town Center Plan as an investigatory subcommittee of
the Action Committee. Second by Leila. Motion failed with 0 votes aye and 7 votes nay.
After extended deliberation, the Action Committee determined that the Pahoa Regional Town
Center Plan Subcommittee could work most effectively as a Community Partner Group.
Patti moved to disband the Pdhoa Regional Town Center Plan Subcommittee. Second by Leila.
Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Patti moved to appoint herself and Larry as liaisons for the Pdhoa Regional Town Center Plan
Community Partner Group. Second by Leila. Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Based on the previous discussion regarding other village/town center plans, the Action
Committee decided that the Volcano Long Range Plan Subcommittee could also be more
effective working as a Community Partner Group. Chairperson of the VLRPS, Dan Taylor, was
also in agreement.
Patti moved to disband the Volcano Long Range Plan Subcommittee. Second by Leila. Motion
passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
Teresa moved to appoint herself and Yumi as liaisons for the Volcano Long Range Plan
Community Partner Group. Second by Patti. Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
The Action Committee considered creating a new investigatory subcommittee to work on
applications for the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resource Preservation Commission
(PONC).
www. cohplanning-dept.com puna(dhawadcounty.gov Page 6
Frank moved to establish a Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation
Commission (PONC) Investigatory Subcommittee, tasked to use the Puna CDP to identify and
prioritize appropriate properties within Puna for the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resource Preservation Commission. Second by Yumi.
— PONC Subcommittee members will be Frank, Teresa, and Yumi
Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
The updated list of Puna CDP Investigatory Subcommittees & Community Partners can be viewed and downloaded
from the following website: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/85060/Pagel.aspx
4. Election of Chair and Vice -Chair:
Larry moved to nominate Leila Kealoha as Chair of the Action Committee. Second by Patti.
Motion failed with 1 vote aye (Larry) and 6 votes nay.
*Please note that the nay votes were at the request of Leila and not a reflection of the ACs
personal opinions.
Patti moved that Larry Brown continue as Chair of the Action Committee. Second by Frank.
Motion passed with 6 votes aye and 1 vote to abstain (Larry).
Patti moved to nominate Leila Kealoha as Vice -Chair of the Action Committee. Second by Frank.
Motion passed with 7 votes aye and 0 votes nay.
COMMUNICATIONS NOT REQUIRING ACTION:
1. Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee (CERS)
Communication No. 2016-33 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/84675/Pagel.aspx
2. Update from the Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan Subcommittee (PRTCPS)
Patti shared with the Action Committee that Luquin's parking lot fell out of escrow due to a
building that was partially built onto the property. The owner has accepted an offer from a
private developer so the property is no longer available for County purchase. Patti asked that
the CIP allocating funds towards parking in Pahoa be checked for location specific language.
Larry asked that the Budget Subcommittee look into the CIP appropriation and make
recommendations as to how that money might possibly be reassigned.
Meeting notes from their December 5, 2016 meeting can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/84965/Pagel.aspx
3. Update from the Volcano Long Range Plan Subcommittee (VLRPS)
Meeting notes from their December 8, 2016 meeting can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/84966/Pagel.aspx
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: (March 14, 2017)
No agenda items were identified at this time.
ADJOURNMENT: The Chair, without objection, adjourned the meeting at 6:18 p.m.
All Action Committee information can be viewed and downloaded from our website:
http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/puna-cdp/implementation/puna-cdp-action-committee
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