HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-9 CERS Minutes 28Mar17Communication No. 2017-9
PCDP Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency Response, Puna Waena and Kai
Meeting — March 28, 2017 — Kea'au Community Center
2:00 p.m.
Meeting Report
Call to Order: 2:10
Present: Mike Dickerson, Pat Bullock, Linnette Quade, Alexa von Alemann, Kim Pinkerton, Neena Roumell,
Hannah Hedrick, Mary Couch, Marlene Hapai, Jen Ruggles, Leilani Bronson, Patti Pinto, Eileen O'Hara
Communities Represented:
Fern Forest, Eden Roc, Kopua Farmlots, Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, HPP, Hawaiian Beaches/Shores, County
Council
Old Business:
Minutes, no discussion, accepted
Discussion:
Updates from Upper Puna
Hannah reported on the ongoing Connectivity work taking place between Fern Forest and Eden Roc. One
individual has used a bulldozer to replace all of the rubbish and abandoned vehicles into a berm to divide the two
subdivisions. This has caused a real safety hazard and is of questionable legality. Assistance has been requested
of Council Rep Jen Ruggles and the Hawaii County Police Department. Residents working towards connectivity
between the subdivisions were disheartened, but continue to meet on Saturday mornings and to work towards a
workable connectivity solution.
Kim Pinkerton reported from Kopua Farmlots. Kim stated that he does road work for Eden Roc and that they
prefer a connectivity location at the top of the subdivision which would make a connection between Alanaulani
Rd. to Kahikopele. He states that Kahikopele has already been deeded to the County and this connection would
meet no obstruction from Eden Roc, Kopua or the County. This CL is part of the initial Connectivity and
Emergency Response Subcommittee Report to the Action Committee as CL 943. We need to verify the
ownership of Kahikopele and the land over which the CL would be built. It does not appear that Eden Roc
currently has a stable board that is authorized any individual to speak for all of their residents.
Discussion arose about County road standards, is it possible to have a new standard accepted that would accept
the road widths that are a de facto reality in some of the subdivisions? If two subdivisions agree to create a point
of connectivity, County agreement and a contract is still required to maintain the quality of the road at least where
the connectivity is built. Eileen agreed to investigate, put forward.
The County has begun a Puna Connectivity Master Plan, DPW reports they are working from the Report of the
Hawaii County Council Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity.
Again, we want to stress that we are working towards having Connectivity Locations, not Routes through
subdivisions.
Discussion on building capacity of Community Associations to function effectively, understanding of financial
reports, funding possibilities, board functionality. Board training could be developed so that Community
Associations can function as representatives of the lot owners and work in partnership with the County to bring
positive change to Puna. Kui'kahi is limited in what they can offer, investigate mediation services.
Communication No. 2017-9
Puna Waena Connectivity
Part of our remit is to make a report to the Action Committee on connectivity issues in the middle range of Puna.
Proposal that we schedule a meeting that will include Jen Ruggles, Eileen O'Hara, Joy San Buenaventura, Russel
Ruderman, staffs from Senator Schatz' and Tulsi Gabbard's offices, plus two members from HPP. The issue is to
get information on why the emergency road between HPP and Beaches/Shores and Nanawale is gated, who do we
address to seek changes, what regulations are in force, what do we need to do to get the route open 24/7?
Routes across HPP, are any being considered at this time? Of the various proposals, no one route is being
considered at this time.
Much discussion on the realities faced by HPP residents. When Railroad was open during the Lava Event and
Highway 130 was still open did many people use Railroad. No, not that many, few impacts felt in HPP.
Comment that the opening of Railroad became an opportunity for dumping. Eileen reports that Old Government
Beach Road is clean and the re -opening has actually reduced dumping. There is a County process for the removal
of dumped vehicles.
Discussion of subdivisions ability to create traffic calming structures to protect roads and neighborhoods. County
is opposed to blockades of any kind. Need to cooperate to make best arrangements between County and
Communities. Old Government Beach Road between Beaches/Shores and HPP is well maintained and open.
Need to officially invite Frank DeMarco to attend next meeting for update on Puna Master Connectivity Plan,
snare our knowledge, etc.
Still unaddressed: Connection between HPP and Hilo.
Next Meeting: April 25,2017,2:00 pm, Kea'au Community Center
Adjournment: 3:45 pm