HomeMy WebLinkAboutWPR Group Note FebruaryPARKS, WATER AND ROADS SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES February 22,2017
ATTENDANCE: Toni Withington, Sarah Pule -Fujii, John Winter, Carter Collins, Andi
Longpre (minutes by Andi)
Meeting with Mayor Kim: John reported on his meeting with Mayor Kim and
assistant on 2/2/17. John said that the focus was primarily on the CDP process and
that he received a warm reception from the Mayor and his assistant.
Toni Withington reported on her Feb.161h meeting with the Advisory Council of Na
Ala Hele(DNLR) regarding Pololu. Topics that were discussed were porta-potties,
enforcement of the ban on overnight camping, tours, and improved signage for
visitors. The porta-potties require a flat surface and the estimated monthly cost to
maintain 3 of them is $400. (there would be one ADA and two regular potties). This
would be a temporary measure until appropriate toilet facilities can be constructed.
Although there is a sign that states that overnight camping is "by permit only"
there is no one issuing permits and no realistic way to deter illegal camping.
However, if there is evidence of squatters, then the DNLR enforcement officers at
DOCARE can be called upon to intervene. There are 3-4 groups that have permits
for tours which allow for two groups with a total of 12 people per day to go down
the trail. Na Ala Hele asked our sub -committee for a review of the signs in their
website for suggestions as to how to educate visitors. Toni will prepare a report
for Na Ala Hele and John suggested that it then be sent to the appropriate county
and state departments for direction regarding the next steps to be taken. John
Winter and Toni have also entered into an e-mail conversation with Bill Shontell of
Surety Kohala about the company's plans and options for its land near the Pololu
Lookout.
AG WATER SYSTEM: Toni also reported on her conversation with Rep. Cindy Evans
regarding the next meeting for this topic. Rep. Evans said that she had spoken with
Suzanne Case, Chairperson of DNLR and that the latter had expressed great interest
in attending such a meeting in Kohala. In her position as Chair of DNLR, Ms Case
also has oversight of the Land Board, and the State Water Resources Commission.
The suggestion is to hold this next meeting during the 2nd week of May when the
Legislature will be in recess.
Future Meetings with County Depts.: John suggested that members of our sub-
committee plan a trip to Hilo to meet with the new department heads for: Public
Works, Waste Management/Environment, Parks & Recreation and Civil Defense and
the new Island Director of the State Dept. of Transportation's Highways Division.
NEXT MEETING: March 291h, 2017 5 p.m. @ Kohala Community Hall located in the
Kohala Civic Ctr. (old Judiciary bldg..)