HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11.CERS.Minutes.6.27.17
Communication No. 2017-11
PCDP Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency Response, Puna Waena and Kai
Meeting – June 27, 2017 – Fern Acres Community Center
2:00 p.m.
Meeting Report
Call to Order: 2:11
Present: Linnette Sawyer, Patti Pinto, Eileen O’Hara, Stephanie Bath, Neena Roumell
Communities Represented:
Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, South Lauko, Hawaiian Beaches/Shores, County Council
Discussion:
Discussion of Railroad (the portion owned by Shipman). It was a privately owned road and has been closed
to the public for many years. Adverse possession and the 7 year rule do not apply.
Today’s discussion is to prepare us to meet with Frank DeMarco and staff.
What is happening with the Puna Connectivity Master Plan (Mayor’s) and the Ad Hoc Committee’s
report?
What do Community Associations need to do to get MOA/Us to create points of connectivity?
Can the County go forward with proposals to purchase connective lots? Secure right of ways?
Easements?
Is Mass Transit part of the consideration?
Who should be included in the meeting?
Clarification on “roads in limbo”, “paper roads”. Inventory of County roads in Puna.
Some discussion of the differences between Community Associations/Road Associations and the ownership
of the private roads, ability to speak for owners regarding road decisions. All are different. In some
subdivisions there is a “road lot” which belong to the Association.
We want to recommend the purchase of selected lots while prices are still low.
In order to make a connectivity between two subdivisions, do we not need an agreement between the relevant
subdivisions?
People we want to invite: Frank DeMarco, Ron Kim, Trevor Jackson, Ben Ishii, Kason Pacheco.
Some discussion on roads in limbo, paper roads. Making them “County roads” would increase the inventory
of miles of road in Puna and the slice of the fuel tax funds allocated to the County. There is no legal
definition of roads in limbo.
Oshiro Road is a county road which is gated. An anomaly. Check to see if there is a TMK for the road. Eden
Roc’s population is growing fast, no direct highway access. Using Kopua. Need greater access for health and
safety.
Do we want to prioritize the points of connectivity? Need to balance the need to create all of these points of
connectivity as a whole and the County’s reality of taking on affordable and do-able projects first.
Discussion of “overlaying”. When one department is considering a project, do they speak with other
departments? Planning, Public Works, Parks and Rec, Mass Transit, etc.
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Communication No. 2017-11
While fuel tax funds are not available for private roads, the additional funds from tax revenues may free up
general fund amounts to begin a grant program for private roads, community/road associations.
When the subdivisions are connected, there needs to be a MOU with the County that they will be responsible
for maintenance.
How did the EA select the three access routes that were studied? Frank Commendador pushing for the safety
of Fern Acres residents. County is going forward with the least expensive, easiest to complete project, Puhala
to Kopua.
The connection between Fern Forest and Eden Roc is stalled by warring communities. Until the two
communities can make an agreement, the County will not get involved. Can Jen move forward with Kui’kahi
and the two community associations to work on a civil agreement?
Mass transit and connectivity needs should be integrated in the plan.
After meeting with DPW and clarification of Puna connectivity issues we will be able to move on to the issue
of connectivity between HPP and…? PMAR. What can we do to assist in the formulation of a plan?
Additional discussion of public/school pool in Kea’au. Need to talk to state reps.
Patti to work up an agenda and distribute to the committee for collaboration.
Next Meeting: July 25, 2017, 2:00 pm, Kea`au Community Center
Adjournment: 3:45 pm
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