HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-12 Puna CDP DRAFT Minutes
Harry Kim Michael Yee
Director
Mayor
Daryn Arai
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Larry Brown called the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) Action Committee (AC) to
order at 3:03 p.m. in the Keaʻau Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Action Committee Members Present: Larry Brown (Chair), Leila Kealoha (Vice-Chair), Elmer Solis,
Michael Bernard, Patti Pinto, and Yumi Kawano.
Action Committee Members Absent-Excused: Susan Osborne
Staff: Michael Yee (Director), April Surprenant (Long Range Planning Division Manager), Bethany
Morrison, Keiko Mercado, Kevin Sullivan (CoH Planners).
Members of the public: 18
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Ms. Surprenant announced that beginning in 2018, there would be a change in the meeting
schedule for the Puna CDP Action Committee. The Planning Team will be working with Action
Committee Members and the various venues to determine available days. In an effort to
engage as many community members as possible, the Puna CDP AC will begin meeting from
5pm-7pm in January 2018.
2. Committee Member Yumi Kawano announced that there continues to be three vacancies on
the Puna CDP Action Committee and urged community members to apply.
3. Committee Member Patti Pinto announced that the Mass Transit Masterplan study will hold
public meetings on October 11, 5:30pm at the Keaʻau Community Center and October 12,
5:30pm at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Center.
4. Chair Larry Brown informed the AC that conversations have been initiated with Jo-Anna Herkes
from SSFM International about meeting with the Action Committees regarding the Mass Transit
Master Plan.
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5. Chair Larry Brown also announced that a community meeting hosted by Senator Joy San
Buenaventura, with participation from County Council Members Eileen O’Hara and Jennifer
Ruggles, was held on Saturday, September 16 in Hawaiian Paradise Park regarding the roads in
Puna. Approximately fifty people attended and much of what was discussed was in relation to
the condition of HWY 130.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS:
Four people signed up to provide testimony on agenda items. Three chose to speak at the start of the
meeting and the other at the time of their agenda item.
1. Mr. William Watkins, representing the Fern Forest Community Association, testified on agenda
item three (Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee): Mr. Watkins is
currently concerned with the Puna connectivity plan. Mr. Watkins stated that he would like there
to be a minimum universal standard formed for emergency access roads and for those roads to be
maintained by one entity. The example Mr. Watkins gave was the Hawaiian Acres emergency
bypass route through Ainaloa and suggested that route as a precedent example for how to
establish emergency bypass routes in other subdivision communities. Mr. Watkins believes this will
help the Fern Forest Community Association (FFCA) achieve its goal of turning one or more roads
over to the county.
2. Mr. John Olson, representing himself, testified on agenda item one (Report on the General Plan
Comprehensive Review), two (Communication No. 2017-14: AC-DPR Administrative Rules for
Farmer’s Market Operations), and three (Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response
Subcommittee): \[#1\] Mr. Olson, stated that he would like to see a closer review of the information
that is going into the General Plan, particularly the traffic count studies on state highways and
county roads. Mr. Olson is concerned that the traffic count information that is currently used in the
General Plan may be inaccurate. Mr. Olson believes that the traffic counts begin in the summer
months before school is in session and that they end the study before schools are in session again.
Mr. Olson is concerned that this may be skewing the traffic counts going in and out of Hilo during
the majority of the year. \[#2\] Mr. Olson would like to know the standard rules for farmer’s markets
on county owned land and how a farmer’s market could be established there by the community.
\[#3\] Mr. Olson is concerned with increased hurricane weather patterns, and if the County of
Hawai‘i will be prepared for such events to occur on this island.
3. Ms. Ronda Lickfelt, representing Fern Forest, testified on agenda item three (Update from the
Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee): Ms. Lickfelt, stated that she and others
from the Fern Forest community have collaborated to clean up an area that they feel is a point of
connectivity connecting Fern Forest to Eden Rock. Ms. Lickfelt would like to see a connectivity
route for emergency access to pass through Fern Forest, connecting the subdivision with Eden
Rock.
4. Ms. Hannah Hedrick, representing the connectivity and emergency response volunteers, testified
on agenda item three (Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee):
Ms. Hedrick would like to know if it is possible for the Action Committee to get answers to the
questions posed in the June 27 CERS minutes. She also asked who had the authority to block an
existing road. Ms. Hedrick would like information regarding grant programs for community owned
roads.. Ms. Hedrick asked if it would be possible to call a meeting with those who disagree about
connectivity locations.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Committee Member Elmer Solis moved to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2017 meeting as
amended. Second by Committee Member Patti Pinto. The motion to approve the minutes as amended
passed with 6 votes aye, 0 votes nay. Lines 31, 86, and 93 were amended in the July 11, 2017 minutes
to correct spelling errors.
BUSINESS:
1. Report on the General Plan Comprehensive Review: Planners Bethany Morrison and Kevin Sullivan
delivered a presentation reviewing the General Plan for the County of Hawai‘i. The presentation
provided an overview of the General Plan and its relationship to the various CDP’s. Mr. Sullivan
introduced and explained the design strategies that will be used to further improve and implement
the General Plan as well as how this will affect future CDP updates. Mr. Sullivan described the new
planning model and the overall strategies for improving both vision and action within the General
Plan and the CDPs, and explained how the planning model will enhance implementation for the
General Plan and CDPs through improved and expanded strategies.
A member of the public asked if the Planning Department will be creating a vision through the
General Plan and if that vision will be implemented through the CDPs.
Mr. Sullivan stated that the vision has essentially been created by the public and the Action
Committees through the individual CDPs.
A member of the public asked how can we (the public) do more to further implementation and not
remain in the planning phase.
Mr. Sullivan answered that Research and Development will be coming before the Action
Committee to expand further, and address in-depth questions regarding implementation.
Ms. Ronda Lickfelt commented that she and other members of her community in Fern Forest have
been putting in the time and effort to try and establish Kaleponi Street as an emergency access
route connecting through Eden Rock. Ms. Lickfelt would like to know what direction members of
the public should be moving in order to further implement their efforts.
Committee Member, Patti Pinto, stated that she has encountered County Departments that are
unfamiliar with the CDPs. Committee Member Pinto questioned the implementation of the
General Plan and CDPs if the County Departments do not hold a unified understanding on strategic
and long range plans.
Mr. Sullivan stated that a goal in this General Plan Update is improving implementation monitoring
and evaluation, tying things closer with the Capital Improvements Projects and budgeting, and
engaging other County departments to be more thoroughly involved and integrated with one
another regarding the General Plan and CDPs.
Mr. John Olson asked if it is the intent of the Planning Department to amend the CDPs to comply
with the General Plan. Mr. Olson stated that each district is vastly different than the next and that
he would like to see more specified needs met for each individual CDP.
Mr. Sullivan explained that the CDPs are used as a tool to implement the General Plan, but the
intention is not to mold one to the other, the idea is to integrate them and make them work
together more efficiently. Mr. Sullivan explained that the intention of the CDPs is to focus on
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unique features as well as identifying common features, and applying those commonalities to
further inform the General Plan.
Mr. William Watkins encouraged members of the community not to lose hope in the system, but
to continue to push forward with the changes they would like to see within their communities. Mr.
Watkins emphasized that this planning process is intended to be a discussion between the public
and the Planning Department and encouraged the public to hold fast with the General plan as well
as the CDPs.
Committee Member, Elmer Solis, questioned the role of the Action Committee in moving forward
with implementation and what authority the Action Committee will have during the
implementation phase.
Committee Member Yumi Kawano asked how we can implement what we have already planned
and how to get the entire community involved while promoting the protection of the forest.
Committee Member Kawano stated that NRCS will provide funding to individuals to restore native
forests and install pig fences to protect their restoration efforts.
Ms. Lickfelt stated that she would like to see more of a focus on connectivity within communities
and would like to see an emergency access route that passes through Fern Forest and Eden Rock.
Ms. Lickfelt and other members of her community believe it is important to have connectivity
within the subdivision communities, which will foster a stronger sense of communication and
collaboration within those communities.
Director Yee stated that there is a new team of planners working on this General Plan
comprehensive update than during the last update. Director Yee stated that we have an
opportunity with Mayor Harry Kim, who is highly supportive of the CDPs. Director Yee stated that
he is here to help fight for community resources and to get government to invest in the things that
are the most important to the communities. Director Yee stated that the Planning Department can
prioritize the CIPs to align with the scope of the CDPs. The current administration is focusing much
more closely on the CDPs, and the staff is very dedicated to working collaboratively with the
community as well as the other County Departments.
Chair Larry Brown questioned how we will increase the availability of resources as well as increase
the level of authority given to the Action Committees. He would like to see the Action Committees
have more authority because of the lack of local government, and stated that the members of
these communities do not have a voice other than through the CDPs.
Mr. Sullivan replied that clarifying the community’s voice is an intent of the plan.
Chair Brown expressed his concern that the ideals being presented by the planning department
under this administration might not be the same under a new administration.
Mr. Sullivan replied that we are working to codify the standards that we are currently developing
for the CDPs to provide more consistency between administrations.
Ms. Bethany Morrison explained that this General Plan will be approved by County Council, as well
as any code amendments that are required to enact this planning system. The Planning
Department is focused on codifying changes to create predictability for the CDPS and for the
communities themselves. Ms. Morrison announced a special meeting in October for the Puna CDP
at the Keaʻau community center
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A member of the community stated that she does not feel that she and others are being included
respectfully in the development of the CDPs. The community member stated that many of the
members of the community cannot make the CDP meetings because they are working at the time
they are held. The community member is concerned with the standardization of access roads
through subdivisions. Her concern is that the roads will be widened for access and that people will
lose their mailboxes or ‘Ohana units if the county is to widen those roads.
Ms. Morrison pointed out that extensive community input was gathered to create these current
plans and objectives in the CDPs. It is difficult to reach every member of the community, but we
can continue to move forward and improve the objectives and goals for the CDPs with input from
the community.
A community member stated that she believes the CDPs need to assess and account for the
increase in population that we are currently experiencing and will continue to experience.
Committee Member Solis stated that in the 6 years he has been here, he has seen constant
progress. Committee Member Solis would like to see everyone come together and communicate
across communities, attending not only our own community meetings but the community
meetings of other communities, as well as subcommittee meetings.
Mr. Watkins stated his concern with the fugitive dust issue. He would like to know what standards
will be used for these emergency access roads. He stated that the subdivisions want to bid on the
rubble from old roads to pave the subdivision roads, but they were denied by the County. Mr.
Watson would like this material to be available for subdivisions to use for the roads in the
subdivisions.
Vice Chair Kealoha was pleased by the presence of Planning Director, Michael Yee and is also
pleased to see that moving forward the CDPs will align with the General Plan.
The presentation slides that were displayed during this agenda item can be viewed and downloaded from the following
website: http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/89782/Page1.aspx
2. Communication No. 2017-14: AC-DPR Administrative Rules for Farmer’s Market Operation at County
Parks and Facilities: Chair Brown introduced the letter that has been drafted regarding rules for
farmer’s markets at County Parks and Facilities.
Committee Member Patti Pinto moved to approve and send Communication No. 2017-14 to the
Director of Parks and Recreation, Charmaine Kamaka. Action Committee Member Elmer Solis
seconded the motion to approve the letter.
Committee Member Pinto confirmed the intent of the letter to be a request of standardization of
the rules and policies for farmer’s market operation at county parks and facilities.
Chair Brown recommended the inclusion of a definition of farmer’s market and that there needs to
be a community input process in defining that term.
Committee Member Kawano stated that she has heard concern from members of the community
regarding the length of time it will take the application to be processed for a farmer’s market.
Unanimous approval to send Communication No. 2017-14 with six votes aye and zero votes nay.
Communication No. 2017-14 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/89519/Page1.aspx
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3. Update from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee (CERS): Communication No.
2017-11; 2017-11.1, and 2017-13
Committee Member Pinto stated that CERS is a subcommittee of the Puna CDP and is separate
from the new Puna Roads Connectivity Committee formed at mayor’s request.
Committee Member Pinto clarified that the Puna Roads Connectivity Committee is tasked with
looking at all possible connectivity locations throughout Puna and to prioritize the work as well as
seek funding sources for those projects. These tasks should be accomplished in approximately four
months. She would like to see a decision from County Corporation Council on what we can do to
help create points of connectivity and how to manage future maintenance. She stated that they
are seeking to create realistic points of connectivity through segments and not necessarily through
entire roads.
Committee Member Pinto announced that CERS continues to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each
month at the Keaʻau Community Center at 2:00 p.m.
Vice Chair Kealoha expressed concern with the area between Kapoho and Nānāwale as well as
sections around Leilani. She would like see CERS consider those areas of interest.
Communication Nos. 2017-11, 2017-11.1, and 2017-13 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/89516/Page1.aspx
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/89514/Page1.aspx
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/1/doc/89518/Page1.aspx
4. Communication No. 2017-12: Budget Subcommittee 2018-2019FY: Chair Brown stated that the
Budget Subcommittee is recommending that there be no new CIP requests for the 2018-2019 fiscal
year. The intent is to keep pushing to get the funding in place for the projects that are already on
the list.
Committee Member Kawano questioned the process for appropriation for funding.
Chair Brown explained that the goal of the Action Committee is to provide input to Hawai‘i County
on projects that would move toward implementing elements of the CDP.
Committee Member Kawano questioned whether these projects have been approved for funding
by the County Council.
Chair Brown explained that they have been approved for inclusion in the CIP budget.
Committee Member Kawano asked if the County Council reprioritizes allocation of funds
depending on changing circumstances.
Chair Brown explained that the Council will reconsider projects if it is brought to their attention by
the Planning Department or other County Departments.
Vice Chair Kealoha asked if it would be possible to write a letter of support regarding certain items
on the budget list that they would like to see implemented first. Vice Chair Kealoha was specifically
interested in Ahalanui warm ponds and Isaac Hale Beach Park.
Communication No. 2017-12 can be viewed and downloaded from the following website:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink/DocView.aspx?dest=/Weblink/DocView.aspx?isTimeout=1%26dbid=1%26id=89
517&cr=1
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AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING: (October 10, 2017)
1. Information update on the General Plan.
2. Progress Update on the Pāhoa Village Center Plan from the Planning Department.
3. Update on the Connectivity Report
ADJOURNMENT: The Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:26 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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