HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2018-07- 2017 Annunal NKCDP Report from Chair Winter FinalComm. No. 2018-07
North Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee
Annual Report to the Community, 2017
John Winter, Retiring Chair
Because my term has ended and I am (finally) retiring this year I am expanding upon the typical annual report
to remind the community of the origin and purpose of the North Kohala CDP and provide the new Action
Committee members with a bit of a guide as they move forward.
The North Kohala Community Development Plan (NKCDP) was created in 2008 by County Ordinance
2008-151 (Bill 365) and can be downloaded at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/north-kohala-cdp (or by
contacting the Planning Department at 961-8288).
Many of you may remember the process that occurred here in Kohala to create the Plan. It began with a
Community Readiness Program, which included workshops and over 60 small group meetings that took place in
2005 and 2006. An 11 -member Steering Committee was then formed and met at regularly in 2007-8 to review
CDP material and plan ahead. Focus Groups were then formed to address each of the four Priority Issues:
• Growth Management.
• Public Access (to shoreline and other recreational areas, both mauka and makai).
• Affordable Housing.
• Infrastructure (parks, water and power supply, waste, roads, communications, healthcare, emergency
services, viewplanes, police and fire, etc., much of which is pretty decrepit).
Each Focus Group discussed and decided upon goals, strategies, and action steps for their issues.
Next, four Community Meetings were held throughout the CDP process to provide for community input on the
ideas that were developed by the Steering Committee, Focus Groups, the Planning Consultant, and the Hawaii
County Planning Department. This finally resulted in the creation of the NKCDP and appointment of an Action
Committee (NKCDP-AC) to carry out implementation of the plan. All of this is documented in the NKCDP.
I think we all recognize how unique and important North Kohala is.
• Cultural sites (most by far in the state).
• Agricultural potential (good soil and rainfall).
• Coastal resources (pristine coastline and marine life).
• Open space.
• Susceptibility to natural hazards and isolation from emergency services.
• Isolation and susceptibility to power and water supply interruptions.
• Simply maintaining our lifestyle in the face of development: "Keep Kohala Kohala"
As stipulated in the County of Hawaii General Plan (section 15.1) and in Ordinance 2008-151, the NKCDP is
administered and staffed by the Planning Department with the purpose to be a proactive, community-based
steward of the plan's implementation and update. In other words, we are an official part of County governance
and provide an opportunity for North Kohala to tell the County what we actually want, rather than wait to react
to decisions made for the community in Hilo or Kona.
The North Kohala CDP Action Committee is generally recognized as one of the most progressive and active
ones on the island. We were the second to be created and these first ACs faced considerable resistance from
various county offices, including our parent Planning Department, as we worked as a standard bearer for
implementing this new way of doing business. Change is always difficult, and many county workers and
administrators struggled to accommodate us, even though we were free volunteers working to help them with
their jobs. We have demonstrated our effectiveness and now have status at the table. Most county departments
know us when we meet with them now and are more receptive than before. I thank those who served before me
in this effort, with me, and those who follow as we continue forward. This is an important time. The county
General Plan is being revised now, and we hope to see it integrate the area CDPs more thoroughly. The
Planning Department has become much more accepting and supportive of this new paradigm and we look
forward to a much better working relationship with them. The NKCDP will also be up for revision in a year or
two: a chance to reemphasize our values and reconsider our way forward.
Most of the actual work is accomplished by our community partner groups (previously called subcommittees).
Their mandates in the NKCDP, their 2017 progress, and 2018 goals follow.
North Kohala Community Access Group (CA)
The NKCAG works in partnership with the North Kohala CDP Action Committee to insure implementation of the
"Strategies" of the Plan relating to open access to coastal and mountain resources and places of recreation, including
officially opening access trails granted by County action, but not legally located.
As it states first in the preamble to the NKCDP, North Kohala's Vision:
We are a community that respects, preserves and honors our history, our land, and our diverse culture. We value
access to our shores, our forests, and our streams.
Section 4.2 of the NKCDP is dedicated to this important issue. When Hawaiian land ceased to be entirely public and fell
into private hands, many buyers were/are "off -shore" entities, so fences, locked gates and "No Trespassing" signs have
become common. Today, only a few roads and paths in Kohala provide public access to the shore or to the mountains.
The Goal and Strategies for public access in the NKCDP may be summarized as follows:
GOAL: PROVIDE FOR ADEQUATE DRIVABLE (MAUKA-MAKAI) (4 wheel vehicles) PUBLIC ACCESS
TO COASTAL (ALONG THE TOPS OF CLIFFS) AND MOUNTAIN AREAS IN NORTH KOHALA,
INCLUDING PROVISION OF:
A continuous coastal path from Pololu to Kawaihae Harbor,
Adequate mauka-makai access easements between the coastal path and Akoni Pule Highway
o Adequate mauka-makai access easements from Akoni Pule Highway and the Kohala Mountain Road into
the Kohala mountains, and
o A lateral mountain road (Wylie Blvd) from Pololu to Taga Pond.
The NKCAG also partners with other Kohala community organizations to implement:
Strategy 1.2: Acquire coastal lands that should be preserved as open space. NKCAG this year worked with
community groups to nominate six coastal projects to the Mayor's PONC priority list for Open Space purchase. All six
were named on the 2017 list and purchase of one parcel at Hapu'u is underway. The group also added input to
discussions for purchase of lands at Honoipu (Parker Ranch) and Kaupalaoa (Kaupalaoa Ranch). In cooperation with
Kohala Lihikai, the group has applied for stewardship of previously purchased open space lands at Pao'o and
Kaiholena through the County's Maintenance Fund grant program.
Strategy 2.1: Provide for substantive community input to the County Planning Department and the County
Council in order to finalize and accept priority shoreline access easements. (Page 41 of the NKCDP states:
Community spokespersons have been adamant in their desire to amend and implement specific public accesses that
have been agreed to by land owners or court-ordered, but for various reasons were never finalized). The Group helped
the Planning Department shepherd two Grants of Public Access Easements through the County Council (for trails and
roads at Ainakea and Halaula). The group also worked with land owners on three other pending easements despite the
lack of help from Planning Department (Halelua, Pahoa Beach and Upolu East).
Strategy 2.4: Encourage increased cooperation and coordination among federal, state, and county agencies and
departments regarding public access to coastal and mauka lands. The group worked on two new trail locations by
participating in the Environmental Assessment review of new residential development at Kohala Shoreline near Kohala
Ranch, and worked with Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in creating conservation easement to preserve the Ala
Loa and coastal trail at Kohala Kai near Kohala Estates. It worked with Na Ala Hele Trail staff, DLNR, to move ahead
with relocating the coastal trail at Puakea Bay Ranch, which has been closed due to erosion. It also worked with a
National Parks Service planner to answer questions about possible government rights to Mahukona to Niuli'i Railroad
easements. In partnership with Kohala Lihikai, the group succeeded in obtaining a Rivers, Trails, Conservation
Assistance grant for trail maintenance and educational programs at Kohala High School.
Strategy 2.5: Encourage and increase cooperation and coordination between the community and private land
owners regarding public access to coastal and mauka lands. NKCAG worked with Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail to seek opening of the Parker Ranch coastal land at Honoipu for public use.
The group encourages land owners to attend it monthly open meetings and has secured good communications with
many owners, some of whom attend meetings regularly.
In addition, the group worked with three other NKCDP groups to solve the problems of congestion, safety and health at
Pololu Lookout, worked with Kohala Lihikai on erosion control and native planting project at Upolu Airport and shared
coastal erosion control and native plant propagation information with Pacific Pono, the stewards of Kamehameha Schools
land at Akoakoa Point.
Other 2017 Progress: The NKCAG made substantial progress in opening a new coastal trail and mauka makai access
road. It has moved substantially forward in the role of stewarding public open space lands. Perhaps most significant is our
success at forming partnerships with other community groups, land owners and government agencies to work together to
achieve the goals of the NKCDP.
Goals for 2018: Finalize the Grants of Public Access Easements at Halelua, Pahoa Beach, Upolu East, Kohala Kai and
Kohala Waterfront. To see the eroded trail at Puakea Bay Ranch moved to a safe place and re -opened. Arrange funding
for the purchase of lands listed on the County's priority list for open space. Locate resources to protect the open nature of
the Parker Ranch land at Honoipu. Initiate stewardship plans at Pao'o and Kaiholena and continue the project of plant
restoration and erosion control at Upolu Airport. Increase the safety and health of the Pololu Lookout and Trail by
working with agencies and land owners. Gather information on the easement for the Mahukona to Niuli'i Railroad.
Undertake programs at the Kohala schools to interest students in protection of the coast and possible careers in resource
management.
The NKCAG meets at 4:30 pm on the first Monday of each month in the former Judiciary Building, Kapa'au. Ted
Matsuda is the chairperson.
Parks, Water & Roads (PWR) Group
The PWR Group works to implement the "Strategies" of the Plan that address the condition of our area parks
and our water and road systems. When the CDP was developed in 2007-8, residents recognized that much of
Kohala's infrastructure was constructed decades ago, including the roads, water system, and electric power
lines. Many considered it time for these aging infrastructure components to be revamped, repaired, or replaced.
The strategies for our Group include:
Strategy 4.2: Improve Parks (restrooms, gym & public boat ramp).
Strategy 4.5: Upgrade Potable Water System.
Strategy 4.6: Improve Existing Roadway Systems and Create Emergency Bypass Roads.
Strategy 4.12: Long Term Strategies.
4.12a: Support repair and maintenance of existing agricultural water transmission and
distribution systems to meet agricultural needs.
Accomplishments in 2017:
Parks. The Group set up a series of monthly meetings between the parks maintenance supervisor and
representatives from each county park to discuss work planned by the Department of Parks and Recreation and
park needs expressed by the reps. This way the community becomes aware in advance of park maintenance
projects and people can make suggestions or requests for park improvements.
Potable Water. In 2014 the Group produced a paper summarizing the potable water supply situation and needs
in Kohala and presented it to the Department of Water Supply. This was very well received by several agencies.
In it we asked the DWS to 1) Add more wells and connect them for system redundancy should any well
temporarily fail, 2) Initiate a program to upgrade the aging delivery system as soon as possible, and 3) Lift the
moratorium on new water meters for subdivided lots in North Kohala. DWS has recently cleared the way to
obtaining the Halaula well and is now in the planning and design stage. They plan to have it connected to the
system in less than two years. They promise to lift the moratorium then. We continue to monitor progress with
fingers crossed.
Agricultural Water. We hosted three meetings on this issue. The first was specifically for farmers to assess
their needs. The second open meeting was to learn what the community wants, what resources are available, and
how the system might be administered. Thanks to Senator Inouye, $1.5 million was set aside for a feasibility
study to answer these questions and see what it would take to have a robust and affordable ag water distribution
system. At our third meeting, John Richards of Waimea Water Services, who was contracted for the study,
presented his initial findings and sought public comments. The group's participation in the issue is ongoing.
Roads. The Group has concentrated on two principal road issues in 2016-7. The first is finding a way to have
Pratt Road readily available as an emergency bypass should the Akoni Pule Highway again become blocked.
We sent out questionnaires to the landowners fronting Pratt and held meetings to hear their wishes and
concerns, most of which centered on issues of limited access (only during emergencies), liability, and
maintenance that would retain most of Pratt's present rural aspect. We are working with the landowners and the
Department of Public Works to solve these problems. Creating an agreement by which the County assumes
liability and maintenance responsibilities that is agreeable and signed by over forty landowners is a challenge.
The second road issue deals with congestion, safety, and cleanliness at the Pololu Lookout. In conjunction with
three other groups of the NKCDP we hosted four meetings seeking recommendations regarding solutions to the
increasing congestion, parking problems and other health and safety considerations. Besides community input
meetings there have been meetings with DLNR, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Na Ala Hele Trails System,
County Dept. of Parks and Recreation, County Police and Sen. Inouye and Rep. Evans. The Group is working
on a plan to create a parking lot and restroom facilities.
In November Representative Cindy Evans brought Dan Smith, Big Island District Engineer for the State DOT
to Kohala to one of our meetings with members of the public. Mr. Smith outlined DOT's plans for maintaining
the Akoni Pule Highway. Residents expressed their strong concerns, which centered on the dangerous
conditions at A'amakao Gulch, and the yield sign at Walaohia Gulch.
Goals for 2018: All of the infrastructure issues addressed above are ongoing. Members of our group are
presently arranging to meet with the Acting Director of Public Works to further discuss how to best address the
problem of Pratt Road as an emergency by-pass. We are also arranging to meet with several departments to
obtain land and construct a parking lot and restroom facilities at Pololu Lookout. We are continuing to work
with the Waste Management Division to install a greenwaste bin at the Ka'auhuhu transfer station. Our
community wants a system in which Kohala's greenwaste can be diverted from the landfill to the mulch facility
and made available to the community.
The PWR Group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 5:00pm in the former Judiciary Building
(between the Senior Center and Police Station) in Kapa'au.
Growth Management (GM) Group
North Kohala residents recognize that some growth will happen within the district. However, they were quite
vocal during the CDP development process about their desire to control the type and quantity of development
that happens. They sought management of future growth of the district in a manner consistent with the Kohala
lifestyle and ideals of being a rural community with a strong cultural heritage, an agricultural base, and a small-
town feel.
The over -arching Goal for achieving the desired Growth Management in Kohala is thus summarized as:
GOAL: DIRECT NORTH KOHALA'S GROWTH TO AREAS WITHIN AND NEAR EXISTING
TOWN CENTERS IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE DISTRICT'S OPEN SPACE AND
CULTURAL RESOURCES; AND TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE.
An additional Strategy in the NKCDP:
Strategy 1.3: Down -zone identified State-owned parcels that have special cultural
and/or scenic value.
The GM Group reviews various types of North Kohala land use applications submitted to the County Planning
Department, and evaluates them for consistency with the Goal stated above. The Growth Management Group
then decides upon appropriate action, such as notification of and input from affected neighbors, and we make
recommendations to the NKCDP AC and hence to the Planning Department. To follow Strategy 1.3, we work
with the Department of Planning to "down -zone" culturally or scenically important State-owned parcels from
County zoning categories A -5a or A-20 to a more protective category.
Accomplishments in 2017:
The Growth Management Group met a total of six times this past year. A working document to summarize and
track existing Land Use Applications was created. Two Subdivisions, three Plan Approvals, and one Special
Management Minor Use Permit were reviewed and commented on.
Additionally, a discussion on Land Use and the Impact of Non -Agriculture Business in an Agriculture District
and a discussion on the Hawaii County Sign Code and the Impact of Large Lighted Signs was conducted.
Goals for 2018:
In addition to the regular review of Planning Department Applications, the Growth Management Group would
like to implement a Community Design Guideline to address Signage Issues to serve as a mechanism for the
Action Committee and the Community to be part of the application process for signs. Additionally, to expand
the Land Use Summary Report to incorporate historical applications that may be renewed without completion
or withdrawal. The Growth Management Subcommittee continues to act as a liaison to the NKCDP AC for any
Kohala culture/historic preservation groups. This support extends to any groups that need assistance working
with the County Planning Department.
The Growth Management Subcommittee meets on the first Monday of every month from 6:00 - 7:OOPM at the
old Judiciary Building in Kapa'au.
Affordable Housing (AH) Group
When the CDP was in the planning stages the Affordable Housing Focus Group participants provided a qualitative
assessment of the community's affordable housing needs:
• The greatest need is for affordable housing for young families and for young single adults.
• There is also a need for affordable housing for the elderly.
• There is a need for both affordable rentals and affordable for -sale homes.
• The lack of affordable housing in Kohala has led to serious social and personal impacts. Many homes are
overcrowded, and many young people are being forced to leave Kohala to look for affordable housing elsewhere.
• Affordable housing should be integrated into existing neighborhoods.
• A strategy is needed that can make existing housing stock affordable.
• Affordable home prices would be in the range of $200,000 to $250,000.
The NKCDP dedicates a significant section (4.3) to this subject, setting out a major goal and four specific Strategies in
order to meet it.
GOAL: THE OVERALL GOAL OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM FOR NORTH KOHALA IS
TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME
RESIDENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.
Strategy 3.1: `Ohana Housing Units and Additional Farm Dwellings
Strategy 3.2: Self -Help Housing
Strategy 3.3: Non-profit housing development corporation or similar entity
Strategy 3.4: Pre-emptions of certain County regulations to provide for more affordable housing and/or
changes to County codes to facilitate affordable rural housing.
The big problem is that Affordable Housing in Kohala is nearly an oxymoron. The median residential sales
price for Q1, 2017 was $565,000, compared to a Big Island average of $350,000. The threshold for houses in
North Kohala is probably $350,000 and thus hardly affordable for many families. With regard to the target price
indicated in the final bulleted point above, it is highly doubtful that any North Kohala home has sold for under
$250,000 since 2003.
Introducing affordable housing in Kohala will require considerable effort and creative funding. In 2017 the
Affordable Housing (AH) subcommittee of the CDP Action Committee changed course to become a less formal
"Group." As the Affordable Housing Group (AHG) we now have a more efficient relationship with the Action
Committee, as well the ability to become sponsored by the North Kohala Community Resource Center and
accept donations and provide tax breaks to willing land owners through the NKCRC 501(C)3 non-profit status.
In 2017, the AH group worked more closely with the County Office of Housing and Development. In the most
promising concrete possibility for the immediate future, we began conversations with a landowner who is
proposing to sub -divide a 33 -acre parcel in Hawi which would include some affordable housing lots. We also
continued conversations with a landowner near Ainakea.
Another new goal is to develop the first "Pocket Neighborhood" on the island as a prototype for affordable
housing. We believe the pocket neighborhood concept of design is a form that is particularly compatible with
Kohala's rural character and emphasis on community life. Planners use the term'pocket neighborhood' to
describe a new development that places homes around a central communal pedestrian -only open space while
routing the vehicular traffic and parking to the perimeter of the 'neighborhood.' House lots are smaller, but all
share immediate access to the shared common space. We have done conceptual sketches for several vacant
parcels showing how this would increase the number of units and viability of the project.
We are also keeping track of the "Tiny House" movement, hoping to coordinate with them. Perhaps tiny houses,
either mobile or stationary, and related zoning accommodations, could get small affordable housing units on
agricultural land for people wishing to farm but unable to afford the high cost of starting out.
The NKCDP mentions the need for Rural Infrastructure Standards. Such standards, would help maintain Kohala's rural
character and aid in keeping costs down for affordable housing projects.
The Affordable Housing Group meeting times are irregular. If you would like to participate, please call Jack Hoyt at 889-
0349.
Power, Viewplanes and Erosion Control (PVEC) Group
The PVEC Group works to implement the "Strategies" of the Plan that address the condition of our area power
system as well as issues concerning the quality of views from our roads and erosion, particularly along the
coast. The strategies for our Group include:
Strategy 1.9: Establish a View Plane Protection Program to identify and protect areas of
significant beauty along the Kohala Mountain Road and Akoni-Pule Highway corridor.
Strategy 4.7: Improve Reliability of Electrical Service in North Kohala.
HELCO (Hawai`i Electric Light Company) currently maintains one radial electrical transmission
line going into Kohala (34.5kV), which runs along the Kohala Mountain Road. This line has been subject to
frequent down time causing the entire district to lose electrical service and risk damage to electrical devices upon
restoration of steady power.
North Kohala is the only district lacking redundancy on the entire Island. Every other Hawaii County district has
an electrical system which operates on a "looped" or "redundant" system.
Although there is no specific Strategy in the NKCDP addressing Erosion Control, Kohala residents are concerned
about this issue, particularly as it affects coastal trail access, so we have added it to our mandate.
Accomplishments in 2017:
The PVEC group supported the County's multi-year effort concluding in 2017 to transition to LED streetlights,
increasing the dark night sky with safer true -color, non -glare street lighting, and 50% energy savings. The
transition advances NKCDP goals of view plane protection and rural infrastructure "low profile minimal street
lighting."
Worked with other NKCDP groups on a continuing discussion with residents near Pololu Lookout to improve
the situation there. The group also met several times this year with HELCO. Work continued on mapping
potential Kohala's HELCO transmission loop routes, viewplanes identified in various view studies, and lands
preserved for open space. HELCO transmission line routes proposed for steep slopes are being studied by group
members for potential soil erosion.
Solar Matters, the promoters of future solar bikeways, sponsored monthly family bike rides in Kohala.
Restoration efforts continued at Upolu Point and along the leeward coastline on contour land planning and
sediment basins to prevent erosion runoff.
Goals for 2018:
Goals include continued work on the Pololu Lookout situation, further work on a second powerline serving
Kohala, determination of significant viewplanes to avoid for new transmission lines, as well as locations for
prospective new scenic lookouts to improve safety particularly during whale season.
Community members are encouraged to volunteer for new investigative groups to implement CDP strategies,
including:
Strategy 4.3: Improve Communication Systems (radio, cell, and internet)
Strategy 4.7: Improve Reliability of Electrical Service in North Kohala - PUC, grid connected solar,
HELCO loop routes.
The PVEC group is seeking community input for a new 2018 meeting day/time, place. Please call Susan Fischer
if interested at 882-7611.
Agriculture Group (AG)
Although agriculture figures prominently in Kohala history and is an important aspect of our present situation,
the NKCDP does not have a section dedicated to the subject. Rather, the subject of agriculture is interspersed
throughout the document.
Section 2.3 Demographics & Economics. The district's economy has been struggling since the Kohala Sugar
Company closed in 1975 ... The search for viable businesses must continue to enable this community to remain vibrant.
Many would like to see diversified agriculture encouraged in the region.
Section 2.4 Land Use. The overwhelming majority of Kohala lands are zoned for agriculture, 84.6% according to
County zoning (67,977 acres), and 80.5% in the State Agricultural district (64,713 acres). The sentiment of Kohala
residents is generally that they would like to see this land utilized for agriculture. One of their biggest concerns is the
misuse of this land for luxury subdivisions and/or "gentlemen estates."
The key planning implications related to Kohala's land use include:
• Agricultural lands — The majority of the land in Kohala is zoned for agriculture, is suitable for such use, and
should be utilized as such. This means agricultural land should not be up -zoned unless the proposed up -zoning
substantially conforms with the Goals and Policies of the North Kohala CDP.
As described by the Growth Management Group above, their principal goal is to direct North Kohala's growth to
areas within and near existing town centers. The reason expressed for this was "in order to preserve the district's open
space and cultural resources; and to promote agriculture."
Other mentions of agriculture in the NKCDP include:
Many residents see diversified agriculture as one of the best options for creating jobs and local businesses, since it
utilizes Kohala's natural resources (fertile soils, availability of water), helps increase the community's self-
sufficiency, and protects its rural character.
Kohala has a long agricultural history, from the days of Kamehameha I in the 18th Century, to the more recent sugar
plantation days, which ended in the 1970s. The Kohala community was largely food self-sufficient until recent
decades. They have been producing their own food by growing crops, ranching, fishing, and sharing with one another.
Although it is more difficult to continue this tradition today, many residents are doing so, and would like to support
and encourage such activities. Numerous ideas on how best to do this have been put forth ... In the long -run, the
Kohala community would like to work towards producing at least 50% of the food it consumes.
Strategies and other sections in the NKCDP that address Agriculture are:
Strategy 1.5: Establish Agricultural Education Programs
Strategy 1.8: Participate in the identification of Important Agricultural Lands as established by Chapter 205-47,
Hawaii Revised Statutes to ensure that appropriate lands are identified and protected
Strategy 3.1: `Ohana Housing and Additional Farm Dwellings
The NKCDP also refers to a portion of the Hawaii County General Plan that discusses "Courses of action" for
the district of North Kohala in an Appendix (D) which includes the following:
Economic
a) Aid in the expansion of agriculture through the protection of important agricultural lands.
c) Encourage the establishment of an open farmer's market in North Kohala.
d) Assist in the formulation and implementation of education and manpower training programs to strengthen the
overall skill level of the local residents to compete in existing and emerging sustainable and environmentally sound
industries and businesses.
I) Support efforts to promote small business development that is consistent with the rural, agricultural, and historic
character of the area.
g) Assist the communities and residents in diversifying the economic base in ways that are consistent with the rural,
agricultural, and historic character of North Kohala.
Public Utilities — Water
a) Encourage efforts to improve the Kohala ditch system and its use for agricultural purposes.
Land Use — Agriculture
a) Encourage the maintenance and more intensive utilization of the Kohala Ditch irrigation system for agricultural
production.
b) Support the development of private and State agricultural parks as a means of making agricultural land available
for commercial agricultural activities.
The Agriculture Group is in a restructuring stage and seeks members of the community wishing to work on promoting a
vibrant and productive agricultural system in Kohala. The issues we can address include:
• Supporting Agricultural Education Programs.
• Working with and Promoting Existing Agricultural Groups (e.g. The Farmer's Union).
• Resisting Conversion of Lands Zoned for Agriculture to Other Purposes.
• Participating in the identification of Important Agricultural Lands.
• Promoting Affordable Agricultural Housing, such as Ohana Housing and Various Sorts of Additional Farm
Dwellings.
• Encourage Efforts to Improve the Kohala Ditch System.
• Support Efforts to Promote Agricultural Business and an Agricultural Park.
Residents interested in helping please a call Jack Olsen at 990-3862.
Cultural and Historical Preservation (CHP) Group
In the very first section of the NKCDP, Vision, Goals, Values, it states:
CULTURAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMUNITY: In order to honor and preserve
an unparalleled historical heritage that includes heiau, ancient settlements, and other sites of great
significance to the Hawaiian people, and its uniquely multi-ethnic community, North Kohala shall be
regarded as a Cultural and Historical Preservation Community. Thus, all decisions regarding the
development of land shall be required to assess and disclose their potential impact on the cultural
sites and resources within the district, and shall be in keeping with the heritage and culture of North
Kohala.
The Kohala Coast consists of one of the most intact "cultural landscapes" in the State of Hawai'i
due to its high density of cultural and archaeological sites. Because of Kohala's strong cultural heritage and
many cultural, natural and historical sites, the Cultural and Historical Preservation Group was formed in 2016 to
address ways to document our history and protect the sites. The NKCDP also recommends that place names
commemorating Kamehameha I should be recognized. It is not the intention of the CHP to assume management
of any sites, but to assure their recognition and protection.
The NKCDP has three specific Strategies that directly address cultural and historical issues:
Strategy 1.3: Down -zone identified State-owned parcels with important cultural and/or scenic
resources.
Strategy 1.6: Establish Community Cultural Programs.
Strategy 1.7: Implement a Policy for a Cultural and Historical Preservation Community.
It also specifies some steps that might be taken:
• Identify areas requiring additional protection.
• Identify appropriate protections, such as buffers, for these areas.
• Submit findings to the County for public review and adoption for use in land use
planning and decisions.
• All steps should be done in consultation with the community, including affected
land owners, scientists, natural resource managers, and cultural experts.
Accomplishments in 2017: The CHP group met with some members of the Senior Club who carry most of the
living historical memory of North Kohala. They said they would rather share information informally and in
"talk story" venues rather than publish a book or pamphlets or post informative posters/signs, which have met
with vandalism in the past. Many said that, now that children have exposure to local culture and history in
school, they already learn much from teachers and Kupuna. Faye Yates attended two State Historical workshops
in Kona to learn what is required to nominate, and care for places on the Historic Register. The group discussed
ways to record personal histories, either a new book on Kohala or video sessions. Given the number of articles
already written, there may not be need for more. There are also costs involved, leading to questions on
fundraising. Because most group members are Kupuna, they felt it was too much to take on. The group did meet
with staff from the Community Resource Center to discuss a project to write short personal/family histories.
Goals for 2018:
The CHP group will continue researching ways to record personal histories and the need and procedures for a
historical book. They will also work to document and protect historical sites in Kohala.
The CHP group has no official time and place yet. People interested in working with this group please call Faye
Yates, 889-0383.
Healthcare Investigatory Subcommittee
An Investigatory Subcommittee was formed in 2017 to address:
Strategy 4.9: Increase Community Awareness of Healthcare Services in Kohala.
The Kohala Hospital has received some important major renovations and the Healthcare Group has therefore focused on
other community needs. As stated in the NKCDP:
Currently, there is a serious shortage of healthcare professionals within the community. Kohala is served by only
one clinic, with two physicians and one advanced practice nurse. Appointments may take as long as two weeks to
obtain. In order to be seen, many have to go on long waiting lists. This has resulted in patients seeking primary
care through the Hospital emergency room.
Rehabilitation services will be ending in Kohala because of a lack of occupational and physical therapists willing
to travel to Kohala. No training of physical therapists is available in-state; those interested in this career must go to
the mainland for their education and training.
The clinic is working on recruiting physicians to work in North Kohala. Doctors, nurses and therapists need a place
to live, so this is connected to the affordable housing shortage.
Accomplishments in 2017. The Healthcare subcommittee understands that a solution to these issues requires
more than community awareness. Members have spoken to a number of people including a member on the
Board of Directors at Hamakua/Kohala Health Care. Kohala suffers from too few doctors and their staff is kept
very busy with scheduling and billing. Informal surveys suggested that all Kohala residents agree that we need
better health care here, but no one seems to know where to start. Discussions at individual Doctor's Offices
indicate that they are busy and do not have enough time. As a result, many doctors take too long to make
follow-up appointments. Anoano Care Home charges over $9,000/mo. but they do not or cannot take their
residents to physical therapy or to doctor's appointments. The County will not pick up Residents in a care home
due to liability issues.
Goals for 2018:
This is a very difficult issue and needs further research. The NKCDP suggests that a community forum be
developed to include concerned community groups to share ideas about how the community's healthcare needs
can be better met.
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