HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOR-17-111160 DOEMercado, Keiko
J17 HPR 71 Pf'1 vU
From: Heidi_Meeker/FacilDev/HIDOE@notes.kl2.hi.us
N;
Sent: Tuesday,April 18, 2017 4:15 PM RT 1{"ENT
To:Mercado, Keiko JOIJN i'r` OF HAWAII
Subject: DOE comments on Hamakua CDP
Keiko, thank you for all your assistance these last 2 days.
Le Ana Gloor, Planner
County of Hawai'i Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Ms. Gloor,
The Department of Education (DOE) had limited ability to access the Hamakua Community
Development Plan for review. It was difficult to access the report on line, navigate within the report,
and print out pages.
We appreciated the opportunity to review the document and would like to offer just a few comments.
It is gratifying that the Hamakua community is interested in developing and improving educational
opportunities. DOE supports the 5.12.3 Kokua Action requested of the department, but wishes there
had been some acknowledgment of DOE's responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment
for its students. The sharing of school facilities with the County and community groups has to come
after educational priorities are met. Schools have to provide a safe environment which is not always
compatible with wide open public access, particularly during school hours. Schools cannot always be
expected to provide maintenance and repair of facilities being heavily used by the public. Schools
are also required to follow administrative rules regarding public use of school facilities.
In regard to 5.13.3 Kokua Action, DOE is currently working with the Hakalau community concerning
the eventual return of the Hakalau school campus to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural
Resources. DOE cannot maintain, police, and be liable for property that is no longer an operating
public school.
If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Meeker of the Facilities Development Branch at (808)
784-5095.
Kenneth G. Masden
Public Works Manager
Planning Section - Facilities Development Branch
Department of Education
11160
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Heidi Meeker-heidi_meeker@notes.kl2.hi.usPhone: 808-784-5095
Facilities Development Branch
3633 Waialae Avenue, Room C209HNL, 96816
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