HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm. No. 2018-02.PCDP Action Committee PrioritiesHarry Kim
Mayor
West Hawaii Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Phone(808)323-4770
Fax (808) 327-3563
February 8, 2017
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN —
ACTION COMMITTEE
Michael Yee, Planning Director
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
SUBJECT: PCDP Action Committee Priorities and Priority Table
Aloha Director Yee,
Comm. No. 2018-02
Michael Yee
Director
Daryn Arai
Deputy Director
East Hawaii Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288
Fax (808) 961-8742
The Action Committee (AC) of the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) has approved
the enclosed PCDP Priority Table, as project priorities for the AC, County, and State to take on
for the coming year. The table includes 6 (six) priorities that we consider most important to the
Puna Community and critical to the process of creating a pattern of future growth and
development in a manner that is consistent with the goals and objectives of the PCDP as well as
being in harmony with the natural setting and supportive of a better, sustainable quality of life.
PCDP AC Priorities
1. The creation of Village/Town Centers is vital to the implementation of the PCDP.
Section 3.1 of the PCDP speaks to the land use pattern of Puna and the need to create
village/town centers as the preferred strategy for providing Puna residents with greater
access to goods, services, educational resources and economic opportunities in a
thoughtful and sustainable manner. The goal and action item 3.1.2d and 3.1.3d call for
the creation of village/town centers and associated "village plans" to guide the
development of these centers.
2. Road connectivity is a high priority for Puna. As the numerous subdivisions in Puna
continue towards full build -out the need for alternate routes during emergency situations
is becoming more critical. Additionally, inter -connectivity between subdivisions could
help alleviate traffic congestion along major routes. Action item 4.3.3a defines
connectivity actions for Puna. Recent work by the PCDP Connectivity subcommittee and
Council's ad hoc subcommittee resulted in a report on Puna connectivity that
recommends connectivity locations for upper Puna. Along with implementation of the
connectivity report, the AC also asks that current emergency routes that are closed be
considered for improvement to be opened permanently as connectivity routes.
www.coht)lanningdgpt.com Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planningftawaiicounty. Lot
Mr. Michael Yee
February 8, 2017
Page 2
3. Puna is in dire need of reliable and affordable internet connectivity. Lack of
infrastructure inhibits opportunity in Puna. Action items 3.4.3c and 4.1.3c speak to the
need of internet connectivity that could provide economic and employment opportunities
for Puna residents.
4. Preserving native ecosystems is critical in the fastest growing district in Hawaii County.
Development is occurring at a rapid pace and native forests are giving way to housing
and development on a daily basis. Objective 2.2.2b of the PCDP calls for several action
strategies to protect the increasingly threatened forests of Puna.
5. Farmers Markets provide options for marketing locally produced products and economic
opportunities for Puna residents. Chapter 15 of Hawaii County Code has provisions
allowing for the operation of farmers markets in some County park facilities. PCDP
action item 3.2.2e is in alignment with current County Code. Only minor changes to
Chapter 15 would be necessary to allow farmers markets in appropriate park facilities
throughout the Puna district.
6. Medical facilities are critical for a healthy community. Puna is sorely lacking in medical
facilities able to serve a rapidly growing population. The AC encourages assistance and
advocacy, at any level, to promote the development of medical facilities that can provide
a full range of services including options for Puna residents that require dialysis
treatment. Action item 3.3.3a calls for development of medical facilities throughout
Puna and goal 3.3.1 advocates for social services and programs to assist the Puna
community.
In the coming months, we will be offering our assistance and advocacy for legislation,
programmatic initiatives, and capital improvement priorities related to the Puna CDP. We
encourage and appreciate the Administration's continued support and look forward to
collaboration between the AC and the Administration as it is essential for the successful
implementation of the PCDP.
We respectfully request that this letter and the enclosed PCDP Priority Table be forwarded to the
Mayor, appropriate agencies, administrators, councilmembers, and legislators that are
instrumental in assisting with the implementation of the various priorities that are outlined above.
Mahalo for your time, understanding and support of the Puna community.
Respectfully,
Larry Brown, Chair
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Encl: PCDP Priority Table