HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2018-24.2- KCDP Priorities Letter Harry Kim -o�''tv of M'�� � Michael Yee
Mayor y. Vy;%. Director
•
:7 _ Daryn Arai
t, � Deputy Director
West Hawai`i Office East Hawai`i Office
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy • • l01 Pauahi Street,Suite 3
Kailua-Kona,Hawai`i 96740 County of Hawaii Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)323-4770 PLANNING DEPARTMENT Phone(808)961-8288
Fax(808)327-3563 Fax(808)961-8742
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
ACTION COMMITTEE
November 16, 2018
Michael Yee, Director
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 ,
Hilo, HI 96720
SUBJECT: Kona CDP Action Committee Priorities and Recommendations for
FY 2019-2020 Capital Improvement Program:
• Kona Open Space Network Plan
• Kahului—Keauhou (Ali`i Parkway)
• Lako Street Connector
• Ane Keohokalole Phase III
• Kailua Village Redevelopment
Aloha Director Yee:
At its July 10, 2018 meeting, the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee
(AC) decided upon the following project priorities, and requests your consideration and
continued support.
1. Kona Open Space Network Plan. The Action Committee believes this project will lay
the groundwork for better defining and protecting valuable lands in the increasingly
urbanized Kona area. As such, this is currently the Action Committee's top priority. A
$250,000 appropriation currently exists for the project, which we believe is slated for
allotment through Fair Share funding. During the Kona CDP's November 15, 2017
meeting the Kona Open Space Network Subcommittee presented a vision statement they
had created through working with a group of interested community members. The vision
statement (attached) may be used to provide insight into the desires of the Kona
community during the drafting process of this plan. The AC is prepared to assist the
consultant during the process. With deference to all the hard work that has gone into this
effort, we sincerely ask for your assistance in soliciting a consultant and encumbering the
funds.
The remaining items on this list are in no particular order.
121864
Michael Yee, Director
Planning Department
September 11, 2018
Page 2
2. Kahului—Keauhou (Ali`i Parkway.) The Action Committee seeks a new Capital
Improvement Program appropriation for FY 19-20 for the purpose of redesigning this
roadway to fit what may be feasible with regard to funding and scope. While the ultimate
goal is to construct a 2-lane "complete street", we also see the value in partial
pedestrian/bicycle access as a possible interim alternative. Understanding the limitations
this project has experienced in the past, we are prepared to work toward a grass-roots
initiative by working with stakeholders, and measuring the community and the
administration's support for the project. Please forward this request to the appropriate
department.
3. "Lako Street Connector" between Alii Drive and Kuakini Highway. The Action
Committee continues to monitor the development of this important connector road. We
have in the past expressed concern that the offer of a private landowner to construct this
vitally important roadway connector may not be sufficient to provide the necessary
intersection planning and improvements.
4. Ane Keohokalole Phase III. We are in continued support for the funding and
construction of this roadway which we believe is vital to relieve traffic congestion in the
Kona area through means of increasing connectivity.
5. Kailua Village Redevelopment. We appreciate your May 29, 2018 response to our
request for the allotment of funds for the current Kailua Village Redevelopment
appropriation. As the financial unpredictability of the County begins to balance in wake of
the volcanic emergency, we hope you consider our ongoing desire to fund this project to
maintain downtown Kailua Village as the vibrant town center we envision it to be.
6. Affordable Housing. Although this priority, at this time, may not correspond with a
specific CIP request, we have discussed at length the affordable housing situation as it
affects the Kona area. We plan to continue working with Planning staff to develop a
detailed understanding of the current affordable housing situation with the goal to
establish committee actions that increase the viability of such projects.
We appreciate your continual efforts to understand the needs of the Kona CDP Action
Committee as a reflection of that of the Kona community.
Mahalo,
Charles Young, Chair
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee