North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group
Meeting of 9/1/25 Senior Center Building.
Minutes by Annalene Williams
Call to order at 4:33 pm
Approx 7 in attendance from the community. In attendance from AG committee:
Kathy Matsuda, Annalene Williams, John Winter, Sadie Young, Boyd Bond, Jack Hoyt
Aug Meeting minutes approved
SubGroup meeting reports:
Affordable Housing:
After reviewing Objective 4 from the NKCDP, referring to a “strong, community-based organization,” we decided to share and review the housing chapter of our district’s CDP. We would love to hear from the North Kohala Community if you have ideas, suggestions, or recommendations about what else could we be doing “to develop a strong, community-based organization that can work towards achieving our goals and objectives.” Of course there are constraints, but we are glad to open this topic up for discussion.
In the past, committees could only address issues in the NKCDP, but now that we are an advisory group, we have more leeway and can address issues in the community as they show up.
Squatter rights – can a land trust work out an agreement with owners?
Has KCLT identified 3 homes to work with next year? Not yet, titles are clouded, they have to find the person who is paying the tax bill, but they want to sell the house at market rate, which is essentially a tear-down. In other cases, people don’t want to give up the opportunity for one member of their Ohana to come back to Kohala and live here
Contractors are buying run-down homes, renovating and selling at market rate, not necessarily to Kohala Residents.
The Kohala Community Land Trust is working hard to apply for grants for resources to help keep our existing housing stock local. They are continuously accepting new members and grateful for donations which could be used to purchase or maintain property.
No money. Grants get easier to obtain when you have a track record. Will be ready next year to rehabilitate an existing home.
Reverse Mortgages. We have been seeing foreclosures due to faulty tax or insurance payments as well as reverse mortgages, and wanted to remind our community that if you have taken out a reverse mortgage, you must maintain your property to “safe” standards in order to maintain your insurance. This group can help distressed homeowners or people looking for insurance.
How much is KCLT doing for reverse mortgages? Kupuna are losing homes because of reverse mortgages, got reverse mortgages from the credit Union = incorrect
Reverse Mortgage – when a homeowner has substantial equity in the home. Equity in the home is available for a reverse mortgage, which uses home equity as collateral for a loan. Value appreciates can get a loan based on 75% value of land/home. A credit union gives people home equity loans, which are similar to reverse mortgages. One of the differences is that if you fail to keep up the maintenance and lose the insurance, the bank can step in and foreclose.
Home equity loans, similar to Reverse Mortgages, require you to maintain your insurance and the home. Credit Union will get its own insurance, the problem with that is the insurance they get on a homeowner’s home who has failed to keep up with maintenance = very high premium. As a result home owners has to pay the hig insurance premium. Can’t afford to keep up the maintenance, insurance doubled, can’t afford the loan payment.
Keep up with mortgage and insurance payment. If you get forclosed with a reverse mortgage you get nothing back, whith an equity loan you at least get something back
We also discussed the Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) which provides low-interest loans for home repairs and upgrades for low- and moderate-income homeowners. They offer potential principal forgiveness for eligible seniors and those with disabilities, with more info and applications at: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4125/720
The County of Hawai’i OHCD Waiting List for the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Program opened on Aug. 1st. The Waiting List will remain open until further notice. The program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families, allowing them to rent safe, decent, and affordable housing in the private market. To qualify, applicants may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income. If you have a disability or a barrier to completing the online application, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting OHCD at (808) 959-4642.
There is an appeal process if you have surpassed the 60 days, not sure if it is the same for Hawaii.
The next meeting will be September 10th, 9 am at Pomaika’i Café.
Agriculture:
Hawi farmers’ market. Consensus that the current market is struggling. A new concept was proposed called “Holo Holo Hawi” which would transform the town strip into a lively, interactive market on Saturdays. This new model would involve local merchants and restaurants opening their doors and collaborating with vendors, creating a more cohesive and festive experience. A more structured system with clear roles, such as a paid logistics manager and a dedicated media person could help address these issues. Concluded: work on improving the current market while simultaneously exploring the new town-based concept. The group plans to meet with local merchants and may apply for a grant to fund the new idea.
The primary idea for a new market location involves revitalizing the entire town strip. The key points for this concept include:
- Integrated Market: Instead of a standalone market, the new concept would be integrated with the town’s existing businesses. Merchants and restaurants would be encouraged to open their doors and participate, setting up tables and tents in front of their shops.
- Town Strip Venue: The market would take place along the town strip. While there was some debate on whether to close the road, the consensus leaned towards keeping it open and simply using the sidewalks and storefronts for the market.
- Enhanced Experience: Speakers suggested adding live music, contests, and other activities to create a celebratory “party” atmosphere. This would make the market a destination rather than just a place to buy produce.
Next meeting date to be determined, it will be a Community Food Security Plan Focus group sponsored by the County and the Food Basket.
Community Access:
Pololu Lookout. Portable lua now available at Mule Station Parcel. Owner working with State on subdividing to donate a portion. Jackson would appreciate this groupʻs support when time.
Makanikahio (preferred name Pololu subdivision). Planning Director approved the roadway variance. Toni asked for discussion of whether to appeal the decision. Jackson Bauer noted that the approval includes comments/requests from DLNR:
200ʻ setback from rim for any structures
Working with DLNR to protect native and migratory species
Grant DLNR a vehicular access easement for forest management and permitted uses (DLNR could grant permitted access for community members to Forest Reserve)
The density is far better than previous subdivision application.
There may be limited grounds for appeal. PD has the authority to approve the subdivision given the zoning and process followed. It would probably be ruled that the County had been responsive to DLNR and community concerns, within the bounds that the PD cannot arbitrarily deny a subdivision request that otherwise satisfies county code requirements.
An alternative strategy is to nominate for State Legacy Land Conservation Program and County PONC. Those nominations are public so any potential buyer would be put on notice and may develop cold feet. State application process about to open for this round. But this needs a willing seller. Surety has appeared more amenable to that lately (e.g. Mule Station parcel).
Most important next step: Is this a project that the Makapala-Niuliʻi Village wants to take on? Loa to take this discussion to them and let this group know how we can support.
Goal = to keep people from having houses along the rim. Access Group continues to have access to the forest reserve, and hopefully reopen the ditch trail
Work out some hunter access, similar to Makapala
Hawaii Island Retreat. Owner reported still answering small questions from County regarding the public access. County received this Group’s letter of support.
Pali Akamoa. Jean is on the Board of the Puakea Bay Ranch HOA and facilitated conversations with Jackson, herself, and another Board member, to discuss two items.
Where the trail passes through the “Isaacs house” parcel the deed specifies that the trail must be moved back if the shoreline changes as it did in the 2006 earthquake. Jackson will negotiate directly with property owner.
The Association collectively owns the Park Parcel, which was never deeded to the State. Proposal to acquire the entire parcel in case of future erosion and need to relocate the trail.
Mahukona. -See PREV report.
Kohala Coastal Trails Network. Next meeting August 18th via Zoom.
Kohala Shoreline. Planning Director responded to OHA letter saying he will request SHPD to have their archeologist evaluate any changes to site condition post-fire. Submitted the Public Access Plan to complete the SMA conditions. Finishing their design/engineering work.
Rails to Trails. Can view report at www.kohalacoast.net
Oceanfront Database Is up to date.
Mauka Database Susie Davis began a spreadsheet and filled in what she could by overlaying the CDP map onto Google Earth. Next step will be for her to review documents Toni has the source documents for that section of the 2008 NKCDP.
Next meeting September 3rd, 4:40 pm Senior Center.
Growth Management.:
EPIC TRAINING deferred to next meeting. We had a short discussion on County Council Bill #86 to create a new permitting department and a commission for oversight and enforcement.
How to access public information: you can’t walk in and ask. The public has to go to the department and request specific information, mainly for the permitting process. Growth Management wants to work on Public information availability
Pololu valley rim subdivision– variance for 14-foot-wide road has been granted. See Toni’s article in August KMN. There was not enough public notice and confusion regarding SHPD’s first statement that there was no historic impact and then stating there was no historic survey. The two archaeological studies published by Michael Graves were not addressed in the approval letter for the variance by Jeff Darrow. There could be a possible appeal by Protect Pololu. Discussion re: the cost of an appeal and the low likelihood of winning the appeal and who has “standing” to file an appeal. Toni to follow up.
Hawi Nani subdivision– Mark Lester has not been granted water permits and only then can he apply for a zoning change.
Old Coast Guard Road transfer update: Tim Richards in conversation with DLNR and DOT. The National “Roads to Trails” rep is still in play.
Kohala Shoreline– OHA has stepped up and talking with owner.
General Plan is going before the Council soon.
Next meeting is September 13th, 5pm, Senior Center.
Health and Wellness:
North Kohala Tool Library classes.
Jessica Arruda with Premier Insurance
Waiwai the future of water in Hawaii presentation on 9/7 by Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer.
Aloha No Na Kohala Kupuna 9/5. 100 registered will receive a Go Bag & Dinner.
Coming Home Hawaii Mentor program. Provide mentorship to those coming out of prison to get adjusted to being home. Want more information before presenting to community.
Mana Recovery Maui. Provides online classes for recovery. They take insurance and also provides housing. They take outer island patients.
Angela Mulligan, couple and family therapist. She works with families to find solutions . She helps couples build trust in each other. She helps people deal with trauma. Her goal is to hire or become a Play Therapist. They reach out to children by playing & sharing. Angela is located at Kohala Village red cottage
Psychological First Aid class on 11/14. Open to CERT and community 2:30-6:30 at KIC.
St. Augustine’s will sponsor 5 sessions in September for Ho’imipono. Learn reconciling differences. On tuesdays
Thrift shop needs volunteers. They distribute clothes to several organization like BISAC. They are looking for more outlets around the island to deliver an abundance of clothes.
Keith Okamura from Dept of Water Supply recommends everyone continue to conserve water.
Community Talk Story – Autism – Sept 26 Friday at Village Inn Barn
Next meeting September 19th, 4pm. NKCRC.
Kohala Culture & History Advisory Group:
PONC nominations – Kealoha ‘Ohana lo‘i conservation easement ranked #2 by County.
Location = Niulii
Kohala Reunion Debrief – Dulan ‘Ohana donated vast collection of documents & photos, given to KCHAG. Prior to taking any action with any of it, must get a release, permission and clarity from the family about what they want the group to do with it in terms of digitization and working with Kohala Heritage Center. Will look into grants.
Front Porch set is currently stored at Sunderland farm under protection. John Winter checking to see if porch can be stored in a permanent location. Others have asked about setting up Front Porch for events. Need to develop liability release & suggested donation to KCHAG. Also instructions on how to assemble/disassemble. Desperate to find a spot, must be 2 feet by 6 feet
Wahi Pana document updates/Burial Council – Member working on cemeteries & graves collected for KCHAG use. Visited several sites but have more to visit & verify. They will continue working with Perez family. Burial council seat filled for Kohala finally.
Suzi Davis identified 25 cemeteries by name, but has no idea where they are. Want to locate them and record these sites in addition to historic sites
Lo’i/Water concerns/ideas. Want to document lo’i ancient and new. Concerns were discussed about the current dry conditions of streams. Online posts about Niuli’i/Waikane stream dry. Though islands are experiencing drought conditions, some want a check for diversions anyway. Discussion about needing to replant the native forests, also in order to increase flow in streams.
If anyone has info or history data about streams, please let the group know. Looking for resources when the ditch doesn’t get fixed. They aren’t digitized.
Capturing mo’olelo, mele, and chants of kahuwai to have records of traditional knowledge. Aric spoke of Akoni Nelson in Kealakekua who is doing a lot of this work documenting and data work on lands/communities that will be online. Suggestion that we do this for Kohala.
Streams are mentioned in chants. Network and learn the process from them and do the same process in Kohala
Mahukona updates
Conflict at harbor – Tensions by a swimmer interfering with boaters, fishermen, and families. Incidents include allegedly harassing people on shore, blocking boats and a canoe in distress trying to redirect from Keokea, and creating safety concerns involving swimmers and winch operations. Jeff Coakley proposed a community meeting to find a balanced solution, and Councilman Hustace has engaged with DLNR, which plans to investigate further and support a public discussion. Mayor’s public safety team looking into it. The Kupuna Council is also getting involved.
County Park – Community group is asking for archaeological study before planning of amenities is done. Need space for locals to have place for families to gather, for protocols to be done.
Huaka’i to Mahukona on September 8th AT 10AM. Keone Emiliano of HILT will show what they have been doing. Kealoha Sugiyama will also join to talk about history of growing up there.
Next meeting tbd
Parks, Roads Erosion Control and View-planes (PREV):
Mahukona update. Kohala residents did their part and submitted ideas in March for park renovations, as requested by P&R. Since then, we have received no response. And no outreach from P&R since January. Committee actively pursuing this and working with P&R to have a high-level representative attend the next Malama Mahukona meeting.
Toni reported that a the P&R rep at the last Coastal Network meeting reported that funds for Mahukona Park had been appropriated. But it was unclear for what or how much.
Malama Mahukona has been in contact with Parks and Rec. There is no promise that anyone will be attending their meeting on Thursday or the PREV meeting—Stonewall from Parks and Rec. The present administration is setting a new low record. Meeting is Thursday, Sept 4, 10 am at Hisaoka gym
It is like pulling teeth from a chicken
Mahukona Beach Park wharf small boat winch is still inoperative. The locals who built and installed it did not get a permit. DLNR-DOBAR shut it down (removed the cable). No permit – no winch! The committee will investigate to see if anybody is applying for a permit.
Pier is state property, swimmers are trespassers, boats have the right of way. Floaters to keep boaters and swimmers separate. Not an insurmountable problem
Jurisdiction adds complexity: Park belongs to the County, wharf is State land, everything that goes in water = State
If a boat wants to tie up, the winch permit is still waiting on approval, and we can’t restrict the boat from tying up.
Multi-layer problem: wharf, winch and park, need firmer answers for park
Wharf issue – received comments and feedback, boaters and swimmers harassing each other, have to call police to document harassment, people being prevented from going in the water or on the water. Will keep pushing parks and rec to understand what the County needs to be doing in that space
Tree planting at Kamehameha Park. Melody Moore reported that Pono Nakamura has seven ~5’ tall potted milo trees to plant along the edge of the area drastically trimmed near the pool and tennis courts. Committee is looking for volunteers to help plant them.
Jeff Coakley organized a tree planting event: September 6th at 8 am, calling the community to help plant the trees and bring equipment.
Old Coast Guard Road update – Toni said the mayor is out of the picture. But State Parks is interested. SP cannot own a road, however, so DOT (who has been trying to offload just this type of shunt road) must adopt it for the state. It accesses Moo’okini heiau, Kamehameha’s Birth Site State Monuments, which is an added incentive to adopt. Toni checked with the Feds and it is still available, but if not accepted they will soon have to turn it over to the GSA and that would greatly inhibit local ownership.
School intersection drop-off congestion. John reported no progress. John will try to work with Public Works on the December-January holiday break or next summer.
Akoni Pule Highway re-paving – John submitted a letter for committee approval for Public Works to prioritize paving of the 4000 ft. gap between the state repaving from west of Hawi to the more recent re-paving from Halawa Gulch to Old Halaula Mill Road. Committee voted to approve. This letter comes before the AG in the form of a motion for approval.
Sarah expressed concern over the Rails-To-Trails concept of converting the old railroad right-of-way from Mahukona to Niuli’i to a recreational trail. Given the trash now accumulating at two containers left down there, she worries it would happen along an unsupervised recreational trail. It was a consensus among the group that, should a trail be created, it must be monitored well. How this would be funded remains a question.
Next meeting is September 17th 5:00 at the Senior Center.
Utilities:
John provided a resource UtilityRates.com that identified Hawaii as the US state with the most reliable utility services…adding that, if Kohala were a state the ranking would plummet. Candice added that North Kohala was not at the top of HECO outages which was a surprise.
Karl provided a resource CanaryMedia.com with information on renewable power and microgrids, highlighting how they can be incorporated into larger grids.
Greenwaste Mulching Update – Aikane Nursery is considering an operation to mulch Kohala greenwaste. The essential issue is making this project sustainable/cost effective for both the County and Aikane. Brandon wants to understand whether the public would support the project economically (free greenwaste disposal and cheap mulch) and would the County subsidize some of the costs. Aikane has the site, some heavy machinery and labor but covering the entire North Kohala greenwaste production requires expansion and these costs would need to be subsidized. The County would benefit from reduced haulage expense from the current transfer site. In addition, a past CIP estimated $500,000 as the cost for a separate greenwaste chute at the transfer station. More detail and a contact at the County is needed.
Pump Failures in Kohala – Technical issues were complex and took days to remediate. Our discussion centered on the communication issues. The DWS should have a separate webpage for local areas affected. Currently the DWS only posts on Facebook and Instagram. This is inadequate. Lighted signs along the highway would be more effective near a location such as Takata store or on the approach to Hawi. DWS is a public/private entity making accountability an issue. It was asked if DWS uses standardized pumps and keeps back-up pumps and parts handy. Toni explained that, even if these were available, pump repair takes several days. Pumps are submerged in wells, often several hundred feet down. It takes a minimum of 4-6 days to pull the pumps and pipes, repair, and replace it all.
James Hustace asked DWS to report to the County Council about the water outage, and the Utilities Group also submitted testimony. Answers will be provided at tomorrow’s committee meeting, where Tony will speak at the Council session. He asked DWS to address the North Kohala System and discuss the entire system, including the plan for redundancies.
People were overusing water, so physical flow restrictions were put in place for some customers.
Saw this as an opportunity to address the issue. Kona also had a period when they were out of water. Another issue is their (DWS) ability to inform people about what is going on. A lot of people didn’t get the message. Could using light signs on the highway offer a solution?
Halaula well has not worked since the summer of 2023
Beers Road Update-Toni reported that in addition to yet another water main break there is little progress on replacing the line as the first round of bids were 3 times their estimate. There is now a new RFP and a consultant who is supposed to design the new line.
Over the last 9 years, 22 breaks occurred, and a consultant was hired to design a replacement. However, the bid for the RFP came in three times higher than expected, so the RFP had to be rewritten. Tony asked for a copy of the RFP and contract, and they have been silent
Final Items– There is a well and pump above the highway from Mahukona and the tank there is being filled. A generator will be moved near the tank. The water will probably not be potable but can serve for irrigation.
The cesspool requirement of conversion by 2050 is a State requirement, not Federal. Single-family residences and are not regulated by EPA.
The Acting Director of the Waste Water Division, Chris Laude, indicated that the proposed Hilo wastewater treatment system is not cost-effective as designed. We hope to invite him to a future meeting. John mentioned that cell service at Mahukona is now good.
Next meeting is September 17th 3:30 at the Senior Center.
See agenda for summary.
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 3:30pm, KIC.
New Business
Announcements:
- WAI WAI Future of Water in Hawaii presentation by Dr. Kamanamaikalani Beamer
Sunday, Sept 7, 2025 from 11am – 12:30pm @ Walker Hall St. Augustine’s Church - Kohala Food Hub is hosting a “Recipe For Success” Food Business Incubator Workshop Series: more info available at https://www.kohalafoodhub.com/kitchen-incubator
- Additionally, the Kohala Food Hub is hosting an open house on Thursday, September 11th from 4-5pm during which people can tour the kitchen, check out our equipment and learn more about the workshop series. The address is 55-230 Ho’ea Rd
Report From Our Council Representative, James Hustace.
General Plan
Council is reviewing this month, looking at chapter 5, sustainable and resilient communities, next meeting for this chapter is on September 17th 5pm every month have a few meetings, open for testimony for
Sept 23 gives presentation, body discusses deliberation
Overall consensus: The formatting is the most challenging part, as tables of information differ between chapters. Objectives and policies are not making sense
Aligns with past general plans
Carried on into the new year, any changes Council makes, Council has the authority to make changes, back and forth. Many years behind, policies operate on the 2005 general plan, communities have changed, policies have changed, started in 2015, eruptions & the pandemic waylayed
It doesn’t mandate anything, but sets a guide and vision points for the next 20 years.
Bill 71
Naloxone & Narcan in bars, final reading at Council will go into ornaments if approved.
We have a lot of community non-profits that have been champions in distributing and training
Like the Fentanyl task force
Mandate that bars also have Narcan
Nonprofits will continue to do training. Data for fentanyl overdoses in bars? – that is where we see the connection between alcohol and drug use.
The Department of Liquor has already been distributing Narcan.
Charter Amendments
Working it’s way through council: multiple hearings, and then to vote for the final determination.
Dept of Public Works is reconsidering language regarding the minimum requirement for a director, having a hard time filling the position, and a proposed amendment to remove language requiring the director to be a qualified engineer. Require the deputy director to be a qualified engineer if the director is not.
Amendment to the Department of Environmental Management: adding more specificity to the Director position
Krukowitz’s idea of removing the building division of the Department of Public Works. Administration is not in favour.
Waiting for the financial impact statement; help with streamlining the permitting process.
Honolulu has a planning and permitting department.
Public works establishes building code commission. Advisory capacity, makes recommendations to the county
Sunshine law, too many things are going on, permitting is only one thing when someone asks for public info = big bauggahdoo.
Community/nonprofit support efforts
Contingency funds
Food hub, Kohala Cares passed.
Next round:
Paniolo parade & Christmas parade, Kawaihae Canoe Club kitchen. Kupuna day, Kohala Radio…
Ag property tax program – collaborating with Kimbal on senior abatement for older individuals. When they retire but continue living on the property, their tax rate shifts to market rate once they stop agricultural production. Providing proof of farm work can prevent the tax from increasing after a certain period. Senior farmer abatement program to be presented to council in the fall.
Ongoing legislative work
Adjourned at 6:21 pm
Next meeting: 4:30pm, (Date) Kohala Judiciary Building MONDAY __Nov 3, 2025____, 4:30pm,Senior Center