NORTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADVISORY GROUP
DATE: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, 4:30 pm
PLACE: Kohala Judiciary Building (near the Police Station)
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – Please put all cell phones on silent mode.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTs ON AGENDA ITEMS: Members of the public are welcome and ARE invited to speak to any items on the agenda. Public comments and input are welcome at designated periods at the beginning and end of each meeting. People may, however, speak during AG discussions, if the situation warrants. Please raise a hand to be recognized. Comments should be limited to three (3) minutes in length per agenda item, subject to the discretion of the chair. Recommendations for agenda additions for the next meeting should be made during the input session at the meeting end.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
AG Letter sent in support of SB522.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Affordable Housing
More rentals in North Kohala. Mike Kier of Affordable Homes Hawaii is converting containers into viable living spaces. Working on finding space to do more in North Kohala. Online survey from the County of Hawai’i Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is still seeking community input on Hawai’i Island’s housing needs. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SNWW5MM
Hawaiian Electric had a table at Ohana Fun Day and passed out a map that showed the affected areas of the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for areas identified as high wildfire risk. Hawi and Kapaau are not within the PSPS. See this link for PSPS to verify your area: https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/wildfire-safety/psps-affected-area-maps
HICDC. Phase III of Hawi Self-Help is still awaiting zoning changes at the state level, as it is larger than 15 acres.
Keep Existing Housing Stock Local. Continuing with our Vacant Home Inventory. If you would like to add a home to the list for consideration, please contact Rascha or any member of our group at one of the meetings.
Agricultural Lots and Housing. The need for wastewater systems, electrical power, and possibly water catchment was discussed regarding ag lots.
Next meeting April 9th, 9 am at Pomaika’i Cafe.
Agriculture
Kohala Reunion: July 4th to 6th. 3 distinct components: a historical reflection, a contemporary showcase of current community organizations and initiatives, and an “Ohana Day” emphasizing family connections. They would like to showcase farmers of Kohala. On the last Sunday, there will also be a farmers market, and farmers are invited to attend and participate. Exhibit form available at https://www.kohalakupaa.com/registration2025 – deadline April 11. Ag group will have an exhibit.
Kohala Food Hub looking to fill two positions of full-time associate and part-time driver through Kupu ‘Āina Corps, Green Jobs Youth Corps Initiative. They can only consider applicants between 17–37 years of age. Full job description available at https://tinyurl.com/bdhdpjt7
Malama The Farmer Grants is a new funding opportunity for Hawaiʻi Island food producers to support the economic recovery of small food producers whose businesses were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic via the Food Basket. Deadline to apply is April 7. Range of Grant Awards: $5,000-$25,000. More info available at https://www.hawaiifoodbasket.org/malama-da-farmer-grants
Federal Funding Cuts: Many programs are currently being impacted by federal funding cuts, especially those supporting farmers (USDA). But the Regional Food System Partnership funding initiatives might come through. A lot of Community Food Security partners don’t know if they will have funding past April. 30 million dollars of funding got pulled that supported the Ulu Cooperative. It is going to be a tricky time for small agricultural producers to find federal funding opportunities.
Halaula: The ADC agricultural parcel in Halaula did not materialize as it didn’t receive a 2nd hearing. Hopefully, large landowners will develop some pilot projects, but first, we need to assess the demand. The Kohala Food Hub currently lacks enough producers to meet the demand for fresh produce from North Kohala, forcing them to seek sources elsewhere.
Upolu Well: A Farmer in the community asked how it would be possible for them to access water from Upolu Well. DLNR’s Engineering division upgraded the well and will will transfer operation to the Department of Agriculture, which plans to contract a private nonprofit company to manage the water system. The State is not funding any reservoirs, tanks, or offsite pipelines. The State has declined to expand the well improvement project to include offsite water infrastructure development, as it is beyond the project’s scope. Water users are responsible for developing and financing any pipelines or infrastructure required to distribute the water beyond the State’s property line. They will probably need to form cooperatives to fund and maintain the necessary pipelines for water distribution.
Renewable energy sources would be more cost effective to run the well, Water from Upolo Well would be $2 per 10000 gallons which is less than the Department of Water Supply’s rate ($3.83/1000 gallon) bit still more costly than Current famer affordable rates ( $1/1000 gallon) or current Department of Agriculture Irrigation Systems rate ($0.50).
Initially, Upolu Well operated with a submersible pump, but a booster pump has been added. Now, there are two pumps in use, which increases electricity consumption. The booster pump allows access to an old intake that was part of a hydroelectric parcel, which is owned by Meadowgold Dairy. Pipeline to access Upolu well will have to go through property owned by Meadowgold and Kamehameha Schools. Meadowgold is currently using the old pipeline for their needs. Dairy installed its own well and is using its own solar pump – cost much less than Upolu Well.
Farmers will need to construct a new pipeline at a different elevation to enable water to flow downhill using gravity. Originally, it was suggested to install the well above the highway at a higher elevation, which would have facilitated easier gravity-driven water flow. However, the booster pump can send water east or west, but the existing elevation is too low for gravity flow.
Existing coops or associations in the area should speak to someone knowledgeable on the subject and figure out how to access the water from Upolu Well.
Potable water must be > 1000 feet from the well and there are 3 houses in the vicinity of Upolu within the 1000 feet range
Coconut Rhinocerous Beetle: The Big Island Invasive Species Council is hosting a virtual community meeting about the Beetle. If you find one, put it in a bag and send it to BIISC. No reports of it being in North Kohala yet. The public is invited to tune in to the virtual discussion, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, over Zoom. Registration is required for the meeting, which can be accessed at https://senate-capitol-hawaii-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/azqsJhUfSquW65dK2JBBXQ
COH Community Food Security: The county is conducting regional meetings with stakeholders (food pantries, educational programs, etc.) to map current efforts and understand community food security.
Focus groups will be held with individuals experiencing food insecurity to gather direct feedback on their needs. Participants will receive $100 food gift cards. Small grants ($50,000 per district) will be available to support programs that enhance community food security. A county council member is advocating for a $5 million fund (potentially from second home taxes) for agriculture and food security, similar to an existing housing fund. A broader planning process will focus on increasing economic viability for farmers and improving infrastructure for producers. Regional summits will be held in each district, beginning early next year, with opportunities for community involvement in planning and hosting. There will be opportunities for public feedback on the draft plan, ensuring regional priorities are addressed.
The Kohala Resilience Hub will be hosting food canning workshops at St. Augustine’s Church once a month for the next six months. They are inviting people to sign up for these classes, which will begin in May. Some of the items created during the workshops will be donated to the Kohala Cares Food Distribution Program.
Next meeting, April 24th, 5-6:30 pm, Kohala Resilience Hub Barn.
Community Access (see maps on last page for locations)
Pololu Lookout. Protect Pololu group will be meeting with Jackson from the State trails, & Townscape monthly. Added by JDW 3/25: DLNR has released the Draft Environmental Assessment and Anticipated Finding of No Significant Impact (DEA-AFONSI) for Pololu Trailhead. The DEA was prepared by the Townscape consultants. The draft is available at https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2025-03-23-HA-DEA-Pololu-Trailhead-Management-Plan.pdf There will be a (3-day?) period for public input.
Hawaii Island Retreat. Wes Thomas surveyors has finished a draft plan with landowner Jean Sutherland and are currently working on a draft SMA. No date on when it will be reviewable by Access Group. A public comment period will happen after the draft SMA.
Honoipu/Old Coast Guard Road is still being considered by the mayor.
Mahukona. Hui Mamalahoa is challenging the state and HILT on legal access. They are working closely with HILT. There are archeological sites in this area. HILT is working on a management plan. Malama Mahukona held the third and final public planning meeting on March 10th. Will ask the county for mitigation on the demolition of the BBQ pit. They are asking to have an archeological inventory of this area before planning.
Kohala Coastal Trails Connectivity Group met on February 24th with government agencies, HILT, Councilman James Hustace, and representatives of five community organizations. The network of stakeholders are planning to meet quarterly.
Kohala Shoreline. The landowner’s representative and archaeologist had a required site visit with government and community members on March14th along the mauka-makai and coastal trails.
Kohala Kai. The landowner’s attorney wrote a letter to NPS that they need to go in a new direction and that there will be no conservation easement with NPS. They are considering not having any structures makai of the trail. This area will be managed by the lot owners, (CC&R).
Rails to Trails. The latest draft hard copies will be available soon, according to Meredith.
New Items/Announcements
PONC District 9 seat is vacant, Maya Goodoni from Kohala has applied.
We should work on the Mauka trail access data.
Susie Davis has volunteered to map and study the route designated in the NKCDP.
Next meeting, April 2nd, 4:30pm Senior Center.
Kohala Culture & History Advisory Group (KCHAG)
Next meeting April 7th 10am Walker Hall.
Growth Management
General Plan review Plan received favorable response from Leeward and Windward committees, now it goes to the County Council.
Kohala Shoreline: Friday March 14 site visit with owner and planning representative. Issues for Public Access group and GM are the steep grade and a needed drainage study which some believe the conditions have not been met. Owner thinks he has done enough.
Kohala Kai subdivision. 9 lots, located makai of Kohala Estates. This site has a long history (14 years) of not being able to finalize plans for Public access. A letter received says that the owner can no longer make efforts to pursue a conservation easement with the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Maintenance of the area makai of the Ala Loa (jeep trail) will be handled by the owners’ association and kept free of structures.
Old Coast Guard Road. Toni is pushing hard to get the Mayor on board to accept the road, but he has pulled away after listening to advisors. DOI folks say if the County doesn’t step up, it will revert to the GSA (not a good resolution) after being held by NPS. DOI also reports the State Parks Division has been approached.
Sunny’s Place lot in Hawi. Report that the Hawaiian Style Café proposes a restaurant on highway frontage. It will need a 25’ setback. Kaeo family lot that was cleared behind it will remain unused for now.
Legislature was asked for funding for purchase of 3 Ag-zoned parcels to create farm lots. Only one, the Surety Halaula Ag land parcel made it to consideration by both houses. May not be addressed until next year.
Next meeting is May 14th (or April 9th if an issue arises needing attention), 5pm, Senior Center.
Health and Wellness/WRK
Guest speaker Uttara Neli Lozej, Fountain of Life Fitness corrective exercise specialist, spoke about her program for free community exercise sessions. Goals are to build bone density, prevent muscle loss and avoid back, knee, shoulder pain and more. She is working towards permanent residency in North Kohala to continue her practice working with groups and individuals.
Ohana fun day was held on March 8th. There were 36 food and information vendors focusing on all aspects of health and wellness, community resilience etc.
CPR/AED class was attended by 10 people primarily members of the north Kohala CERT. Goal is to acquire more AED’s for the community.
Announcements:
Kohala Cares sponsoring a free community meal on Friday March 28th at 5.30 at Walker Hall
St Augustine’s is sponsoring a monthly craft night at 6.30 with the aim of relaxation and fellowship for attendees.
Nic Los Banos Ed D, Hawaii regional Alzheimer’s association is speaking at an Alzheimer’s informational meeting on Tuesday, March 25th.
Sarah Novickis, child psychologist will speak on April 25th about Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Next meeting April 25th, 4pm at Kohala Resource Center.
Parks, Roads, Erosion Control and View-planes (PREV)
In consultation with Amy Stafford, high school principal and Robert Cambra, retired from county road maintenance, the subgroup developed a proposal to the Department of Public Works to modify the intersection of Honomaka’u Road and Akoni Pule Hwy. The proposal involves creating a right-turn lane on Honomaka’u and changing the abandoned parking area along the highway to a merge lane. We also propose a fenced footpath from the highway directly to the elementary school and a new cross-walk to it. This would serve students walking from the Hawi direction and reduce pedestrians at the busy intersection. We submit a copy of the proposal and ask for AG approval. This comes in the form of a motion.
Next meeting is April 16th, 5 pm. Senior Center.
Utilities
Solid Waste Management – Christine Kubat, past director of Recycle Hawaii and Deborah Winter and Libby Leonard of Sustainable Kohala discussed recycling and other waste issues. The discussion included charging businesses for reuse of packaging materials and outreach to the food sustainability movement. Also discussed were EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) for recycling and PHB-natural organisms that eat methane and produce a product called “Air Carbon.” Christine mentioned a proposed project by Waikea Water, a company that makes about $6.7 annually shipping Hawaii water globally in plastic bottles. They have submitted a proposal to create a plastic recycling plant (Malama-1) here to produce a portion of their bottles from recycled plastic. Her group opposes this seemingly useful project because they would much rather reduce our plastic consumption and see what remains before funding a big project based on a threshold plastic input.
Instead of throwing used plastic bottles in our landfill, a reuse infrastructure could shred the bottles here and then reform them for reuse. As an example of this concept Christine highlighted a company called Lasso Loop Recycling that has developed a machine for residential use for home recycling that separates by type and grinds clean, recyclable materials into component particles for ultimate fabrication into containers.
Cesspool/Septic – Gail Byrne Baber provided us with a map of North Kohala showing on-site disposal systems and the effluents produced by class. As of 2020 cesspools where the effluent receives no treatment produce 521,425 gallons of effluent into the soil per day. Cal Baber introduced us to a natural product for the maintenance of cesspools and septic systems called EM Bokashi, a fermentation of barley with effective micro-organisms consisting of photosynthetic bacteria, lactic bacteria and yeasts that will reduce odors, clean pipes and reduce pumping frequency. It is environmentally firendly and has agricultural uses as well. This product is available at the Food HUB.
Next meeting is April 16th, 3:30 pm. Senior Center.
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PUBLIC INPUT AND AGENDA SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
The Next Advisory Group Meeting will be Held on MONDAY May 5th, 4:30pm, Judiciary Building.
Adjournment
NOTICE: The purpose of the public hearings is to afford all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the above items. They may also bring up another item for consideration by the AG. A person wishing to submit written testimony may email winterj@whitman.edu.
John Winter, Chair NORTH KOHALA CDP ADVISORY GROUP
