North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group
Meeting of 11/3/25 Senior Center Building.
Minutes by Annalene Williams
Call to order at 4:33 pm
Approx 4 in attendance from the community. In attendance from AG committee:
Annalene Williams, John Winter, Sadie Young, Boyd Bond, Jack Hoyt
Aug/Sept Meeting minutes approved.
SubGroup meeting reports:
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Affordable Housing
Keep Existing Housing Stock Local. A newsletter went out to the Kohala Community Land Trust (KCLT) membership to inform everyone about the work the board has been doing. They are working on parameters to accept property and who can acquire property, as well as grant submissions for funding an employee. They are also preparing upcoming workshops on buyer readiness, lenders, and educational meetings.
The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) 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. Our group wants to be more proactive and help deliver these details to our Kupuna.
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4125/720
An idea was raised of working with the County to hire a licensed plumber, electrician, and carpenter to help our senior citizens with safety issues in their homes. We would need statistics about who exactly needs what work done.
Facilitate hiring of contractors.
Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) is looking to commence the Self-help Phase 3 Kumakua, Kohala project by mid-2026 and the infrastructure phase of their Waimea project by the end of 2025. Prospective buyers must get on the HICDC waiting list and begin working with any buyer readiness program to understand how to qualify for a loan. We have resources to help you be financially ready, and you also must be prepared to meet the work commitments.
We talked extensively about the water problems in North Kohala as that is a major barrier to the development of more affordable housing in our villages. Ecosolutions and WAIHome are two companies focused on alternative wastewater treatment methods in Hawai’i. Wastewater infrastructure or cesspool to septic conversion are major impediments to affordable housing, and these local companies are providing focused solutions to these issues.
Sandfilter could also work for smaller properties. Filters out more than Leechfield. Still an idea, but not an alternative yet, but it could be a viable system.
Self-help lots are too small for a septic system
Reviewed the 2008 North Kohala Community Development Plan Strategies from Chapter 4 including: Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) and Additional Farm Dwellings, identifying sites for Self-Help Housing, creation of a Non-profit housing development corporation or similar entity to develop a small unit project and the Pre-emptions of certain County regulations to provide for more affordable housing and/or changes to County codes to facilitate affordable rural housing.
County Council is considering Hawai’i County Bill 63 which would make single-family, double-family and multifamily dwellings by-right permitted uses in the county’s industrial-commercial mixed-use zoning districts. Bill 63 would add residential use to the mix of light industrial and commercial activities such as warehousing, distribution, light manufacturing, agricultural processing, equipment sales and auto repair facilities, reflecting a broader push for walkable neighborhoods where homes, shops and jobs exist side by side.
Go Farm is seeking input from agricultural employers and employees on housing challenges in the workforce. Please fill out the worker/employee survey here or the employer survey here. gofarmhawaii.org
Father and son, Daniel Kier and Michael Kier from Affordable Homes Hawaii can provide permitted or unpermitted, insulated container homes. They have an R-30 insulation rating and are refrigerated containers turned into homes.
Hurdles: electricity, waste, water….
Must conform to typical rules; will not receive an exemption. 375 sq ft
The county approved 4 AUD’s these units might work well
Can have five bedrooms on the same system
The next meeting will be November 12th, 9 am at Pomaika’i Café.
Agriculture
September meeting joined the Community Food Security Focus Group in North Kohala, hosted by the Food Basket & the County of Hawaii
Focus Group Purpose & Goals were to:
1. Identify specific challenges and opportunities for investment that will increase community food security.
2. Identify and validate existing and proposed solutions.
3. Provide insight on how to improve current projects and programs.
4. Provide insight into the development of the Five-Year Agrifood System Plan’s goals, actions, and evaluation metrics.
October meeting toured Meadow Gold dairy farm.
Rep. provided the history of the 550-acre property, noting the operation of a hydroelectric plant that shut down in 1975 and the recent loss of the ditch system. Bahman acquired the land to support and keep the dairy industry alive in the state.
Bahman considers water the most vital resource and has made significant investments in a private well (producing 1.2–1.4 million gallons/day) and a conservation system. The well is powered by solar energy, with a reservoir serving as the water-storage “battery” to minimize high pumping costs. He contrasted this with a nearby state well project, which he noted is far more expensive and relies on high-cost diesel. The well and solar system cost $1.8 million to install, but it doesn’t produce enough water for their operation.
The dairy is working toward local feed self-sufficiency by growing crops like alfalfa and experimenting with Guinea grass and Sun hemp. They feed the cows sweet potatoes grown in Hilo and aim to reduce reliance on costly mainland feed, a key factor in the decline of the state’s once-robust dairy industry. The intensive operation milks ~500 cows twice daily. They are considering future robotic milking.
Funding: Bahman emphasized that the operation relies entirely on private investment (zero government grants), stating that government involvement causes costly delays and restrictions.
The Kohala Ditch is viewed as an “incredible asset” and a “community resource.” Ditch Preservation: Strongly recommended that the State take over, develop, and preserve the ditch, as its tunnels and flumes are challenging to rebuild.
Water Demand: The farm requires 4–6 million gallons of water per day and views the ditch as necessary to meet the full agricultural demand for Kohala.
Easements: Five different entities own segments of the ditch rights/easements, and all must come together for a solution.
Cost Argument: The ditch is preferable to more wells because it provides gravity-flow water, eliminating the prohibitive cost of pumping using electricity.
Next meeting November 20th, NKCRC office 5pm
Community Access (see maps on last page for locations)
Pololu Lookout. Townscape Inc.’s Pololū Trailhead Management Plan was selected to receive the Hawaiʻi Chapter Planning Award in the Community-Based planning category.
Makanikahio (preferred name Pololu subdivision). The Protect Pololū group agrees they should focus on protection strategies rather than fighting the subdivision. Access Group can support with introductions to potential partners.
Honoipu. Despite layoffs, the federal government contact who has been working on this is still around and willing to continue the effort. State Parks to take proposal to DOT; went to Land Division for review and not on the Board Agenda yet.
Kukuipahu. Lots were briefly withdrawn to re-set days on market for the listing. Temp off market?
Mahukona. Kohala Culture Hui huakaʻi to Mahukona on September 8th. Will hear from HILT stewards on their work and from Kealoha Sugiyama sharing moʻolelo of growing up there. On the County Park side, Mālama Mahukona still not getting response.
Kohala Coastal Network. Discussion between NPS/State DLNR/DOT on corridor along Akoni Pule Highway. Will see public input, possibly by end of year. Access Group can support that process, getting word out to community. Next meeting November 17th via ZOOM.
Kaiholena. Aric reported their trail crew did a site visit and found people still living there. Squatters’ behavior was threatening to the crew. This is on the south County-owned parcel. Enforcement would be via PONC staff calling Police.
Kohala Shoreline is waiting for SHPD review.
Mauka Database. Susie Davis making progress and will continue working on it.
Next meeting November 5th, 4:30 pm Senior Center.
Growth Management
Did not meet in Septmber-October.
Next meeting is November 21st, 5pm, Senior Center.
Health and Wellness/WRK
No meeting in September.
October Meeting devoted mainly to attending talk on Autism assessment, diagnosis and treatment given by Sarah Novickis, a psychologist working with Hamakua-Kohala health and specializing in all aspects of autism.
Information provided by Kathy on November 5th Night Market focused on a theme of ‘get fit for fall’. Also scheduled will be free native and canoe plants giveaway with the theme of ‘planting resilience one ‘Ohana at a time’.
The next Kohala CERT meeting will be a four hour class on psychological first aid on November 14th. The class is open to all community members and focuses on learning supportive intervention for use in the immediate aftermath of disasters and mass violence situations.
Discussion and information on community efforts to assist members experiencing food insecurity as a result of lack of funding for the SNAP program and impact of shutdown for federal workers.
Kohala Resilience Hub will activate to assist in food distribution once they have confirmation from Vibrant Hawaii
Other sources include the Food Pantry monthly at the Catholic Church in Hawi, the little Food Pantries in Hawi, Kapa’au and Makapala, Kohala cares every Tuesday.
Kohala Resilience Hub is developing a Kohala specific community emergency action plan. Vibrant Hawaii will submit to Civil Defense for feedback.
Next meeting November 14th, 4pm. NKCRC.
Kohala Culture & History Advisory Group (KCHAG).
Kohala Shoreline. In response to concerns over subdivision plans along the Kohala shoreline, community members (including KCHAG and Access), with OHA’s support, requested a post-fire archaeological and cultural survey. Planning Dept. conducted only a limited survey without a qualified archaeologist. OHA reiterated the need for proper consultation, preservation plans, and mandated that an archaeological review be done by SHPD. Planning Dept. later confirmed coordination with OHA, Na Ala Hele, and SHPD, which plans a site inspection. Next steps include notifying the Kaho‘opi‘i ‘ohana, ensuring their inclusion per a related court case, and contacting SHPD to facilitate communication if needed.
Māhukona. Need to find a crane to potentially move rock that was moved during the Plantation era back to its original location according to Kealoha Sugiyama. Clarence Perez knows someone with crane. Will ask.
Kealoha Sugiyama told of a stone that is currently submerged in the harbor by the pier. The legend is that people used to hear the stone crying. When boats would come into the harbor they would often be damaged after running into the stone. When the decision was made to knock the stone into the water, they were told that that would be the end of the Māhukona community. Shortly after, the town of Māhukona was no more. Now the group is looking for a crane that can be used to restore the Māhukona stone to its rightful place.
Considering an information booth there as per Keone Emeliano’s suggestion. Also spoke of assisting with grants to renovate the information center. Possible to use it as a meeting space. Rock story – the stone that cried out, would like to restore the stone to it’s rightful place
Rails to Trails: Sarah Pule expressed concerns and so did HILT over cultural site impacts. Also trash. Group discussion centered around how they would bridge gulches and get landowner permission, wondering who it is intended for. There needs to be more broad community and cultural consultation. Wondered how KCHAG can help facilitate.
Federal program – National Parks – ownerships, parts that don’t exist. Questionable if it is still right of way for the public; the document sets the groundwork, telling you what to look up. Two years of community meetings
Getting access to easements is the biggest struggle
This road has a pre-existing right of way, as the easement predates the Highway Act; thus, a trail could be enforceable without purchasing property.
Who is this for – not for tourists
Discussion around potential for something during Native Hawaiian history month in 2026, La Ho’iho’i Ea and a potential Kohala Cultural Festival.
Still waiting to schedule a time to go through documents donated by Henry Dulan ohana and looking at grants for archiving. Also still need to touch base with family to see what permissions we have. There was also an interest expressed on visiting Keawewai with Kohala Center on future huaka’i.
Next meeting November 10th, 10 am at Hawai’i Island Retreat Center.
Parks, Roads, Erosion Control and View-planes (PREV)
Attempting to get a response from Public Works regarding high school intersection.
Submitting a letter for approval addressed to the Public Works director requesting the paving of the remaining stretch of Akoni Pule Hwy. between hospital and Halaula.
Next meeting is November 19th 5:00 at the Senior Center.
Action: A letter requesting the paving of this stretch was distributed. Motion to approve the letter was made by Jack Hoyt, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Utilities
September Utility-hosted public meeting on the pump failures was very well attended. Several DWS members attended to field questions. Many residents were unaware of the shortages, and several (at high elevation) realized the problem only when no water came from their taps. Trying to get Chris Laude, acting Chief, Dept. of Environmental Management, Wastewater Division, to further discuss the recent Kohala pump failures, public notice and need for reduced consumption during them. Group members should act as an intermediary regarding public notice options. Members will prepare their own list of various methods to disseminate information to the public. We will review these lists next month and prepare a compiled list to give to Jason Armstrong of DWS.
Current Water Status (Caution): Sadie reported that water may be going out right now
(low pressure).
- Wait Time: Replacement parts could take six to eight months to arrive (DWS has reportedly used up all existing spares). The cost of the parts is ∼$800,000.
October: The Kohala Wind Farm is down. FYI (from Toni): when the wind drops below 10 knots, the impellers stop. It then takes a (big) generator to start ONE unit back up when the wind improves. This then starts the other generators.
Aikane Mulching/Greenwaste Update. Estimated that over half of the waste going into the Kohala Transfer Station is greenwaste. Will the County provide some financial support for getting this project started? Asking for greenwaste tonnage from the Kohala Transfer Station. Offsetting the cost of hauling greenwaste to Kona is a savings to the County.
Kohala baseyard – Hoea rd have mulch, but there is a fire ant infestation at Hoe’a rd – Residents are advised to quarantine new mulch
Battery backup system for Kohala- Reported that HECO gave up on the grant to help fund the project, leaving the entire financial burden to the next RFP. We asked if there may not be some less expensive alternative to the HECO plan of installing a battery system at the Hawi yard. Could a battery be integrated at the wind farm? Is a local grid possible? Issues regarding the wind farm supplying phased power to a local grid during an outage is sure to encounter myriad infrastructure, contract, legal and financial issues.
Next meeting is November 19th 3:30 at the Senior Center.
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- NK Community Conversation James Hustace. Nov. 6, 5:30–7:00, KIC.
Little Fire Ant (LFA) Eradication Workshop at Fuertes Farm
The committee discussed the urgent need for a community-led effort to combat the Little Fire Ant (LFA) super colonies.
- Problem: LFA forms huge super colonies that cannot be killed with standard ant bait. Fast-acting poisons cause the remaining queens to multiply even faster.
- Solution: Treatment requires a slow-acting hormone bait (like Tango) that sterilizes the queens, collapsing the colony over about 45 days.
- Action Plan (Hui Model): The Hālawa Hui is establishing a cooperative system to assist its neighbors.
- Since the hormone concentrate is expensive, they will buy in bulk and offer a mixing station.
- This enables community members to purchase the material at a discounted rate.
- Crucial Step: Treatment must be a coordinated, neighborhood-by-neighborhood effort, as treating just one yard is ineffective (ants will simply migrate from untreated properties).
- Resources: The Big Island Invasive Species Council (BIISC) is also available to provide free presentations and demos to other neighborhoods wanting to organize.
Report From Our Council Representative, James Hustace.
Deferred to the Community Conversation event
PUBLIC INPUT AND AGENDA SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
The Next Advisory Group Meeting will be held on Monday, December 1st, 4:30pm, Senior Center.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned: 6:14pm