North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group
Meeting of 02/02/26 Kohala Judiciary Building.
Minutes by Annalene
Call to order at 4:37pm
Approx 5 in attendance from the community. 5 In attendance from AG committee:
Jack Hoyt, Annalene Williams, John Winter, Sadie Young, Boyd Bond
Jan 2026 Meeting minutes approved – yes
SubGroup meeting reports:
Affordable Housing:
The Homes for Kohala meeting minutes covered several key areas, including efforts to preserve existing housing stock and updates on development and planning. The group discussed the Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP) for low- and moderate-income homeowners and are seeking grants for Kupuna.
Was some money available as grants, limited amount of funds, waitlist of applications. Valuable program, small improvements, appliances…. Question trying to solve: was it a loan or a grant? May have been some forgiveness, but definitely was a low-interest loan
The Kohala Community Land Trust (KCLT) membership meeting will be on January 27. People are encouraged to sign up or renew memberships online. Under Development & Planning, the discussion focused on water meters and submeters for affordable housing at the Hawi Nani project, and the limited number of lenders for land on Hawai’i Island. The Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) began infrastructure work on their Waimea project by the end of 2025 and is aiming to begin Phase 3 Kumakua in Kohala by mid-2026, with interested buyers encouraged to join the waiting list on their website.
Nor sure about the schedule for North Kohala’s self help project
Waiting list for self help program, applications at NKCRC office,
An extension was granted for written input on the draft of Chapter 11 of the Hawai’i County Development Plan (Section 23) to Councilmember James Hustace.
Proposals to make it easier on developers, the chapter doesn’t address zoning issues, difficult to change the zoning on a state level
The group noted that the 2025 Homes for Kohala Survey is now closed, a draft donor letter is available for editing, and they plan to move forward with a local graphic designer for the new logo and letterhead. A workshop by Hawai’i Industrial Hemp in Waimea on January 28th and 29th was also mentioned. Legislature: SB 2178 – Relating to Industrial Hemp.
Watermeters always an issue for subdivisions. Would probably get the meters if it were an affordable housing project; self-help projects usually get water meters.
Container homes – not legal yet, working their way through it
The next meeting will be February 11h, 9 am at Pomaika’i Café.
Agriculture:
John Richards joined us to answer questions raised about the North Kohala Agriculture Water Study at the water summit. That meeting primarily addressed the technical and political realities of restoring agricultural water to North Kohala. The discussion centered on moving away from the old “open ditch” model toward a modern, community-managed system.
The “Ditch” as a Modern Pipeline. The historic Kohala Ditch is no longer viable as an open waterway due to high maintenance costs and massive water loss (it takes 3 million gallons a day just to keep the ditch wet).
The Strategy: Use the existing, intact ditch easements to lay large-diameter pipes.
The Benefit: This creates a “transmission hub” that moves water in both directions between wet and dry areas without losing water to evaporation or seepage.
Easements: The ditch provides a unique, intact legal pathway through private properties that would be nearly impossible to renegotiate today.
Water Source Realities
Wells: Drilling is expensive ($1,000 per foot complete). While the water table is healthy, the high cost of electricity to pump water from 800+ feet deep makes it a “backup” source rather than a primary one.
Springs: There are about 7–8 viable springs, but they need redevelopment (costing $30k–$80k each).
Catchment: Large-scale plastic-lined catchment is the cheapest “low-energy” option for agricultural (non-potable) water.
Agricultural vs. Potable Water
A sharp legal divide between “Ag Water” and “Drinking Water.”
Ag Water: Easier to provide but cannot be used for food processing or commercial sales without certification.
Potable Water: Requires massive investment for wells, pumps, treatment and testing, and strict 1,000-foot buffers from septic systems, which many local lots can’t meet.
Economic Sustainability
The meeting emphasized that agriculture is a business.
For a system to survive, users must pay for water (a suggested minimum of $0.50 per 1,000 gallons) to cover repairs and energy.
A “chicken-and-egg” problem exists: you need water for farms, but you need paying farmers to afford the water system.
Action Items & Next Steps
Form a Leadership/Working Group: The community needs a single entity to represent them. Landowners are willing to negotiate but don’t want to “chase clients” or manage billing.
Map Demand: The group must identify exactly who wants water and what their “water budget” is.
Start Small: Implement a “plug and play” system—starting with small reservoirs and pipes that can be expanded as more farmers join.
NEXT MEETING: FEB 26, NKCRC OFFICE @ 5PM
Community Access:
Pololu Lookout. Still waiting for the land transfer of the old mule station.
The students of Naʻao ʻOiwi are collecting data and conducting research on Pololu Valley (physical, cultural, historical, and perceptual dimensions). After collecting data, they will share it with the community through a 3D Model of Pololu Valley. This indigenous data hub project sponsored by University of Hawaii West Oahu should be completed by May.
Honoipu. The nonprofit group Ho’ola is working with the DHHL to get a right of entry to create a Hawaiian learning center. Access on to property – have been using old roadway, to make a public facility they will have to use a cinder road, no one lined up to maintain the road
Mahukona. HILT is working on temporary signage to recognize donors & fire mitigation.
Kohala Coastal Network. They are working on getting private and government personnel involved with their meetings. Feb 16th zoom meeting
Lamaloloa. This 35-acre parcel got NPS funding for archeological inventory survey.
From January till September Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (NPS) will be doing a survey and meeting with the community to gather input on this area and involvement in the survey process. This survey will be used to develop a community-driven management plan for Lamaloloa. Information gathering to include GIS mapping, cultural, historical, and preservation.
Next meeting February 4th, 4:30 pm Senior Center.
Growth Management.:
KVI Hub applying for changing the layout of existing parcel.
Four self storage containers are operating on Lighthouse Road, industrially zoned.
Old Coast Guard Road. Mayor is still saying NO to County ownership. If this road ends up in Federal GSA, it will be lost. Representative Tarnas and Senator Richards are in touch with Toni about a one-time resurfacing. There is continued discussion about possible COH maintenance, DHHL’s possible role, Amoo Kainoa’s new non-profit and the private owner Nathan Eggen’s strategies to save the road.
The theater property sold to Mango Investments registered in New Hampshire. It is unclear what the plans are for this property but extensive clearing has been done.
Hawaiian Style café property remains undeveloped while the owners wait for the fill to settle.
Pololu Rim subdivision Road was granted a width variance but is currently on hold.
EPIC training deferred to next meeting.
Next meeting is February 11th, 5pm, Senior Center.
Culture and History Advisory Group:
Next meeting will be in March
Health and Wellness:
Held at the Kohala Library. Guest speaker was lla Jhaveri, a herbalist & acupuncturist with over 30 years of experience. Ila often weaves visualization, affirmations, and meditation into her sessions to help build a solid foundation for a vibrant, balanced life. We had a short meditation, and it was very relaxing. She is currently in private practice of Oriental Medicine specializing in women’s health.
Flyers handed out for Ohana Fun Day on March 14, 10-1pm. There will be over 40 booths.
Next meeting February 20th, 4:30pm. NKCRC.
Parks, Roads Erosion Control and View-planes (PREV):
Mahukona. Plan to address Mahukona swimmer-boater and winch issues. Kapaa-Mahukona road blocked by Surety Road was blocked by a big rock. Hui Mamalahoa and Native Hawaiian Legal Corp fighting to open for fisherman access only. No progress from P&R regarding planning and design stages for park and pavilion renewal.
Listening session with Todd Andrews: Winch is following the proper procedures to obtain a permit. Boaters haven’t been active in a while. Matter of negotiating a safe way to accommodate swimmers and boaters. There has to be a meeting where swimmers and boaters both feel heard. Dept of Boating & Recreation Wiling to send a representative to facilitate meeting
Possible solution: Build a concrete jetty @ Kapa’a to allow swimmers to access the water and a lot of other solotions also suggested
P&R now requires insurance for any group activities in county parks. This includes Adopt-a-Park volunteers!
Community groups take care of fields, plant trees, fix up part of the park. The county said they couldn’t help/volunteer; they need $250 insurance to help/volunteer. Parks & Groups Road is the official friends of the park group. Possibility to be a conduit for all the groups, get annual insurance to cover all the groups, and sign a release form.
Fall under friends of agreement – something changed in the policy would require insurance.
Communication problem with Parks & Rec
Next meeting is February 18th, 5:00 Senior Center.
Utilities:
Windfarm. Shut-down over and maintenance completed. Now has double capacity.
Wastewater. Toni reported that the Kumakua self-help affordable housing group has requested a variance from the Department of Health to avoid having to build a wastewater plant for the 32 houses under construction. Forty-three houses have already installed individual septic systems. A single wastewater facility for the 32 homes would be a huge financial burden for the affordable housing project. With the comment deadline approaching The group submitted a letter of support of the variance.
Barbara noted discussions on Hawaii Public Radio and Hawaii PBS concerning the cesspool conversion issue.
Greenwaste Update- Karl reported that Brandon was still awaiting contact from James Hustace. Karl will follow-up. The coconut beetle infestation is a factor in producing mulch as a temperature of at least 160 degrees is necessary to kill larva.
Beers Road-Toni reported that she has been unable to determine whether a contractor has been hired or if so, what is the scope of the assignment.
Tree fell over and blocked road today, which neighbours removed. There is a trained chainsaw team available for such situations via the Kohala Resilience Hub
Next meeting is February 18th, 3:30 Senior Center
New Business
- Affordable Housing asks to change its name to “Homes For Kohala.”
Announcements:
- Na Ala Hele will be conducting a survey of the attitudes on trail. It will be on their website
Report From Our Council Representative, James Hustace.
- Bill 103 – approved by Council (1/7); supports aging farmers by establishing property tax relief after demonstrating commitment to agricultural production.
- Resolution 422 – approved by Council (1/23); urge State to prohibit the harvesting of aquatic life for commercial aquarium use.
- Resolution 426 – approved by Council (1/23); accepts grant funds from HI-EMA for hazard mitigation planning along Kohala coast.
- Resolution 448 – approved by Council (1/23); urge State to ensure long-term sustainability and funding for Public, Educational, Governmental access media.
- Presentation Request – Committee (2/3); status of wastewater projects, presentation from the Department of Environmental Management.
- Bill 127 – Committee (2/3); establishes a Construction Code Commission.
- Dept of Building provide advice & evalution for the environment, first reading wednesday
- Bill 128 – Committee (2/3); establishes a third tax tier for higher assessed residential zoned properties.
- non owner occupied, 2nd homes. Tier for homes valued 4 million dollars and above.
- Resolution 445 – Council (2/4); requests performance audit of Real Property Tax revenues for housing and homelessness programs.
- Program has a 5 year window, we are going into the 4th year
- Bill 63 – postponed measure; still at first Council reading (2/4); allows residential use in mixed commercial and light industrial zoning. Hilo Kona Waikoloa
- Bill 112 – final Council reading (2/4); appropriates $1.6M from Federal funds for workforce innovation opportunities within the County.
James holding a talk story in mid-March, with Parks & Rec, will let us know about a date.
Roads working with Elliot Naito, top of Union Mill Road. The foundation dissolved; none of the assets have been transferred. The county still sees it as a private road. Recent law changes (Kush) allow the county to go in and pave certain roads if the community approves. Will see where it goes. Union Mill Road needs approval, will need 60% of neighbours to agree to repair
Green fee advisory council- recommendations Act 96 to increase transient tax, environmental stewardship, climate resiliency. Destination management. Talk about all the projects they are recommending reveiwed 600 projects, approved 70 projects. greefeehawaii.org
Key project pololu valley – not called out
Very broad. Waipio & kiholo bay was called out, Kohala Hospital on the list
Encourage us to testify on those bills related to North Kohala
Captain William Derr was promoted
Pololu who pays for the parking lot – State pays
Road from mule station to lookout is going to be a difficult one
Adjourned at 5:43pm
Next meeting: on Monday, March 2nd, 4:30pm, Senior Center.