North Kohala Community Development Plan Advisory Group
Meeting of 3/2/2026 Kohala Judiciary Building.
Minutes by Annalene
Call to order at 4:33pm
Approx 8 in attendance from the community.6 In attendance from AG committee:
Jack Hoyt, Annalene Williams, John Winter, Sadie Young, Kathy Matsuda, Boyd Bond,
Meeting minutes approved – yes
SubGroup meeting reports:
Affordable Housing:
Kohala Community Land Trust: The annual membership meeting was held on January 12th. Some of the existing committees would like to have more committee members. Sign-ups at the Resilience Fair on March 14th where affordable housing group and KCLT will share a table.. Development and Planning
Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation, Phase 3: Jack reported that the self-help development in Waimea has some delaying financial/lender hurdles.(staff cuts) Because of this, the North Kohala project has also been delayed. Jack confirmed that the North Kohala self-help project would be for 32 units instead of the 18 as first reported.
Will build them in phases.
Fundraising Goals: A donation letter is being finalized. Any future expenditures over $100 will be discussed and approved by a “working group.”
Some bills related to Affordable Housing that might need testimony:
HB2606 – residential use to include offsite manufacture of homes – prefab housing, assembly on site
Hawaii House Bill 2606 (2026), titled “Relating to Off-site Construction,” seeks to establish an off-site construction working group within the State Building Code Council to develop proposals for a statewide, pre-built housing program. Introduced on January 28, 2026, the bill aims to accelerate housing development and address permitting challenges.
Purpose: To create a working group aimed at advancing prefabricated and manufactured housing, aimed at addressing the state’s housing shortage.
Action Plan: The working group is tasked with developing proposals for an off-site construction program that integrates with zoning and infrastructure planning.
HB1719 – allowing manufactured homes – container homes
Hawaii House Bill 1719 (HB1719), introduced in the 2026 Regular Session, aims to increase housing availability by promoting the use of manufactured homes.
Permitted Use: Defines manufactured homes on permanent foundations as a “permitted use by right” in urban zones, while restricting counties from imposing extra aesthetic or building code requirements.
HOA Limitations: Prevents homeowner associations from banning these structures.
Property Status: Classifies these homes as real property for financial transactions
Hawaii Senate Bill 3148 (2026) proposes to amend Section 171-1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to refine the definition of “public uses” regarding public lands. It defines these uses as activities by state agencies—either directly or via agreements like leases and licenses—that support agency functions, specifically including uses listed in Section 171-10
Proposed revision statute 171-1 : defines how state & DLNR-owned land can be used, 13 classes of land that are governed by that statute
Nr 9 – Residential use: land suitable & feasible for housing – definition of public purpose – to define public uses
Public use is not defined
Residential use: think by pursuing this we might get them to reclassify state-owned land for the purpose of housing
SB3148 – misleading
The next meeting will be March 11h, 9 am at Pomaika’i Café.
Agriculture:
Hawaii County 5-Year Agri-Food Systems Plan
Leslie, representing the County of Hawaii’s Department of Research and Development, provided an update on the county’s first comprehensive agriculture and food systems plan since 2010. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the project aims to bolster local production, enhance food security, and ensure economic viability for producers through a framework of biocultural stewardship, climate resilience, and equity. The plan utilizes a “Topic Brief” structure—a model adopted from New Hampshire—that creates standalone advocacy documents for specific industries such as coffee, macadamia nuts, and livestock. Currently in the development phase of finalizing drafts and action plans, the county will host six regional summits from April through June to gather community feedback, including a confirmed event in North Kohala. This process will culminate in an island-wide summit in Waimea on August 14–15, 2026, with the final publication of the plan targeted for the end of that month.
AgriPolicy Priorities & Legislative Tracking
Leslie shared key outcomes from the December AgriPolicy Summit, highlighting the county’s primary policy priorities and the specific initiatives currently being supported. A major focus is on strengthening infrastructure by establishing a $5 million annual fund for agricultural value chains and securing the necessary funding for water infrastructure. To protect local ecosystems, the county is prioritizing biosecurity by preventing the introduction of invasive species and launching targeted public education campaigns. Additionally, workforce development is being addressed by fostering school-to-farm partnerships and expanding farm-to-school programs. Finally, to enhance community food security, the county is working on the development of a comprehensive emergency food plan and providing support for gleaning programs like Kokua Harvest
Key Bills (2026 Session)
The county is testifying in support of:
Ag Workforce Housing: Streamlining housing for farm workers.
Ag Loans & Statistics: Increasing access to capital and improving data collection.
Transportation Reimbursement: Offsetting rising costs for local ag transport.
SNAP Pre-release Waiver: Ensuring incarcerated individuals have food assistance immediately upon release.
North Kohala Land Acquisition Bills
Nathan provided an update on state legislation introduced by Senator Richards aimed at securing land in Kohala for the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC). Two key bills are currently active: SB2407, which proposes the purchase of the Halaula Industrial parcel—for value-added production, and SB2170, which seeks to acquire 96 acres of agricultural land near the Kinnersley subdivision for farmer leasing. While both bills passed their initial committees, they have been referred to WAM but have not yet been scheduled for another hearing by the Ways and Means (WAM) Committee. If they move forward, a call for testimony will be issued, likely requiring a very quick turnaround from the community.
SB2407 has been scheduled for a hearing March 4th @ 10:30 am, please submit testimony in support by March 3rd @ 10:30am
Community Access:
Hapu’u – Kapanaia. 2 groups of squatters that had campfires. The fence has been cut. Police & the Fire department went to visit but couldn’t do anything without evidence.
A lot of trash that needs to be removed –
Hawaii Island Retreat. The landowner has not got any response from the county on 2 items.
Upolu Airport Restoration. The Naupaka groundcover is spreading and growing well.
Kohala Coastal Network. Next ZOOM meeting at 11:00 on Monday, 2/16/26 pending the holiday.
Feb meeting postponed
Kohala Shoreline. A group of people wishing to do a wildfire survey cannot get in touch with the landowner or it’s representative.
Culture & History reached out to planning department – not going to do anything more about it.
Keep an eye on them
News Item. Many Kohala land purchases have benefitted from funding from the State Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Several bills introduced in the legislature this session would reduce funding for the program and we should write letters of support for full funding if the opportunity presents
They want to gut Legacy Land Funds to 5 %
Go online and search for bills involved with Legacy Lands
Next meeting March 4th, 4:30pm Senior Center.
Growth Management:
EPIC TRAINING Computer challenges and low attendance. We will try again next month.
EPIC: County office distributes its information – trains people how to access public records
Will let us know when there is a training session
Old Coast Guard Road update. Toni keeps checking with Federal representative to see if it has been handed over to GSA (worst outcome). He is supportive and knows there is continued conversation with the Mayor. Toni is planning a meeting with two lineal descendants, Councilman Hustace and landowners for further advocacy.
State offered to repave it before handing it to the county, but the mayor hasn’t heard from the state
Possible affordable housing at Kahei. Kahei land is now on the map as a potential affordable housing site. DOH wants subdivisions of > 50 lots to have integrated water system. Requested variance for phase III of Self Help subdivision. Utilities wrote a letter of support.
New issues: Iole may be building zipline. What happened to HCF’s vision of historic restoration?
Next meeting is March 11th, 5pm, Senior Center.
Culture and History:
No meeting yet.
The last couple of meetings were canceled because of the weather,
KHS 100-year anniversary
July 4th weekend – working on cookbook, talk story sessions, porch
Reunion talk stories available on YouTube – search for Kohala Culture & History Advisory Group
Keokea people launching jet ski’s – only one place for doing that is Mahukona, there is a speed limit, not criminals, only want access to surf
Heritage Center fundraiser on March 14th at school, dinner prepared by culinary arts students.
Need to buy a ticket at the Heritage Center
Open Thurs – Sat form 10am – call Patt 808 987 1918 to buy tickets
Next meeting will probably be March 16th.
Health and Wellness:
In keeping with our goals the committee has focused on emergency awareness and preparedness and on improving health services and wellness in the North Kohala Community.
Kohala Resilience Hub has developed a guide to community services in North Kohala and beyond. This will serve as a valuable resource guide for residents seeking information on a range of health and wellness related services
The committee is actively recruiting community members with interest in the goals of this group. All are welcome! Please contact Kathy Matsuda.
Next meeting March 20th, 4:30pm. NKCRC.
Parks, Roads Erosion Control and View-planes (PREV):
Parks Update-Tree planting is underway at Kamehameha Park. Barriers are still up from a watermain break three months ago.
Nursery with native trees – offered to donate some trees
New lights are working at tennis courts
A permit for the disabled new boat winch at Mahukona park has been submitted but not yet approved. Following that, boaters and swimmers will be asked to meet and propose a plan for safe coexistence for both groups.
Next meeting is March 18th, 5:00pm Senior Center.
Utilities:
Cesspool Conversion. In his State of the County address the Mayor reiterated his statement that Hawaii County cannot meet the 2050 deadline for cesspool conversion. He added that new technologies and new approaches are needed to make the effort achievable. Shoreline communities would benefit from small (but expensive) wastewater plants. Innovative approaches for housing the homeless are needed that factor preserving the dignity of those affected.
MicroGrid Update. Background: North Kohala is the only district lacking redundancy if power is interrupted. Our power line follows the Mountain Rod and is vulnerable to damage. It was built in the 1950s and must be reconditioned- involving several scheduled power outages. The present solution is a large battery backup microgrid system. HECO is in the process of re-evaluating the design hopefully to reduce the cost and also weighing the feasibility of an interconnection with the wind farm. No further progress has been reported.
Next meeting is March 18th, 3:30pm Senior Center.
New Business
Announcements:
- Kohala Ohana Fun Day March 14th, 10am to 1pm at Kamehameha park. Many of the vendors and tables will have information related to emergency awareness and health-related services.
- KIC 20 year anniversary – Cook off – Local Boys vs James Hustace & various other County of Hawaii Deparment heads
- Fishing tournament March 14 & 15
- CPR-AED class in Waimea March 12 noon-5:30. registration link https://www.redcrosslearningcenter.org/s/ClaimVoucher?voucherid=a7aVx0000023pOD
- Conversation with representative James Hustace, Wednesday, March 11 at the Kohala Intergenerational Center beginning at 5:30pm. Includes administrators from the Department of Parks & Recreation
LOT OF ISSUES at Park & for Parks & Recreation to address:
Playground hazardous for keiki – there has been injuries
Mahukona – what happened to funding, Skate Park, trees down at Keokea Park, emergency shelter Hisaoka Gym- Heritage Center fundraiser, March 14th
- Kohala Food Hub, free dinner
Report From Our Council Representative, James Hustace.
- Resolution 475 – Committee (3/3); Office of Housing and Community Development seeking lease approval for properties to be used for long-term permanent housing
- Resolution 478 – Committee (3/3); Accepts $2.6M in FEMA grant monies to fund 12 firefighter positions
- Communication 752 – Committee (3/3); establishes an ad hoc committee to review Waiwai grant applications
- Bill 132 – Committee (3/3); regulations on paid parking facilities in Kailua Village
- Resolution 470 – Council (3/4); District 9 contingency fund support for the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
- Resolution 471 – Council (3/4); District 9 contingency fund support for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Kohala Intergenerational Center
- Bill 127 – Council (3/4); establishes a Construction Code Commission
- Bill 128 – Council (3/4); establishes a third tax tier for higher assessed residential zoned properties
The Next Advisory Group Meeting will be held on Monday, April 6th, 4:30pm, Senior Center.
Adjourned at. 5:36pm