NORTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ADVISORY GROUP
DATE: Monday, February 2nd, 2026, 4:30 pm
PLACE: Kohala Senior Center (behind the statue)
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. We typically have a lot of information to get through, so please respect everyone’s time. The chair may table lengthy discussions to be continued after the meeting officially closes. 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.
SUBCOMMITTEE 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 Ohana Fun Day 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. 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.
Fundraising Goals: A donation letter is being finalized. Any future expenditures over $100 will be discussed and approved by a “working group.”
The next meeting will be March 11h, 9 am at Pomaika’i Café.
Agriculture
Hawaii County 5-Year Agri-Food Systems Plan
The county’s 5-year agriculture and food systems plan (not updated since 2010) aims to update the plan with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding support. 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 planning process is nearing its development phase, with a final draft in progress and plans for regional agrifood summits in six districts to gather community feedback this spring. The plan utilizes a “Topic Brief” structure 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
Key outcomes from the December AgriPolicy Summit, highlight 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
Senator Richards introduced legislation 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.
Next meeting March 26th 5pm NKCRC office.
Community Access (see maps on last page for locations)
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.
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.
Kohala Shoreline. A group of people wishing to do a wildfire survey cannot get in touch with the landowner or it’s representative.
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, probably by 50%. Kohala has benefitted in land preservation from this fund and the County PONC fund. We should write letters of support for full funding if the opportunity presents
Next meeting March 4th, 4:30pm Senior Center.
Growth Management
EPIC TRAINING Computer challenges and low attendance. We will try again next month.
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.
Possible affordable housing at Kahei. Kahei land now on map as 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 & History Advisory Group (KCHAG).
No meeting yet.
Next meeting will probably be March 16th.
Health and Wellness/WRK
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.
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.
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. New lighting is now working at the 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.
Jet skis have been seen at Keokea Beach Park.
Next meeting is March 18th, 5:00pm 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.
- 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
- Kohala High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the reunion July 3-5.
- The Kohala Heritage Center will be having a free dinner, prepared by the Culinary Arts group on March 12. Stop in to get tickets.
- The Kohala Food Hub will host a diner on Marth 8th, 4–6pm at the Village Hub Barn. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc78okPF1p6X6U1jR2oDUKzvXqU0Z1agnDvSjRflT5TGdh_Ew/viewform
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
PUBLIC INPUT AND AGENDA SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
The Next Advisory Group Meeting will be held on Monday, April 6th, 4:30pm, Senior Center.
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
