Neil Azevedo

The agenda includes hearings on proposed amended findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decisions and orders regarding 1250 Oceanside, LLC petitions. New business involves an appeal by Mark Kellberg concerning the applicability of county subdivision and zoning codes to a property in Nīnole. The meeting also includes an executive session to consult with the board's attorney, status reports on pending appeals and petitions, and various administrative matters.

The committee will discuss submitting a letter to the Olson Trust regarding the proposed Pāhala center. Additionally, there will be discussions on the need for an animal control center and police station in Ocean View. Various updates will be presented, including the Kaʻū Forest Reserve Management Plan, the Waiʻōhinu Transfer Station, the Nāʻālehu Post Office speed feedback sign, a proposed stop sign on South Point Road, and a new DMV Kiosk.

The committee reviewed and discussed the acquisition of the Hīlea Property, featuring input from the Nature Conservancy regarding land management and access. There was a detailed discussion regarding the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2 Highway Project, where the committee evaluated potential alignment with community development goals and requested a unified letter outlining the project's consistencies and inconsistencies with established plans. Other business included an update on grading and grubbing activities on the Kamaʻoa Road Bishop Estate property, and an analysis of the Kaʻū Community Development Plan land use maps, focusing on maintaining the integrity of the plan while addressing potential updates.

The County of Hawai'i's Consolidated Plan outlines a five-year roadmap with key priorities including Housing & Special Needs Housing, Homelessness, Community Development, and Fair Housing. The plan aims to improve access to affordable housing, support vulnerable populations, develop community infrastructure, and ensure equitable housing practices. Achievements reported include providing rental aid, completing renovations for low-income and special needs housing, developing new affordable and veteran housing, improving emergency shelters, and enhancing various community facilities and services.

The 2026 Annual Action Plan for the County of Hawaii, covering the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, outlines strategic activities to address priority housing and community development needs for low- and moderate-income households. The plan leverages federal funds, primarily Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), to foster viable communities, improve affordable housing access, expand economic opportunities, and provide support services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Key initiatives include public facility improvements, enhancing housing stability, and implementing regulatory reforms to address barriers to affordable housing.