Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Puna CDP Action Committee meeting focused primarily on procedural matters including election of new officers (Susie Osborne as chair, Leilani DiMello as vice chair) and approval of support letters for the Pahoa Special District legislative suite and Cape Kumukahi land acquisition. Council Member Ashley Kirkowitz provided updates on multiple legislative initiatives including Pahoa Special District bills pending before the Windward Planning Commission on April 2nd, and the Kumukahi PONC acquisition moving to county council review.
Key Decisions (4)
Pahoa Special District Support Letter
Committee approved letter of support for Pahoa Special District legislative suite to be transmitted to Windward Planning Commission. Bills would expand uses in downtown Pahoa properties, rezone properties for additional uses, and clarify design guidelines for Pahoa Village.
Cape Kumukahi Support Letter to County Council
Committee approved letter of support for Kumukahi land acquisition to be submitted to county council when resolution is filed. Kumukahi ranked 3rd on PONC prioritized list, encompasses over 2,000 acres with seven or eight properties involved.
Election of 2026 Chair - Susie Osborne
Committee elected Susie Osborne as chair for 2026 calendar year.
Election of 2026 Vice Chair - Leilani DiMello
Committee elected Leilani DiMello as vice chair for 2026 calendar year.
Development Activity (1)
Keao Benioff Medical Center
Environmental Assessment (EA) posted with comment period open until March 25th
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Road connectivity remains critical issue in Puna with seven subdivisions awaiting emergency egress connections; school bus service suspended on one Hawaiian Acres road due to deterioration.
Infrastructure
Eden Rock road connectivity project stalled due to property ownership issues - road lot belongs to dissolved Mountain View Development Corporation; state legislation allowing community associations to change title takes effect in 2027.
Sentiment
Strong community interest in native forest preservation overlay zoning for Volcano area to address pin-to-pin clearing on small lots, with Planning Department working on resolution as first step toward ordinance.
Housing Demand
Concerns raised about flooding in Lower Puna resulting from unregulated land clearing in Upper Puna, with calls for stronger enforcement of existing water diversion ordinances.