Puna CDP Action Committee - 2026-04-23
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Puna CDP Action Committee received updates on three major initiatives: road connectivity improvements with construction plans submitted for the Puhala Extension connecting Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, Kopua Farm Lots, and Eden Rock to Highway 11; the $80 million Kea'au Benioff Health Center project on 20 acres near Shipman Park with expected completion in late 2028; and the PONC program's acquisition of Kumakahi (approximately 2,000 acres with 14 parcels) which passed County Council unanimously. Community concerns were raised about a proposed 20,000 sq ft grocery store and gas station development in Hawaiian Paradise Park on AG-1 zoned land.
Key Decisions (2)
Meeting Minutes Approval - February 26, 2026
The committee approved the draft minutes from the February 26, 2026 meeting with unanimous vote.
Kumakahi PONC Acquisition Resolution
County Council passed resolution authorizing acquisition of Kumakahi property under the PONC program. The property consists of approximately 2,000 acres across 14 parcels with 100% willing sellers. This is culturally significant land in Puna district.
Development Activity (6)
Kea'au Benioff Health Center
Single-story 20-acre campus healthcare facility including primary care, urgent care, specialty care, behavioral health (adult and pediatric), and diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, CT, potentially mammography and MRI). Approximately 100 employees and 25+ providers at full utilization. $80 million total project cost funded by $25M from Benioffs, $25M from State of Hawaii, and remainder from HHSC operational funds and financing.
Puhala Extension Road Connectivity
Construction plans submitted and right of entry received. Will provide secondary road access to Highway 11 for four subdivisions. Right of entry going to corporation counsel for approval.
Caliponi Connectivity
Short connectivity section of approximately 200-300 feet requiring clearing and dozing. Requires agreement between two community associations.
Ola'a Road to Hawaiian Acres/Orchid Land Connection
Third priority connectivity project. DPW investigating how to implement using existing roads and improvements. Will cross but not use old volcano trail.
Ohana Foods and Gas Commercial Development
Phase 1: Proposed 20,000 sq ft grocery store and gas station on 20 acres. Phase 2: Planned 40,000 sq ft grocery store, restaurant, medical center, and police station. Developer states they will apply for special use permit. Traffic impact analysis in progress.
Kea'au Fire and Police Station
Combined fire and police station with potential training facilities and mass transit hub. Both fire and police departments have prioritized this project. Mayor has asked departments to start looking at design preferences.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Puna district experiencing 2-4% annual population growth, representing almost all growth on the east side of Hawaii Island, while Hilo population is predicted to remain relatively flat.
Infrastructure
Healthcare provider noted that Puna lacks sufficient local healthcare infrastructure, with most specialty services requiring travel to Hilo, creating significant travel burden for residents.
Infrastructure
Road connectivity remains critical issue with first responders losing significant response time traveling between subdivisions due to lack of interconnecting roads.
Sentiment
Community expressed strong opposition to proposed commercial development in Hawaiian Paradise Park due to concerns about substandard roads, lack of water/sewer infrastructure, and safety issues.
Commercial Demand
WH Shipman Corporation planning regional commercial center development near Shipman Park to include grocery store and retail options, indicating demand for commercial services in Kea'au area.