I share the opinion stated by a previous contributor that splitting the county would not be a good idea. An alternative concept to forming a West Hawaii County gained momentum in the late 1990s. The result was the approval, by
I share the opinion stated by a previous contributor that splitting the county would not be a good idea. An alternative concept to forming a West Hawaii County gained momentum in the late 1990s. The result was the approval, by the council in 2005, of the updated County General Plan that included a new Community Development Plan Program.
This was followed by the Kim administration’s determination to put the program into operation. The Community Development Plan Program was created to decentralize the county government’s long tradition of top down authority and replace it with a community-driven system serving specific geographic regions around the island. The program provides a process for residents to identify needs and funding priorities as well as to establish policies directed to that region. It also includes a structure for ongoing community oversight following the plans’ approval. In 2008, the first of these regional plans, the Kona Community Development Plan, was adopted by ordinance followed by the Plans for Puna, Kona, North Kohala, and South Kohala. Under the Kenoi administration, no additional CDPs have been adopted by ordinance.
Regarding West Hawaii’s traffic congestion, we all recognize there is still much to be done to improve the situation. But I’d like to provide a more balanced review regarding infrastructure improvements in West Hawaii during the last two county administrations. I want to point out that the majority of these had been identified by name as priority projects within the Kona Community Development Plan.
Here are projects that were initiated as well as completed during the Kim administration, 2000-2008: Keanalehu-Manawalea Connector Road, Hina Lani intersection improvements, Kaiminani Drive intersection improvements, Kuakini Highway widening from Palani Road to Hualalai Street, including sidewalks and drainage improvements, Kona Coastview/Wonderview Water System improvements.
Next are projects that were initiated during the Kim admiration and completed or ongoing during the Kenoi administration, 2000-2016: West Hawaii Civic Center, Ane Keohokalole Highway (Mid-Level Road), Laaloa extension, Makalei Fire Station, Palani Road safety improvements at Kealakaa Street, Kaloko Housing Program, Mamalahoa Bypass (This project predates both administrations, and is ongoing).
Finally, here are West Hawaii infrastructure projects initiated, completed or ongoing during the Kenoi administration, 2009-2016: Kaiminani Drive Phase I and 2 improvements, Alii Kai Park, Honaunau Rodeo Grounds improvements, Lono Kona Sewer Improvement District, Kealakehe Regional Park.
The completion of major public infrastructure projects is preceded by approvals, planning, funding, design, and construction. Unfortunately, this is a slow process. In many cases, any administration that initiates a project will not have the luxury of seeing it through to the “ribbon-cutting” ceremony.
But regardless of what administration is in place, the Community Development Plan Program is intended to focus on regional priorities as identified by the people living there and coordinate an ongoing blueprint for action. It is the duty of the County Council and the mayor’s office to provide continuity and fair allocation of resources to see that progress is made.
Nancy Pisicchio is a resident of Kailua-Kona
