Learn more about Hawai’i County’s Planning Department at Waimea Community Association meeting

Hawai’i County Planning Director Zendo Kern will speak at the upcoming Waimea Community Association on various topics including community development plans and the ever-evolving online application process for building permits, EPIC.

The meeting will take place on Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Kern will discuss his department’s vision, priorities and problem solving efforts to address land use challenges and opportunities that impact many aspects of life county-wide. This will include the department’s responsibility to provide technical advice and support for Mayor Mitch Roth, planning commissions and County Council, and also administering the county’s subdivision and zoning codes. Topics will include the status of the county’s Community Development Plans, the still evolving Electronic Processing and Information Center system, and in-progress subdivision and zoning codes revisions and addressing Transient Accommodation Rentals.

“A full hour will be devoted to this important conversation to provide a reasonable opportunity to cover the wide range and technical nature of planning issues that touch so many – from individual residents and homeowners, businesses large and small, schools, faith organizations and more including non-profits and those who struggle with the high cost of living, soaring property taxes and rapidly shrinking inventory of truly affordable housing,” said WCA President James Hustace.

The meeting will also address community-wide plans for the 30th Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival set to take place on Feb. 4.

“There is much excitement about this year’s festival re-starting after having to be cancelled the past three years due to the COVID pandemic,” said Hustace.

The community is invited to attend the meeting in person at Tutu’s House, located at 64-1032 Māmalahoa Highway, or virtually – streamed “live” to Facebook and YouTube. To attend virtually, go to the association’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WaimeaCommunityAssociation) or to their website (www.WaimeaTown.org) for a link to YouTube. The meeting will be recorded to both Facebook and YouTube for on-demand viewing thereafter.

Questions are welcome – ideally in advance – by emailing: [email protected]. Questions may also be submitted in writing in person at the meeting or typed into the chat to be addressed as time permits.

WCA Town Meetings also include a brief public safety update by South Kohala Community Policing Officers, and the spotlighted nonprofit will be Habitat for Humanity.

For more info about the meeting or community association, email WCA President James Hustace at [email protected] or go to www.WaimeaTown.org.