COUNTY OF HAWAI’I PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO ACTION PLAN
AND PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – MITIGATION (CDBG-MIT)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public meeting and public comment period held by the Department of Planning of the County of Hawai’i for the purpose of proposing a Substantial Amendment to the Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program funds granted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A draft of the proposed Substantial Amendment for public comment will be released for a 30-day public comment period on March 31, 2025.

PUBLIC MEETING
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Place: Virtual via Zoom at
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612916125

PURPOSE
The purpose of this public meeting is to receive public input on the proposed Substantial Amendment prior to its submission to HUD. The Substantial Amendment reallocates CDBG-MIT funding from a current project to revise the County of Hawai’i zoning and subdivision codes, which is now funded through other sources, towards a wildfire evacuation traffic study to support wildfire mitigation efforts in Waikoloa Village. This study will assess wildfire risks, analyze traffic patterns based on evacuation routes, and determine evacuation timing to aid first responders. Additionally, the County is updating the Flood Studies and Assessments program to focus on the North Kona district because the studies proposed for Puna and South Kohala are proceeding with other sources of funding.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND INPUT
The public may join the public meeting from a computer, smartphone, or telephone. Visit https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdbg-mit or call 808-961-8288 for more details on how to join the virtual public meeting. Attendance at the public meeting is not necessary to submit public comments.

HOW TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public comment period for the proposed Substantial Amendment begins on March 31, 2025, and ends April 30, 2025.

Public comments must be submitted in writing. The proposed Substantial Amendment can be viewed online at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/ general-plan-community-planning/cdbg-mit and in-person at 101 Pauahi St., Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720. Office hours are 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays.

Comments can be submitted:

By email cdbgmit@hawaiicounty.gov
In-person during office hours or by U.S. Mail to:
East Hawai’i: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3,
Hilo, HI 96720
West Hawai’i: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole
Hwy #E, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

All comments will be given the same consideration regardless of the method of submission. The County of Hawai’i will consider all comments and views expressed by members of the public on the proposed Substantial Amendment and may make modifications to the draft, if deemed appropriate.

The County of Hawai’i is committed to the full inclusion of all members of the public in this public comment period without regard to disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. As part of this commitment, the County of Hawai’i will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as it pertains to accessing and providing comments to the draft Initial Action Plan. If you are unable to access the draft Initial Action Plan document or require information in a language other than English call 808-961-8288 or contact cdbgmit@hawaiicounty.gov.

By: JEFFREY W. DARROW, Planning Director
HI County is an Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer

(HTH/WHT1488772 3/31/25)