Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023

PRIORITIZE FIRE SAFETY PRACTICES DURING THE LAOR DAY WEEKEND, urges Mayor Mitch Roth. He said he is aiming to minimize the risk of wildfires. This appeal follows the recent expiration of the Red Flag Warning for Hawaiʻi Island on Aug. 31. Despite the warning's end, persistent weather conditions on the leeward side of Hawaiʻi Island continue to pose a threat for brushfires.
    In tandem with residents' proactive efforts, Hawaiʻi County officials are maintaining a state of high alert, with staff available throughout the weekend to address any emerging hazards.
    "We believe in erring on the side of caution," the Mayor emphasized. "Recent weather patterns have led to several fires in the past few weeks that could have been prevented with greater awareness. Each fire jeopardizes the safety of our firefighters and, potentially, our residents – a situation we're committed to avoiding at all costs. Sometimes, it's the small actions that can make the most significant difference."
    With the expiration of the Red Flag Warning, all camping permits for the weekend are valid. Nevertheless, the County discourages residents at our beach parks from engaging in activities that could result in uncontrollable fires.
    Furthermore, the County strongly advises limiting the use of open flames, fire pits, and grills over the weekend, as embers can easily travel and ignite new fires. Outdoor activities that could generate sparks, such as welding, metal grinding, and grass cutting, should be avoided. Residents are also urged not to park vehicles on dry grass after traveling.
    Adhering to these guidelines can contribute significantly to ensuring a fire-safe weekend, stated the announcement from the County. "Finally, property owners are urged to secure outdoor items and implement essential fire safety measures on their premises. Valuable recommendations for homeowners can be found on the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization's official website at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home, offering comprehensive information on wildfire prevention and safety measures."

HAWAIʻI COUNTY INVITES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE GENERAL PLAN REVIEW AND UPDATE. A statement released Friday says that the comprehensive review, with public input and proposed revisions ongoing since 2015, has involved island-wide community stakeholders, numerous County and State agencies, Community Development Plan Action Committees, and the Hawai'i County Council. "The valuable insights gathered from the community outreach activities have been instrumental in shaping the recommended draft," which was overseen by the Hawai'i County Planning Department. 

    Public Informational Workshops have been scheduled for: Saturday, Sept. 30 at West Hawai'i Civic Center, Building G from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. Oct. 7 at Auntie Sally's Lu'au Hale from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Community opportunities for further engagement include the following:The Planning Department will be hosting a recorded video series on the Department's YouTube channel. (https://youtube.com/@countyofhawaiiplanningdepa4156?si=H0ubIEAJJq15E9Z0)
    The General Plan Team will have informational booths at various planned community events, like the Revitalize Puna event.
    Online workshops have been scheduled for: Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    "Listening to and understanding the diverse perspectives of our communities is essential for creating a General Plan that supports a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi Island," emphasized Zendo Kern, Director of the County of Hawai'i Planning Department.
    Following the conclusion of the public comment period, planners will evaluate and incorporate feedback received into a final recommended draft, marking the beginning of the adoption process. The final recommended draft will be forwarded to the Windward

and Leeward Planning Commissions for separate hearings. All members of the community are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the process, offering their testimonies during the hearings. The County Council, which is responsible for the final review and adoption, will also provide an opportunity for public testimony.    

    "The General Plan gives our community the opportunity to navigate the future of our island home in a way that is sustainable and truly in the best interest of us all," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "We hope to see many minds come together to ensure a plan that is as vibrant and diverse as the communities we serve."
    To stay informed about upcoming events, progress, and the overall process, interested individuals can sign up for the Planning Department's eNews at www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/connect. For more information, contact County of Hawai'i Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720. Phone (808) 961-8288 or email GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov.
    County of Hawai'i Planning Department states that it "is committed to the development of sustainable communities and the improvement of overall quality of life for the residents of Hawai'i Island. Through comprehensive planning efforts, community engagement, and effective policymaking, the Planning Department strives to guide the county towards a prosperous future that preserves its unique cultural and natural resources." For more information, visit www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

MORE THAN $10 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS IS AVAILABLE FOR HAWAI'I ISLAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SHELTERS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES. The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development has issued a request for proposals with deadlines in September and November.
    Office of Housing & Community Development Administrator Susan Kunz said the agency "is pleased to announce this request for proposals for funding that will support a variety of efforts to enhance the quality of life for Hawaiʻi Island communities. Over the years, these federal investments have helped with constructing and renovating low-income, senior, and veteran housing, acquiring and renovating shelters
for victims of domestic violence, and making community facilities accessible to all. We encourage all eligible applicants to submit their projects for funding consideration."
    The County of Hawaiʻi anticipates it will receive about $2.6 million for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in 2024. The Community Development Block Grant Program encourages the development of viable communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate income. For more information on CDBG Program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/cdbg.
    For the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, the County of Hawaiʻi expects to receive
about $3 million in 2024 that can be used to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for very low- and low-income persons. HOME Program funds are allocated through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation on a three-year rotation basis between Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauai counties, which means after 2024, the County of Hawaiʻi's next HOME allocation will come in 2027. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/homeprogram.
    Under the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Program, the County of Hawaiʻi anticipates being allocated over $1.97 million in 2024 through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The funds can be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of affordable rental housing primarily for "qualified populations.""Qualified populations" include persons or families that are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent homelessness; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet criteria for one of the qualifying populations. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/home-arp.
    For the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Program, the County of Hawaiʻi expects to receive about $3 million in 2024 through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The funds can be used to preserve the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing, with primary attention to rental housing for extremely low-income and very low-income households at or below 30% of the area median income, or homeless. Like the HOME Program, funding under HTF is allocated on a three-year rotation basis between Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauai counties, which means after 2024, the County of Hawaiʻi's next HTF allocation will come in 2027. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, please visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/htf.
    The statement from the county explains how to apply for CDBG funding: Project proposals for Community Development Block Grant funding will only be accepted electronically through an online application platform launched Sept. 1. For more information on CDBG Program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, and to submit an electronic proposal, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/cdbg. Deadline is 4:30 p.m., Nov. 15.

    The county also explains how to apply for HOME, HOME-ARP, AND HTF FUNDING: Proposals must be submitted in printed hard-copy format. Each program's online proposal packet includes an application. The original project proposal and two copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at one of the following locations: Office of Housing & Community Development, Kino'ole Plaza, 1990 Kino'ole St., Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720; or Office of Housing & Community Development, West Hawai'i Civic Center, 74-6044 Ae Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, Hi 9567640.
    The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all County of Hawai'i housing programs. "Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities." said the statement announcing the funding.
    More information on the Office of Housing & Community Development and its programs can be found online at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov. To receive news alerts and OHCD's quarterly newsletter, click here. Alsp connect with OHCD on Facebook and Instagram.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.