Hawaiʻi County is seeking public comment on a proposed amendment to its Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Action Plan. The amendment would reallocate funds to conduct a crucial Wildfire Evacuation Traffic Study for Waikoloa Village, a community increasingly vulnerable to wildfire threats.

The 30-day public comment period is open from March 31st to April 30th, providing residents with ample opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16th, accessible via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612916125.

The proposed amendment would shift funding from a project focused on revising the County’s zoning and subdivision codes. This project is now fully funded through alternative sources, allowing for the reallocation of CDBG-MIT funds to address the pressing need for wildfire preparedness in Waikoloa Village.

The Wildfire Evacuation Traffic Study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of evacuation challenges and develop effective strategies for mitigating risks. Key objectives of the study include:

• Assessing Wildfire Risks: Identifying specific vulnerabilities within Waikoloa Village.
• Evaluating Traffic Patterns: Analyzing evacuation routes and considering the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Analyzing Future Growth Impacts: Projecting how future development will affect evacuation capabilities.
• Developing Strategies for Accessibility: Ensuring all residents, regardless of mobility, can evacuate safely.
• Determining Evacuation Timing: Providing critical information to first responders to aid in efficient emergency response.

In addition to the Waikoloa Village study, the proposed amendment includes a change in the scope of the Flood Studies and Assessments program. This program will now focus specifically on the North Kona district, as studies planned for Puna and South Kohala are being funded through other sources.

Hawaiʻi County received $6.862 million in CDBG-MIT funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for hazard mitigation projects.

The public is encouraged to review the CDBG-MIT Action Plan and the proposed Substantial Amendment, which can be found at planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdbg-mit.

Comments can be submitted in the following ways:

• By email: cdbgmit@hawaiicounty.gov
• In-person or by mail: 101 Pauahi St., Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720 or 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, #E, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Copies of the Substantial Amendment are also available for review at the above addresses during office hours from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on holidays. The County encourages all interested parties to participate in the public comment process and contribute to a safer and more resilient Hawaiʻi County.