Public commenters urge enforcement of planning conditions and raise Hawaiian Kingdom land claims at Hawaii County Council meeting

Several public commenters used the council's public testimony period on Dec. 5 to raise concerns about land ownership and local planning oversight.

Via Zoom, Dwight Vicente argued that crown government lands belong to the Hawaiian Kingdom, referenced the 1840 Hawaiian Kingdom Constitution and the 1848 Mahele, and said recent Mauna Loa eruptions underscore risk from development in lava pathways. “The Hawaiian Kingdom actually owns…these are crowning government lands,” Vicente said, and urged recognition of those claims.

Margaret Willie, who said she had served on the council previously, urged the county to treat Community Development Plans (CDPs) as part of the general plan and to resume monthly CDP meetings. She said she found inconsistent vacancy listings for a South Kohala advisory group and asked the council to improve oversight, enforcement of environmental permit conditions and follow‑up on developer reports.

Joyce Valletta and Gregory Smith offered brief remarks thanking the council and reminding members of their obligations to residents and the island’s land.

The council did not debate the public comments during the session; the chair closed public testimony and proceeded to organizational business.