Waimea Community Association to host April town hall with key partners

The Waimea Community Association will hold its monthly town meeting on April 2, bringing together major community partners to share updates on healthcare, land use and regional planning.

The meeting is open to the public and will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Jerry Nelson Conference Room at the W. M. Keck Observatory headquarters.

Officials from Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, Pōhakuloa Training Area and Parker Ranch are expected to present updates on projects and initiatives affecting the Waimea region.

Stephany Nihipali Vaioleti, president of Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, also will discuss expansion efforts at the hospital campus, including capital improvement projects, a developing solar field and updates to air transport services.

Representatives from Pōhakuloa Training Area will outline ongoing operations and community partnerships.

Speakers are expected to include Lt. Col. Tim Alvarado, Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Cromer, Lani Pascual and Fire Chief Mike Diehl. Their presentation will include updates on federal projects such as the Emergency Operations Center at Puʻukapu and a planned Department of Land and Natural Resources warehouse.

Leaders from Parker Ranch also will provide a forward-looking update as the ranch approaches its 179th year in Waimea. President and CEO Micah Kane and Vice President of Regional Planning Zachary Judd are expected to discuss a developing regional plan that will guide future land use and development, with an emphasis on community collaboration.

“We’re looking forward to hearing directly from our community partners to bring clarity and context to complex projects,” said Nancy Carr Smith, president of the Waimea Community Association.

“This helps ensure that our community remains engaged and part of the conversation.”

The meeting also will highlight the Hawaiʻi Beekeeping Legacy Project, a traveling exhibit currently on display at the Anna Ranch Heritage Center. The exhibit explores the history of beekeeping in Hawaiʻi, including its roots in Waimea’s ranching industry, and features multimedia displays, artifacts, and a live observation hive. It is scheduled to run through May.

Residents may also participate virtually by visiting www.WaimeaTown.org prior to the start of the meeting. Questions may be submitted in advance to WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com and through WCA’s Facebook page.

During the meeting, questions will be addressed as time permits. Residents interested in learning more can click here.