Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, August 5, 2019

     The County's General Plan is the policy document that guides long-term development, including local plans, zoning ordinances, and infrastructure projects on Hawai‘i Island. The General Plan is given a comprehensive review every 10 years. The last comprehensive review of the General Plan was in 2005.
     The draft update of the General Plan, available online and at libraries on Aug. 9, tackles emerging issues that were not addressed in the 2005 General Plan, such as climate change, healthy communities, integrated water resource management, renewable energy, food security, equitable housing, and a place-based economy.
     According to Planning Director Michael Yee, "This plan is the first County plan to focus on sustainability with specific goals of self-sufficiency, social equity, economic mobility, and community well-being. These concepts are woven throughout the plan."
     Yee added, "The plan incorporates the concepts of Urban Growth Areas, which will be used to prioritize infrastructure investment. This shifts the approach for rural areas, so they provide a transition between our productive agricultural lands and our urban uses."
     To update the General Plan, the Planning Department conducted a comprehensive review of the existing 2005 General Plan and Community Development Plans (CDPs) from each of the districts around the Island. Throughout the process, County agencies, CDP Action/Steering Committees, and the general public have been asked for input.
     Following release of the Draft General Plan, the Planning Department will host community events around the island during the month of August to solicit public comments. All meetings are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and input about Kaʻū can be given at any of the following locations.
     · August 10 – at the Waimea Middle School Gym; 67-1229 Māmalahoa Hwy, Waimea.
     · August 11 – at the Aupuni Center in Hilo; 101 Pauahi St., Suite 1.
     · August 24 – at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers in Kona; 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy, Building A.
     · August 25 – at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center; 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy.

Environment, Culture, and Economy are major considerations in the development of the General Plan. Image from Hawaiʻi County General Plan

     The Planning Department will host smaller events in September focused on specific topics. "We encourage residents to review the draft plan and share their thoughts," said the Planning Director.
     The public comment period will close on Sept. 30. The public can review the General Plan online at hiplan

eral-plan.

     After providing the opportunity for public feedback, the Planning Director will submit the revised Draft General Plan to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions for review, and then submit it to the County Council for final review and adoption.

     For more information, contact the County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8288. Email: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov. Those interested in keeping current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for the Department's eNews at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/connect.