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1.5 County Planning System and General Plan Framework County Planning System The planning system, as illustrated in Figure 3, consists of a comprehensive County -wide General Plan, and includes Community Development Plans, Special Area Plans and Urban Development Plans, and Agency Functional or Strategic Plans as implementation mechanisms that carry out the goals, objectives, policies or standards, and actions of the General Plan. The General Plan represents the first level of the County planning system and encompasses long-range goals, objectives, policies, and courses of action for the entire County. The General Plan also provides the legal basis for all the other elements of the County's planning structure. As such, the Plan isthe highest order, or "umbrella" plan. It establishes the boundaries within which the County must operate. The second level consists of short and middle range plans that further define the long-range goals and policies of the General Plan. These plans are related to specific regions or districts (Hilo, Kona, Kohala, Ka`u, etc.), functions (recreation, agriculture, drainage, highways, etc.), and specific areas within a region (Kailua-Kona, Downtown Hilo, etc.). Directional Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Guidelines The General Plan vision statement, goals, and objectives provide a high-level integrated direction for the community and a holistic perspective. The Plan also incorporates guidelines to serve as strategic directions and standards to inform decisions regarding topics such as land use, infrastructure, housing, and resource management. These guidelines help to ensure consistency in planning and implementation, The third level consists of specific mechanisms to implement the two higher levels of the planning hierarchy. These include regulatory measures such as the Zoning and Subdivision Codes, and the operating and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budgets. Figure 3 County Planning System promoting sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. • Vision: The ability to plan forthe future with creativity and wisdom in alignment with community values. • Goal: A desired state of affairs to which planned effort is directed. • Objective: Measurable, achievable, and time -bound milestones toward achieving a goal. • Guideline: A stated course of action that shall take precedence when addressing 1.0 Introduction I County of Hawaii General Plan 33