Laserfiche WebLink
INTRODUCTION <br />Section 1-1. Purpose. <br />The General Plan establishes the long-range vision, policies, and priorities that guide <br />growth, development, and public investment on Hawaii Island. It serves as the County's primary <br />policy document for land use, infrastructure, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, <br />and public services. <br />The Plan provides direction for how and where the island grows, how facilities and <br />services are delivered, and how natural and cultural resources are protected. It informs decisions <br />related to zoning, capital improvements, budgeting, and day-to-day operations across County <br />departments. <br />The General Plan is not a static document, but a living framework intended to guide <br />decision -making over time and to evolve as community needs, priorities, and conditions change. <br />Its success depends on consistent application and periodic review. <br />Section 1-2. Legal Authority. <br />This General Plan is adopted pursuant to Chapter 226 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes <br />and Section 3-15 of the Charter of the County of Hawaii. <br />Chapter 226, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires each County to prepare and adopt a <br />general plan to guide long-range development and ensure coordination with the State Plan. <br />Section 226-58 provides, in pertinent part: <br />The county general plans and development plans shall be formulated with input from the <br />state and county agencies as well as the general public. County general plans or <br />development plans shall indicate desired population and physical development patterns for <br />each county and regions within each county. In addition, county general plans or <br />development plans shall address the unique problems and needs of each county and regions <br />within each county. The county general plans or development plans shall further define <br />applicable provisions of this chapter; provided that any amendment to the county general <br />plan of each county shall not be contrary to the county charter. The formulation, <br />amendment, and implementation of county general plans or development plans shall take <br />into consideration statewide objectives, policies, and programs stipulated in state <br />functional plans approved in consonance with this chapter. <br />With adoption and ratification of the Charter in 1968, the General Plan emerged as a <br />major policy document to guide development as well as regulatory and investment decisions. <br />Section 3-15 of the Charter further states, in pertinent part: <br />