COM 0045.012 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Background This report is the direct result of several separate but related visioning and planning initiatives in which residents of the Hilo-Hamakua Coast have participated: Kau Z.andine Challenge: Ke Ala Hokn: ~aioe of the Bjg IcLd in 2020 The Chil ran's V'cion Over 1000 citizens from all regions of Young people from theHamakuaCoast Hawaii Island, including the Hamakua Coast, participated in amulti-year statewide visioning participated in local visioning sessions between effort which resulted in the development of 1990 and 1998, contributing to a visual map of critical indicators of community health and the Big Island in the year 2020, designed by Jim well-being. The 56 indicators, published in the Channon of Arcturus Design and featured in the KeAla Hoku Report of the Hawaii Community Kau Landing. The vision of island sustainability Services Council, measure progress towards revolves around the central themes of aina (land), desired changes within siz distinct categories: aka (villages), and aloha (culture), and features Aloha Spirit, Healthy Natural Environment, the primary strategic intentions of economicself- Safe and Nurturing Social Environment, reliance, sustainable practices, purposeful zoning, Thriving and Diverse Sustainable Economy, community-based planning, and agri-tourism. Educated Citizens, and Civic Vitality. Participants articulated the importance of relying more on locally-driven economics which aze "Envision agr:ctrCtural rourom where CocaCc culturally appropriate an ecologically wise. The aruCtourl5ts take tours of CocaCaBricuCturaC most popular spec ideas elucidated through the o~¢ratwns, buy taro procCutts such as cakes, process include: eco-homesteads, villages that cookies, ch ps, ancCs ices at a farm where include old and modem layout and swchrres, teen una exyCain the importance of taro in parks, learning villages, cyberegions, cultural t 7-Cawaiian cuCture." corridors, agri-tourist villages, community forests, -'Franco OcCa, 7~ie Price of ParatC4se local power, and recycling and reuse centers. The Role of he HH ,11(' 'n Regional P nninv Since 1994, HHCDC has organized the Rural South Hilo Community Association, North Hilo Community Council, Hamakua District Development Council, and other rural communities into a single entity in order to guide sustainable community development along the coast. Anon-profit organization with no paid staff, HHCDC has sought to shape the future of economic development on the Hamakua Coast since the closing of the sugaz industry. The organization has managed grants to support a regional agricultural cooperative and a housing off ce, and has publicly advocated for the maintenance of the small business development center at the University of Hawaii, a resource which has been valuable for Hamakua's emerging entrepreneurs. By supporting the development of small businesses and agricultural ventures, as well as low-impact tourism and educational opportunities, the organization has been helping to create jobs and solve community problems while preserving the longstanding values and practices of the rural lifestyle. While each of the three community associations along the coast are self-organized, HHCDC brings these groups together regulazly in order to identify shazed community values, brainstorm solutions to common regional problems, and create economic opportunities which can increase the capacity of local residents to work in or near their homes. 5