Laserfiche WebLink
O 7 <br />COUNTY OF HAWAII <br />os N► P <br />ORDINANCE NO. <br />STATE OF HAWAII <br />BILL NO. 242 <br />DRAFT 2 <br />AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE HAWAII COUNTY CODE 1983 <br />(2005 EDITION, AS AMENDED), BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE RELATING TO <br />IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE PRINCIPLES FOR THE <br />LONG-TERM WELLBEING OF THE COUNTY AND ITS INHABITANTS. <br />BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII: <br />SECTION 1. Chapter 16 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as <br />amended), is amended by adding a new article to be appropriately designated and to read as <br />follows: <br />"Article _. Aloha `Aina: Sustainability Standards. <br />Division 1. Findings and Purpose, Authority, and Definitions. <br />Section 16 -_Findings and purpose. <br />The council is cognizant that the promotion of the sustainability of our island's natural <br />resources can be advanced on a case-by-case basis, or preferably by way of defined policies and <br />principles as set forth in this article. <br />As representative of an island community, the council is particularly sensitive to the <br />limitations of on -island and marine natural resources, and the urgent need to make difficult <br />choices to ensure the long-term viability of our economic, socio -cultural, and environmental <br />well-being. Likewise, the council is aware of the need to not only advance short-term public and <br />private economic gains, but on a day-to-day basis to take affirmative steps to prevent cumulative <br />harmful impacts to our environmental habitat, our cultural assets, and long-term economic <br />vitality. <br />By increasing accountability with regard to its affirmative public trust duty, the council <br />seeks to establish the County of Hawaii as a model of the interrelated sustainability goals of <br />long-term economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability for the benefit of our island, our <br />state, and our pacific region `ohana. <br />As explained in a 2013 article by Paul James et al., in "Environment, Development and <br />Sustainability", sustainability implies responsible and proactive decision-making and innovation <br />that minimizes negative impact and maintains balance between ecological resilience, economic <br />prosperity, political justice, and cultural vibrancy to ensure a desirable planet for all species now <br />and in the future. <br />Section 16- — <br />Authority. <br />The authority to address and advance long-term sustainability is granted to counties by: <br />