2019-10-09 Planning Department Holds General Plan Public Comment Sessions Islandwide in October -- press release

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Harry Kim Michael Yee Mayor Director Wil Okabe Duane Kanuha Deputy Director Managing Director East Hawai‘i Office West Hawai‘i Office 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 County of Hawai‘i Phone (808) 961-8288 Phone (808) 323-4770 PLANNING DEPARTMENT Fax (808) 961-8742 Fax (808) 327-3563 October 9, 2019 News Release Hawai‘i County General Plan 2040 Update Public Comment Period Ends October 31, 2019 The Hawai‘i County Department of Planning will host events around Hawai‘i Island through October to solicit public feedback on proposed updates to the General Plan before the comment period closes on October 31, 2019. Once adopted, the plan, referred to as General Plan 2040, will govern land use and development on Hawai‘i Island for the next 25 years. General Plan 2040 strives to position Hawai‘i Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. Specific needs of each area of the Island have been evaluated to craft a sound growth strategy that directs future opportunities related to land use, zoning amendments and capital expenditures. “General Plan 2040 incorporates issues that have emerged or become more urgent since 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,” said County Planning Director Michael Yee. The Planning Department hosted community events throughout August and September to solicit public comments on General Plan 2040. Over the next several weeks, the public will have a last opportunity to give feedback prior to the end of the comment period. The public is invited to drop in any of the Community Mini-SpeakOuts between 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.:  October 16 at the Puku‘ana United Church of Christ in Captain Cook;  October 24 at the Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School. In addition, the Planning Department is holding several topical workshops:  October 12 at the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging in Hilo; o Land Use, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. o Economic Development, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  October 19 at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center Council Chambers in Kailua-Kona; o Infrastructure, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. o Natural Resources, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. www.hiplanningdept.com Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov