Community Design Patterns: A Guidebook for Downtown Hilo, June 2010 (Draft)

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1.6. DESCRIPTION OF DOWNTOWN HILO. Downtown Hilo is nestled on the eastern slope of Mauna Loa on the base of Hilo Bay. Elevation ranges from sea level to 600 feet on the urban fringe. Located on the windward side of the island, breezy trade -winds from the northeast contribute to Downtown Hilo's unique climate characteristics and abundant rain. In Downtown Hilo, one cannot escape the awareness that we live on an island and being a coastal community, is subject to risks of natural disaster. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and hurricanes all affect the Island of Hawaii. Each of these elements is critical and subject developments to regulatory requirements. The prevalence of old wooden structures also creates a risk of widespread fire. • Major Waterways: Major waterways within Downtown Hilo include f the Hilo Bay and Wailuku River. At the periphery I of the CDH District lies the Alenaio Stream which* overflows into the soccer fields and feeds into the Wailoa River. Downtown Hilo is also located within the Hilo Bay Watershed, which extends from the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to Hilo Bay and covers an area of approximately 463,000 acres. The area which abuts the Hilo Bayfront shoreline is zoned Open. The area makai of the shoreline falls within the State Land Use Conservation which limits development of structures. All navigable waters are regulated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Downtown Hilo is also located within the Special Management Area (SMA) and governed by Chapter 205A, Hawai'i Revised Statutes (Coastal Zone Management Act) which protects our coastal resources. The County of Hawai'i Planning Department plays a key role in implementing the Hawai'i CZM Program • Downtown Hilo from across Hilo Bay R • The Wailuku River empties into Hilo Bay under the "Singing Bridge" Community Design Patterns: A Guidebook for Downtown Hilo •June 2010 DRAFT vii I Page