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services typically provided by local government, in addition to the broader services that are usually provided by county jurisdictions. The mayor heads the executive branch and is the Chief Executive Officer of the County. In conjunction with the Managing Director, the mayor coordinates the responsibilities of each of the county agencies. Each mayor is elected to a term of four years and is County of Hawaii Final Council District Plan D—b., 2601 — NS allowed to serve two consecutive terms. Within the County of Hawaii, there is no position equivalent to that of City Manager. Agency heads and deputies are appointed by the mayor. Thus, their service co- terminates with the mayor unless they are re- appointed by the new mayor. N � o.aac h The County Council forms the legislative branch of government and serves to develop public policy. Council terms are two years, with one member elected from each of the nine districts delineated on the island of Hawaii. Downtown Hilo is located in council district four, which borders district two (see map). The elections held on November 4t", 2008, will result in a new County Administration, including a new mayor, agency heads and deputies, and council member for Downtown Hilo. Past Planning Efforts: Following the devastating tsunami in May, 1960, the Hawaii County Council created the "Hawai'i Redevelopment Agency" to devise an Urban Renewal Plan for the Kaiko'o Project which the agency published in June, 1965. The Kaiko'o Project pertains to an area located northeast of Downtown Hilo that was devastated by the effects of the tsunami. The plan includes specific guidelines for land uses and future development, with the aim minimizing loss of life from future tsunamis. Due to low elevation and nearness to the ocean, the inundated areas were designated "Open Areas" and the subsequent green fields are now a popular community recreation place. In 1961 A Plan for the Metropolitan Area of Hilo was completed as a regional component of the overall General Plan studies. In 1971, the Hawaii County Council adopted its first comprehensive General Plan that integrated planning efforts for each district on the island and set forth guidelines pursuant to the social, physical, and economic environment. As a direct consequence of this General Plan, in August 1974 the Planning Department published the Hilo EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 1 SDAT Application 2009