HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-09 Planning Department Holds General Plan Public Comment Sessions Islandwide in October -- press release
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
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October 26 at the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging in Hilo;
o Infrastructure, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
o Natural Resources, 1 to 4 p.m.
“Planners have been keeping track of topic items emphasized or brought up repeatedly in
various districts during the public sessions. We will focus on these items in greater detail during
the topical workshops,” said Yee.
Once the public comment period ends, planners will incorporate comments and provide another
public review period prior to moving the draft General Plan 2040 forward through the legislative
process. The Windward and Leeward Planning Commission hearings are expected to begin by
spring of next year. Members of the community are encouraged to be a part of the process and
to testify during the hearings. The County Council is charged with final review and adoption.
The public can review General Plan 2040 online and give feedback at
http://www.hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/gp2040/
For more information contact the Planning Department, County of Hawai‘i 101 Pauahi Street,
Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720. Phone: (808) 961-8288. Email: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov. Those
interested in keeping current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for the
Department’s eNews at http://www.hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/connect/.