HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-8-09-General-Plan-2040.Final_.Draft_.OptimizedGeneral Plan 2040
August 2019 Draft
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Read this Preliminary General Plan Draft ............................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Trends and Forecasts ........................................................................................................................ 5
Sustainability Framework ................................................................................................................ 12
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning ................................................................................................ 15
Goals ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Protecting Native Habitats & Wildlife ............................................................................................ 15
Protecting Coastal Resources ......................................................................................................... 20
Coastal Habitat .......................................................................................................................... 20
Wetland Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 22
Managing Streams and Watersheds .............................................................................................. 23
Managing Geologic Resources........................................................................................................ 25
Ensuring Air & Noise Quality ........................................................................................................... 26
Air Quality ................................................................................................................................... 26
Noise Quality .............................................................................................................................. 26
Mitigating & Adapting to Hazards & Climate Change ................................................................... 27
Hazards .............................................................................................................. 27
Climate Change .......................................................................................................................... 34
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning ...................................................................................................... 37
Goals ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Managing Water System Resources ............................................................................................... 38
Drinking Water Conservation .................................................................................................... 38
Drinking Water Quality .............................................................................................................. 40
Drinking Water Prioritization .................................................................................................... 41
Storm Water Management ....................................................................................................... 43
Recycled Water Expansion ........................................................................................................ 44
Wastewater & Environmental Quality Prioritization ............................................................... 45
Increasing Resource Recovery & Reducing Waste ........................................................................ 48
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Improving Transportation Systems ................................................................................................ 52
Transportation Planning & Financing ....................................................................................... 52
Transportation Safety ................................................................................................................ 55
Roadway Design ......................................................................................................................... 57
Multimodal Transportation & Connectivity .............................................................................. 60
Bridges ........................................................................................................................................ 62
Mass Transit ............................................................................................................................... 62
Airports & Harbors ..................................................................................................................... 65
Expanding Telecommunication Access .......................................................................................... 66
Strengthening Energy Diversity & Conservation ........................................................................... 70
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning ................................................................................... 75
Goals ................................................................................................................................................ 75
Focusing on Economic Diversity & Innovation .............................................................................. 75
Prioritizing Agriculture & Food Security ......................................................................................... 78
Developing A Place-Based Visitor Industry .................................................................................... 83
Providing Equitable and Safe Housing Options For All .................................................................. 84
Section 4: Community Placemaking ................................................................................................... 89
Goals ................................................................................................................................................ 89
Maintaining Education Facilities as Anchor Institutions ............................................................... 90
Keeping Our Communities Healthy & Safe .................................................................................... 92
Police Services ............................................................................................................................ 92
Fire and Emergency Services ..................................................................................................... 94
Health & Social Services ............................................................................................................. 95
Promoting Active Living Through Recreation, Trails, & Public Access .......................................... 97
Recreational Facilities & Programs ........................................................................................... 97
Public Access & Trails ...............................................................................................................102
Preserving Our Cultural & Historic Legacies ................................................................................108
Native Hawaiian Values & Practices .......................................................................................108
Multi-Cultural Heritage............................................................................................................110
Historic Preservation ................................................................................................................110
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Protecting Scenic Resources .........................................................................................................114
Section 5: Land Use Planning ...........................................................................................................119
Goals ..............................................................................................................................................119
Ensuring Land Use Compatibility ..................................................................................................119
Urban ........................................................................................................................................122
Rural .........................................................................................................................................129
Industrial ..................................................................................................................................131
Resort .......................................................................................................................................133
Agricultural ...............................................................................................................................137
Conservation & Open ...............................................................................................................141
Protecting the Special Management Area ...................................................................................143
Protecting Mauka Forests .............................................................................................................145
Land Use Planning Tools ...............................................................................................................146
Designating Special Places ......................................................................................................146
Preservation Tools ....................................................................................................................148
Special Permits .........................................................................................................................149
Future Land Use Maps ..................................................................................................................150
Land Use Regulations ....................................................................................................................153
Master Plan Standards ..................................................................................................................154
Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions ..............................................................................157
Goals ..............................................................................................................................................157
Budgeting for Implementation .....................................................................................................157
Budgeting for Implementation .................................................................................................160
Capital Improvement Program ............................................................................................160
Evaluation and Monitoring ...........................................................................................................161
Glossary..........................................................................................................................................163
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Table of Figures
Table 1: Land Use Planning & Implementation System ...................................................................... 3
Table 2: Urban Clusters, County of Hawaii, 1990-2015 ..................................................................... 7
Table 4: Town and Village Center Standards ...................................................................................124
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Introduction 1
HOW TO READ THIS PRELIMINARY GENERAL PLAN DRAFT
This draft is the first draft of General Plan 2040. The purpose of the draft is to elicit feedback from
the general public as well as various agencies and organizations. During the months of August and
September, input from County agencies, the public, and other relevant stakeholders will continue
to be gathered and compiled to inform any necessary research, consultation, or revisions to the
draft General Plan prior to submission to the Planning Commission and the County Council. Since
further edits are anticipated, this draft document has not been formatted as a final document.
Once revisions are incorporated, the document will be formatted to include the graphic
components such as synergistic links between policies, pictures, tables and maps.
The General Plan contains Goals and measurable Sustainability Objectives along with Policies and
Actions to achieve these objectives.
The plan utilizes policies that are sometimes overarching and aspirational, while other policies are
more specific and directive. Rationale has been provided in brackets [] following the policies that
have the more specific, directive language.
The plan utilizes two types of actions; Actions necessary for the County to implement the policies,
and Agency Actions to coordinate efforts with State, Federal, private, or community entities.
These actions guide County efforts in implementing the General Plan but are not mandatory or
self-implementing and may need further analysis or collaboration during application.
2 Introduction
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The County of Hawaii’s General Plan is the policy document for the long range comprehensive
development of the island of Hawaii. The General Plan has a 20-30-year planning horizon. The
General Plan also:
Guides the pattern of future development in this County based on long-term goals;
Identifies the visions, values, and priorities important to the people of this County;
Provides the framework for regulatory decisions, Capital Improvement priorities,
acquisition strategies, and other pertinent government programs within the County
organization and coordinated with State and Federal programs.
Improves the physical environment of the County as a setting for human activities; to
make it more functional, beautiful, healthful, interesting, and efficient.
Promotes and safeguards the public interest and the interest of the County as a whole.
Facilitates the democratic determination of community policies concerning the utilization
of its natural, man-made, and human resources.
Effects political and technical coordination in community improvement and
development.
Injects long-range considerations into the determination of short-range actions and
implementation.
With the adoption and ratification of the County Charter in 1969, the General Plan was instituted
as the main County policy document. The Charter also states:
(a)The Council shall enact zoning, subdivision, and other such ordinances, which shall
contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the General Plan.
(b)No public improvement, project, or subdivision, or zoning ordinance, shall be
initiated or adopted unless the same conforms to and implements the General Plan.
(c)Amendments to the General Plan may be initiated by the Council or the Planning
Director.
The General Plan represents the first level and encompasses long-range goals, policies, standards,
and courses of action for the entire County. The General Plan also provides the legal basis for all
Introduction 3
the other elements of the County's planning structure. As such, the General Plan is the highest
order, or "umbrella" plan. It establishes the boundaries within which the County must operate.
The planning system shall consist of a comprehensive Countywide General Plan, and include
Community Development Plans, urban development plans, Special Area Plans, and agency
functional plans as implementation mechanisms that carry out the goals, objective, policies or
standards, and actions of the General Plan.
Table 1: Land Use Planning & Implementation System
The purpose of a Community Development Plan (CDP) is to further define the General Plan’s goals,
objectives, and policies in order to identify and implement, as needed, more specific goals,
objectives, policies and strategies for community-based actions especially applicable to the
planning area’s unique characteristics. The CDPs are adopted by County ordinance and seek to
address local and regional issues and opportunities related to cultural and natural resources,
4 Introduction
watershed planning, directing, managing and regulating growth, and improving the coordination
and delivery of government services and infrastructure.
Urban development plans are a means of implementing the policies and objectives of the General
Plan and/or Community Development Plans within towns, villages, and other areas of existing
urban development or within areas specifically intended for new or more intensified urban
development. They comprise a minor portion of a larger, regional community planning area. They
shall be consistent with and implement the visions, objectives and policies of the General Plan and
applicable Community Development Plans. If there is a direct conflict between provisions of an
urban development plan and those of an applicable Community Development Plan, or the General
Plan, provisions of the latter, superior plan shall be controlling.
Special Area Plans provide the basis for regionally-scaled programs for the protection, restoration,
or recreational and educational use of specific, natural and/or cultural-historic resources and
features identified in the General Plan or an encompassing Community Development Plan as highly
valued community natural assets.
Functional Plans address specific County agency needs, programs, or issues and may include
organizational or management initiatives, facility or physical infrastructure development
initiatives, initiatives for programs and services, or legislative proposals. The functional plans and
programs of departments and agencies of the County shall conform to the General Plan. Thus,
the provision of County facilities, infrastructure and services shall be in accord with the policies
and objectives of the General Plan.
CONSISTENCY AMONG PLANS
Where the director has determined a conflict between any of the plans, the General Plan shall
prevail over any Community Development Plan, and the General Plan and community
developments plans shall prevail over any functional or Special Area Plan. The director shall
initiate plan amendments to resolve any inconsistencies that arise.
CONSISTENCY WITH PLANS
After a General Plan, or element or portion thereof, has been adopted in conformity with the State
Planning Act and the County Charter, all actions, programs, or projects and land use decisions,
shall be consistent with such plan or element as adopted.
An action, program, or project is consistent with the General Plan if, considering all its aspects, it
will further the objectives and policies of the General Plan and not obstruct their attainment. In
determining whether any action relating to a proposed public improvement or development
project is consistent with the General Plan or Community Development Plan, the responsible
agency shall take into consideration the following factors:
Introduction 5
1.Whether the public improvement or development project is consistent with the land use
map or policies in the General Plan and applicable Community Development Plan.
2.Whether the public improvement or development project supports the implementation
and priorities in the General Plan and the applicable Community Development Plan.
3.Whether the place and time at which the public improvement or development project is
proposed to be undertaken is consistent with the planned location and sequence for
constructing public facilities and infrastructure within the applicable planning area.
4.A land use decision shall be consistent with the General Plan if the land uses, densities or
intensities, and other aspects of development permitted by such order, code or
regulation are compatible with and further the objectives, policies, land uses, and
densities or intensities in the General Plan and if it meets all other criteria enumerated by
the General Plan.
TRENDS AND FORECASTS
The General Plan comprehensive review requires an understanding of demographic, economic,
and real estate trends and forecasts that can be used to anticipate and plan for impacts on land
use, infrastructure, and services. The Trends and Forecasts Report is intended to meet that need
by providing both trends and forecasts for a set of variables relevant to the County of Hawai‘i’s
General Plan review. The Report was prepared by Honolulu-based SMS Research & Marketing
Services, Inc. (SMS).
Apart from the report, SMS provided data both at the County-wide level and by the following
Forecast Analysis Zones (FAZs), which are groupings of census tracts based on the geographic
location of population centers in Hawai‘i County:
Hilo (Hilo and Wainaku)
North Hilo -
-
North Kohala
Waimea
Waikoloa Area (Kawaihae--Waikoloa-Waikoloa Resorts)
North Kona
South Kona
Upper Puna (Volcano to Mountain View)
-Kurtistown
Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland
6 Introduction
Lower Puna.
Historic data are generally provided from 1990, and forecasts are provided to 2040, which is the
year through which forecasts are provided by the state Department of Business, Economic
Development, and Tourism (DBEDT).
In addition to informing the Trends and Forecasts Report, these data were used for the
development of planning scenarios reflecting baseline conditions, build-out, growth capacity,
growth trends, and alternatives to the trend.
SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS
Hawai‘i County is rural. Only 60% of Hawai‘i County’s population is within its eight urban areas,
and population density is low in both urban and rural areas.
The County is expected to grow by 50% by the year 2040. Visitors make up about 15% of the
population, and during peak periods, 70% of the growth is from immigration. A disproportionate
number of residents from 2025 and beyond will be seniors.
Rates of job growth are expected to match population growth, but due to the economy’s reliance
on lower-paying service sector jobs, median incomes are likely to remain low. Moreover, roughly
half the households find housing unaffordable, and many are struggling to make ends meet, often
living in overcrowded conditions. Much of the affordable housing is not located in or near job
centers, so commutes are getting longer.
Visitor units are clustered primarily in West Hawai‘i, and steady growth is expected to continue,
though the makeup of that growth (hotel vs. vacation rental) is unknown.
DEMOGRAPHIC KEY FINDINGS
Population Centers are both Rural and Urban
The Census Bureau identifies “urban areas” as densely developed territories adjacent to areas with
low population density. The Census Bureau identifies the following “Urban Clusters (UCs)” of at
least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people in the County of Hawai‘i:
Introduction 7
Urban Cluster Population % of Population Population Density (Pop/Sq Mile)
Hilo 43,925 23% 1,791
28,850 15% 2,013
Captain Cook 4,175 2% 999
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Area 20,503 11% 635
Waimea 6,960 4% 1,475
Waikoloa Village 4,089 2% 3,799
3,597 2% 888
2,667 1% 1,699
Table 2: Urban Clusters, County of Hawaii, 1990-2015
Population Density is Low
By the Census definition, the majority (60 percent) of the County’s population has been classified
as urban throughout the last 25 years, and no change is expected through 2040. In contrast,
nationwide, 80.7 percent of the population lives in urban areas.
In both urban and rural areas, the County of Hawai‘i has relatively low population density. It has
an average of 1,300 people living in every square mile in urban areas and an average of 18 persons
per square mile in rural areas. By contrast, urban Honolulu had over 5,500 persons per square
mile in 2010.
Roughly 50% Growth by 2040
In 2013, there were 194,190 residents living in the County of Hawai‘i. Over the next 25 years, the
population growth rate is expected to decline from an average 1.7 percent per annum to about
1.4 percent per annum. In 2040, the County resident population is forecast to be approximately
296,322, which is a 53% increase since 2013.
The de facto population is the sum of the resident population and the average daily visitor census.
The average daily visitor census was around 29,000 in 2013 and is expected to rise to
approximately 36,000 by 2040, bringing the de facto population from about 221,000 to about
333,000 – a 51% increase.
Immigration Outpaces Resident Population Growth
During the last two decades, there has been an average of 2,218 births and 1,269 deaths per year
in the County, resulting in a net increase of almost 950 people annually. Also contributing to
population growth are the approximately 2,300 individuals, on average, who choose to move to
Hawai‘i County each year. In other words, about 70% of the growth on average is through
immigration.
8 Introduction
Senior Tsunami is Imminent
In 2013, about half the County’s population was between the ages of 45 and 64. Another quarter
was age 65 or older, and there were similar numbers of residents from birth to 44 years of age.
By 2025, the large middle cohort will be retiring. As this subset of the population continues to
age, it will present a variety of opportunities and challenges with regard to housing, economic
development, and public services.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT KEY FINDINGS
Housing is a Burden for more than 50% of Households
The housing guidelines from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development suggest
that households should devote no more than 30 percent of their income to pay monthly housing
expenses; otherwise, a household is considered “shelter burdened” and may have difficulty
affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.
In Hawai‘i County, the percent of households that is shelter burdened has been steadily increasing
since 2000. In 2000, 36.9 percent of owner households with a mortgage and 43.0 percent of all
renter households were paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. By 2010, this
had increased to 48.0 percent and 51.2 percent, respectively, and by 2013 it had risen to 50.1
percent and 57.2 percent.
Nationally, 35.3 percent of households paid more than 30 percent of their income on housing in
2014. For the State of Hawai‘i, the comparable figure is 42.8 percent, the third highest nationally.
Housing Remains Unaffordable
SMS considered housing affordable if its price (asking rent or sales price) is affordable to
households with annual household incomes less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI)
($41,177 in 2014), which includes the very low, low, and moderate income thresholds established
by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development each year. Between 2009 and
2013, roughly 56 percent of all housing units available to residents of Hawai‘i County were
classified as affordable.
Households Remain Overcrowded
A household is considered overcrowded when the ratio of household members to rooms in the
housing unit exceeds 1.0. A household is classified as extremely overcrowded when that ratio
exceeds 1.50. Crowding is considered to be a negative indicator of the health of a local housing
market, a sign that the market is unable to supply the number and types of housing units needed.
Introduction 9
Hawai‘i has one of the highest overcrowding rates in the country, and at 5.6 percent of owner-
occupied units, the level of overcrowding in Hawai‘i County’s owner-occupied units is the highest
among all of Hawai‘i’s counties. The percentage of overcrowded renter-occupied units, however,
is notably higher at 12.6 percent of rented units.
Affordable Housing can be Found Island Wide
The availability of affordable housing varies by region. Relative to the Countywide average, the
rural communities – , North Kohala – have largest
percentages of housing that is affordable. At the same time, most of the County’s total stock of
affordable housing is in Puna (22.5%), Hilo (23.9%), and North Kona (22.5%).
Forecasted Growth Rates Vary by Community
The number of housing units in the County of Hawai‘i in 2015 was estimated to be 87,310. Among
those, approximately 80 percent were single-family dwellings, and the remainder were multi-
family units. 64 percent of housing units were owner-occupied.
Growth rates have varied considerably by region, and that trend is expected to continue. Relative
to the Countywide estimate of 59% growth in housing units from 2010 to 2040, Hilo (29%) and the
North Hilo-re expected to
– -Kurtistown (72%), Upper Puna
(101%), and Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland (171%).
These differences in growth rates are forecasted to result in shifts in the relative population
centers. For example, half of the housing is currently in Hilo (24%) and North Kona (25%), while
only about 13% is in Upper Puna and Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland. But by 2040, only 42%
of the units are forecasted to be in Hilo and North Kona, while 19% is estimated to be in Upper
Puna and Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland.
There is also variation among forecasted growth rates in non-residential square footage (i.e.,
commercial and industrial), but the variation is less extreme. Relative to the Countywide estimate
of 34% non-residential growth from 2010 to 2040, the North Hilo-
and Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland (65%) are expected to grow more quickly (assuming the
availability of appropriately-zoned land).
Visitor Unit Growth Steady, but Types are Shifting
The vast majority of visitor units are in the Waikoloa Area and North Kona. With the upward trend
in visitor arrivals expected to increase through 2040, increasing demand for visitor units is likely.
With this growth comes the challenge of planning for their impact on the local economy, especially
with regard to accommodations. Hotel rooms account for the majority of the visitor
10 Introduction
accommodation units in the County of Hawai‘i (59.5%). A distant second and third are timeshare
properties and Visitor Rental Units (VRUs), with 13 and 12 percent of the total visitor units,
respectively.
One of the significant difficulties in keeping track of visitor accommodations units on Hawai‘i Island
is that the number of housing units being let to visitors as short term vacation rentals is unknown.
Residential units used for this purpose were referred to as Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs) in
the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s annual Visitor Plant Inventory and their numbers are reported
based on tax records. However, it is strongly suspected that significant numbers of homeowners
rent all or parts of their units to visitors as short term rentals without registering their rental
activity and without paying the required taxes.
There is no estimate for the number for those properties. A study commissioned by HTA in 2014
e 9,986 vacation rental
units in the County
10,666 to 13,969. The DBEDT 2040 forecast for the County
ECONOMIC KEY FINDINGS
Poverty Persists
Household income rises and falls along with economic cycles. The median household income on
Hawai‘i Island has not yet recovered to its 2007 high.
The percentage of persons in poverty was 15.7 percent in 2000 and was on a downward trend,
falling to a low of 13.1 percent in 2007. Since that time, the percentage in poverty has increased
to a record high in 2013 of 18.3 percent for individuals. The official poverty rate nationwide was
14.8 percent, and statewide it was nearly 11 percent.
Self-Sufficiency is Out of Reach for Many
The poverty rate is a national measure and is hardly a living wage, especially in Hawai‘i. The
poverty line for a family of four in 2013 was $23,834. The State Department of Business, Economic
Development & Tourism publishes an annual Self-Sufficiency Income Standard. In 2014, Hawai‘i
County had the lowest self-sufficiency income requirements ($58,874 for a family of four with a
preschooler and one school-age child), but that income is well above the poverty line. A family of
four needed to earn a combined hourly wage of $27.88 (or $13.94 each on average) to be
economically self-sufficient. That was 92.2 % above the state minimum wage level and 114.6%
above the federal poverty threshold for Hawai‘i.
Introduction 11
Job Growth Mirrors Population Growth
The average annual growth rate for jobs averaged 1.7 percent since 1990, mirroring population
trends, and it is expected to remain at that level for the next several decades.
80% Employed in the Service Sector
The three primary economic sectors of the Hawai‘i Island economy are the services producing
sector, the goods producing sector (construction and manufacturing), and agriculture. The
services producing sector (education, health, accommodation, entertainment, food, professional,
financial, real estate, public, etc.) is by far the largest, representing over 80% of employment. The
agriculture sector represents about 6% of employment.
More than two-thirds of workers are employed in one of five key industries: educational service,
healthcare, and social assistance (~19%); arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and
food services (~18%); retail trade (~13%); professional, scientific, management, administrative,
and waste management (~10%); and construction (~9%). Tourism drives the arts, entertainment,
recreation, accommodation, and food services industries and much of the retail trade,
representing ~25% of total employment.
Job and Population Centers Mismatch = Longer Commutes
Data varies by source and date, but in general, about 1/3 of jobs in Hawai‘i County are in Hilo,
another quarter in North Kona, 5-10% in the Waikoloa area, 5% in Waimea, and about 1-7% in
each of the other population centers.
It is useful to compare these job centers with the County’s population centers. Hilo and the
Waikoloa area have a surplus of jobs relative to their population, reflecting the fact that residents
commute there from other communities. At the other end of the spectrum, the Hawaiian Paradise
Park-Orchidland area has a working population that far exceeds the number of nearby jobs.
These mismatches are reflected in the increase in the Census measure of “mean travel time to
work” from 24.5 minutes in 2000 to 27.1 in 2013. The national average is 25.5 minutes, and the
Hawai‘i average is 26.0 minutes.
Competitive Advantages Vary
In contrast to employment and occupation data, which are from the Census and therefore tie data
to the physical location of the resident, jobs data are collected from employers and therefore tied
to the physical location of the employer.1 Hawai‘i County has the greatest number of jobs in
1 This explains the slight differences between employment and jobs data.
12 Introduction
government (20.2%); retail (14.8%); business, professional, and other services (13.2%); health and
social assistance (10.9%); dining (9.5%); and hotels (8.8%).
Because jobs data are geographically linked to the place of employment, they can be used to
identify characteristics of job centers. A location quotient (LQ) quantifies how concentrated jobs
are within a geographic area relative to a larger area. A high location quotient in a specific industry
may translate into a competitive advantage in that industry for the local economy. The Trends
and Forecasts Report considered the LQ of Hawai‘i County vis-à-vis the State and each FAZ
population center vis-à-vis the County.
Hawai‘i County has a much higher concentration of agricultural jobs relative to the State as a whole
–more than three times higher. Hawai‘i County also employs about 1.5 times as many residents
in utilities and in hotel professions as the rest of the State. On the other hand, professional services
in Hawai‘i County are underrepresented as compared to the rest of the State (LQ = 0.54).
Employment in the finance and insurance industry has also been relatively low in Hawai‘i County
compared to the State (approximately two-thirds).
The competitive advantages of population centers relative to the County are provided below (LQ
provided in parentheses). The urban centers are the seat of government and the center of
professional, service, and retail trades. Agriculture, food processing, and related wholesale trade
are centered in the most rural areas and Waimea. Tourism and related industries are centered on
diversified despite its limited number of jobs, and the HPP-Orchidland area appears to be a small
hub for the information industry.
SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK
The General Plan’s processes and strategies (objectives, policies and actions) are intended to
respect the culture, character, beauty and history of the Island of Hawai’i while attempting to
integrate balance between environmental stewardship, social and community equity and
economic sufficiency in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations of this island to meet their own needs. This sustainability framework has
guided the development of the plan.
The General Plan endorses the goals of the Hawai’i 2050 Sustainability Plan. These goals give
guidance and have been integrated throughout the goals of this General Plan. The Hawai’i 2050
Sustainability Plan goals are as follows:
1.Living sustainably is part of our daily practice in Hawaii.
Introduction 13
2.Our natural resources are responsibly and respectfully used, replenished and
preserved for future generations.
3.Our Kanaka Maoli and island cultures and values are thriving and perpetuated.
4.Our community is strong, healthy, vibrant and nurturing, providing safety nets for those
in need.
5.Our diversified and globally competitive economy enables us to meaningfully live, work
and play in Hawai’i.
14 Introduction
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Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 15
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning
GOALS
1.Hawai‘i will integrate traditional knowledge and practice with progressive planning
strategies to maintain environmental quality at the highest standards, address a changing
climate, protect natural resources, and restore ecosystem health for the benefit of present and
future generations:
a)The resources and environmental quality of our air, noise, geology, waterways,
groundwater, forests, native habitats and wildlife, and coastal areas are protected
and enhanced. The integrity of our ecosystem services is enhanced to foster the
resilience of natural systems and to ensure their preservation and sustainable use
for future generations.
b)Proactive and adaptive land use and design standards will be used to protect life
and property from hazards and a program of mitigation and post-disaster
redevelopment will be maintained to increase public safety, reduce damages, and
ensure resilient public investments.
c)Climate impacts are addressed in the built environment by efficient public
investment in green development, increasing renewable energy production,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, energy consumption, and waste,
and by educating the community in adapting for climate change.
PROTECTING NATIVE HABITATS & WILDLIFE
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase native habitat restoration on County owned or managed land.
POLICY
1.Priority habitat restoration sites shall be identified as those disturbed areas whose
restoration will result in the greatest habitat benefit.
16 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
2.Maintain a program for acquiring and maintaining native habitat to implement the
recommendations in the Hawai‘i State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in implementing recommendations from the DLNR
SWAP of 2015.]
3.As part of any permit application to the County Planning Department, the following
natural and cultural resources shall be considered sensitive and therefore shall be
inventoried with identified mitigation measures:
a)Critical habitat areas as identified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife or County General Plan;
b)Predominantly native ecosystems, which may not be considered endangered but
are valued because of their nearly pristine condition;
c)Anchialine ponds;
d) High-level groundwater recharge areas;
e)Historic trails; and
f)Archaeological and historic sites subject to protection under HRS Chapter 6E
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in identification and mitigation for sensitive areas.
See also Kona CDP ENV 1.5]
4.Development shall not disturb the following:
a)Anchialine pools;
b)Freshwater wetlands;
c)Shoreline setback area;
d)Plant species listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened and
endangered
e)Exceptional trees;
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in protecting natural resources from development
impacts.]
5.Hawai‘i County shall discourage developments and limit clearing of vegetation within
Habitat Overlays.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in protecting natural resources and native habitats.
See also General Plan Policies 8.3 (a, j).]
6.Establish Habitat Overlay Districts for:
a)Natural areas including old and new growth upland native vegetated areas with
minimal existing development and/or infrastructure.
b)Vacant land which can be restored to connect upland native habitat patches and
reduce further fragmentation of upland native habitat.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 17
c)Lands required to provide an undeveloped buffer between natural areas and
development to reduce secondary impacts; roadways, depending on size may form
a boundary that removes the need for the buffer or reduces its depth.
d)Lands designated for acquisition by public agencies for conservation and natural
resource protection.
e)Known or potential locations of threatened and endangered species and species of
greatest conservation need.
f)Lands designated as conservation on the SLU, Future Land Use maps or Zoning
maps or within a buffer/restoration area as appropriate.
g)Identified wetlands
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in protecting natural resources and native habitats.
See the General Plan 8.2 Goals and Policies 8.3 (a-x.)]
7.Hawai‘i County shall require clustering of any developments within Habitat Overlay
Districts to avoid sensitive areas.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in protecting natural resources and native habitats
from development.
8.Maintain and restore native habitat including marine, wetland, shoreline, and native
upland systems on County owned or managed lands.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in protecting natural resources and native habitats]
9.Manage land uses to protect nesting areas and any bird species federally or state listed
as endangered, threatened, or a species of special concern.
[Rationale: Based on guidance from SWAP 2015.]
10.Assess and prioritize County-owned areas for restoration in consultation with State,
Federal, and private entities.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in restoring natural resources and native habitats]
11.Protect and provide for restoration of significant natural and cultural features and
ecologically sensitive lands, including but not limited to mountain areas, shoreline and
coastal communities/areas, wetlands, fishponds, forests, natural gulches, riparian areas,
streams and drainage ways.
12.Partner with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) and the University Hawai‘i
to develop a program for identification and protection of plant species of special status.
Include plants designated as threatened and endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife
Service and plants significant for cultural practitioners.
13.Partner with State and Federal agencies to support seedbanks of native and endemic
plant species, especially species that are threatened or endangered.
18 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
14.Partner with the State Land Use Commission to establish a conservation buffer to
accommodate shifting native habitats impacted by climate change, particularly wetlands
and high-elevation forests.
[Rationale: University of Hawai‘i at
Climate Change Impacts in Hawai‘i - A summary of climate change and its impacts to
Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and communities.]
15.Incentivize the planting of threatened and endangered endemic plants species within
their native ranges and during development activities.
16.Incentivize the removal of invasive species during development activities.
17.Partner with State, Federal, and private entities to support programs designed to avoid
the introduction and establishment of invasive species and the control and eradication
of invasive species; particularly that serve as disease vectors.
18.Partner with State, Federal, and private entities to support protection of native wildlife
and habitat.
19.Support the implementation of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for Protected Species
on Hawai‘i Island.
ACTION
1.1 Coordinate a program to actively control invasive wildlife on County-owned
property, particularly invasive species that serve as disease vectors.
1.2 Coordinate a program to remove invasive vegetation from County-owned or
managed lands.
1.3 Partner with State and Federal agencies to implement the State of Hawai‘i Aquatic
Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan, and coordinate with the Hawai‘i Invasive
Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) and the Big
Island Invasive Species Committee to eradicate invasive species on County-owned
or managed lands.
1.4 Create a County nursery to maintain a stock of native species to be used in County
landscaping.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase percentage of forest and woodland cover.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 19
POLICY
20.Prioritize urban tree inventories for primary urban areas such as Downtown Hilo,
Waimea, and Kailua-Kona.
[Rationale: Based on U.S. Forest Service Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment, the U.S.
Climate Resilience Toolkit, and City and County of Honolulu Urban Reforestation Master
Plan 2006.]
21.Include reforestation elements in Community Development Plans, Special Area Plans,
and community conservation projects.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit and the
City and County of Honolulu Urban Reforestation Master Plan 2006. See also General
Plan Policy 8.3 (x)]
22.Explore the feasibility of adopting a No Net Loss of Forest policy.
23.Encourage the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses in appropriate areas to
increase forest buffer functions, forest diversity, and to reduce storm water runoff.
24.Continue to promote and support programs for community reforestation.
ACTION
1.5 Invest in public grounds by tree planting, buffer conservation, and habitat
restoration.
1.6 Conduct and maintain an urban forest inventory of all trees on County lands.
1.7 Establish a street tree planting program to include:
a)street tree planting typologies scaled with street typologies
b)design guidelines
c)maintenance plan
1.8 Prepare Forest Health Assessments and implement Forest Management Plans for
large County-owned forested properties.
1.9 Develop & adopt a comprehensive and integrated Landscape and Tree Ordinance
in the Hawai‘i County Code and Ensure Consistency with Other Codes (Zoning &
Subdivision, Roads, etc.)
20 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
PROTECTING COASTAL RESOURCES
Coastal Habitat
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Measure coastal habitat to track potential habitat gains/losses and study the effectiveness of
mitigation measures.
POLICY
25.Implement education programs and actions to prohibit the destruction of, and work
toward the recovery of, monk seals, whales, and marine turtles, as well as their natural
habitats.
[Rationale: Based on research and identified gaps in providing education and
comprehensive strategies to protect or restore marine habitats.]
26.Priority shoreline acquisition shall include sites with:
a)Documented nesting sites for designated endangered or threatened species;
b)Public recreation uses without adverse impacts on sensitive natural resources.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 2005 Section 4: Environmental Quality, Goals; Section
8 Natural Resource and Shoreline Goals, Policies 8.3 (a), (c), (i); Standard 8.4(a)]
27.Maintain shoreline setback policies pertaining to permitted uses, siting of structures,
disturbances, removal of invasive vegetation, and restoration of native vegetation in
shoreline areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 8.3(d); Coastal Zone Management Act/
Shoreline Protection Act, and the Special Management Area]
28.Evaluate the minimum shoreline setbacks currently in use in Hawai’i County in
coordination with CDP recommendations. Setbacks shall be developed to accomplish
the following:
a)Protect natural shoreline vegetation;
b)Protect marine turtle nesting beaches/areas;
c)Protect water quality;
d)Protect structures from the effects of long-term sea level rise;
e)Protect beaches and shorelines from erosion; and
f)Allow redevelopment of existing waterfront commercial structures consistent with
the existing community character and preserve overwater views.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 21
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 8.3(d); Coastal Zone Management Act/
Shoreline Protection Act, and the Special Management Area. See Kona CDP LU-1.5b;
Policy ENV-2.1; CDP Policies 28,
29.No new bulkheads, seawalls or other hardened vertical shoreline structures shall be
permitted on unaltered shorelines.
[Rationale: Based on existing policy HRS Ch. 205A-2 and the Shoreline Hardening Policy
and Environmental Assessment Guidelines 1998. It is widely recognized that shoreline
hardening leads to increased erosion and further prevents coastal ecosystems from
adapting to sea level migration]
30.Maintain a program for acquiring undisturbed shoreline resource areas.
[Rationale: Based on Charter Section 10-15 PONC; General Plan 2005 12.3 (k)]
31.Regularly coordinate with Federal, State, regional and research agencies and
organizations responsible for monitoring impacts to coral reefs.
32.In coordination with relevant agencies, the County will contribute to and participate in
the development and implementation of marine zoning plan(s), Marine Managed Areas
(MMA’s) or other appropriate tool(s) which incorporate resilience-based concepts to
provide maximum protection for all reef types and associated habitats.
33.Support the acquisition of undisturbed shoreline resource areas for conservation.
34.Support actions consistent with the State of Hawai‘i Ocean Resources Management Plan.
ACTION
1.10 Implement education programs and actions to prohibit the destruction of, and
work toward the recovery of, monk seals, whales, and marine turtles, as well as
their natural habitats.
22 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
PROTECTING COASTAL RESOURCES
Wetland Habitat
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase protections and restoration of wetland habitats.
POLICY
35.Priority wetland restoration sites shall be those disturbed wetlands having the greatest
functional value as determined through quantitative wetland assessment.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in identifying and assessing wetlands; General Plan
2005 5.3(n); and Clean Water Act Section 404.]
36.No fill or structures shall be permitted in wetlands.
[Rationale: Based on Section 404 Clean Water Act and Army Corps of Engineers
guidance.]
37.Require minimum wetland setbacks of 50 feet to be maintained as an open space buffer
for development occurring adjacent to all types of wetlands.
[Rationale: Based on Section 404 Clean Water Act and Army Corps of Engineers
guidance.]
38.Maintain a program for acquiring and/or restoring high quality wetlands and anchialine
pools.
[Rationale: Based on Charter Section 10-15 PONC; General Plan 2005 12.3 (k); and
Section 404 Clean Water Act.]
39.Develop and implement regulations to reduce disturbances to wetlands and mitigate
impacts of development to wetlands.
ACTION
1.11 Develop an Anchialine Pools Management Program.
1.12 Develop a Wetlands Evaluation Procedure (HIWEP) to determine the functional
capacity of wetlands and a Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) to
determine mitigation requirements for impacts to wetlands.
1.13 Identify potential wetland (fishpond- anchialine pools, shore ponds- salt & inland
ponds brackish or fresh) restoration sites and identify high quality wetland
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 23
(fishpond & anchialine) sites for possible future acquisition by the County, State
and/or private non-profit conservation organizations.
MANAGING STREAMS AND WATERSHEDS
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce impaired inland and marine waters.
POLICY
40.The environmental quality of the island’s surface waters, riparian areas, streams, and
associated resources shall be maintained and, wherever possible, improved or restored.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 4.2 (b); 4.3]
41.Lands necessary for the protection of watersheds, water sources and water supplies shall
be protected and conserved.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 8.3 (j) and 8.4 (d).]
42.Hawai‘i County shall require that, to the greatest extent practicable, development
activity, such as land clearing, grading and filling will not disturb natural drainage
patterns.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 4.3 (l); 5.3 (n), (p), and 8.2 (f), and consultation with
DPW engineering staff.]
43.Limit clearing and impervious surfaces for developments located in identified priority
watershed areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 5.3 (n); 8.2(e and f), 8.3 (j).]
44.Continue to coordinate with State, Federal, and private entities to document pollutant
loads for Hawai‘i Island streams and coastal waters.
45.Practice watershed protection in furtherance of ahupua’a principles.
46.Participate in watershed partnerships to identify priority watershed areas and develop
watershed management plans and projects.
47.Partner with State, Federal and with other Counties to address water management
practices and engage in comprehensive watershed planning, including identifying
priority watershed areas.
24 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
48.Explore the feasibility of incentive methods such as property tax dedications,
conservation easements, or transfer of development rights to protect the defined zone
of influence of existing or proposed public and private wells.
49.Collaborate with the Department of Health, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation
Service, and the Soil and Water Conservation District to reduce runoff, maximize soil and
water conservation, and protect and effectively manage watersheds and natural areas.
50.Encourage the County and the State to investigate and implement alternatives to the use
of herbicides for weed control on public properties.
51.Work to identify areas where nutrient pollution is having the greatest impact on overall
water quality.
52.Support the DOH and DLNR in its effort to have an implemented conservation plan for
all agricultural operations and a nutrient management plan for application of all animal
and chemical nutrients.
53.Establish riparian protection areas around streams, ponds, perennial flowing natural
springs, and all springs and reservoirs serving as water supplies.
ACTION
1.14 Develop and implement watershed management programs to reduce runoff
pollutant concentrations and volumes from existing development:
a)Identify priority local and/or regional watershed pollutant reduction
opportunities, e.g., improvements to existing urban runoff control
structures;
b)Contain a schedule (CIP) for implementing appropriate controls;
c)Limit destruction of natural conveyance systems; and
d)Where appropriate, preserve, enhance, and establish buffers along surface
waterbodies and their tributaries.
1.15 Amend code to include riparian protection areas. [Code]
1.16 Create incentives for landowners to retain and re-establish forest cover in upland
watershed areas with emphasis on native forest species.
1.17 Develop a Water Quality Monitoring Program.
1.18 Identify and map lands necessary for the protection of watersheds, water sources
and water supplies.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 25
1.19 Conduct a feasibility study of incentive methods such as property tax dedications,
conservation easements, or transfer of development rights to protect the defined
zone of influence of existing or proposed wells.
1.20 Identify and evaluate water well protection zones to determine if land uses are
impacting or have the potential to impact drinking water.
1.21 Conduct a study on the impacts from subdivision build-out based on predictions
related to: native ecosystems; potential potable water well sites; and flooding due
to loss of forest.
AGENCY ACTION
1.22 FUND: State Legislature: Fund stream maintenance.
1.23 State DLNR: Update Hawai‘i Stream Assessment (HAS)
MANAGING GEOLOGIC RESOURCES
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Initiate an inventory of soil, mineral and unique geologic resources.
POLICY
54.All (geologic and mineral) resource extraction shall follow State and Federal safety and
health regulations.
[Rationale: State and Federal regulations are mandatory for County to follow. Mining is
a particularly hazardous industry that was listed as the most dangerous industry for
workers until 2001- U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.]
55.Protect caves, including lava tubes, and the unique cultural and natural resources inside
them.
[Rationale: Based on existing HRS 6D Protection of Caves]
ACTION
1.24 Adopt revisions to the Hawai‘i County Code (HCC) which establish health and safety
standards for caves, including lava tubes.
1.25 Partner with state, federal, and cultural practitioners to develop criteria used to
define significant caves needing further protection.
26 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
1.26 Prepare an inventory of active and abandoned resource extraction sites.
1.27 Partner with state, federal, and private entities to develop a plan for the
reclamation and productive reuse of abandoned resource extraction sites.
ENSURING AIR & NOISE QUALITY
Air Quality
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Maintain air quality to adhere to standards set by the State and Federal Agencies.
POLICY
56.Continue to meet all air quality standards set by the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including noxious odors and industrial emissions
[Rationale: Based on the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 USC Section 7401.]
57.Continue to enforce; maintain and expand as needed a “Dark Sky” Ordinance(s).
[Rationale: Based on existing HCC Chapter 14, Article 9; HRS 226-13(4); HRS 262-4.5; HRS
201-8.5; 2011 Hawai‘i Session Laws, and Act 287.]
58.Partner with State and Federal agencies in air quality hazard events (e.g. eruption events)
to increase monitoring, public reporting, and mitigation recommendations.
ACTION
1.28 Review and consider revising protocols for air quality events in our emergency
management system.
ENSURING AIR & NOISE QUALITY
Noise Quality
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Maintain noise quality to adhere to standards set by the State and Federal Agencies.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 27
POLICY
59.Continue to meet all noise quality standards set by the State of Hawai‘i and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
[Rationale: Based on the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 USC Section 7401, which includes noise
quality as part of air quality.]
60.During site plan approval, require appropriate buffers or other noise abatement
measures for land uses with potential noise impacts in the vicinity of residential or
commercial areas.
[Rationale: Based on the Clean Air Act, and the Quiet Communities Act and General Plan
4.3 (f)]
61.Partner with State and Federal agencies to continue monitoring and mitigating aircraft
noise.
62.Future land uses in the vicinity of industrial areas, including airports, should have an
adequate open space buffer and/or be compatible with the anticipated aircraft noise
exposure levels for that vicinity.
ACTION
1.29 Evaluate/implement code changes for noise abatement and/or mitigation in plan
approval.
MITIGATING & ADAPTING TO HAZARDS & CLIMATE CHANGE
Hazards
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Risks are lowered using hazard mitigation strategies.
POLICY
63.Reduce developments in identified high risk hazard areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.5.4 (d); Standards 14.8.4 (c); 5.3 (a, b, q,
r); and on recommendations from FEMA/Homeland Security’s National Mitigation
Framework 2nd Ed. June 2016.]
28 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
64.Prioritize drainage and flood studies for high risk urban areas within the Urban Growth
Area.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 5.3 Policies. There are gaps and outdated flood data
around the island and recent flooding events were particularly damaging and life-
threatening in urban areas.]
65.Drainage standards shall incorporate cumulative upslope development patterns.
[Rationale: Based on gap noted in MHMP 2015 update: Current drainage standards,
which are based on 10-year storms, need to be reevaluated to better account for
cumulative upslope development.]
66.Hawai‘i County shall review and evaluate floor elevation requirements, as necessary, for
all new construction in vulnerable areas.
[Rationale: Due to sea level rise projections, building code elevation requirements should
be reassessed and amended in vulnerable areas. See also General Plan 14.5.4(d).]
67.Require the consolidation of contiguous parcels that do not conform to current code
(non-conforming) in high risk hazard areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.5.4 (d); Standards 14.8.4 (c); 5.3 (a, b, q,
r); and on recommendations from FEMA/Homeland Security’s National Mitigation
Framework 2nd Ed. June 2016.]
68.County
State Building Code no later than two years after adoption of the Hawai‘i State Building
Codes.
[Rationale: Based on recommendation from MHMP 2015 update; HRS 107-28; the last
Hawai‘i County building codes from HAR State Building Code were adopted in 2009.]
69.Coastal High Hazard Area is the area including tsunami inundation, sea level rise and
special flood hazard areas. The Coastal High Hazard Area shall be shown on the Future
Land Use Map.
[Rationale: Based on the need to integrate the various hazard modeling tools to provide
cohesive and clear hazard area guidance. See also General Plan 5.3 (b).]
70.The “Drainage Master Plan” shall be revised and updated to include the new studies and
to provide a watershed perspective in managing floods using both structural and non-
structural methods.
[Rationale: This is based on recommendations from the General Plan
CDP Policy 95, and the Kona CDP Action ENV 1.7]
71.Discourage infrastructure investments in high risk hazard areas and incentivize
infrastructure expenditures outside high risk hazard areas.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 29
72.Incorporate hazard mitigation strategies into policies and planning decisions and use the
most conservative models in defining hazard areas.
73.Partner with State, Federal, and private entities to improve urban flood prediction by
developing real-time field-monitoring systems.
74.Evaluate ownership and/or maintenance responsibility for flood corridors that serve
regional multiple benefits.
75.Utilize Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), Wildfire Community Hazard
Assessment/ Hazard Mapping and Wildland/Urban Risk Assessment in its process of
determining Fire Hazards and Risk to guide appropriate areas for development.
76.Implement best management practices for wildfire control and reclamation.
77.Natural resources that provide buffers from hazards are protected and conserved,
including aquifers, watersheds, streams, coastal waters, forest and coastal ecosystems,
lava tubes, and rare and endangered native species and habitats.
ACTION
1.30 Adopt natural hazard overlay zones and set appropriate conditions for land use,
siting, and design within high risk zones. [Code]
1.31 Identify redevelopment opportunities within or adjacent to Urban Growth Areas
but outside of high risk hazard areas.
1.32 Update existing, or map new potential hazard areas for consideration in long term
planning decisions.
1.33 Map nuisance flooding with NOAA model to include the following:
a)6 years and within planning horizon
b)Base policy guidance on nuisance flooding which comes first with high tide
c)Model is exportable based on existing tide gauge data/spreadsheets
1.34 Seek funding and support continued scientific research relating to hazards (e.g.
research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope stability studies, sea-level rise
rates, tsunami inundation mapping and coastal stream flood mapping, etc.).
1.35 Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to establish building setbacks for inland
cliffs. Recommended factors to consider for establishing setbacks include:
a)Slopes greater than 40%;
b)Cliff height and geology type;
c)Cliff identification and mapping strategies. [Code]
30 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
1.36 Update the building code to cost-effectively resist hazards, including wind
standards and green building criteria for new residential and commercial
development.
1.37 Establish guidelines for Adopt-a-Corridor Program for flood corridors.
1.38 Amend Charter to revise land acquisition and preservation regulations and criteria
(PONC) to include lands impacted by climate change or those with beneficial
attributes for climate adaptation and mitigation.
AGENCY ACTION
1.39 State: Research Shoreline Dynamics
1.40 FEMA: Conduct Studies to Help Refine Flood Zone Maps
1.41 NOAA: Incorporate urban flood prediction into Hawai‘i Flash Flood Response Tool
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Pre-disaster and post-disaster plans increase resilience.
POLICY
78.Ensure emergency response plans are adequate for each community.
[Rationale: Based on identified ga CDP Policy 118,
79.Ensure emergency evacuation routes are adequate for each community vulnerable to
hazard.
[Rationale:
e 8.]
80.In coordination with State agencies, maintain shelter capacity and condition records to
ensure that evacuation shelters are adequate for each community.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 10.3.2 (l) and the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.]
81.County shall ensure warning siren coverage is adequate for each community.
[Rationale: Based on acknowledged gaps between concurrency requirements for siren
and other development approvals, such as subdivision, SMA, PUD]
82.Prioritize hazard mitigation projects in the Capital Improvements Program.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 10.3.2 policies and identified challenges with
prioritizing proactive mitigation projects in the CIP process].
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 31
83.All emergency response critical facilities and communication systems shall be designed
and maintained to be resilient and remain operational during hazard events.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from the 2015 Multi-hazard Mitigation Plan]
84.All emergency facilities shall be located outside the 100-year flood-prone areas.
85.i County shall continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) to the maximum extent possible and shall seek
to improve its current CRS Class rating (to maximum extent feasible to reduce insurance
costs).
[Rationale: Participating in CRS is known to increase community resilience. Increasing
our CRS rating makes communities more hazard resilient. See also General Plan 5.3 (c).]
86.Require hazard disclosures in all real estate conveyance transactions.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 5.5.1.2 (d), 5.5.8.2 (e); 5.5.9.2 (d), and identified gaps
in hazard disclosure reporting.]
87.Guidelines for development contained in the Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan shall be
incorporated within the General Plan by plan amendment after a natural disaster.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps between planning efforts and the need for the
General Plan to be dynamic to reflect changing events and circumstances.]
88.Address and monitor known hazards along transportation routes.
[Rationale: Based on consultations with Civil Defense and a combination of Puna CDP
89.Encourage the development and implementation of Community Wildfire Protection
Plans and Firewise Community Certification for communities with high wildfire risk.
90.Increase public education related to hazard zones, including evacuation routes and
procedures for visitor accommodations.
91.Develop the capacity for hazard preparedness of non-governmental organizations,
businesses, and neighborhood groups.
92.Partner with the State to assess and plan for alternative routes and possible relocation
of coastal roads.
93.County public expenditures within identified hazard areas should be limited to the
restoration or enhancement of natural resources and parklands, expenditures required
to serve existing development such as the maintenance or repair of existing
infrastructure, and expenditures necessary for public health and safety.
32 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
ACTION
1.42 Develop and maintain a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan which specifies the
following:
a)Roles and responsibilities;
b)Procedures for implementing programs for immediate repair, replacement,
and cleanup;
c)Long-term rebuilding and redevelopment;
d)Procedures for the identification of damaged infrastructure and
consideration of alternatives to its repair or replacement in the CHHA;
e)Evaluation of climate impacts.
1.43 Prepare Post-Disaster Reconstruction Guidelines and Protocols.
1.44 Prepare and Implement Wildfire Protection and Prevention Plans.
1.45 Develop Community-Specific Hazard Mitigation Plans.
1.46 Develop a standard for requiring an emergency response plan for larger
developments.
1.47 Amend Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 14 to require emergency and hazard
information to be prominently displayed in all transient accommodations. This
information should include information regarding the monthly Civil Defense siren
tests, evacuation routes, and directive to reach appropriate services and agencies.
[Code]
1.48 Assess the feasibility of hazard mitigation strategies such as impact fees, TDR, tax
incentive, evacuation rate-based build-out, portable housing, zoning and overlay
zones, acquisition during updates to the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
1.49 Adopt a Land Acquisition program for purchase of hazard-prone locations with
potential lease back options.
1.50 Define and map critical facilities, necessary for community disaster response and
recovery that are too important to fail.
1.51 Establish, map, and maintain alternative and emergency evacuation routes in each
high-risk hazard area.
1.52 Amend the Subdivision Code to require warning sirens for 25 or more lots
(consistent with concurrency requirements) as part of Subdivision improvements.
[Code]
1.53 Conduct a Safe Growth Audit as part of comprehensive review of General Plan or
Community Development Plans.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 33
1.54 Create/improve secondary access roads for those communities with only one
means of ingress/egress.
1.55 Install emergency phones along roadways in isolated areas of lower cellular
connectivity.
1.56 Adopt incentives, such as tax deductions, to encourage retrofitting of existing
structures for resilience against earthquake, hurricane, tsunamis, and floods.
AGENCY ACTION
1.57 ‘a Hospital
1.58 State Department of Transportation: Mitigate Rockfalls and Road Closures
1.59 State DOT: Address and monitor known hazards along transportation routes
1.60 State DOT: Key nodes shall be designed or retrofitted as needed, to withstand
seismic effects.
1.61 State DOT: Study and address port vulnerability related to the liquefaction risk
1.62 BIISC: Albezia management plan is needed.
1.63 State: Establish guidelines for emergency shelters, including analysis of climate
change impacts on sheltering need, and administer a state retrofit program to
harden public facilities to serve as hurricane evacuation shelters.
1.64 State DOE: Harden public facilities to serve as hurricane evacuation shelters.
1.65 State HEMA: Develop a warning siren standard based on the audible range of the
sirens
1.66 Community: Build CERT Teams
1.67 Firebreaks & Remove
Unexploded Ordnance
1.68 Army Corps of Engineers: Remove Unexploded Ordnance
1.69
1.70 Telecom: Provide Emergency Phones
1.71 State: Require Hazard Disclosure during Real Estate Transactions
34 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
MITIGATING & ADAPTING TO HAZARDS & CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Partner with community stewardship groups, local stakeholders and intergovernmental agencies
to reduce island-wide greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) by at least 80 percent from 2005 levels
by 2050.
POLICY
94.Prioritize energy efficient designs, energy efficient systems, and waste reduction/reuse
at County facilities.
[Rationale: Based on identified need for the County as an entity, and as a major employer
and energy consumer to lead by example in reducing waste and conserving energy. Also
see General Plan
95.Include the useful life of the infrastructure and the cost savings related to reduced
energy needs in Capital Improvement Projects.
96.Partner with County, State, and private entities to develop comprehensive and
coordinated strategies promoting energy and water conservation to strive for climate
change resilience.
97.Consider values of natural areas for sequestering carbon and providing climate
adaptation and mitigation strategies in evaluating public investments, including
acquisition, siting, and design.
98.Evaluate the need and opportunities to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), such as
offering a range of transportation choices in new development or redevelopment
projects; incentivizing connectivity between differing modes of transportation to
increase modal split and linking residential and employment center land uses to reduce
the need for single vehicle trips.
99.Support the development of carbon-emission standards and an incentive program aimed
at achieving County carbon-emission goals.
ACTION
1.72 Adopt policies and strategies across all County departments to reduce GHGEs and
become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including establishing
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 35
video conferencing capabilities to allow residents and employees to participate in
meetings without having to drive long distances; evaluating the feasibility for
continued installation of renewable energy systems on County owned facilities; and
increasing the use of alternatively fueled vehicles. [Code]
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce vulnerability to sea level rise (SLR) for all vulnerable communities and infrastructure.
POLICY
100.Implement a minimum sea level rise assumption of 3.2 feet for budgetary, land use, and
other decision-making processes.
[Rationale
Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report.]
101.Use accurate and up-to-date scientific predictions and observations related to climate
change impacts to guide adaptation policy and future land use decisions.
102.Support local and regional climate change modeling and monitoring programs. This may
include but is not be limited to the programs designed to monitor:
a)Surface water quality (including temperature);
b)Sea level rise;
c)Hydrologic and geologic conditions;
d)Groundwater quality and levels;
e)Precipitation and groundwater changes.
103.Evaluate Capital Improvement Projects for resiliency, including but not limited to, sea
level rise, flood and storm surge, and assure that the project’s useful life and service
expectations can be met in the face of projected climate change impacts.
104.Coordinate with appropriate agencies to monitor impacts which may be specific to
Hawai‘i County due to its unique exposure to climate change and sea level rise impacts.
105.Partner with communities to develop adaptation strategies (protection,
accommodation, managed retreat, and preservation) for vulnerable areas including
conducting vulnerability assessments and assessing land use and land availability.
ACTION
1.73 Conduct detailed vulnerability mapping of existing and planned infrastructure.
36 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 37
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
GOALS
2.
served by safe and efficient infrastructure networks based on sound design principles that
reflect a focus on environmental sustainability, social equity, and preserving community
character. Infrastructure investment will be prioritized to implement land use goals.
a)Each community is connected with multimodal options and a modernized
transportation network that provides a system for safe, efficient, and comfortable
movement of people and goods via well-maintained roads and integrative mass
transit options.
b)Integrated water resource management is practiced at all levels to ensure that
water is treated as a resource to be conserved and reused in sanitary, equitable,
and sustainable ways. Water conservation, recharge, and reuse are addressed in
policy and design to focus on the use of natural systems, or engineered systems
that mimic natural systems, to ensure the highest quality of water is reserved for
the most valuable end use. Adequate, efficient, and dependable public and private
drinking water and wastewater services are available to each community.
c)A resource-based approach to waste management is fostered to ensure
progression toward the County’s zero-waste goals while ensuring adequate, safe,
and sanitary disposal of waste materials.
d)Telecommunications facilities continue to be developed or improved to provide
opportunities for universal and reliable access at affordable levels of service.
e)Energy production is progressively moving towards 100% renewable, and the
County leads by example in promoting and developing energy efficient facilities and
programs.
38 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Drinking Water Conservation
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce water use by 130 gallons per day per person.
POLICY
106.Ensure the highest quality of water is reserved for the most valuable end use.
[Rationale: Based on Dept. of Water Supply’s Water Use and Development Plan.]
107.The County shall require water conservation, recharge, and reuse measures for new
large development projects in the North Kohala, South Kohala, and North Kona Districts.
[Rationale: This is adapted from a South Kohala CDP Policy 5.2.]
108.The withdrawal rate from groundwater aquifers shall not exceed 80% of the sustainable
yield, until regional studies determine lower sustainability thresholds.
[Rationale: This policy is proactively addressing the issue that 80% of the sustainable
yield may need assessment by the Commission on Water Resources Management
(DLNR).]
109.New large developments with private water systems shall be required to follow the
domestic use guidelines including appropriate limits on average daily demand.
[Rationale: According to the Department of Water Supply, domestic water use above
400GPD is considered excessive.]
110.Require developments seeking land use entitlements with private water systems to
report monthly ground water use including quantity pumped, chloride (and/or
conductivity) concentrations, temperature, and (pump off) water-level data.
[Rationale: The usage information on private public water systems is not complete,
because not all wells are reporting to the Commission on Water Resources Management
(CWRM)].
111.The County shall require verification of a long-term, reliable supply of water before
applicable subdivisions are approved.
[Rationale: Based on the purpose of Maui’s Water Availability Code, this will ensure
future subdivisions will have a sustainable water source. This would require an
assessment of water use over the life of the development.]
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 39
112.Work cooperatively with the State DLNR and communities to ensure the protection and
availability of an adequate water supply in all aquifers to meet the needs of the
population and anticipated growth of Hawai‘i County.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (d and f).]
113.Evaluate and amend the fee schedule for water use to take into account high water use
and aquifer recharge projections. Use the funds generated to pay for conservation
measures and infrastructure.
114.Evaluate developing a land use overlay for water conservation areas.
115.Support implementation of leak detection programs throughout the DWS water systems.
116.Improve County water conservation practices to lead by example.
117.Support the Commission on Water Resource Management’s effort to improve monthly
reporting on ground water use.
ACTION
2.1 Develop water conservation and stormwater management guidelines for
commercial, industrial and residential properties.
2.2 Initiate regional studies that examine aquifer system area sustainable yields and
water transfers in greater depth and on a broader scale.
2.3 In collaboration with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
conduct further research on localized rainfall modeling to accurately assess future
precipitation trends.
2.4 Amend the County Code to require water use reporting. [Code]
2.5 Develop standards for landscape and irrigation design that emphasizes water use
efficiency.
2.6 Amend plumbing code to require the use of low-flow devices. [Code]
2.7 Expand water conservation programs, primarily aimed at demand-side measures in
order to reduce the average consumption per user.
AGENCY ACTION
2.8 CWRM: Regional studies should be initiated that examine aquifer system area
sustainable yields and water transfers in greater depth and on a broader scale.
2.9 CWRM: In collaboration with NOAA, conduct further research on localized rainfall
modeling to accurately assess future precipitation trends.
40 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Drinking Water Quality
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Achieve 100% of all public and private water systems meeting safe drinking water standards.
POLICY
118.All new water systems (public and private) shall meet the level of standards of DOH, DWS,
Fire, and subdivision code.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (b and g) and the recognized gap between
various departments codes relating to water systems.]
119.Improvements to County water systems to meet the standards of DOH, DWS, Fire, and
subdivision code shall be prioritized to serve designated urban areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (a, e).]
120.Encourage all new catchment water systems to include purification systems.
ACTION
2.10 Develop a pilot study to explore a monitoring and certification program in areas
with high private drinking water uses including catchment water systems and
private wells.
2.11 Develop and adopt standards for individual water catchment units.
a)Adopt an annual minimum rainfall requirement and amend Planning
Department rules to be consistent
b)Amend Planning Department Rule 22 to include all variances from Section
23-84 of the Subdivision Code.
AGENCY ACTION
2.12 State DOH: develop standards for water catchment and private wells
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 41
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Drinking Water Prioritization
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase public water service to all urban areas.
POLICY
121.Water system improvements, including exploratory wells, shall correlate with the
County's desired land use development pattern.
[Rationale: Incorporates recommendation from the General Plan Infrastructure
Assessment Study with existing GP Policy 11.2.2 (a).]
122.The County Water Board shall prioritize infill development and focus source
development to serve designated Urban Growth Areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (a, e).]
123.Water demand projections shall include all demand, including non-potable use.
[Rationale: Based on recognized gaps in water demand projections.]
124.The Department of Water Supply and the Planning Department shall coordinate
priorities prior to the adoption of any new water development or land use plans.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (a, e) and on identified previous collaboration
gaps between the Planning Department and the Department of Water Supply.]
125.Prioritize replacement of surface potable water sources with groundwater potable water
sources.
[Rationale: Based on Federal Safe Drinking water Act (SDWA) and General Plan 11.2.2
(k)]
126.All County potable water systems should have back-up standby sources.
127.Treat all water as a public resource in community design, and integrate designs for
drinking water, storm water, and recreational water needs.
128.Support community financing of private potable water systems for communities that rely
on catchment and private wells for drinking water.
129.Manage water, stormwater, and wastewater as the same natural resource and related
utility.
42 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
ACTION
2.13 Investigate alternative financing options for expanding water systems to support
infill growth consistent with the County's desired land use development pattern.
2.14 Adopt a standard for reviewing water variance applications.
2.15 Develop, coordinate, and maintain a water resource program collaboratively
managed by a working group of water resource and utility professionals that
convenes regularly to address watershed, aquifer, and related resource issues
comprehensively.
2.16 Amend Department of Water Supply rules to no longer issue “out of bounds”
service, unless the required system improvements are provided.
2.17 Amend the County Water Board guidelines for issuing water commitments to
consider:
a)Setting aside a certain reserve (e.g., 25%) of present capacity for infill
development and to provide sufficient lead time to expand capacity;
b)Preferential facilities charges for infill development where existing facilities
are underutilized;
c)Consistency with zoning and General Plan growth policies.
2.18 Amend Hawai‘i County Code to require new developments to connect to existing
water systems; develop longer minimum distance thresholds requiring connections
and develop incentives to ensure that subdivisions connect to nearby water
distances at the desired density in accord with zoning and infrastructure services.
[Code]
2.19 Amend Planning Department Rule 22 to increase the number of allowable lots with
a water catchment variance, in consideration of zoning, the size of the existing lot,
and other site-specific characteristics.
AGENCY ACTION
2.20 DHHL: install water systems to serve beneficiaries.
2.21 DHHL: expand water systems to serve beneficiaries on DHHL lands located within
designated Urban Growth Areas
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 43
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Storm Water Management
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase use of Low Impact Development Practices.
POLICY
130.The County shall ensure sites are planned, designed, and developed to:
a)Mitigate direct impacts of the land development process through the use of green
infrastructure or low impact site planning techniques;
b)Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits and/or are particularly
susceptible to erosion and sediment loss;
c)Limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading, and cut and fill to
reduce erosion and sediment loss; and
d)Manage post-construction stormwater runoff rates, through the use of green
infrastructure or low impact development stormwater management practices.
[Rationale: Based on existing HRS 226-11(2); 226-11(3); 226-11(4); 226-11(7); 226-11(8);
226-13(2); 226-13(3); 226-14(2); 226-108(2)]
131.The County shall ensure that golf course developments develop and implement grading
and site preparation plans to:
a)Develop nutrient management guidelines appropriate to Hawai‘i for qualified
superintendents to implement so that nutrients are applied at rates necessary to
establish and maintain vegetation without causing leaching into ground and
surface waters.
b)Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan. Follow EPA
guidelines for the proper storage and disposal of pesticides.
c)Develop and implement irrigation management practices to match the water needs
of the turf.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 4.3 (j), HRS 226-11(2); 226-11(3); 226-11(4); 226-
11(7); 226-11(8); 226-13(2); 226-13(3); 226-14(2); 226-108(2)]
132.Hawai‘i County shall minimize impervious areas on development sites and parking areas
and promote the use of permeable surfaces and landscaped areas in project designs
including:
a)porous materials
44 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
b)natural drainage,
c)filtration pits,
d)Infiltration trenches, vegetated bioswales, permeable pavers
[Rationale: Based on green infrastructure best practices and recommendations and the
recognition that urban runoff can be greatly reduced, and infiltration maximized by
installing rain gutters and directing them to permeable surfaces, and drywells or other
retention structures to collect and store runoff for reuse.]
133.Incorporate green infrastructure or passive alternatives that maximize land preservation
over impervious or active infrastructure.
ACTION
2.22 Develop incentives for new development/redevelopment to pursue certification
for “green” site planning, construction, and post-construction practices.
2.23 Adopt Low Impact Development Practices to address small-scale stormwater
management.
2.24 Adopt code amendments to require the use of recommended best management
practices (BMPs), including incentives, in all new large developments as well as
large commercial sites. [Code]
2.25 Prior to the County reaching Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Ms4)
requirements, conduct a feasibly study to create a County Stormwater Utility under
the Department of Water Supply.
2.26 Update the Department of Public Works Storm Drainage Standards (1970) to
reflect current data and to incorporate strategies of green infrastructure and low
impact development.
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Recycled Water Expansion
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase the use of non-potable water systems for irrigation.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 45
POLICY
134.Require installation of non-potable water systems for large developments.
[Rationale: Based on water conservation best practices.]
135.Encourage and incentivize the collection of rainfall for non-potable use.
136.Facilitate greywater reuse systems through code amendments and through partnering
with DOH for regulatory changes and incentives. [Code]
ACTION
2.27 Develop a water resource strategy for efficient agricultural and urban water use
and reuse.
2.28 Install non-potable systems, such as reclaimed wastewater, brackish groundwater
and untreated surface water in the proximity of priority Urban Growth Areas for
non-potable water uses.
2.29 Conduct supply and demand studies to determine a Level of Service for non-
potable water needs.
2.30 Amend the concurrency requirements to require installation of non-potable water
systems for large developments. [Code]
2.31 Increase Water Reuse through code requirements for large developments and
retrofitting existing systems.
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Wastewater & Environmental Quality Prioritization
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce sewage spill events.
Achieve 100% of all priority area cesspools upgraded to a septic system or connected to a sewer
system.
POLICY
137.Hawai‘i County shall not allow municipal or private wastewater systems to negatively
impact watershed quality or shoreline resources.
46 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
[Rationale: Based on Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and General Plan 4.4(a);
11.1.3(a); and 11.6.3(f)]
138.Ensure municipal wastewater systems serve designated Urban Growth Areas with the
capacity to accommodate projected population growth.
[Rationale: Based on identified affordable housing development constraints, urban
service gaps, and existing General Plan Policy 11.6.2 (a); the Sewerage Study for All Urban
and Urbanizing Area of the County of Hawai‘i (1970); and the Water Quality
Management Plan for the County of Hawai‘i (1980)] .
139.The Department of Environmental Management and the Planning Department shall
coordinate priorities prior to the adoption of any new wastewater development or land
use plans.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 11.6.2 (a) and identified previous collaboration
gaps between the Planning Department and the Department of Environment
Management.]
140.Prioritize developing a multipronged approach to wastewater infrastructure funding,
including proactively seeking grant funding for wastewater system expansion,
improvements, and new development.
[Rationale: Based on identified funding gaps and General Plan policy 11.6.2 (d).]
141.Enforce existing sewer hookup requirements.
[Rationale: Based on consultation with Department of Environmental Management and
identified gaps in sewer hookup percentages in certain serviced areas, and lack of
enforcement of existing Hawai‘i County Code Section 21-5].
142.Ensure wastewater fees reflect actual costs for service, maintenance, and future
improvements.
[Rationale: Based on consultation with Department of Environmental Management.
Hawai‘i County currently has some of the lowest sewer rates in the country and the
department subsequently does not have an adequate budget to address facility or
service expansion to meet projected growth.]
143.Ensure that wastewater systems and improvements are designed and functioning to
maximize system efficiencies, prevent accidental leaks or spills, and provide sanitary,
reliable wastewater treatment that is not negatively impacting natural resources.
[Rationale: Based on Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and General Plan 4.4(a);
11.1.3(a); and 11.6.3(f)]
144.Partner with the Department of Health to better monitor private wastewater resources
and advance progressive wastewater technology and regulations.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 47
145.Integrate stormwater and wastewater management into Department of Water Supply to
strive for water resource management that is comprehensive and as efficient as possible.
ACTION
2.32 Review, assess, and amend codes relating to sewer connection requirements (
Hawai‘i County Code Section 21-5, 21-6, 23-85 and 25-2-46 Concurrency) to ensure
wastewater issues and requirements are addressed in a sustainable and socially
equitable way. [Code]
2.33 Develop a wastewater master plan with a clear prioritization method for
wastewater system expansions and improvements based on criteria involving land
use, projected growth, social equity, and environmental factors.
2.34 Perform a study to assess individual wastewater systems (IWS) in unsewered urban
coastal communities (within the SMA) for pollution impacts from private
wastewater systems and develop plans to improve, connect, or develop new
wastewater systems for impacted communities.
2.35 Perform a study to assess individual wastewater systems (IWS) in unsewered urban
growth areas to assess rate of failures/negative impacts, determine rates of large
capacity cesspool still in use, and to develop plans to improve, connect, or develop
new wastewater systems for unsewered urban communities.
2.36 Develop plans and funding mechanisms to improve capacity/expand existing
municipal wastewater systems to accommodate future growth;
2.37 Proactively seek opportunities for public-private partnerships for wastewater
development;
2.38 Facilitate the use of infrastructure improvement districts and other types of
localized funding mechanisms to fund improvements.
2.39 In coordination with Department of Health Wastewater Branch, amend Hawai‘i
County Code (23-85(a)) to extend the minimum distance required for subdivisions
to connect to existing sewer systems. The recommended requirement is: “sewer
lines shall be installed where the subdivision is within one thousand three hundred
twenty lineal feet (1/4 mile) of the existing sewer system.” [Code]
2.40 Review and amend Hawai‘i County Code Section 21 39-45 (develops a sewer
connection loan program) for legal implications to facilitate implementation.
[Code]
48 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
2.41 Develop wastewater cost valuation in service fees (similar to water model fee
structure).
2.42 Develop a criteria-based infrastructure prioritization tool to develop new or expand
existing municipal wastewater systems. Base these priority areas on designated
urban growth boundaries, urban zoning and density, population trends and
anticipated growth, health/safety, and environmental factors.
2.43 Develop innovative wastewater systems at a cost-effective scale for small
communities.
2.44 Amend Hawai‘i County Code (including developing criteria and exceptions) to
require connecting to accessible private sanitary sewer treatment facilities (PUC
regulated and with existing capacity) to Section 21-5 (a) instead of only requiring
connection to public sewer. [Code]
2.45 Amend Hawai‘i County Code Section 21-26-1(a) requiring “all sewer extensions
shall be approved by resolution of the County council” to read, “all sewer
extensions outside of Urban Growth Areas shall be approved by resolution of the
County council.” [Code]
[Rationale: reducing sewer development hurdles is imperative to developing
adequate infrastructure within urban area. This ensures that if for some reason,
sewer extensions are proposed outside of the UGA, Council will have discretionary
oversight. ]
2.46 In coordination with Department of Health Wastewater Branch, reevaluate the
development threshold for requiring new wastewater treatment plants and other
requirements set forth in section HAR 11-62-31.1(a) (1) (B) and amend County
sewer requirements accordingly. [Code]
INCREASING RESOURCE RECOVERY & REDUCING WASTE
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Waste reduction, resource reuse and recycling are maximized to achieve 50% diversion of
recoverable materials from landfills.
POLICY
146.The County shall proactively pursue funding that will ensure continued progression
toward zero-waste goals.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 49
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from the Zero Waste Implementation Plan
(2009), the County of Hawai‘i Integrated Resources and Solid Waste Management Plan
Update: The Path to Zero Waste (2009).]
147.Optimize recoverable material diversion from landfill disposal by increasing percentage
rates for diversion through waste reduction, recycling, and reuse.
148.Develop and promote take-back programs for appliances and other difficult to dispose
of materials.
149.Composting at farms should be encouraged and facilitated.
150.Encourage salvage and reuse of building materials and elements when demolition is
necessary or appropriate.
151.Support expansions to the organic material (green waste) recycling program to include
drop-off and pick-up locations at all rural transfer stations.
152.The County should consider EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guideline program as a
model for purchasing products that use materials recovered through recycling.
153.Continue to evaluate the feasibility of waste to energy technology.
154.Promote opportunities for a circular economy.
ACTION
2.47 Develop and incentivize economic opportunities for diverted materials.
a)Continue to develop, manage, and partner with community groups in
managing recycling and reuse centers at County facilities
b)Contract with, and or, make space available for cottage recycling operations
in close proximity to transfer stations and County landfills.
2.48 Evaluate and amend Hawai‘i County Code as appropriate with the following
strategies to maximize landfill diversion and deal with materials:
a)Source Separation Ordinance: Revise Section 20-43 to reflect resource
recover objectives and material separation rules, including evaluating the
size restrictions reflected in Section 20-43 (b) (1), and the prohibited
materials from Section 20-43 (b) (2).
b)Codify prohibition of organic material (green waste) disposal at the landfill.
c)Construction & Demolition (C & D) Recycling Ordinance
d)Consider Take-back Ordinances (for items that are difficult to recycle or
compost).
50 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
e)Develop an E-Scrap ordinance: all electronic discards should be designated
as reuse items which essentially bans anything with a plug from being
landfilled.
f)Codify County facility ordinance to require recycling at all County offices,
facilities, and base yards.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 342G-15(a)4; and COH Resolution 30-07
“Requesting that the Mayor issue a Directive to Implement Recycling
Programs at all County Agencies and Departments”]
g)Transition to eliminate the sale or use of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) and
single-use plastic food containers and other single-use plastics. [Code]
2.49 Develop programs to require advance disposal fees for specific products such as e-
waste and new vehicles purch The fees from this
should be used to fund resource management and disposal costs. (An example of
a currently successful advance disposal fee (ADF) is the State Beverage Container
Deposit Program).
2.50 Conduct pilot studies to facilitate waste recovery and increase diversion rates. The
following types of pilot programs are recommended:
a)Curbside waste, recycling, and resource pick-up in priority urban areas;
b)Partner/coordinate to facilitate the private use of large recycling roll-off
bins in rural areas.
2.51 Reevaluate and initiate code changes to the fee structure for solid waste for
residential and commercial uses. [Code]
2.52 Facilitate UH and/or Forest Service to complete necessary studies on local materials
for use in construction.
AGENCY ACTION
2.53 Amend Hawai‘i Revised Statutes to include green waste, composting, and fertilizer
yards (utilizing only manure and soil) for commercial use as permitted uses on
agriculturally zoned land.
COMMUNITY ACTION
2.54 Host composting and recycling workshops in collaboration with agencies
/organizations such as Department of Environmental Management, Recycle
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 51
Hawai‘i, and the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human
Resources (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension Service.
2.55 Partner with the County to manage recycling/reuse centers at County Facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Eliminate illegal dumping sites.
POLICY
155.Ensure that redesign plans for landfill and transfer stations provide adequate space for
Resource Recovery (RR) Stations and ensure that new transfer stations are sited and
developed with capacity for Resource Recovery.
a)Resource Recovery Stations provide organic material (green waste) and recycling
options.
b)All drop-off and transfer stations must be designed/redesigned with a flow pattern
and educational signage.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from the Zero Waste Implementation Plan
(2009), the County of Hawai‘i Integrated Resources and Solid Waste Management Plan
Update: The Path to Zero Waste (2009), and General Plan policy 10.5.2 (c)]
156.Ensure waste and resource recovery facilities and equipment do not harbor, spread, or
introduce harmful or invasive species.
[Rationale: Based on community concerns expressed at public meetings and existing
General Plan policy 4.3 (i).]
157.Site new solid waste/resource recovery facilities in appropriate areas that serve the
needs of population centers but that do not negatively impact the environment or
surrounding neighborhood.
158.Increase education programs for waste recovery options.
159.Reduce illegal dumping and littering through education programs and code
enforcement.
ACTION
2.56 Develop and implement an environmental control program that includes the
following:
a)Regularly monitor and test for polluted runoff and leachate at waste
recovery facilities, and develop effective mitigation protocols for
52 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
eliminating pollution at these sites, especially those located near sensitive
receptors such as streams;
b)Regularly monitor and implement protocols to mitigate for vector control
and invasive species management to ensure that all solid waste facilities,
transport vehicles, and equipment are not harboring or spreading harmful
species that pose risks to human or environmental health.
2.57 Revise enforcement protocols and revise code to empower police officers to fine
litterers and illegal dumpsites and junkyard owners.
2.58 Revise Hawai‘i County Code Section 20-45 (b) and Zoning Code Section 25-2-31
requiring conviction of violation by a jury trial. [Code]
2.59 Develop a Litter Abatement Program aimed at education and community group
participation in reporting and preventing littering and illegal dumping.
2.60 Develop a County clean-up program for special waste areas, i.e. junkyards, to
ensure proactive removal of materials that pose environmental and public health
hazards.
COMMUNITY ACTION
2.61 Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to
actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Police Department
and to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the
issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and
offenders. (See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here:
http://www.Hawaiiizerowaste.org/info/illegal-dumping)
2.62 Organize community clean-up events for illegal dump sites and other polluted
areas
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Transportation Planning & Financing
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce individual vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 3% by facilitating walking, bicycling, and other
energy-efficient and safe alternative modes of transportation.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 53
POLICY
160.The County shall use performance targets, measures, and reporting to allow
transparency for decision makers and the public as the County transitions to the
Performance-Based Planning and Programming approach mandated by the US DOT and
HDOT.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps between County of Hawai‘i practices and the
Department of Transportation recommendations. See also MAP-21.)
161.There shall be coordinated planning of Federal, State, and County street systems to meet
program goals of the other elements such as historic, recreational, environmental
quality, and land use.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 13.2.3 (g).]
162.Plan for present traffic and future demands, including the programmed development of
mass transit programs for high growth areas.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County transportation planning, particularly in
addressing mass transit needs in high growth areas and on existing General Plan policy
13.1.3 (b).]
163.At a minimum, the County shall plan, site, and develop roads, bridges, and highways to:
a)Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits or are particularly
susceptible to erosion or sediment loss;
b)Limit land disturbance such as clearing, grading and cut and fill to reduce erosion
and sediment loss; and
c)Limit disturbance of natural drainage features and vegetation, including mitigating
impacts of stream crossings.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 226-11(2); 226-11(3); 226-11(4); 226-11(7); 226-11(8); 226-
13(2); 226-13(3); 226-14(2); 226-108(2); 226-17(10).]
164.Prioritize transportation investment to expand the multimodal transportation system.
[Rationale: Based on Maui 2012.]
165.Evaluate all alternatives to preserve quality of life before widening roads.
[Rationale: Based on Maui 2030.]
166.Require new developments to contribute their pro rata share of local and regional
infrastructure costs.
[Rationale: Based on Maui 2030.]
167.In planning, designing and constructing highway and road improvements, transportation
agencies should balance conservation of the area’s natural, historic and scenic qualities
with transportation objectives. In some cases, it will be preferable to accept a lesser
54 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
design speed or capacity in order to maintain the rural character and appearance of the
Island.
168.Incorporate pollution prevention procedures into the operation and maintenance of
roads, highways, and bridges to reduce pollutant loadings to surface waters.
169.Support designing all transportation facilities, including airport, harbor, mass-transit
stations, etc., to reflect local and/or Hawaiian architecture.
170.Promote transportation options to encourage the use of multimodal travel.
171.Develop an Asset Management Program aimed at utilizing maintenance plans for
pavement, bridges and other road infrastructure to prolong the life of our transportation
system as well as reduce its whole life cost.
172.Utilize transportation-demand management as an integral part of transportation
planning.
173.Encourage civic participation in an Adopt-a-Street program where moderate landscaping
and street cleaning can be done by community groups.
174.Use the road improvement program in conjunction with the Asset Management program
in developing priorities for the six-year Capital Improvement Program, including phased
implementation.
175.Work with various non-profit agencies to coordinate transportation and multimodal
opportunities.
176.Identify and evaluate transportation strategies to address energy and climate issues.
177.Investigate various methods of funding transportation improvements, including private
sector participation, to meet the growing transportation needs of the island. (Including
but not limited to impact fees, taxes, fare adjustments, dedicated sources of funding,
improvement districts, and assessments).
178.Support and provide technical assistance to assist in the development of ‘road
improvement districts’ in order to finance road improvements.
ACTION
2.63 As part of the Asset Management Program, create inventory databases for
transportation facilities, with information including but not limited to pavement
section thickness and type, street lights, street signs, signals, bridges and bridge
types, drainage facilities and landscaping to use as a basis of development and
implementation of Maintenance Plans, such as a Pavement Preservation (Paving
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 55
Cycle) Plan, Bridge Rehab and Replacement plan, Culvert Cleaning Plan and
Landscape Maintenance and Grass Cutting Plan.
2.64 Develop a roads-in-limbo improvement and adoption process according to
population, usage, alternative route/connectivity needs, and safety assessments.
2.65 Amend the Hawai‘i County Code to increase bicycle and pedestrian-friendly
development. [Code]
2.66 Provide more emergency call boxes along State highways.
2.67 Work with the owners of private roads and local community groups to help identify
and develop road management agreements that mitigate road closures and access
disagreements for public access and/or residential use.
2.68 Collaborate with the State to establish a clear agreement of the ownership and
maintenance of the old homestead roads.
2.69 Develop a financing plan for improvements and identify tools for maintenance
programs.
2.70 Investigate appropriate parking fees in urban and commercial locations.
AGENCY ACTION
2.71 Partner with Department of Transportation to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall
and shoreline erosion in the highway right-of-way and prioritize funding for
mitigation.
2.72 Request that the State allocate in the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)
a larger share of Federal “flex funds” (i.e., the Section 402 program funds) for
projects related to highway capacity improvements, transit-related and alternative
travel mode improvements, including pedestrian and bicycle safety.
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Transportation Safety
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Strive to achieve zero traffic deaths and serious injuries on County of Hawai‘i roadways.
56 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
POLICY
179.Prioritize interdepartmental coordination and accountability of traffic safety through
education, enforcement, engineering, encouragement, and evaluation. Focus on
systemic transportation changes rather than on individual behavior changes in improving
road and pedestrian safety.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from Vision Zero.]
180.Commit to an equitable approach and outcomes, including prioritizing engagement and
investments in traditionally under-served communities and adopting equitable traffic
enforcement practices.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from Vision Zero.]
181.Develop a Freight Masterplan to focus on safe reliable cross island truck moment to
support the County's economic development.
182.Improve public health and safety by reducing speeding-related fatalities and injury.
ACTION
2.73 Partner with Federal, State, and private entities to develop demographic,
geographic and modal -specific safety outreach materials including Safe Routes to
School, Be Super Safe and Pedestrian Safety for Seniors.
2.74 Develop a safety improvement program that identities high crash locations,
hazardous substandard sections of roadway, and drainage problems.
2.75 Create a 20 MPH Zone Program, reducing speed limits on residential and local
streets with high collision (crash) history to 20 MPH. Most 20 MPH Zones will be
installed near schools and parks.
2.76 Review arterial speed limits and Reduce to 30 mph or lower paired with traffic
calming devices.
2.77 Map and regularly update the County's fatal and serious injury crash locations, to
use and guide priority action and funding.
2.78 Develop educational programs to increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and
bicyclists.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 57
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Roadway Design
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Achieve a roadway system that employs all modes of transportation for the safe, efficient and
comfortable movement of people and goods across our island.
POLICY
183.Roadway designs and improvements shall accommodate pedestrian-friendly,
multimodal design, and landscaping.
[Rationale: Based on existing General Plan 13.2.3 (l), Kona Action TRAN–
CDP Policy 70.]
184.Prioritize roadway drainage improvements in flood-prone areas and incorporate Low
Impact Development/Green Infrastructure strategies, as appropriate.
[Rationale: Based on identified drainage issues during flooding events and existing
General Plan
185.Ensure that roadway-design criteria and standards are compatible with surrounding
neighborhoods and the character of rural areas.
[Rationale: Based on CDP Policy 74, 7
2030]
186.Provisions for on-street parking shall be evaluated during the design of road systems.
[Rationale: Based on identified parking issues in urban areas, including Hilo Downtown
Multimodal Plan recommendations and General Plan 13.2.3 (h).]
187.Highways shall not be wider than four lanes and should be limited to the most populated
areas typically connecting residential areas with employment centers.
[Rationale: Based on the Kauai General Plan.]
188.Develop rural road standards to ensure appropriate levels of public safety.
[Rationale: Based on identified issues related to road standards in rural areas, General
Plan 13.2.3 (m),
189.Incorporate, where appropriate, bicycle routes, lanes, and paths within road rights-of-
way in conformance with The Bikeway Plan for the County of Hawai‘i.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in bicycle accesses, Bikeway Plan for CoH, General
Plan 13.4.3 (icy 66, and Kona CDP TRAN -1.1.]
58 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
190.Use native landscaping for highway improvements and connectivity points, emphasizing
the retention of native vegetation.
[Rationale CDP Policy 77, North Kohala CDP
Strategy 4.8, and Puna CDP 4.4.1.c.]
191.Landscaping shall be provided along streets where regular rainfall or reclaimed water are
available for irrigation, and arid species or xeriscape landscaping shall be the preference
where reclaimed water and rainfall are not available.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP TRAN–3.2, 3.3; Kauai GP, and Environmental Protection
Agency Greenspace recommendations.]
192.Street Standards
a)Primary Arterial: Includes major highways and parkways that move vehicles in large
volumes and at higher speeds from one geographic area to another; highest traffic
volume corridor. Designed as a limited access roadway. Primary arterials shall have
a minimum right-of-way of 120 feet.
[Rationale: Gp13.2.4.a]
b)Secondary Arterial: A street of considerable continuity that is primarily a traffic
artery between or through large areas; interconnect with and augment primary
system. Designed as a limited access roadway. Secondary arterials shall have a
minimum right-of-way of 80 feet.
[Rationale: Gp13.2.4.b]
c)Major Collector: Any street supplementary to the arterial street system that is a
means of transit between this system and smaller areas; used to some extent for
through traffic and to access abutting properties; collect and distribute traffic
between neighborhood and arterial system. Major collectors shall have a minimum
right-of-way of 60 feet.
[Rationale: Gp13.2.4.c ]
d)Local Streets-commercial/industrial: Local streets within commercial and industrial
areas shall have a minimum right-of-way of 60 feet.
[Rationale: Gp13.2.4.d]
e)Minor Collector and Local Streets: Minor collectors are used at times as through
streets and for access to abutting properties. The principal purpose of a local street
is to provide access to property abutting the public right-of-way.
[Rationale: Gp13.2.4.e]
193.All subdivisions, including condominium property regimes (CPRs) and planned unit
developments (PUDs), shall conform to connectivity standards in HCC 23 of the Hawai‘i
County Code to disperse traffic and integrate new development with the existing fabric
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 59
of the community.
[Rationale:
TRAN-2.1.]
194.Prioritize intersection improvements with roundabout designs to incorporate safer
access through intersections, steady flow of traffic, lower traffic speeds, and safer
pedestrian crossings.
[Rationale: Based on current transportation design best practices, Smart Growth
America recommendations, and Puna CDP 4.4.1.a.]
195.County of Hawai‘i roadway design standards should be updated and revised to
accommodate pedestrian-friendly, multimodal design (including non-motorized
facilities), future technologies, traffic calming design, and include low-impact
development/green infrastructure strategies.
196.Incorporate traffic-calming features into highway design in preference to signage and
signalization, where possible.
197.Incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) and green infrastructure strategies to
address drainage in roadway design.
ACTION
2.79 Reevaluate on-site and off-site parking requirements in commercial town centers
and amend code appropriately. [Code]
2.80 Amend Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 23 Subdivision Code to incorporate
connectivity standards, updated roadway design standards, and various related
policies from the Community Development Plans and town/village plans. [Code]
2.81 Develop guidelines for a right-of-way landscaping program, including maintenance.
Landscaping along public rights-of-way should be of native species appropriate to
the location and natural environment.
2.82 Collaborate with Department of Transportation to make intersection
improvements along highways to allow safer access, giving preference to the use
of roundabouts; and to incorporate traffic-calming features into highway design in
preference to signage and signalization, where possible.
2.83 Encourage Department of Transportation to incorporate passing zones, turn lanes,
and merge lanes where feasible to improve safety.
2.84 Collaborate with Department of Transportation to develop and use right-of-way
landscape guidelines for highway improvements on State owned routes.
60 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Multimodal Transportation & Connectivity
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Improve roadway connectivity to increase efficiency, walkability, and alternative routes for
emergency access.
POLICY
198.The County shall establish a corridor planning/management program that is data driven
and uses performance-based targets and outcomes to help prioritize various multimodal
projects. Design and selection of these projects shall use a context sensitive process
utilizing the various Community Development Plans as guidance to increase access to
opportunity while promoting health and wellness through active transportation options.
[Rationale: Based on Hele Mai Maui 2040 -Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization.]
199.The Bikeway Plan for the County of Hawai‘i (1979) shall be updated to include the
development of a safe and usable bikeway system throughout the island; or incorporate
the bikeway into an island wide comprehensive transportation plan.
[Rationale: The current bike plan is from 1979. See also Downtown Hilo Multimodal
Master Plan 2018, General Plan 13.2.3 (p) and 13.4.3 (c).]
200.Develop alternative means of transportation to provide alternative mobility for minors,
non-licensed adults, low-income, elderly, and people with disabilities.
201.Create a multimodal circulation network plan for each urban community to best direct
future improvements and needs. This network plan could be created in coordination with
a CDP process.
202.Develop intermodal connections to facilitate the transfer between modes of travel, such
as Automobile/Transit and Bike/Transit Transfer. Transit stations or transit hubs and
nearby park and ride facilities (including bicycle storage) must be built to ameliorate the
traffic congestion in key urban centers.
203.Improve the integration of transportation and land use planning in order to optimize the
use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing and proposed transit systems.
204.Designate new connectivity points for local traffic roads and create redundant routes for
existing highways, utilizing existing routes where possible, that can also serve as
emergency and evacuation routes.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 61
205.Use traffic demand management to aide in reducing traffic congestion.
ACTION
2.85 Develop a comprehensive, performance-based, island-wide multimodal
transportation circulation plan and program that identifies the location and
operation of automobiles, proposed arterials and collectors, mass transit facilities,
bicycle and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate Federal, State,
and County agencies. The plan should show intended interconnections, plan and
preserve transportation corridors, budget public improvements, etc.
2.86 Establish and coordinate the setting of multimodal transportation performance
targets and measures with the designated responsible parties from Planning,
Transit, and Department of Public Works (Engineering & Traffic Divisions) to ensure
that the data measured is consistent, significant, measurable, achievable,
reasonable and timely.
2.87 Establish bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian travel ways to link up communities
while also establishing alternative travel ways within individual communities.
2.88 Identify government roads (including roads-in-limbo, ‘paper roads’ and train
infrastructure remnants) with public access value for trails. If these are being
obstructed by private parties or other agencies, collaborate to remove the
obstructions.
AGENCY ACTION
2.89 Partner with Federal, State, and private entities to identify and establish alternative
routes and connections.
2.90 Encourage improvements to pedestrian access to and around schools and between
residential areas and school and library facilities.
2.91 Encourage businesses to promote alternative transportation options for resident
and visitor use.
2.92 Implement Bike Plan Hawai‘i.
2.93 Implement Statewide Pedestrian Master Plan.
62 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Bridges
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Develop an island wide bridge maintenance program that clearly sets safety and functional
priorities for bridge maintenance, improvements, and replacements.
POLICY
206.Maintain the unique features of historic bridges, while balancing safety needs and
preserving historic and scenic character.
[Rationale General Plan.]
207.Prioritize the replacement of deficient and inadequate bridges and maintain
pedestrian/bicycle access across bridges.
[Rationale: Based on identified County bridge deficiencies listed in the Federal registry,
olicy 67.]
208.Design new bridges and bridge improvements to accommodate and not negatively
impede identified scenic resources.
ACTION
2.94 Create a both bridge repair/replacement and historic preservation priority list to
balance safety with the preservation of historic sites and scenic character.
AGENCY ACTION
2.95 Encourage safe pedestrian/bicycle access on new or rehabilitated highway bridges.
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Mass Transit
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Achieve a reliable mass transit system that serves the transportation, employment and social
needs of our County to attract a 50% increase in ridership.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 63
POLICY
209.Prioritize expansions to the paratransit and shared ride taxi programs for the growing
elderly and disabled populations to ensure equitable access to services is available for
all.
[Rationale: Based on identified needs and projected future needs for aging populations.
Also see Puna CDP 4.2.2.b, Expanding Transportation Opportunities in Hawai‘i Island
(2014 Kohala Center); Mass Transit Authority 2018, General Plan 13.4.3 (d).]
210.Bus maintenance facilities shall be developed at or near transit hubs.
[Rationale: Based on Mass Transit Agency 2018, Kona Action TRAN-1.4c, and General
Plan 13.1.3 (e).]
211.Transit infrastructure (e.g., bus stops, bus pullouts, waiting benches and shelters, signs)
shall be adequate and upgraded along existing and future transit routes.
[Rationale: Based
Agency 2018, and M2012.]
212.Identify, preserve, and/or acquire corridors for future transit use, including but not
limited to multimodal corridors and require new development to provide rights-of-way
(ROWs) to accommodate transit services.
213.Create transportation hubs and bus stops with amenities that provide riders comfort and
safety and that help support community and village gathering places.
214.Facilitate the transfer between modes of travel, such as bike/transit transfer, and install
racks on all buses to carry bicycles and surfboards, and develop bicycle lockers at transit
hubs.
215.Maximize regular and paratransit service to the following:
a)Town centers, commercial districts, and employment centers.
b)Airports and cruise ship terminals.
c)University and adult education centers
216.Coordinate mass transit schedules and routes so as to accommodate school schedules
such as after school activities and sports.
217.Public transportation is improved and expanded in communities with the highest
socioeconomic needs, according to the Hawai‘i Health Matters
218.The County’s public transit system accommodates redeployment for emergency
evacuations.
219.Develop a program to replace all fossil-fuel vehicles in the mass transit fleet with
renewable energy alternatives.
64 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
ACTION
2.96 Fund and implement the Transit and Multimodal Transportation Master Plan
(2018) and/or most recent County transit master plan.
2.97 Launch a public education campaign promoting transit services, tailoring them to
target populations such as youth, commuters, and the elderly.
2.98 Expand the staff of the Mass Transit Agency to provide greater support for public
relations, route planning and coordination, technical operations, and fleet
management.
2.99 Investigate other incentives to increase ridership, such as convenient bus ticketing
systems, reduced monthly rates for residents and special needs populations,
adding airport and post office service, tourist passes, and purchase tickets online
or mobile applications.
2.100 Provide alternative services, such as park-and-ride service, express commuter
routes, shuttle vans, circulation routes, flex service, zone paratransit service, and
hub and spoke service.
2.101 Identify locations, design, and services to be provided at the major transit hubs and
stations.
2.102 Amend the County subdivision and development regulations to require, where
appropriate, transit-supportive roadway infrastructure. [Code]
2.103 Create and fund a purchasing schedule to replace and expand the County’s bus
fleet, including alternative energy options for all vehicles in the fleet.
2.104 Upgrade equipment on all buses, such as bicycle racks and technology for transit
mobile application.
2.105 Develop a bus stop program and schedule to implement upgrade of bus stops each
year, to include benches, rider information, and shelters as needed.
2.106 Identify alternative funding sources and create a stable level of funding for
operating and capital programs.
2.107 Upgrade and expand maintenance facilities as needed to accommodate upgraded
and expanded fleet.
2.108 Implement technology to provide real time mass transit information.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 65
AGENCY ACTION
2.109 Increase inter-agency coordination in planning for future transit needs between
MTA, the Department of Planning, State Department of Transportation,
Department of Public Works, Future Island MPO, and other applicable agencies.
2.110 Cultivate public-private partnerships to reduce operational expenses and develop
programs, such as employer and school sponsored bus passes.
2.111 Promote staggered work hours and telecommuting with major employers and
institutions to reduce peak period traffic, starting with state and County agencies
and including UHH.
2.112 Implement Rideshare Program for County employees and promote ride-sharing,
van-pools, and car-pooling.
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Airports & Harbors
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Improve airports, harbors and navigation aids to address recreational and tourism opportunities
that serve passengers, freight movement and general transport.
POLICY
220.Future land uses in the vicinity of airports and harbors should have an adequate open
space buffer and/or be compatible with the anticipated noise exposure and industrial
nature in the vicinity.
221.Explore all options to protect the traditional, subsistence, and recreational uses of small
boat harbors and mitigate harbor-upgrade impacts to uses where feasible.
222.Support the State's objectives to acquire rights within the runway clear-zones, limit
heights within approach zones, and restrict noise-sensitive uses within designated noise
contours determined by the State.
223.Encourage pedestrian-oriented gathering places around harbors and small boat harbors.
224.Explore and encourage appropriate reuse for former airport facilities.
66 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
225.Encourage economically thriving and environmentally sensitive small boat harbors
accommodating resident and business activity, including fishing, recreation, and tour
boats.
ACTION
2.113 Partner with the State to upgrade and maintain smaller recreational boat launches
island wide.
2.114 Create a strategic improvement plan for County owned and/or managed boat
harbors and develop an island wide needs assessment to better serve regional gaps
in ocean accesses.
AGENCY ACTION
2.115 Implement State plans for transportation terminals and related facilities in
conjunction with the overall transportation system.
2.116 The State Department of Health should enforce and strengthen pollution
regulations and programs at harbors and ports, including reduced disposal of waste
and prevention of spills.
2.117 The State should provide efficient, adequate, and affordable parking and transit
connections within and around airports and cruise ship harbors.
2.118 Encourage the modernization and maximized use/capacity of airports and harbors,
including resistance to damage from natural hazards and disasters and separation
of cargo and passenger uses.
2.119 The State should support and provide adequate facilities for secondary airports and
small boat harbors.
2.120 The State should provide boat owners with adequate pier slips, utilities, repair
facilities, waste-disposal capabilities, and yacht berthing/launch/recovery services.
EXPANDING TELECOMMUNICATION ACCESS
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase broadband options to provide affordable access to service all communities.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 67
POLICY
226.Hawai‘i County shall continuously improve County government’s use of broadband
communications and digital technology to educate and provide public services with a
focus on digital access to County geographic information systems, health, permitting
services, public safety, emergency communications, and to ensure that all County
policies, plans, ordinances, departmental rules, and other jurisdictional information is
available online.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County online communication and
recommendations in USDA Broadband initiatives and the Federal Communications
Commission.]
227.Prioritize broadband access and seek to progressively improve speeds to keep pace with
technological advances.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in network services and recommendations in USDA
Rural Broadband initiatives and the Federal Communications Commission. See also
, and Puna CDP Goal 3.4.1 (b).]
228.Hawai‘i County shall advocate for and seek grant funding to support service diversity,
redundant network capacity, and to provide improved communications to outlying rural
areas and other underserved or unserved communities.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in network services in rural areas and
recommendations in USDA Rural Broadband initiatives and the Federal Communications
Commission.]
229.Telecommuting and home-based businesses that rely on the internet shall be considered
permitted accessory uses to residential uses when operated in compliance with cottage
industry performance standards. [Land Use][Econ]
[Rationale: Based on identified needs and economic opportunities, particularly in rural
areas. CDP Community Objective
11.]
230.Hawai‘i County shall coordinate and collaborate with State of Hawai‘i Cyber Security
Team of the Information & Communications Services Division to maintain and improve
cyber security and informational security of telecommunication facilities.
[Rationale: Based on recognized increases in cyber security threats within the County
and County of Hawai‘i Information Technology Department recommendations.]
231.Treat broadband access as a basic utility that is affordable, neutral, and available to all
communities
68 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
232.Encourage broadband infrastructure development for new multi-residential and
commercial developments within the urban growth area.
233.Work with stakeholders to remove regulatory barriers and seek funding to completing
the island’s fiber optic loop in an environmentally and economically appropriate manner.
234.Continue active collaboration with State and Federal agencies under the State
Broadband Initiative (SBI) to further telecommunication planning and funding initiatives,
including:
a)The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and other federal grant
programs;
b)State Broadband Data and Development Program (SBDD), administered by the
National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA),
c)Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), and the National
Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA)
235.Continue and seek to improve County’s partnership role in the Hawai‘i Healthcare
Transformation Initiative (HHIT) and implementation of the Healthcare Transformation
Plan.
236.Pursue partnerships and funding for broadband initiatives and deployments by
USDA/EDA.
a)Action Platform: Cool & Connected is a planning assistance program (pilot stage?)
that helps community members develop strategies and an action plan for using
broadband to create walkable, connected, economically vibrant main streets and
small-town neighborhoods that improve human health and the environment.
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/cool-connected
b)Action Platform: USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) administers programs that
provide much-needed infrastructure or infrastructure improvements to rural
communities. https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/agencies/rural-utilities-service
237.Work with the telecommunications industry to increase the availability of fiber,
broadband, wireless, and emergency telephone service throughout the island.
238.When opportunities develop to negotiate telecommunication franchise agreements that
involve the use of County rights-of-way or other assets, the County will seek to ensure
providers include socially equitable service options to nearby communities.
239.Provide technical planning assistance to communities and community based
organizations interested in offering communications services for public, education and
government purposes.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 69
240.Develop and support a program of free, public-use broadband services at appropriate
County-owned facilities and other community anchor institutions.
241.Include an analysis of the availability of telecommunication infrastructure with other
basic utilities during appropriate planning processes.
242.Incentivize communications infrastructure improvements and expansion as a means to
reduce transportation impacts.
ACTION
2.121 Create and maintain inventory and mapping of communications infrastructure, to
include but not be limited: wireline, wireless, cell tower locations, and known
proposed facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce impacts and visual clutter of telecommunications infrastructure.
POLICY
243.Require concealment or screening strategies to minimize visual impacts of towers within
views of scenic highways, public parks, cultural facilities, and coastal scenic areas.
Concealment strategies and/or increased setbacks shall be used to ensure community
compatibility.
a)An alternatives analysis may be required at the time of application that documents
why the proposed project is the best way to accomplish project alternatives while
minimizing project impacts.
b)Support structures shall be designed to minimize their visibility with a preference
towards each of the following in the order so listed:
1)use of existing structures,
2)stealth designs for concealment, and
3)monopoles.
c)Component parts, equipment cabinets, buildings, and security fencing shall be
designed to achieve a minimum profile through painting, screening, landscaping,
and architectural compatibility with surrounding structures.
d)Photo simulations or balloon tests with views from various vantage points may be
required to show visual impact of the proposed facility.
e)Hawai‘i County shall require the timely removal of communications towers and
equipment that are no longer needed or in active use, as a condition of approval.
70 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
[Rationale: Based on identified visual clutter in scenic areas and CDP Policy 58
and 108, and General Plan Policy 11.3.2 (a), (c).]
244.Siting of new communications facilities shall comply with the following standards:
a)Performance Standards. Develop standards for siting design, visibility, construction
impacts, noise, on-going operation, and other characteristics that affect the
compatibility and environmental and safety impacts of proposed facilities.
b)Site Co-location. When at all feasible, communications facilities shall be located
adjacent to, on, or incorporated into existing or proposed buildings, towers, or
other structures. The County shall require new facilities to accommodate future co-
location to the maximum extent feasible. [mapping]
[Rationale: Based on identified visual clutter in scenic areas and CDP Policy 58
General Plan Policy 11.3.2 (a), (c).]
245.Manage the environmental, cultural heritage, visual and social impacts of
telecommunications infrastructure.
246.Incentivize or require underground siting of electrical and telecommunications facilities
within public rights-of-way, especially in urban centers and along designated scenic
corridors.
247.Establish wireless and telecommunication design and siting standards to mitigate the
visual impact of telecommunications and broadcast facilities.
ACTION
2.122 Develop and codify design and removal standards for telecommunication towers.
2.123 Undertake a study and environmental review to determine appropriate places to
deploy wireless communication facilities that would provide reliable coverage to
every community within the County.
2.124 Adopt a Communications Facilities Ordinance.
STRENGTHENING ENERGY DIVERSITY & CONSERVATION
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
The County of Hawai‘i should lead the State in reaching its goal of 100% renewable energy. (30%
by 12/31/2020, 40% by 12/31/2030, 70% by 12/31/2040, 100% by 12/31/2045)
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 71
POLICY
248.Public utility facilities shall be designed to complement adjacent land uses and minimize
conflict with the natural environment and minimize pollution.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goal 11.1.2 (c), Policy 11.1.3 (a,
Policy 62.]
249.The County shall remove barriers for energy systems that improve resiliency, such as
microgrids, combined heat and power (CHP), backup generation and storage, and other
decentralized electricity systems.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 3.3 (a, c, e, g, k, o), CDP Policy 142 and
Community-ommunity Action 55.]
250.The County of Hawai‘i shall increase its energy efficiency by upgrading its vehicle fleet to
alternative energy vehicles, where practical.
[Rationale: Based on the CDP Policy ENGY-1.7 (f), and the vehicle priority lists of the
Hawai‘i State Energy Office https://energy.hawaii.gov/vehicle-purchasing-guidelines and
recommendations from Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawai‘i, A U.S.
Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition.]
251.To encourage the use of electric vehicles, the County of Hawai‘i shall install electric
vehicle chargers at community facilities in urban centers, for both County vehicles and
public parking.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP Policy ENGY-Policy 110. See also
General Plan Policy 3.3 (g, k).]
252.Maintain tax incentives for renewable energy improvements and continue to revise
incentives as energy technologies progress.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 3.3 (g, m).]
253.The County shall advocate the Public Utility Commission in support of the following types
of strategies and initiatives:
a)Programs and fee structures that promote renewable energy;
b)Consumer incentives to utilize renewable alternatives;
c)Social Equity analysis of proposed energy projects to ensure residents are
protected as energy consumers in regards to rates, grid planning, utility
compensation, and energy project siting.
[Rationale General Plan Policy 3.3 (o).]
254.Require special or use permits for all energy producing facilities that distribute power
beyond their own use.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 3.3 (e).]
72 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
255.Increase the County of Hawai‘i’s role in ensuring energy facility production and
distribution is adequate, efficient, and dependably available to each community to
support present and future demands.
256.Promote and support increased energy efficiency measures and the proportion of
electricity generated by alternative and renewable energy, including, but not limited to
solar, wind, biofuels and other sources.
257.Coordinate with energy providers to encourage investments that increase reliable,
equitable, efficient, and affordable energy for Hawai‘i residents and businesses.
258.Continue to participate at the State level to provide feedback on all energy related
initiatives and proposed revisions to comprehensive Integrated Resource Plans.
259.Encourage energy efficiency designs in all new County facilities and upgrade existing
facilities with energy efficient systems as practical.
260.Continue to support building codes that require solar hot water and other energy
efficient designs.
261.Encourage large developments to meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED), Low Impact Development (LID) or similar energy sustainability certification
standards.
262.County strives for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Low Impact
Development (LID) or similar energy sustainability certification for new buildings or when
renovating existing buildings for County use.
263.Encourage use of technologies, techniques, and materials in building design,
construction, and removal that result in the least environmental impact over the life
cycle of the structure.
264.Increase the amount of electric vehicles used on the Island.
265.Determine realistic targets for the appropriate mix of variable renewables and firm
renewables within the energy network.
266.Partner with both government and private sources for research and development of
alternative/renewable energy resources.
267.Support innovative heating and cooling technologies such as sea water cooling, heat
pump technology, and low carbon systems that serve multiple buildings.
268.Support local training and education programs to develop green job growth; especially
in renewable energy and natural resource management.
269.Support the development of commercially produced energy to meet the needs of the
County of Hawai‘i in a culturally sensitive manner.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 73
270.Promote biomass energy and fuel production using wood chips from exotic/invasive
trees.
271.Monitor and advocate for discounted off-peak electrical rates.
272.Encourage eco-districts, where multiple partners work together to achieve sustainability
and resource efficiency goals at a neighborhood/district scale.
273.Encourage and promote development that uses renewable resources, such as solar,
wind, and water to generate power on-site and to contribute to the energy grid.
274.Support renewable energy producing incentives through local utility programs such
those developed for community-based renewable energy systems, customer grid-
supply, customer self-supply, smart export, interconnection agreements, net energy
metering, and other similar incentives for independent energy producers.
ACTION
2.125 Identify appropriate renewable energy resource zones and support commercial
renewable energy facilities in these resource zones.
2.126 Develop a County purchasing policy that incorporates energy saving principles for
its own buildings, facilities and services.
2.127 Incorporate appropriate green building or climate resilient specifications into
competitive bids.
2.128 In partnership with State and Federal agencies, develop and codify standards for
overhead utility and broadcast facilities, including requirements for underground
siting, co-location of services, incorporating visual mitigation strategies in design,
and accommodations for future expansions.
2.129 Identify utility corridors for high voltage transmission lines. Route selection for high
voltage transmission lines should include consideration for setbacks from major
thoroughfares and residential areas.
2.130 Develop and implement incentives for energy efficient/green design standards.
2.131 Develop or participate in programs for improving consumer energy efficiency and
conservation through advanced metering infrastructure installations (also known
as smart meters).
2.132 Define appropriate criteria for renewable energy resource zones for commercially
produced energy. These could include, but are not limited to:
a)Solar Farm;
b)Wind Farm;
74 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
c)Hydroelectric Sources;
d)Geothermal Sources;
e)Wave Energy Locations;
f)Develop an electric vehicle charging station network map and identify
regional gaps in service.
2.133 Revise code to require new thresholds for, and/or incentivize, electric vehicle
charging stations. Incentives may include reducing minimum parking requirements
in exchange for the development of charging stations in high use areas, multi-family
residential developments, or in areas identified as underserved in the network
maps. [Code]
2.134 Reevaluate vehicle charging station requirements in the code to determine if the
parking lot threshold for requirements should be lowered, and determine if
additional requirements or incentives are warranted to facilitate electric vehicle
use.
2.135 Revise code to set criteria for underground siting of utilities to minimize conflict
with the natural environment and preserve viewshed resources.
2.136 Develop code to address commercial energy development.
2.137 Develop standards and principles for reviewing PUC applications.
2.138 Conduct a feasibility report for using renewable sources to generate power for
public water system infrastructure.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 75
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
GOALS
3.Hawai‘i’s local economy is diverse, stable, innovative, and complements the Island’s unique
ecology, community character, and cultural heritage. We strive for residents to be
economically self-sufficient while focusing to reduce import dependence.
a)Agriculture is a robust, diversified sector that emphasizes food security and
includes a broad range of agricultural-based businesses, and agricultural tourism.
b)Residents have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and
locally produced food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an
active and healthy life.
c)Residents have physical and economic access to adequate and affordable housing
in various types, sizes and price ranges to meet that meets the needs of the
population and provides equitable opportunities for household flexibility and
mobility.
d)The visitor industry thrives by exposing guests to authentic cultural representations
Hawai‘i’s natural
wonders, while maintaining a high quality of life for residents.
FOCUSING ON ECONOMIC DIVERSITY & INNOVATION
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Progressively increase percentage of residents that are economically self-sufficient.
POLICY
275.Prioritize economic diversity, stability, and innovation in County programs, plans, and
research.
[Rationale:
CDP Community Objective 11, and General Plan Goal (2.2 (c, f).]
76 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
276.Evaluate new business proposals for potential community and cultural impacts and
negative impacts are identified and properly mitigated.
[Rationale: Based on Puna CDP Goal 2.1.1, and General Plan Goal 2.2 (h).]
277.Eco-Industrial Parks shall be available to areas within the Urban Area zoned MG, ML, or
MCX, to encourage the feasibility testing of the concept of an eco-industrial park, which
is a community of firms that exchange and make use of each other’s byproducts.
[Rationale: Based on a need identified in the Kona CDP process to increase industrial land
use availability and form collaborative, mutually beneficial enterprises. Kona CDP ECON–
1.8. See also General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (a)]
278.Invest in infrastructure and facilities that support economic development.
279.Promote sustainable business development opportunities focusing on diversified
agriculture, educational and institutional research-based tourism, green technologies
and building, and sustainable tourism.
280.Support subsistence-based businesses and economies and preserve opportunities to
“live off the land”.
281.Collaborate to expand the research, development, energy, and small and high
technology industries.
282.Assist in the development of creative industries to market local sites and coordinate
event activities.
283.Promote Hawai‘i Island as a center for natural scientific research.
284.Monitor trends and identify business needs, strengthen existing industries, and diversify
the economy by attracting emerging industries.
285.Support education, training, and workforce development.
286.Support apprenticeships and mentorships to strengthen the entrepreneurial skillsets and
networks.
287.Collaborate with the private sector to identify business needs, strengthen existing
industries, and diversify the economy by attracting new endeavors.
288.Partner with business associations, realtors, and the chamber of commerce to recruit
small-scale manufacturers to establish retail locations in village and town centers to
support reinvestment.
289.Partner with business associations, realtors, and the chamber of commerce to match
potential tenants with local landowners.
290.Shared workspaces, including certified kitchens and industrial co-work buildings, are
encouraged in appropriate locations.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 77
291.Maintain a program for updating zoning code to accommodate emerging industries and
technologies consistent with other goals, objectives and policies of this General Plan.
292.Partner with business associations, realtors, and chamber of commerce to remove
regulatory barriers and create incentives for urban renewal, rehabilitation, and/or
redevelopment programs in cooperation with communities, businesses and
governmental agencies, instead of developing new commercial areas.
293.Promote use of the incentives offered by the opportunity zones and enterprise zones
partnership programs to attract businesses.
294.Partner with business associations, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and other agencies and
private entities to host local fairs, markets, and networking events in target communities.
295.Plan for and identify appropriate areas for business incubation/innovation districts and
industrial/ business parks.
296.Remove regulatory barriers that restrict entrepreneurial endeavors, such as zoning
restrictions for home-based businesses that do not negatively impact the infrastructure
network or the character of the neighborhood.
297.Encourage land uses that allow for small-scale manufacturers in retail establishments
that enhance and are balanced with the County’s natural, cultural, and social
environments.
298.Encourage partnerships that leverage existing infrastructure and financial resources as
well as projects that provide for additional infrastructure resources desirable for
development of sustainable local industries.
ACTION
3.1 Pilot a program to secure community payments for ecosystem services.
3.2 Study the feasibility of economic and financial impact reviews.
3.3 Develop an inventory of the following commercially zoned lands:
a)Undeveloped commercial, industrial, and resort zoned areas in order to
evaluate their land use designations and consider reallocating these land
uses to more appropriate areas for development;
b)Actively developed industrial and resort areas to provide data for future
land use decisions and economic market reseafrch.
3.4 Identify incentives and other economic development tools to promote
reinvestment in underperforming commercial corridors.
78 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
3.5 Identify public lands within designated village and town centers that could serve as
assets for economic development. This could also include parking areas, pocket
parks, art parks, and public gathering spaces.
3.6 Develop a tiered tax program for commercial properties within special districts to
facilitate tenant retention, occupancy rates, and to discourage derelict vacant
buildings.
3.7 Identify and maintain an inventory of blighted areas, as defined in HRS 53, for urban
renewal, rehabilitation, and/or redevelopment programs.
3.8 Identify and maintain an inventory of potentially polluted lands to determine
qualifications and feasibility for renewal, rehabilitation, and/or redevelopment
through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program.
3.9 Develop business improvement districts and Main Street programs to fund
revitalization efforts.
3.10 Provide technical support to develop Town Revitalization Plans to preserve historic
and cultural village character and support local businesses.
3.11 Develop a masterplan and feasibility study for Ho‘olulu Complex redevelopment
into an athletic-exhibition-conference facility.
3.12 Develop a masterplan and feasibility study for a civic auditorium and/or performing
arts center for the Kona area.
AGENCY ACTION
3.13 UH and Workforce Development: Develop workforce for emerging industries
3.14 State: Appropriate and release funds for Capital Improvements in visitor areas
3.15 State: Invest in infrastructure, terminals, and facilities that support economic
development
PRIORITIZING AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase locally owned and operated agricultural businesses.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 79
POLICY
299.In order to provide a means for local agricultural producers to market their products, the
County shall interpret HRS 205 liberally to allow the establishment and continued
operations of open farmers’ markets and road-side stands in the State Land Use
Agricultural district without a Special Permit. If the project qualifies for Plan Approval, a
market management plan containing provisions for adequate on-site parking, on-site and
off-site traffic management, and adequate sanitation facilities must be approved by the
Planning Department prior to the operation of the open farmers market.
[Rationale: ies 116 and 117, CDP Policy 139, and
General Plan 2.3 (u).]
300.Educate landowners about agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs
and encourage participation in these programs.
301.Assist in the expansion and promotion of the agricultural industry through the protection
of viable and productive agricultural lands.
302.Partner with appropriate state and federal agencies, and other groups for programs,
training, and building community capacity in the promotion of the agricultural industry.
303.Support the development and stability of marketing plans, programs, cooperative
groups, and other networking organizations that promote the agricultural industry.
304.Support the development of private and state agricultural parks to make agricultural land
available for agricultural activities.
305.Hawai‘i community college aid in their
development of education, training, and workforce development programs that assist
agriculture.
306.Support apprenticeships to strengthen the skillset and networks of industry leaders.
307.Incentivize small-scale farming, such as taro production, through expanded tax credits
for small farms.
308.Support the sustainable development of the fishing industry, various forms of
aquaculture, and other fresh and marine-based activities.
309.Support research and development of viable biofuel projects that will supply renewable
transportation fuels or power for Hawai‘i Island in ways that are community-supported,
sustainable, ecologically sound, and complimentary to food production.
310.Promote operations that utilize local materials and secondary byproducts from
agriculture, agroforestry, silviculture, and aquaculture.
80 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
311.Promote the development of a local timber industry through support of timber
processing and building code flexibility for locally produced building products.
ACTION
3.16 Develop distinctive, regional identities to enable public and private industries to
promote Hawai‘i agricultural products as unique within the state of Hawai‘i.
3.17 Update the County of Hawai‘i’s tax reduction programs to provide tax incentives
for commercial agriculture operations, and community gardens.
3.18 Update the County of Hawai‘i ’s tax reduction programs to ensure that tax
incentives for agricultural land use result in actual public benefits and promote local
agricultural production where possible.
3.19 Create a real property tax exemption (perhaps 4 to 6 years) for farmers entitled to
Federal crop loss insurance.
3.20 Amend code to remove barriers to allow for off-site directional signage to promote
local farms engaged in direct sales and other permitted visitor-related businesses,
while minimizing scenic impacts. [Code]
3.21 Revise grubbing and grading ordinances as they pertain to agriculture including the
creation of exemption categories for water storage and aquaculture.
AGENCY ACTION
3.22 State Department of Agriculture: Support programs to prevent harmful alien
species from becoming established and impacting commercial agriculture.
3.23 State legislature: Amend Hawai‘i Revised Statutes to include green waste,
composting, and fertilizer yards (utilizing only manure and soil) for commercial use
as permitted uses on agriculturally zoned land.
3.24 State of Hawai Support the development of
agricultural parks in areas with adequate infrastructure for agriculture and
processing.
3.25 State DLNR: Support the establishment of community-based subsistence fishing
areas.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase total acres of active food production.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 81
POLICY
312.Develop and maintain a food self-sufficiency strategy for Hawai‘i County to serve as a
mitigation and adaptation strategy that decreases Hawai‘i’s food carbon footprint (via
imports) while increasing community resilience to climate and natural hazards.
[Rationale: Based on recommendations from the University of Hawai‘i at
Grant College Program: June 2014 Climate Change Impacts in Hawai‘i - A summary of
climate change and its impacts to Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and communities.]
313.Prioritize restoration of traditional agricultural uses.
[Rationale: Based on the recognized need to increase local food production and Kona
CDP Policy section related to CR-3.1 and Action CR-3.3b.]
314.Increase public-private partnerships to strengthen the local food system.
315.Reduce County greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by improving food system waste
management.
316.Support training related to the requirements of the food safety modernization act.
317.Support the development of community-based food systems.
318.Allow for and encourage urban agriculture uses such as on-site sales and small-scale
animal husbandry.
ACTION
3.26 Develop a program to monitor local food production and consumption.
3.27 Conduct regional community food-system assessments.
3.28 Develop and implement an emergency food plan which could be deployed in the
event of a natural or economic disaster.
3.29 Adopt procedures to allow for the development of community gardens and edible
landscaping on public lands, maybe through Friends of the Park agreements.
3.30 County Code, Section 15-72 to allow farmers’ market permits to
include parks in rural areas that lack appropriate commercial zoned lands for
farmers markets. [Code]
3.31
innovative strategies to produce enough food to be self-sustainable.
82 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
AGENCY ACTION
3.32 State Legislation: Seek State legislation or rule-making to allow local agricultural
producers to make direct sales to consumers at County-designated farmers
markets at the 0.5% general excise tax rate rather than the 4.0% rate that applies
to retail sales.
3.33 State department of agriculture: apply for specialty crop block grants to strengthen
taro production.
3.34 State DOE: Develop and support Farm to School programs and other programs
designed to provide locally produced food to Planning Area schools.
3.35 Coordinate with University of Hawai‘i
Human Resources’ to increase the farm food safety coaching program and farm
food safety certifiers.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase availability of infrastructure (agricultural water, transportation systems for product and
equipment access, and packing and processing facilities for ranching, agricultural crops, timber,
and value-added products) to areas of high agricultural production.
POLICY
319.Support the creation of water cooperatives supported with County revenue bonds and
other sources. Cooperative users should be responsible for development, maintenance
and repair of the agricultural water systems.
320.Where the County has replaced surface water sources with groundwater sources to
meet Safe Drinking Water standards, the County should consider allocating the surface
water sources for agricultural use.
321.Support expanding the capacity of air and sea port facilities and staffing for the
exportation of agricultural crops.
322.Promote agricultural processing, including the development of non-profit or private
commercial kitchens, processing, storage, and distribution facilities, using existing
facilities as appropriate for the development of value-added local products.
323.Support the continued operation of the USDA’s Pacific Basin Agricultural Resource
Center facility.
324.Incentivize and remove barriers to allow the agricultural industry to provide or develop
employee housing and workers quarters.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 83
325.Evaluate code and statutory amendments to allow agricultural worker housing to be
developed without requiring the housing be sited on the same parcel (TMK) of the
working subject farm. [Code]
ACTION
3.36 Map existing and proposed agricultural infrastructure.
3.37 Expand programs to provide for agricultural irrigation water.
3.38 Develop criteria to determine appropriate places for agricultural parks, including
the availability of potable water.
3.39 Expand County programs to provide for water for designated Agricultural Parks and
prime agricultural areas.
3.40 Encourage the Board of the Department of Water Supply (DWS) to include
agricultural water planning in County water system expansion plans.
3.41 Amend Hawai‘i County Code to include provisions for suitable agricultural
infrastructure projects financed by County bonds and liens on real property of
participating agricultural stakeholders, whether or not such assessments on TMKs
involve contiguous parcels of lands encumbered under an “Agricultural
Improvement District”. [Code]
AGENCY ACTION
3.42 State DHHL, DOA and ACD: expand agricultural water systems in prime agricultural
areas.
3.43 DOA- Restoration of the ditch systems should be investigated and planned to meet
anticipated future agricultural needs.
DEVELOPING A PLACE-BASED VISITOR INDUSTRY
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase visitor expenditure or length of stay.
84 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
POLICY
326.Encourage, where appropriate, the establishment of visitor-related uses and facilities
that directly promote the agriculture industry.
327.Support the promotion and development of programs, festivals, and events that engage
visitors and residents in unique and authentic ways
328.Support the development of a place-based tourism industry that emphasizes the
preservation of our unique cultural, natural, and built environment assets.
ACTION
3.44 Continue to seek funds from the State Capital Improvement Program to help
develop visitor industry support facilities in accordance with the County's General
Plan.
AGENCY ACTION
3.45 industry that
promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hawai‘i
Island and with the environmental and social goals of residents.
PROVIDING EQUITABLE AND SAFE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR ALL
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase in number of newly constructed housing units (1,300 du/year to reflect needed housing
units referenced 2014 Rental Housing Study).
POLICY
329.Hawai‘i County shall expand its participation in Federal, State, and Hawaiian housing
assistance programs to rehabilitate owner and rental housing for very low, low, median,
and moderate income residents by seeking grants, loans, and technical assistance in
conjunction with public and private stakeholders.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 9.3 (a, c, j, l, s, v).]
330.Maintain an affordable housing and property inventory system consistent with 201H-6
HRS.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 201H-6, and General Plan 9.2 (e, h).]
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 85
331.All affordable housing projects which receive development benefits from Hawai‘i County,
including but not limited to land use/ zoning approvals, special approvals, conditional
uses, and density bonuses, shall be required to maintain the project (or portion thereof)
as affordable for a period of 40 years pursuant to deed restrictions or other mechanisms
specified in the HCC.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP Policy HS- 5.2]
332.Affordable and transitional housing shall be prioritized on vacant urban land already
zoned for multifamily development and around transit hubs.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goal 9.2 (d, g) and Policy 9.3 (t, x). See also the
McKinsley Global Institute (MGI) report.]
333.Limit the locations of government facilitated or mandated affordably priced housing
units to Urban Service Areas.
[Rationale: Based on the ongoing trend to locate affordable housing developments in
agricultural areas that lack basic infrastructure; thereby shifting the infrastructure
development, maintenance, and service costs to populations that can least afford it. See
also General Plan 9.3 (x).]
334.Partner with Federal, State, and nonprofit housing entities and housing trusts to fund
and support community-based non-profit organizations in their efforts to provide
adequate affordable housing.
335.Incorporate reasonable flexibility in codes and ordinances to achieve a diversity of socio-
economic housing mix and to permit aesthetic balance between single-family residential
structures and open spaces.
336.Support collaborative partnerships that address homelessness, work toward immediate
solutions to house and service homeless populations and work toward long-term
strategies to reduce homelessness.
337.Encourage use permits for innovative and experimental housing types to address
homelessness, temporary, and transitional housing located close to services, job centers,
transit hubs.
ACTION
3.46 Create incentives and remove barriers to reduce cost of building residential units.
3.47 Remove barriers to the use of local building materials, traditional ‘island
appropriate’ construction techniques, recycled materials and other alternate
building materials.
3.48 Evaluate and revise inclusionary zoning and housing requirements.
86 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
3.49 Develop rules and criteria for the County’s administering the State’s affordable
housing incentive program as per HRS 201H.
3.50 Revise code to determine maximum developable area based on lot size and zoning
designation.
3.51 Develop criteria for the elimination or reduction of off-street parking requirements.
3.52 Change zoning regulations to increase allowable residential densities in Urban-
designated locations.
3.53 Change zoning regulation in Urban-designated locations, to require a minimum and
maximum level of residential density.
3.54 Revise the following financial mechanisms in HCC:
a)Revise Big Island Tax Increment Financing (TIF) ordinance.
b)Housing Trust Funds (as ongoing renewable source of revenue for AH,
capitalized with other sources such as commercial linkage fees and in-lieu
fees).
c)Tax incentives to facilitate affordable housing owners to recoup the costs
of repairs.
3.55 Revise County Code Chapter 11 to implement rules and criteria for administering
the State’s affordable housing incentive program as per HRS 201H.
3.56 Perform a feasibility study to explore mechanisms to ensure affordable housing
development is progressive and to ensure adequate affordable housing stock
remains in a tiered approach.
3.57 Form an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at County level to complete an
island wide Affordable Housing Plan, including the following:
a)Barriers assessment survey
b)Define, assess, craft, and/or initiate, where appropriate, research
opportunities to identify promising strategies to maintain adequate rental
housing stock.
3.58 Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code and Chapter 23 of the Subdivision Code to
allow Clustered Rural Subdivisions as an alternative to Cluster Plan Developments
(C.P.D.) Section 25-6-20. [Code]
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase in various housing types.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 87
POLICY
338.Require residential and mixed-use developments to incorporate a variety of housing
types within a single development project.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goal 9.2 (c) and Policy 9.3 (l).]
339.Support the development of a variety of housing types, uses and models, including
experimental housing and compact housing communities. (Ex: modular/pre-fab;
work/live arrangements; co-housing, limited equity cooperatives, etc.)
340.Incentivize the development of compact and energy efficient housing types that
minimize use of resources such as smaller detached homes, accessory dwellings, and
attached homes.
341.Encourage housing construction to take into consideration the need for ADA accessible-
housing as well as the needs of the growing elderly population who have mobility
impairments.
342.Consider broadening current real property tax reductions or exemptions as financial
incentives for a private property owner’s provision of a certifiable affordable housing
rental unit as a second dwelling unit where allowable.
ACTION
3.59 Revise code to facilitate Accessory Dwelling unit development.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Eliminate housing determined to be structurally unsound.
POLICY
343.Hawai‘i County shall develop minimum standards for structural safety and coordinate to
monitor and inventory housing conditions. Standards for evaluation of the structural
condition of the housing stock are summarized below:
a)Sound: Most housing units in this category are in good condition and have no visible
defects. However, some structures with slight defects are also included.
b)Deteriorating: A housing unit in this category needs more repair than would be
provided in the course of regular maintenance, such as repainting. A housing unit
is classified as deteriorating when its deficiencies indicate a lack of proper upkeep.
c)Dilapidated (Substandard): A housing unit in this category indicates that the unit
can no longer provide safe and adequate shelter or is of inadequate original
88 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
construction including being constructed below the minimum required elevation
by FEMA or the County’s Floodplain Regulations.
[Rationale: Based on identified quality issues with current housing stock and General Plan
Goals 9.2 (a, e, l) and Standards from 9.4 (a-f).]
ACTION
3.60 Adopt a program including necessary staffing to inventory, monitor, and enforce
safe housing conditions.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 89
Section 4: Community Placemaking
GOALS
4.
historical roots, and in sustaining our multicultural heritage for future generations. We are
invested in enhancing public spaces, natural and cultural assets, and our social systems.
a)Communities are safe and protected and residents have access to quality,
integrative health and social services to support a high quality of life, decrease
health and social problems, and extend life expectancies.
b)Public infrastructure and facilities effectively service community needs, are
sustainably built and maintained with innovation and pride, promote a sense of
community, and support a high quality of life.
c)Health is prioritized by providing access to a wide variety of options and facilities
that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices for residents and visitors
of all ages.
d)Responsible and reasonable public access for spiritual, religious, cultural,
recreational, and subsistence practices is assured and protected.
e)An interconnected, island-wide multimodal trail system is developed and
maintained to encourage healthy living and provide links between people and their
natural environment.
f)Our Hawaiian and multi-ethnic cultural values are preserved and perpetuated in
celebration of the evolving diversity that enhances our island way of life.
g)The historical integrity and character and scenic assets and open spaces of our
communities are protected, restored, and treated as unique assets with significant
social and economic value and managed in perpetuity.
90 Section 4: Community Placemaking
MAINTAINING EDUCATION FACILITIES AS ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase the opportunities for collaboration with State and community organizations on
community events at school facilities.
POLICY
344.Partner with State and community organizations to ensure that school facilities, including
their surrounding area open spaces, are community-centered, designed for multiple uses
as appropriate (aka: joint-use facilities) and serve as anchor institutions in the
community.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 10.2.2 (a, b, c).]
345.Design enrollment guidelines for new schools are:
a)Elementary (preK-5) 400 to 750 students 8 to 15 usable acres
b)Middle (6-8) 500 to 1,000 students 15 to 20 usable acres
c)High (9-12) 800 to 1,600 students 45 to 55 usable acres
In existing urban areas where the availability of land is limited to infill sites and where
new housing developments require the construction of new school facilities, design
enrollment guidelines for new schools are:
d)Elementary (preK-5) 400 to 750 students 2.5 to 3 usable acres
e)Middle (6-8) 500 to 1,000 students 5 to 6 usable acres
f)High (9-12) 800 to 1,600 students 8 to 10 usable acres
[Rationale: Based on Hawai‘i Board of Education Policy 301-2.]
346.School sites are identified in master plans for all new town developments or major
expansions to ensure coordination with roads, water, sewer and recreations
infrastructure and other support facilities and considerations such as traffic and safety,
and access for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 10.2.2 (a).]
347.Establish and maintain joint-use of public facilities in close proximity to each other,
including: schoolyards, parks, libraries, and other public facilities for community use for
recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan
5.9.3.2.]
Section 4: Community Placemaking 91
348.
Community College campuses, including the creation of satellite campuses.
349.Coordinate with the State Department of Education to develop public schools in
underserved communities.
350.Advocate to the State to locate its community facilities, such as public schools and
libraries, in designated village/town centers, and to design them to be compatible with
the existing village/town center.
351.ry in underserved
communities.
352.Support the development of Charter and other public schools to meet district needs and
consistent with adopted school siting criteria.
353.County should develop master plans and consider land use designations surrounding
existing educational campuses outside of urban areas for residential and commercial
support uses.
354.School buildings should be designed, or at times retrofitted, to serve as emergency
shelters.
355.Facilitate the use of libraries as a means to disseminate public information and engage
civic participation, and to site libraries or satellite facilities for convenient access to all
age groups and disabilities.
356.Advocate to the State and private agencies to use existing and new facilities to offer
place-based and distance education opportunities to adults.
ACTION
4.1 Adopt standards to be met for siting of new or substantially expanded public and
private schools such as close to arterial roads, sites free from flooding, drainage
problems, excessive slopes, and not in high hazard areas. Site design should
incorporate appropriate street and driveway design and location to minimize traffic
interference, pedestrian hazards, and enable safe and easy access for vehicles,
bicycles, and pedestrians.
4.2 Participate in the development of student and faculty housing for the university
and other joint-use facilities.
92 Section 4: Community Placemaking
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase the participation in Safe Routes to School program.
POLICY
357.Prioritize the development of sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and bike paths around
school complexes to increase walkability and pedestrian safety for a range of users.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan
358.County shall develop a master plan for Safe Routes to Schools for a 1-2 mile radius
around existing and proposed schools and shall require new developments in the vicinity
of schools to provide safe pedestrian facilities and additional school zone signage.
[Rationale: Based on a recognized long-term need to add bike/pedestrian routes to/from
-61 and Community Action 37, Puna CDP
4.5.2a, Kona Trans-3.5. See also the 2005 General Plan Infrastructure Report.]
[Transportation]
359.Implement a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) programs for all schools.
360.Private and public college campuses should be master-planned to approve appropriate
scales of residential, commercial and minor light industrial uses (e.g., storage)
ACTION
4.3 Collaborate with Department of Education to create Safe Routes to School Plans.
4.4 Develop the master plan for the surrounding areas of the University in coordination
with the adjoining
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES HEALTHY & SAFE
Police Services
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Police personnel increase to a minimum of 1.6 per 1,000 residents.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 93
POLICY
361.Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) shall be incorporated into
village design guidelines.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 226-58(b)(1) & HRS 226-26(c)(1), and Kona CDP Action PUB-
2.2e.]
362.Maintain and improve rural police service ratios adjusted for geographic distance travel
times to provide adequate service response.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan CDP
Policy 110.]
363.Maintain police staffing to 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents in all districts.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 10.3.3 (a), Kona CDP PUB-2 Public Safety and
PUB-2.1, and includes the industry standard ratio (2.5/1,000).]
364.Police headquarters shall be near the geographic center of the service area and near
concentrations of commercial and industrial use.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 10.3.2 (d).]
365.Police stations in outlying districts shall be based on the population to be served and
response time rather than on geographic district.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (e).]
366.Support the development and expansion of community policing programs, including
neighborhood and farm watch programs in urban, rural and agricultural communities.
367.Enhance security and orderliness in downtown areas through Business Improvement
Districts or other organizational tools, and partner with downtown businesses.
ACTION
4.5 Review County lighting and landscaping ordinances to implement CPTED.
4.6 Develop a public safety audit checklist and conduct neighborhood and downtown
safety walks to identify potential crime spots or unsafe areas.
4.7 Consider reinstating bicycle patrol programs in downtown areas.
4.8 Allocate additional funding to the County Police Department to consistently
monitor traffic operations along safe routes to schools/parks and enforce traffic
code.
4.9 Actively expand Community Policing programs such as Neighborhood, Farm, and
Business Watch programs.
94 Section 4: Community Placemaking
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES HEALTHY & SAFE
Fire and Emergency Services
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Achieve 100% of on time fire and emergency response times.
POLICY
368.The establishment of a fire/police facility shall consider site size and locations that permit
quick and efficient vehicular access.
[Rationale: Based General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (b).]
369.Establish a minimum level of service for fire stations to provide a response time of 8
minutes in Urban Areas and 12 minutes in the rural areas.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP PUB-2.3.]
370.Rescue services should be provided by ground and sea by at least one station in each
district and maintain an appropriate number and type of emergency helicopters,
including appropriate aero medical capabilities.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 10.3.2 (i) and Kona CDP PUB-2.3.]
371.Ensure HazMat service in each district.
[Rationale: Based on a recognized gap in HazMat service in rural areas and on General
Plan 10.3.3 (c) and Kona CDP PUB-2.3.]
372.Prioritize securing 4x4 emergency vehicles for service in remote communities.
[Rationale: Based on an identified gap in providing emergency service in rugged areas
373.The County shall maintain staffing for a Board of Appeals for the Fire Department
(Hawai‘i County Code 26-3) to ensure public concerns are addressed and there is an
adequate mechanism to increase transparency and consistency in the application of the
Fire Code as per Section 26-6.
[Rationale: The Board of Appeals for the Fire Department is a mandated commission
through HCC 26-3 but it has not been active since 2011. Without a board of appeals for
the Fire Department, the public has no other recourse for appeals apart from litigation.]
374.All fire stations should provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
375.Development of police and fire facilities should entail joint-use structures whenever
feasible.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 95
376.Support and expand volunteer fire facilities and capacity.
377.Lifeguard stations should be located at all County and State beach parks.
378.Support code amendments that address fire safety issues while also accommodating
flexibility in design and provisions for alternate water sources when adequate public
water is not available. [Code]
ACTION
4.10 Assess code amendments to consolidate the Fire Board of Appeals with the Board
of Appeals in order to provide sufficient and efficient staffing and resources. [Code]
4.11 Prioritize budget increases for technology improvements for emergency services;
including HazMat service, 4x4 vehicles, and other equipment or software to
improve emergency response times.
4.12 Amend building codes to require fire-supply catchment tanks accessible from
street frontages. [Code]
4.13 Establish public or private firefighting water systems in large water-catchment
subdivisions and other priority areas as identified by the Fire Department.
4.14 Amend Real Property Tax code to include incentives for providing common
catchment tank access for community firefighting purposes. [Code]
4.15 Study, assess, and design private common access-distribution systems of private
catchment water for firefighting purposes in rural catchment communities.
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES HEALTHY & SAFE
Health & Social Services
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Each community has access to healthcare facilities, programs, or community-based care.
POLICY
379.Ensure that hospitals are sufficiently hardened to remain in effective use through natural
disasters.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in facility hardening, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,
and General Plan 10.3.3 (l).]
96 Section 4: Community Placemaking
380.Support the establishment or expansion of community health centers, rural health clinics
and mobile clinic services for the medically underserved population, especially in rural
areas.
381.Advocate for programs serving the elderly, disabled, and homeless persons.
382.Support the establishment of centrally-located, 24-hour, full-service medical facilities,
with trauma care, to service rural areas.
383.Serve as a point of community access for information and referral for health, education,
and social services.
384.Support the establishment of home and community-based care.
ACTION
4.16 Establish an Aging and Disability Resource Center in Kailua-Kona.
4.17 Work with community to establish One-Stop Community Resource Center to serve
as point of community access for information and referral for health, education and
social services.
4.18 Increase funding for the Healing Our Island Program.
4.19 Coordinate with the County
4.20 Amend County zoning and building codes as necessary to accommodate home and
community-based care elderly care. [Code]
4.21 Amend the Hawai‘i County Code to include land uses for substance abuse and/or
medical rehabilitative facilities and determine appropriate criteria for siting in
communities. [Code]
4.22 Amend Hawai‘i County Code to designate a lead agency for coordinating and
responding to outbreaks of life-threatening, highly communicable diseases
pursuant to Department of Health direction. [Code]
4.23 Develop medical center TOD master plan and rezone as a Regional Center TOD.
4.24 Develop and implement a cemeteries master plan for the siting of future
cemeteries.
COMMUNITY ACTION
4.25 Establish a comprehensive network of health and wellness services.
4.26 Expand the use of mobile health centers and services (health, screening, vision,
dental, etc.) to rotate through the rural communities on a regular basis.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 97
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce substance abuse, domestic violence and other social problems through social programs,
education, and intervention services.
POLICY
385.Partner with State and private service providers to develop a consolidated services
facility plan for victim and offender treatment, counseling and other rehabilitation
services (and other social services) in major urban centers (Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea).
386.Correctional facilities should emphasize rehabilitation and coordinate programs and
partnerships to successfully reintegrate individuals back into society.
ACTION
4.27 Expand partnerships among substance abuse treatment providers and improve
coordination and integration of services.
4.28 Develop public showers and restroom facilities in strategic locations to serve the
homeless and meet public sanitation needs.
AGENCY ACTION
4.29 Provide effective and readily accessible substance abuse treatment and prevention
services.
PROMOTING ACTIVE LIVING THROUGH RECREATION, TRAILS, &
PUBLIC ACCESS
Recreational Facilities & Programs
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Every resident of Urban Service Areas are within a 10-minute walk to a quality park.
POLICY
387.Maintain and/or improve park facilities and programs based on community needs
assessments to ensure County services are meeting the social, recreational, and activity
98 Section 4: Community Placemaking
needs of our communities.
[Rationale: based on status of existing park inventory and General Plan 12.3 (a-i)]
388.Implement a proactive maintenance program to ensure that park facilities and trails are
safely maintained for optimum usage.
[Rationale: Based on identified challenges of park maintenance, and General Plan 12.3
(b, j)]
389.Facilitate and prioritize the co-location of schools, parks, and senior centers to promote
interactivity between community members of all ages.
[Rationale: Based on research on active living, National Recreation and Park Association
10-
3.5.2.b, and General Plan 12.3 (d, g, h, I).]
390.Prioritize maintenance and necessary improvements at existing park facilities over
developing new park facilities within each district (this does not preclude accepting lands
for future park development or acquiring properties for the intent of preserving open
space, scenic areas, natural hazard areas, or cultural/historic areas from development).
[Rationale: Based on consultation with Parks and Recreation Department and in
recognition of the challenges in maintaining the parks lands currently in the County
inventory. See also General Plan 12.3 (q).]
391.Continue to improve parks and recreation outreach efforts to ensure program and facility
information is adequately available, promoted online through accessible websites and
through other mediums, and kept up-to-date to facilitate maximum community
participation.
[Rationale Policy 106, and General Plan 12.3 (p).]
392.Prioritize park acquisition and improvements that involve under-represented open
recreation and healthy living activities (outside the scope of organized sports), such as:
a)Walking and biking trails;
b)Skate/roller blade parks;
c)Dog-friendly parks;
d)Parks that offer camping opportunities;
e)Botanical and community garden parks, pocket and art parks;
f)Equestrian/rodeo arenas;
g)Archery and shooting ranges;
h)ATV and motorized recreation areas;
i)And other types of active and passive recreation that enhance the quality of life for
visitors and residents.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 99
[Rationale: Based on park inventory research and identified recreation gaps. Also based
on Kona CDP Action PUB-Policy 129 and General Plan 12.3 (g, o).]
393.Existing and new parks are designed with features that accommodate and encourage
meaningful levels of physical activity according to level of service criteria.
394.Recreational facilities should be planned and located where they will best facilitate and
support active-living communities.
395.Partner with State, Federal, and private entities to increase funding sources for park,
recreation, and trail development and maintenance.
396.Encourage the State to continue with the establishment of Kekaha Kai State Park
reaching into Mahai‘ula, Awake‘e, and Manini
397.Seek to combine recreation facility improvements projects with other needed facility
improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening, etc.)
398.Partner with and initiate joint agreements with State, Federal, and private entities for
funding, management, and maintenance for recreation and public access priorities.
399.Support and enhance recreational facilities by developing additional recreational
offerings in underutilized areas of County properties, such as the Pana‘ewa Recreation
Complex.
400.Consider amending Hawai‘i County Code Section 23-26 to develop criteria for assessing
community needs and allow flexibility for park types to include open space areas, green
space (buffers) and allowances for the publicly dedicated lands to be used as community
gardens, art parks, etc. [Code]
401.Establish, in cooperation with the State Department of Education, joint-use of
schoolyards, County parks, and other public facilities for community use for recreational,
cultural, and other compatible uses.
ACTION
4.30 Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural
or recreational values. Provide, at a minimum, an island wide route connecting
major parks and destinations.
4.31 Conduct Park facilities condition assessments and keep the County of Hawai‘i
Recreation Plan updated to reflect newly identified recreational priorities. The
updated Recreation Plan should develop a strategic management plan for
upgrading facilities and establish a level of service standards for parks.
100 Section 4: Community Placemaking
4.32 Amend Hawai‘i County Code to better address park and recreation issues in the
following ways:
a)Amend subdivision code (Ch. 23) to be consistent with Dedication of Land
code (Ch. 8) in providing land area for park and recreational use or pay a
fee in lieu thereof. (q)
b)Develop and adopt an Impact Fees Ordinance. (r)
c)Amend Dedication of Land code (Ch. 8) to include “net useable acreage.”
[Code]
4.33 Perform a review and audit of the inventory resulting from the subdivision
requirements within Hawai‘i County Code Section 23-26 (Reservation for parks,
playgrounds, and public building sites). [Code]
4.34 Amend Hawai‘i County Code Section 23-26 to ensure that land area is not only set
aside for recreational/public use, but that there are funds or a funding mechanism
to develop the land for its intended purpose. [Code]
4.35 Develop a center/complex for major cultural, educational and recreational
activities.
4.36 Expand and map Friends of the Park programs to manage and improve County
parks and facilities.
4.37 Develop facilities and safe pathway systems for multimodal use such as walking,
jogging, and biking activities.
4.38 Develop walking paths around existing ballparks and other park grounds, as
feasible. These walking paths should be level footpaths that meet accessibility
requirements whenever possible.
4.39 Expand active open recreational opportunities at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and
Equestrian Center properties such as: bike/walking trails, horse trails, dog-friendly
trails, and other outdoor recreation that would complement the Pana‘ewa
complex.
4.40 Enter into partnership agreements with the State and private groups (such as
Friends of the Park) to make improvements and assist in maintenance of essential
but poorly maintained urban parks such as Wailoa State Park.
4.41 Advocate to the State to improve Wailoa State Park complex in the center of Hilo.
4.42 Identify shoreline areas suitable for coastal access points, including boat launches,
small boat harbors, etc.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 101
COMMUNITY ACTION
4.43 Collaborate with Friends of the Park groups to manage and improve County parks
and facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Existing and all new regional urban centers include multi-use natural open space and corridors.
POLICY
402.Establish topographically-sensitive active living corridors throughout portions of the
urban centers.
[Rationale: Based on Active Living Research and recommendations from Urban Land
General Plan 12.3 (m, o)]
403.Active living corridors should be where: (i) travel way gradients are low enough to be
appropriate for general recreational and bike/pedestrian commuting purposes, and (ii)
infill development and/or urban core extensions are planned.
ACTION
4.44 Amend Hawai‘i County Code 22 (Streets) to establish Complete Streets active-living
corridors in the primary urban areas. [Code]
4.45 Adopt Complete Streets Code for new & expanded developments. [Transportation]
4.46 Create and adopt budget-inclusive active living corridor plans for the primary urban
centers.
4.47 Provide funding for planning and acquisition, if necessary, of key corridor segments
after corridor-zone plans are adopted.
4.48 Revise zoning code to include a requirement for zones/corridors within both the
environmental report and the project master plan already required in zoning code
for all urban use rezones of 50+ acres.
102 Section 4: Community Placemaking
PROMOTING ACTIVE LIVING THROUGH RECREATION, TRAILS, &
PUBLIC ACCESS
Public Access & Trails
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Number of public access sites created through acquisition or easement or enhanced with
assistance from CZM funding or staff.
POLICY
404.The County
significant historic sites, public transit along the top of cliff, streams and other natural
water courses, mauka trails, facilities, and access to sites for gathering, hunting, and
other recreational purposes and in accordance with Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 34.
[Rationale: Based on existing County Code 34, General Plan Policy 12.3 (l, m), DP
]
405.Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or interests shall be required to dedicate
land for public access for pedestrian travel from a public highway or street to the land
below the high-water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas in the mountains where
there are existing facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit-picking, ti leaf sliding, and other
recreational purposes, and where there are existing mountain trails.
[Rationale: Based on existing HRS 46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)).]
406.Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands, including public roads or trails,
public access potentials shall be assessed, documented and protected if public access
use is in the public’s interest.
[Rationale: Based on existing HRS Section 46-General
Plan 12.3 (n).]
407.Ensure that publicly owned historic trails and roads are properly identified, and
consultation occurs to protect the public’s interests.
[Rationale General
Plan 12.3 (n).]
408.Alignment of coastal trails shall consider flexibility for realignment for sea level rise and
other dynamic shoreline changes. [Climate Change]
[Rationale: Based on current status of some impacted coastal areas and research relating
Section 4: Community Placemaking 103
to projected sea level rise impacts on coastal assets. See also California Coastal
Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance.]
409.Determine the location and ownership of historic trails and roads as early as possible in
the land use application process.
[Rationale: Based on identified challenges with ownership of historic trails and roads and
the subsequent legal implications. See also General Plan Policy 13.2.3 (q)]
410.Where a subdivision is traversed by a natural water course, drainage way, channel, or
stream, the Planning Director should require a pedestrian, equestrian, and/or bicycle
path when the opportunity exists to connect to existing or future drainage or trail
corridors.
411.Trails may also be used as emergency access routes, where appropriate.
412.Support the development of a Rails to Trails type program to facilitate the conversion of
old railway segments to a public trail network.
413.Seek private-public partnerships to manage and maintain public access to the shoreline,
public trails, hunting areas, scenic places and vistas, and significant historic sites,
buildings, and objects of public interest. [Public Access]
414.Explore options and collaborate with community groups to increase access to former
sugar cane roads to be used as non-motorized trails where feasible and appropriate.
ACTION
4.49 Amend code to require bicycle and walking path easements be developed in urban
areas to increase walkability and multimodal transportation options. [Code]
4.50 Work with the State and adjacent landowners in establishing old railroad right-of-
ways as pedestrian and bicycle trails.
4.51 Identify by GPS coordinates all existing historic trail alignments that (a) have been
recommended for preservation by SHPD, (b) appear on historic maps and/or are
known by oral tradition, and incorporate these into the County GIS database.
4.52 Actively implement the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Memorandum of
Understanding.
4.53 Appropriate, finance, allot, and encumber Capital Improvement Projects in support
of trail development as part of a regional trail system.
4.54 Add public access requirements as listed in Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 34 Public
Access to apply to Chapter 23 Subdivision Code, SMA review, zoning code, special
permits, etc. [Code]
104 Section 4: Community Placemaking
4.55 Develop and implement a public-private program to establish and manage specific
access points and trails.
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Develop and maintain a public access program that integrates recreation, subsistence, and cultural
access priorities.
POLICY
415.Integrate Public Access into County department priorities in the following ways:
a)Incorporate public access and development into a program overseen by the
Planning Department as per Chapter 34.
b)Integrate PONC property management and maintenance into the Parks and
Recreation code in Chapter 2: Article 11 and Chapter 15: Parks and Recreation.
c)Develop adequate staff to carry out the provisions of Chapter 2 Article 42, relating
to the PONC maintenance fund (as per: Section 2-214.2 (b). Pursuant to section
10-16(c) of the Charter, the maintenance fund shall be administered and managed
by the department of parks and recreation. Adequate staff to carry out the
provisions of this article and section 10-16 of the Charter shall be provided in the
department of parks and recreation.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in addressing or applying public access regulations
and procedures consistently between the various County Departments. The County
lacks capacity to fulfill its existing public access objectives without increasing staff
capacity, maintenance capacity, and without having clearer directives between the
various departments to implement a cohesive public access program.]
416.Integrate County public access priorities in all aspects of land use decisions and permit
reviews.
417.Consistently integrate public access development and maintenance into Parks and
Recreation department priorities.
418.Support facility development for access management at access points and along trail
corridors.
ACTION
4.56 Establish a County ublic Access and Trail Program with sufficient staff
and resources. Staff will be required to consult/consider recommendations of this
program in all permit reviews. Elements of this program may include:
Section 4: Community Placemaking 105
a)A comprehensive access inventory;
b)A public access rating system to help with prioritization;
c)Comprehensive reviews of projects (on public or private lands) that will
affect public accesses and trails;
d)Inventory of ancient trails, cart roads, and old government roads in
coordination with appropriate State agencies.
e)Public outreach and coordination element.
f)Identify agencies/groups to develop, administer, and maintain public
accesses, including developing County capacity for this purpose;
g) Identify funding sources to purchase and manage public access easement
to priority areas;
h)When public access goals will involve several landowners, acquire the public
access incrementally as opportunities arise to do so;
i)Public accesses that cross private land will be acquired and held until
appropriate management of the accesses is in place;
j)Collaborate with State and Federal agencies on public accesses that require
multi-agency involvement;
k)Develop a standardized template to promote consistency and
comprehensiveness in the public access plans required by landowners;
l)Partner with community organizations capable of assisting with public
access management;
m)Work with State agencies (particularly with DOFAW) to coordinate, survey,
develop, and manage public trails and roads leading to forest reserves;
n)In co-sponsorship with the State when possible, acquire land for public
access to historic sites and objects and to the shoreline where safe transit
does not already exist;
o)Reinstitute a Public Access Wayfinding program managed by the Planning
Department to assist interested community groups in maintaining
appropriate signage at public access points;
p)Provide cultural and safety information at trailheads;
q)Provide for substantive community input to the County Planning
Department and the County Council in order to finalize and accept priority
access. Include community input in program policy.
r)Whenever the County assumes the responsibility for posting and
maintaining signage and maintaining public accesses and other public
infrastructure, a specific County agency will be identified and assigned the
aforementioned responsibilities. [Code, Public Access]
106 Section 4: Community Placemaking
4.57 Amend the subdivision code to better address public access issues in the following
ways:
a)Revise/Develop enforcement protocols for public access violations,
including fines for noncompliance and mechanisms to remove private
obstructions from public accesses;
b)Review Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 34 requirements for public access
standards, including design that fits into surrounding community,
environment, and conditions. Establish parameters for requiring
appropriate right-of-way, parking, and comfort stations for various types of
public accesses/trails and incorporate these into Chapter 34;
c)Amend Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 34 to develop a clear methodology to
modify public access routes in order to adapt to sea level rise, landslides
and erosion, and other impacts related to environmental impacts and
climate change;
d) Amend Hawai‘i County Code Chapter 34, Rule 21, Chapter 23, and
Chapter25 CA 1.1.1 to ensure access and trail rights-of-way during
subdivision. [Code]
4.58 Complete an inventory and database of significant natural resource areas with
recreational and trail connectivity value.
4.59 Adopt an on-going program of identification, designation, and acquisition of areas
with existing or potential recreational resources, such as land with sandy beaches
and other prime areas for shoreline recreation in cooperation with appropriate
governmental agencies.
4.60 Develop procedural rules and templates for public access agreements and Grant of
Easement (GOE) to facilitate consistency and to provide mechanisms for tracking,
follow-through, and geographic information system (GIS) identification in County
systems, etc.
4.61 Develop procedural guidelines for renegotiating access agreements.
4.62 Renegotiate public accesses that were developed prior to Chapter 34 to be
consistent with Chapter 34.
4.63 Evaluate and initiate Charter & code amendments related to Public Access, Open
Space and Natural Resource Preservation (PONC). These may include:
a) Clearly distinguish categories of PONC property, such as active or passive
use, conservation, restoration, natural buffer areas, access uses, etc. (for
Section 4: Community Placemaking 107
instance, lands acquired to provide access versus lands acquired to
preserve from development that may not be appropriate for public access).
b) Amend Charter Section 10-5 c & f to allow PONC funds to be used for the
planning, design, development of new buildings, facilities, (including
comfort stations) or infrastructure such as roads, paths, bridges, culverts,
ramps, or drainage features if such improvements are necessary to meet
the objectives of public safety and to meet the purposes outlined in Hawai‘i
County Code 2-214.1. [Code]
c)Interpret or amend Charter Section 10-15 (c) 3 and County Code Section 2-
214.1 c) 3 referring to natural resource buffer zones to include buffer zones
for natural hazard areas, such as properties facing sea level rise, lava
inundation, steep slopes, or identified priority viewsheds. [Code]
d)Include assessments of tax revenue implications for lands nominated for
PONC consideration.
e)Amend Charter section 10-15 (c) and County Code Section 2-214.1 (c) to be
consistent with each other. For example, the County Code allows PONC
funds to be used for “significant habitat or ecosystems” but the Charter
does not include those terms. [Code]
4.64 Amend Chapter 15 to include PONC and trail development as part of the Parks and
Recreation Department’s priorities to be consistent with Chapter 34 in partnership
with the Planning Department.[Code]
4.65 Conduct a performance review of the PONC Maintenance Fund and Stewardship
Grant program to identify and implement ways to improve PONC management
system.
4.66 Amend Hawai‘i County Code Section 2-218 Prioritized list of qualifying lands worthy
of preservation to establish a means to evaluate the socio-environmental equity of
the lands nominated by district. Such as:
a)When there are multiple lands under consideration at any one time, priority
shall be given to coastal lands and lands where matching funding is available
to leverage the County contribution;
b)Consideration should be given to lands within districts under-represented
by PONC preservation program. [Code]
108 Section 4: Community Placemaking
AGENCY ACTION
4.67 Coordinate with State agencies to improve access and access/trail management
resources (including policies, conditions, identification, cataloguing, enforcement,
maintenance, etc.).
4.68 Consider establishing a working group with surrounding land owners and the user-
community to educate users and manage ATV use to ensure that non-pedestrian
allowances are not permitted within sections of modern trails that overlap, are
congruent, or correspond to ancient or historic trails and its associated features.
4.69 Coordinate with hunting associations and other land stewards, to establish clear
hunting policies and disseminate education regarding these policies.
4.70 To facilitate greater public access to and along the shoreline and elsewhere, amend
Hawai‘i Revised Statutes 520, Hawai‘i’s Recreational Use Statute (RUS), to make it
less ambiguous and to discourage frivolous lawsuits.
PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL & HISTORIC LEGACIES
Native Hawaiian Values & Practices
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Native Hawaiian language, values and practices are integrated into all County processes.
POLICY
419.Ensure Native Hawaiian access rights are clearly expressed in County code, policies, and
procedures.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County code and an over-reliance on State
statutes to address Native Hawaiian rights. See HRS Section 1-1, 7-1 and Article 12
Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i.]
420.Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural, and
Native
Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the right of the
State to regulate such rights. [Public Access, Natural Resources, Health]
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County code and an over-reliance on State
statutes to address Native Hawaiian rights. See HRS Section 1-1, 7-1 and Article 12
Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i.]
Section 4: Community Placemaking 109
421.Prioritize and maintain an education and awareness program for County employees
regarding Native Hawaiian culture, values, and resource management.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County capacity to sensitively address Native
Hawaiian issues.]
422.County shall staff include qualified personnel versed in Hawaiian language, Hawaiian
history, and historic preservation to provide dedicated expertise in support of the
objectives, polices, and actions stated in this plan.
[Rationale: Based on identified gaps in County capacity to sensitively address native
Hawaiian issues.]
423.Ensure access for cultural practitioners in areas that may not be appropriate for public
access (e.g. Burial sites, specific heiau).
[Rationale: Based on examples of sensitive areas that may need special treatment based
on cultural protocol.]
424.Support festivals and events that promote Native Hawaiian history and culture.
425.Support the development a multi-sector public education program regarding historic
sites that target the hospitality industry, real estate agents, site developers, consultants,
schools, youth groups, civic organizations, etc.
ACTION
4.71 Codify protections of Native Hawaiian customs and gathering rights related to
access and cultural preservation.
4.72 Identify and inventory important Native Hawaiian cultural and historic places,
traditional cultural properties, traditions, and practices, through the use of
architectural, archaeological, ethnographic surveys, and oral histories. [Mapping]
4.73 Develop an inventory of Native Hawaiian cultural resources and practices with
potential to be impacted by sea level rise. Work with Native Hawaiian communities
to determine steps they want to take regarding climate impacts. [Climate Change]
4.74 Amend the County building code to add standards for structures utilizing traditional
Hawaiian building design and construction methods. There may be certain
limitations placed on the occupancy or use of these structures, such as for cultural
purposes, accessory uses and/or occasional gatherings only. [Code]
110 Section 4: Community Placemaking
PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL & HISTORIC LEGACIES
Multi-Cultural Heritage
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
At least one yearly cultural event is supported by the County in each district.
POLICY
426.Support festivals and events that promote the island’s multi-cultural heritage.
427.Represent Hawai‘i as a place that embraces not only its own multi-cultural heritage, but
all world cultures in inclusive and celebratory ways.
428.Promote educational and celebratory opportunities for cultural exchanges with other
world cultures.
429.Promote opportunities for ‘sister city’ and other types of place-based cultural
enrichment opportunities with international communities.
ACTION
4.75 Establish and maintain a County Program (including grants) to support festivals and
events that promote history and culture.
PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL & HISTORIC LEGACIES
Historic Preservation
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Achieve 100% preservation of sites identified for preservation by State Historic Preservation
Division.
POLICY
430.Historic Preservation shall represent the full range and diversity of the multi-cultural
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goals 6.2, and Policies 6.3 (a-o).]
Section 4: Community Placemaking 111
431.The County shall maintain an inventory of significant cultural and historic sites and
districts compatible with that of the State Historic Preservation Division. The inventory
Inventory of Historic Places, and may also include sites of community significance
identified as being:
a)Important in the life or activities of a major historic person;
b)Associated with a major group or organization in the history of the island or
community;
c)Associated with a major historic event (cultural, economic, military, social, or
political);
d)Associated with a past or continuing institution that has contributed substantially
to the life of the community;
e)Unique example of a particular style or period;
f)One of the few of its age remaining;
g)Original materials and/or workmanship that can be valued in themselves;
h)Sites with a preponderance of original materials in context and complexes rather
than single isolated sites unless they are of great significance; and
i)Sites of traditional and cultural significance.
[Rationale: General Plan 6.3 (a-o).]
432.Preservation plans shall be completed for all subdivisions with cultural or historical
properties (sites, buildings, objects, landscapes) identified for preservation prior to
approval of the final plat map or any site work.
[Rationale: Based on identified issues where development commences prior to County
permit approvals, thereby possibly damaging historic sites or areas. See also General Plan
6.3 (a-o).]
433.The County shall develop a comprehensive management plan for historic and cultural
resources that are on County owned properties or on properties managed by the County.
[Rationale: General Plan 6.3 (a-o).]
434.Require completion of preservation plans for all significant sites identified for
preservation.
[Rationale: Based on identified issues where development commences prior to County
permit approvals, thereby possibly damaging historic sites or areas. See also General Plan
6.3 (a-o).]
435.Require completion of mitigation plans for identified sites, or resources that have been
identified as historic but will not be preserved.
[Rationale: Based on identified issues where development commences prior to
112 Section 4: Community Placemaking
completion of mitigation plans, thereby possibly damaging historic sites or areas. See
also General Plan 6.3 (a-o).]
436.Require stewardship and/or protection of sites, buildings, objects, and landscapes of
significant cultural and historical importance to the County.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 6.3 (b).]
437.Partner with DLNR-SHPD to outline how each agency will cooperate to ensure historic
and cultural protections, verify that approved Preservation Plans are being implemented,
and promote appropriate restoration of historic sites and cultural landscapes.
[Rationale: Based on identified needs for further collaboration between State and County
agencies and on General Plan 6.3 (a).]
438.County Cultural Resources Commission, the County shall engage in
consultation with Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act, and shall use this
opportunity to engage the community, especially those with generational and traditional
environmental knowledge, in the consultation process.
[Rationale: Based on Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act and the HCC Chapter
2 Article 44.]
439.Subdivisions subject to cultural or historic surveys shall have all sites approved for
preservation, including any required buffers or access easements, identified on the plat
maps of the subdivision prior to granting of final subdivision approval. The metes and
bounds descriptions of the preservation easements and all applicable covenants and
restriction pertaining to the preservation easements, shall be added to applicable deeds
prior to the transfer of subdivided properties. [code/mapping]
[Rationale: Based on consultation with Administrative Permit Division of Planning
Department and identified gaps in comprehensive recordkeeping in subdivision files. See
also General Plan 6.3 (g).]
440.Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic resources, water courses, fine
groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be identified and
preserved during subdivision.
[Rationale: Based on preserving public trust, and Hawai‘i County Code Section 23-26, and
General Plan Goals of 6.2, 6.3 (g).] [Mapping]
441.The County shall use and promote the use of interpretive signage and/or other
appropriate methods to recognize landscapes, sites, buildings, and objects of significant
historical and cultural importance.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 113
442.Partner with Community Development Plan Action Committees and the Cultural
Resource Commission to develop design guidelines for designated communities
containing significant historic buildings, sites, or landscapes.
443.Partner with DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division to increase, maintain, and
regularly update the State inventory of Historic Places database with significant historical
and culturally important
444.Seek private-public partnerships to maintain and steward the preservation of sites,
buildings, objects, and landscapes of significant cultural and historical importance.
445.For new County community facilities, incorporate and consider cultural design elements
appropriate for the region.
446.Establish Historic Districts, Heritage Landscapes, Corridors, Areas, and Centers as land
use designations for purposes of preserving, conserving, or restoring historic properties
for the benefit of communities’ sense of place and appropriate adaptive reuse for future
generations.
ACTION
4.76 Identify and map valued cultural and historic places, structures, traditions, and
-cultural heritage through the use of architectural,
archaeological, ethnographic surveys, and oral histories. [Mapping]
4.77 Compile and maintain a list of cultural/historic experts by island districts who may
be consulted, as needed.
4.78 Complete community-level historic surveys.
4.79 Amend the subdivision code, Section 23-69 to include a requirement that the final
plat map reflect information from the preservation plan, including any required
buffers or access easements. [Code]
4.80 Down-zone identified State and County-owned parcels that have special cultural
and/or scenic value.
4.81 Amend the zoning code to include criteria for requiring cultural preservation plans
prior to development. [Code]
4.82 Adopt rules that establish when ethnographic Surveys or Cultural Impact
Assessments will be required and what standards should be followed.
4.83 Develop County-wide Cultural Resource Commission processes for reviewing
permit applications that relate to identified cultural or historic resources.
114 Section 4: Community Placemaking
4.84 Develop protocols for receiving community input during capital project siting and
design. Consult with and solicit input from community members with generational
knowledge to minimize the impact of proposed changes to the use of land on
cultural practices, cultural sites, and culturally significant areas, including burials.
4.85 Adopt design guidelines for designated communities containing significant historic
buildings, sites, or landscapes.
4.86 Prepare Cultural Landscape Reports, prioritizing Historic Districts to articulate
preservation goals, objectives, and policies that provide the basis for making sound
decisions about management, treatment, and use of historic and cultural
resources. [Report]
4.87 Promote the real-property tax incentives for preservation of historic properties.
PROTECTING SCENIC RESOURCES
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase participation in scenic preservation programs (Heritage Corridors, Scenic Byways, Scenic
Corridors and Exceptional Trees)
POLICY
447.Hawai‘i County shall use the following place types as guidelines for designating sites and
viewsheds that shall be protected:
a)Distinctive and identifiable landforms distinguished as landmarks and/or cultural
landscapes, e.g. Mauna Kea, Waipi'o Valley.
b)Coastline areas of
c)Vistas of distinctive features
d)Natural or native vegetation attractive to a particular area.
e)Landscapes that are harmoniously developed, enhanced by man while maintaining
f)Lands with a general slope of 20 percent or more that provide open space
amenities or possess unusual scenic qualities.
[Rationale: Based on the Standards from General Plan 7.4 (a-e) and 8.4 (c).]
448.Visual impact assessments shall include photo simulations or balloon tests with views
from various vantage points to show visual impact of a proposed project.
[Rationale: Creating visual modeling through photo simulations or balloon tests are
Section 4: Community Placemaking 115
common strategies used in visual impact assessments in other municipalities. These
visual impact assessment tools would help achieve General Plan 7.2 Goals and policies
7.3 (b, e, h, i).]
449.Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained
vegetation management program which includes eradication of invasive species.
Coordinate this work with regular roadway vegetation management maintenance
program.
[Rationale: Based on identified challenges with vegetative management of existing scenic
overlook and the prevalence of the views being obstructed by invasive species or other
vegetation. General Plan 7.2 (b), 7.3 (a,
b, c, f).]
450.Maintain a continuing program to identify and inventory exceptional trees, forest areas,
or groves/stands of trees.
[Rationale: Based on Standards from General Plan 7.3 (g) and policies 7.4 (a-e) 8.3 (j, k,
m.]
451.Maintain the Exceptional Tree Program for the recognition and protection of trees with
significant or unique historical, ecological, cultural and/or aesthetic significance.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan policy 7.3 (g).]
452.No variance shall be granted unless appropriate conditions are imposed to minimize
adverse impacts on public views to, from, and along the shoreline.
[Rationale 17, General Plan goals 7.2 (a-c), and policies
7.3 (b), 8.3 (c, d). See also HRS 205A.
453.Do not allow incompatible development in areas of natural beauty that have been
identified through the Scenic Resources Protection Program.
[Rationale: Based on an identified need to identify natural beauty areas through a scenic
resource protection program and restrict development appropriately to ensure scenic
resources are not lost to development. Based also on General Plan policies 7.3 (h, i).]
[Mapping]
454.Applications for Special Permits and environmental assessment reports for proposed
changes of zone on property that may impact open space, viewsheds, and areas of
natural beauty shall include visual impact assessments and propose conditions to
mitigate scenic impacts.
[Rationale: Based on identified needs to protect scenic resources, open space and
CDP policy 57.]
116 Section 4: Community Placemaking
455.County shall seek to minimize, any development which would substantially
interfere with or detract from the line of site toward the sea from the State highway
nearest the coast.
[Rationale: kua CDP Policy 35, CDP Policy 54, General Plan policy 7.2
(b) and 7.3 (f).]
456.Ensure that new developments are compatible with their visual environment by
designing and locating such developments to minimize the alteration of natural
landforms and existing public views to and along the shoreline.
[Rationale: Based on an identified need to ensure that development is managed
appropriately to protect natural landforms and viewplanes. Based also on General Plan
policies 7.3 (h, i).] [Land Use]
457.Preserve roadway corridors that have historic, scenic, or unique physical attributes that
enhance the character and scenic resources of communities.
458.Support the development and promotion of Heritage Corridors and Scenic Byways where
appropriate.
459.Support the designation of scenic byways through the State Scenic Byway Program.
460.In reviewing Special Permit applications, rezoning, and other land use changes in the
Agricultural District, appropriate conditions should be determined to preserve existing
viewsheds to and along the coastline. [Land Use]
ACTION
4.88 Develop and establish viewshed regulations to preserve and protect from
obstruction scenic resources, vistas, viewsheds, open space, prominent
landscapes, and areas of natural beauty identified in the General Plan.
4.89 Develop and maintain a program to identify, inventory, preserve, acquire, and
develop (where appropriate) viewing sites on the island. [Transportation]
4.90 Collaborate with the State to modify zoning on publicly-owned parcels that have
been identified as having special cultural and/or scenic value. [Land Use]
4.91 Identify valued scenic resources in the Coastal Zone Management area. [Land Use,
Mapping]
4.92 Identify and develop scenic lookouts along highways to ensure important views
(coastal, mountain, and waterfall) are preserved from development, create various
opportunities to view these scenic resources, and develop a vegetation
maintenance program.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 117
4.93 Establish a Scenic Resources Protection Program to identify, inventory, and protect
areas of significant beauty. The program would include:
a)Rate viewsheds and roadway corridors documented in the Scenic Resources
Inventory and Mapping Project (June, 2016)
b)Develop scenic resource and viewshed corridor maps
c)Develop administrative rules to implement Hawai‘i County Code section 25-
6-60
d)Develop Scenic Corridor Management Plan(s) for specific corridors
identified. Scenic Corridor Management Plan(s) should include permit
conditions, such as design guidelines, landscaping, screening, or structural
setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways, to mitigate any visual
impacts from development.
e)Prepare Urban Design and Scenic Resource Protection Guidelines
f)Staff and Planning Commission Training;
g)Set Guidelines for Development Compatibility Standards. [Program]
4.94 Develop, maintain, and implement design standards to protect important
viewsheds and ensure structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways.
4.95 Develop Scenic Corridor Management Plans.
4.96 County Code for Scenic Corridors.
4.97 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic route from Waipi'o Valley
Lookout extending mauka to connect Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea and a
4.98
AGENCY ACTION
4.99 Encourage the State to develop and maintain scenic lookouts along highways
where appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, pastoral, and waterfall views are
preserved from development, and coordinate a regular roadway vegetation
maintenance program.
4.100 Consider adding/improving viewing locations and interpretive signage near the
scenic bridges for safe parking and views of the areas’ waterfalls and coastline and
along Saddle Road (Route 200) for views of the summit.
118 Section 4: Community Placemaking
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Section 5: Land Use Planning 119
Section 5: Land Use Planning
GOALS
5.
and development to protect natural resources, ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and
enhance the quality of life. The principle land use strategy for design and implementation will
focus on achieving a sense of place by protecting and enhancing community character through
natural systems planning, smart growth strategies, and compatible land use planning that
incorporates culture and equity into the planning and decision-making process.
a)Direct growth and increase density towards urban and village centers;
b)Prioritize infill of the underutilized areas within existing urban and village centers;
c)Focus and prioritize future investments in new infrastructure that will facilitate the
opportunity to direct growth to the designated urban areas;
d)Discourage sprawl outside of designated urban centers;
e)Provide multimodal transportation to and within urban and village centers;
f)Encourage a mix of uses to build livable communities that provide residents with
opportunities for employment near affordable housing, together with access to
commercial and recreational opportunities.
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
POLICY
461.Plan approval and related conditions shall consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas of natural beauty, archeological and
historic sites, and historic buildings when assuring that proper siting is provided for,
proper landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are properly screened or eliminated, and
natural and man-made features of community value are preserved.
[Rationale: Based on HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76, HCC 23-
General Plan 8.2 Goals and 8.3 Policies.]
120 Section 5: Land Use Planning
462.The County shall reevaluate projects for consistency with the General Plan and applicable
Community Development Plans during review of time extension requests for
discretionary approvals.
[Rationale: Based on consultation with Planning Division staff regarding issues with
approved project proposals that remain undeveloped and are allowed to retain
entitlements in perpetuity that were approved for a specific project and specific
circumstances. At times, this may ‘tie up’ infrastructure commitments that aren’t being
used, it can impact desired density for land use areas, and it has been used as a
speculative real estate strategy to resell the undeveloped property with the enhanced
entitlements. See also Maui County Planning Commission Chapter 202 Special
Management Area Rules.]
463.Require a study of the significant cultural, social and physical impacts of large
developments prior to approval.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 2.3 (d)]
464.Zoning requests shall be reviewed with respect to General Plan designation, district
goals, regional plans, State Land Use District, compatibility with adjacent zoned uses,
availability of public roads and services, utilities, and public need.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.1.4 Standards (b).]
465.Focus higher density residential and commercial areas in communities that can sustain a
higher intensity of uses and where these residential and commercial uses are consistent
with the existing town character.
466.Zoning may be recommended on an incremental basis depending upon construction
schedule, development of supporting services and facilities, and other pertinent factors
bearing upon the performance of the petitioner.
467.Proactively allocate zoning as per Urban Growth Areas and Urban Service Areas to
facilitate preferred land use development.
468.The County should carefully evaluate and condition, as appropriate, any rezoning that
would negatively impact agricultural lands or culturally, visually and environmentally
important open spaces or resources.
469.Applicable ordinances should be reviewed and amended as necessary to include
considerations for urban design, aesthetic quality and the protection of amenities in
adjacent areas through landscaping, open space and buffer areas. [Code]
470.In those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are inconsistent with
the character of surrounding neighborhoods, variances or PUDs that maintain consistent
village/town character should be encouraged.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 121
471.Explore innovative methods to reduce property speculation, such as elevated tax rates
associated with rapid resale, and/or district-wide rezoning.
ACTION
5.1 Amend zoning code and/or administrative rules to set up criteria for incremental
zoning approvals to be reviewed and develop criteria for these approvals to be
revoked, including expiration deadlines, etc. [Code]
5.2 Amend zoning to be consistent with the General Plan to facilitate preferred land
use development. [Code]
5.3 Amend zoning code and administrative rules to add criteria for Plan Approval
requirements. [Code]
5.4 Establish a program of continuing review of the Zoning Code in light of emerging
new industries and technologies and incorporate revisions to land use regulations
as necessary.
5.5 Develop subdivision standards that make a distinction between agricultural rural,
and urban land uses.
5.6 Seek State legislation to impose a higher conveyance tax rate and/or capital gains
taxes on properties that are re-sold within a short period, with exceptions for
properties providing affordable housing.
5.7 Seek State enabling legislation to allow County retention of lots that are in
foreclosure for delinquent real property tax payments rather than having them
auctioned for sale to the highest bidder, so that they can be removed from real
estate circulation if located in identified high hazard areas, or so they can used for
relocation purposes when other properties are acquired for future rights-of-way,
public facilities, land assembly related to village/town center development, or
other objectives of the Community Development Plan.
122 Section 5: Land Use Planning
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Urban
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase residential density within Urban areas to an average density of 10 units per acre and
increase the mixed use development pattern.
POLICY
472.The Urban Growth Areas shall have a regulatory boundary that is intended to separate
land uses from Agriculture or Rural. Areas that are clearly beyond the designated Urban
Growth boundaries shall be preserved as Rural or Agricultural lands to maintain open
space, scenic view planes, and natural beauty areas.
[Rationale: B ]
473.Do not allow strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of
designated urban areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan policies 14.3.5.3.2 (c), 14.3.5.5.2 (d), 14.3.5.6.2 (c),
14.3.5.8.2 (a),
474.Provide adequate access for multi-family residential projects to arterial streets, shopping
facilities, schools, employment centers, and other services. Multi-family residential
areas shall be located in such a manner that traffic generated by high density
development will not be required to travel through areas of lesser density to access
principal community facilities.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.5.4 (a), (c).
475.Major traffic routes shall not be located through single-family residential areas.
[Transportation]
[Rationale: Based on the County’s Vision Zero goals for pedestrian safety and General
Plan Standards 14.6.4 (b).]
476.No new single-family residential lots should have direct vehicular access from major
streets. [Transportation]
[Rationale: Based on consultation with administrative permits division and the County’s
Vision Zero goals for pedestrian safety.]
477.Multi-family residential development shall not be permitted in high risk hazard areas
unless proper on-site improvements are provided. [Hazards]
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.5.4 Standards (d).]
Section 5: Land Use Planning 123
478.Multi-family residential development shall be located in areas where public utilities can
be economically provided at a level adequate to meet the demand for the concentrated
service.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.5.4 Standards (e).] [Infrastructure]
479.Proposed designations for new commercial community centers shall include a market
study to demonstrate the proposed center is necessary to meet neighborhood,
community, and regional needs.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.3.3 Policies (c)]
480.Within the "medium-density" area, commercial development shall be focused on major
streets, while interior blocks should be zoned primarily for single and multifamily
residential use.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.3.5.2.2 (f).]
481.Waimea is the regional commercia
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.3.5.6.2 (a).]
482.Standards: There are three basic types of commercial centers:
a)Neighborhood Centers
1)Provide: Convenience goods, e.g., foods, drugs, and personal services.
2)Major Shops: Supermarket and/or drug store.
3)Number of Shops: 5 to 20.
4)Approximate Market: 3,000 people.
b)Commercial Community Centers
1)Provide: Convenience goods, plus "soft line" items, such as clothing, and
"hard line" items, such as hardware and small appliances.
2)Major Shops: Variety or junior department store.
3)Number of Shops: 20 to 40.
4)Approximate Market: 15,000 people.
c)Regional Centers
1)Provide: Full range of merchandise and services.
2)Major Shops: Full size department store.
3)Number of Shops: 40+.
4)Approximate Market: 50,000 people.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.3.4 Standards.]
483.Village Types Defined—Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) vs. Traditional
Neighborhood Developments (TNDs). Both TODs and TNDs are compact mixed-use
villages, characterized by a village center within a higher-density urban core, roughly
equivalent to a 5-minute walking radius (1/4 mile), surrounded by a secondary mixed
124 Section 5: Land Use Planning
use, mixed-density area with an outer boundary roughly equivalent to a 10-minute
walking radius from the village center (1/2 mile).
[Rationale: Puna CDP Table 5-1, Kona CDP TODs.]
484.Town and village center standards. See Table 4.
[Rationale: Puna CDP Table 5-1, Kona CDP TODs.]
Regional Town Center
(TOD)
Village Center (Kona
neighborhood TOD) Neighborhood Center
Service Area
Population
20,000-50,000
residents
10,000-20,000
residents 3,000-10,000 residents
Approximate
Land Area More than 30 acres
20-30 acres
(20 acres or more Kona
TND)
Up to 20 acres
(20 acres or less Kona)
Typical
Components
Mixed uses and higher
density residential,
multi-family
residential, retail,
commercial, light
industrial uses;
regional park; schools
(all grades); community
hall, theater; outdoor
events area; elderly or
other special needs
housing; transit hub;
medical facility with
emergency room;
police and fire station;
walking and bicycling
paths.
Neighborhood oriented
retail
uses, and mixed-use
intended to serve the
needs of the Village
residents, community
park, elementary or
middle school,
community center and
outdoor events area;
bed-and-breakfast
homes and small inns;
elderly or other special
needs housing; transit
stop; medical clinic;
walking and bicycling
paths.
retail and personal
services; neighborhood
park, elementary school,
multi-purpose meeting
room or (minimum) place
to congregate or post
community notices;
outdoor events area (e.g.,
barbeques and farmer’s
markets); transit (or
paratransit) stop;
connections to walking
and bicycling paths.
Access
Access to one or more
paved roads;
commercial or public
uses without direct
driveway access to
highway.
5-minute walking
radius (1/4 mile)
Access to one or more
paved roads;
commercial or public
uses without direct
driveway access to
highway; no “drive-
thru” commercial use.
Access to a paved road,
except that there should
be no direct access or
visibility from highway;
no “drive-thru”
commercial use.
Table 3: Town and Village Center Standards
Section 5: Land Use Planning 125
485.Use criteria for proposed village/town center masterplans. Criteria to include:
a)Mix of residential and commercial zoning/uses
b)Mix of housing types (single-family and multifamily)
c)County roads
d)Road/intersection density
e)Public or private water system
f)Public or private wastewater system
g)Public facilities investment (school, park, or community center).
[Rationale: Kona CDP Action LU–2.1a, Puna CDP 3.1.2.b., 3.1.3.b.]
486.Ensure that any cul-de-sacs approved are consistent with Hawai‘i County Code Section
23-48. [Transportation]
[Rationale: Based on consultation with administrative permits division. Currently, cul-
de-sacs are not necessarily developed consistent with HCC Section 23-48, which requires
that they not be more than 600 feet in length or serve more than 18 lots. See also Kona
CDP Policy TRAN-2.1 (1) and (2).]
487.Establish Urban Growth Areas as land that is envisioned as future areas of urban and
suburban and should include only those lands that meet the following criteria:
a)Are characterized by urban development that can be efficiently and cost effectively
served by roads, water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage, schools and other
urban governmental services within the next 20-40 years;
b)Do not extend beyond natural boundaries, such as watersheds, which impede
provision of urban services;
c)Respect topographical features that form a natural edge, such as watercourses and
ridge lines;
d)Are sufficiently free of environmental constraints to be able to support urban
growth without major environmental impacts;
e)Do not unnecessarily overlap into State Land Use Agricultural.
[Rationale: makes the distinction that until the land designation is changed, some
edge areas in the Future Land Use Low Density Urban overlap with SLU Ag
currently]
f)Shall not overlap with State Land Use Conservation District.
[Rationale: South Kohala CDP Chapter 5: Waikoloa Village Plan; Kona CDP; Maui County
Guided Land Use Principles Draft.
https://www.mauiCounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10471/GPAC--Directed-
Growth?bidId
126 Section 5: Land Use Planning
Urban Growth Boundaries Overview South Carolina Department of Environmental
Control https://conservationtools-
production.s3.amazonaws.com/library_item_files/1685/1892/UrbanGrowthBoundary.p
df?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAIQFJLILYGVDR4AMQ&Expires=1554845189&Signature=Ri1KP
Wjix3MIPtcJLhk0Zut1gZg%3D]
488.New subdivisions shall prioritize connectivity with other existing roadways. When
topographical challenges, such as minor gulches or streams, lead to dead-end streets
within a subdivision, seek to find alternative connectivity points and/or require stub-out
connections be developed, as appropriate, for future connectivity.
[Rationale: Based on consultation with administrative permits division.]
489.Sidewalks shall be required for new developments within the Urban Service Areas.
[Rationale: Based on consultation with administrative permits division and Kona CDP
Guiding Principle 2 and Policy PUB-
490.Bike lanes and sidewalks are required for new or improved arterial and collector streets
in Urban Growth Areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 13.2.3 (f, n).]
491.Utilize incentives and other strategies to ensure that residential development meets
established minimum and maximum densities of zoning and infrastructure services
available.
[Rationale: This policy is based on consultation with administrative permits division
regarding the recent development trend where residential subdivisions often aren’t
developed at the zoning density allowed in order to avoid other development
requirements. This often leads to sprawl and increases infrastructure costs.]
492.The County shall proactively initiate change of zones within the Urban Service Area to
facilitate the County’s desired land use development.
[Rationale: Based on Planning Department Rule 5-3 and the acknowledgment that the
County needs to initiate these changes in order to facilitate appropriate density
development in order to minimize sprawl and efficiently manage public investment
expenditures on infrastructure.]
493.Establish Urban Service Areas within Urban Growth Areas serviced by existing water and
wastewater infrastructure services at a community level of distribution (public or
private).
[Rationale: Based on Maui County Guiding Land Use Principles, and similar UGB guidance
from Oregon, Washington, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, and California. See also
General Plan Policies 14.1.3 (a, b, and j)]
Section 5: Land Use Planning 127
494.Large urban development will only be allowed within the Urban Growth Area when water
and wastewater can be provided.
[Rationale: In order to implement General Plan 14.1.3 (a, b, c), managing urban
development within the Urban Growth Area and ensuring adequate infrastructure is
available for urban uses is vital. Doing so will facilitate the development of affordable
housing and the basic commercial and public services needed for complete towns. See
also South Kohala CDP Chapter 5: Waikoloa Village Plan; Kona CDP; Maui County Guided
Land Use Principles Draft.]
495.Future growth within the Urban Growth Area should be encouraged in a pattern of
compact densities that support public transit.
496.Encourage special design districts within historic towns to promote and enhance the
history and culture of the area.
497.Support the development of a master plan for lands within the vicinity of the University
"college town" concept utilizing an appropriate
mixture of residential, commercial and other land uses to complement the university's
infrastructure.
498.Develop, or facilitate the development of underutilized private and public properties
within existing towns to be used as gathering places, community gardens, open squares
and markets, auxiliary parking lots (including park and ride areas), and parks (including
pocket and art parks, and outdoor amphitheaters, etc.).
499.Discourage the use of “flag lots” (lots with little or no street frontage, accessed by a
driveway easement or narrow strip of land, and typically located to the rear of another
lot) when subdividing residential property. [Transportation]
500.Discourage the use of cul-de-sacs when subdividing residential property.
501.Large oversized blocks in new subdivisions should be avoided in favor of smaller blocks
and enhanced pedestrian networks.
502.Village and town centers should serve as the hub of retail, service, dining, entertainment,
and visitor accommodation activity.
503.Facilitate multi-family zoning in designated regional or community village/town centers.
504.Low- to medium-density residential development and/or low-impact office uses should
serve as transitional densities between lower-density neighborhoods and more intensive
commercial and residential uses.
505.New development adjacent to areas of lower intensity or incompatible uses [non-
residential] should provide effective physical buffers to avoid adverse effects. Buffers
128 Section 5: Land Use Planning
may include larger setbacks, landscaped or forested strips, transition zones, fencing,
screening, height and/or density step downs, and other architectural and site planning
measures that avoid potential conflicts.
506.In Urban-designated locations, encourage residential and mixed-use developments to be
submitted under more flexible development processes (i.e. as a Planned Unit
Development versus a standard Subdivision) in order to achieve increased residential
densities.
507.Encourage the concentration and rehabilitation of commercial uses within and
surrounding a central core area.
508.Expanded commercial services should be encouraged in Kea‘au to meet the needs of
population growth in the Puna district.
509.Regional retail uses, including big box and regional shopping centers should not be
located adjacent to areas designated for low to medium density residential use on the
Zoning Map or Future Land Use map or areas currently developed for such use.
510.Develop a Community Commercial Center for Waikoloa Village with shops, stores, and
small business opportunities
511.Facilitate land use entitlements and other tools for the development of existing and
future village/town centers and special design districts.
512.The County may impose incremental and conditional zoning based on performance
requirements to curb speculation and resale of undeveloped lots only.
513.Facilitate commercial areas to develop on an axis perpendicular to the highway.
514.Consider typology of village town centers such as along a highway, commercial main
street, crossroads, or junction, etc.
515.Facilitate Urban renewal, rehabilitation, and/or redevelopment programs for existing
town and village centers in cooperation with communities, businesses and governmental
agencies.
516.Develop and implement a schedule for periodically evaluating zoning and land uses in
places of transition to proactively initiate change of zones to accommodate growth and
facilitate the County’s desired land use development.
517.A complementary integration and mixture of land uses should be provided within all
town centers and developments to maintain the areas’ livability, manage future growth,
and provide walkable and transit accessible destinations.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 129
518.Promote the redevelopment of aging and high vacancy shopping centers, or strip type
developments into mixed-use developments with housing and public recreation
facilities.
519.In redeveloping areas characterized by vacant, abandoned, and underutilized older
buildings, generally encourage rehabilitation and adaptive use of existing buildings rather
than demolition.
520.Facilitate the development of vacant infill lots within Urban Service Areas that have
historically been difficult to develop due to infrastructure or access problems,
inadequate lot dimensions, fragmented or absentee ownership, or other constraints.
ACTION
5.8 Proactively initiate change of zones in the Urban Service Area to facilitate the
County’s desired land use development.
5.9 Re-evaluate the Urban Service Area boundary every 5 years to determine any
boundary amendments needed.
5.10 Amend zoning and subdivision code to be consistent on criteria for allowing flag lot
subdivisions, require that the ‘flag’ area not be used as part of the minimum
buildable lot size, determine when it is appropriate to allow multiple properties to
access off the same ‘flag’, revise minimum widths for flag accesses to ensure
minimum widths are consistent with minimum requirements set in road standards,
and to determine maximum lengths for flag lot roads. [Code]
5.11 Amend zoning and subdivision code in relation to cul-de-sac developments to
ensure consistency between subdivision code and zoning code and to set criteria
for maximum cul-de-sac street lengths and number of lots served, and when to
require road reserves for future connections. [Code]
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Rural
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase Rural land use designations.
130 Section 5: Land Use Planning
POLICY
521.In order to minimize potential conflicts between agricultural and urban uses, the areas
designated as Rural shall serve as a well-defined buffer area to separate uses between
Urban to Agricultural.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.2.3 (f).]
522.In order to preserve larger lot agricultural lands for productive agricultural use, lands
shall be designated for rural land use development concentric to urban areas where an
intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is consistent
with the surrounding uses and rural character.
The intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is
intended to serve as:
a)A low-density area that provides a transitional use buffer area between strictly
residential and commercial productive agriculture areas, and;
b)A mix of personal or family-scale productive commercial or subsistence agricultural
use on all newly established parcels in the Rural area, and;
c)Parcels having a median size of between 1 – 5 acres but in no case less than 1/2
acre in size.
d)Areas beyond both the Urban Growth Boundary and Rural areas are to be
preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty
areas.
[Rationale: General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (g. and i).]
523.Future growth in the rural designation area shall be located concentrically around
existing Future Land Use Map low density urban areas.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP Policy LU-1.3; General Plan 14.2.3 Policies (g), and
P Policy 4.]
524.The County shall proactively initiate State Land Use (SLU) amendments to establish Rural
designations in appropriate locations consistent with General Plan policies and map, and
desired land development patterns.
[Rationale: Based on premise that County-initiated SLU amendments would be necessary
to implement General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (g).]
525.Allow appropriate flexibility for the development of small bed and breakfast or hosted
vacation rental type visitor accommodations in rural areas, especially those with
heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 131
ACTION
5.12 Amend the zoning districts currently listed as Family Agricultural District (FA) and
the Residential and Agricultural Districts (RA) to be consistent with Rural
designation objectives and to allow for home occupations that do not negatively
impact rural character. [Code]
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Industrial
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Industrial uses are designated in appropriate locations.
POLICY
526.Industrial development shall be located in areas adequately served by transportation,
utilities, and other essential infrastructure.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan CDP
Policy 4.]
527.Developers shall provide water and wastewater service and any other basic
infrastructure necessary for industrial development.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (h).]
528.Industrial centers include Kanoelehua,
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 14.4.5.2.2 (a), 14.4.5.6.2 (a), and 14.4.5.7.2
(b).]
529.Light Industrial -
Waikoloa, Kainaliu-Honalo, Kealakekua-
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 14.4.5.1.2 (c), 14.4.5.3.2 (b), 14.4.5.5.2 (b),
South Kohala CDP Strategy 4.2.]
530.Improve the aesthetic quality of industrial sites and protect amenities of adjacent areas
by requiring landscaping, open spaces, buffer zones, and design guidelines.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.4.3 (d).]
132 Section 5: Land Use Planning
531.Industrial parks shall only be developed within existing water and wastewater service
areas or in conjunction with new water and wastewater service.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goal 14.4.2 (b and Policy 14.4.3 (e).]
532.Industrial Site requirements:
a)Industrial development shall maintain or improve the quality of the present
environment.
b)Industrial activities may be located close to raw materials or key resources.
c)Topography of industrial land shall be reasonably level.
d)Industrial development shall be conveniently located to its labor resource.
e)Buffer zones shall be established between industrial and adjacent incompatible
uses of land.
f)The direction of wind patterns and the absence of trade winds shall be considered
in the siting of industrial areas.
g)Industrial zoned land shall be located in areas with existing water and wastewater
service or, if locating an industrial facility outside an urban service area provides a
more appropriate location for a specific industrial use, water and wastewater
service shall be developed privately and concurrently to serve the industrial facility.
h)Industrial parks shall only be developed within existing water and wastewater
service areas or in conjunction with new water and wastewater service.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Goal 14.4.2 (b) and Policies 14.4.3 (a-h).]
533.Industrial Standard Types:
a)General industrial (MG) district applies to areas for land uses that are generally
considered to be offensive and noxious. These noxious, heavy industrial uses
should be separated from residential and other incompatible uses in the zoning
process.
b)Limited Industrial (ML) district applies to areas with land uses for business and
industrial uses that are generally in support of, but not necessarily compatible with
activities and uses in other commercial districts.
c)Industrial – Commercial Mixed District (MCX) The MCX district allows a mix of some
mix of light industrial uses (not considered noxious, or heavy industrial) with
commercial uses.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.4.4 (a-f).]
534.Industrial and commercial mixed-use districts may be provided in appropriate locations.
535.Provide flexibility within the Zoning Code to accommodate emerging new industries.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 133
536.Support the creation of industrial parks in appropriate locations as an alternative to strip
development.
537.Locate industrial areas convenient to transportation facilities and provide a variety of
industrial zoned districts and lot sizes, depending on the needs of the industries and the
communities.
538.Industrial development should be in harmony with surrounding uses and the
environment.
539.Discourage retail uses in industrial zones to maintain viable industrial areas.
540.Support land use policies that protect opportunities to locate industrial and warehouse
sites near major transportation corridors and the airport. [Econ]
541.Prevent or mitigate the effects of industrial sprawl around harbors and industrial areas.
542.Identify industrial sites as the need arises.
543.Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service-oriented industrial areas.
544.Industrial uses may be permitted outside Future Land Use-designated areas through the
Change of Zone or Special Permit regulatory review processes.
ACTION
5.13 Amend Industrial zoning permitted uses and categories and Industrial Future Land
Use designations to clearly distinguish between types that are light-industrial,
service-industrial, and industrial-commercial, to uses that are heavy industrial
(noxious, etc.). [Code]
AGENCY ACTION
5.14 Work closely with the State and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to
provide adequate land close to Kawaihae Harbor for industrial activities.
5.15 Work closely with the State and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to
develop industrial areas in Kanoelehua Industrial area and airport industrial area.
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Resort
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
134 Section 5: Land Use Planning
Supply meets and does not exceed projected demand of visitor accommodations in all scales of
accommodations.
POLICY
545.Resort Area Standards:
The following established standards shall guide the development of resort areas.
a)Major Resort Area
A major resort area is a self-contained resort destination area that provides basic
and support facilities for the needs of the entire development. Such facilities shall
include sewer, water, roads, employee housing and recreational facilities, etc. A
major resort area is designated as a Resort on the Future Land Use Map.
1)Visitor unit range: 1,500-3,000 units.
2)Resort acreage: 90 acres minimum.
3)Open space: 50 acres minimum.
4)Either participate in an off-site housing program or provide adequate
acreage and develop employee residential uses on-site.
5)The required employee housing ratio and method of provision shall be
determined by an analysis of housing needs of each district or relative area
and with the adoption of the resort zoning; provided that the ratio shall not
exceed one employee unit for every two visitor units built.
b)Intermediate Resort Area
An intermediate resort area is a self-contained resort destination area that
provides basic and support facilities for the needs of the entire development on a
smaller scale than a major resort area. Such facilities shall include sewer, water,
roads, employee housing and recreational facilities, etc.
1)Visitor unit range: 500-1,500 units.
2)Resort acreage: 45 acres minimum.
3)Open space: 25 acres minimum.
4)Either participate in an off-site housing program or a maximum of 320 acres
for residential use when other zoned lands are not available in close
proximity for support use.
5)The required employee housing ratio and method of provision shall be
determined by an analysis of housing needs of each district or relative area
and with the adoption of the resort zoning; provided that the ratio shall not
exceed one employee unit for every two visitor units built.
c)Minor Resort Area
Section 5: Land Use Planning 135
A minor resort area is a self-contained resort destination area that provides basic
and support facilities for the needs of the entire development on a smaller scale
than a major resort area. Such facilities shall include sewer, water, roads, employee
housing and recreational facilities, etc.
1)Visitor unit range: 50-500 units.
2)Open space area commensurate with the scale of development.
3)Either participate in an off-site housing program or provide adequate
acreage and develop employee residential uses on-site.
4)The required employee housing ratio and method of provision shall be
determined by an analysis of housing needs of each district or relative area
and with the adoption of the resort zoning; provided that the ratio shall not
exceed one employee unit for every two visitor units built.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.7.4 (a-d).]
546.Permit time shares and un-hosted short term vacation rentals only within designated
resort areas.
[Rationale: HCC Section 25-4-16 and South Kohala CDP Chapter 3: District-wide Policies
1.4.]
547.Prioritize the rehabilitation and utilization of designated resort areas that are presently
serviced by basic facilities and utilities before allowing new resorts in undeveloped
coastal areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan P Policy 5.]
548.Short-term vacation rentals with an owner or operator living on the same building site of
the rental unit may be permitted outside resort areas and will be treated as bed-and –
breakfast establishments, using the process outlined in Chapter 25-4-7. The following
additional requirements should apply to both Bed and Breakfast and short-term vacation
rental establishments:
a)Limitations on special permits for bed and breakfast establishments:
1)Shall not be located on SLU Agricultural Lands with Land Study Bureau land
classification as overall productivity rating class of A or B (HRS 205-4.5);
2)Maximum number of hosted short-term vacation rental permits granted by
region: special permits granted cannot exceed 3% of the population within
any census tract; based on annual American Community Survey/ U.S.
Census Bureau estimated profiles. The County will establish a waiting list for
applicants once the use permit cap has been met in a census tract;
3)Incorporate appropriate items from ordinance 18-114 (Short-term vacation
rentals- un-hosted) related to enforcement;
136 Section 5: Land Use Planning
i)Maximum occupancy for hosted short-term vacation rentals:
Number of tenants cannot exceed the occupancy limit of two adults
per bedroom, as determined by building permit records.
[Rationale: Based on Kauai County Ordinance 1002 Homestays; Nashville STR Ordinance;
APA: Regulating Short Term Residential Rentals PAS EIP-37 (2015). This policy seeks to
strike a balance between facilitating entrepreneurial activities in a place-based visitor
industry and preserving the character and integrity of neighborhoods by ensuring that
there is a mechanism for local residents to host guests in their home and also ensuring
that neighborhoods remain predominately occupied by local residents.]
549.Prioritize the development of small-scale visitor accommodations (10 guests and under),
owner-occupied short-term vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfast visitor
accommodations, in particular those with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar
themes in rural areas and near points of interest.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.7.5.1.2 (b), 14.7.5.3.2 (a), 14.7.5.4.2 (a) and (b),
CDP Policy 124.]
550.Require new resort development to develop or connect to water reuse facilities.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 11.6.2 (b and f).]
551.The designation of any new resort areas shall require analysis of the character of the
area; the immediate and surrounding environment, natural resources and beauty,
cultural practices and cultural resources; shoreline public access; and nearby affordable
housing concurrent with the demand created by the development.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policies 2.4.9.2 (a & c), 9.3(g), 14.7.2(c), 14.7.3(i),
14.7.5.9.2(a)), and Policy 6.]
552.The development of visitor accommodations and any resort development should
complement the character of the area, protect the environment and natural beauty,
cultural practices, and cultural resources, provide shoreline public access, and provide
affordable housing to meet demand created by the development.
553.Designate and allocate future resort areas in appropriate proportions and in keeping with
the social, economic, and physical environments of the County.
554.The County may impose incremental and conditional resort zoning that would be based
on performance requirements.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 137
ACTION
5.16 Amend zoning code definition and requirements for Lodges and reconcile
similarities and inconsistencies with the special permit provisions for Retreats.
Clearly articulate in code zoning districts appropriate for Lodges. [Code]
5.17 Conduct a market and land use study of the bed and breakfast and short-term
vacation rental industry, the impacts of County regulations, and provide
recommendations for future land use policy decisions. The study should explore:
a)Determine market supply and demand;
b)Determine impacts of County land use STVR rules on visitor industry, local
employment factors, community character, and affordable housing
impacts;
c)Assess impacts at County-wide and regional levels;
d)Consider other municipalities regulatory approaches and impacts to
regulating STVR industry;
e)Provide recommendations for land use policy regarding un-hosted and
hosted STVR at regional and County-wide levels.
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Agricultural
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase in agricultural land preserved.
Increase processing facilities on agricultural land.
POLICY
555.Agricultural lands shall not be rezoned to parcels too small to support economically
viable farming units.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan
556.Rezoning of areas currently zoned Agricultural that are outside of the Urban Growth Area
and Rural designation shall not be allowed, unless the rezoning is to permit a Planned
Unit Development or a clustered development that preserves the majority of the
property in non-residential use dedicated to agriculture, open space, or other
conservation purposes, and does not have the primary effect of allowing subdivision into
138 Section 5: Land Use Planning
lots smaller than allowed by existing zoning.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP Policy LU-3.8; and Puna CDP 3.2.2.a.]
557.Development and construction in “Productive Agricultural” and “Pastoral” areas shall be
limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable
energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities unless otherwise
permitted by law.
[Rationale:
558.When considering applications to consolidate and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record,
lots less than one acre in size in the State Land Use Agricultural district shall only be
permitted if that land utilization is improved relative to the objectives and policies of the
General Plan.
[Rationale: Ba -5(b)) and General
Plan Policy 14.2.3 (s).]
559.A maximum developable area shall be established for lots designated as Productive
Agricultural Land. Maximum Developable Area (MDA): Means the total floor area in
square feet allowed under the approved land use. The floor area computation shall
include: all floor areas under roof, including first, second, and third story areas, decks,
pools, saunas; garage or carport, and other above ground structures.
a)For lots up to 14,000 square feet, the maximum developable area is 25 per cent of
total lot area.
b)For lots over 14,000 square feet to one (1) acre, the maximum developable area is
3,500 square feet.
c)For lots larger than one (1) acre, the maximum developable area is 5,000 square
feet.
[Rationale: This policy is based on the maximum developable area used for single-family
residence in the State Land Use Conservation district.]
560.Through permit conditions, development agreements, deed restrictions, and/or other
means, ensure that areas in the “Productive Agricultural Lands” and “Pastoral” Future
Land Use Policy Map categories continue to be utilized for agricultural uses and not for
speculative or other residential development.
[Rationale
General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (j).]
561.Farm labor housing projects shall be developed in a clustered manner that minimizes the
use of Productive Agricultural lands and is consistent with the character of surrounding
land uses.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 2.4.5.2 (q).]
Section 5: Land Use Planning 139
562.Agricultural land uses consistent with HRS 205-2(d) shall be considered permitted uses
and do not require an agricultural-based commercial-operations certification.
[Rationale: based on the intent to apply HRS 205-2(d) consistently and simplify
regulatory barriers to agricultural activities.]
563.Certified, incubator, or community kitchens in the Rural or Agricultural District that are
under 1,000 square feet and do not provide for on-site tours and/or on-premises sales
shall be considered a permitted use (agricultural processing) to be treated the same as
agricultural processing minor. Any certified kitchen in the Rural or Agricultural District
exceeding 1,000 square feet needs to apply for plan approval.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 205-2(d)6; 25-5-72(a)(2); 25-5-62 (a)(1);25-5-52(a)(2) & the
agricultural products processing definitions from HCC Section 25-1-5.]
564.In order to minimize the potential conflicts between agricultural and non-agricultural
uses, standards and guidelines for buffer areas located adjacent to agricultural lands shall
be developed. Natural open spaces, gulches, and/or rural designations may serve as
agricultural buffer areas in appropriate areas.
[Rationale
through Agriculture 2006.]
565.Designate agricultural lands as areas to be preserved for agriculture and open space and
protected from urban encroachment.
566.Advocate to State to allow building sites smaller than one acre on lands in the State Land
Use Agriculture District under certain criteria so as to increase the flexibility of the PUDs
and the Clustered Rural Subdivision provision to enable clustering for preservation of
open space, productive agricultural lands, conservation areas, coastal areas, and other
important natural features.
567.Protect agricultural lands, especially fallow agricultural lands, through community land
trusts or with tax incentives for farmers.
568.Discourage speculative residential development on agricultural lands.
569.Any subdivision of Productive Agricultural land involving 30 acres or more currently
zoned at densities between Ag-1a to Ag-5a and FA are encouraged to cluster
development.
570.Consider access to infrastructure and crop suitability when recommending lands to be
designated State Important Agricultural Lands. Explore designating small portions
(community -scale) as Important Agricultural Lands before embarking on an island-wide
initiative.
140 Section 5: Land Use Planning
ACTION
5.18 Create larger lots for agricultural use in existing small-lot subdivisions through land
pooling and other methods.
5.19 Establish agricultural subdivision standards that:
a)lower barriers to the creation of viable farmsteads by reducing
infrastructure requirements and expenses;
b)ensure public safety with appropriate rural water systems and roads; and
c)mitigate against speculative development.
5.20 Amend the zoning code to limit the maximum developable area for dwellings and
accessory uses that are allowed in agriculturally-zoned subdivisions to discourage
excessive lot clearance and speculative building practices. [Code]
5.21 Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to
County Code section 23-112.
5.22 Amend the Hawai‘i County Code and associated administrative rules to establish
reporting and inspection requirements, as well as enforcement and fine protocols,
for additional farm dwellings to ensure that dwellings are used for farm-related
purposes. [Code]
5.23 Amend the Zoning Code to require Plan Approval for commercial open area
recreational uses in the uses in the “Productive Agricultural Lands” and “Pastoral”
designations. [Code]
5.24 Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5-72(a)(17) relating to “livestock
production of piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock shall be […] located
no closer than one thousand feet away from any major public street or from any
other zoning district.”
a) Clearly define what qualifies as an “apiary” and consider adopting an urban
beekeeping ordinance;
b)Determine if the minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any public street or
other zone is appropriate for each use referenced; recommend revision to
minimum distance if research justifies adopting new minimum distances.
[Code]
5.25 Evaluate the nine categories used for the agricultural-based commercial operation
certification evaluations and simplify the process to ensure facilitation and
compliance with HRS 205-2(d)(15).
Section 5: Land Use Planning 141
AGENCY ACTION
5.26 State Legislation: Appropriate funds to the County
recommendations of lands to be designated Important Agricultural Lands.
5.27 State LUC: Reconsider the State’s agriculture land capability class designations to
better protect viable taro growing lands.
5.28 State legislation: Pass legislation enabling land banks that counties can use to
acquire tax-delinquent properties and use them to preserve agricultural land and
open space.
5.29 State: Amend Hawai‘i Administrative Rules 13-5-40(b) to require that public
hearings before the State Land Use Commission either be held in the judicial district
in which the land is located, or be live web streamed with the ability for testimony
to be taken live from the streamed location.
5.30 State Department of Agriculture: Support the development of agricultural parks to
make agricultural land available for agricultural activities.
5.31 DHHL:
ENSURING LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Conservation & Open
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase in open space preserved.
POLICY
571.Public Lands with unique resources shall be maintained for public use.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 14.9.4 (a).]
572.Development and construction in the State land Use Conservation areas shall be
minimized and, when necessary, limited to recreation, research, and education facilities
unless otherwise permitted by law.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 205-
573.The following shall be considered for the protection and conservation of natural
resources.
142 Section 5: Land Use Planning
a)Areas necessary for the protection and propagation of specified endangered native
wildlife, and conservation for natural ecosystems of endemic plants, fish and
wildlife.
b)Lands necessary for the preservation of forests, park lands, wilderness and beach
areas.
c)Lands with a general slope of 20 per cent or more that provide open space
amenities or possess unusual scenic qualities.
d)Lands necessary for the protection of watersheds, water sources and water
supplies.
e)Lands with topographic, locational, soils, climate or other environmental factors
that may not be normally adaptable or required for urban, rural, agricultural or
public use.
f)The Coastal Zone and Special Management Area as defined by statute and in
accordance with the adopted objectives and guidelines.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 205-2 (e) and General Plan Standards 8.4.]
574.Zoning, subdivision and other applicable ordinances shall provide for and protect open
space areas.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan 14.8.3 (b and d).]
575.General Plan Natural designations shall include:
a)Steep slopes
b)Natural Areas and Reserves
c)Open Space Recreation Areas
d)Scenic Vistas and Viewplanes
e)Areas set aside for cultural and/or natural resource preservation purposes
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Standards 14.8.4.]
576.Agricultural land may be used as one form of open space or as green belt.
577.Support the expansion of public preserves.
ACTION
5.32 Amend the zoning code to create a conservation designation for lands (or portions
thereof) that should be kept in a largely natural state, but that may not be in the
Conservation District, such as certain important viewsheds, riparian buffer area,
gulches, and very steep slopes. [Code]
5.33 Amend zoning and subdivision code to include open space requirements. [Code]
Section 5: Land Use Planning 143
5.34 Develop Parks and Roadways as Urban Open Space
5.35 Develop a networked system of appropriate access to all significant open space
resources that enhances opportunities for residents and visitors for recreational,
educational, subsistence, or gathering purposes.
5.36 Identify priority shorelines for increased setback as part of Open Space Network
Program.
5.37 Identify corridors to be recommended for public open space.
5.38 Identify high priority areas for acquisition.
5.39 Identify and secure in public trust (fee simple or by easement) priority lands that
achieve community objectives:
a)Seek to use conservation easement or acquisition opportunities through
funding sources such as PONC, etc., once critical habitat areas are identified
as priorities to protect.
b)Seek to protect with easements or acquire suitable important coastal lands
that would protect viewsheds, provide the public with access to scenic
viewing areas, or otherwise promote appropriate coastal recreation and
subsistence.
c)Support the efforts of landowners in establishing conservation and
agricultural easements to preserve important resources in perpetuity.
PROTECTING THE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Minimize development within Special Management Area.
POLICY
578.Development in the SMA, including subdivision, shall only be approved if it is first found
that it will not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect.
[Rationale: 205A-22(3), and 205A-26(2)(A).]
579.Prohibit the complete clearing of vegetation of a parcel within the SMA.
[Rationale: Based on HRS 205-A, General Plan Goals from 8.2, Policies 8.3 (a, d).]
144 Section 5: Land Use Planning
580.Prohibit the installation of future injection wells in Special Management Areas if waste-
water is not treated to an R-1 level of water quality.
[Rationale: Based on South Kohala Policy 5.4.]
581.Require all black wastewater disposal systems in the SMA to be contained, pumpable
units, or be connected to a collective treatment facility.
[Rationale: Based on Puna CDP Policy 2.3.3e.]
582.New urban designations shall be located away from coastal areas and the Special
Management Area.
[Rationale CDP Policy 27.]
583.In new subdivisions in the Special Management Area, subdivisions should be encouraged
to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant Hawai‘i County Code Section
25-6-20, or Clustered Rural Subdivisions.
584.The County should explore alternatives (e.g., density transfer based on gross density) for
the applicant of a Special Management Area (SMA) Major Permit to dedicate to the
government or land trust or encumber as open space for the purpose of realizing a
shoreline linear park along as much of the coastline as possible.
585.Designate coastal areas to be preserved, protected, and connected to the rich network
of natural and cultural resources.
586.Encourage those developments that are not coastal dependent to locate in inland areas.
ACTION
5.40 Amend County code to include Special Management Area use regulations as
defined in Hawai‘i Revised Statutes 205A. [Code]
5.41 Amend and/or create County Code and administrative rules to develop shoreline
and building setbacks to address environmental, health, and safety priorities.
[Code]
5.42 Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff” [HRS
205A-1, and HAR Section 13-222-2, Planning Department Rule 11] and add
references to "top of cliff” to Criteria for Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning
Commission Rule 8.
5.43 Develop and implement Best Management Practices designed to reduce the
impacts of shoreline development in the Special Management Area.
5.44 Seek funding and support continued scientific research relating to coastal hazards
(e.g. research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope stability studies, sea-level rise
Section 5: Land Use Planning 145
rates, tsunami inundation mapping and coastal stream flood mapping, subsidence,
etc.).
5.45 To further protect coastal resources in the Special Management Area, review SMA
boundaries and initiate appropriate amendments to further protect known
recreational, historic, open space, ecosystem, beach, near-shore riparian, and/or
marine resources as well as scenic views toward the coastline from the highway;
a)Consider proximity to coastline and assess vulnerabilities to coastal
changes;
b)Consider including within the SMA boundaries appropriate near-shore
riparian corridors.
PROTECTING MAUKA FORESTS
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading of forested areas.
POLICY
587.No lands above the 2,500-foot elevation in the districts of North Kona and South Kona
shall be re-classified to any zone district having a minimum lot size of less than 20 acres
except where contiguous lands held under the same or a cooperative ownership are
concurrently placed in a lower density zoned district with a net effect of maintaining or
reducing overall density levels and enhancing the integrity and value of the region's
watershed and forest systems.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 8.3 (w), and Council Resolutions 330-96 and 58-
97.]
588.Designate mauka forests to be preserved, protected, and connected to the region’s rich
network of natural and cultural resources.
589.Discourage complete clearing of vegetation of a parcel with predominantly native trees
and forest.
146 Section 5: Land Use Planning
ACTION
5.46 Evaluate each district to determine appropriate elevation threshold to ensure
appropriate recharge rates in order to enhance the integrity and value of region’s
watershed and forest systems.
AGENCY ACTION
5.47 Federal: Continue to pursue acquisition priorities and advance legislation for the
expansion of National Parks and Wildlife Refuges.
5.48 State DLNR: Identify and Designate Natural Area Reserves for unique wildlife
habitat areas of native flora and fauna.
5.49 State: amend Hawai‘i Administrative Rules 13-5-40(b) to require that public
hearings before the State Land Use Commission be held in the judicial district in
which the land is located.
5.50 State: Designate forest and watershed areas into the Conservation District during
State land use boundary comprehensive reviews.
LAND USE PLANNING TOOLS
Designating Special Places
POLICY
590.Designate Special Design Districts with detailed planning, design standards and review
procedures for the following areas and all identified village and town centers including
Banyan Drive:
a)Banyan Drive Redevelopment Area
b)Downtown Hilo
c)Kailua-Kona Village
d)Volcano Village historic core;
e)
f)Kea‘au Town;
g) Kurtistown-to-Mountain View corridor
h)
i)
[Rationale: Based on Puna CDP 2.1.3.a. and GP 14.3.5.5.2 (c).]
Section 5: Land Use Planning 147
591.and limited recreational uses.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan
592.Encourage the integration of best management practices and an understanding of
cultural values and experiences during the land use application process for any business
plans requiring Planning Department er
identified important places.
[Rationale General Plan Goals 6.2 (a and c)
and Policies 6.3 (g, n, and o).]
593.Establish a Wahi Pana designation that addresses the following:
a)
a Special Area Plan that will protect the natural resources, preserve their storied
past and perpetuate agricultural traditions and unique rural lifestyle;
b)
areas as Wahi Pana.
c)Establish buffers on undeveloped lands around Kealakekua Bay to assure
preservation of the region’s unique environment and cultural resources.
[Rationale: Based on General Plan
4.9.6.]
ACTION
5.51 Develop criteria and public process for designating special places as Wahi Pana.
Consider the following recommendations:
a)Create a Natural Resource Overlay Zone;
b)Prepare viewshed siting guidelines in the County Zoning Code;
c)Collaborate with Community Groups to develop long range management
plans that address public access, carrying capacity, resource management,
and potential funding sources for on-going maintenance of natural
resources and any relevant infrastructure
5.52 Develop Special Area Plans for identified areas that need extra protections due to
sensitive environmental or cultural aspects, such as wahi pana areas.
5.53 Adopt an overlay district for the Volcano Village area. The designation should
consider the following provisions and other supporting measures:
a)Standards for maximum land disturbance;
b)A system to monitor the ‘hi‘a forest canopy and presence Rapid
Death;
148 Section 5: Land Use Planning
c)A set of economic incentives designed to reduce forest clearance and the
number of developable lots;
d)Mitigation standards and procedures that provide guidelines for the
restoration and re- planting of disturbed areas;
e)A study to mitigate localized flooding in ecologically friendly ways, such as
using vacant, forested lots to absorb floodwaters;
f)Use of “small-footprint” septic tanks to reduce lot grading;
g)An expert advisory committee to assist in developing standards, project
reviews and public education programs;
h)Designation of unencumbered State-owned lands near Wright Road for
either Natural Area Reserve or Forest Reserve status;
i)Within the Volcano area, propose re-zoning agricultural- and residential-
zoned lots to an appropriate designation to prevent further subdivision.
5.54 Amend code and rules to develop a regulatory provision for Special Area Plans for
natural resource protection for areas designated as Wahi Pana. [Code]
LAND USE PLANNING TOOLS
Preservation Tools
POLICY
594.Prioritize the implementation of tools for reshaping the pattern of future development
to prevent further sprawl such as transfer of development rights, overlays, clustering
requirements, and land pooling.
[Rationale: Based on Kona CDP Policy LU-
CDP Policy 13.].
595.Collaborate with community-based land pooling associations concerning legal and
financial aspects of land pooling as they relate to County or State legal requirements and
tax policies.
596.Encourage innovative uses of land with respect to geologic, topographic conditions, and
to reduce infrastructure costs using clustering developments and planned unit
developments.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 149
ACTION
5.55 Amend the code to enable Rural Cluster Developments to provide a flexible
procedure to allow clustering of development on Rural or Agricultural lands in
exchange for perpetual protection of contiguous blocks of land for crop production.
a)Protection of significant ecological, cultural, scenic, recreational, and
agricultural areas in perpetuity;
b)Prevention of flooding, erosion, and water pollution, and protecting the
quality and quantity of drinking water;
c)Promoting a more compact form of development. [Code]
5.56 Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments and Clustered Rural Subdivisions
that leave natural, open space buffer areas along the shoreline, streams, and
gulches, or adjacent to forest, conservation areas, or other culturally/
environmentally sensitive areas.
5.57 Conduct a feasibility study for a County-wide Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
and/or Save Land for the Future (SLF) program. If feasible, adopt any necessary
enabling County legislation.
5.58 Amend the Code to facilitate lot consolidation. [Code]
LAND USE PLANNING TOOLS
Special Permits
POLICY
597.Special Permits for Overnight Accommodation may be allowed for the following types:
a)Bed and Breakfasts/Hosted Short Term Vacation Rentals
b)Inns/Boutique Hotels
c)Retreat (Lodge)
[Rationale: Based on HCC Section 25-2-76 and 25-4-
Objective 3.2.2h, CDP Policies 40 and 149, General Plan Actions 14.7.5.1.2(b),
14.7.5.4.2 (a and b), 14.7.5.5.2 (a and b), 14.7.5.8.2 (b), 14.7.5.9.2 (a and b). It is worth
noting that bed and breakfasts, small hotel development, or small-scale retreats are
encouraged in the 2005 General Plan
and districts.
598.Retreat Standards:
150 Section 5: Land Use Planning
A retreat is generally located in an area that provides the user with rest, quiet, and
isolation for a natural and environmental experience. Such facilities shall have sewer,
water, roads, and provide open space recreation to users. Retreats are permitted uses
in Resort zoning (V), or may be permitted through the special use permit process in the
Rural or Agricultural district. The following standards shall apply:
a)Maximum visitor units: 50 units without individual kitchens.
b)Provide open space area commensurate with the scale of development.
c)Shall not be located on SLU Agricultural Lands with Land Study Bureau land
classification as overall productivity rating class of A or B (HRS 205-4.5)
d)Shall not be accessed through substandard roads or roads-in-limbo unless an
adequate traffic impact analysis report (TIAR) demonstrates accesses are safe and
proposed use would not significantly impact existing neighborhood.
[Rationale: Based on a revision to the General Plan Standards 14.7.4.]
599.On Pastoral designated lands, a special permit for an ecotourism-related or other non-
agricultural use may be considered provided the proposed project is consistent with the
General Plan.
ACTION
5.59 Amend the Code to facilitate lot consolidation. [Code]
5.60 Amend land use criteria for Special Permits involving overnight accommodations
on agricultural land to ensure compliance with Hawai‘i Revised Statutes 205-4.5
while still allowing appropriate entrepreneurial endeavors that promote
agriculture and do not negatively impact the natural resources, infrastructure, or
character of the area. [Code]
5.61 Revise Planning Commission Rule 6, and/or to the Special Permit Application form
(for Special Permits in the Agricultural District) to include clarity on the potential
impacts to be evaluated in the application process and to clearly articulate the
types of mitigating conditions that may be required. (HRS 205-6(c) and Planning
Commission Rules 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8).
FUTURE LAND USE MAPS
Future land use designations are designed to reflect the preferred future development pattern for
the County. The boundaries indicated are graphic expressions of the General Plan policies,
Section 5: Land Use Planning 151
particularly those related to land uses. They are long-range guides to general locations and will
be subject to existing County zoning and state land use districts.
REVISIONS FROM THE 2005 GENERAL PLAN LUPAG
These future land use designation boundaries have been refined from the 2005 General Plan Land
Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map with input from the CDPs and the use of neighborhood
analysis areas. These neighborhood analysis areas were established using criteria such as
subdivision boundaries, census block groups, place types, zoning designations, state land use
designations and CDP guidance. The refinement of the future land use designations using the
neighborhood analysis areas provides for a more predictable and transparent interpretation of
those boundaries. Any interpretation of the future land use boundaries should be reviewed using
the same criteria that created the neighborhood analysis areas.
The 2005 General Plan used the LUPAG Map to provide a broad, flexible design intended to guide
the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational matter. These
concepts and maps were reviewed during the development of the future land use designations
and accompanying maps. Revisions to the designations were guided first with the land use goals
and policies from the adopted CDPs (Puna, H m kua, North Kohala, South Kohala, North and South
Kona, and ). Further revisions were made using the following factors:
Accommodate projected population growth
Align with infrastructure – Potable Water
Align with infrastructure – Roadway Network
Align with infrastructure – Wastewater
Ensure that commercial designations are appropriate
Ensure that industrial designations are appropriate and consistent
Minimize new coastal development
Minimize encroachment onto agricultural lands
Align with State Land Use District Boundary
Align with County zoning
FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Future land uses are designated generally on the map in reference to the following categories:
Urban Designations:
High Density: General commercial, multiple family residential and related services (36 to
60 units per acre).
Medium Density: Village and neighborhood commercial and single-family and multiple
family residential and related functions (7 to 35 units per acre).
152 Section 5: Land Use Planning
Low Density: Residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and
convenience-type commercial uses; overall residential density may be up to six units per
acre.
University: Public university, including ancillary public uses, residential, and support
commercial uses.
Resort Area: These areas include a mix of visitor-related uses such as hotels, con-
dominium-hotels (condominiums developed and/or operated as hotels), single-family and
multiple family residential units, golf courses and other typical resort recreational facilities,
resort commercial complexes and other support services.
Industrial Designations:
Light Industrial: Uses in this category include, but are not limited to, business parks,
research and development centers, product assembly, distribution centers, laboratories,
cottage industries, and light service industrial uses.
Heavy Industrial: Uses in this category include, but are not limited to, landfills, quarries,
chemical plants, heavy equipment baseyards, towing yards, and other uses with the
potential to create public nuisance conditions (e.g., noise, environmental impacts).
Rural Designation:
Rural: Areas are situated outside of the urban growth areas. Except where noted, these
areas should retain their rural character with low density residential development,
supporting small scale commercial development, and agricultural land uses. Rural areas
should not be targeted with the development of major public infrastructure or the
extension of public sewer service except where a documented health, safety, and/or
welfare condition warrants such an expansion. (1/2 to 5 acre lot sizes)
Agricultural Designations:
Productive Agricultural Lands: Productive agricultural lands are those with better potential
for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other
factors. (5 acre minimum lot size) Productive agricultural lands were determined by
including the following lands:
o Lands identified as “Important Agricultural Lands” on the 2005 General Plan Land
Use Pattern Allocation Guide maps.
o Lands identified in the Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii
(ALISH) classification system as “Prime” or “Unique”.
o Lands classified by the Land Study Bureau’s Soil Survey Report as Class B “Good”
soils. (There are no Class A lands on the Island of Hawaii) Lands classified as at least
“fair” for two or more crops, on an irrigated basis, by the USDA Natural Resource
Conservation Service’s study of suitability for various crops.
Section 5: Land Use Planning 153
o In North and South Kona, the “coffee belt”, a continuous band defined by elevation,
according to input from area farmers.
o State agricultural parks.
Pastoral: Includes lands that are not capable of producing sustained, high agricultural
yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due
to certain physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability and
climate. These lands are better suited for other less intensive agricultural uses such as
grazing and pasture. (40 acre minimum lot size)
Other Designations:
Conservation: Forest and water reserves, natural and scientific preserves,
areas in active management for conservation purposes, areas to be kept in a largely natural
state with minimal facilities consistent with open space uses, such as picnic pavilions and
comfort stations, and lands within the State Land Use Conservation District.
Recreational Area: Parks and other recreational areas, such as golf courses, historic sites,
and shoreline setback areas.
Natural Area: Lands not considered suitable for productive agriculture; areas to be kept in
a largely natural state with minimal facilities consistent with opens space uses. Includes
areas vulnerable to natural hazards, steep slopes, lava fields, and areas set aside for
cultural and/or natural resource preservation purposes.
POLICY
600.Interpretation of the Future Land Use Map shall be reviewed against the following
criteria: subdivision boundaries, census block groups, place types, County zoning
designations, state land use designations and CDP guidance.
LAND USE REGULATIONS
All land use regulations enacted or amended shall be consistent with the adopted General Plan,
or element or portion thereof and any land development codes/regulations existing at the time of
adoption which are not consistent with the adopted General Plan, or element or portion thereof,
shall be amended so as to be consistent.
Hawai‘i County shall adopt a schedule for bringing the land use regulations into conformity with
the provisions of the most recently adopted General Plan, or element or portion thereof. During
the interim period when the provisions of the most recently adopted General Plan, or element or
portion thereof, and the land development codes and regulations are inconsistent, the provisions
154 Section 5: Land Use Planning
of the most recently adopted General Plan, or element or portion thereof, shall govern any action
taken in regard to an application for a development order.
Land use regulations consist of development and use standards, application and review
procedures, and criteria for granting permits or other approvals. Such regulations, as amended
from time to time, shall be consistent with the policies of the General Plan. They include but are
not limited to the following:
1.Zoning Code
2.Subdivision Control Code
3.Special Permit Rules and regulations pursuant to HRS 205-6
4.Special Management Area Rules and Regulation pursuant to HRS 205A
5.Transfer Development Rights Code (when adopted)
MASTER PLAN STANDARDS
Master plans for the use and development of private lands prepared by or on behalf of private
land owners shall be part of the planning system when such plans propose to provide public
facilities or infrastructure elements specifically identified in a public development plan and such
facilities or infrastructure are either (i) proposed in an application to the County for a change in
state land use district boundaries, zoning district, or other permit pursuant to the Zoning Code, or
(ii) agreed and committed to execution by the land owner as a condition of approval of any such
application or its later amendment or as a condition of a development agreement pursuant to
Chapter 30 of the Hawai‘i County Code.
Community Master Plan
The community master plan is intended to provide complete neighborhoods with varied housing
options, services, and amenities needed for daily living, including public schools, parks and open
spaces, shops, and services, all within a convenient walking or biking distance. The community
master plan is also intended to provide convenient access to public transportation and
employment areas.
Criteria:
Mix of residential and commercial zoning/uses
Mix of housing types (single-family and multifamily)
County roads
Road/intersection connectivity
Section 5: Land Use Planning 155
Public or private water system
Public or private wastewater system
Public facilities investment (school, park, or community center).
Institutional Master Plan
The institutional master plan is intended to facilitate an efficient and flexible review process for
development of institutions which control large areas of land, contain a greater intensity of
development than surrounding areas, are a source of substantial employment, and are usually
located adjacent to residential neighborhoods. An institutional master plan is intended to permit
flexibility, while providing a level of understanding by the community and neighboring properties
about the future growth of the institution.
Employment Master Plans
The employment master plan is intended to provide a method by which the County may permit a
variety of commercial and/or industrial development types, designs or arrangements that may not
be permissible under traditional zoning regulations yet still provide for the ability to plan for full
build-out of large employment centers. The employment master plan will provide a mechanism to
achieve development which will contribute to the diversification of the County’s economic base.
156 Section 5: Land Use Planning
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Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions 157
Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions
GOALS
6.
a)The fiscal budget is stable, transparent, and adequately funded to provide for
public services and infrastructure for current and future needs based on long range
planning assessments and priorities.
b)Plans will regularly be evaluated and monitored for consistency and integration
opportunities.
c)Hawai‘i County Code is comprehensively reviewed and updated to ensure
consistency with long range plans.
BUDGETING FOR IMPLEMENTATION
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Regularly analyze all viable financing tools.
Regularly seek opportunities for revenue diversification.
Infrastructure investment priorities implement land use policies of the General Plan.
POLICY
601.The County shall seek opportunities to leverage multiple sources of funding during its
Capital Improvement budget preparation.
[Rationale: GP Infrastructure Report]
602.The County shall advance alternative financing and funding mechanisms such as
community development financial institutions, public-private partnerships, revolving
funds, tax increment financing, and other innovative methods for projects exceeding (1
million)
[Rationale: This would establish a threshold for agencies to do an analysis of finance
options for certain projects.]
603.The County shall develop a debt financing plan to schedule bond issuance.
158 Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions
[Rationale: GP Infrastructure Report]
604.The County shall conduct a comprehensive review of the real property tax structure to
assure compatibility with General Plan goals and policies.
[Rationale: All County codes will need to be evaluated after the adoption of the General
Plan to be sure they are consistent with and helping to achieve our long-range goals for
the County.]
605.The County shall develop and adopt an impact fees ordinance that considers district
specific needs and excludes urban core areas where infill is encouraged.
[Rationale: GP 10.1.3 (d)]
606.The County shall seek to increase economic efficiency by regular review of the fee and
fine schedules.
[Rationale: One of the ways to diversify revenue is to look at opportunities to adjust fee
and fine schedules to recover costs associated with providing the services.]
607.The County shall establish infrastructure priorities based on the following criteria:
a)Within the Urban Growth Area;
b)The area contains a mix of residential and commercial zoning;
c)The area lacks a core infrastructure component (municipal or community water,
wastewater, or roadways) deemed necessary to accommodate infill or
redevelopment;
d)Redevelopment options (including the renovation of historic structures) and/or
projected commercial and residential growth (including affordable, multi-family
housing) is hindered by the lack of core infrastructure;
e)Highest priority should be given to areas that contain existing built-out parcels facing
regulatory constraints relating to parcel size, areas with historic buildings and
structures in need of renovation, and areas where affordable housing is lacking and
development is impeded by the lack of necessary infrastructure.
[Rationale: HCDP Policy 80]
608.The County shall develop and implement rural infrastructure standards.
[Rationale: North Kohala CDP 4.8]
609.Ensure change of zone and concurrency compliance review during subsequent
subdivision and plan approval applications.
[Rationale: Kona CDP LU 2.8b]
610.The County shall invest in asset management systems to develop a complete inventory
and periodic measurement of the physical condition and existence of all capital assets.
[Rationale: A central repository of all fixed assets with pertinent information such as
Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions 159
repair, maintenance, replacement schedules would be useful in identifying CIP priorities.
GP Infrastructure Report]
611.The County should calculate the full cost of the different services they provide.
612.The County should provide and improve existing infrastructure where high density uses
are permitted and encouraged.
613.The County shall explore financing options and provide technical assistance for
infrastructure in underserved areas.
614.The development of County facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with
minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Implement protocols for receiving
community input during Capital Improvement Project siting and design.
ACTION
6.1 Establish financing districts for new facilities and services in areas designated as
urban growth areas.
6.2 Build infrastructure to support affordable housing development in urban areas
targeted in the GP.
6.3 Establish infrastructure and design standards for rural areas and special districts.
6.4 Conduct a review and re-evaluation of the real property tax structure to assure
compatibility with land use goals and policies.
6.5 Establish concurrency requirements that would impose reasonable and fair
infrastructure concurrency requirements on all developments.
6.6 Develop and monitor level of service standards for all County public services
provided.
6.7 Conduct a Countywide facility inventory and maintenance schedule.
6.8 Establish memorandums of agreement to partner with community groups for
facility improvements and on-going maintenance opportunities.
160 Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions
BUDGETING FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Capital Improvement Program
POLICY
615.Pursuant to the County Charter, all public improvements, which primarily consist of
Capital Improvements, shall conform to and implement the General Plan. As all Capital
Improvements are sanctioned and primarily funded by way of the County’s Capital
Improvement Program and budget pursuant to specification in the County Charter, the
Capital Improvement Program and budget shall be prepared as follows:
a)The Capital Improvement Program and budget shall clearly set forth the qualification
and priority of each budgeted item with regard to its identity and priority in the
General Plan, and/or Development Plans or special purpose plans which may more
specifically implement the General Plan.
b)The program shall integrate projects of semi-autonomous agencies and the several
sources of funding for improvements, including fuel tax, revenue sharing, subsidies
and grants from other government entities, and funding from semi-autonomous
agencies. The program shall also include projects committed to the County in private
development master plans.
c)To prioritize the lists of proposed Capital Improvements contemplated by County
agencies as required by the Charter, the director shall consider:
1)Funding source. The capacity of a funding source available to a proposed
improvement may be a factor in determining priority. Potential funding
sources include general obligation bond, general revenues, special fund,
land-secured financing, State revolving fund, block grants, federal sources,
or other reliable source. The capital budget shall not exceed prudent debt
service limits for general obligation and other sources that affect the
borrowing capacity of the County.
2)Action Committee recommendations. The Action Committees may provide
their priorities for the fiscal year to the director which the director may add
to the agency lists, if not already included, upon the director’s
determination of consistency with the Community Development Plan.
3)Project delivery phases. All phases of a project – including planning, land
acquisition, design, construction, equipment and furnishing—shall be
Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions 161
addressed in the multi-year Capital Improvements Program. Priority shall
be considered to complete projects that are ready to be constructed.
4)Deferred maintenance. Deferred maintenance of existing facilities, as
determined by the responsible agency, should be considered a high priority
for those facilities intended by the responsible agency to remain in active,
long-term service.
5)Level of service. The General Plan’s Level of Service standards should be
considered to equalize the delivery of services among the planning areas.
6)Land use policies. Higher priority may be given to improvements that
influence growth patterns consistent with the General Plan or Community
Development Plans.
7)The director shall provide opportunity for community review of the
proposed program prior to referral to the mayor, for the mayor’s review
and referral to the Council.
ACTION
6.9 Amend Hawaii County Code to adopt procedures for the development of the
Capital Improvement Program. [Code]
AGENCY ACTION
6.10 State: Coordinate Capital Improvements with the County.
EVALUATION AND MONITORING
5-YEAR STATUS REPORT
The Planning Director shall prepare an implementation status report every five (5) years serving
to monitor progress towards achieving the goals and objectives identified within community
planning system and suggestions for improvement or amendments.
To the extent possible, the report should contain measurable indicators related to the goals and
objectives of the plans that make-up the County Planning System. The report will also provide the
status of any urban development plans, functional plans, Special Area Plans, and master plans.
Action Committees shall participate in the preparation of the report, by providing implementation
reports for their respective Community Development Plan. The director shall include information
162 Section 6: Implementation Priorities & Actions
regarding the implementation of such master development plans in the implementation status
reports.
Each department or agency shall prepare a status report on its implementation programs and
projects of the General Plan, which shall be transmitted to the Planning Director at the same time
the agency submits capital budget. The Planning Director shall include the annual status reports
in the 5-year Implementation Report. The Planning Director shall submit the report to the planning
commissions for review. The planning commissions shall afford opportunity for public comments
thereon and shall forward the report to the mayor with or without the commission’s comments
and recommendations; the mayor shall review and forward the report, with or without additional
comment, to the council for its review and information.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
A comprehensive review of the General Plan shall be initiated by the planning director not more
than twenty years after the date of adoption of the previous amendments resulting from a
comprehensive review.
The comprehensive review shall assess the achievement and/or effectiveness of the goals,
objectives, policies, standards, and maps of the existing plan, research current trends and
conditions, and incorporate progressive planning approaches.
A comprehensive review may also be initiated by the Planning Director in order to address certain
changes such as significant population growth changes, or events such as sea level rise occurring
at a faster pace than anticipated, a natural disaster resulting in regional impacts, or natural
resources nearing their carrying capacity.
INTERIM AMENDMENTS
Between comprehensive reviews, an amendment to the General Plan may be initiated by the
Planning Director.
The County Council may by resolution request the director to initiate an amendment to the
General Plan.
IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES
Upon adoption of this General Plan, the County will need to prioritize updates to each of the
Community Development Plans to bring them into alignment and consistency in form.
A comprehensive review of the Hawaii County Code will also need to be initiated to begin full
implementation of the General Plan and the overall planning system.
Glossary 163
GLOSSARY
Accessory Dwelling Unit or ‘Ohana Dwelling means a second dwelling unit permitted to be built as
a separate or an attached unit on a building site, but does not include a guest house or a farm
dwelling, as defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.
Actions specify how a plan policy will be implemented. Actions are meant to be refined during the
process of implementation in consideration of available resources, more detailed analysis,
feasibility, and other factors. Thus, these actions are not legally binding but are meant to provide
specific directional guidance for plan implementation and to be implemented in good faith.
Action Committee (AC) is a citizen-composed committee established for an adopted community
development plan and administered by the Planning Department.
Affordable Housing means dwelling units which may be rented or purchased at cost levels which
can be afforded by persons or families who are within the definition of “qualified households” and
whose total household income is within the affordable housing income guidelines, as defined in
the Hawai‘i County Code.
Agricultural Parks are areas set aside by the State Specifically for agricultural activities to encourage
continuation or initiation of such agricultural operations. The State’s Agricultural Parks Program
makes land available to small farmers at reasonable cost with long-term tenure.
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming
systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.
is Hawaiian Land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea.
ina land, earth. Literally can be translated to, “that which feeds.”
Aquaculture means the production of aquatic plant or animal life for food or fiber within ponds
and other bodies of water, as defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.
Biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture
and anaerobic digestion. Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from
agricultural, commercial, domestic, and/or industrial wastes.
Biomass plant material, used for the production of such things as fuel alcohol and nonchemical
fertilizers. Plant biomass can be used by power plants to produce thermal energy, then steam to
generate electrical power.
Blighted Areas means an area, whether it is improved or unimproved, in which conditions such as:
the dilapidation, deterioration, age, or obsolescence of the buildings or improvements thereon;
164 Glossary
inadequate ventilation, light, sanitation, or open spaces, or other insanitary or unsafe conditions;
high density of population and overcrowding; defective or inadequate street layout; faulty lot
layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness; diversity of ownership; tax or
special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land; defective or unusual
conditions of title; improper subdivision or obsolete platting; existence of conditions which
endanger life or property by fire or other causes; or any combination of these factors or conditions
predominate, thus making the area an economic or social liability, or conducive to ill health,
transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, or crime, or otherwise detrimental
to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare.
Brownfield is an abandoned or underused site where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by
the presence or perceived presence of contamination.
Capital Improvements comprise all forms of physical structures intended for long term use by the
public and include roads, water and sewer systems, communication systems, flood control
structures, other forms of infrastructure, and facilities such as active recreation areas and
buildings, meeting rooms, public safety operation centers, government service centers and other
structures supporting public activities.
Capital Improvements Budget is the budget for Capital Improvements adopted by ordinance for
the ensuing fiscal year.
Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is the planned Capital Improvements provided to County
Council for information purposes for the ensuing six fiscal years.
Cesspool any buried chamber including but not limited to any metal tank, perforated concrete
vault, or covered hollow or excavation, which receives or discharges sanitary sewage from a
building sewer for the purpose of collecting solids or discharging liquids to the surrounding soil.
Cesspools are not an approved method of sewage disposal under these regulations and all existing
cesspools are substandard.
Coastal Zone Management Area means all lands of the State and the area extending seaward from
the shoreline to the limit of the State's police power and management authority, including the
United States territorial sea.
Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program means the comprehensive statement in words, maps,
or other permanent media of communication, prepared, approved for submission, and amended
by the State and approved by the United States government pursuant to Public Law No. 92-583,
as amended, and the federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto, which describes objectives,
policies, laws, standards, and procedures to guide and regulate public and private uses in the
coastal zone management area/
Glossary 165
Planning Commission is either the Leeward Planning Commission or the Windward Planning
Commission.
Community Development Plan (CDP) is a regional community plan for a specific planning area,
typically comprising, but not necessarily bounded by, one or more of the County’s judicial districts.
Coastal High Hazard Area is the area including tsunami inundation, sea level rise and special flood
hazard areas.
Cottage Industry is a small-scale industry that can be carried on at home generally by family
members using their own equipment.
Critical Facilities include those public and private facilities that need to be operational during and
after a hazard event to meet public health and safety needs, or to speed economic recovery.
Critical Habitat is described by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as, “When a species is proposed for
listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Act), we must consider
whether there are areas of habitat we believe are essential to the species’ conservation. Those
areas may be proposed for designation as “critical habitat. It is a specific geographic area(s) that
contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that
may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not
currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery.”
Development is the placement or erection of any solid material, grading, grubbing, or extraction
of any materials, change in density or intensity of use of land, or construction, reconstruction,
demolition, or alteration of any structure.
Development Rights the right to develop land by a land owner who maintains fee simple ownership
over the land or by a party other than the owner who has obtained the rights to develop. Such
rights usually are expressed in terms of density allowed under existing zoning. (see also Transfer
of Development Rights).
Director is the Planning Director unless otherwise specified.
Ecosystem Services is any positive benefit that wildlife or ecosystems provides to people. The
benefits can be direct or indirect – small or large.
Eco-industrial parks a community of firms that exchange and make use of each other’s byproducts.
Endemic Species is a species that is only found in that region and nowhere else in the world. As
such, they are of conservation concern because they are not widespread and may be confined to
only one or two areas.
166 Glossary
Energy Producing or Producer means any entity that produces energy of any kind, including
(without limitation) gas or oil fueled, coal, nuclear, hydro, chemical reaction, electromagnetic,
wave or tidal action, biofuels-based, geothermal and renewable energy production.
Functional plan is a plan that addresses a specific need, program, or issue usually prepared by the
agency responsible for implementation that may but is not required to be adopted by resolution.
General Plan is the county’s policy document for the long-range comprehensive development and
preservation of the island of Hawaii pursuant to provisions for its purposes and contents, as set
forth in Hawaii Revised Statutes and the County Charter.
Green Infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and other elements and practices to restore some of
the natural processes required to manage water and create healthier urban environments.
Goal indicates the desired long-range direction.
Guideline is a statement by which to determine a course of action. A guideline aims to streamline
processes according to a set routine or sound practice. Guidelines are not binding and are not
enforced with the exception of land use guidelines and sensitive land use issues that require
discretion.
Harden, or Hardening refers to physically changing infrastructure or structures to make them less
susceptible to damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the
durability and stability of facilities, making them better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes
and other natural events without sustaining major damage or losing functionality.
High Risk Hazard Areas are areas within the Coastal High Hazard Area or Lava-flow Hazard Zones 1
or 2.
Impact Fee a fee levied on the developer or builder of a project by the County or other public
agency as compensation for otherwise unmitigated impacts the project will probably produce.
Impervious Surface or Area any hard-surfaced, man-made area that does not readily absorb or
retain water.
Incompatible Development or Incompatible Land Use the transfer over a property line of negative
economic or environmental effects.
Inclusionary Zoning a regulation which requires a minimum percentage of housing for low-income,
and sometimes moderate-income, households in new housing developments.
Infill or Infill Development is development of vacant land – or rehabilitation of existing structures
–in already urbanized areas where infrastructure and services are in place.
Integrated Resource Plans is the identification of the resources or the mix of resources for meeting
near and long term consumer energy needs in an efficient and reliable manner at the lowest
Glossary 167
reasonable cost including the need and timing of any new generation and new cross0island
transmission lines.
Important Agricultural Lands - State designation (IAL): Enacted as Article XI, Section 3, of the
lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the
availability of agriculturally suitable lands. The process for identifying State IAL is outlined at:
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/chair/new-agriculture-initiatives/important-ag-lands-ial/
Land Study Bureau (SLB) Detailed Land Classification is based on the Land Study Bureau of the
i’s inventory and evaluation of the State's land resources. The Bureau grouped
all lands in the State, except those in the urban district, into homogeneous units of land types;
described their condition and environment; rated the land on its over-all quality in terms of
agricultural productivity; appraised its performance for selected alternative crops; and delineated
the various land types and groupings based on soil properties and productive capabilities.
Large Development is the creation of 25 or more residential units, or commercial, industrial, or
resort space of 30,000 square feet of gross floor area or any combination greater than 35,000
square feet of gross floor area. (see also Development)
Leachate is the liquid that drams or ‘leaches’ from a landfill.
Level of Service (LOS) Standard a measure of the relationship between service capacity and service
demand for public facilities.
Low-Impact Development (LID) is the general term for a wide array of site planning principles and
engineered treatment practices used to manage both water runoff volume and water quality. (see
also Green Infrastructure)
Master Plan is a private land-use plan focused on one or more sites within an area that identifies
site access and general improvements and is intended to guide growth and development over a
number of years, or in several phases.
Metes and Bounds a system of describing and identifying land by measures (metes) and direction
(bounds) from an identifiable point of reference.
Microgrid is a local energy grid with control capability, which means it can disconnect from the
traditional grid and operate autonomously.
Mixed Use is a land use pattern that integrates compatible residential, commercial, industrial,
office, institutional, or other uses.
Mixed Use Development means a structure with multiple functions, such as residential and
commercial
168 Glossary
Multimodal or Multimodal Transportation is the practice of integrating multiple forms of
transportation into the planning process (pedestrian, cycling, automobile, mass transit, etc.)
Mauka is toward the mountain.
Objective indicates a specific measurable result or outcome of implementing policies and actions
in order to pursue a goal.
Open Space undeveloped land or water body which is free of structures and equipment, except
for those incidental to the land’s open space uses. Open space may include the following: flood
protection, creating a sense of special separation from incompatible land uses, areas for
agricultural operations, passive recreation, active recreation, conservation uses, or historical site
preservation.
Paratransit is special transportation services for people with disabilities and the elderly, often
provided as a supplement to fixed-route bus systems by public transit agencies.
Project District is a comprehensive planning method which provides for a flexible planning
approach and incorporates a variety of uses as well as open space, parks, and other project uses,
as further defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.
Permeable a pavement system with traditional strength characteristics, but which allows rainfall
to percolate through it rather than running off.
Placemaking is a multifaceted approach to planning, design, and management of public spaces
that capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential to promote the health,
happiness, and well-being of residents.
Planning Areas are the geographical regions that define the community development plan
boundaries.
Policies are statements that guide decision-making. The policies that use the word “shall” are
mandatory directives legally binding on County agencies.
Pu‘u is the Hawaiian word for any protuberance, used in this plan to describe a hillside.
Regional Centers are intended for mixed-use and higher-density residential, retail, commercial,
employment, and/or regional one-of-a-kind facilities, such as major civic, medical, educational,
and entertainment facilities.
Shoreline means the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves,
at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually
evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the
waves.
Glossary 169
Shoreline Setback Area means the land area between the shoreline and the shoreline setback line
established by the Planning Department running inland from and parallel to the certified shoreline
at a horizontal plane.
Silviculture the development or maintenance of a forest or wooded preserve.
Special Area Plans include plans prepared by a county department or agency for a specific area for
the purpose of master planning, redevelopment planning, or other purpose that may but is not
required to be adopted by resolution or ordinance.
Special Management Area is an area along the shoreline designated for special protections. The
Office of Planning (OP) administers Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205A, the Coastal Zone
Management (CZM) law, and the purpose of HRS Chapter 205A is to “provide for the effective
management, beneficial use, protection, and development of the Coastal Zone.” The Special
Management Area (SMA) permitting system is part of the CZM Program approved by Federal and
State agencies.
Sprawl low-density land-use patterns that are automobile-dependent, energy and land
consumptive, and may lead to an inefficient and undesirable distance between residences and
their needed infrastructure and services.
Standards are indicators of acceptable levels of service, performance, or design.
Sustainable or Sustainability is the community use of natural resources in a way that does not
jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) means the plan for tax increment financing for a district submitted
to and approved by the County Council, as further defined by the Hawai‘i County Code.
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) a compact, mixed-use neighborhood where
residential, commercial and civic buildings are within close proximity to each other.
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) a development of high-density mixed land use that uses a
transit facility as a focal point and thereby seeks to encourage the use of public transit.
Transfer of Development Rights a process by which development rights may be transferred from
one parcel of land to another. (see also Development Rights)
Urban Growth Boundary is the line designating a town’s current or future desired urban boundary.
Generally, this is where the Low Density Urban (LDU) designation ends, and either the Rural or
Agricultural designation begins.
Urban Development Plan is a plan having a local scale primarily comprising one or more existing or
proposed urban areas including towns, villages, resort-residential nodes and/or suburban
170 Glossary
residential neighborhoods where more intensive uses are contemplated. These may include
redevelopment plans for all or part of such urban areas.
Urban Service Area an area that defines the geographical limits of government-supplied public
facilities and services.
Viewshed the area within view from a defined observation point. Usually used to define a view
scenic quality such as a pu’u or the coastline.
Water Systems is any water system, whether publicly or privately owned and managed, that
provides water for human consumption to at least 15 connections or regularly serves at least 25
individuals.
Wahi Pana are celebrated and storied places in the cultural traditions of Hawai‘i.
Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map Pu no District • Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 l_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use 1111 High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial
Pastoral
Productive Agriculture
Future Land Use
D1esi1g 1n,atio11ns
Pendi1n1g Reco1very
Pla1nning Pro1cess
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption.
Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map South Hilo District •Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 t_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use 1111 High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial 1111 Heavy Industrial 1111 University
Pastoral
-Resort
Productive Agriculture 1111 Natural Area 1111 Recreation
-Conservation
Draft Ge neral Plan Future Land Use Map North Hilo & Hamakua Districts
Waipio Valley Area
•Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 l_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use 1111 High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial 1111 Heavy Industrial 1111 University
Pastoral
-Resort
Productive Agriculture1111 Natural Area 1111 Recreation
-Conservation
()
0 0.5 2 3
Miles
Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map North Kohala District • Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 l_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use 1111 High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial1111 Heavy Industrial 1111 University
Pastoral
Productive Agriculture
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption
()
2 3 4
Miles
• Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 t_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use 1111 High Density Urban 1111 Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial 1111 Heavy Industrial 1111 University
Pastoral 1111 Resort
Productive Agriculture 1111 Natural Area
-Recreation 1111 Conservation
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption.
()
0 0.5 1 2 3 4 - -
Miles
Ian Future Land Use Map North Kono Distric
•Towns
Major
Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----, t_ __ _J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use
-High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
.-----Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial
Heavy Industrial
University
Pastoral
Resort
Productive Agriculture
Natural Area
Recreation
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption.
()
0 0.25 0.5 l 1.5 2 --
Miles
Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map South Kono District
•Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----, t_ __ _J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use
-High Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial
Pastoral
Productive Agriculture
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption.
Ocean View
-•
/ /
•Towns
Roads
--Major
--Minor D Ahupuaa Boundary D Urban Growth Boundary
r----1 t_ ___ J Urban Service Area
Proposed Future Land Use
-High Density Urban
-Medium Density Urban
Low Density Urban
Rural
Light Industrial 1111 Heavy Industrial 1111 University
Pastoral 1111 Resort
Productive Agriculture 1111 Natural Area
-Recreation1111 Conservation
August 2019 Draft General Plan Future Land Use Map subject to revisions before adoption.