HomeMy WebLinkAboutINDIVIDUAL COMMENT EMAIL - 129232Mori, Ashley
From: Morrison, Bethany
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2019 9:35 AM
To: General Plan
Subject: FW: General Plan Comments
Attachments: Notes and Questions on General Plan.pdf
Ashley, please intake.n
Thank you,
Bethany
From:
Sent:Thursday, October 31, 2019 4:56 PM
To:Morrison, Bethany<Bethany.Morrison@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: Re: General Plan Comments
Aloha Bethany! Mahalo nui for the awesome meeting yesterday, I loved your ideas and guidance, much
appreciated. Unfortunately I'm on the road and don't have my notes/comments from that, will get them in this evening but
here is this for now, my notes, comments and questions so far on the entire GP, sending to the GP email as well... :)
On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 3:07:09 PM HST, Morrison, Bethany<bethany.morrisonhawaiicounty.qov>wrote:
Aloha
Thank you again for making time to provide your input on this important opportunity we have with the General Plan
update. I did some digging and found the Resolution heard last week by City and County of Honolulu. Enjoy!
https://honolulu.qranicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view id=3&event id=543&meta id=111547
A hui hou,
Bethany
x- 29232
From:
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 11:29 AM
To: Morrison, Bethany<Bethany.MorrisonRhawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: Re: General Plan Comments
1
Thank you, we're on our way, see you at 12:30!
On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 8:52:23 AM HST, Morrison, Bethany<bethany.morrison(a),hawaiicounty.gov>wrote:
Thank you for letting me know and I'm sorry to hear about your father in law. My afternoon is open so if you want to meet
later in the day, that would be fine too.
Bethany
From:
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 8:19 AM
To: Morrison, Bethany<Bethany.Morrison(chawaiicounty.gov>;
Subject: Re: General Plan Comments
Aloha! I'm writing as my father in law hasn't been feeling well lately and took a turn for the worse last night, I'm going up
to see him now but there's a chance I won't be able to make our meeting at 12:30, hoping to know more shortly but just in
case letting you know early on I may need to reschedule. Will call or email shortly.
Mahalo and have a great day!
On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 2:19:48 PM HST, wrote:
Perfect, thank you!
See you then,
2
On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 12:33:44 PM HST, Morrison, Bethany<bethany.morrison(,hawaiicounty.gov> wrote:
Sure, how does 12:30-2pm sound? It would be in or Planning Department conference room in Hilo. Let me know.
Thank you,
Bethany
From:
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2019 11:46 AM
To: Morrison, Bethany<Bethany.Morrison(a hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: Gloor, Leana <Leana.Gloor(chawaiicounty.gov>;
Subject: Re: General Plan Comments
Aloha! Wonderful, could we do Wednesday, perhaps anytime between 9am and 2pm? Thank you!
On Monday, October 28, 2019, 4:29:11 PM HST, Morrison, Bethany<bethany.morrison(a hawaiicounty.gov>wrote:
Aloha
LeAna forwarded me your request. I was the primary drafter of the climate change strategies and would be
happy to meet with you about any thoughts you would like to share. I have some general availability tomorrow
after lunch, anytime on Wednesday, or Thursday after lunch. Let me know if any of those times work for you.
There are a few things that I would like to offer that help to frame the draft GP, which might help with your
review and comments.
The purpose of the GP is to set the broad vision and policy statements for our long range development. We
have to be careful about being too specific in the implementation action details, such as spelling out code
amendments or specific budget items that will require additional County Council approvals. This is especially
true for a topic like climate change that is evolving.
I would encourage you to read through other sections in the draft plan that address resilience, which we are
trying to address comprehensively to help us with a variety of challenges that we face. I've listed some of
those objectives and the sections of the plan that they can be found in.
Increase food security (Economic)
Reduce water use (Infrastructure)
Maximize Waste reduction, resource reuse and recycling (Infrastructure)
Reduce vehicle miles travelled (infrastructure)
Lead the State in reaching its goal of 100% renewable energy (Economic)
Increase forest and woodland cover (Natural Resource)
Reduce clearing and grading of forested areas (Land Use)
Increase residential density within Urban areas (Land Use)
3
Also, it is important to keep in mind that the County has several on-going initiatives by different departments
working to address various components of climate change. We want the GP to help support these and other
efforts.
Mass Transit Agency is pursuing grant funding to pilot zero emission buses (ZEBs)
Planning Director represents the County on the State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Commission
Support legislation to establish a carbon fee program
Urge counties to incorporate the 3.2 ft. sea level rise exposure area (SLR-XA) into their general
and development plans.
Updating County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2020
Resolution 322-19 (Draft 2)
Declaring a Hawaii County climate emergency
Requesting regional collaboration
Climate Action Plan (Research and Development)
Complete a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory that will be used to establish County GHG targets,
develop mitigation strategies, and monitor County GHG emissions over time.
Develop and implement a Climate Action Plan aligned with the County's GHG targets.
Partner with Hawaii Energy to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings in County facilities.
Collaborate to advance the electrification of transportation as a member of Drive
Electric Hawaii and the Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawaii.
Intervene in related dockets of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), like Integrated Grid
Planning, Electrification of Transportation, and Performance-Based Ratemaking.
Represent the County on the state Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force, which is
exploring economic opportunities in carbon markets.
Thank you,
Bethany Morrison
Planner, Long Range Planning Division
County of Hawaii
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Fax(808) 961-8742
Phone (808) 961-8138
Bethany.MorrisonAhawaiicountv.gov
From:
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2019 1:02 PM
To: Gloor, Leana <Leana.Gloor(a hawaiicounty.gov>; Cook, Eric <Eric.Cookhawaiicounty.qov>;
Subject: General Plan Comments
Aloha!
I'm with 350.org Hawaii Island and would like to meet with regards to Climate updates for the General Plan, would it be
possible to meet before the public comment period expires this week? I have some suggestions I would like to
connect/get your advice on, let me know what is possible!
Mahalo,
4
General Plan 2040
August 2019 Draft
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
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
ii
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
iii
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
iv
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 I] 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.
Introduction 1
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
2 Introduction
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.
County Land Use Planning & Implementation System
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subdivision Code
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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,
Introduction 3
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:
4 Introduction
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 - Hamakua Coast Villages (Pauka'a to Laupahoehoe)
Honoka'a-Pa'auilo
North Kohala
Waimea
Waikoloa Area (Kawaihae-Puako-Waikoloa-Waikoloa Resorts)
North Kona
South Kona
Ka'U
Upper Puna (Volcano to Mountain View)
Kea'au-Kurtistown
Hawaiian Paradise Park-Orchidland
Introduction 5
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
Hawaii County is rural. Only 60% of Hawaii 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:
6 Introduction
Urban Cluster Population %of Population Population Density(Pop/Sq Mile)
Hilo 43,925 23%1,791
Holualoa 28,850 15%2,013
Captain Cook 4,175 2% 999
Hawaiian Paradise Park 11%
20,503 635Area
Waimea 6,960 4%1,475
Waikoloa Village 4,089 2% 3,799
Kapa'au 3,597 2% 888
Honoka'a 2,667 1%1,699
Table 2: Urban Clusters, County of Hawaii, 1990-2015
Population Density is L o w
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.
Introduction 7
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%ofHouseholds
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.
8 Introduction
Hawaii 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 — particularly Puna, Ka'u, Honoka'a, Pa'auilo, and 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-Hamakua Villages (36%) are expected to grow more slowly. Others are expected to
grow more quickly: Waimea (60%), Ka'u (93%), and Puna— Kea'au-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-Hamakua Villages (28%), Upper
Puna (28%), and the South Kona Villages (29%) are expected to grow more slowly, and Ka'u (43%)
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
Introduction 9
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
Individually Advertised Units in Hawai'i, 2014) reported that there were 9,986 vacation rental
units in the County of Hawai'i. That would bring the total of visitor accommodations units up from
10,666 to 13,969. The DBEDT 2040 forecast for the County of Hawai'i was 11,600 units.
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 ofReach for Many
The poverty rate is a national measure and is hardly a living wage, especially in Hawaii. 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.
10 Introduction
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.' Hawai'i County has the greatest number of jobs in
This explains the slight differences between employment and jobs data.
Introduction 11
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-a-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
the leeward side and in North Kohala and Honoka'a. Interestingly, Lower Puna's economy is quite
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.
12 Introduction
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.
Introduction 13
x,,.. `i i , ,. ..
of.,- - .
10
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.
mitigating and
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. and climate mitigation
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 15
zr;, e 'tz i.,S,A'" F -t aN w'`",,.?^
ra'n `,s:,c u,..F'wva:.,,.,_..., ". ,.
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; carbon sinks
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;
exceptional carbon sinksc) 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.along with carbon sequestration
16 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planningr. .' .<<
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. See also Hamakua CDP Policy 8.]
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. along with agricultural seed
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 17
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 Manoa Sea 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.]
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
and restablish native wildlife
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. and restablish native vegetation iincluding food and resource plants
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.and critically useful non
natives such as foodplants
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Increase percentage of forest and woodland cover.
18 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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.]
including maximum carbon sequestration considerations
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. proforestation and afforestation policy
and fruit tree/food plants where applicable
23. Encourage the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses in appropriate areas to
nate e, fruit tree, medicinals d materials
increase forest buffer functions, forest diversity, and to reduce storm water runo
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.)
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 19
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 Hawaii 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.
20 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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; Ka'u CDP Policies 28, 30; Hamakua CDP Policy 18, 39, and 40]
29. No new bulkheads, seawalls or other hardened vertical shoreline structures shall be
permitted on unaltered shorelines. and in general without permit review including public input
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.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 21
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
22 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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 (I); 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).]
and restrict
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.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 23
and implement
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.
and carbon seqestration
50. Encourage the County and the State to investigate and implement alternatives to the use
of herbicides for weed control on public properties.and pestice, or other poisons
51. Work to identify areas where nutrient pollution is having the greatest impact on overall
water quality. and remediate
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. and non invasive foodplants?
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.
24 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 25
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.
26 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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.]
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 27
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. Hawai'i County building code shall be updated to maintain consistency with the Hawaii
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 5.3 (c), Hamakua
CDP Policy 95, and the Kona CDP Action ENV 1.7]
public or private development in as well as
71. Discourage infrastructure investments in high risk hazard areas and incentivize
infrastructure expenditures outside high risk hazard areas.
28 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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 ???? what is the planning horizon?Our building is
a most 100 years old,w should be looking at endb) Base policy guidance on nuisance flooding o century
pretirsionst ighm dne
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]
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 29
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. ????
Remove this section all together
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 gaps for rural communities; Ka'u CDP Policy 118,
Hamakua CDP Policy 92]
79. Ensure emergency evacuation routes are adequate for each community vulnerable to
hazard.
Rationale: Based on a combination of Puna CDP 4.3.1.a, Hamakua CDP 1.8.1 Objective
7, Ka'u CDP 1.5.1 Objective 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 (I) and the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.]
81. Hawai'i 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].
30 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
au,. U
powered by clean
renewable energy?
include water catchment?
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. Hawai'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.and permitting processes?
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.]where is this plan and how can the public provide input?
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
4.3.1.a, Hamakua CDP 1.8.1 Objective 7, Kali CDP 1.5.1 Objective 8.]
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.
communities,
91. Develop the capacity for hazard preparedness of non-governmental organizations,
businesses, and neighborhood groups. including self sufficiency strategies such as clean alternative energy
mic o ri s water and localized,public f od urces92. 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. with time x period including a
cost benefit analysis and public
input
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 31
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 CH HA;
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]Yes!! And an Environmental Impact fee for visitors, tax incentive for low carbon (local)
goods
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. No. Our county/public should not pay for this, perhaps that is a State or
federal issue, can you please explain why this would be considered?1.50 Define and map critical facilities, necessary for community disaster response and
recovery that are too important to fai6nd protect them
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]
and self sufficient
1.53 Conduct a Safe Growth Audit as part of comprehensive review of General Plan or
Community Development Plans.
32 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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 a ainst earthquake, hurricane, tsunamis, and floods.
and selfsufficiency
support community financing of cooperative private energy systems for the community
AGENCY ACTION
1.57 Hawaii Health Services: Harden Honoka'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 and self sufficiency
1.67 Department of Defense, Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA): Build Firebreaks & Remove
Unexploded Ordnance
1.68 Army Corps of Engineers: Remove Unexploded Ordnance
1.69 State of Hawai'i, Governor: Release Waipi'o Disaster Funds
1.70 Telecom: Provide Emergency Phones
1.71 State: Require Hazard Disclosure during Real Estate Transactions
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 33
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 3.3 (a & k); Hamakua CDP Policy 110.]
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
34 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
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
please update for most current scientific data (2-3m by end of century more likely)
100. Implement a minimum sea level rise assumption of 3.2 feet for budgetary, land use, and
other decision-making processes.
Rationale: Hawai'i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. 2017.
Hawai'i Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation ReporY.T How do we make that process more
timely? le: 2017 State SLR needs to be revised
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.
Section 1: Natural Resource Planning 35
This page intentionally left blank)1. Conduct assessments of the vulnerability ofagriculture to climate change and identify:
implications for food security and livelihoods from projected changes in
production, population and urbanisation
prioritise agricultural adaptations to minimise threats and maximise opportunities.
2. Implement priority adaptations based on:
projected food needs of rural and urban populations
natural and human capital for producing agricultural and fisheries products
existing production methods and capacity, including traditional knowledge,-and maximum carbon sequestration
projected effects of climate change on food systems
previous research that can be used to help improve resilience of food systems.
3. Strengthen food systems research and development for the region by:
creating effective partnerships between county, state, university and extension agencies,
farmers' networks, non-governmental organisations and scientific
institutions to improve capacity to carry out research and implementation of effective agricultural strategies
implementing innovative approaches to overcome constraints to sharing knowledge and implementation with farmers
and fishing communities such as social media and events
providing farmers and fishing communities with climate guidance and support for their
investments and activities in carbon sequestering agricultural methods
seed repository for emergencies/lost crops, permaculture, shared clean energy tools (tractors, trucks, etc)
36 Section 1: Natural Resorce Planning
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
GOALS
2. Hawaii will use progressive planning strategies to ensure communities are adequately
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. self suffiecienty
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 deveeloped or improved to provide
sa
opportunities for universal and reliable access at affordable levels of service.
e) Energy production is progressively moving towards 100gearenewable, and the
County leads by example in promoting and developing energy efficient facilities andanddistributedmicrogrids
programs.
preference for democratic, publicly owned distribution utilities, community choice aggregation programs
Cooperatives)and other existing utilities that demonstrate a commitment to the public interest.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 37
MANAGING WATER SYSTEM RESOURCES
Drinking Water Conservation
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Reduce water use by 130 gallons per day per person.
POLICY
Definition? Priority set for community self sufficiency, food production, island carrying capacity
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.] and other districs as needed
Howften revised with predicted climatehang recharge rates?108. The withdrawal rate from groundwater aquifers scall not excee80/ 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. including sustainability
Rationale: According to the Department of Water Supply, domestic water us°eaotove bove
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.]
38 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
kItYVVICR4WAAPMfiogerat„aa`'^ ,.%),154040,w10414, rv';""y ,'`^.%,r;r,v,.i
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 Hawaii County. and the needs of natural ecosystems
Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (d and f).fonsidering general projections for lower recharge rates
due to climate change
113. Evaluate and amend the fee schedule for water use to take into account high water use
priority/mosfvaluable end 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 userprioritization of most valuable end use
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.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 39
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).] and food production needs for island self sufficiency?
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
40 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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
and recommendations of State carbon farming/GHG
sequestration task force or general carbon drawdown
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.and food production needs for island self
Rationale: Based on General Plan 11.2.2 (a, e).]
sufficiency?
123. Water demand projections shall include all demand, including non-potable use.
Rationale: Based on recognized gaps in water demand projectionsa]nd climate change considerations
124. The Department of Water Supply and the Planning Department shall coordinate
prioritize community priorities prior to the adoption of any new water development or land use plans.
resiliency and self
sufficiency
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 recr ati al wat r eedagnculuraloodproeducion {ie: reservoirs)and ecosystem restoration?
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.
Section 2: InfrastructurerprPlanning 7qj yp
41
Y,.c?uti6 ,t/.Ft3., y ..frtl.'3 h}Xku?.f.3,F,/,"sor VIA s",YA a..'R9 3ridf#".rtfMAN
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.
that includes climate change
2.14 Adopt a standard for reviewing water variance applications.considerations
2.15 Develop, coordinate, and maintain a water resource program collaboratively
managed by a working group of water resource and utility professionals thatclimate.
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.and water availability predictions
2.18 Amend Hawaii' 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
42 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
t; ;:s °, k;xu,
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
biodiversity benefits,carbon sinkssusceptibletoerosionandsedimentloss;
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: including soil and nearby water testing and repoting
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.application
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
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 43
t,rv ro,,Gl 'aSuzy,.",y N,,,"a'.,'£m'h,- . 'r"a3pr;;,ra, Xr.,3r;l'°,unFk ,s ,l,"`, sx; ,d.„ ...e'..`'"s.,`.',a`.';
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.
44 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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. Hawaii County shall not allow municipal or private wastewater systems to negatively
impact watershed quality or shoreline resources.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 45
C .n4,xowionio;mozezioutvper '.'....
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.
46 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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 Hawaii
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 Hawaii County Code Section 21 39-45 (develops a sewer
connection loan program) for legal implications to facilitate implementation.
Code]
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 47
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. "50% minimum up to 100% by 2030" not sure is that too ambitious? State GHG
sequestration task force recommendations?
POLICY
146. The County shall proactively pursue funding that will ensure continued progression
toward zero-waste goals. which go hand in hand with GHG emissions reductions
48 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
r . .a rir,w
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.with appropriate GHG and pollution
154. Promote opportunities for a circular economy. considerations and public input
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).
Single use plastics ban please, mahalo!
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 49
S v ",'"f < aryl Fr6 g yr a cF i v S ' `iaY",,.r,,,,,1 rJA ,„r,F^v zsza..i.r aPSi,..,F.,'3Y,”/J r,,,, d'd#i' k:,.aP."bi,3 g{d ..,. .
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 purchased in or shipped to Hawaii. 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. Yes please!
AGENCY ACTION
2.53 Amend Hawaii 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. why just manure and soil, why not food waste/compost/paper scraps etc?
COMMUNITY ACTION
2.54 Host composting and recycling workshops in collaboration with agencies
organizations such as Department of Environmental Management, Recycle
50 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 51
4 i ,,.4:496., e
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-durnping)
2.62 Organize community clean-up events for illegal dump sites and other polluted
areas
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Transportation Planning & Financing
SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVE
Why not higher? Localization of economies in planning
Reduce individual vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 3% by facilitating walking, bicycling, and other
energy-efficient and safe alternative modes of transportation.should this be more for climate goals? not sure
52 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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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
H DOT.
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. and climate change considerations such as alternative
Rationale: Based on identified gaps in CouniViP n sortation 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).]
clean renewable energy
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
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 53
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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.
and prioritize solutions to
176. Identify and evaluate transportation strategies to address energy and climate issues.
177. Investigate various methods of funding transportation improvements, including privateandGHGeductinsectorparticipation, 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). yes thank you :)
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
54 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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.Yes please, more public access,
especially old cane roads Hamakua
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. including cost/benefit analysis over time/climate predictions and moving of roads
proactively?
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.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 55
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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.
56 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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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 (I), Kona Action TRAN-3.3b, Hamakua
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 13.2.5.9.2(b), and Ka'u CDP Policy 95.]
185. Ensure that roadway-design criteria and standards are compatible with surrounding
neighborhoods and the character of rural areas.
Rationale: Based on Ka'u CDP Policy 74, 75, and 77, Hamakua CDP Policy 72, and Maui
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), Ka'u CDP Policy 74, 75, and 77, Hamakua CDP Policy 72.]
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 (c), Hamakua CDP Policy 66, and Kona CDP TRAN-1.1.]
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 57
rioriti n tre s for shade, GHG seque tration, and.edible.s190. Use native landscaping for highway improvements ansd connectivity points, emphasizing
the retention of native vegetation.
Rationale: Based on Hamakua CDP Policy 72, Ka'u 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
58 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
of the community.
Rationale: Based on Ka'u CDP Policy 94, Hamakua CDP Policy 65, and Kona CDP Policy
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. prioritizing trees and edibles
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.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 59
Y i 'i ailfaX,Ov,i OO " ` *70,01X1' r.
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.
60 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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.
mass transit clean energy recharge stations?
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.
Section 2: InfrastructurejgPlanning 61WOW,: /..y ;(rank R 41x,llFA.MdS Sa e li ryieNtoOPY`Yatt&
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: Based on Hamakua CDP Policy 67, and Kauai 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,
and Hamakua CDP Policy 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.
is that enough for climate goals?
62 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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 on policies from Hamakua CDP Policy 75, 76, Kauai GP, Mass Transit
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. mass transit bike share program at all 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 programq{io reOcee('tfossil-fuel vehicles in the mass transit fleet with
clean renewable energy alternatives. No more fossil fuel purchase, phase in EV etc
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 63
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.
clean energy based transport
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.
Only clean alternative energy, not option
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.EV/alternative energy fleet
2.108 Implement technology to provide real time mass transit information.
64 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 65
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.
66 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
POLICY 5G?
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
Hamakua CDP Kokua Action 64, 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. See also Hamakua CDP Community Objective 9, Ka'u 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
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 67
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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.
68 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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.
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 69
Rationale: Based on identified visual clutter in scenic areas and Ka'u CDP Policy 58
Hamakua CDP Policy 34 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 Ka'u CDP Policy 58
Hamakua CDP Policy 34 and 108, and 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
100%clean renewable energy by 2030
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)
70 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
u10Dr01r,t . x P <, rr, tV AiAI A
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, c), and Hamakua CDP
Policy 62.]
249. The County shall remove barriers f8Pen PgyfEysfeeFnn vfWWWat 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), Ka'u CDP Policy 142 and
Community-Based Collaborative Action 6.4.5, and Hamakua CDP Community Action 55.]
250. The County of Hawai'i shall increase its energy efficiency by upgrading its vehicle fleet to
alternative energy vehicles, where practical. Only alternative energy vehicles
Rationale: Based on the Ka'u 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-1.7 and Hamakua CDP 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:
oarbon
a) Programs and fee structures that pcleanromotelroenwerwanble energy;
cleanb) 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.and GHG climate impacts
Rationale: Based on the Hamakua CDP Kokua Action 65 and 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).]
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 71
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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
clean low or no emission
electricity generatedyyby alternative and renewa3le energy, including, but not limited to
solar, wind, biotuels and other sources. NOT whole tree woody biomass, and not biofuels if agricultual
food production/reforest tiongoals are no . e , that is priority257. Coordinate with energy providers to encourage investments t at rncrease rehab e,
equitable, efficient, and affordable energy for Hawaii 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. targeting 100% by 2030
265. Determine realistic targets for the appropriate mix of variable renewables and firm
renewables within the energy network Prioritize up to date science &climate considerations and needs of a
habitable planet to set targets
266. Partner with both government and private sources for research and development of
alternative/renewa le energyresources.
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/climate miitigation
269. Support the development of commercially produced energy to meet the needs of the
County of Hawaii in a culturally sensitive manner.
72 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
r„ ,:,mak. DOW ,' . ` t IP' f
270. Promote biomass energy and fuel production using wood chips from exotic/invasive
trees. Absolutely not. Why is this in here?
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 commercialclean, low emissions
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 forcrnne\iatleeeiniPRresource zones for commercially
produced energy. These could include, but are not limited to:
a) Solar Farm;
b) Wind Farm;
Section 2: Infrastructure Planning 73
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. prioritizing clean energy
2.137 Develop standards and principles for reviewing PUC applications.including GHG considerations
for a habitable planet
2.138 Conduct a feasibility report for using renewable sources to generate power for
public water system infrastructure.
clean low emissions
74 Section 2: Infrastructure Planning
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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.and resilience
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
and by providing interactive experiences with the 'aina and 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: Based on Kona CDP Strategy 4.8.2, Hamakua CDP Community Objective 8 and
Ka'u CDP Community Objective 11, and General Plan Goal (2.2 (c, f).]
75Section3: 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)]
resilient,.sustainable
278. Invest in infrastructure and facilities that support economic dveopment.
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".what is a subsistence business? not sure, but shouldn't that term apply to families/
individuals only, not businesses?
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 Hawaii 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. especially in professions of climate mitigation
and adaptation
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.
76 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
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
Yes! Community Carbon offsets, commnity watershed development, etc :)
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; how does this impact 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.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 77
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.community co-op gardens and ag lots
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
sustainable
Increase locally owned and operated agricultural businesses. prioritizing food production as much as possible?
78 Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning
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: Based on Hamakua CDP Policies 116 and 117, Ka'u CDP Policy 139, and
General Plan 2.3 (u).]
climate smart
300. Educate landowners about agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs
and encourage participation in these programs.especially climate mitigation strategies
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. Support the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hawai'i community college aid in their
development of education, training, and workforce development programs that assist
agriculture. especially climate smart ag?
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.
development of a sustainable fishing industry
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.
Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning 79
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 cormrmtnityogoar8ends.
3.18 Update the County of Hawaii 's tax reduction programs to ensure that tax
ust finable, climate
incentives for agricultural land use result in actual public benefits and promote lcal (drawdown)
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'i, Department of Agriculture: 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
climate smart
Increase total acres of active food production.
80 Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning
POLICY
312. Develop and maintain a food self-sufficiency strategy for Hawai'i County to serve as a
mitigationm d,adluptltion strategy that decreases Hawai'i's food carbon footprint (viaanagricuramethods
imports) while increasing community resilience to climate and natural hazardsand working to drawdown
Rationale: Based on recommendations from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Sea
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.and community growing areas
318. Allow for and encourage urban agriculture uses such as on-site sales and small-scale
animal husbandry.
Promote and incentivize Climate smart agriculture, such as no till, cover crop, and other beneficial carbon
ACTIMPturing methods
3.26 Develop a program to monitor local food production and consumption.
3.27 Conduct regional community food-system assessments.
a d griculttu I re ov ry(s.ach s seed banks)3.28 Develop and implement an emergency food plan whit could be c eployec in the
event of a natural or economic disaster.
Promote nd i centivize3.29 Adopt procedures to allow for the development of community gardens and edible
landscaping on public lands, maybe through Friends of the Park agreements. YAYI
3.30 Amend Hawai'i 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 Pilot a project to restore at least one ahupua'a using traditional knowledge and
innovative strategies to produce enough food to be self-sustainable.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 81
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 and climate smart ag that is diversified to withstand storms and climate events,
including promoting Pacific island root crops such as kalo, uala and cassava3.34 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 at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and
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. without compromising natural ecosystems
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.
and small scale farms
324. Incentivize and remove barriers to allow the agricultural industry to provide or develop
employee housing and workers quarters.
82 Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning
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.
Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning 83
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 Hawai'i Tourism Authority: Encourage the development of a visitor 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, I, 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).]
84 Section 3: Economic& Opportunity Planning
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 housingorincludeselfsufficiencyagcomponentforaffordablehousing on ag land thatunitstoUrbanServiceAreas. has appropriate transit infrastructure?
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. and ag self sufficiency opportunities?
ACTION
3.46 Create incentives and remove barriers to reduce cost of building residential units,including energy
efficiency and3.47 Remove barriers to the use of local building materials, traditional 'islandrow carbon
appropriate' construction techniques, recycled materials and other alternat%missions
building materials.
3.48 Evaluate and revise inclusionary zoning and housing requirements.
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 85
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.
86 Section 3: Economics& Opportunity Planning
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 (I).]
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. and agricultural self sufficiency
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
Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning 87
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, I) and Standards from 9.4 (a-f).]
ACTION
3.60 Adopt a program including necessary staffing to inventory, monitor, and enforce
safe housing conditions.
88 Section 3: Economic & Opportunity Planning
t_+ itks\".
GOALS
4. Hawai'i is a safe, healthy, and diverse community deeply connected to the 'aina, our
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. does this wording limit cultural access? Not sure...
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.
Section 4: Community Placemaking 89
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 Hawaii 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 10.2.2 (b, c), 12.3 (g), Hamakua Policy 101; Ka'u CDP
5.9.3.2.]
90 Section 4: Community Placemakingw.W y '