HomeMy WebLinkAboutHamakua CDP1
Hāmākua Community
Development Plan
August 2018
Ordinance No. 2018-78
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
TABLE OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE CDP ....................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.1 WHAT IS A CDP AND WHAT CAN IT DO? ................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.2 WHAT AREA DOES THE HĀMĀKUA CDP COVER? ......................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.3 WHAT DOES THE HĀMĀKUA CDP DO? ..................................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.4 HOW WAS THE CDP DEVELOPED? ........................................................................................................................................... 12
1.1.5 HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE HĀMĀKUA CDP?............................................................................................................................... 13
1.1.6 CDP SUPPORT DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 14
1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 15
1.3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS USED ............................................................................................................... 16
1.3.1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
1.3.2 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
1.4 INTRODUCTION TO THE HĀMĀKUA PLANNING AREA ..................................................................................................... 21
1.4.1 THE LAND SUSTAINS THE PEOPLE OF THE KUHI LOA .................................................................................................................... 21
1.5 HĀMĀKUA TODAY: COMMUNITY ASSETS AND CHALLENGES .......................................................................................... 22
1.5.1 ASSETS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
1.5.2 CHALLENGES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
1.6 HĀMĀKUA TOMORROW: COMMUNITY VISION ............................................................................................................. 24
1.6.1 ISSUES AND PRIORITIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
1.6.2 VALUES AND VISION STATEMENT............................................................................................................................................. 25
1.7 FROM VISION TO ACTION .......................................................................................................................................... 26
1.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES....................................................................................................................................................... 26
1.7.2 IDENTIFYING CDP STRATEGIES ................................................................................................................................................ 27
1.7.3 TYPES OF CDP STRATEGIES .................................................................................................................................................... 27
1.7.4 STRATEGIES TO ACTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY ..................................................................................................................................................30
2.1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
2.2. RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN ...................................................................................................................... 30
2.3 PLANNING AREA ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
2.4 TYPES OF STRATEGIES .............................................................................................................................................. 30
2.5 CDP IMPLEMENTATION ROLES AND GUIDES ................................................................................................................ 31
SECTION 3: PREFERRED LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS ................................................................................................ 35
3.1 LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS .......................................................................................................................... 35
3.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
3.1.2 GENERAL PLAN SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................... 35
3.1.3 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 36
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3.1.4 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 37
3.1.5 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 39
3.1.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 40
3.1.7 LAND USE GUIDE MAPS, FIGURES 2-13 ................................................................................................................................... 41
SECTION 4: PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ........................................................................... 54
4.1 EXPAND THE LOCAL SYSTEM OF PRESERVES ................................................................................................................ 54
4.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 54
4.1.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 54
4.1.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 55
4.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
4.2 PROTECT COASTAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 55
4.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 55
4.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 55
4.2.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 56
4.2.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 57
4.2.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.2.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 58
4.3 PROTECT AGRICULTURAL LANDS & OPEN SPACE ........................................................................................................ 58
4.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 59
4.3.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.3.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.3.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 60
4.3.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 60
4.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 61
4.4 PROTECT MAUKA FORESTS ....................................................................................................................................... 61
4.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 61
4.4.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.4.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.4.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 62
4.4.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 62
4.4.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.5 PRESERVE SCENIC AREAS AND VIEWSHEDS ................................................................................................................. 62
4.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.5.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 62
4.5.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 63
4.5.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 63
4.5.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 64
4.5.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 64
4.6 PROTECT AND ENHANCE ECOSYSTEMS AND WATERSHEDS ........................................................................................... 65
4.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 65
4.6.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 65
4.6.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
4.6.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 67
4.6.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 67
4.7 PROTECT AND ENHANCE CULTURAL ASSETS ............................................................................................................... 68
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4.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 68
4.7.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 68
4.7.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 68
4.7.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 69
4.7.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 69
4.7.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 69
4.8 ESTABLISH AND MANAGE PUBLIC ACCESS AND TRAILS ................................................................................................ 69
4.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 69
4.8.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 70
4.8.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 70
4.8.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 71
4.8.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 72
4.9 PRESERVING SACRED PLACES: WAIPIʻO VALLEY AND MAUNA KEA ................................................................................ 72
4.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 72
4.9.2 WAIPIʻO VALLEY AS A WAHI PANA ........................................................................................................................................... 73
4.9.3 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: COUNTY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................... 73
4.9.4 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: KŌKUA ACTION ............................................................................................................................................ 74
4.9.5 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: COMMUNITY ACTION .................................................................................................................................... 75
4.9.6 MAUNA KEA AS A WAHI PANA ............................................................................................................................................... 75
4.9.7 MAUNA KEA: COUNTY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................... 75
4.9.8 MAUNA KEA: KŌKUA ACTION ................................................................................................................................................. 75
4.9.9 MAUNA KEA: COMMUNITY ACTION ......................................................................................................................................... 77
SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES .................................................................................. 79
5.1 COORDINATE INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITY, AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................... 79
5.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 79
5.1.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 79
5.1.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 79
5.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 80
5.2 EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS .................................................................................................................. 80
5.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 80
5.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
5.2.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
5.2.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 81
5.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 81
5.3 IMPROVE THE ROADWAY NETWORK ........................................................................................................................... 81
5.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 81
5.3.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 81
5.3.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 81
5.3.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 81
5.3.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 82
5.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 83
5.4 FORMALIZE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ............................................................................................................................ 83
5.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 83
5.4.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 83
5.5 DEVELOP PLACE-APPROPRIATE ROAD STANDARDS ..................................................................................................... 83
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5.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 83
5.5.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 83
5.6 EXPAND MASS TRANSIT FACILITIES & SERVICES .......................................................................................................... 84
5.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 84
5.6.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 84
5.6.3 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 84
5.7 IMPROVE WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE .............................................................................................. 85
5.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 85
5.7.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 85
5.8 IMPROVE RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE FACILITIES .................................................................................................... 86
5.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 86
5.8.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 86
5.8.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 87
5.8.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 87
5.9 IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & HAZARD MITIGATION ................................................................................... 87
5.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 87
5.9.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 87
5.9.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 88
5.9.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 88
5.10 IMPROVING PROTECTIVE SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 89
5.10.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 89
5.10.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 89
5.10.3 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 89
5.11 EXPAND HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 89
5.11.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 89
5.11.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 89
5.11.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 89
5.12 STRENGTHEN & EXPAND EDUCATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES .................................................................................. 90
5.12.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 90
5.12.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 90
5.12.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 90
5.12.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 91
5.13 EXPAND PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES ................................................................................................................. 91
5.13.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
5.13.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 91
5.13.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 92
5.13.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 92
5.14 ENHANCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................. 92
5.14.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 92
5.14.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 93
5.14.3 LAND USE POLICY ............................................................................................................................................................... 93
5.14.4 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 93
5.14.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 93
5.14.6 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 93
SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL ECONOMY ...........................................................................................................95
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6.1 COORDINATE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................... 95
6.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 95
6.1.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 96
6.1.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 96
6.1.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 96
6.1.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 96
6.2 STRENGTHENING LOCAL AGRICULTURE ...................................................................................................................... 96
6.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 97
6.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 97
6.2.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 97
6.2.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 98
6.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 99
6.3 EXPAND HEALTH AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY............................................................................................................... 99
6.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES....................................................................................................................................................... 99
6.3.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 99
6.3.3 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 99
6.4 PROMOTE THE CREATIVE, EDUCATION, & RESEARCH SECTOR ..................................................................................... 100
6.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 100
6.4.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 100
6.4.3 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 100
6.4.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 100
6.4.5 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 100
6.5 DEVELOP A PLACE-BASED VISITOR INDUSTRY ............................................................................................................ 100
6.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 100
6.5.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 100
6.5.3 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 101
6.5.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 101
6.5.5 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 102
6.6 REVITALIZE HĀMĀKUA’S TOWN CENTERS ................................................................................................................. 102
6.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 102
6.6.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 102
6.6.3 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 102
6.6.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 103
6.7 ENCOURAGE GREEN INDUSTRIES .............................................................................................................................. 103
6.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 103
6.7.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 103
6.7.3 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 103
6.7.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 104
6.7.5 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 104
6.8 PRESERVE INFORMAL ECONOMIES AND LIVING OFF THE LAND .................................................................................... 104
6.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 104
6.8.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 104
6.8.3 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 104
6.8.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 105
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area ..................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map ........................................................................................................... 41
Figure 3: Paukaʻa Land Use Guide Map ......................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4: Pāpaʻikou Land Use Guide Map ...................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 5: Pepeʻekeo Land Use Guide Map ..................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 6: Honomū Land Use Guide Map ........................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map ............................................................................................................ 46
Figure 8: Nīnole Land Use Guide Map ........................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 9: Laupāhoehoe/Pāpaʻaloa Land Use Guide Map ............................................................................................... 48
Figure 10: ‘O‘ōkala Land Use Guide Map ....................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 11: Paʻauilo Land Use Guide Map ....................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 12: Honokaʻa/Haina Land Use Guide Map .......................................................................................................... 51
Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map .................................................................................................................. 52
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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
ʻO ka mea kūpono ʻāina ka mea kūpono kanaka.
What is good for the land is food for the people.
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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
‘O ka mea kūpono ‘āina ka mea kūpono kanaka.
What is good for the land is good for the people.
1.1 Introduction to the CDP
1.1.1 What is a CDP and what can it do?
A Community Development Plan (CDP) is an official plan authorized by the County of Hawaiʻi General Plan
that translates the broad goals and objectives of the General Plan to the unique needs and conditions of a
region. The Hāmākua CDP is adopted by County ordinance and is a long-range plan with a 20-year time
horizon.
CDPs are the forum for community input into establishing County policy at the regional level and coordinating
the delivery of County services to the community. CDPs generally do four things:
1.Establish County policy, particularly for land use and development. CDPs can direct settlement where
the community wants and protect cultural resources, public access, and valuable lands like shorelines,
agricultural land, and forests.
2.Direct County actions related to land and open space protection, water, roads, transit, emergency
services, and parks.
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3.Guide the policy and actions of State and federal agencies, whose work impacts resource
protections, public access and trails, settlement patterns, and education.
4.Focus and guide community action in pursuit of community goals.
For more information about the purpose and scope of the Hāmākua CDP, see Section 2: Applicability,
below.
1.1.2 What area does the Hāmākua CDP cover?
Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai‘i, the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area
encompasses the judicial districts of Hāmākua and North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo district commonly
referred to as Rural South Hilo. The Planning Area totals approximately 1,011 square miles, and includes the
communities of Waipiʻo Valley, Kukuihaele, Honokaʻa, Āhualoa, Kalōpā, Paʻauilo, ‘Oʻōkala, Laupāhoehoe, Pāpaʻaloa,
Nīnole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Pāpaʻikou, Paukaʻa, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and other small
communities in between. See Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area.
1.1.3 What does the Hāmākua CDP do?
The Hāmākua Community Development Plan prioritizes natural and cultural resources in these ways:
Protects coastal areas, agricultural land, and mauka forests from development
Protects open space, areas with natural beauty, and scenic view planes
Guides the development of programs to strengthen protections for coastal and agricultural lands as well as
open space and view planes
Preserves historic resources
Guides the restoration of historic sites and buildings, the retention of village and town character, and the
documentation of oral, written, and video histories
Guides the expansion of lands held in public trust
Ensures appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests
Guides the development of a regional network of trails
Guides collaborative stewardship and enhancement of coastal and forest ecosystems, cultural resources,
agricultural lands, public access, and trails
The plan addresses land use and community infrastructure goals in the following ways:
Concentrates future development in the existing towns, villages, and subdivisions
Supports the preservation of village and town character and guides the enhancement of communities’
unique sense of place
Advances redevelopment and growth management with infrastructure improvements, a County-wide
affordable housing plan, and planning support for town revitalization planning
Prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water systems to support infill growth
Prioritizes formalizing and improving emergency alternative routes
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Prioritizes safety improvements of our County bridges, particularly in the Paʻauilo Mauka-Kalōpā area
Guides road and park improvements
Prioritizes bus system improvements, including a Honokaʻa town route, and additional bus shelters
Prioritizes hardening of community facilities
Prioritizes improvements to the Honokaʻa transfer station
The plan addresses strengthening local economic development in the following ways:
Preserves opportunities to live off the land
Guides the implementation of regional economic development strategies
Guides the development of a regional education, enterprise development, and research network
Guides regional strategies to increase “buying local”
Guides efforts to strengthen the local agriculture value chain
Allows for the diversification of agriculture-based businesses and rural uses on agricultural lands
Guides the development of local, renewable, distributed energy networks
Guides the development of a place-based approach to community tourism
These strategies are organized by subtopics in
Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns, Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural
Resources, Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services, Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local
Economy, of the CDP below.
1.1.4 How was the CDP developed?
The Hāmākua CDP was developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement.
Important documents developed through the CDP process are as follows:
Hāmākua Community Profile (2010)
This is a comprehensive, detailed profile developed based on community knowledge and expertise,
as well as existing data, reports, and studies.
Values and Vision Statement (2011)
Community members identified core community values and a vision of what they’d like to see in
Hāmākua in 2030, and this was synthesized from the more than 17,000 community comments
received into a Vision statement adopted by the Steering Committee.
Hāmākua Proposed Strategies for Consideration (2011)
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Through a series of sub-regional workshops conducted in 2011, the Proposed Strategies for
Consideration booklet was developed and presented to the public to explore various strategies
under consideration and gather community feedback.
Community Objectives (2013)
Using the values, vision, and profile, Community Objectives were developed and adopted by the
Steering Committee in 2013. These Community Objectives were used to guide the direction of
strategies to develop preliminary policies and recommended actions.
Draft Analysis Documents (2014)
Extensive research was conducted to identify the range of strategies that could be used to achieve
the Community Objectives and this research was compiled into three Analysis Documents, below:
ʻĀina: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis
Community Analysis
Economy Analysis
Draft CDP (Approved by Steering Committee December 19,2016)
Hāmākua CDP (Adopted as County Ordinance 2018-78 on August, 2018) For links to the above
documents and to learn more about the Hāmākua CDP, see
http://hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp
1.1.5 How do I navigate the Hāmākua CDP?
Internal cross-references have been inserted to simplify navigation within the document.
It also includes “Bookmarks,” which can be seen by opening the Bookmark navigation pane in Adobe Acrobat Reader:
View/ Navigation Panels/ Bookmarks.
After following an internal link, it is easy to return to the previous point in the document by using either the
Bookmark navigation pane or the “Previous View” button, which can be added to the “Page Navigation” toolbar in
Acrobat Reader.
Note also that some of the formatting is required to keep the document compliant with the American with
Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, complete hyperlinks have to be inserted so that reading machines for the
visually-impaired can correctly interpret Internet addresses.
More detail about the structure of the CDP is included in the Table of Contents.
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1.1.6 CDP Support Documents
The Hāmākua CDP is currently organized as follows:
The Hāmākua Community Development Plan (this document)
Appendix
1. CDP Purpose and Scope
2. CDP Planning Process
3. Community Profile
4. Background Analysis
A. ʻĀina: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis
B. Community Building Analysis
C. Local Economic Development Analysis
5. CDP Strategy Rationale
III. Implementation Tools
1. Land Use Policy Guide
2. Guidance to Agencies
IV. Community Implementation Tools
1. Community Action Guide
2. Action and Monitoring Matrix (to be completed after CDP adoption)
Each Hawai‘i County Community Development Plan is adopted by ordinance. This chapter – the Hāmākua
Community Development Plan – is the document that will go before the County Council for adoption. All other
Hāmākua CDP documents listed above are supporting materials that are not adopted into law.
The intent is to keep the CDP as concise and accessible as possible, leaving supporting material and analysis in other
chapters and the appendix. Chapters II, III, and IV are designed to facilitate and expedite CDP implementation.
Chapter II is a quick-reference guide for land use planners. Chapter III is a summary of action to be taken by County,
State, and federal agencies and other organizations. Chapter IV includes detail about each of the Community Actions
included in the CDP as well as tools to finance, guide, and monitor those actions.
Materials in the appendix set the context for and provide the detailed analysis behind the body of the CDP.
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1.2 Acknowledgements
‘Ike aku, ‘ike mai. Kōkua aku, kōkua mai. Pēlā ka nohona ‘ohana.
Watch, observe. Help others and accept help. That is the family way.1
The County of Hawai‘i extends a warm Mahalo to the following:
Hāmākua Steering Committee
Ku‘ulei Badua
Glenn Carvalho
Farrah-Marie Gomes
Scott Enright
Brad Kurokawa
Lorraine Mendoza
Jason Moniz
Craig Neff
Ka‘iulani Pāhi’o
CDP Assistants & Recorders
Keiko Mercado
Steven McPeek
County of Hawaiʻi Staff
Planning Department
Director, Michael Yee
April Surprenant
LeAna Gloor
Eric Cook
Christian Kay
Keiko Mercado
Bethany Morrison
Kevin Reardon
Hans Santiago
Ron Whitmore
Department of Research & Development
Frecia Cevallos
Office of the Corporation Counsel
Amy Self
Joseph Kamelamela
County Council
Valerie Poindexter
Consultants and Liaisons
Consultants
Bob Agres
Island Transitions, Deborah Chang
HACBED
PBR Hawaii
Community (Values & Vision) Liaisons
Lori Beach
Farrah-Marie Gomes
Donna Johnson
Community Resources
Meeting Venues & Refreshments
North Hawaiʻi Education & Research Center
Department of Parks & Recreation Staff
Laupāhoehoe Library Staff
Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust
And a huge Mahalo to the people of Hāmākua, who
came out in record numbers to ground the CDP in
their Values and Vision and continued to provide
guidance at every step along the way.
Special thanks to the many volunteers who supported
community meetings and the local organizations who
assisted and provided refreshments.
1 Mary Kawena Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau
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1.3 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Used
1.3.1 Glossary of Terms
Ahupuaʻa: Hawaiian Land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea.
ʻĀina: land, earth.
Biofuel: A biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture and
anaerobic digestion. Biofuels can be derived directly from plants, or indirectly from agricultural, commercial,
domestic, and/or industrial wastes.
Bluff: A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face; most bluffs
border a river, beach, or other coastal area.
Brownfield: Abandoned or underused site where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or
perceived presence of contamination.
Capital improvements: Major, nonrecurring expenditure like infrastructure improvements, new buildings, and
related land acquisition and planning (see also CIP, below).
Cottage Industry: a small-scale industry that can be carried on at home generally by family members using their own
equipment.
Critical Habitat: According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service: “When a species is proposed for listing as endangered
or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Act), we must consider whether there are areas of habitat we
believe are essential to the species’ conservation. Those areas may be proposed for designation as “critical habitat.
It is a specific geographic area(s) that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered
species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not
currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery.”
Ecosystem Services: Any positive benefit that wildlife or ecosystems provides to people. The benefits can be direct
or indirect – small or large. See also: http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Ecosystem-Services.aspx .
Endemic Species: A species that is only found in that region and nowhere else in the world. As such, they are of
conservation concern because they are not widespread and may be confined to only one or two areas.
Extensive Agriculture: A designation of land use that includes lands that are not capable of producing sustained, high
agricultural yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due to certain
physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability and climate. Other less intensive agricultural
uses such as grazing and pasture may be included in the Extensive Agriculture category. See the General Plan, pages
14-8, and 14-9.
General Plan: The policy document for the long range comprehensive development of the County of Hawaiʻi
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=69701&dbid=1 .
Harden; Hardening: Refers to physically changing infrastructure or structures to make them less susceptible to
damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the durability and stability of facilities,
making them better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes and other natural events without sustaining major
damage or losing functionality.
Ho‘owaiwai: Wealth.
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Infill: Development of vacant land – or rehabilitation of existing structures – in already urbanized areas where
infrastructure and services are in place.
Intensive Agriculture: A form of agriculture characterized by a low fallow ratio and higher use of inputs such as
capital and labor per unit land area. The County generally designates agricultural lands suitable for intensive
agriculture as Important Agriculture Lands in the General Plan LUPAG maps, (not to be confused with the State of
Hawai‘i’s Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) designation). See also the General Plan, page 14-8, 14-9 for a discussion
of the County’s agricultural designations.
Important Agricultural Lands - State designation (IAL): Enacted as Article XI, Section 3, of the Constitution of the
State of Hawaiʻi, the State is required to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture,
increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands. The process for
identifying State IAL is outlined at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/chair/new-agriculture-initiatives/important-ag-lands-ial/ .
Kahakai: Shoreline areas.
Kula: Agricultural areas.
Kuhi Loa: Poetical description of Hāmākua meaning “Long Corner”.
Kūpuna: Grandparent, elder, respected aged community leader.
Land Study Bureau (SLB) Detailed Land Classification: The Land Study Bureau of the University of Hawaii prepared
an inventory and evaluation of the State's land resources. The Bureau grouped all lands in the State, except those in
the urban district, into homogeneous units of land types; described their condition and environment; rated the land
on its over-all quality in terms of agricultural productivity; appraised its performance for selected alternative crops;
and delineated the various land types and groupings based on soil properties and productive capabilities.
Land Use Pattern Allocation Map (LUPAG): A broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of
future developments in a coordinated and rational manner.
Makai: Toward the ocean.
Mauka: Toward the mountain.
Mo’olelo: Story, tradition, journal.
‘Ohana: Family (can be extended to greater community, neighborhood).
Oikonomia: The root of the word “economics,” meaning “management of the household” in Greek.
Pali: Cliff, precipice, steep hill or slope (sometimes used interchangeably with ‘bluff’).
Paratransit: Special transportation services for people with disabilities, often provided as a supplement to fixed-route
bus systems by public transit agencies.
Placemaking: A multi-faceted approach to planning, design, and management of public spaces that capitalizes on a
local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential to promote the health, happiness, and well-being of residents.
See Appendix V4B.
Planning Area: Also referred to as the Hāmākua Planning Area, or the CDP Planning Area – the geographic region of
the Hāmākua CDP, which roughly encompasses Waipiʻo Valley to Wainaku, or the regions known as Hāmākua, North
Hilo, and rural South Hilo. See Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area.
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Pu‘u: Cinder cone.
Special Management Area: An area along the shoreline designated for special protections. The Office of Planning
(OP) administers Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205A, the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) law, and the
purpose of HRS Chapter 205A is to “provide for the effective management, beneficial use, protection, and
development of the Coastal Zone.” The Special Management Area (SMA) permitting system is part of the CZM
Program approved by Federal and State agencies.
Urban Growth Boundary: this is the line designating a town’s current or future desired urban boundary, as shown in
the CDP Land Use Guide Maps. Generally, this is where the Low Density Urban (LDU) designation ends, and either
the Rural or Agricultural designation begins.
Wahi Pana: Celebrated and storied places in the cultural traditions of Hawai‘i.
Wao: Mauka forest lands.
1.3.2 Glossary of Acronyms
APD: Agricultural Project District, pursuant HCC section 25-6-50
BID: Business improvement district, Appendix V4B, pursuant to HCC Chapter 35.
CBCA: Community-based collaborative action
CBED: Community-based economic development
CEDS: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
CERT: Community emergency response team, program administered by County Civil Defense agency with County of
Fire Dept. training.
CIP: Capital improvements program. Both the State and the County adopt annual CIP budgets
COH: County of Hawaiʻi
COE: Army Corps of Engineers
CTAHR: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaiʻi
CZM: Coastal Zone Management, pursuant HRS Chapter 205A
DAR: Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
DBEDT: Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaiʻi
DHHL: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawaiʻi
DLNR: Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
DOA: Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaiʻi
DOBOR: Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
DOCARE: Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of
Hawaiʻi
DOE: Department of Education, State of Hawaiʻi
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DOFAW: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
DOH: Department of Health, State of Hawaiʻi
DOT: Department of Transportation, State of Hawaiʻi
EA: Environmental Assessment, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAR Chapter 11-200
EIS: Environmental Impact Statement, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAR Chapter 11-200
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHA: Federal Housing Administration
FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map
HAR: Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules
HCC: Hawaiʻi County Code http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-countycode/
HCEI: Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative
HCDA: Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority, State of Hawaiʻi, HRS 206E
HHCDC: Hilo-Hāmākua Community Development Corporation (nonprofit)
HHF: Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation (nonprofit)
HHFDC: Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation
HICDC: Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation (nonprofit)
HRS: Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/
HTA: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
HVNP: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
IAL: Important Agricultural Lands, pursuant HRS sections 205-41 thru 52. See definition in Glossary of terms.
LUC: Land Use Commission, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaiʻi
LUPAG: Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map
NAR: Natural Area Reserve
NHERC: North Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center, a branch of UH-Hilo located in Honokaʻa
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPS: National Park Service
NRCS: Natural Resource Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture
NTHP: National Trust for Historic Preservation
OCCL: Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
OEQC: Office of Environmental Quality Control, Department of Health, State of Hawaiʻi
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ORMP: Ocean Resources Management Plan
PATH: People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaiʻi (nonprofit)
PES: Payment for ecosystem services
PLDC: Public Land Development Corporation
PONC: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, County of Hawaiʻi
PTA: Pōhakuloa Training Area, a military installation base on the slopes of Mauna Kea
PUC: Hawaiʻi State Public Utilities Commission
PUD: Planned Unit Development, pursuant HCC section 25-6-1
RIL: Road-in-limbo
SHPD: State Historic Preservation Division, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
SLU: State Land Use, referring to the SLU districts defined in HRS Chapter 205
SMA: Special Management Area. Refer to the glossary.
SWCD: Soil and Water Conservation District
TDR: Transfer of Development Rights – programs referenced in Appendix V4:A.
TMA: Three Mountain Alliance
TMK: Tax Map Key – the identifier used by the Real Property Tax division of the County Department of Finance for
each individual parcel or lot of record
TNC: The Nature Conservancy (nonprofit)
TND: Traditional Neighborhood Development
TOD: Transit Oriented Development
TSPTF: Taro Security and Purity Task Force
UH/UHH: University of Hawaiʻi/University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
UHERO: University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization
USDA: United States Department of Agriculture
USFWS: United States Fish and Wildlife Service
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1.4 Introduction to the Hāmākua Planning Area
1.4.1 The Land Sustains the People of the Kuhi Loa
The region referred to as Hāmākua stretches along north of Hilo along the upright cliffs (Hilo Palikū) to the
majestic, historic valley of Waipiʻo and up the slopes to the sacred summit of Mauna Kea. It is against this
sweeping, lush green landscape that the people of the Hāmākua region have flourished for generations. The
region was historically renowned as a powerful religious, economic, and demographic center of Hawaiʻi Island
and from early times, the region was known for its agriculture. One cannot truly understand Hāmākua’s
people without appreciating the legacy that agriculture has stamped on this land and its people. 2
For some, Hāmākua is a place where their ancestors flourished for centuries and for others, agricultural
employment drew their ancestors to emigrate from foreign lands. Here they raised their children and learned
to love the land and sea as their own. Still others have come in search of a simpler way of life, drawn by the
beauty of the land and a host of personal stories that testify to the magical attraction that draws people to
places where they feel at home. Together, these groups form the modern communities of Hāmākua.
Regardless of their background, the people of Hāmākua share a deep appreciation for the historical heritage of
their small towns and highly value preserving an ʻohana-centered community that emphasizes quality of life,
neighborhood cooperation, and the aloha spirit. The people of Hāmākua recognize that their future is tied to
the preservation of their way of life and the natural and cultural resources that have sustained them for
generations.
1.4.2 Core Values
The themes listed below are the core values expressed by the community during the Vision and Values
outreach phase at the commencement of the CDP process.
VALUES
This grouping of values comments captures the people/ place/lifestyle connection in the CDP
planning area.
COMMUNITY/‘OHANA (community, aloha, education, ʻohana, heritage, cultural and ethnic
diversity)
‘ĀINA/NATURAL RESOURCES (natural beauty, viewplanes, natural resources, shoreline,
weather, open space, environmental quality)
COUNTRY/RURAL LIFESTYLE (rural/small town, agriculture, peace and quiet, lifestyle, no traffic,
controlled development, sports and outdoor recreation)
2 See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis.
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1.5 Hāmākua Today: Community Assets and Challenges
1.5.1 Assets
1.5.1.1 Natural and Cultural
Dramatic pastoral, ocean, and Mauna Kea Summit views.
Mauka forests, rich in biodiversity and critical habitat.
Abundant rainfall, streams, and watershed resources.
Pristine coastline and off-shore waters supporting unique habitats and ecosystems.
Large extent of natural areas (mauka) already protected.
Tradition of subsistence, recreational, and cultural access to natural resources.
1.5.1.2 Settlement Patterns
Homestead lands, historic plantation towns, ranch lands, mauka forests, small diverse farms exemplify
rural character and lifestyle.
1.5.1.3 Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services
Highway 19, Old Māmalahoa highway segments, and mauka-makai homestead roads connect the towns
and settlements.
Elementary and Middle Schools serve Pāpaʻikou and Paʻauilo communities; K-12 systems serve Honokaʻa
and Laupāhoehoe (the only public charter school in the Planning Area). A Kamehameha Schools preschool
is located in Paʻauilo.
Hospital, clinic, and long-term care are located in Honokaʻa.
A full-time police station and fire station are located in Honokaʻa; while police substations and fire
department facilities (for volunteer teams) are located in Pepeʻekeo and Laupāhoehoe. Paʻauilo has a fire
truck and volunteer fire team.
County Park Facilities include: Kaiwiki park & gym; Honoliʻi beach park; Pāpaʻikou park & gym; Pepeʻekeo
park, ball field, community center; Honomū park, gym, & Kolekole beach park; Hakalau-Wailea tennis
courts & playfield; Nīnole (Waikaumalo) river park, Pāpaʻaloa gym, annex, & tennis courts; Laupāhoehoe
swimming pool, beach park, & gym, Paʻauilo park, gym, & playfield; Haina playfield; Honokaʻa park, gym,
playfield, swimming pool, & rodeo arena; Kukuihaele playfield & Waipiʻo lookout.
State Recreation Facilities include: ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Kalōpā State Park, and Mauna Kea State
Recreation Area.
1.5.1.4 Economic Development
Access to healthy local food from agriculture and mauka forests.
Traditions of self-reliance and sharing
Agricultural tradition, infrastructure, and capacity
Potential for renewable energy production
Global significance as an eco-tourism destination because of the unique landscape and cultural heritage
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1.5.2 Challenges
1.5.2.1 Natural and Cultural
Mauka forests are threatened by feral animals and invasive flora and fauna
Shoreline movement and the nature of Hāmākua’s dynamic coastal bluffs are poorly understood
Mauka and makai access is sometimes limited and/or unmanaged
Natural disasters – landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunami, hurricanes, flooding – are a consistent
threat
1.5.2.2 Settlement Patterns
Open space, working agricultural lands, and the coastline are vulnerable to inappropriate development.
The recent trend and likely future build-out potential is largely in the pre-code (and pre-Statehood)
homestead lands which often lack adequate infrastructure for increased density
Potential for existing and new developments to build out in ways that could undermine the community‘s
unique character and rural lifestyle
1.5.2.3 Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services
Long distances to travel for basic services and healthcare
Lack of municipal water availability within some towns encourages residents to move into agricultural
lands
Undefined strategies for locating and funding emergency facilities; rural road networks; water and other
infrastructure; schools, clinics, and other public facilities; and parks.
High number of roads-in-limbo and no defined strategy to address improvements or adoption
Some park facilities are closed due to poor maintenance or hazardous conditions. ‘Ō‘ōkala gym is
permanently closed; the Hakalau gym and the Laupāhoehoe boat ramp are closed indefinitely.
Pāpaʻaloa gym is partially cordoned off due to hazardous materials; Hakalau tennis courts are an
inadequate playing surface, and the gyms in Pāpaʻikou need to be reroofed.
1.5.2.4 Economic Development
Barriers to agricultural sustainability, including land tenure, water, and infrastructure.
Available workers exceed available jobs in Hāmākua, so many people commute to Kona or Hilo for work.
Because of limited retail, service, and entertainment businesses, the majority of local dollars are being
spent outside the community.
Limited capture of high volume visitor traffic.
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1.6 Hāmākua Tomorrow: Community Vision
1.6.1 Issues and Priorities
These community assets and challenges are reflected in the extensive community input into what Hāmākua
should look like in 2030. This input was summarized into six clusters of key issues and priorities:
KEY ISSUES AND PRIORITIES
This grouping of topics illustrates the top issues identified in responses to the 20-year vision
question.
LOCAL ECONOMY (economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture, local business,
jobs, retail, services, dining, renewable energy, housing)
RECREATION (parks and gathering spaces, facilities, programs, youth recreation, outdoor
recreation)
EDUCATION (improved schools, quality education, adult/vocational/higher education)
HEALTH CARE (hospital/clinic, elderly care, more medical professionals, social services)
‘ĀINA (natural resources, land use, public access, environmental quality, natural beauty,
sustainability)
PUBLIC SERVICES (transportation, roadways, mass transit, public utilities, protective services)
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1.6.2 Values and Vision Statement
Building on core community values and these six priorities, the CDP Steering Committee adopted the following
Values and Vision Statement:
We, the residents of Hāmākua recognize that the foundation of our life, livelihood and well-being
comes from the ʻāina-the land, the seas, the rivers and streams, the forests, and the skies. As active
stewards, we mālama the ʻāina as the source of sustenance for ourselves and future generations.
This Kanaka Maoli wisdom guides our actions with the principle that “what is good for the land, is
good for the people.”
‘O ka mea kūpono ʻāina ka mea kūpono kanaka.
Our pristine landscapes and rich agricultural lands from mauka to makai, native forests to coastal
waters, streams and watersheds, the sweeping views and open spaces are protected and enhanced.
We protect our culturally significant and sacred places, and nurture our diverse cultural and
plantation heritage. Access to natural resources and care for the ‘āina supports and perpetuates
subsistence and recreation, Native Hawaiian, and other cultural traditions.
Hāmākua is a rural community of distinctive small towns and villages thriving on sustainable
agriculture and ranching to provide ourselves and the rest of Hawai‘i with healthy food and locally
grown products.
Our vibrant economy is based on local businesses that are able to provide living wage jobs and
ensure access to goods and services so that our families can work and shop close to home. We
produce and rely on clean, renewable energy to power our communities and businesses.
Our high quality of life is rooted in our strong sense of ʻohana and community. We support lifetime
learning through the expansion of educational opportunities for all residents. Access to quality
healthcare, elderly care, and affordable housing is provided. We host festivals for music, culture,
arts, and agriculture, and are known for our parks, gathering places, and recreation programs.
Our communities are connected by a network of safe, well maintained roadways and we enjoy
multiple transportation choices. Our community prides itself on its heritage roads as alternative,
slower routes between our popular destinations and our historic plantation villages.
Hāmākua is a place where change is thoughtful & deliberate. Our deep aloha for the ‘āina compels
and ensures smart, sustainable development, and the protection and perpetuation of Hāmākua’s
uniqueness now and into the future.
~ adopted by the Hāmākua CDP Steering Committee on March 1, 2011
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1.7 From Vision to Action
1.7.1 Community Objectives
Building on the community’s values and vision as well as insights from the Community Profile (see Appendix V3),
the Steering Committee established the following Community Objectives:
‘ĀINA [Natural Resources & Ag as related to conservation of natural resources, Public Access]
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and open spaces from
mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, spiritual,
cultural, and sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes
and open spaces that exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human
activities are in harmony with the quality of Hāmākua’s unique natural and cultural landscape.
COMMUNITY [Culture, Town Planning, Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Services, Transportation]
Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including
sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hāmākua’s
historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing, walkable, mixed-use town
centers while limiting rural sprawl.
Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities, healthcare,
emergency services, affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our
‘ohana safe, strong, and healthy.
Objective 7: Establish a rural transportation network that includes improving roadway alternatives to
Highway 19, expanding and improving the existing transit system, and encouraging multiple
transportation options.
ECONOMY [Employment, Industry, Business Development, Small Town Revitalization, Agriculture, Tourism]
Objective 8: Promote, preserve and enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy.
Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents,
including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow residents to work and shop close
to home and that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage.
Objective 10: Revitalize retail, service, dining, and entertainment centers that complement the
community’s rural character and culture.
Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable
energy, and related economic support systems.
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Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering)
economy as a sustainable complement to Hāmākua’s resource-based economy.
Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor
experience. Promote Hawai‘i’s host culture and Hāmākua’s heritage, including historic roads and
plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi-cultural music, art, and agriculture.
Throughout the CDP, references to “Community Objectives,” “CDP Objectives,” or “objectives” are referring to
these Community Objectives adopted by the Steering Committee.
1.7.2 Identifying CDP Strategies
The Community Objectives are the foundation of the CDP. All of the CDP strategies are designed to implement
one or more of the objectives.
To make that process as transparent as possible, Appendices V4A, B, and C each include a “strategy identification
matrix” that was developed using (and makes specific references to) the comprehensive content included in that
appendix. The matrix summarizes current policies and action that are aligned with community objectives,
remaining policy and action gaps, and the new policy, advocacy, and community-based, collaborative action
needed to achieve community objectives.
In addition, Appendices V4 and V5 include summaries of the rationale behind each of the CDP policies. Each
rationale is based on the process represented in the corresponding strategy identification matrix.
To keep the CDP as concise as possible, only limited information from the appendix is repeated, though
references direct the interested reader to relevant sections of the analysis.
1.7.3 Types of CDP Strategies
The process of identifying CDP strategies made it clear that strategies fall into three basic categories:
1. Those that are the responsibility of County government –these are the Policies of the CDP.
2. Those that are not the responsibility of the County but are other governmental (Federal or State), or
nongovernmental organizations’ responsibility - these are called Kōkua Actions.
3. Those that are not core functions of government and require community leadership and initiative – these
are the Community Actions of the CDP.
To focus and expedite CDP implementation, the CDP strategies are organized into those categories. Because the
CDP is most fundamentally a County policy document, County responsibilities are further organized into two
aspects of Land Use Policy and County Actions, which include regulatory changes, infrastructure improvements,
and programs.
However, the County cannot achieve Community Objectives on its own. Those objectives will not be achieved
without coordinated effort from other levels of government and the community. Therefore, the CDP also clearly
outlines steps that need to be taken outside of County government.
Section 2 elaborates on these types of strategies in more detail, including the legal implications of each.
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1.7.4 Strategies to Action
The clear distinctions between the different types of CDP strategies are important because they leave leadership
and control where they belong – in the community’s hands. Government policy and actions in the CDP are based
on Community Objectives and are focused primarily on protecting critical resources and providing basic
infrastructure. In this way, the CDP provides a foundation for the Community to build their future.
After that, things are in the community’s hands. This is important because Hāmākua has the vision, the capacity,
and the drive to determine their future in their own way.
Chapter IV is designed to support the community-led CDP implementation process.
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SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY
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SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of County of Hawai‘i Community Development Plans (CDPs) is to implement the broad goals within
the General Plan on a regional basis and to translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions. CDPs
are the forum for community input into coordinating the delivery of government services to the community.
2.2. Relationship to the General Plan
County of Hawai‘i Community Development Plans (CDPs) implement but do not supersede the General Plan. In
this CDP, all references to the General Plan refer to the County of Hawaiʻi General Plan, February 2005 (As
Amended) – unless otherwise noted. In the case of conflicts between a CDP and the General Plan, the General
Plan prevails. In order to bring the Hāmākua CDP and the General Plan into alignment, the CDP recommends
specific amendments to the General Plan (see Policy 1, related Figures 2-13 and Policy 12).
2.3 Planning Area
Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai‘i, the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area
encompasses the judicial districts of Hāmākua and North Hilo, and a portion of the South Hilo district commonly
referred to as Rural South Hilo. The Planning Area totals approximately 1,011 square miles, and includes the
communities of Waipiʻo Valley, Kukuihaele, Honokaʻa, Āhualoa, Kalōpā, Paʻauilo, ‘O‘ōkala, Laupāhoehoe,
Pāpaʻaloa, Nīnole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Pāpaʻikou, Paukaʻa, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and
other small communities in between. See “Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area.”
For clarity, to distinguish between the Hāmākua District and the Hāmākua Planning Area, the CDP will specify
which is being referenced throughout the CDP.
2.4 Types of Strategies
The Hāmākua CDP employs four types of strategies to achieve Community Objectives: two types of County policy,
outside agency/organization initiatives, and community-led initiatives.
In many cases, existing State and County policies support the implementation of Hāmākua Community Objectives.
For the “Existing Policies” that are particularly pertinent to the Hāmākua Planning Area, they are reiterated at the
beginning of the relevant section within the CDP and cited as such. Note: some existing policies were determined
to be significant enough as to warrant restating them as Hāmākua CDP policies either verbatim or tailored to the
specific context of the Hāmākua Planning Area (citations to existing policies are included). One advantage to this
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is that if the referenced existing policies are later changed following adoption of the CDP, the CDP policies will
stand unless otherwise amended or unless superseded by prevailing policy in the General Plan or State or federal
law. Many of the existing policies from the General Plan are general statements that express policy aims, goals, or
objectives (aka: Policy Intent). These policies are often open to interpretation when applied in specific instances,
but they set the foundation for further controlling policies (aka: Policy Control) or County actions.
The County policies articulated herein are established with the adoption of the Hāmākua CDP. There are two
types of County policies in the CDP:
1. “Land Use Policies” are the land use policy guidance for the Hāmākua CDP planning area and will be
implemented through all County of Hawai‘i actions. In addition, the Land Use Policies inform County
recommendations to other agencies, including the State Land Use Commission regarding district
boundary amendments, special permits, and other applications in the Hāmākua Planning Area. The Land
Use Policies within the Hāmākua CDP may limit the range of decisions that can be made in the future; for
instance, land use policies that specifically designate future settlement or transportation patterns. These
binding, sometimes restrictive policy controls may include use of the term “shall,” which, from a legal
standpoint, means the policy is imperative or mandatory.
2. “County Actions” are CDP policies to guide future County priorities and initiatives, including operating and
capital budgets. These policies are not mandated, legally-binding, or self-implementing; rather, they
often require additional legislative and administrative directives before being implemented (e.g., land
acquisition, capital improvement appropriations, code changes, incentive measures, etc.).
Within the body of the CDP, official policy language from Land Use Policies and County Actions are italicized;
whereas any explanatory language, references, or other information necessary to explain the intent or
implementation of the policy, is in regular text.
None of the Hāmākua Community Objectives can be achieved by the County alone. Some important policies fall
outside jurisdiction, while other initiatives must be led by the community. Therefore, the CDP includes two
additional types of strategies:
1. “Kōkua Actions” are actions that would help advance CDP Objectives, but are within the jurisdiction of non-
County governmental agencies or other entities. Depending on the context, these actions may be initiated
via CDP advocacy, collaborative agency partnerships, or through direct or indirect support to the lead
agency in implementing the specified action; but ultimately, Kōkua Actions are dependent on non-County
action.
2. “Community Actions” these community-based, collaborative actions are initiatives that must be led by the
community with support from a broad range of organizations and agencies.
2.5 CDP Implementation Roles and Guides
There is a strong connection between each type of CDP strategy and roles during CDP implementation. The
success of CDP implementation will largely depend on each partner focusing where it can make the biggest
difference. Therefore, to facilitate CDP implementation;
“Land Use Policies” are re-organized in “Chapter II: Planners Guide” to provide clear land use planning and
permitting guidance to public and private planners and to policy makers. (This document is to be developed
when policy revisions are complete)
32
“County Actions” are re-organized by agency in “Chapter III.1: County Actions by Agency.” (This document is to
be developed when policy revisions are complete)
“Kōkua Actions” are re-organized by entity in “Chapter III.3: Kōkua Actions by Agency.” (This document is to be
developed when policy revisions are complete)
“Community Actions” are explained in detail in “Chapter IV.1: Community Action Guide.”
33
Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area
34
SECTION 3: PREFERRED LAND USE &
SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
Pūpūkahi i holomua
Unite to move forward
35
SECTION 3: PREFERRED
LAND USE & SETTLEMENT
PATTERNS
Pūpūkahi i holomua
Unite to move forward
3.1 Land Use & Settlement Patterns
This section of the CDP guides future land use
development and permitting to be consistent with
CDP objectives and policies. Specifically, to reduce
rural sprawl and infrastructure costs, it focuses future
residential development in existing villages and
towns and seeks to preserve large productive
agricultural lands for agriculture by accommodating
rural-residential development close to these urban
centers. It directs new residential development away
from coastal areas and encourages the clustering of
developments to leave natural buffer areas. It plans
urban areas with appropriately-scaled densities that
complement the rural character of the area.
It provides guidance to the Planning Department on
change of zone and variance priorities, and stipulates
the types of areas and regulatory processes that are
appropriate for industrial development. It also
directs the County to engage communities interested
in town-level planning.
3.1.1 Community Objective
Of the Community Objectives adopted by the
Steering Committee (see Section 1.7.1 Community
Objectives, above), the following are related to the
preferred settlement pattern:
Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns
that are sustainable and connected. Honor
Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s
social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,
including sacred places, historic sites and
buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
3.1.2 General Plan Settlement Framework
The General Plan articulates the overall County’s
preferred settlement pattern in section 14.1:
The future improvement and development
objectives are directed toward making urban
and rural centers more efficient, livable, and
safe. Growth should be encouraged in terms of
renewing older areas or extending existing
areas. The creation of new urban and rural
centers should be initiated only when it is in the
public interest and must be accompanied by
commitments from both government and the
private sector for the development of basic
community and public facilities and services.
Infrastructure costs less when new residential
areas are located near existing highways,
water and sewer lines, and employment
centers.
The General Plan lists the County’s goals for Section
14.1.2 as follows:
(a) Designate and allocate land uses in
appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping
with the social, cultural, and physical
environments of the County.
36
(b) Protect and encourage the intensive and
extensive utilization of the County's important
agricultural lands.
(c) Protect and preserve forest, water, natural
and scientific reserves and open areas.
3.1.3 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and
use of urban areas that are serviced by basic
community facilities and utilities (GP 14.1.3 (b))
Encourage urban development within existing
zoned areas already served by basic
infrastructure, or close to such areas, instead of
scattered development (GP 14.1.3 (j)).
Centralization of commercial activities in the
Laupāhoehoe-Pāpaʻaloa area shall be
encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (a)) Centralization of
commercial activities in the Honokaʻa area shall
be encouraged. Urban renewal of the area
should be undertaken. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (a))
Land Use Policy Controls
Public Access
Appropriate public access to and along the
shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA
exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26)
The development of commercial facilities should
be designed to fit into the locale with minimal
intrusion while providing the desired services.
Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns
shall be incorporated into the review of such
developments. (GP 14.3.3 (f))
Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or
interests shall be required to dedicate land for
public access for pedestrian travel from a public
highway or street to the land below the high-
water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas
in the mountains where there are existing
facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit-picking, ti-leaf
sliding, and other recreational purposes, and
where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46-
6.5 and HCC 34-4(c))
Preservation of Natural/Cultural Resources
Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as
scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees,
heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be
preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26)
Plan approval and related conditions shall
consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes,
areas of natural beauty, archeological and
historic sites, and historic buildings when
assuring that proper siting is provided for, proper
landscaping is provided, unsightly areas are
properly screened or eliminated, and natural and
man-made features of community value are
preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76)
Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development
Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas
adequately served by necessary services, such as
water, utilities, sewers, and transportation
systems. Should such services not be available,
the development of more intensive uses should be
in concert with a localized program of public and
private capital improvements to meet the
expected increased needs. (GP 14.3.3 (b))
Industrial development shall be located in areas
adequately served by transportation, utilities,
and other essential infrastructure. (GP 14.4.3 (e))
A lot shall be suitable for the purpose for which it
is intended to be sold. No area subject to
periodic inundation which endangers the health
or safety of its occupants may be subdivided for
residential purposes. (HCC 23-37)
Do not allow strip or spot commercial
development on the highway outside of the
primary commercial area. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (c))
37
County Actions
Identify sites suitable for future industrial
activities as the need arises (GP 14.4.5.9.2 (a);
14.4.5.2.2 (b); 14.4.5.3.2 (a); 14.4.5.2 (a)
Suitable commercially zoned lands shall be
provided as the need arises. (Hāmākua district GP
14.3.5.4.2 (b))
3.1.4 Land Use Policy
All of the CDP Land Use Policies are designed to
preserve the preferred future settlement pattern and
achieve the Community Objectives. Land Use Policies
that are designed to protect coastal areas,
agricultural lands, mauka forests, scenic areas,
sensitive ecosystems, cultural resources, and public
access are included in related elements of Section 4:
Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural
Resources, below. The following Land Use Policies
speak more generally to the preservation of the
preferred land use and settlement pattern in
Hāmākua, including the relative location of
residential, commercial, industrial, rural, and
agricultural areas.
With the adoption of the Hāmākua CDP, Figures
2-13 are adopted as the Land Use Guide Map for
the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area. Future land
use decisions in the Hāmākua CDP planning area
shall be consistent with the Land Use Guide Map,
unless the CDP and the General Plan are in direct
conflict, in which case the General Plan shall be
controlling.
As with the General Plan Land Use Pattern
Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map, the CDP Land Use
Guide Map designates preferred future
development patterns by indicating the general
location of various land uses in relation to each
other. To maintain consistency, the land use
category definitions used in the CDP Land Use
Guide Map are identical to those used in the 2005
General Plan LUPAG map. The CDP Land Use
Guide Map also sets Urban Growth Boundaries
for every town/village in the Planning Area where
the Low Density Urban designation ends.
See Policy 6 for guidance on LUPAG
amendments/changes of zone to Industrial in the
LUPAG LDU designation.
See Policy 12 for the County Action that aligns
the CDP Land Use Guide Policy Map with the
General Plan. Policy 12 is necessary because the
CDP Land Use Guide Map does not automatically
amend the General Plan.
Land use designation changes that would result
in new State Land Use Urban or new County
zoning for residential, commercial, or industrial
uses outside a designated Urban Growth
Boundary shall not be approved within the
Special Management Area. (HRS 205-A; GP
8.3(d))
See Policy 6 for guidance on Industrial areas.
Focus higher density residential (greater than 6
units/acre) and commercial areas in communities
that can sustain a higher intensity of uses and
where these residential and commercial uses are
consistent with the existing town character. This
is reflected in the location of “Medium Density
Urban” (MDU) areas on the CDP Land Use Guide
Map.
Smaller villages and towns are encouraged to
develop neighborhood-scale commercial uses
allowed within the Low Density Urban category.
See 3.1.7 Land Use Guide Maps, Figures 2-13 for
the Land Use Guide Maps, and refer to the
Appendix V5 CDP Policy Rationale for specifics on
how the LUPAG MDU category changes are being
implemented for each area.
38
In order to preserve larger lot agricultural lands
for productive agricultural use, allow rural
development on lands near urban areas where an
intermediate land use between residential and
productive agricultural areas is consistent with
the surrounding uses and rural character. This is
reflected in the location of “Rural” (R) areas on
the CDP Land Use Guide Map, which is intended
to facilitate changes of zone to the “Family
Agricultural District” (FA).
The intermediate land use between residential
and productive agricultural areas is intended to
serve as:
A low density area that provides a
transitional use buffer area between strictly
residential and commercially productive
agriculture areas, and;
A mix of personal or family-scale productive
commercial or subsistence agricultural use on
all newly established parcels in the Rural
area, and;
Areas with parcels having a median size of
between 2 – 3 acres but not to facilitate
subdivision of parcels less than 1 acre in size.
Agricultural areas outside the Urban Growth
Boundary and outside designated Rural areas are
to be preserved for agricultural uses, open space,
scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty areas.
See Policy 5.
In the CDP Land Use Guide Map, the Urban
Growth Boundary between developed areas
(designated “Low/Medium Density Urban”) and
lands designated as Agricultural or Rural are
intended to direct growth in the Hāmākua CDP
planning area. Areas that are clearly beyond
designated Urban Growth Boundaries shall be
preserved as rural or agricultural lands to
maintain open space, scenic view planes, and
natural beauty areas.
Note: See Policy 6 for Industrial Change of Zone
flexibility.
This policy clarifies that the urban boundary in the
Hāmākua CDP Land Use Guide Map establishes
specific Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) at the
intersection between Urban and Rural/Agricultural
land uses. The CDP strategy of mapping parcel-
specific Urban designations whenever possible adds
clarity and specificity, increases transparency into the
land use designation process, and more accurately
reflects the County’s and the Community’s land use
goals and intentions.
Until the General Plan identifies appropriate
areas or criteria for Industrial development to
occur in the Hāmākua Planning Area, industrial
uses may be permitted outside LUPAG Industrial
designated areas through the following
regulatory review processes:
LUPAG Amendment and Change of Zone: If
the subject property is located in the State
Land Use Urban district, a LUPAG
amendment and change of zone request to
the appropriate industrial zoning could be
considered and evaluated on a case-by-case
basis;
Special Use: If the subject property is located
in the State Land Use Agricultural or Rural
District, and the project type is consistent
with a permitted use of either limited-
industrial (ML) or commercial-industrial
zoning (MCX), the special use permit process
would be the appropriate review mechanism
to evaluate the specific parameters of the
proposal and set any mitigating conditions.
Any requests for Industrial uses shall be carefully
evaluated for potential impacts and consistency
with CDP policies and objectives, HRS 205
39
(including the land study bureau’s detailed land
agricultural land productivity rating), and the
General Plan. Industrial development shall be
located in areas adequately served by
transportation, utilities, and other essential
infrastructure (General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (e)).
The majority of the current Industrial areas in the
Planning Area, and especially in North Hilo, are
no longer seen as suitable for heavy industry,
generally due to their near-coastal
(environmentally sensitive) locations (see also
Policy 12 and Policy 2). This policy demonstrates
flexibility in allowing Industrial uses in
appropriate areas until the General Plan
appropriately identifies locations for Industrial
uses.
In the CDP Land Use Guide Map for the Hāmākua
Planning Area, in the “Low Density Urban” (LDU)
and Medium Density Urban (MDU) categories,
variances or PUDs that maintain consistent
village/town character should be encouraged in
those cases where provisions of the zoning and
subdivision code are inconsistent with the
character of surrounding neighborhoods.
See also Policy 10
In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions
in coastal areas, subdivisions should be
encouraged to develop as Cluster Plan
Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant to HCC Section
25-6-20, in order to achieve CDP objectives in
relation to preserving open space, recreational
areas, or scenic viewsheds.
The Director of Planning shall offer a favorable
recommendation to the Planning Commissions,
subject to appropriate conditions, only for those
proposed zoning code amendments that would
further the intent and ensure consistency with the
objectives and policies of the Hāmākua CDP.
(HCC25-2-42 (c) (1) and 25-2-44)
Variances from the zoning or subdivision code
(including PUDs) shall be carefully considered
relative to the Hāmākua CDP objectives and
policies, and when approved, shall be conditioned
to ensure consistency with the CDP. (HCC 23-6,
23-15(c), 23-18, 25-2-51(c), 25-2-54(b), and 25-6-
6(b) and Planning Commission Rule 16-4(b)(6))
See also Policy 8.
When considering variances to the requirements
of the zoning and subdivision chapters of the
County Code for consolidation and resubdivision
actions in the Hāmākua CDP planning area, the
Planning Director shall carefully consider how to
best further the public welfare relative to the
objectives and policies of the Hāmākua CDP.
Specifically, the Director 1) should confer with all
appropriate agencies, 2) shall, if the new
subdivision will include lots smaller than
otherwise permitted in the subject zone,
endeavor to locate those smaller lots in LDU,
MDU, or Industrial areas and near existing
towns/villages and thoroughfares, and 3) shall
require necessary improvements. (HCC 23-6, 23-7,
and 25-2-11).
3.1.5 County Action
Amend the General Plan to reflect the following
changes:
The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide should
be amended to be consistent with the
Hāmākua CDP Land Use Guide Map. If the
definitions of land use designations in the
General Plan are revised, the following
factors should guide land use designations in
the Hāmākua Planning Area:
40
− Factor 1: Minimize new coastal
development
− Factor 2: Minimize encroachment onto
agricultural lands
− Factor 3: Align with State Land Use
District Boundary
− Factor 4: Align with County zoning
− Factor 5: Accommodate projected
population growth
− Factor 6: Align with infrastructure –
Potable Water
− Factor 7: Align with infrastructure –
Roadway Network
− Factor 8: Align with infrastructure –
Wastewater
− Factor 9: Ensure that commercial
designations are appropriate – (MDU)
− Factor 10: Ensure that industrial
designations are appropriate and
consistent
More details on these factors can be found in the
Appendix V. CDP Policy Rationale. While these
factors cannot be applied absolutely in every land
use situation, they should be considered as
important criteria when amending the General
Plan.
Amend General Plan Table 14-5 to reflect the
following LUPAG map amendments:
Pāpaʻikou, Pāpaʻaloa, and Paʻauilo should no
longer be identified as LUPAG Industrial
areas.
See also Policy 6 regarding Industrial
designations.
Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments
that leave natural, open space buffer areas along
the shoreline, streams, and gulches, or adjacent
to forest, conservation areas, or other
culturally/environmentally sensitive areas.
See corresponding Policy 8.
To ensure the preservation of historic and cultural
village character, provide technical support to
develop Town Revitalization Plans.
3.1.6 Community Action
Community Action 1: Develop Town Revitalization
Plans focused on developing guidelines for preserving
historic and cultural character, infrastructure
improvements, developing affordable housing, and
promoting economic revitalization.
41
3.1.7 Land Use
Guide Maps,
Figures 2-13
Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map
42
Figure 3: Paukaʻa Land Use Guide Map
43
Figure 4: Pāpaʻikou Land Use Guide Map
44
Figure 5: Pepeʻekeo Land Use Guide Map
45
Figure 6: Honomū Land Use Guide Map
46
Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map
47
Figure 8: Nīnole Land Use Guide Map
48
Figure 9: Laupāhoehoe/Pāpaʻaloa Land Use Guide Map
49
Figure 10: ‘O‘ōkala Land Use Guide Map
50
Figure 11: Paʻauilo Land Use Guide Map
51
Figure 12: Honokaʻa/Haina Land Use Guide Map
52
Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map
53
Ola I ka wai ka ʻōpua
Rain gives life
SECTION 4: PROTECT AND ENHANCE
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
54
SECTION 4: PROTECT AND
ENHANCE NATURAL AND
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Ola I ka wai ka ʻōpua
Rain gives life
4.1 Expand the Local System of
Preserves
This section of the CDP guides the expansion of lands
held in public trust, supports landowners
establishing conservation and agricultural easements
and using agricultural and forestry land preservation
programs, and encourages Natural Area Reserves to
pursue acquisition priorities.
4.1.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Objective 3: Encourage community-based
collaborative management plans to assure that
human activities are in harmony with the quality
of Hāmākua’s unique natural and cultural
landscape.
Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s
social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,
including sacred places, historic sites and
buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns
that are sustainable and connected. Honor
Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
4.1.2 County Action
Through the strategic and collaborative use of the
resources identified in Appendix V4A, the County
should:
Identify and secure in public trust (fee simple or
by easement) priority lands that achieve one or
more of Hāmākua’s Objectives.
Seek to use conservation easement or
acquisition opportunities through funding
sources such as PONC, etc., once critical
habitat areas are identified as priorities to
protect.
Seek to protect with easements or acquire
suitable important coastal lands that would
protect viewsheds, provide the public with
access to scenic viewing areas, or otherwise
promote appropriate coastal recreation and
subsistence.
Support the efforts of landowners in
establishing conservation and agricultural
easements to preserve important resources
in perpetuity.
55
See also Policy 47 for a policy related to
prioritizing community accesses in the Hāmākua
Planning Area.
Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion
Project.
See also:
Policy 42 - Regarding effective management of
watersheds and natural areas
Policy 46 – Regarding trails to forest reserves
4.1.3 Kōkua Action
U.S. Congress
Appropriate sufficient funding to the Land and
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service to complete the
expansion of the Hakalau Forest National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Continue to pursue acquisition or cooperative
management of the six parcels identified in the
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Land
Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment.
Please see the Environmental Assessment here:
http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_1/NWRS
/Zone_1/Big_Island_Complex/Hakalau_Forest/PDFs/
Hakalau%20Forest%20NWR%20FInal%20LPP-EA.pdf
4.1.4 Community Action
Community Action 2: Establish acquisition priorities,
using PONC criteria, and secure priority lands.
Partner with existing Hawai‘i Land Trusts to
acquire land through conservation easements
and acquisition to ensure view shed protection;
Identify appropriate critical habitat areas
needing further protection as priority areas
through PONC criteria to protect through
easement or acquisition mechanisms;
4.2 Protect Coastal Resources
This section of the CDP protects coastal resources
with the CDP Land Use Guide Map, shoreline
setbacks, the Special Management Area, and
encourages the State to strengthen protections and
the community to engage in coastal land use
decisions.
4.2.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Objective 3: Encourage community-based
collaborative management plans to assure that
human activities are in harmony with the quality
of Hāmākua’s unique natural and cultural
landscape.
Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s
social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,
including sacred places, historic sites and
buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
4.2.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
56
Protect the shoreline from the encroachment of
man-made improvements and structures. (GP
8.3(d))
Maintain the shoreline for recreational,
cultural, education, and/or scientific uses in a
manner that is protective of resources and is of
the maximum benefit to the general public. (GP
8.3(c))
Encourage those developments that are not
coastal dependent to locate in inland areas.
(HRS 205A-2(c)(3(D))
Land Use Policy Controls
Outstanding natural or cultural features, such
as scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of
trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures,
shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-
26)
4.2.3 Land Use Policy
Development in the SMA, including subdivision,
shall only be approved if it is first found that it
will not have any substantial adverse
environmental or ecological effect. (HRS 205A-
22(3) & 205A-26(2) (A))
Pursuant to Planning Commission (PC) Rule 9-
10(b)(5) & (11), and in order for the Planning
Director to accurately evaluate whether the
proposed action will have a substantial adverse
effect, pursuant to PC Rule 9-4(e)(4), the
Director shall require that SMA Use Permit
Assessment and Use Permit applications include
all of the information necessary to assess the
proposed activity’s impacts in the Special
Management Area, including but not limited to:
A description of the environmental setting
and natural resources in the area, including
an assessment of impacts on rare,
threatened, or endangered species or their
habitat and on fresh and coastal water
quality (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(A) & (6) and 9-
10(h)(7), (8), & (9));
A description of valued cultural resources
or historical sites in the area, including the
extent to which traditional and customary
native Hawaiian rights are exercised in the
area (PC Rule 9-10(b)(6) & (h)(1));
An assessment of impacts on coastal scenic
and open space resources and view planes,
including those outlined in the General
Plan, the Community Development Plan,
and other adopted plans, as well as the line
of sight toward the sea from the state
highway nearest the coast and along the
shoreline (HRS 205A-2(b)(3) (A), HRS 205A-
2(c)(3)(B), HRS 205A-26(3)(E), and PC Rule
9-10(h)(1));
Identification and detailed information of
existing public access to and along the
shoreline to the specifications required by
Na Ala Hele (PC Rule 9-10(b)(10));
An assessment of impacts on hazard risk,
including flooding, tsunami, and coastal
erosion and/or sea level rise over the life of
the development (PC Rule 9-10(h)(9));
A description of the relationship of the
proposed action to land use plans, policies,
and control of the affected area, including
the General Plan and Community
Development Plan (PC Rule 9-10(b)(5)(B)).
Identify specific measures to mitigate risks
associated with coastal hazards, protect
sensitive coastal and cultural resources, and
ensure public access (HRS 205-A)
Any development permitted, including those
determined to be exempt from the definition of
development in Planning Commission Rule 9
(pursuant to Planning Commission Rule 9-10 (e)
& (g), shall be subject to terms and conditions to
achieve CZM and CDP objectives and policies,
57
including conditions that protect natural,
cultural, historic, and recreational resources;
preserve agricultural land, open space, and view
planes; ensure access; mitigate impacts of
coastal hazards; limit coastal development; and
concentrate new development (particularly if it
is not coastal dependent) on vacant land in
town/village centers (before converting
agricultural land to residential uses), and
discouraging speculative residential
development. Conditions could include but not
be limited to setbacks, restrictions on artificial
light, lateral and mauka-makai access
requirements, dedication of conservation and
trail corridor easements, cooperation with
efforts to manage access and use of coastal
resources, minimizing the number of lots
abutting or near the shoreline, and maximizing
the use of land in the State Land Use Urban
district and/or urban LUPAG categories.
4.2.4 County Action
Amend and/or create County Codes and Planning
Department Rules to develop shoreline and building
setbacks to address environmental, health, and
safety priorities.
Develop objective guidelines for determining
and defining the “top of cliff” (HRS 205A-1,
and HAR Section 13-222-2, Planning
Department Rule 11) and add references to
“top of cliff” to Criteria for Shoreline Setback
Variances in Planning Commission Rule 8.
For setbacks on parcels with sea cliffs over 40’ in
elevation, the following setbacks are recommended:
a) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback
established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the
building setback should include a lateral
safety buffer distance of 40’ from the
minimum shoreline setback3, plus the
distance equal to the average elevation of
the cliff within the subject parcel; or,
b) In addition to the minimum shoreline setback
established by Planning Dept. Rule 11, the
building setback should include a lateral
safety buffer distance equal to the
anticipated 100 years of erosion as
determined by a coastal erosion study. This
study, including a cliff stability analysis
and/or a geological analysis, shall be
conducted by a licensed civil engineer.
This policy shall only apply to properties that are
located within the Special Management Area
and abutting the shoreline. For lots with sea
cliffs over 40’ with an average lot depth of two
hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line
shall be determined by Planning Department
Rule 11.
The County of Hawaiʻi ’s current working
definition of “top of cliff” is as follows: The “top
of the pali” (top edge of the sea cliff) is defined
to be the highest elevation along the seaward
boundary of a property where the relative
change in the slope of the terrain towards the
sea is in excess of twice the general slope
towards the sea of the terrain along this highest
elevation and that the terrain: (1) has a general
slope seaward of not more than 10%; (2) is
reasonably safe for pedestrian access to and
along its length; and (3) does not show evidence
of being periodically exposed to natural
elements, including, but not limited to, high surf,
wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is
essentially devoid of naturally occurring
vegetation.
See also Policy 19, Policy 20, and Policy 39
related to inland cliffs, and section 4.2.5 Kōkua
Action.
3 Note: In situations where the minimum shoreline
setback established by Planning Dept. Rule 11 would not
reach the top of a sea cliff, the building setback should be
a lateral setback distance of 40’ from the top of cliff, plus
the distance equal to the average elevation of the cliff
within the subject parcel.
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Seek funding and support continued scientific
research relating to coastal hazards (e.g.
research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope
stability studies, sea-level rise rates, tsunami
inundation mapping and coastal stream flood
mapping, etc.).
See related actions under the sections 4.2.5
Kōkua Action and 4.6.4 Kōkua Action.
To further protect coastal resources in the
Special Management Area, review SMA
boundaries in the Hāmākua Planning Area and
initiate appropriate amendments;
Consider proximity to coastline and assess
vulnerabilities to coastal changes;
Consider including within the SMA
boundaries appropriate near-shore riparian
corridors.
Consider SMA boundary amendments to
further protect known recreational, historic,
open space, ecosystem, beach, near-shore
riparian, and/or marine resources as well as
scenic views toward the coastline from the
highway.
See also:
Policy 13:
Policy 46,
Policy 48:
4.2.5 Kōkua Action
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Amend Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule (HAR),
Section 13-322-2 to include “top of cliff” in the
definition of shoreline.
Amend HAR 13-5-40(b) to require that public
hearings before the State Land Use Commission
either be held in the judicial district in which the
land is located, or be live web streamed with the
ability for testimony to be taken live from the
streamed location.
Various Agencies: DLNR, NOAA, UH Sea Grant
Prioritize research projects to better understand:
Bluff Conditions
Shoreline Movement (including the effects
of climate change on shoreline movement)
Site-specific estimates of sea level rise
impacts
See also Kōkua Actions under 4.6.4 Kōkua Actions.
4.2.6 Community Action
Community Action 3: Develop a coastal resource
management plan as part of watershed
management plans.
Community Action 4: Support the organization of a
community-based hui for the fisher people of the
Hāmākua Coast.
4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands & Open
Space
See also Section 6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture
for policies supporting agriculture from an economic
perspective.
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This section of the CDP protects agricultural land and
open space from non-agricultural development with
the CDP Land Use Guide Map, stronger farm
dwelling regulations, minimum lot sizes, tax
incentive programs, development of transfer of
development rights (TDR), land bank programs, and
State Important Agricultural Land designations.
4.3.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns
that are sustainable and connected. Honor
Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
4.3.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Conserve and protect agricultural lands. (State
Constitution Article XI, Section 3)
Assist the further development of agriculture
through the protection of important agricultural
lands. (GP 2.3 (s))
Protect and encourage the intensive and
extensive utilization of the County’s important
agricultural lands (GP 14.1.2(b))
Identify, protect and maintain important
agriculture lands on the island of Hawaiʻi. (GP
14.2.2(a))
Designate, protect and maintain important
agricultural lands from urban encroachment. (GP
14.2.3 (i))
Ensure that development of important
agricultural land be primarily for agricultural use.
(GP 14.2.3 (j))
Discourage speculative residential development
on agricultural lands. (GP 14.2.3 (t))
Land Use Policy Controls
Vacant lands in urban areas and urban
expansion areas should be made available for
residential uses before additional agricultural
lands are converted into residential uses. (GP
9.3(x))
Important Agricultural lands shall not be rezoned
to parcels too small to support economically
viable farming units. (GP 14.2.3(s))
4.3.3 Land Use Policy
To preserve the agricultural character of
Hāmākua and to reinforce existing protections,
the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates
agricultural lands in the Hāmākua Planning Area
to be preserved for agriculture and open space.
Development and construction in the Agricultural
designation shall be limited to agriculture,
related economic infrastructure and cottage
industries, renewable energy, open area
recreational uses, and community facilities,
unless otherwise permitted by law.
See also Policy 6 for guidance on use permits for
industrial uses.
For more information on permitted uses in the
State Agricultural District and County
Agricultural Zone see HRS sections 205-2 and
205-4.5. See HCC section 25-2-60 for information
on use permits in the Agricultural Zone.
When considering applications to consolidate
and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the
Director of Planning should endeavor to keep the
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lot sizes consistent with the minimum lot size,
and only permit lots less than one acre in the
State Land Use Agriculture District and the
County of Hawaiʻi Agricultural District if the
applicant clearly demonstrates that an
unreasonable economic hardship cannot
otherwise be prevented or land utilization is
improved relative to the objectives and policies
of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)).
The Planning Commission shall include in any
Special Permit approval (or recommendation for
approval to the State Land Use Commission)
appropriate performance conditions to achieve
CDP objectives and implement CDP policies. (HRS
205-6(c) and Planning Commission Rules 6-
3(b)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8).
Educate landowners interested in subdividing
agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a
farm subdivision pursuant to Hawaiʻi County
Code section 23-112.
4.3.4 County Action
Amend the Zoning Code Section 25-2-71 to
require Plan Approval for commercial open area
recreational uses in the “Important Agriculture
Land” and “Extensive Agriculture” designations.
Recommend lands to be designated State
Important Agricultural Lands to the State Land
Use Commission. (GP 14.2.2(a) & 14.2.3(i))
Revise Planning Commission Rule 6, and/or to
the Special Permit Application form (for Special
Permits in the Agricultural District) to include
clarity on the potential impacts to be evaluated
in the application process and to clearly
articulate the types of mitigating conditions that
may be required. (HRS 205-6(c) and Planning
Commission Rules 6-3(b)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8).
For examples of conditions, look for applicable
conditions used in the Concurrency
Requirements from HCC 25-2-46 and Agricultural
Tourism, HCC 25-2-75 and 25-4-15.
Amend the County Code and associated Planning
Department Rules to establish reporting and
inspection requirements, as well as enforcement
for additional farm dwellings to ensure that
additional dwellings are used for farm-related
purposes.
Update the County of Hawai‘i’s property tax
reduction programs to ensure that public tax
incentives for agricultural land uses result in
public benefits and promote agricultural land use
and production.
Conduct a feasibility study for a County-wide
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and/or
Save Land for the Future (SLF) program. If
feasible, adopt any necessary enabling County
legislation. (HRS Section 514B-136)
See also:
Policy 15 regarding securing priority lands in
trust; and
Policy 53:
4.3.5 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi State Legislature:
Appropriate funds to the County of Hawaiʻi to
develop recommendations of lands to be
designated Important Agricultural Lands.
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Pass legislation enabling land banks that
counties can use to acquire tax-delinquent
properties and use them to preserve agricultural
land and open space.
4.3.6 Community Action
Community Action 5: Educate landowners about
agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation
programs and encourage participation in these
programs.
4.4 Protect Mauka Forests
This section of the CDP designates the mauka and
forest region as preserved for conservation and open
space. It also points to various other sections of the
CDP for mauka resource protections, trail
development and access, summit management, and
expanding land preserves.
4.4.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 3: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s
social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,
including sacred places, historic sites and
buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns
that are sustainable and connected. Honor
Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
4.4.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Protect and conserve forest and coastal areas
with native wildlife, natural ecosystems, and
wilderness. (Refer to General Plan 8.2 Goals, 8.3
Policies, and 8.4 Standards)
Land Use Policy Controls
Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as
scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees,
heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be
preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26)
Plan approval and related conditions shall
consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas
of natural beauty, archeological and historic
sites, and historic buildings when assuring that
proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping
is provided, unsightly areas are properly
screened or eliminated, and natural and man-
made features of community value are
preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76)
4.4.3 Land Use Policy
To reinforce existing protections, the CDP Land
Use Guide Map designates mauka regions and
forests in Hāmākua to be Conservation, and
directs mauka areas to remain primarily as open
space to be preserved, protected, and connected
to the region’s rich network of natural and
cultural resources. Development and
construction in mauka “Conservation” areas shall
be minimized and, when necessary, limited to
recreation, research, and education facilities
unless otherwise permitted by law. (GP 14.1.1;
HRS 205-2(e))
See also: Policy 48:
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4.4.4 County Action
See:
Policy 16
Policy 36
See also Section 4.8 Establish and Manage
Public Access for policies relating to mauka
forest access issues, such as:
Policy 46, #10
4.4.5 Kōkua Action
See Kōkua Actions in Section 4.1.3 and:
State Office of Planning
See: Kōkua Action 16: Review and designate
forest and watershed areas into the
conservation district during State Land Use
boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP 8.3 (m))
4.4.6 Community Action
See also:
Community Action 2:
Community Action 4:
Community Action 8:
Community Action 9:
And see Section 4.8 Establish and Manage Public
Access for Community Actions related to public
access of forest lands.
4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and
Viewsheds
This section of the CDP protects open space, natural
areas, recognized areas of natural beauty, and scenic
viewsheds with permitting controls and by
prioritizing viewshed identification and regulations,
scenic overlooks, and scenic routes.
4.5.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character
4.5.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Do not allow incompatible construction in areas
of natural beauty. (GP 7.3(i))
Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of
areas endowed with natural beauty, including
the quality of coastal scenic resources. (GP 7.2
(a))
Maximize opportunities for present and future
generations to appreciate and enjoy natural and
scenic beauty. (GP 7.2 (c))
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Protect and effectively manage Hawai‘i’s open
space, watersheds, shoreline, and natural areas.
(GP 8.2 (e))
Provide and protect open space for the social,
environmental, and economic well-being of the
County of Hawai‘i and its residents. (GP 14.8.2
(a))
Land Use Policy Controls
Zoning, subdivision and other applicable
ordinances shall provide for and protect open
space areas. (GP 14.8.3 (d))
Plan approval and related conditions shall
consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas
of natural beauty, archeological and historic
sites, and historic buildings when assuring that
proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping
is provided, unsightly areas are properly
screened or eliminated, and natural and man-
made features of community value are
preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76)
Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as
scenic spots, water courses, fine groves of trees,
heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be
preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26)
See also (HRS 205A-2(b)(3)(B), HRS 205-26,
Charter section 13-29.
4.5.3 Land Use Policy
In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area, the
environmental report for proposed changes of
zone on property that may impact open space,
viewsheds, and areas of natural beauty shall
include viewshed analysis and, as appropriate,
line-of-sight analysis, and propose conditions to
mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-42)
In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area, applications
for Special Permits that may impact open space,
viewshed, and areas of natural beauty shall
include view plane and, as appropriate, line-of-
sight analysis, and proposed performance
conditions to mitigate scenic impacts. (Planning
Commission Rule 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8)
In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area, applications
for Use Permits for wind energy facilities and
telecommunications antennas/towers shall
include viewshed and, as appropriate, line-of-
sight analysis to demonstrate how the request
does not cause substantial, adverse impact to
the community’s character, including open
space, public views, and areas of natural and
scenic beauty, and propose conditions to
mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-60 & 64)
Require the use of place-appropriate wireless
concealment strategies in the development
or upgrading of telecommunication towers
as a way to mitigate visual impacts (e.g., cell
towers disguised as palm trees).
See also:
Policy 108
4.5.4 County Action
Develop and establish viewshed regulations to
preserve and to protect scenic resources, vistas,
viewsheds, open space, prominent landscapes,
and areas of natural beauty identified in the
General Plan.
Conduct a scenic resources inventory and
map for the Hāmākua Planning Area;
Develop a corridor management plan to
direct viewshed protections along roadways;
•Consider structural setbacks from major
thoroughfares and highways to protect
viewshed.
(Charter 13-29, HRS 205A, GP 7.2(a), 7.2(b),
7.3(b), 7.3(e), 7.3(f), 7.3(h), 7.3(i), & 14.8.3(d))
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Amend the Zoning Code to create a conservation
designation for lands (or portions thereof) that
should be kept in a largely natural state but that
may not be in the Conservation District, such as
certain important viewsheds, riparian buffer
areas, gulches, and very steep slopes. (GP 14.8.3
(e))
Assess siting options for and develop new scenic
lookouts along Highway 19 (work with State
DOT) and along the Old Māmalahoa Highway as
appropriate to ensure important views (coastal,
mountain, and waterfall) are preserved from
development and that there are various
opportunities to view these scenic resources
throughout the three districts of the Hāmākua
Planning Area. (GP 7.3(c))
Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic
overlooks with a frequently maintained
vegetation management program. Coordinate
this work with the regular roadway vegetation
management maintenance program.
Current scenic overlooks in the Planning Area are
located in:
Laupāhoehoe on Highway 19;
Onomea Scenic Route;
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
See also:
Policy 52 for related policies on protecting
viewsheds of Waipiʻo Valley.
4.5.5 Kōkua Action
Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land
Division
Consider viewshed corridors for mountain and
ocean views while negotiating leases along the
Highway, such as timber leases.
Department of Transportation
Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic
overlooks with a frequently maintained
vegetation management program. Coordinate
this work with the regular roadway vegetation
management maintenance program.
Assess siting options for and develop new scenic
lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure
ocean, mountain, agricultural/pastoral, and
waterfall views are preserved from
development.
Consider adding/improving viewing locations
and interpretive signage near the scenic bridges
for safe parking and views of the areas’
waterfalls and coastline and along Saddle Road
(Route 200) for views of the summit. Work with
the Hawaiʻi Tourism authority to improve
signage on the Highway and identify safe
viewing locations.
4.5.6 Community Action
Community Action 6: Educate residents on scenic
viewshed importance and alternatives to tall,
vegetative wind-breaks that impact viewsheds.
Community Action 7: Support the development and
promotion of a Heritage Corridor, and/or sections of
the Old Māmalahoa Highway as Scenic Byways.
See also: Community Action 2:
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4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems
and Watersheds
This section of the CDP encourages increasing
County capacity and participation in watershed
planning and the collaborative development and
implementation of resource management plans, and
the enforcement necessary to protect ecosystems.
4.6.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 2: Protect and restore viable
agricultural lands and resources. Protect and
enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Objective 3: Encourage community-based
collaborative management plans to assure that
human activities are in harmony with the
quality of Hāmākua’s unique natural and
cultural landscape.
4.6.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Protect and conserve forest and coastal areas
with native wildlife, natural ecosystems, and
wilderness. (Refer to General Plan 8.2 Goals, 8.3
Policies, and 8.4 Standards)
Protect rare or endangered species and habitats
native to Hawaiʻi. (GP 8.2 (d));
Protect and effectively manage Hawai‘i’s open
space, watersheds, shoreline, and natural areas.
(GP 8.2 (e))
Protect and preserve forest, water, natural and
scientific reserves and open areas. (GP 14.1.2 (c))
Protect designated natural areas. (GP 14.8.2 (b))
Promote sound management and development
of Hawai‘i’s land and marine resources for
potential economic benefit. (GP 8.3 (g))
Encourage public and private agencies to
manage the natural resources in a manner that
avoids or minimizes adverse effects on the
environment and depletion of energy and natural
resources to the fullest extent. (GP 8.3 (h))
Encourage an overall conservation ethic in the
use of Hawaiʻi’s resources by protecting,
preserving, and conserving the critical and
significant natural resources of the County of
Hawaiʻi. (GP 8.3(i))
Land Use Policy Controls
Ensure that alterations to existing land forms,
vegetation, and construction of structures cause
minimum adverse effect to water resources, and
scenic and recreational amenities and minimum
danger of floods, landslides, erosion, siltation or
failure in the event of an earthquake. (GP 8.2 (f))
Plan approval and related conditions shall
consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
agricultural lands, open space, viewscapes, areas
of natural beauty, archeological and historic
sites, and historic buildings when assuring that
proper siting is provided for, proper landscaping
is provided, unsightly areas are properly
screened or eliminated, and natural and man-
made features of community value are
preserved. (HCC 25-2-77(a) & 76)
Require implementation of the management
measures contained in Hawaiʻi’s Coastal
Nonpoint Pollution Control Program as a
condition of land use permitting. (GP 4.3 (k))
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4.6.3 County Action
Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code to
establish building setbacks for inland cliffs.
Recommended factors to consider for
establishing setbacks include:
Slopes greater than 40%
Cliff height and geology type
Cliff identification and mapping strategies
See related Policy 18 and Policy 40, below.
Develop and adopt policies (including setback
requirements) to protect riparian (streamside)
areas from incompatible development and uses.
Increase capacity to provide education and
outreach and enforce conditions on grading and
grubbing permits to require screen planting,
erosion control planting, or other treatments to
maintain the good appearance of graded areas,
reduce the detrimental impact on adjacent
properties, and protect watersheds. (HCC 10-12
(c))
To further watershed management goals,
collaborate with the Department of Health, the
Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the USDA
Natural Resource Conservation Service, the
Department of Land and Natural Resource:
DOFAW Division, and the Soil and Water
Conservation District to reduce runoff, maximize
soil and water conservation, and protect and
effectively manage watersheds and natural
areas. (HRS 342D, HAR 11-54-3, GP 4.3(g), 5.2(e)
& (f), 5.3(e), (n), & (o), and 8.2(e) & (j))
The County could participate in watershed
planning in the following ways:
1.Build staff capacity and provide training to
support development and implementation of
stream management plans;
2.Initiate a conservation planning process for
priority watersheds with Conservation
Technical Assistance (CTA) from NRCS;
3.Enter into a partnership agreement with the
Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU
Process;
4.Work with partners such as UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Community College, Hawaiʻi County
Research and Development, Soil and Water
Conservation Districts, and Kohala Center on
a pilot program to train UH/HCC students to
assist with Conservation Planning. (GP 8.3
(e), (k), (j), (l));
5.Support best management practices through
various regulatory review processes
conducted by the department; such as farm
dwelling permits and conservation permits,
and through environmental reviews of
publicly leased lands;
6.Identify streams and stream corridors as
candidates for further protections, and once
identified, prioritize and seek to acquire
corridors for further management;
7.Collaborate with the Waipiʻo Valley
community in implementing the Waipiʻo
Valley Stream Management Plan.
The above actions can be implemented
independently of each other and do not reflect
prioritization by their listing order. The goal of
this policy is that the County becomes actively
involved in watershed planning.
To further ecosystem protections, revise Planning
Department Rule 17, Landscaping Requirements,
to incorporate and encourage native and
noninvasive alternatives for landscaping and
restoration activities for Plan Review and County
projects, and to include the noxious weed list
from Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules 4-68 and the
invasive plant lists from the Hawaii-Pacific Weed
Risk Assessment (HPWRA) as plants to avoid.
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Consult HPWRA’s Plant Pono program
(http://plantpono.org) and collaborate with the
Big Island Invasive Committee (BIISC) and the
University of Hawaiʻi to determine which native
and noninvasive plants to include with this rule
revision.
See also:
Policy 36
Policy 86
4.6.4 Kōkua Action
For additional policies and kōkua actions relating to
coastal protections, please see
4.2 Protect Coastal Resources
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural
Resources
Update Hawaiʻi Stream Assessment (HAS).
Develop place-based marine protected area
plans for priority areas.
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Clean
Water Branch
Complete a comprehensive water quality
monitoring program for the Planning Area’s
coastal waters.
Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) for Impaired Streams. (Clean Water Act
§ 303 (d)
State Office of Planning
Review and designate forest and watershed
areas into the conservation district during State
Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP
8.3 (m))
State of Hawaiʻi Legislature
Provide the Department of Land and Natural
Resources (DLNR) the resources necessary to
actively support local Soil and Water
Conservation Districts (SWCD). (HRS Chapter
180).
Provide assistance and funding for control and
management of Little Fire Ant infestations within
the Hāmākua Planning Area.
United States Congress
Provide sufficient funding to the Department of
Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS), Pacific Islands Area
(PIA), the Farm Service Agency, U.S. Forest
Service (Laupāhoehoe section of the Hawaiʻi
Experimental Tropical Forest), and the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) to adequately implement
critical conservation programs, including invasive
species management and Rapid ‘Ōhia Death
research and mitigation
4.6.5 Community Action
Community Action 8: Collaborate with Mauna Kea
Watershed Alliance, the County, and appropriate
State and Federal agencies in developing and
implementing watershed management plans and
projects.
Ensure that Native Hawaiian practitioners
directly tied to the subject area are consulted
while developing or implementing natural
resource plans in culturally sensitive areas.
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Community Action 9: Partner with the Coordinating
Group on Alien Pest Species and the Big Island
Invasive Species Committee in managing invasive
species.
Community Action 10: Promote soil and water
conservation best practices.
4.7 Protect and Enhance Cultural Assets
This section of the CDP prioritizes the preservation
of historic buildings and roads and the development
of historic streetscapes and rural road standards. It
also guides community-led efforts to restore historic
sites and buildings, retain village and town
character, and document oral, written, and video
histories.
4.7.1 Community Objective
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance
watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, and
open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
Objective 3: Encourage community-based
collaborative management plans to assure that
human activities are in harmony with the
quality of Hāmākua’s unique natural and
cultural landscape.
Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hāmākua’s
social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,
including sacred places, historic sites and
buildings, and distinctive plantation towns.
Objective 13: . . . Promote Hawai‘i’s host culture
and Hāmākua’s heritage, including historic
roads and plantation towns, and festivals that
celebrate our rich multi-cultural music, art, and
agriculture.
4.7.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Controls
Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally
exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious
purposes and possessed by ahupua‘a tenants
who are descendants of native Hawaiians who
inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778,
subject to the right of the State to regulate such
rights. (Hawai‘i State Constitution, Article 12,
section 7)
Review and comment by DLNR’s State Historic
Preservation Division (SHPD) shall be requested
for any permit or entitlement for use that may
affect any building, structure, object, district,
area, or site that is over fifty years old (HRS
Section 6E-42)
The development of commercial facilities should
be designed to fit into the locale with minimal
intrusion while providing the desired services.
Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns
shall be incorporated into the review of such
developments. (GP 14.3.3 (f))
Other Planning Initiatives:
Identify and protect places, features, and sacred
spaces that give Hawaiʻi its unique character and
cultural significance. (Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability
Plan, 2008)
4.7.3 Land Use Policy
See:
Policy 7
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4.7.4 County Action
Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings,
and objects of significant historical and cultural
importance to Hawai‘i and identify these sites
with interpretive signage and/or other
appropriate methods. (GP 6.2(a)) (GP 6.3 (h), (i),
(g))
Support the development and promotion of
Heritage Corridors as part of a coordinated effort
to promote the roadways and towns of the
Hāmākua Planning Area. GP 6.3 (l)
Coordinate this effort with Policy 126
relating to the State Scenic Byway Program.
See also:
Policy 72
Policy 125
4.7.5 Kōkua Action
State Legislature
Following HRS 6E, provide the Department of
Land and Natural resources sufficient staff and
funding for the State Historic Preservation
Division to fulfill its mandates.
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Encourage the State’s implementation of the
‘Aha Moku System.
4.7.6 Community Action
Community Action 11: Document the Mo‘olelo of
Hāmākua using resources outlined in oral history,
hula, chant, and other sources.
Work with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)
and possibly seek assistance through the County
Product Enrichment Program (CPEP) to develop
appropriate cultural signage for moku and
ahupuaʻa boundaries.
Community Action 12: Identify and inventory
important sites, map resources and make
recommendations to County Cultural Resource
Commission for sites.
Community Action 13: Develop and implement
place-based strategies to retain village and town
character, including alternatives to Historic District
designations.
Community Action 14: Develop, promote, and
maintain the continuity of community festivals and
events.
4.8 Establish and Manage Public Access
and Trails
This section of the CDP prioritizes a County public
access program, directs appropriate public access to
the shoreline and mauka forests, and guides
community-led access management.
4.8.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and
enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping
views, and open spaces from mauka forests to
makai shorelines, while assuring responsible
public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural,
and sustenance practices.
Community Objective 3: Encourage community-
based collaborative management plans to
assure that human activities are in harmony
with the quality of Hāmākua’s unique natural
and cultural landscape.
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Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional
subsistence practices and encourage a
reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a
sustainable complement to Hāmākua’s resource-
based economy.
4.8.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Appropriate access to significant historic sites,
buildings, and objects of public interest should be
made available. (GP 6.2 (b))
Increase public pedestrian access opportunities
to scenic places and vistas. (GP 7.3(a))
Ensure public access is provided to the shoreline,
public trails and hunting areas, including free
public parking where appropriate. (GP 8.3 (r))
Land Use Policy Controls
Appropriate public access to and along the
shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA
exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26)
Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally
exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious
purposes and possessed by ahupua‘a tenants
who are descendants of native Hawaiians who
inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778,
subject to the right of the State to regulate such
rights. (Hawai‘i State Constitution, Article 12,
section 7)
Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or
interests shall be required to dedicate land for
public access for pedestrian travel from a public
highway or street to the land below the high-
water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas
in the mountains where there are existing
facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit-picking, ti-leaf
sliding, and other recreational purposes, and
where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS
46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c))
4.8.3 County Action
Establish a ‘County of Hawaiʻi Public Access and
Trail Program’ with sufficient staff and resources.
Staff will be required to refer to this program in
all permit reviews. Elements of this program
could include:
1. A comprehensive access inventory;
2. A public access rating system to help with
prioritization;
3. Ensure comprehensive reviews of projects
(on public or private lands) that will affect
public accesses and trails.
4. Establish a program to inventory ancient
trails, cart roads, and old government
roads in coordination with appropriate
State agencies. Ensure that publicly owned
historic trails and roads are properly
identified and consultation occurs to
protect the public’s interests. (GP 12.3 (n)
Highways Act of 1892)
5. Identify agencies/groups to develop,
administer, and maintain public accesses,
including developing County capacity for
this purpose;
6. Identify funding sources to purchase public
access easement to priority areas;
7. When public access goals will involve
several landowners, acquire the public
access incrementally as opportunities arise
to do so;
8. Public accesses that cross private land will
be acquired and held until appropriate
management of the accesses is in place;
9. Collaborate with State and Federal
agencies on public accesses that require
multi-agency involvement;
10. Develop a standardized template to
promote consistency and
comprehensiveness in the public access
plans required of landowners;
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11. Partner with community organizations
capable of assisting with public access
management;
12. Work with State agencies (particularly with
DOFAW) to coordinate, survey, develop,
and manage public trails and roads leading
to forest reserves;
13. In co-sponsorship with the State when
possible, acquire land for public access to
historic sites and objects and to the
shoreline where safe transit does not
already exist;
14. Reinstitute a Public Access Sign program
managed by the Planning Department to
assist interested community groups in
maintaining appropriate signage at public
access points;
15. Provide cultural and safety information at
trailheads.
The above actions can be implemented
independently of each other and do not reflect
prioritization by their listing order.
Pursue access easements and/or acquisition of
high priority public accesses to meet CDP
objectives.
Where possible through permit conditions,
easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawaiʻi
shall establish: public access to and along the
shoreline to significant historic sites, public
transit along the top of cliff, streams, mauka
trails, facilities, and access to areas for
gathering, hunting, and other recreational
purposes.
Lands adjacent to Forest and Natural Area
Reserves shall be assessed for public access
potential and public access may be included as a
condition of subdivision. (HRS §205A-26; GP
6.2(b); 7.3(a); 8.3(r))
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,
work to remove the obstructions.
This policy is specific to publicly owned roads-in-
limbo or old road rights-of-way that are best
adapted to trail use; however, for CDP policies
relating to the adoption of ‘roads-in-limbo’ into
the current County of Hawaiʻi road inventory,
see Policy 68, and Policy 71. It is important to
note that not all train infrastructure remnants
are government owned – some are now private
and therefore would not relate to this policy.
Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring
public lands, including public roads or trails,
public access potentials will be assessed,
documented, and protected if public access use is
in the public’s interest. (HRS §46-1.5, and §171-
26)
Reconstruct the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp to
provide safe and adequate access to ocean
resources for subsistence fisher-people and
recreational users.
See also:
Policy 15
4.8.4 Kōkua Action
State Legislature
To facilitate greater public access to and along
the shoreline and elsewhere, amend HRS 520,
Hawai‘i’s Recreational Use Statute (RUS), to:
Decrease ambiguity and discourage frivolous
lawsuits;
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Provide incentives to private landowners to
voluntarily allow public access.
Bishop Estate/ Kamehameha Schools; State of
Hawaiʻi
Explore options and collaborate with community
groups to increase access to former sugar cane
roads to be used as non-motorized trails where
feasible and appropriate.
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural
Resources, Land Division
Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring
public lands, including public roads or trails,
public access potentials will be assessed,
documented and protected if public access use is
in the public’s interest.
See corresponding Policy 50.
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent
Explore expansion of the Ala Kahakai National
Historic Trail in the Hāmākua Planning Area.
4.8.5 Community Action
Community Action 15: Develop and implement
plans to establish and manage specific access points
and trails.
See also
Community Action 40:
4.9 Preserving Sacred Places: Waipiʻo
Valley and Mauna Kea
This section of the CDP identifies Waipiʻo Valley and
Mauna Kea as sacred places needing special
attention. This section specifically addresses natural
and cultural resource protections for both of these
unique areas, but the section also addresses other
elements of the CDP that are specific to these places.
4.9.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and
enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping
views, and open spaces from mauka forests to
makai shorelines, while assuring responsible
public access for recreational, spiritual, cultural,
and sustenance practices.
Community Objective 2: Protect and restore
viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect
and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that
exemplify Hāmākua’s rural character.
Community Objective 3: Encourage community-
based collaborative management plans to
assure that human activities are in harmony
with the quality of Hāmākua’s unique natural
and cultural landscape.
Community Objective 4: Protect and nurture
Hāmākua’s social and cultural diversity and
heritage assets, including sacred places, historic
sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation
towns.
Community Objective 5: Direct future settlement
patterns that are sustainable and connected.
Honor Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
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concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional
subsistence practices and encourage a
reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a
sustainable complement to Hāmākua’s resource-
based economy.
Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate
rural tourism that welcomes guests for an
alternative visitor experience. Promote
Hawai‘i’s host culture and Hāmākua’s heritage,
including historic roads and plantation towns,
and festivals that celebrate our rich multi-
cultural music, art, and agriculture.
4.9.2 Waipiʻo Valley as a Wahi Pana
This section prioritizes protecting Waipiʻo Valley as a
wahi pana, focusing on protecting natural
ecosystems, viewsheds and streams, managing
responsible access, and perpetuating Hawaiian
culture.
4.9.3 Waipiʻo Valley: County Action
Designate Waipiʻo Valley, including the Valley
rim, as a Wahi Pana and create a resource
protection overlay and regulations that will
protect Waipiʻo Valley’s natural resources,
preserve its storied past and perpetuate its
agricultural traditions and unique rural lifestyle.
The Wahi Pana designation should address the
following:
Create a Natural Resource Overlay Zone:
o Prepare viewshed siting guidelines in the
County Zoning Code for parcels along the
southeast and eastern portions of
Waipiʻo Valley rim (GP Policy 7.3 (b));
o Extend the SMA boundary beyond
Waipiʻo Valley on the east and southeast
Valley rim to ensure that greater
setbacks and viewshed protections are
incorporated into the review of
structures in those areas;
Collaborate with Community Groups:
o Collaborate with the Waipiʻo Valley
community to develop a long range
management plan for Waipiʻo that
addresses public access, carrying
capacity, resource management, and
potential funding sources for on-going
maintenance of streams and roads.
o Support community organizations such
as the Waipiʻo Valley Stakeholders
Alliance, the Waipiʻo Community Circle,
the Traditional Waipiʻo Taro Farmers
Assoc., and Hā Ola O Waipiʻo Valley in
developing and implementing a
community-based watershed plan based
on the Waipiʻo Valley Stream
Management Plan.
Provide a property tax credit for landowners for
the perpetual conservation of taro systems on
private land (i.e. agricultural, conservation or
cultural easements), and for owners and lessees
who enter into long term agreements (20 years)
to rehabilitate taro systems to active use.
Work with farmers, landowners, community
organizations and agency partners (Army Corps
of Engineers, State Commission on Water
Resources Management (CWRM), State
Department of Health, State Historical
Preservation Division) to create a simplified
stream maintenance permitting process for
Wailoa Stream and other streams in Waipiʻo
Valley.
Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic
route from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout extending
mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the entrance
of Waimea.
74
Improving the mid-section of Mud Lane would
provide an alternate/emergency route to
Kukuihaele and the Waipiʻo Valley lookout, and
would create a scenic loop between Waimea,
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, and Honokaʻa. This
feasibility study could include assessing public
access potential to the Hāmākua Forest Reserve
(Kea‘a and Hanapai Sections). This policy is
based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). See also related
Policy 56.
Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic
park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing
area of Hiʻilawe Falls in conjunction with the
development of the scenic highway.
This policy is related and dependent on Policy 55
above, and is based on General Plan policy
12.5.4.2 (d).
One of the advantages of developing a scenic
park with a view of Hiʻilawe Falls would be to
incentivize scenic viewpoints above the Valley
with the goal of minimizing visitor trips into the
Valley. To minimize impacts, this park could be
accessible via a pedestrian hiking trail developed
along the old cane haul road.
Encourage the integration of best management
practices and an understanding of cultural values
and experiences during the land use application
process for any business plans requiring Planning
Department Plan Approval within Waipiʻo Valley.
(Refer to HCC Chapter 25 Section 2, Division 7
for more information on Plan Approval)
Develop the Waipiʻo Valley Heritage Center,
including:
Support for its related Educational Programs
such as the Waipiʻo Education and
Information Program (aka: Waipiʻo Valley
Rangers Program).
Support community-based management of
the Waipiʻo Valley Heritage Center through a
lease or cooperative use agreement with the
County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Integrate the support facilities for the existing
Waipiʻo Lookout with the Heritage Center and
the Heritage Corridor route.
This facility could also include information on
Waimanu camping, Muliwai Trail, and the Kohala
Forest Reserve.
See also:
See 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds
and 4.6 Protect and Enhance Ecosystems and
Watersheds.
Policy 29
Policy 35
Policy 42, # 1
Policy 46, #10
4.9.4 Waipiʻo Valley: Kōkua Action
State Land Use Commission
Reconsider the State’s agriculture land capability
class designations to better protect viable taro
growing lands.
Bishop Estate, State of Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha
Schools
Perform a feasibility study on the development
of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a
viewing area of Hiʻilawe Falls in conjunction with
the development of Mud Lane into a scenic
route.
75
See related Policy 55 & Policy 56 based on GP
12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c).
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Support reintroduction of H.B. #414 or similar
legislation that would provide funding and
technical assistance for stream maintenance
programs.
State of Hawaiʻi, Governor
Release allocated disaster funding to help taro
farmers and residents of Waipiʻo Valley to avoid
future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation)
State Department of Agriculture
Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to
strengthen taro production.
See also:
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Kōkua Action 6:
4.9.5 Waipiʻo Valley: Community Action
Community Action 16: Form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
entity for community empowerment to develop a
Land Management Partnership.
Community Action 17: Develop a detailed Master
Plan for Waipiʻo Valley, including a community-
based management plan for the Waipiʻo Valley
visitor’s center.
Community Action 18: Secure funding through
PONC, DLNR LLCP, or other similar programs for
purchase of easements and potential acquisition of
land to protect views of Waipiʻo Valley rim.
Community Action 19: Support community
organizations, such as the Waipiʻo Circle, in
developing a watershed plan based on the Waipiʻo
Valley Stream Management Plan, the Hanalei
Watershed Hui model, or similar community-based
management plans.
Community Action 20: Strengthen Community
capacity through the Hawai‘i Community
Stewardship Network.
4.9.6 Mauna Kea as a Wahi Pana
This section prioritizes protecting Mauna a Wākea as
a wahi pana.
A Special Note on Mauna a Wākea: The summit
lands are out of County jurisdiction and are under the
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural
Resources, with portions leased to the University of
Hawaiʻi and managed by the Office of Mauna Kea
Management. At the time of the CDP draft
development, discussions over land use and
natural/cultural resource management for Mauna
Kea were continually evolving. This CDP section
represents a focus on ‘kōkua actions’ to the agencies
and groups that currently manage resources at the
summit and near-summit lands. All the CDP Kōkua
actions are based on previously developed policies
that align with CDP Community Objectives.
4.9.7 Mauna Kea: County Action
See Policy 42
4.9.8 Mauna Kea: Kōkua Action
Various Agencies: State of Hawaiʻi Department of
Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); DLNR’s
Division of Forestry and Wildlife – Natural Area
Reserve System;
Continue to engage the Hawaiian community
while exploring a cooperative agreement to
formalize the coordinated management efforts
on Mauna Kea.
76
Department of Land and Natural Resources & State
Historic Preservation Division
Nominate the Mauna Kea Summit Region
Historic District to the National Register of
Historic Places.
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Update the management plan for Laupāhoehoe
Natural Area Reserve.
Review possible inclusion of māmane-naio forest
sites within the Forest Reserve system on Mauna
Kea for inclusion in the NAR system, including
benefits to the natural resources as well as any
impacts to community use and access to the
area.
Develop a mechanism for the long-term
protection of Palila sites.
Provide natural and cultural resource
preservation orientation training for tour
operators, rangers, VIS staff, and volunteers in
coordination with native practitioners who
practice on Mauna Kea.
Maintain a trail network with signage.
Consider establishing a working group with
surrounding land owners and the user-
community to educate users and manage ATV
use in the near-summit region.
Work together, in partnership with hunting
associations and other land stewards, to
establish clear recreational hunting policies and
disseminate education regarding these policies.
Department of Land and Natural Resources/
University of Hawaiʻi, Office of Mauna Kea
Management
Work with the Hawaiian community to develop a
historic property monitoring program within the
UH Management Areas.
Evaluate the need and feasibility of establishing
a vehicle wash-station near Hale Pōhaku to
prevent the transport of invasive plants and
animals.
Work with neighboring landowners and
appropriate federal and state agencies to plan
for coordinated prevention and responses to a
range of emergency situations, to ensure rapid
response, and to minimize impacts to cultural
and natural resources.
Collaborate with Observatories to develop a site
decommissioning plan for each observatory, in
accordance with the Decommissioning Plan for
Mauna Kea Observatories.
Department of Defense, Pōhakuloa Training Area
(PTA)
Complete the large scale firebreak that extends
completely across Pu‘u Anahulu between the
Ke‘āmuku and the1859 lava flows.
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Improve Mauna Kea Trail and Infantry Road to
firebreak standards and to extend Mauna Kea
Trail slightly in the area behind Pu‘u Pōhakuloa.
Complete the Remedial Investigation for the
Puʻu Paʻa Area (PTA-003-R-01). Remaining
actions include a focused Feasibility Study,
Proposed Plan /Decision Document, followed by
Remedial Design and Remedial Action for
Munitions and Explosives of Concern removal.
Address the potential hazards of depleted
uranium at the Pōhakuloa Training Area.
Consider the eight-point plan as outlined in
County Res. No. 639-08. See also House Bill
2011 H.C.R. No. 181, “Pōhakuloa Training Area;
Testing and Monitoring of Radioactive
Contamination.”
County RES. 639 Draft 01 2006-2008
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/0/d
oc/39961/Page1.aspx
State Legislature:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/
Bills/HCR181_.PDF
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/
bills/SCR118_.pdf
4.9.9 Mauna Kea: Community Action
Community Action 21: Document the Mo‘olelo of
Mauna Kea using resources outlined in Oral History.
Community Action 22: Develop an educational
program for tour operators, Visitor Information staff,
and volunteers as part of orientation training for
regular users of Mauna Kea.
Community Action 23: Collaborate with surrounding
land owners and the user-community to educate
users and manage ATV use in mauka areas and in the
Mauna Kea region
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SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE,
FACILITIES, AND SERVICES
Aʻohe hana nui ka alu ʻia
No task is too big when done together
79
SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN
INFRASTRUCTURE,
FACILITIES, AND SERVICES
Aʻohe hana nui ka aluʻia.
No task is too big when done together
5.1 Coordinate Infrastructure, Facility,
and Service Improvements
This section of the CDP guides the coordination of
regional infrastructure improvements.
5.1.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.1.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and
use of urban areas that are serviced by basic
community facilities and utilities. (GP 14.1.3 (b))
Encourage urban development within existing
zoned areas already served by basic
infrastructure, or close to such areas, instead of
scattered development. (GP 14.1.3 (j))
Land Use Policy Controls
Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas
adequately served by necessary services, such as
water, utilities, sewers, and transportation
systems. Should such services not be available,
the development of more intensive uses should be
in concert with a localized program of public and
private capital improvements to meet the
expected increased needs. (GP 14.3.3 (b))
Identify sites suitable for future industrial
activities as the need arises. Industrial
development shall be located in areas adequately
served by transportation, utilities, and other
essential infrastructure. (GP 14.4.5.9.2 (a);
14.4.5.2.2 (b); 14.4.5.3.2 (a); 14.4.5.2 (a); and
14.4.3 (e))
5.1.3 County Action
Implement capital improvement priorities in the
Hāmākua Planning Area.
Current capital improvement priorities for
Hāmākua include:
Reconstruct of the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp.
(Policy 51)
Develop the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout Heritage
Center and support for its related
Educational Programs. (Policy 58)
Improve/replace substandard bridges in the
Hāmākua Planning Area. (Policy 67)
Complete the extension linking Pīkake and
Pakalana Street. (Policy 70)
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Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria
Street by extending Kamani Street. (Policy
70)
Provide a mauka-makai connection from the
Kamani Street extension to Māmane Street
on the Hilo side of the elderly housing.
(Policy 70)
With the goal of developing alternative,
emergency routes, improve substandard
sections of the Old Māmalahoa Highway and
maintain for use as an alternative,
emergency route to Highway 19. (Policy 71)
Add an additional chute/receptacle at the
Honokaʻa Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer
Station (Policy 83)
Add solar-water heating for Laupāhoehoe
Swimming Pool. (Policy 102)
Re-roof Pāpaʻikou Gym (Policy 102)
Abate hazardous materials at Pāpaʻaloa Gym
(Policy 102)
Provide technical support to communities and
organizations pursuing capital improvement
financing through USDA Rural Development,
infrastructure improvement financing districts,
and other sources.
The development of County facilities should be
designed to fit into the locale with minimal
intrusion while providing the desired services.
Implement protocols for receiving community
input during capital improvement project siting
and design within the Hāmākua Planning Area.
5.1.4 Community Action
Community Action 24: Actively advocate for CIP
appropriations, financing, allotments, and
encumbrances that support implementation of the
CDP.
5.2 Expand Affordable Housing Options
This section of the CDP seeks to incorporate strategic
planning, tax incentives, and self-help programs to
increase the supply of affordable housing.
5.2.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.2.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Accommodate the housing requirements of
special need groups including the elderly,
handicapped, homeless and those residents in
rural areas. (GP 9.3 (m))
5.2.3 County Action
Develop and implement a County-wide, cross-
agency affordable housing plan.
Develop affordable housing options within
existing towns and villages, near services,
and critical infrastructure.
Propose and support amendments to the
County's taxing powers as a means to
increase the supply of affordable housing.
Revise the Zoning Code, Chapter 25, relating
to ‘Ohana Dwellings and develop an
Accessory Dwelling Unit policy aimed at
facilitating affordable housing and aging-in-
81
place opportunities. Evaluate and
incorporate applicable policy criteria from the
City and County of Honolulu’s Chapter 21
Accessory Dwelling Unit policy; see also
www.accessorydwellings.org as a resource
for how other municipalities are handling
accessory dwelling unit regulations.
Revise the building code requirements for
renovating older houses to facilitate the
redevelopment of affordable housing.
5.2.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, State of Hawaiʻi
Coordinate with County agencies in helping
develop and implement a County-wide, cross-
agency affordable housing plan.
5.2.5 Community Action
Community Action 25: Engage community
associations and volunteers to work with self-help
nonprofits to promote construction of homes for
eligible buyers in the Planning Area.
5.3 Improve the Roadway Network
This section of the CDP prioritizes road connectivity,
safety improvements to roads and bridges, a road-in-
limbo improvement and adoption process, and
guides road improvements toward multimodal
transportation strategies.
5.3.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 7: Establish a rural
transportation network that includes improving
roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding
and improving the existing transit system, and
encouraging multiple transportation options.
5.3.2 Existing Policy
Develop a comprehensive, island-wide multi-
modal transportation plan that identifies the
location and operation of automobile, mass
transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, in
coordination with appropriate Federal and State
agencies. (GP 13.1.3(e))
5.3.3 Land Use Policy
All subdivision in the Hāmākua CDP planning
area, including condominium property regimes
(CPRs) and planned unit developments (PUDs),
shall conform to connectivity standards of the
Hawaiʻi County Code, section 23-28, 29, and 40.
5.3.4 County Action
Create a permanent Transportation Planner
Position within the Planning Department’s Long
Range Planning Division to develop the County of
Hawai‘i’s professional capacity to plan for
transportation issues.
Identify suitable/priority locations for bicycle
lanes and paths, walkways, and jogging paths,
and set funding priorities (especially in
coordination with roadway for improvements
such as widening, restriping, ADA improvements,
etc.)
Improve/replace substandard bridges in the
Hāmākua Planning Area.
See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis
for a discussion and a list of bridges.
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Develop a roads-in-limbo improvement and
adoption process according to population, usage,
alternative route/connectivity needs, and safety
assessments.
Support and provide technical assistance to assist
in the development of ‘road improvement
districts’ in order to finance road improvements.
(Refer to County Res No 320-10)
To improve safe pedestrian access and increase
connectivity in Honokaʻa:
Make safety improvements to downtown
Honokaʻa based on Complete Streets and/or
other evidence-based planning principles.
Improvements to include: additional
pedestrian crosswalks on Māmane
Street, additional sidewalk development
(such as along Lehua Street), and safe,
marked walkways to parking areas
servicing downtown.
Complete the extension linking Pīkake and
Pakalana Street to provide arterial
redundancy
Explore alternatives in the management of
Pakalana Street, such as its conveyance to
the State Department of Education or its
conversion to a one-way traffic pattern.
(GP 13.2.5.4.2 (e))
Provide a cross-town connection to
Plumeria Street by extending Kamani
Street. GP 13.2.5.4.2 (f);
See also:
Policy 49
Policy 73
5.3.5 Kōkua Action
State Department of Transportation
Assess Highway 19 for passing opportunities and
passing zones per DOT standards and implement
these standards where feasible. (GP 13.2.5.3.2
(d))
Develop turn lanes or other safety improvements
at intersections per DOT guidelines on Highway
19; in particular at the following identified
locations:
Kalanianaʻole School and Onomea Scenic
Route intersection in Pāpaʻikou;
Mill Road intersection in Pāpaʻikou;
Honomū Road intersection
Old Māmalahoa Intersection at the
School/Pool/Transfer Station turn-off in
Laupāhoehoe.
Implement Bike Plan Hawai‘i.
(See the plan here:
http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/bike-plan-
hawaii-master-plan/ )
Continue to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall
and shoreline erosion in the highway right-of-
way and prioritize funding for mitigation.
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5.3.6 Community Action
Community Action 26: Develop ‘road improvement
districts’ in order to finance improvements.
(Supporting policy: GP13.2.3 (d); County Res. No.
320-10)
Community Action 27: 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. The
following private roads have been identified as
examples of roads needing improvements in their
road management/access strategies:
Mill Road in Pāpaʻikou
Beach Road to Honokaʻa Landing
Blair Road in Laupāhoehoe
5.4 Formalize Alternative Routes
This section of the CDP prioritizes formalizing and
improving emergency alternative routes.
5.4.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 7: Establish a rural
transportation network that includes improving
roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding
and improving the existing transit system, and
encouraging multiple transportation options.
5.4.2 County Action
Improve substandard sections of the Old
Māmalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an
alternative, emergency route to Highway 19.
Particularly noted in the General Plan:
Portions of the old Māmalahoa Highway,
especially those serving Pepeʻekeo and
Honomū, should be improved to provide a
secondary north-south route along the
Hāmākua Coast. (GP 13.2.5.2.2(a))
See also:
Policy 55
Policy 67
5.5 Develop Place-Appropriate Road
Standards
This section of the CDP prioritizes a flexible approach
to road design appropriate for the Planning Area’s
rural character and small towns.
5.5.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 7: Establish a rural
transportation network that includes improving
roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding
and improving the existing transit system, and
encouraging multiple transportation options.
5.5.2 County Action
Adopt rural road design standards that
accommodate, where appropriate, flexibility in
the design of streets to preserve the rural
character of an area, including pavement width,
unpaved shoulders/swales, rock walls, lighting,
and landscaping featuring native plants. Allow
these standards to be used on new or when
improving existing rural roads to maintain
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community character. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP
13.2.3(l) and 13.2.3 (m))
Implement a Complete Streets Program, including
place-appropriate roadway design and sidewalk
development for the Hāmākua Planning area.
(Refer to County Resolution 171-11)
5.6 Expand Mass Transit Facilities &
Services
This section of the CDP prioritizes bus system
improvements, including adding intra-town routes,
increase bus trips through the Hāmākua Planning
Area, and developing additional bus shelters.
5.6.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 7: Establish a rural
transportation network that includes improving
roadway alternatives to Highway 19, expanding
and improving the existing transit system, and
encouraging multiple transportation options.
5.6.2 County Action
Implement the recommendations from the
Kohala Center’s study Expanding Transportation
Opportunities on Hawai‘i Island to optimize
efficiencies and create new transportation
alternatives, including:
Optimize Public Transport with Technology;
Partner with private enterprises for both
rideshare and vanpool alternatives.
See: http://kohalacenter.org/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2014/07/Research_Hawaii_Tra
nsit_Study_2014.pdf
Provide rural transit centers within the Planning
Area in areas of heavy user-ship, particularly
provide shelter options at the following locations:
Pepeʻekeo, Near the Post Office
Laupāhoehoe, near the Highway Overpass
Assess where to provide a Māmane Street
bus shelter in relation to Policy 76.
Modify existing and develop additional bus
routes, as appropriate, with scheduled stops
within the towns and villages where practicable;
particularly:
Honokaʻa: Māmane Street
(State of Hawaiʻi Coordinated Public Transit –
Human Services Transportation Plan pages 31-
55)
Develop and/or collaborate with private owners
to facilitate the development of Park-and-Ride
facilities throughout the Hāmākua Planning Area.
5.6.3 Community Action
Community Action 28: Identify locations for bus
stops, biking facilities (i.e. bike racks, lanes, etc.) and
park and ride facilities.
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5.7 Improve Water and Wastewater
Infrastructure
This section of the CDP prioritizes the improvement
of existing potable water and wastewater systems to
support infill growth.
5.7.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ‘ohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
Community Objective 5: Direct future settlement
patterns that are sustainable and connected.
Honor Hāmākua’s historic and cultural assets by
concentrating new development in existing,
walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting
rural sprawl.
5.7.2 County Action
Water system improvements shall correlate with
the County’s desired land use development
pattern. Work with Department of Water Supply
to ensure that adequate infrastructure is
available in appropriate locations to support infill
growth within Hāmākua CDP Urban Growth
Boundaries.
Towns identified in the Hāmākua Planning Area
where water availability may be inhibiting infill
capacity are as follows:
Pepeʻekeo;
Hakalau-Wailea;
Honokaʻa;
Continue to evaluate growth conditions to
coordinate improvements as required to the
existing water systems.
County water distribution systems shall not be
extended outside the Urban Growth Boundaries
established in the Hāmākua CDP Land Use Guide
Map, with the exception of water designated
specifically for and limited to agricultural
irrigation and livestock.
Develop an infrastructure prioritization
designation such as an Infrastructure Priority
Area (IPA) within the Hāmākua CDP and
designate Honomū, Laupāhoehoe, Paʻauilo, and
sections of Honokaʻa as priority areas in need of
wastewater service.
Infrastructure prioritization designations should
be based on the following criteria:
The area contains a mix of residential and
commercial zoning;
The area lacks a core infrastructure
component (municipal or community water,
wastewater, or roadways);
Redevelopment options (including the
renovation of historic structures) and/or
projected commercial and residential growth
(including affordable, multi-family housing) is
hindered by the lack of core infrastructure;
Highest priority should be given to areas that
contain existing built-out parcels facing
regulatory constraints relating to parcel size,
areas with historic buildings and structures in
need of renovation, and areas where
affordable housing is lacking and
development is impeded by the lack of
necessary infrastructure.
Develop wastewater systems at a cost-effective
scale for small communities. Use Infrastructure
Priority Area (IPA) criteria in prioritizing
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communities for critical infrastructure
improvements.
See also: Policy 120
5.8 Improve Recycling and Solid Waste
Facilities
This section of the CDP prioritizes recycling
education, waste diversion strategies, and transfer
station facility and programmatic improvements.
5.8.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.8.2 County Action
Promote the recycling or composting of
agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste
material through education, outreach, and
incentives. (GP 4.3 (d))
Incorporate greenwaste facilities at appropriate
rural transfer stations. Particularly assess these
facilities for greenwaste options:
Honomū
Paʻauilo
(GP 10.5.2 (f) & (h); Hawai‘i Zero Waste Plan,
State of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste
Management Act (HRS §342G)
Add an additional chute/receptacle at the
Honokaʻa Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer
Station.
Increase recycling education and outreach online
and through signage at rural transfer stations,
including:
Facility schedules and what types of
disposal/recycling/reuse options are available
at each of the rural Recycling and Transfer
Stations;
Up-to-date information on recycling events;
Encourage new and maintain and enhance
existing community-County partnerships in
managing recycling/reuse centers at County
facilities to increase waste diversion. (Particularly
at Laupāhoehoe Recycling & Transfer Station)
See affiliated Community Action 30:
Ensure that County Recycling and Transfer
Station Facilities are complying with best
management practices to ensure pollutants are
not contaminating natural resources such as soil,
streams, and near coastal waters, especially
during periods of heavy rainfall. (GP 4.3 (b) & (h),
HRS §58.1-31)
Educate neighborhood watch groups and other
community groups about how to actively identify
and report littering and illegal dump sites to the
Department of Environmental Management.
Raise awareness of the issue through the use of
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outreach and social media tools to report sites
and offenders.
See more on how to report littering and dumps
sites here:
http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/illegal-
dumping/
See corresponding Community Action 31:
5.8.3 Kōkua Action
See: Kōkua Action 75:
5.8.4 Community Action
Community Action 29: Host composting and
recycling workshops in collaboration with agencies
/organizations such as Dept. of Environmental
Management, Recycle Hawai‘i, and the University of
Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human
Resources (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension Service.
Community Action 30: Partner with the County to
manage recycling/reuse centers at County Facilities.
Community Action 31: Educate neighborhood watch
groups and other community groups about how to
actively identify and report littering and illegal dump
sites 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.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/illegal-
dumping/
5.9 Improve Emergency Preparedness &
Hazard Mitigation
This section of the CDP prioritizes hardening of
facilities, facilities assessments, and evacuation plans
for isolated communities.
5.9.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.9.2 County Action
County Civil Defense and State Civil Defense
should ensure that communities within the
Hāmākua Planning Area are adequately served
by emergency shelters.
In coordination with the State Civil Defense
Agency and in line with Multi-Hazard Mitigation
Plans, harden critical facilities.
Laupāhoehoe Fire Station Hardening;
Replace and relocate the Honokaʻa Fire
Station to Highway 19;
Harden Kulaʻimano Community Center
(Pepeʻekeo);
Look for opportunities to combine hardening
with other facility improvements, such as
ADA improvements, etc.
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County Civil Defense, in cooperation with Red
Cross, FEMA, State Civil Defense, DOE, and DAGS,
should conduct routine facility assessments for all
emergency shelters in the Planning Area and
keep the County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
emergency shelter references up-to-date. (GP
10.3.2(l) & (j))
Develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans
specifically for Laupāhoehoe Point and Waipiʻo
Valley, including evacuation plans. (GP 10.3.2 (j
and k))
Assess the feasibility of installing an emergency
telephone for Waipiʻo Valley residents and
determine if additional emergency telephones are
appropriate and feasible in other areas of low
cellular connectivity. (GP 11.3.2 (b))
Educate and prepare the public for disaster
preparedness and response by increasing the
number of CERT programs in the Hāmākua
Planning Area. (GP 10.3.2 (k))
Coordinate with FEMA and NRCS to address areas
developed prior to flood regulations and riverine
flood areas in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM). (HCC Chapter 27)
See Also:
Policy 71
Policy 103
5.9.3 Kōkua Action
Department of Education, Department of General
Accounting and Services, State Civil Defense, and
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Conduct routine facility assessments for all
emergency shelters and prioritize funding for
improvements
Hawaiʻi Health Services
Request State CIP funding to harden Hale Hoʻola
Hāmākua (aka: Honokaʻa hospital).
See also:
4.9.8 Mauna Kea: for various emergency actions
relating to Mauna Kea, and:
State Department of Transportation
Kōkua Action 52:
5.9.4 Community Action
Community Action 32: Coordinate with Civil Defense
to develop emergency evacuation plans for
Laupāhoehoe, and the valleys of Waipiʻo and
Waimanu.
Community Action 33: Develop and train CERTs
throughout the Planning Area.
Community Action 34: For communities identified
by DOFAW as Communities at Risk (CAR), develop
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and
work towards gaining Firewise recognition.
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/fire/community-risk-reduction/
http://www.firewise.org/usa-recognition-program.aspx
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5.10 Improving Protective Services
This section of the CDP prioritizes police, firefighting,
and related facilities. Note: Sections 5.9 and 5.10
overlap considerably in that both sections relate to
preventing, mitigating, and addressing emergencies
and critical services for preserving life and property.
5.10.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.10.2 County Action
Actively expand Community Policing programs
such as Neighborhood, Farm, and Business Watch
programs. (GP 10.3.2(g))
Optimize use of the Pepeʻekeo substation to
increase Police and Fire department presence in
the Planning Area and improve emergency
response times in Rural South Hilo.
Consider expanding or sharing N. Hilo
policing jurisdiction to include parts of rural
South Hilo (Honomū and Pepeʻekeo) to
increase response times in these rural areas;
Work with community members to develop
volunteer firefighter capacity for the
Laupāhoehoe Fire Station.
Prioritize securing an emergency vehicle for
Honokaʻa fire station with the capacity for
providing safe service to Waipiʻo Valley.
See also:
Policy 88
5.10.3 Community Action
Community Action 35: Develop volunteer firefighter
capacity for the Laupāhoehoe Fire Station.
Community Action 36: Encourage expansion of
community policing programs (i.e. neighborhood
watch, farm watch, etc.).
5.11 Expand Healthcare & Social Services
This section of the CDP prioritizes healthcare
improvements, with an emphasis on advocating for
system improvements at the State level.
5.11.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.11.2 County Action
Develop a broad spectrum of care for the aging
population of the area, including:
Increase age-in-place options;
Support expansion of programs such as
traveling nurses, in-home care visits, meals-
on-wheels, etc., (GP 2.3(x), (n))
5.11.3 Kōkua Action
Health, Dental, and Vision Care Providers:
The following kōkua actions could be implemented
by various health care providers such as: Kaiser
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Permanente, HMSA, Hawaiʻi Dental Service, Hawaiʻi
Health Systems, Aloha Care Quest, Medicare, etc.,:
Develop new, expand, or improve existing
community health centers and rural health clinics
in the Hāmākua Planning Area. (GP 10.5.2 (a, e))
Expand the use of mobile health centers and
services (health, screening, vision, dental, etc.) to
rotate through the Hāmākua Planning Area on a
regular basis.
State of Hawaiʻi
Continue operation of rural hospitals. (GP
10.5.2(d))
5.12 Strengthen & Expand Education
Facilities and Services
This section of the CDP prioritizes education facility
coordination between the State, County, and
community.
5.12.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.12.2 County Action
Encourage joint-use of schoolyards, County parks,
and other public facilities for community use for
recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses.
(GP 10.2.2 (b), 12.3 (g))
See Policy 73
5.12.3 Kōkua Action
State Department of Education
Work with the County of Hawai‘i and community
groups to expand facilities resource sharing
opportunities / programs. GP10.1.3 (a); (b);
10.2.2(b)
Continually improve existing educational
facilities. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (e); 10.1.2 (a); 10.1.3 (a);
10.2.4.4 (a)
Provide pedestrian walkways to and around all
school complexes, and improve vehicular traffic
management. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (c); 10.2.4.3.2 (a))
See Policy 73
Develop and implement a Safe Routes to School
(SRTS) program. (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org)
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Allocate sufficient funds to improve traffic, bike,
and pedestrian safety improvements at all
schools in the Hāmākua Planning Area. See Policy
73, and Kōkua Actions 62- 64 from 5.12.3 Kōkua
Action.
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5.12.4 Community Action
Community Action 37: Develop and implement Safe
Routes to School programs.
See also: Kōkua Action 61:
5.13 Expand Parks & Recreation
Facilities
This section of the CDP prioritizes recreation
improvements and trail development.
5.13.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.13.2 County Action
Conduct Park facilities condition assessments and
prioritize improvement funding. Update the
“County of Hawai‘i Recreation Plan: to reflect
newly identified recreational priorities.
Specific needs identified include:
Assess court conditions for basketball,
volleyball, and tennis courts, and prioritize
these improvements (e.g., Hakalau tennis
courts; Pepeʻekeo basketball courts, etc.).
Identify parks in need of playground
equipment and pavilions.
Assess and improve or develop new restroom
facilities at the Waipiʻo Lookout to ensure
they are adequate for the number of users to
the site and meet hygienic standards for
maintenance and cleanliness.
(GP 12.3 (f) & (e))
Complete the following recreation improvement
projects:
Solar-water heating for Laupāhoehoe
Swimming Pool
Re-roof Pāpaʻikou Gym
Convert the old Honokaʻa courthouse facility
to use for community meetings and functions.
(Requires a management agreement with the
State of Hawaiʻi, and relates to the intent of
GP 12.5.4(a))
Hazardous materials abatement at Pāpaʻaloa
Gym
Perform regular termite and other pest
assessments/treatments at each Community
Center and Parks facility.
Seek to combine Park facility improvements
projects with other needed facility improvements
(e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening,
etc.)
Develop a system of trails and paths for walking,
jogging, and biking activities. (GP 12.3 (o))
See also General Plan 12.3 (M): Develop a
network of pedestrian access trails to places of
scenic, historic, natural or recreational values.
This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum,
an island wide route connecting major parks and
destinations.
Coordinate with the Hakalau community to
investigate and pursue the redevelopment of the
Hakalau gym facility for community use.
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Continue to improve parks and recreation
outreach efforts for youth and senior programs in
rural communities to ensure program and facility
information is adequately available, promoted
online through accessible websites and through
other mediums, and kept up-to-date to facilitate
maximum community participation.
Develop walking paths around existing ballparks
and other park grounds, as feasible. These
walking paths should be level, paved footpaths
that meet accessibility requirements whenever
possible.
Refer to existing Policy 105, and Kōkua Actions
23, 38, 50, and 61.
See also:
Policy 51
Policy 56
This policy is related and dependent on Policy 55,
and is based on General Plan policy 12.5.4.2 (d).
See also:
Kōkua Action 23:
Policy 58
Policy 100
5.13.3 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Education
Coordinate with the Hakalau community to
pursue the redevelopment and community
management options for the old Hakalau School
property.
See also:
Bishop Estate, State of Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha
Schools
Kōkua Action 23:
Kōkua Action 27:
See related policies Policy 55 and Policy 56; GP
12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c).
5.13.4 Community Action
Community Action 38: Work with County Dept. of
P&R through the County Cooperative Park
Management Programs (Adopt a Park, etc.,) to
maintain/improve existing park facilities. GP 12.3 (j)
Community Action 39: Hakalau community group to
advocate and pursue management and
redevelopment options for the Hakalau Gym facility
(through County P&R Dept.,) and/or the old Hakalau
School property (through the Dept. of Education).
Community Action 40: Work with State and private
landowners to develop and maintain additional trails
for non-motorized recreation.
5.14 Enhance Telecommunications &
Energy Infrastructure
This section of the CDP guides telecommunication
and energy infrastructure as high community
priorities while also protecting scenic resources.
For policies relating to promoting
telecommunications and energy as economic sectors,
see Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local Economy.
5.14.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 6: Develop and improve
critical community infrastructure, including
utilities, healthcare, emergency services,
affordable housing, educational opportunities
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and recreational facilities to keep our ʻohana
safe, strong, and healthy.
5.14.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Ensure a proper balance between the
development of alternative energy resources and
the preservation of environmental fitness and
ecologically significant areas (GP 3.3 (e))
5.14.3 Land Use Policy
When the County develops a scenic resources
protection program, the underground siting of
utility lines (power and communications) should
be a condition of subdivision in identified priority
viewshed areas. (HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2 (a);
11.3.3)
5.14.4 County Action
Collaborate with local businesses, community
groups, and private enterprises to develop Wi-Fi
service within appropriate towns.
Use alternative energy sources at County facilities
within the Planning Area.
Add electric vehicle charging stations at
appropriate facilities;
Add solar lighting in appropriate parking
areas;
Add photovoltaic systems and/or solar
hot water systems to appropriate
facilities.
See also:
Policy 34
Policy 92
5.14.5 Kōkua Action
Hawaiian Telcom, Time Warner Cable, and other
service providers
Prioritize rural broadband access in underserved
areas in the Planning Area (e.g., rural and mauka
areas).
Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company
Expand Net-Metering (NEM), Feed-in-Tariff (FIT)
programs, and other similar programs designed
to lower costs and diversify power sources. (GP
3.3 o)
5.14.6 Community Action
Community Action 41: Work with County and private
enterprises to bring broadband and Wi-Fi services to
the Planning Area’s towns.
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SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL
ECONOMY
E lauhoe mai nā wa‘a; i ke kā, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i
ke kā; pae aku i ka ‘āina
Everybody paddle the canoes together;
bail and paddle, paddle and bail,
and the shore is reached.
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SECTION 6: BUILD A
SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL
ECONOMY
E lauhoe mai nā wa‘a; i ke kā, i ka hoe; i ka
hoe, i ke kā; pae aku i ka ‘āina.
Everybody paddle the canoes together;
bail and paddle, paddle and bail,
and the shore is reached.
Note: The State of Hawaiʻi takes an active role in
economic development through various endeavors,
initiatives, and programs. The role of the County of
Hawaiʻi in economic development is much more
limited. Relative to other counties and municipalities
in other parts of the country, Hawai‘i County is a
small, rural county with limited revenue sources and
jurisdiction. The most direct role that Hawai‘i County
plays in economic development is through land use
regulation and property tax policy. Otherwise, the
County seeks to support economic development
through its Department of Research and
Development. This Department has economic
development specialists who focus on business
development, agriculture, energy, tourism, and film.
It also maintains the County Data Book and provides
small grants to advance local economic development.
Most of Section 6: Build a Sustainable, Local
Economy” of the Draft CDP, is organized by sectors –
local agriculture, health and wellness services,
creative, education and research, place-based visitor,
local retail and town centers, and green industries.
Though each sub-section typically includes policies
and Kōkua Actions, growth in each sector will mostly
be dependent on implementation of the Community
Actions, which are detailed in the “Community Action
Guide.” As with the rest of the CDP, near the
beginning of each subsection there is a section on
Existing Policy. The existing policies for economic
development compiled from the General Plan of
2005 are generally aspirational in nature and do not
necessarily reflect a realistic impression of the
County of Hawaiʻi’s economic development capacity.
As an example, General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (l) directs
the County to: “Assist in the development of
agriculture.” This is a well-intentioned policy, but it is
vague, varies upon interpretation, and does not
provide guidance for any mechanisms to provide
assistance to the agricultural industry. Due to the
acknowledged limited capacity of County
government to directly affect economic
development, Section 6 focuses considerably on
Kōkua Actions and Community Actions to achieve
community objectives.
6.1 Coordinate Regional Economic
Development
This section of the CDP guides the implementation of
regional economic development strategies, including
an education, enterprise development, and research
network, and regional strategies to increase “buying
local.”
6.1.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 8: Promote, preserve and
enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy.
Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase
and diversity of employment and living options
for residents, including living wage jobs and
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entrepreneurial opportunities that allow
residents to work and shop close to home and
that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural
character, and cultural heritage.
6.1.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Provide residents with opportunities to improve
their quality of life through economic
development that enhances the County’s natural
and social environments. (GP 2.2 (a))
Economic development and improvement shall be
in balance with the physical, social, and cultural
environments of the island of Hawaiʻi. (GP 2.2 (b))
Provide an economic environment that allows
new, expanded, or improved economic
opportunities that are compatible with the
County’s cultural, natural and social environment.
(GP Goal 2.2 (d))
Strive for diversity and stability in the economic
system. (GP Goal 2.2 (c))
6.1.3 County Action
Develop a distinctive identity for the Hāmākua
region to enable public and private industries to
promote it as unique within the State of Hawai‘i.
(GP2.3 (o))
Commission a study of Economic and Financial
Impact (EFI) Reviews and recommend integration
of EFI Reviews into existing regulatory and
approval processes (e.g., the Environmental
Impact Statement process and community
benefits agreements).
Pursue brownfields assessment grants to
complete the Phase I and II environmental
assessment for high priority sites in the Planning
Area.
6.1.4 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning
Align the clusters and priority projects in the
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) with the objectives, policies, and actions
in the Hāmākua Community Development Plan.
6.1.5 Community Action
Community Action 42: Develop a distinctive identity
for the Hāmākua region to enable public and private
industries to promote it as unique within the State of
Hawai‘i. (See Policy 111)
Community Action 43: Coordinate regional, cross-
sectoral economic development strategies.
Community Action 44: Develop a high-tech, high-
touch regional education, enterprise development,
and research network.
Community Action 45: Coordinate regional
strategies to increase “buying local.”
6.2 Strengthening Local Agriculture
This section of the CDP guides efforts to strengthen
the local agriculture value chain, including
agricultural land acquisition, agricultural parks and
water systems, the diversification of agriculture-
based businesses on agricultural land, and
agricultural tourism.
See also Section 4.3 Protect Agricultural Lands &
Open Space
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6.2.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 11: Enhance and promote
local and sustainable agriculture, farming,
ranching, renewable energy, and related
economic support systems.
Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate
rural tourism that welcomes guests for an
alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai‘i’s
host culture and Hāmākua’s heritage, including
historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals
that celebrate our rich multi-cultural music, art,
and agriculture.
6.2.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Preserve and enhance opportunities for the
expansion of Hawai‘i’s Agricultural Industry. (GP
14.2.2 (c)) See also: (GP 2.3 (a)) (GP 14.2.3 (e));
(GP 14.2.3 (l)); (GP 14.2.4.7.2)
Assist other State agencies, such as the University
of Hawai‘i, College of Tropical Agriculture and
Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo,
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Resources Management, Department of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism, Office of
Planning, Department of Land and Natural
Resources and Department of Agriculture, on
programs that aid agriculture. (GP 14.2.3 (c))
Encourage and support the expansion of
agriculture, including forestry and the
macadamia nut industry. (GP 14.2.4.7.2) Support
the development of a native hardwood industry.
(GP 2.4.3.2 (c)); see also (GP 2.4.4.2 (e)).
Assist the fishing industry, other ocean based
industries, and aquaculture through a
cooperative effort with State and Federal
agencies. (GP 2.4.9.2 (b))
6.2.3 County Action
Implement the County of Hawaiʻi Agriculture
Development Plan of 2010 (adopted via
resolution no.61-11).
In particular:
Marshal resources for key infrastructure
projects that would broadly benefit the
agricultural sector;
Serve as a liaison and ombudsman for local
agricultural ventures and interests and
government agencies at the county, State,
and U.S. federal levels;
Provide extension and inspection services.
Develop increased capacity for County-level
agricultural specialists to liaise and coordinate
with State and Federal Agencies in improving and
implementing policy, increasing agricultural
education, and promoting opportunities for
expanding markets for locally grown products.
Encourage the establishment and continued
operation of open farmers’ markets to allow local
agricultural producers to market their products.
(GP 2.3 (u))
Amend Hawaiʻi County Code, Section 15-72 to
expand the designated list of parks authorized to
allow farmers’ market permits to include parks in
rural areas that lack appropriate commercial
zoned lands for farmers markets.
Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5-
72(a)(17) relating to “livestock production of
piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock
shall be […] located no closer than one thousand
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feet away from any major public street or from
any other zoning district.”
Define what qualifies as an “apiary”;
Determine if the minimum distance of 1,000
feet from any public street or other zone is
appropriate for each use referenced;
recommend revision to minimum distance if
research justifies adopting new minimum
distances.
Support the development of private, County, and
State agricultural parks to make agricultural land
available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k))
Cooperate with appropriate State and Federal
agencies and the private sector to develop,
improve and expand agricultural water systems
in appropriate areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j))
See also:
Policy 42, see point #5 regarding Best
Management Practices for agriculture and
forestry.
Policy 53
Policy 124
6.2.4 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education
Develop and support Farm to School programs
and other programs designed to provide locally
produced food to Planning Area schools.
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health (and Dept.
of Ag – USDA)
Work with local farmers/producers to educate
and facilitate the development and management
of farmers markets within the Planning Area. (GP
2.3 (u))
Increase safe food handling education
opportunities tailored to farmers;
Increase transparency on policy and
education on DOH rules relating to food
production and food service.
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture
Support the development of agricultural parks to
make agricultural land available for agricultural
activities. (GP 14.2.3(k))
Cooperate with County and Federal agencies and
the private sector to develop, improve and
expand agricultural water systems in appropriate
areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j))
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo / Hawaiʻi Community
College
Prioritize development of programs and research
that increases local agricultural capacity,
including marketing and other small business
training.
Explore the feasibility of establishing an
aquacultural program in the Hāmākua Planning
area for research, demonstration, and
development purposes. (GP 2.4.2.2(i))
See also:
Kōkua Action 29:
Kōkua Action 30:
Kōkua Action 7:
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6.2.5 Community Action
Community Action 46: Strengthen local agriculture
through the following:
Develop a marketing brand for Hāmākua
products (Assist in the promotion of products
produced in Hāmākua (GP 2.3(t)).
Support Farm to School/Farm to Table Programs,
CSAs, and other local farm-to-consumer
initiatives;
Support and develop celebratory events that
support agriculture (e.g., festivals, rodeos,
parades, community gathering events at farmers’
markets, etc.).
Work to effectively manage or eradicate invasive
species that impact agricultural production.
Develop agricultural cooperatives to facilitate
farming collaborations, cost- and resource-
sharing opportunities, provide a mechanism for
marketing assistance and educational
opportunities, and coordinate with County, State,
and Federal agricultural specialists.
Pursue the development of incubator community
kitchens for the production of value-added
agricultural products.
Community Action 47: Promote farmers’ market
events as community and visitor gathering places.
Community Action 48: To better address issues
relating to the Lower Hāmākua Ditch: form a
cooperative community group (for example, a
“Friends of the Lower Hāmākua Ditch” group)
composed of adjacent landowners to the ditch and
other affected parties to advocate to and collaborate
with the Department of Agriculture in developing a
cooperative management plan that would seek to
resolve issues relating to water quality, water
efficiency, ditch maintenance, and to assess ditch
trail access opportunities.
See also:
Community Action 45:
Community Action 50:
6.3 Expand Health and Wellness
Industry
Health and wellness is an important and growing
sector in the Planning Area. While the County is
limited in its capacity to directly increase health and
wellness as an industry, there are various approaches
the County currently uses to address health and
wellness through programs and outreach in
coordination with various other agencies and
organizations. See also Section 5.11 Expand
Healthcare & Social Services for strategies that
address healthcare and wellness services.
6.3.1 Community Objectives
Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase
and diversity of employment and living options
for residents, including living wage jobs and
entrepreneurial opportunities that allow
residents to work and shop close to home and
that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural
character, and cultural heritage.
6.3.2 County Action
See also:
Policy 124
6.3.3 Community Action
Community Action 49: Establish a comprehensive
network of health and wellness services.
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6.4 Promote the Creative, Education, &
Research Sector
This section of the CDP guides the development of a
regional education, enterprise development, and
research network.
6.4.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase
and diversity of employment and living options
for residents, including living wage jobs and
entrepreneurial opportunities that allow
residents to work and shop close to home and
that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural
character, and cultural heritage.
6.4.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Assistance to small businesses in obtaining loans
and management education classes and
manpower training programs shall be
encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.2.2 (b))
6.4.3 County Action
Promote and develop the island of Hawai‘i into a
unique scientific, environmental, and cultural
model, where economic gains are in balance with
social and physical amenities. Development
should be reviewed on the basis of total impact
on the residents of the County, not only in terms
of immediate short run economic benefits. (GP
2.2(h))
6.4.4 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi, Workforce Development Division
Assist in the development of management and
training programs to strengthen the skill levels of
the workforce to be in step with existing and
emerging industries (GP 2.4.2.2 (e); 14.3.5.2.2
(b))
6.4.5 Community Action
Community Action 50: Collaborate with farm
groups, community organizations, and County to
support the Kohala Center’s research and training
programs (i.e., the Beginner Farmer-Rancher
Development program)
6.5 Develop a Place-Based Visitor
Industry
This section of the CDP guides the development of a
regional hoʻokipa network – a place-based approach
to community tourism.
6.5.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate
rural tourism that welcomes guests for an
alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai‘i’s
host culture and Hāmākua’s heritage, including
historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals
that celebrate our rich multi-cultural music, art,
and agriculture.
6.5.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
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Balance development with the social and physical
environment of the area. Provisions for orderly
development, housing, and pollution controls
shall be implemented. (GP 2.4.9.2 (a))
The development of visitor accommodations and
any resort development shall complement the
character of the area. (GP 14.7.5.9.2 (a))
Encourage the development of small hotels in
Honokaʻa. (GP 14.7.5.4.2(a))
6.5.3 County Action
Encourage the development of a visitor industry
that promotes small business development in
harmony with the character of Hāmākua and
with the environmental and social goals of
residents. (GP 2.3(c))
Encourage appropriate visitor-related uses and
facilities. Some examples of appropriate visitor-
related uses and facilities are ones that:
Directly promote Agriculture, Ecotourism,
Health & Wellness; or Cultural Heritage,
and/or. . .
Are Located near points of interest (as long as
they will not detract from the natural beauty
of the area, or negatively impact the host
community’s privacy/public safety and rural
lifestyle); and/or. . .
Offer an educational experience as well as
recreational activities.
(GP 14.7.5.3.2(a); 14.7.5.4.2)
Encourage the development of small “bed and
breakfast” type visitor accommodations, in
particular those with heritage, agriculture,
wellness, or similar themes. (GP 14.7.5.9.2(b))
Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals
and events that celebrate regional culture,
heritage, and agriculture.
See also related:
Community Action 14:
Community Action 46:
Community Action 52:
Support the designation of sections of the Old
Māmalahoa Highway as a scenic byway through
the State Scenic Byway Program.
Encourage and provide incentives for businesses
to develop and promote public restrooms for
visitors along Highway 19.
See also:
Policy 111
And Scenic policies in 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas
and Viewsheds;
Policy 55
(See also related Policy 56)
6.5.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Encourage the development of a visitor industry
that promotes small business development in
harmony with the character of Hāmākua and
with the environmental and social goals of
residents. (GP 2.3(c))
Encourage appropriate visitor-related uses
and facilities (such as Bed and Breakfasts).
Some examples of appropriate visitor-related
uses and facilities are ones that:
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• Directly promote Agriculture,
Ecotourism, Health & Wellness; or
Cultural Heritage, and/or. . .
• Are Located near points of interest (as
long as they will not detract from the
natural beauty of the area); and/or. . .
• Offer an educational experience as well
as recreational activities.
Encourage and assist in the promotion of
festivals and events that celebrate regional
culture, heritage, and agriculture.
See also:
Department of Transportation
Kōkua Action 10:
Kōkua Action 11:
6.5.5 Community Action
Community Action 51: Develop a regional hoʻokipa
network – a place-based approach to community
tourism.
Community Action 52: Develop and support cultural
festivals and events with a view to welcoming
visitors.
Community Action 53: Develop and promote public
restroom facilities at various locations along Highway
19.
6.6 Revitalize Hāmākua’s Town Centers
This section primarily points to various policies
throughout the CDP that encourage the
rehabilitation and revitalization of the Planning
Area’s commercial and town centers.
6.6.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 10: Revitalize retail,
service, dining, and entertainment centers that
complement the community’s rural character
and culture.
Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate
rural tourism that welcomes guests for an
alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai‘i’s
host culture and Hāmākua’s heritage, including
historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals
that celebrate our rich multi-cultural music, art,
and agriculture.
6.6.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Policies Specific to Hāmākua District:
Encourage commercial activities within Honokaʻa
town to promote and enhance the history and
culture of the paniolo and former sugar
plantation. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (c))
6.6.3 County Action
Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service-
oriented industrial areas. (GP 14.4.5.4.2(b))
Develop underutilized private and public
properties within existing towns to be used as
gathering places, community gardens, open
squares and markets, auxiliary parking lots
(including park and ride areas), and parks
(including pocket and art parks, and outdoor
amphitheaters, etc.).
Examples of underutilized parcels owned by the
County are:
Honokaʻa: TMK 4-5-005:010 on the corner of
Māmane and Puakalo.
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Pāpaʻaloa: TMK 3-5-003:035 next to the
Pāpaʻaloa Gym.
‘Oʻōkala: TMK 3-9-001:026 (Currently zoned
Industrial) & TMK: 3-9-001:034 (between
‘Oʻōkala town and Highway 19.
See also:
Policy 3
Policy 14
Policy 45
Policy 127
6.6.4 Community Action
Community Action 54: Promote the collaborative
development, use, and management of community
gardens in towns and neighborhoods.
See also:
Community Action 1:
Note the following General Plan priority:
Focus on urban renewal of Honokaʻa. (GP
14.3.5.4.2 (a)
See corresponding Policy 14.
6.7 Encourage Green Industries
This section of the CDP guides sustainable,
ecologically sensitive approaches to economic
development.
6.7.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 8: Promote, preserve and
enhance a diverse, sustainable, local economy
Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase
and diversity of employment and living options
for residents, including living wage jobs and
entrepreneurial opportunities that allow
residents to work and shop close to home and
that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural
character, and cultural heritage.
Community Objective 11: Enhance and promote
local and sustainable agriculture, farming,
ranching, renewable energy, and related
economic support systems.
6.7.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
The land, water, air, sea, and people shall be
considered as essential resources for present and
future generations and should be protected and
enhanced through the use of economic
incentives. (GP 2.3 (h))
Encourage the development of alternate energy
resources. (GP 3.3(a))
Encourage the development and use of
agriculture products and by-products as sources
of alternate fuel. (GP 3.3 (b))
Ensure a proper balance between the
development of alternative energy resources and
the preservation of environmental fitness and
ecologically significant areas. (GP 3.3 (e))
Strive to diversify the energy supply and minimize
the environmental impacts associated with
energy usage. (GP 3.3(k))
6.7.3 County Action
Support local training and education programs to
develop green job growth; especially in
renewable energy and natural resource
management. (GP 2.4.2.2 (e))
See also:
Policy 121
Kōkua Action 73:
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6.7.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Amend HRS to include greenwaste, composting,
and fertilizer yards (utilizing only manure and
soil) for commercial use as permitted uses on
agriculturally zoned land. (HRS 205-4.5(10); HRS
205-2(d)(7); GP 4.3 (d); GP 10.5.2. (f))
See Kōkua Action 65:
6.7.5 Community Action
Community Action 55: Develop local, renewable,
distributed energy networks.
Community Action 56: Pilot a program to secure
community payments for ecosystem services (PES).
6.8 Preserve Informal Economies and
Living off the Land
This section of the CDP preserves traditional
subsistence living, reciprocity arrangements, and
opportunities to live off the land.
6.8.1 Community Objective
Community Objective 12: Preserve traditional
subsistence practices and encourage a
reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a
sustainable complement to Hāmākua’s resource-
based economy.
Community Objective 1: Protect, restore, and
enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views,
and open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public
access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and
sustenance practices.
6.8.2 Existing Policy
Land Use Policy Intent
Protect all rights, customarily and traditionally
exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious
purposes and possessed by ahupuaʻa tenants
who are descendants of native Hawaiians who
inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778,
subject to the right of the State to regulate such
rights. (Hawai‘i State Constitution, Article 12,
section 7)
Appropriate public access to and along the
shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA
exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26)
Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, or
interests shall be required to dedicate land for
public access for pedestrian travel from a public
highway or street to the land below the high-
water mark on any coastal shoreline or to areas
in the mountains where there are existing
facilities for hiking, hunting, fruit-picking, ti-leaf
sliding, and other recreational purposes, and
where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46-
6.5 and HCC 34-4(c))
6.8.3 County Action
See also:
Policy 15
Policy 46
Policy 48
Policy 51
Policy 116
See also 4.8.4 Kōkua Action and:
Kōkua Action 22:
Kōkua Action 23:
Kōkua Action 38:
Kōkua Action 39:
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6.8.4 Community Action
See also:
Community Action 4:
Community Action 22:
Community Action 40: