HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities – Integrated Systems Comment SummarySustainable Development and Resilient Communities – Integrated Systems
Public Comment Summary
County of Hawaiʻi Draft General Plan 2045
The public comment period for the Draft General Plan 2045 was held from September 18, 2023 to
April 1, 2024. This comment summary contains the key themes derived from community feedback
on the Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities – Integrated Systems section of the draft
plan.
1. Government Efficiency and Accountability
Commenters call for enhanced integration and efficiency within county services, suggesting
changes such as integrating systems to provide services, restructuring departments for efficiency,
and ensuring fiscal responsibility with regular audits. The need for consistently maintained
funding for maintenance following capital improvements is also highlighted. Calls for fiscal
responsibility are evident, with suggestions to audit state and county departments regularly.
Comments also express the need to efficiently allocate resources.
2. Housing and Urban Planning
There is a concern for proper urban development including support for mixed-unit
developments and high-capacity housing. Also mentioned is a suggestion to amend zoning
restrictions to be more inclusive.
3. Public Transparency and Participation
Comments reflect the need for clear communication and transparency in governmental
proceedings to prevent practices like nepotism. There is support for improving the effectiveness
of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to maintain transparency regarding the status of all
county CIP projects.
4. Regional and Community Focused Policies
Advocacy for policies that consider the unique needs of different regions and communities,
rather than a one-size-fits-all approach is expressed.
Draft General Plan 2045
Integrated Systems Comment Summary
Page 2 of 3
Comment
Page Number
(in the online
Konveio platform)
Fiscal responsibility is the sole purpose of our elected officials as it correlates with the
infrastructure of the county's operations (Health, Education, Infrastructure, Rules &
Regulations etc.) State and county departments MUST BE audited monthly to ensure efficient
allocation. Income generation is proportionate with sustainability practices in water and waste
management, farming for economic growth and stability providing careers and direct
inclusion of residents in community and economic development. Foreign leased lands are
STRICTLY PROHIBITED from receiving the DHHL lease parameters as these benefits were not
created for anyone other than residents of kanaka maoli descent. Taxes also should be
increased on exported goods and foreign leased lands unless investing in farm land as well
as vacant commercial spaces; which could be repurposed for community growth in education
such as trade schools or service industry concepts that give entrepreneurs an opportunity to
share their gifts and talents such as (Safeway and K-mart in kona which could be reconstructed
into classrooms, state/county offices or multiple restaurant concepts to repurpose the space
and alleviate new construction. If another pandemic occurs there will be an inevitable increase
in vacant buildings especially if new construction persists; reconstruction of a debilitated
structure is considerable but not desired. Providing opportunity will be the key to economic
growth as well as monitoring unions and regulate financial assistance (EBT, Food stamps,
stimulus checks, unemployment benefits) to minimize an inefficient workforce and
complacency among residents. Parameters must be implemented for individuals to qualify for
benefits such as job applications, drug testing, and disability because laziness is not a
disability. Every able-bodied citizen should contribute to the well-being of the community
providing some form of service that benefits other residents. Tourism is a great industry and
we love sharing what our island offers, however, they must be held to the same standard as
residents, respect this place or leave. Each island as a county SHOULD be able to govern itself
because realistically systematic implementation on one island does not affect another,
however, when taxes are increased for islands outside of O'ahu to support the rail they may
never use is unethical. We must be responsible for the lands we directly affect and adopt
methods of more successful communities.
157
INDEED, I know of more than two projects that were sketch...Rid the County of of nepotism
and you will be doing one of the GREATEST improvements possible. MAHALO!
158
Is this not counter productive to encourage building housing? 158
This is one of the most important sections of this entire document. At a Downtown
Improvement Association meeting, I was made aware that the DPW crew that takes care of
the trash in downtown Hilo is not the same crew as Parks and Rec that takes care of garbage
at other county areas. This is madness. It should all be under the same jurisdiction. Because it
is not, there is not adequate staff to take care of all trash at all facilities on all days. Without
integrated systems to facilitate efficient collaboration between departments to manage
something as basic as trash pick up, the rest of the goals and objectives laid out in this plan
will never come to fruition.
156
Consistency is needed across administrations 156
A policy paradigm shift away from the West vs East Hawaii dichotomy to one that recognizes
the different needs and contributions of each region (NSWE) and even every community
within these regions would be helpful.
158
YES PLEASE! 158
No. This can easily be abused to discriminate against some citizens. 158
Or, "we employ integrated systems..." 157
Draft General Plan 2045
Integrated Systems Comment Summary
Page 3 of 3
do we want to consider removing the building department from DPW and have it as a
standalone department, the director would be selected and managed by a commission, with
all the permitting review personal under one roof (county and state) to help make the process
more efficient?
159
Make sure funding for capital Improvements includes where money for future maintenance
will come from.
158
Support mixed unit development, high capacity housing, apartments, less restrictions in areas
zoned for single family dwelling in urban areas.
158
This sounds a bit Big Brother-ish. Perhaps a bit of word smithing such as: "we will provide
government services through integrated systems…."
157