HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-22 LPC Hearing - Biocultural_Climate ChangeCounty of Hawaiʻi
General Plan Comprehensive Review
Leeward Planning Commission
Biocultural Stewardship &
Adapting to Climate Change
November 22, 2024
Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship
Chapters Elements
Introduction Purpose, Authority, & History
Planning Process
Sustainability Principles & Practices
Planning System & Framework
Grounded Vision & Goals
Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship Native Habitats
Watersheds
Biocultural Stewardship
Cultural & Historic Assets
Natural Beauty (Scenic Character)
Adapting to Climate Change for Island-Wide Health Mitigation
Adaptation
Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities Land Use
Transportation Access & Mobility
Public Utilities
Public Facilities & Services
Housing For All
Integrated Systems
Thriving, Diversified, and Regenerative Economy Agriculture & Food Systems
Visitor Industry
Implementation Planning System
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Monitoring & EvaluationPlan Chapters & Elements
Primary Themes
•Natural and cultural resources provide
the base of our planning strategy.
•Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship
emphasizes collaboration and
partnership building across sectors
and refers to the integration of cultural
and natural resource management.
Biocultural Stewardship
Goal:
Natural and cultural resources are thriving and
sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Objectives:Increase biodiversity
and resilience of native
habitats. (Obj 1)
Preserve and
enhance the health
and function of
watersheds. (Obj 2)
Increase direct
community
restoration and
collaborative efforts
to conserve
biocultural resources.
(Obj 3)
The historical
integrity, character,
and scenic assets of
communities are
protected, restored,
and treated as unique
assets. (Obj 4)
Protect, restore, and
enhance our
communities’ scenic
character. (Obj 5)
The Ahupuaʻa System.
The Biocultural Stewardship chapter highlights the interconnectedness and holistic approach of the ahupuaʻa. This chapter aims to highlight key values of sustainability, cultural significance, and community connection.
Biocultural Stewardship Policies & Actions
Example 1
Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Policy 1.5: Increase collaborative efforts to improve coordination to conserve and manage wetlands, streams, and
watersheds.
•This policy establishes the broad goal focused on enhancing collaboration and coordination among various groups to ensure the protection and management of natural and cultural resources. It emphasizes the need for a more integrated and cooperative approach to resource conservation.
Objective 1: Increase the biodiversity and resilience of native habitats.
Action 1.a: Seek partnership opportunities to support wetland identification and assessments.
•This action operationalizes the policy by providing a tangible step toward achieving the overarching goal. It directs efforts to identify and assess wetlands, which is a crucial first step in their conservation and management. By seeking partnerships, the action leverages external
resources, expertise, and collaboration, directly supporting the policy’s call for improved coordination.
Biocultural Stewardship Policies & Actions
Example 2
Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Policy 2.2: Address water best management practices and implement plans for non-point source discharges, such as irrigation
flows and agricultural or urban runoff.
•This policy emphasizes the importance of BMPs to manage water quality, specifically targeting non-point source pollution (pollution from diffuse sources, like runoff from agricultural lands or urban areas). By focusing on BMPs and implementing relevant plans, the County aims to proactively reduce pollutants entering water
bodies from everyday land use activities, thus improving overall water quality and ecosystem health.
Objective 2: Preserve and enhance the health and function of watersheds to promote water recharge, improve water quality, and reduce runoff.
Action 2.b: Adopt appropriate measures and provide incentives to control point and non-point sources of pollution.
•This action builds on the policy by identifying specific measures and incentives to encourage effective pollution
control practices. Incentives can motivate landowners, farmers, and businesses to adopt practices that reduce both point source (pollution from a single, identifiable source) and non-point source pollution. By combining regulatory measures with incentives, the County can facilitate broader participation and compliance in reducing pollution.
Biocultural Stewardship Policies & Actions
Example 3
Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Policy 3.11: Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to: a) Protect special areas, structures, and elements that are an integral and functional part of
Hawaiʻi’s ethnic and cultural heritage; b) Identify and protect wahi pana; c) Promote the preservation and restoration of significant natural and historic resources; d) Aid in programmatic education concerning historic sites; e) Maintain the shoreline area for recreational, cultural, educational, and/or scientific uses in a manner that is protective of resources and is of the maximum benefit to the public; and f) Encourage the documentation and preservation of traditional ecological knowledge,
identifying best management practices for integration.
•This policy advocates for a broad coalition of partners to address multiple aspects of environmental preservation. Collectively, the components of this policy aim to build a framework that honors our cultural heritage, supports environmental stewardship, and enhances community access and engagement.
Objective 3: Increase direct community restoration and collaborative efforts to conserve and nourish the island’s biocultural resources.
Action 3.b: Create special (business) improvement districts to engage in environmental research, restoration and maintenance, natural
resource management, climate change or sea level rise adaptation, or other purposes to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefit.
•This action specifies a mechanism to operationalize the policy’s broad objectives by establishing special improvement districts. These districts enable focused funding and localized management of initiatives that align with the policy goals. By involving business districts, the County leverages economic activity to support environmental and cultural preservation, providing a sustainable model for ongoing investment in research, resource management, and climate adaptation.
Biocultural Stewardship Policies & Actions
Example 4
Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Policy 4.6: Historic preservation shall represent the full range and diversity of the multi-cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi Island.
•This policy emphasizes the County’s commitment to an inclusive approach to historic preservation that honors
and reflects the diversity of Hawaiʻi Island’s cultural history. It underscores that preservation efforts should encompass a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and historical perspectives to ensure that all communities and cultural narratives are represented and valued in Hawaiʻi’s heritage.
Objective 4: The historical integrity, character, scenic assets, and open spaces of our communities are protected, restored, and treated as unique assets with significant social and economic value and managed in perpetuity.
Action 4.a: Seek private-public partnerships to maintain and steward the preservation of sites, buildings, objects, and landscapes of
significant cultural and historical
importance.
•This action provides a practical method to achieve the policy intention through private-public partnerships, which bring together resources, expertise, and community
engagement. By collaborating with communities, private entities, and nonprofit organizations, the County can access funding, specialized knowledge, and shared stewardship to support the preservation of cultural and
historically significant assets.
Biocultural Stewardship Policies & Actions
Example 5
Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
Policy 5.2: Preserve transportation corridors that have important scenic, historic, recreational, natural and/or cultural resources that enhance
the character and scenic resources of communities.
•The policy establishes the broad aim to protect transportation corridors (e.g., roads, pathways, highways) that offer value. The intent is to maintain these corridors
not only for transportation but also for their role in enhancing the character and identity of the surrounding communities by preserving their natural beauty and cultural significance.
Objective 5: Protect, restore, and enhance our communities’ unique scenic character.
Action 5.a: Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program which includes
eradication of invasive species. Coordinate this work with a regular roadway vegetation
management maintenance program.
•The action offers a specific method to implement the
policy. It focuses on maintaining scenic overlooks – a key aspect of preserving the scenic value of transportation corridors – by ensuring that vegetation is managed and invasive species are eradicated. This action underscores the importance of view preservation as part of corridor management and suggests integrating the work into routine roadway maintenance for efficiency and
consistency.
Natural Beauty
Sites
Policy 5.3: Protect the views of areas endowed
with natural beauty by carefully considering the
effects of proposed construction and
compatibility during all land use reviews.
Adapting to Climate Change for Island-Wide Health
Chapters Elements
Introduction Purpose, Authority, & History
Planning Process
Sustainability Principles & Practices
Planning System & Framework
Grounded Vision & Goals
Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship Native Habitats
Watersheds
Biocultural Stewardship
Cultural & Historic Assets
Natural Beauty (Scenic Character)
Adapting to Climate Change for Island-Wide Health Mitigation
Adaptation
Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities Land Use
Transportation Access & Mobility
Public Utilities
Public Facilities & Services
Housing For All
Integrated Systems
Thriving, Diversified, and Regenerative Economy Agriculture & Food Systems
Visitor Industry
Implementation Planning System
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Monitoring & EvaluationPlan Chapters & Elements
Climate Change
•Climate change is impacting a variety of community assets, and the solutions also are tied to all the chapters of the plan.
o Transportation
o Energy and electricity
o Waste and wastewater
o Water resources
o Land use
•Integrated Climate Action Plan
o Adopted in 2023
o Strategic roadmap for County actions for
climate mitigation and adaption
Climate Objectives
Ensure climate actions are
equitable and uplift
marginalized communities.
(Obj 6)
Reduce County’s carbon
footprint to net zero
emissions by 2045. (Obj 7)
Improve identification of
climate threats and
adaptation options. (Obj 8)
Climate Goal
Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island
by addressing the causes and impacts of climate
change through incorporating equitable climate
mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies,
programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
Image along Ane Keohokalole Highway near Manawalea St.
Landscaping was installed at curb cuts to filter road runoff. Further
down, there is an inlet to a drywell, which is a common method of
stormwater infiltration on this island.
Climate Change Related
Objectives in the GP
Reduce vehicle
miles traveled.
(Obj 19)
Increase the
protection of
drinking water.
(Obj 26)
Planned and
developed municipal
sewer capacity is
expanded. (Obj 27)
Increase green
infrastructure
practices. (Obj 28)
Strive towards
energy self-
sufficiency. (Obj 29)
Achieve Zero
Waste in Hawaiʻi
County by 2045.
(Obj 33)
Increase collaboration and
cooperation. (Obj 40)
Climate Policies & Actions
Example 1
Goal: Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
Policy 6.5: Improve the communication of climate risks and opportunities for adaptation efforts.
•This policy highlights the County’s commitment to informing the public about climate related risks and
available adaptation strategies. By improving communication, the County aims to ensure that residents, businesses, and communities are aware of climate impacts, understand risks, and can participate in adaptation efforts.
Objective 6: Ensure that climate actions are equitable and uplift marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Action 6.a: Increase transparency of government actions by creating a climate change dashboard and portal to track the
implementation of climate action.
•This action provides a method to implement the policy through a climate change dashboard and portal. By creating this digital resource, the County can publicly track progress on climate initiatives, share data, and keep the community informed on current and future adaptation measures. This transparency enhances accountability and
allows the public to see how climate goals are being pursued, improving trust and community engagement.
Climate Policies & Actions
Example 2
Goal: Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
Policy 7.7: Prioritize energy-efficient designs, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction and/or reuse at County
facilities.
•This policy establishes the aim for County facilities to prioritize sustainability by implementing designs and systems that reduce energy consumption and waste.
Objective 7: Reduce the County’s carbon footprint to net zero emissions by 2045.
•Achieve a 100 percent renewable-powered County fleet by 2035.
•Support the statewide effort to achieve 100 percent renewable ground transportation and 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Action 7.g: Develop energy benchmarking standards for County buildings.
•This action specifies a method to support and measure
the achievement of the policy goal. By creating energy benchmarking standards, the County can set and track performance metrics for energy use in its buildings.
Climate Policies & Actions
Example 3
Goal: Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
Policy 7.16: Prioritize the installation of electric vehicle chargers at community facilities, for both County vehicles and
public parking.
•This policy sets a priority for installing EV chargers in locations where they will serve county operations and the general public (e.g., community centers, parks, public parking). By focusing on community facilities, the County strives to make EVs more convenient for residents, promoting the shift toward cleaner transportation options.
Objective 7: Reduce the County’s carbon footprint to net zero emissions by 2045.
•Achieve a 100 percent renewable-powered County fleet by 2035.
•Support the statewide effort to achieve 100 percent renewable ground transportation and 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.
Action 7.h: Develop and implement an electric vehicle charging plan with a station network map that identifies regional gaps in
service.
•This action provides an approach to carrying out the policy intention by creating a comprehensive charging plan and map that identifies service gaps. This ensures that the charging network is accessible and equitably distributed, allowing the County to address underserved areas and optimize charger placement.
Climate Policies & Actions
Example 4
Goal: Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
Policy 8.9: Design and maintain
infrastructure, including roads, buildings,
and stream crossings, to accommodate increases in flooding and geologic hazards such as landslides.
•This policy outlines a broad commitment to building and maintaining infrastructure that can withstand future
environmental risks. It prioritizes resilience by focusing on infrastructure design that anticipates and mitigates the impacts of natural hazards, ensuring public safety and continuity of essential services.
Objective 8: Improve the identification of climate change threats, assessment of potential consequences, and evaluation of adaptation options.
Action 8.a: Conduct detailed vulnerability
mapping of existing and planned
infrastructure.
•This action provides a method to implement the policy goal by first understanding the vulnerability of current and future infrastructure to hazards. Vulnerability mapping identifies areas at greater risk from floods, landslides, and other hazards, allowing planners and engineers to make informed decisions on how to fortify or redesign these assets. By mapping vulnerabilities, the County can
prioritize upgrades, maintenance, or design changes to enhance resilience where it is most needed.
For More Information
Planning Website – Overall Process Interactive Draft & Maps
https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/comp https://cohplanning.konveio.com/final-recommended-draft-general-plan-2045?document=1
Next Steps
Review the plan section by section.
Next is Sustainable Development: Land Use
Tentative LPC Hearing Dates:
Mon, December 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Thu, December 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Thu, January 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Fri, January 17, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Thu, February 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Fri, February 21, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Mon, February 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Information for Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings for
Review of General Plan 2045 at:
https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/about-us/boards-
committees/planning-commission-applications
or by calling 808-961-8288.
MAHALO
County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department
Email: GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov
Phone: (808) 961-8288