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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-04 Biocultural_Climate Change PowerpointCounty of Hawaiʻi General Plan Comprehensive Review Windward Planning Commission Biocultural Stewardship & Adapting to Climate Change November 4, 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 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. Climate Change Related Objectives in the GP Reduce vehicle miles traveled. (Objective 19) Increase the protection of drinking water. (Objective 26) Planned and developed municipal sewer capacity is. (Objective 27) Increase green infrastructure practices. (Objective 28) Strive towards energy self- sufficiency. (Objective 29) Achieve Zero Waste in Hawaiʻi County by 2045. (Objective 33) Increase collaboration and cooperation. (Objective 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 WPC Hearing Dates: Thu, December 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Thu, January 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Fri, January 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Thu, February 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Fri, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Mon, March 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Tues, March 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Wed, March 12, 2025 at 9:00 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