HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2025-16 Kau CDP Land Use OrientationKaʻū Community Development Plan
Action Committee Land Use Orientation
November 2025
Hawaii Land Use 101
•All private land use is regulated by state and county authorities, with federal land exempt.
•State land use classifications: Urban, Rural, Agricultural, and
Conservation.
•County Land Use System: General Plan, Community Development Plans, County Zoning, Special Management Area, and the Administrative Permit Process (including subdivision, plan approval,
variances, etc).
Hawai‘i County General Plan
•Policy document for the long-range
comprehensive development of the County.
•PURPOSE:
Identify long-range visions, values and priorities
Guide the pattern of future development
Guide the County’s decision-making
Establishes priorities for public investments
Promote and safeguard the public interest
CDP Authority & Purpose
•Translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions at
a regional level;
•Forum for community input into managing growth and
coordinating the delivery of government services to the
community;
•Creates a long-range framework to guide future decision making
and actions;
•Direct physical development and public improvements within a
specific area
•Focus on action
GP's Relationship to CDPs
CDPs
•District-Specific
•Translate General Plan
into action at the
regional level
•Designed to empower
grassroots initiatives
alongside government
action.
•County-wide
•Broad plans and
direction
•Calls for
implementation
through CDPs
General Plan
Mutually dependent
Hawaii County Land Use Approval Process
KEY STEPS:
1. Application Submission: Initial filing with the Planning Department.
2. Planning Department Review: Ensures compliance with zoning and regulations.
3. Planning Commission:Reviews projects requiring discretionary permits.
4. County Council: Approves major zoning changes and land use
amendments.
5. Final Approval & Permits: Issued by the Planning Department and Department of Public Works (DPW).
6. Board of Appeals (If Denied):Applicants may appeal rejected applications
by Planning or DPW.
Hawaii County Land Use Approval Process
KEY STEPS:
1. Application Submission: Initial filing with the Planning Department.
2. Planning Department Review: Ensures compliance with zoning and regulations.
3. Planning Commission:Reviews projects requiring discretionary permits.
4. County Council: Approves major zoning changes and land use
amendments.
5. Final Approval & Permits: Issued by the Planning Department and Department of Public Works (DPW).
6. Board of Appeals (If Denied):Applicants may appeal rejected applications
by Planning or DPW.
Kaʻū
Community
Development Plan
The Kaʻū CDP should honor Kaʻū’s unique rural
lifestyle, its connection between people and place,
and its distinctive Hawaiian cultural heritage. It must
plan for the future in ways that:
•Increase economic opportunities through a
diverse, resilient, and sustainable economy.
•Protect and provide reasonable access to natural
and recreational resources, including the mauka
forests, the coastline, open spaces, and park
facilities and programs.
•Strengthen families, communities, and the
diversity of local cultures.
Kaʻū CDP
Vision
Statement:
Navigating the CDP
Section 1 & 2:Introduction &Applicability
Section 3:Advance preferred Conservation and Settlement Patters
Section 4:Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources
Section 5:Strengthen Infrastructure,Facilities, and Services
Section 6: Build a Resilient,Sustainable Local Economy
Section 7:Pursue Potential Synergistic Projects
Appendix 8A:
Community-
Based,Collaborative
Action Guide
Appendix 8 is designed to
support the community-led CDP implementation process
Purpose of the CDP Action
Committee
•Be a proactive, community-based
steward of the implementation and updating of the
CDP. (HCC 16-4(a))
How do advisory boards differ from
other boards?
An advisory board is a body that provides non-binding advice to the management of a
corporation, organization, or foundation. CDP Action committees are advisory to the Planning
Director.
Action committees are not decision-making bodies. They do not have the authority to approve
or deny permits.
Examples of County decision-making bodies are:
Windward & Leeward Planning Commissions
Board of Appeals
Police & Fire Commissions
Water Board
Duties &
Responsibilities
•Provide ongoing input and advocacy to advance
implementation of the CDP
goals, objectives, policies, and
actions. (HCC 16-6(1))
Waiʻōhinu Transfer
Station
Section 3: Advance Preferred Conservation and Settlement Patterns Potential Community Lead: Action Committee
•3.4 Land Use Policy
o Policy 3Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas adequately served by necessary services such as water, utilities, 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))