HomeMy WebLinkAbout1 DRAFT HAMAKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT
DRAFT FOR COMMUNITY REVIEW
JANUARY 2016
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: DRAFT
2/22/2016
Note: This draft of the Hāmākua CDP includes revisions recommended by the Hāmākua CDP
Steering Committee. It is presented as a draft for review by community members and other
stakeholders. None of the CDP strategies are set in stone.
After the public review process, the Steering Committee will consider public input and make final
recommendations. All Steering Committee meetings are open to the public, and public comment
is always welcome.
Only after the Steering Committee is satisfied that the CDP truly reflects community preferences
will it recommend that the CDP be adopted by the County Council.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
TABLE OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE CDP ........................................................................................................................................ 9
1.1.1 WHAT IS A CDP AND WHAT CAN IT DO? ..................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1.2 WHAT AREA DOES THE HĀMĀKUA CDP COVER? ......................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.3 WHAT DOES THE HĀMĀKUA CDP DO? ..................................................................................................................................... 10
1.1.4 HOW WAS THE CDP DEVELOPED? ........................................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.5 HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE HĀMĀKUA CDP?............................................................................................................................... 12
1.1.6 CDP SUPPORT DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................................................. 13
1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 14
1.3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS USED ............................................................................................................... 15
1.3.1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
1.3.2 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
1.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE HĀMĀKUA PLANNING AREA .................................................................................................... 20
1.5.1 THE LAND SUSTAINS THE PEOPLE OF THE KUHI LOA .................................................................................................................... 20
1.6 HĀMĀKUA TODAY: COMMUNITY ASSETS AND CHALLENGES .......................................................................................... 21
1.6.1 ASSETS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 21
1.6.2 CHALLENGES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
1.7 HĀMĀKUA TOMORROW: COMMUNITY VISION.............................................................................................................. 23
1.7.1 ISSUES AND PRIORITIES .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
1.7.2 VALUES AND VISION STATEMENT............................................................................................................................................. 24
1.8 FROM VISION TO ACTION ........................................................................................................................................... 25
1.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES....................................................................................................................................................... 25
1.8.2 IDENTIFYING CDP STRATEGIES ................................................................................................................................................ 26
1.8.3 TYPES OF CDP STRATEGIES .................................................................................................................................................... 26
1.8.4 STRATEGIES TO ACTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
SECTION 2: APPLICABILITY ..................................................................................................................................................29
2.1 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................. 29
2.2. RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN ...................................................................................................................... 29
2.3 PLANNING AREA ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
2.4 TYPES OF STRATEGIES .............................................................................................................................................. 29
2.5 CDP IMPLEMENTATION ROLES AND GUIDES ............................................................................................................... 30
SECTION 3: PREFERRED LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS ................................................................................................ 33
3.1 LAND USE & SETTLEMENT PATTERNS .......................................................................................................................... 33
3.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
3.1.2 GENERAL PLAN SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................................... 33
3.1.3 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 34
3.1.4 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 35
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3.1.5 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 37
3.1.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 37
3.1.7 LUPAG MAPS, FIGURES 2-13 ............................................................................................................................................... 39
SECTION 4: PROTECT AND ENHANCE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................ 51
4.1 EXPAND THE LOCAL SYSTEM OF PRESERVES ................................................................................................................. 51
4.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 51
4.1.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 51
4.1.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 52
4.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 52
4.2 PROTECT COASTAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 52
4.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
4.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 52
4.2.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 53
4.2.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 54
4.2.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 55
4.2.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 56
4.3 PROTECT AGRICULTURAL LANDS & OPEN SPACE ........................................................................................................ 56
4.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
4.3.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 56
4.3.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 56
4.3.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 57
4.3.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 58
4.4 PROTECT MAUKA FORESTS ...................................................................................................................................... 58
4.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 58
4.4.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 58
4.4.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.4.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.4.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 59
4.4.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 59
4.5 PRESERVE SCENIC AREAS AND VIEWSHEDS ................................................................................................................. 59
4.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 60
4.5.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 60
4.5.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 60
4.5.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.5.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 61
4.5.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.6 PROTECT AND ENHANCE ECOSYSTEMS AND WATERSHEDS ........................................................................................... 62
4.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.6.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 62
4.6.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 63
4.6.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 64
4.6.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 65
4.7 PROTECT AND ENHANCE CULTURAL ASSETS ............................................................................................................... 65
4.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 65
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4.7.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
4.7.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 66
4.7.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
4.7.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 66
4.7.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 67
4.8 ESTABLISH AND MANAGE PUBLIC ACCESS AND TRAILS ................................................................................................ 67
4.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 67
4.8.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 67
4.8.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 68
4.8.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 69
4.8.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 69
4.9 PRESERVING SACRED PLACES: WAIPIʻO VALLEY AND MAUNA KEA ............................................................................... 69
4.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 69
4.9.2 WAIPIʻO VALLEY AS A WAHI PANA ........................................................................................................................................... 70
4.9.3 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: COUNTY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................... 70
4.9.4 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: KŌKUA ACTION ............................................................................................................................................ 72
4.9.5 WAIPIʻO VALLEY: COMMUNITY ACTION .................................................................................................................................... 72
4.9.6 MAUNA KEA AS A WAHI PANA ............................................................................................................................................... 73
4.9.7 MAUNA KEA: COUNTY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................... 73
4.9.8 MAUNA KEA: KŌKUA ACTION ................................................................................................................................................. 73
4.9.9 MAUNA KEA: COMMUNITY ACTION ......................................................................................................................................... 75
SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES .................................................................................. 76
5.1 COORDINATE INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITY, AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS ...................................................................... 76
5.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 76
5.1.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 76
5.1.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 76
5.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 77
5.2 EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 77
5.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 77
5.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 77
5.2.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 77
5.2.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 77
5.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 77
5.3 IMPROVE THE ROADWAY NETWORK .......................................................................................................................... 78
5.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 78
5.3.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 78
5.3.3 LAND USE POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................. 78
5.3.4 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 78
5.3.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 79
5.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 79
5.4 FORMALIZE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ............................................................................................................................ 79
5.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 79
5.4.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
5.5 DEVELOP PLACE-APPROPRIATE ROAD STANDARDS ..................................................................................................... 80
5.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 80
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5.5.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
5.6 EXPAND MASS TRANSIT FACILITIES & SERVICES .......................................................................................................... 80
5.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 80
5.6.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
5.6.3 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 81
5.7 IMPROVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE............................................................................................................................ 81
5.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 81
5.7.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 81
5.8 IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FACILITIES ................................................................................................ 82
5.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 82
5.8.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 82
5.8.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 83
5.8.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 83
5.9 IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & HAZARD MITIGATION ................................................................................... 83
5.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 83
5.9.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 83
5.9.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 84
5.9.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 84
5.10 IMPROVING PROTECTIVE SERVICES ........................................................................................................................... 84
5.10.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 84
5.10.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 84
5.10.3 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 85
5.11 EXPAND HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES ................................................................................................................ 85
5.11.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 85
5.11.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 85
5.11.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 85
5.12 STRENGTHEN & EXPAND EDUCATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES .................................................................................. 86
5.12.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 86
5.12.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 86
5.12.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 86
5.12.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 86
5.13 EXPAND PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES ................................................................................................................ 86
5.13.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 86
5.13.2 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 87
5.13.3 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 88
5.13.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 88
5.14 ENHANCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................. 88
5.14.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................................................... 88
5.14.2 EXISTING POLICY ................................................................................................................................................................ 88
5.14.3 LAND USE POLICY ............................................................................................................................................................... 88
5.14.4 COUNTY ACTION ................................................................................................................................................................ 88
5.14.5 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 89
5.14.6 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 89
SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL ECONOMY .......................................................................................................... 90
6.1 COORDINATE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................... 90
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6.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 90
6.1.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 91
6.1.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 91
6.1.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 91
6.1.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 91
6.2 STRENGTHENING LOCAL AGRICULTURE ....................................................................................................................... 91
6.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 91
6.2.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 92
6.2.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 92
6.2.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 93
6.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 94
6.3 EXPAND HEALTH AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY............................................................................................................... 94
6.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES....................................................................................................................................................... 94
6.3.2 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 94
6.3.3 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 94
6.4 PROMOTE THE CREATIVE, EDUCATION, & RESEARCH SECTOR ...................................................................................... 94
6.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 94
6.4.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 95
6.4.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 95
6.4.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 95
6.4.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 95
6.5 DEVELOP A PLACE-BASED VISITOR INDUSTRY ............................................................................................................. 95
6.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 95
6.5.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 95
6.5.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 95
6.5.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 96
6.5.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 97
6.6 REVITALIZE LOCAL RETAIL & HĀMĀKUA’S TOWN CENTERS .......................................................................................... 97
6.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 97
6.6.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 97
6.6.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 97
6.6.4 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 98
6.7 ENCOURAGE GREEN INDUSTRIES ............................................................................................................................... 98
6.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 98
6.7.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 98
6.7.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 98
6.7.4 KŌKUA ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 99
6.7.5 COMMUNITY ACTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 99
6.8 PRESERVE INFORMAL ECONOMIES AND LIVING OFF THE LAND ..................................................................................... 99
6.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 99
6.8.2 EXISTING POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 99
6.8.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 99
6.8.4 COMMUNITY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 100
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Table of Figures
Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area ..................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ................................................................................................ 39
Figure 3: Paukaʻa 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map .............................................................................................................. 40
Figure 4: Pāpaʻikou 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ........................................................................................................... 41
Figure 5: Pepeʻekeo 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map .......................................................................................................... 42
Figure 6: Honomū 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ............................................................................................................. 43
Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ................................................................................................. 44
Figure 8: Nīnole 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ................................................................................................................ 45
Figure 9: Laupāhoehoe/Pāpaʻaloa 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map.................................................................................... 46
Figure 10: ‘Ō‘ōkala 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ............................................................................................................ 47
Figure 11: Paʻauilo Proposed LUPAG Map ..................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 12: Honokaʻa/Haina Proposed LUPAG Map ........................................................................................................ 49
Figure 13: Kukuihaele Proposed LUPAG Map ................................................................................................................ 50
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‘O ka mea kūpono ‘āina ka mea kūpono kanaka.
What is good for the land is good for the people.
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
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.
3. Guide the policy and actions of State and federal agencies, whose work impacts resource
protections, public access and trails, settlement patterns, and education.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 9
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 Hawaii, 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, Pauka’a, 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
Prioritizes safety improvements of our County bridges, particularly in the Paʻauilo Mauka-Kalōpā area
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 10
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)
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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 11
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 [___Future Date _])
From the strategies identified within the Analysis documents, a combination of policies and actions
were compiled into the preliminary “working draft” of the CDP (i.e., this document).
Hāmākua CDP (Adopted as County Ordinance [__Future Date___])
For links to the above documents, see
http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/hamakua-cdp/copy_of_first-draft-preferred-cdp
To learn more about the Hāmākua CDP, see www.hamakuacdp.info
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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 12
1.1.6 CDP Support Documents
The Hāmākua CDP is currently organized as follows:
I. The Hāmākua Community Development Plan (this document)
II. Land Use Policy Guide
III. Guidance to Agencies
1. County Actions by Agency
2. Capital Improvement Priorities
3. Kōkua Program by Agency
IV. Community Implementation Tools
1. Community Action Guide
2. Action and Monitoring Matrix
3. Finance Plan
V. Appendix
1. CDP Purpose and Scope
2. 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
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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 13
1.2 Acknowledgements
(To be completed upon Steering Committee Approval of Draft CDP)
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 14
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.
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)
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.” See
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/saving/CriticalHabitatFactSheet.html
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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 15
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, (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 (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 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
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.
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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 16
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.
BLNR: Board of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaiʻi
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
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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 17
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
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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 18
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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 19
1.5 Introduction to the Hāmākua Planning Area
1.5.1 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. 1
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.
1.5.2 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)
1 See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis, page 173.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 20
1.6 Hāmākua Today: Community Assets and Challenges
1.6.1 Assets
1.6.1.1 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.
1.6.1.2 Settlement Patterns
Homestead lands, historic plantation towns, ranch lands, mauka forests, small diverse farms exemplify
rural character and lifestyle.
1.6.1.3 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.
1.6.1.4 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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 21
1.6.2 Challenges
1.6.2.1 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
1.6.2.2 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
1.6.2.3 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 Honomū and Pāpaʻikou need to be reroofed.
1.6.2.4 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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 22
1.7 Hāmākua Tomorrow: Community Vision
1.7.1 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)
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 23
1.7.2 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 ‘āina-the land, the seas, the rivers and streams, the forests, and the skies. As active
stewards, we mālama the ‘āina 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 ‘āina 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
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 24
1.8 From Vision to Action
1.8.1 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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 25
Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable
energy, and related economic support systems.
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.
1.8.2 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 V4A, B, and C each 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.
1.8.3 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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 26
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.
1.8.4 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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 27
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 1: Introduction 28
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 Hawaii, 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, ‘Ō’ōkala, Laupāhoehoe,
Pāpaʻaloa, Nīnole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomū, Pepeʻekeo, Pāpaʻikou, Pauka’a, 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
is that if the referenced existing policies are later changed following adoption of the CDP, the CDP policies shall
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.
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 2: Applicability 29
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 official land use policy guidance for the Hāmākua CDP planning area and shall
be implemented through all County of Hawai‘i actions. In addition, the Land Use Policies shall 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 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 the official County 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).
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: Land Use Policy 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)
“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.”
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 2: Applicability 30
Figure 1: Map of Hāmākua Planning Area
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 2: Applicability 31
HĀMĀKUA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT | Section 2: Applicability 32
Pūpūkahi i holomua
Unite to move forward
SECTION 3: PREFERRED
LAND USE & SETTLEMENT
PATTERNS
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 1.8.1 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
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with the social, cultural, and physical
environments of the County.
(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-Pāpa‘aloa 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,
heiaus, 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)
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Do not allow strip or spot commercial
development on the highway outside of the
primary commercial area. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (c))
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.
Policy 1
With the adoption of the Hāmākua CDP, Figures
2-13 (pages 38-49) are adopted as the official
Land Use Policy Map for the Hāmākua CDP
Planning Area.
The land use category definitions are identical to
those used in the General Plan LUPAG map.
Future land use decisions in the Hāmākua CDP
planning area shall be consistent with the Land
Use Policy Map boundaries, definitions, and
policies herein.
See Policy 12 for how this Land Use Policy Map
will be incorporated into the General Plan. See
the CDP rationale document to see the both the
existing LUPAG maps and the maps of CDP
proposed changes.
Policy 2
New urban development shall be located away
from coastal areas and the Special Management
Area. This is reflected in the location of “Low
Density Urban” (LDU) areas on the official Land
Use Policy Map.
Policy 3
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 official Land Use
Policy Map
Smaller villages and towns are encouraged to
develop neighborhood-scale commercial uses
allowed within the Low Density Urban category.
See 3.1.7 LUPAG Maps, Figures 2-13 for the
LUPAG maps, and refer to the rationale
document for specifics on how the LUPAG MDU
category changes are being implemented for
each area.
Policy 4
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 official Land Use Policy Map, which is
intended to facilitate changes of zone to
“Residential and Agricultural District” (RA) or the
“Family Agricultural District” (FA). The maximum
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density for the Rural designation in the Planning
Area shall be 1 unit per 1 acre.
Policy 5
In the official Land Use Policy Map, the urban
growth boundary between developed areas
(designated “Low/Medium Density Urban”) and
lands designated as agricultural or rural
(designated “Important Agriculture Land” or
“Extensive Agriculture” or “Rural”) is intended to
be parcel-specific in the Hāmākua CDP planning
area. Areas that are clearly beyond the
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 growth boundary
established with the Hāmākua CDP Land Use Policy
Map establishes parcel specific UGBs whenever
practical at the intersection between Urban and
Rural/Agricultural land uses. The CDP strategy of
designating parcel-specific Urban designations 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.
Policy 6
Until the General Plan identifies appropriate
areas 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:
Change of Zone: If the subject property is
located in State Land Use Urban district, a
change of zone request to the appropriate
industrial zoning should be considered; the
change of zone process would be the
appropriate review mechanism to evaluate
the specific parameters of the proposal;
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 the General Plan and Hāmākua CDP Policies
and Objectives. Of particular note is the existing
General Plan Policy 14.4.3 (e): Industrial
development shall be located in areas adequately
served by transportation, utilities, and other
essential infrastructure.
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). This policy demonstrates flexibility in
allowing Industrial uses in appropriate areas until
the General Plan appropriately identifies
locations for Industrial uses.
Policy 7
In the official Land Use Policy Map for the
Hāmākua Planning Area, in the “Low Density
Urban” (LDU) category, in those cases where
provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are
inconsistent with the character of surrounding
neighborhoods, variances or PUDs that maintain
consistent village/town character shall be
encouraged.
Policy 8
In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions
in coastal areas, subdivisions shall be encouraged
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to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.)
pursuant HCC Section 25-6-20, or Clustered Rural
Subdivisions.
See corresponding County Action Policy 13 and
Policy 14 relating to cluster developments.
Policy 9
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)
Policy 10
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))
Policy 11
When considering waivers 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
Policy 12
Amend the General Plan to reflect the following
changes:
The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide to
conform to the official Hāmākua CDP Land
Use Policy Map. (See “Necessary LUPAG
Map Amendments” Section of Chapter IV.A:
Land Use Policy Manual.) [Chapter IV will be
completed upon adoption of the CDP]
Amend General Plan Table 14-5 to reflect
the LUPAG map amendments. (Pāpaʻikou,
Laupāhoehoe-Pāpaʻaloa and Paʻauilo should
no longer be identified as LUPAG Industrial
areas).
Policy 13
Amend Chapter 25 of the Zoning Code and
Chapter 23 of the Subdivision Code to establish
Clustered Rural Subdivision Unit Developments.
Policy 14
Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments
and Clustered Rural Subdivisions in coastal areas
that leave natural, open space buffer areas along
the shoreline.
See corresponding Policy 8 and Policy 13.
Policy 15
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.
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Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
3.1.7 LUPAG Maps, Figures 2-13
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Figure 3: Paukaʻa 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 4: Pāpaʻikou 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 5: Pepeʻekeo 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 6: Honomū 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 8: Nīnole 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 9: Laupāhoehoe/Pāpaʻaloa 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 10: ‘Ō‘ōkala 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 11: Paʻauilo Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 12: Honokaʻa/Haina Proposed LUPAG Map
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Figure 13: Kukuihaele Proposed LUPAG Map
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Ola I ka wai ka ʻōpua
Rain gives life
SECTION 4: PROTECT AND
ENHANCE NATURAL AND
CULTURAL RESOURCES
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:
Policy 16
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.
See also Policy 49 for a policy related to
prioritizing community accesses in the Hāmākua
Planning Area.
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Policy 17
Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion
Project.
See also:
Policy 44 - Regarding effective management of
watersheds and natural areas
Policy 48 – Regarding trails to forest reserves
4.1.3 Kōkua Action
U.S. Congress
Kōkua Action 1:
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
Kōkua Action 2:
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 Policy 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
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
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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, heiaus, and historical sites and structures,
shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-
26)
4.2.3 Land Use Policy
Policy 18
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,
including conditions that protect natural,
cultural, historic, and recreational resources;
preserve agricultural land, open space, and view
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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
Policy 19
Amend Planning Department Rule 11 to establish
shoreline setbacks for the Hāmākua CDP
Planning Area at the earliest stages of the land
use planning and development process. The
minimum shoreline setback from the top of cliff
shall be either:
a) No less than the height of the slope (cliff,
or pali) (1:1 horizontal to vertical). In cases
where the height of the slope is less than 40
feet, a minimum 40-foot setback shall apply;
or,
b) A minimum of 40 feet, plus a safety buffer
determined by a coastal erosion study
conducted by a licensed engineer, including a
cliff stability analysis and/or a geological
analysis.
This shall only apply to properties that are
located within the SMA, and abutting or within
five hundred feet of the shoreline. For lots
created (final subdivision approval or a legal lot
of record as determined by the Planning
Department) prior to the date of adoption of the
Hāmākua CDP with an average lot depth of two
hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line
shall be 40 feet.
See also Policy 22 related to determining ‘top of
slope’ and also Policy 23 and section 4.2.5 Kōkua
Action, #3.
Policy 20
Amend Planning Commission Rule 9 to require as
a condition of a Special Management Area
permit the connection to a municipal wastewater
system or the development of individual septic
(or community wastewater) systems for new
subdivisions that qualify as “development” as
currently defined in Rule 9.
Cesspools shall not be allowed for developments
requiring SMA Minor or Major permits.
Policy 21
Develop objective guidelines for determining and
defining the “top of cliff”. (HRS 205A-1, and HAR
Section 13-222-2, Planning Department Rule 11.)
Add references to “top of cliff” to Criteria for
Shoreline Setback Variances in Planning
Commission Rule 8.
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,
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wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is
essentially devoid of naturally occurring
vegetation.
Policy 22
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 section, 4.2.5 Kōkua Action, #5 and
section 4.6.5 Kōkua Action.
Policy 23
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 14: Develop incentives for Cluster Plan
Developments and Clustered Rural Subdivisions
in coastal areas that leave natural, open space
buffer areas along the shoreline.
Policy 50: 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, sites for
gathering, hunting, and other recreational
purposes.
Policy 48, bullet point 11: 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. (HRS §115-2 & 7; GP 6.3(d))
4.2.5 Kōkua Action
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kōkua Action 3:
Amend Hawaiʻi Administrative Rule (HAR),
Section 13-322-2 to include “top of cliff” in the
definition of shoreline.
Kōkua Action 4:
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
Kōkua Action 5:
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 4.6.5 Kōkua Actions.
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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.
This section of the CDP protects agricultural land and
open space from non-agricultural development with
the CDP Land Use Policy 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
Policy 24
To preserve the agricultural character of
Hāmākua and to reinforce existing protections,
the official Hāmākua CDP Land Use Policy Map
designates agricultural lands in the Hāmākua
Planning Area to be preserved for agriculture
and open space. Development and construction
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in “Important Agricultural Land” and “Extensive
Agriculture” areas 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.
For more information on permitted uses in State
Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone
see HRS sections 205-2 and 205-4.5, and HCC
section 25-2-60 for information on use permits in
the Agricultural Zone.
Policy 25
When considering applications to consolidate
and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the
Director of Planning shall endeavor to keep the
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)).
Policy 26
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(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8).
Policy 27
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
Policy 28
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.
Policy 29
Recommend lands to be designated State
Important Agricultural Lands to the State Land
Use Commission. (GP 14.2.2(a) & 14.2.3(i))
Policy 30
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(a)(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.
Policy 31
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
dwellings are used for farm-related purposes.
Policy 32
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.
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Policy 33
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 16 regarding securing priority lands in
trust; and
Policy 55: Provide a tax credit for the perpetual
conservation of taro systems on private land (i.e.
agricultural, conservation or cultural easements)
for owners and lessees who enter into long term
agreements (20 years) to rehabilitate taro
systems to active use.
4.3.5 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi State Legislature:
Kōkua Action 6:
Appropriate funds to the County of Hawaiʻi to
develop recommendations of lands to be
designated Important Agricultural Lands.
Kōkua Action 7:
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,
heiaus, and historical sites and structures, shall
be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26)
Plan approval and related conditions shall
consider forest and coastal ecosystems,
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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
Policy 34
To reinforce existing protections, the official
Hāmākua CDP Land Use Policy 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.
See also:
Policy 50: 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, sites for
gathering, hunting, and other recreational
purposes.
4.4.4 County Action
See:
Policy 17: Support the proposed Hakalau NWR
Expansion Project.
Policy 39: 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.
See also Section 4.8 Establish and Manage
Public Access for policies relating to mauka
forest access issues, such as:
Policy 48, #10: Work with State agencies
(particularly with DOFAW) to coordinate, survey,
develop, and manage public trails and roads
leading to forest reserves. (GP 12.3 (u))
4.4.5 Kōkua Action
See Kōkua Actions in 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
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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))
Protect and effectively manage Hawaii’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 Hawaii 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,
heiaus, 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
Policy 35
In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area, the
environmental report for proposed changes of
zone on property that may impact open space,
view planes, 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)
Policy 36
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)
Policy 37
In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area, applications
for Use Permits for wind energy facilities and
telecommunications antennas and towers shall
include viewshed and, as appropriate, line-of-
sight analysis to demonstrate how the request
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does not cause substantial, adverse impact to
the community’s character, including open
space, public views, and areas of natural and
scenic beauty, and proposed conditions to
mitigate scenic impacts. (HCC 25-2-60 & 64)
Encourage 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 105: If the most suitable and reasonable
location for utility lines (power and
communications) is underground for the
purpose of preserving viewshed resources, then
underground siting of utility lines should be a
condition of subdivision. (HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2
(a), 11.3.3)
4.5.4 County Action
Policy 38
Develop and establish viewshed regulations to
preserve and to protect from obstruction 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))
Policy 39
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))
Policy 40
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))
Policy 41
Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic
overlooks with a frequently maintained
vegetation management program. Coordinate
this work with 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 54 for related policies on protecting
viewsheds of Waipiʻo Valley.
4.5.5 Kōkua Action
Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land
Division
Kōkua Action 8:
Consider viewshed corridors for mountain and
ocean views while negotiating leases along the
Highway, such as timber leases.
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Department of Transportation
Kōkua Action 9:
Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic
overlooks with a frequently maintained
vegetation management program. Coordinate
this work with regular roadway vegetation
management maintenance program.
Kōkua Action 10:
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.
Kōkua Action 11:
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: Establish acquisition priorities,
using PONC criteria, and secure priority lands.
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))
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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))
4.6.3 County Action
Policy 42
Develop and adopt policies (including setback
requirements) to protect riparian (streamside)
areas from incompatible development and uses.
Policy 43
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))
Policy 44
To further watershed management goals,
collaborate with the Department of Health, the
Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the USDA
Natural Resource Conservation Service, 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
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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.
Policy 45
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 as plants
to avoid.
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 39: 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)
Policy 86: 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)
4.6.5 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
Kōkua Action 12:
Update Hawaiʻi Stream Assessment (HAS).
Kōkua Action 13:
Develop place-based marine protected area
plans for priority areas.
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Clean
Water Branch
Kōkua Action 14:
Complete a comprehensive water quality
monitoring program for the Planning Area’s
coastal waters.
Kōkua Action 15:
Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) for Impaired Streams. (Clean Water Act
§ 303 (d)
State Office of Planning
Kōkua Action 16:
Review and designate forest and watershed
areas into the conservation district during State
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Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP
8.3 (m))
State of Hawaiʻi Legislature
Kōkua Action 17:
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).
Kōkua Action 18:
Provide assistance and funding for control and
management of Little Fire Ant infestations within
the Hāmākua Planning Area.
United States Congress
Kōkua Action 19:
Provide sufficient funding to the Department of
Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS), Pacific Islands Area
(PIA), the Farm Service Agency, and the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) to adequately implement
critical conservation programs.
4.6.6 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.
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.
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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: In the official Land Use Policy Map for
the Hāmākua Planning Area, in the “Low Density
Urban” (LDU) category, in those cases where
provisions of the zoning and subdivision code
are inconsistent with the character of
surrounding neighborhoods, variances or PUDs
that maintain consistent village/town character
shall be encouraged.
4.7.4 County Action
Policy 46
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))
Policy 47
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 122
relating to the State Scenic Byway Program.
See also:
Policy 74: As appropriate to maintain community
character while also accommodating drainage,
walkability, maintenance, and other site-specific
needs, when improving existing roads or
developing new roads in the Hāmākua CDP
Planning Area, road design may follow rural road
standards, including standards relating to
pavement width and (lack of) curbs, sidewalks,
or paved shoulders and swales. (HCC 23-41, 86,
& 87; GP 13.2.3(l) and 13.2.3 (m))
Policy 121: Encourage and assist in the
promotion of festivals and events that celebrate
regional culture, heritage, and agriculture.
4.7.5 Kōkua Action
State Legislature
Kōkua Action 20:
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.
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Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kōkua Action 21:
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.
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 &
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.
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
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where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS
46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c))
4.8.4 County Action
Policy 48
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 by landowners;
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.
The above actions can be implemented
independently of each other and do not reflect
prioritization by their listing order.
Policy 49
Pursue access easements and/or acquisition of
high priority public accesses to meet CDP
objectives.
Policy 50
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 sites for gathering,
hunting, and other recreational purposes.
Policy 51
Identify ‘roads-in-limbo’ and other old road
rights-of-way (including ‘paper roads’) with
public access value for trails that are being
obstructed by private parties and work to
remove the obstructions.
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This policy is specific to 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 current the
County of Hawaiʻi road inventory, see Policy 70,
and Policy 73.
Policy 52
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)
Policy 53
Reconstruct the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp to
provide safe and adequate access to ocean
resources for subsistence fisher-people and
recreational users.
See also:
Policy 16: Identify and secure in public trust (fee
simple or by easement) priority lands that
achieve one or more of Hāmākua’s Objectives.
4.8.5 Kōkua Action
State Legislature
Kōkua Action 22:
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;
Provide incentives to private landowners to
voluntarily allow public access.
Bishop Estate/ Kamehameha Schools; State of
Hawaiʻi
Kōkua Action 23:
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
Kōkua Action 24:
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 52.
4.8.6 Community Action
Community Action 15: Develop and implement
plans to establish and manage specific access points
and trails.
See also
Community Action 38: Work with State and
private landowners to develop and maintain
additional trails for non-motorized recreation.
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
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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
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
Policy 54
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 resource overlays should address the
following:
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));
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 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.
Support community organizations such as
the Waipiʻo Community Circle, The Waipiʻo
Taro Farmers Assoc., and Ha Ola O Waipiʻo
Valley in developing and implementing a
community-based watershed plan based on
the Waipiʻo Valley Stream Management
Plan.
Policy 55
Provide a property tax credit for landowners for
the perpetual conservation of taro systems on
private land (i.e. agricultural, conservation or
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cultural easements) for owners and lessees who
enter into long term agreements (20 years) to
rehabilitate taro systems to active use.
Policy 56
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.
Policy 57
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.
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
policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). See also
related Policy 58, below.
Policy 58
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 57
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.
Policy 59
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)
Policy 60
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.
Policy 61
Integrate the support facilities for the existing
Waipiʻo Lookout with the Heritage Center and
the Heritage Corridor route.
See also:
See Section 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and
Viewsheds and 4.6 Protect and Enhance
Ecosystems and Watersheds.
Policy 48, #10: Work with State agencies
(particularly with DOFAW) to coordinate, survey,
develop, and manage public trails and roads
leading to forest reserves. (GP 12.3 (u)); and #7:
Collaborate with state and federal agencies on
public accesses that require multi-agency
involvement;
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Policy 44, # 1: Build County staff capacity and
provide training to support development and
implementation of stream management plans.
Policy 38: Conduct a scenic resources inventory
and map for the Hāmākua Planning Area.
Policy 32: Update the County of Hawaiʻi’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.
4.9.4 Waipiʻo Valley: Kōkua Action
State Land Use Commission
Kōkua Action 25:
Reconsider the State’s agriculture land capability
class designations to better protect viable taro
growing lands.
Bishop Estate, State of Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha
Schools
Kōkua Action 26:
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.
See related Policy 57 & Policy 58 based on GP
12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c).
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kōkua Action 27:
Support reintroduction of H.B. #414 or similar
legislation that would provide funding and
technical assistance for stream maintenance
programs.
State of Hawaiʻi, Governor
Kōkua Action 28:
Release allocated disaster funding to help taro
farmers and residents of Waipiʻo Valley to avoid
future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation)
State Department of Agriculture
Kōkua Action 29:
Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to
strengthen taro production.
See also:
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Kōkua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County
of Hawaiʻi to develop recommendations of lands
to be designated Important Agricultural Lands.
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.
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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 also:
Policy 44: To further watershed management
goals, enter into a partnership agreement with
the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU
Process.
4.9.8 Mauna Kea: Kōkua Action
Various Agencies: Bureau of Land and Natural
Resources; DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife
– Natural Area Reserve System;
Kōkua Action 30:
Continue to engage the Hawaiian community
while exploring a cooperative agreement to
formalize the coordinated management efforts
on Mauna Kea.
Department of Land and Natural Resources & State
Historic Preservation Division
Kōkua Action 31:
Nominate the Mauna Kea Summit Region
Historic District to the National Register of
Historic Places.
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kōkua Action 32:
Update the management plan for Laupāhoehoe
Natural Area Reserve.
Kōkua Action 33:
Identify māmane-naio forest sites within the
Forest Reserve system on Mauna Kea for
inclusion in the NAR system.
Kōkua Action 34:
Develop a mechanism for the long-term
protection of Palila sites.
Kōkua Action 35:
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.
Kōkua Action 36:
Maintain a trail network with signage.
Kōkua Action 37:
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.
Kōkua Action 38:
Work together, in partnership with hunting
associations and other land stewards, to
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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
Kōkua Action 39:
Work with the Hawaiian community to develop a
historic property monitoring program within the
UH Management Areas.
Kōkua Action 40:
Evaluate the need and feasibility of establishing
a vehicle wash-station near Hale Pōhaku to
prevent the transport of invasive plants and
animals.
Kōkua Action 41:
Work with neighboring landowners and
appropriate federal and state agencies to plan
for coordinated responses to a range of
emergency situations, to ensure rapid response,
and to minimize impacts to cultural and natural
resources.
Kōkua Action 42:
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)
Kōkua Action 43:
Complete the large scale firebreak that extends
completely across Pu‘u Anahulu between the
Ke‘āmuku and the1859 lava flows.
Kōkua Action 44:
Improve Mauna Kea Trail and Infantry Road to
firebreak standards and to extend Mauna Kea
Trail slightly in the area behind Pu‘u Pōhakuloa.
Kōkua Action 45:
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.
Kōkua Action 46:
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
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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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Aʻohe hana nui ka aluʻia.
No task is too big when done together
SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN
INFRASTRUCTURE,
FACILITIES, AND SERVICES
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
Policy 62
Implement capital improvement priorities in the
Hāmākua Planning Area.
Current capital improvement priorities for
Hāmākua include:
Reconstruct of the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp.
(Policy 53)
Develop the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout Visitor
Center. (Policy 60)
Improve/replace substandard bridges in the
Hāmākua Planning Area. (Policy 69)
Complete the extension linking Pīkake and
Pakalana Street. (Policy 72)
Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria
Street by extending Kamani Street. (Policy
72)
Provide a mauka-makai connection from the
Kamani Street extension to Māmane Street
on the Hilo side of the elderly housing.
(Policy 72)
With the goal of developing alternative,
emergency routes, improve substandard
sections of the Old Māmalahoa Highway and
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maintain for use as an alternative,
emergency route to Highway 19. (Policy 73)
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 101)
Re-roof Pāpaʻikou Gym (Policy 101)
Abate hazardous materials at Pāpaʻaloa Gym
(Policy 101)
Policy 63
Provide technical support to communities and
organizations pursuing capital improvement
financing through USDA Rural Development,
infrastructure improvement financing districts,
and other sources.
Policy 64
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
Policy 65
Develop and implement a County-wide, cross-
agency affordable housing plan.
Encourage affordable housing options sited
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.
(GP 9.3(u))
5.2.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, State of Hawaiʻi
Kōkua Action 47:
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.
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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
Action 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
Policy 66
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
Policy 67
Create a permanent Transportation Planner
Position within the Planning Department’s Long
Range Planning Division to develop the County of
Hawaiʻi’s professional capacity to plan for
transportation issues.
Policy 68
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.)
Policy 69
Improve/replace substandard bridges in the
Hāmākua Planning Area.
See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis
pages 87-92 for a discussion and a list of bridges.
Policy 70
Develop a roads-in-limbo improvement and
adoption process according to population, usage,
alternative route/connectivity needs, and safety
assessments.
Policy 71
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)
Policy 72
To increase arterial capacity and connectivity in
Honokaʻa:
Complete the extension linking Pīkake and
Pakalana Street to provide arterial
redundancy
Consider 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);
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Provide a mauka-makai connection from the
Kamani Street extension to Māmane Street
on the Hilo side of the elderly housing. GP
13.2.5.4.2 (g)
See also:
Policy 51: Identify ‘roads-in-limbo’ and other old
road rights-of-way (including ‘paper roads’) with
public access value for trails that are being
obstructed by private parties and work to
remove the obstructions.
Policy 75: Implement a Complete Streets
Program, including place-appropriate roadway
design and sidewalk development for Hāmākua’s
towns and village. (Refer to County Resolution
171-11)
5.3.5 Kōkua Action
State Department of Transportation
Kōkua Action 48:
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))
Kōkua Action 49:
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 (aka: Pinky’s
intersection) in Pāpaʻikou;
Honomū Road intersection
Old Māmalahoa Intersection at the
School/Pool/Transfer Station turn-off in
Laupāhoehoe.
Kōkua Action 50:
Implement Bike Plan Hawai‘i. (See the plan here:
http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/bike-plan-
hawaii-master-plan/ )
Kōkua Action 51:
Continue to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall
and shoreline erosion in the highway right-of-
way and prioritize funding for mitigation.
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/associations to determine road management
agreements that mitigate road closures and access
disagreements for public access and/or resident use.
The following private roads have been identified as
needing improvements in their road
management/access strategies:
Mill Road in Pāpaʻikou;
Beach Road to Honokaʻa Landing
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.
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5.4.2 County Action
Policy 73
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 57: Explore the feasibility of developing a
scenic route from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the
entrance of Waimea.
Improving the mid-section of Mud Lane would
provide an alternate/emergency route to
Kukuihaele and Waipiʻo Valley lookout, and
would create a scenic loop between Waimea,
Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, and Honokaʻa. This
policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c).
Policy 69: Improve/replace substandard bridges
in the Hāmākua Planning Area.
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
Policy 74
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
community character. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP
13.2.3(l) and 13.2.3 (m))
Policy 75
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
Policy 76
Implement the recommendations from the
Kohala Center’s study Expanding Transportation
Opportunities on Hawai‘i Island to optimize
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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_Transit_S
tudy_2014.pdf
Policy 77
Provide rural transit centers within the Planning
Area in areas of heavy user-ship, particularly
provider 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 78.
Policy 78
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)
Policy 79
Develop, 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.
5.7 Improve Water Infrastructure
This section of the CDP prioritizes the improvement
of existing potable water 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
Policy 80
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 the Hāmākua CDP growth
boundary.
Towns identified in the Hāmākua Planning Area
where water availability is inhibiting infill
capacity are as follows:
Pepeʻekeo;
Hakalau-Wailea;
Nīnole;
Honokaʻa;
Continue to evaluate growth conditions to
coordinate improvements as required to the
existing water systems.
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Importantly, County water distribution systems
shall not be extended outside the growth
boundary established in the Hāmākua CDP Land
Use Policies and Policy Map, with the exception
of water designated specifically for and limited to
agricultural irrigation and livestock.
See also:
Policy 116: Cooperate with appropriate State and
Federal agencies and the private sector to
develop, improve and expand agricultural water
systems. (GP 11.2.2(j))
5.8 Improve Environmental
Management 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.
5.8.3 County Action
Policy 81
Promote the recycling or composting of
agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste
material through education, outreach, and
incentives. (GP 4.3 (d))
Policy 82
Incorporate greenwaste facilities at appropriate
rural transfer stations. Particularly assess these
facilities for greenwaste options:
Honomū
Paʻauilo
(GP 10.5.2 (f) & (h); Hawaii Zero Waste Plan,
State of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste
Management Act (HRS §342G)
Policy 83
Add an additional chute/receptacle at the
Honokaʻa Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer
Station.
Policy 84
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;
Policy 85
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:
Policy 86
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)
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5.8.4 Kōkua Action
See:
Hawaiʻi State legislature
Kōkua Action 75: 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))
5.8.5 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.
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
Policy 87
County Civil Defense and State Civil Defense
should ensure that communities within the
Hāmākua Planning Area are adequately served
by emergency shelters.
Policy 88
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.
Policy 89
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))
Policy 90
Develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans
specifically for Laupāhoehoe Point and Waipiʻo
Valley, including evacuation plans. (GP 10.3.2 (j
and k))
Policy 91
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))
Policy 92
Educate and prepare the public for disaster
preparedness and response by increasing the
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number of CERT programs in the Hāmākua
Planning Area. (GP 10.3.2 (k))
Policy 93
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 73: Improve substandard sections of the
Old Māmalahoa Highway and maintain for use as
an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19.
Policy 102: Seek to combine Park facility
improvements projects with other needed facility
improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with
facility hardening, etc.)
5.9.3 Kōkua Action
Department of Education, Department of General
Accounting and Services, State Civil Defense, and
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Kōkua Action 52:
Conduct routine facility assessments for all
emergency shelters and prioritize funding for
improvements
Hawaiʻi Health Services
Kōkua Action 53:
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 51: Continue to identify areas
vulnerable to rockfall and shoreline erosion in
the highway right-of-way and prioritize funding
for mitigation.
5.9.4 Community Action
Community Action 31: Coordinate with Civil Defense
to develop emergency evacuation plans for residents
of Waipiʻo Valley and Laupāhoehoe Point.
Community Action 32: Develop and train CERTs
throughout the Planning Area.
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
Policy 94
Actively expand Community Policing programs
such as Neighborhood, Farm, and Business Watch
programs. (GP 10.3.2(g))
Policy 95
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 N. Hilo policing
jurisdiction to include parts of rural South
Hilo (Honomū and Pepeʻekeo) to increase
response times in these rural areas;
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Policy 96
Work with community members to develop
volunteer firefighter capacity for the
Laupāhoehoe Fire Station.
Policy 97
Prioritize securing an emergency vehicle for
Honokaʻa fire station with the capacity for
providing safe service to Waipiʻo Valley.
See also:
Policy 87: In coordination with State and County
Civil Defense Agencies and in line with both
agencies’ Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plans, harden
critical facilities.
Laupāhoehoe Fire Station Hardening
Replace and relocate the Honokaʻa Fire
Station to Highway 19
Look for opportunities to combine hardening
with other facility improvements, such as
ADA improvements, etc.
5.10.3 Community Action
Community Action 33: Develop volunteer firefighter
capacity for the Laupāhoehoe Fire Station.
Community Action 34: 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
Policy 98
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
Permanente, HMSA, Hawaiʻi Dental Service, Hawaiʻi
Health Systems, Aloha Care Quest, Medicare, etc.,:
Kōkua Action 54:
Develop new, expand, or improve existing
community health centers and rural health clinics
in the Hāmākua Planning Area. (GP 10.5.2 (a, e))
Kōkua Action 55:
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
Kōkua Action 56:
Continue operation of rural hospitals. (GP
10.5.2(d))
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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
Policy 99
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 also:
Policy 75: Implement a Complete Streets
Program, including place-appropriate roadway
design and sidewalk development for Hāmākua’s
towns and village. (Refer to County Resolution
171-11). Refer also to the Kōkua Actions, below:
5.12.3 Kōkua Action
State Department of Education
Kōkua Action 57:
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)
Kōkua Action 58:
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)
Kōkua Action 59:
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 75.
Kōkua Action 60:
Develop and implement a Safe Routes to School
(SRTS) program. (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org)
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Kōkua Action 61:
Allocate sufficient funds to improve traffic, bike,
and pedestrian safety improvements at all
schools in the Hāmākua Planning Area. See Policy
75, and Kōkua Actions 62- 64 from 5.12.3 Kōkua
Action.
5.12.4 Community Action
Community Action 35: Develop and implement Safe
Routes to School programs.
(See Kōkua Action 60:)
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.
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5.13.2 County Action
Policy 100
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 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.
(GP 12.3 (f) & (e))
Policy 101
Complete the following recreation projects:
Solar-water heating for Laupāhoehoe
Swimming Pool
Re-roof Honomū Gym and 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 the intent of GP
12.5.4(a))
Hazardous materials abatement at Pāpaʻaloa
Gym (CIP FY2014-2015 Ord. No. 14082, Item
# 2014010)
Policy 102
Seek to combine Park facility improvements
projects with other needed facility improvements
(e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening,
etc.)
Policy 103
Develop a system of trails and paths for walking,
jogging, and biking activities. (GP 12.3 (o))
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
(12.3 m))
Policy 104
Coordinate with the Hakalau community to
investigate and pursue the redevelopment of the
Hakalau gym facility for community use.
See also:
Policy 53: Prioritize CIP funding for
reconstruction of the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp to
provide safe and adequate access to ocean
resources for subsistence fisher-people and
recreational users.
Policy 58: Explore the feasibility of 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 57,
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. See also Kōkua
Action 23 from 5.13.3 Kōkua Action.
Policy 60: Support community-based
management of the Waipiʻo Valley Visitor Center
through a lease or cooperative use agreement
with the County Department of Parks and
Recreation.
Policy 99: Encourage joint-use of schoolyards,
County parks, and other public facilities for
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community use for recreational, cultural, and
other compatible uses. (GP 10.2.2 (b), 12.3 (g))
5.13.3 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Education
Kōkua Action 62:
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: 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.
Kōkua Action 26: 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. See related policies Policy 57
and Policy 58; GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c).
5.13.4 Community Action
Community Action 36: 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 37: 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 38: 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
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
Policy 105
If the most suitable and reasonable location for
utility lines (power and communications) is
underground for the purpose of preserving
viewshed resources, then underground siting of
utility lines should be a condition of subdivision.
(HCC§23-55, GP 11.3.2 (a), 11.3.3)
5.14.4 County Action
Policy 106
Collaborate with local businesses, community
groups, and private enterprises to develop Wi-Fi
service within appropriate towns.
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Policy 107
Use alternative energy sources to power County
facilities within the Planning Area.
See also:
Policy 37: In the Hāmākua CDP Planning Area,
applications for Use Permits for wind energy
facilities and telecommunications antennas and
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 proposed
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
appropriate
Policy 91: 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))
5.14.5 Kōkua Action
Hawaiian Telcom, Time Warner Cable, and other
service providers
Kōkua Action 63:
Prioritize rural broadband access in underserved
areas in the Planning Area (e.g., rural and mauka
areas).
Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company
Kōkua Action 64:
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 39: Work with County and
private enterprises to bring broadband and Wi-Fi
services to the Planning Area’s towns.
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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.
SECTION 6: BUILD A
SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL
ECONOMY
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
entrepreneurial opportunities that allow
residents to work and shop close to home and
that complement Hāmākua’s ecology, rural
character, and cultural heritage.
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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
Policy 108
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))
Policy 109
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).
Policy 110
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
Kōkua Action 65:
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 40: 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 108)
Community Action 41: Coordinate regional, cross-
sectoral economic development strategies.
Community Action 42: Develop a high-tech, high-
touch regional education, enterprise development,
and research network.
Community Action 43: 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.
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
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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 Hawaii’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 Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and
Human Resources, University of Hawaii 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
Policy 111
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.
Policy 112
Encourage the establishment and continued
operation of open farmers’ markets to allow local
agricultural producers to market their products.
(GP 2.3 (u))
Policy 113
In order to provide a means for local agricultural
producers to market their products, the County
shall interpret HRS 205 liberally to allow the
establishment and continued operations of open
farmers’ markets and road-side stands in the
State Land Use Agricultural district without a
Special Permit. If the project qualifies for Plan
Approval, a market management plan containing
provisions for adequate on-site parking, on-site
and off-site traffic management, and adequate
sanitation facilities must be approved by the
Planning Department prior to the operation of
the open farmers market.
Policy 114
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.
Policy 115
Support the development of private, County, and
State agricultural parks to make agricultural land
available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k))
Policy 116
Cooperate with appropriate State and Federal
agencies and the private sector to develop,
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improve and expand agricultural water systems
in appropriate areas on the island. (GP 11.2.2(j))
See also:
Policy 44, see point #5 regarding Best
Management Practices for agriculture and
forestry.
Policy 55: Provide a tax credit for landowners for
the perpetual conservation of taro systems on
private land (i.e. agricultural, conservation or
cultural easements) for owners and lessees who
enter into long term agreements (20 years) to
rehabilitate taro systems to active use.
Policy 120: 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))
6.2.4 Kōkua Action
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education
Kōkua Action 66:
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)
Kōkua Action 67:
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
Kōkua Action 68:
Support the development of agricultural parks to
make agricultural land available for agricultural
activities. (GP 14.2.3(k))
Kōkua Action 69:
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 Hawaii at Hilo / Hawaiʻi Community
College
Kōkua Action 70:
Prioritize development of programs and research
that increases local agricultural capacity,
including marketing and other small business
training.
Kōkua Action 71:
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:
State of Hawaiʻi, Governor
Kōkua Action 28: Release allocated disaster
funding to help taro farmers and residents of
Waipiʻo Valley to avoid future flood damage.
(TSPTF recommendation)
State Department of Agriculture
Kōkua Action 29: Apply for Specialty Crop Block
Grants to strengthen taro production.
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Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Kōkua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land
banks that counties can use to acquire tax-
delinquent properties and use them to preserve
agricultural land and open space.
6.2.5 Community Action
Community Action 44: Strengthen the local
agriculture value chain by:
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.
Community Action 45: Promote farmers’ market
events as community and visitor gathering places.
See also:
Community Action 43: Coordinate regional
strategies to increase “buying local.”
Community Action 47: Collaborate with farm
groups, community organizations, and the
County to support the Kohala Center’s research
and training programs (i.e., the Ku I Ka Māna
farmer training program).
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 120: 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))
6.3.3 Community Action
Community Action 46: Establish a comprehensive
network of health and wellness services.
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
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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
Policy 117
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
Kōkua Action 72:
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 47: 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
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
Policy 118
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))
Policy 119
Encourage appropriate visitor-related uses and
facilities. 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, or negatively impact the host
community’s privacy/public safety and rural
lifestyle); and/or. . .
Offer an educational experience as well as
recreational activities.
Policy 120
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))
Policy 121
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 44:
Community Action 49:
Policy 122
Support the designation of sections of the Old
Māmalahoa Highway as a scenic byway through
the State Scenic Byway Program.
Policy 123
Encourage and provide incentives for businesses
to develop and promote public restrooms for
visitors along Highway 19.
See also:
Policy 108: Develop a distinctive identity for
Hāmākua to enable public and private industries
to promote it as unique within the State of
Hawai‘i. (GP2.3 (o))
And Scenic policies in 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas
and Viewsheds;
Policy 57: Explore the feasibility of developing a
scenic route from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the
entrance of Waimea. (See also related Policy 58)
6.5.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Kōkua Action 73:
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:
• 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: Assess siting options for and
develop new scenic lookouts along Highway as
appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, and
waterfall views are preserved from development.
Kōkua Action 11: Consider adding/improving
viewing locations and interpretive signage near
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the scenic bridges for safe parking and views of
the areas’ waterfalls and coastline. Work with
the Hawaiʻi Tourism authority to improve signage
on the Highway and identify safe viewing
locations.
6.5.5 Community Action
Community Action 48: Develop a regional hoʻokipa
network – a place-based approach to community
tourism.
Community Action 49: Develop and support cultural
festivals and events with a view to welcoming
visitors.
Community Action 50: Develop and promote public
restroom facilities at various locations along Highway
19.
6.6 Revitalize Local Retail & 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 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
Policy 124
Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service-
oriented industrial areas. (GP 14.4.5.4.2(b))
See also:
Policy 3: 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
official Land Use Policy Map
Smaller villages and towns are encouraged to
develop neighborhood-scale commercial uses
allowed within the Low Density Urban category.
Policy 15: To ensure the preservation of historic
and cultural village character, provide technical
support to develop Town Revitalization Plans.
Policy 47: 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)
Policy 123: Encourage and provide incentives for
businesses to develop and promote public
restrooms for visitors along Highway 19.
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6.6.4 Community Action
See also:
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.
Note the following General Plan priority:
Focus on urban renewal of Honokaʻa. (GP
14.3.5.4.2 (a)
See corresponding Policy 15.
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
Policy 125
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 117: Promote and develop the island of
Hawai‘i into a unique scientific 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))
Kōkua Action 72: Assist in the development of
management and training programs to
strengthen the skill levels of the work force to be
in step with existing and emerging industries. (GP
2.4.2.2(e))
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6.7.4 Kōkua Action
Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company
Kōkua Action 74:
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)
Hawaiʻi State Legislature
Kōkua Action 75:
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))
6.7.5 Community Action
Community Action 51: Develop local, renewable,
distributed energy networks.
Community Action 52: 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 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)
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 16: Identify and secure in public trust (fee
simple or by easement) priority lands that
achieve one or more of Hāmākua’s Objectives.
o Seek to use conservation easements or
acquisition opportunities through funding
sources such as PONC, etc., once critical
habitat areas are identified as priorities to
protect.
o 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
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promote appropriate coastal recreation and
subsistence.
o Support the efforts of landowners in
establishing conservation and agricultural
easements to preserve important resources
in perpetuity.
Policy 48: ‘County of Hawaiʻi Public Access and
Trail Program.’ (See policy for complete text)
Policy 50: 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 sites for
gathering, hunting, and other recreational
purposes.
Policy 53: Prioritize CIP funding for
reconstruction of the Laupāhoehoe Boat Ramp to
provide safe and adequate access to ocean
resources for subsistence fisher-people and
recreational users;
Policy 112: Encourage the establishment of open
farmers’ markets to allow local agricultural
products to market their own products. (GP 2.3
(u));
See also 4.8.5 Kōkua Action and:
Kōkua Action 22: 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;
Encourage private landowners to voluntarily
allow public access through incentives.
Kōkua Action 23: 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.
Kōkua Action 37: 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.
Kōkua Action 38: Work together, in partnership
with hunting associations and other land
stewards, to establish clear recreational hunting
policies and disseminate education regarding
these policies.
6.8.4 Community Action
See:
Community Action 4: Support the organization of
a community-based hui for Laupāhoehoe fisher
people.
Community Action 22: 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.
Community Action 38: Work with State and
private landowners to develop and maintain
additional trails for non-motorized recreation.
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