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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecommended Hāmākua CDP2017 H5m5kua Community Development Plan V" . AS RECOMMENDED BYTHE HAMAKUA CDP STEERING COMMITTEE FOR ADOPTION BY THE COUNTY OF HAWAII . 2/27/2017 TABLEOF CONTENTS..................................................................................................................................................... 3 TABLEOF FIGURES.................................................................................................................................................... 8 SECTION1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THECDP................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1.1 WHAT IS A CDP AND WHAT CAN IT DO?...............................................................................................................................9 1. 1.2 WHAT AREA DOES THE HAMAKUA CDP COVER?................................................................................................................... 10 1. 1.3 WHAT DOES THE HAMAKUA CDP DO?............................................................................................................................... 10 1. 1.4 HOW WAS THE CDP DEVELOPED?..................................................................................................................................... 11 1. 1.5 HOW DO I NAVIGATE THE HAMAKUA 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 HAMAKUA PLANNING AREA P 1.5.1 THE LAND SUSTAINS THE PEOPLE OF THE KUHI LOA...............................................................................................................20 1.6 HAMAKUA TODAY: COMMUNITY ASSETS AND CHALLENGES 21 1.6.1 ASSETS....................................................................................................................................................................... 21 1.6.2 CHALLENGES................................................................................................................................................................22 1.7 HAMAKUATOMORROW: 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 ROLESAND 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 3.1.4 LAND USE POLICY......................................................................................................................................................... 35 3.1.5 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 37 3.1.6 COMMUNITY ACTION.....................................................................................................................................................38 3.1.7 LU PAG 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 KoKUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 52 4.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION................................................................A********** .............................................................. 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 KoKUA ACTION.................................................................................................................................................. 55 4.2.6 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................. 55 4.3 PROTECT AGRICULTURAL LANDS & OPEN SPACE 4.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE .......................... 4.3.2 EXISTING POLICY 4.3.3 LAND USE POLICY ........................................ 4.3.4 COUNTY ACTION .............................................. 4.3.5 KoKUA ACTION ................ ................. 4.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION... .......................... S S ....................................................................v ................................. 56 ......................................................................... 56 ...................................................................................... 56 ............................................................................................ 57 ........................................ 57 ..................................................................................................... 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......................................................................................................................................................... 58 4.4.4 COUNTY ACTION.................................... .................................................................................... 59 4.4.5 KoKUA ACTION ........................ ......................................................................................................... 59 4.4.6 COMMUNITY ACTION ..................................... 59 4.5 PRESERVE SCENIC AREAS AND VIEWSH EDS ........... W .............................................................................................. 59 4.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................................................ 59 4.5.2 EXISTING POLICY .....................................................................................................................................................59 4.5.3 LAND USE POLICY ............ ................................................................................................................................. 60 4.5.4 COUNTY ACTION.......................................................................................................................................... 60 4.5.5 KoKUA 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 KOKUAACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 64 4.6.6 COMMUNITY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................... 64 4.7 PROTECT AND ENHANCE CULTURAL ASSETS...........................................................................................................65 4 4.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................65 4.7.2 EXISTING POLICY........................................................................................................................................................... 65 4.7.3 LAND USE POLICY......................................................................................................................................................... 65 4.7.4 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 66 4.7.5 K0KUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 66 4.7.6 COMMUNITY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................... 66 4.8 ESTABLISH AND MANAGE PUBLICACCESSAND TRAILS 4.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................66 4.8.2 EXISTING POLICY........................................................................................................................................................... 67 4.8.4 COUNTY ACTION.................................................................................................................................................... 67 4.8.5 KoKUA ACTION................................................................................. 4.8.6 COMMUNITY ACTION..................................................................... 4.9 PRESERVING SACRED PLACES: WAIPI'O VALLEY AND MAUNA KEA .... ............................................................... 68 ................................................................. 69 .• 4.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE............................................<-l-1 ...........................................................................69 4.9.2 WAIPI'O VALLEY AS A WAHI PANA..........................................................................................................70 4.9.3 WAIPI'O VALLEY: COUNTY ACTION ..........................................................................................................70 4.9.4 WAIPI'O VALLEY: KOKUA ACTION......................................................................................................... 71 4.9.5 WAIPI'O VALLEY: COMMUNITY ACTION ......................................... ...................... ...................................72 4.9.6 MAUNA KEA AS A WAHI PANA....................................................................................................................................72 4.9.7 MAUNA KEA: COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................72 4.9.8 MAUNA KEA: KOKUA ACTION.......................................................................................................................................72 4.9.9 MAUNA KEA: COMMUNITY ACTION.......................................................................................................................74 .. SECTION 5: STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES..............................................................75 5.1 COORDINATE INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITY, AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS............................................................ 75 5.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE......................................N .................................................................................75 5.1.2 EXISTING POLICY..................................................................................................................................75 5.1.3 COUNTY ACTION.. .................................................................................................................................... 75 5.1.4 COMMUNITY ACTION..............................................................................................................................76 5.2 EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS. ........................................................................................ 76 5.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.......................................................................................................................76 5.2.2 EXISTING POLICY...............................................................................................................................76 5.2.3 COUNTY ACTION .................................................................................................................................................... 76 5.2.4 KoKUA ACTION ........ :: .......................... ....................................................................................................................... 77 5.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION.......::............................................................................................................................................77 5.3 1 M PROVE THE ROADWAY NETWORK......................................................................................................................77 5.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................77 5.3.2 EXISTING POLICY...........................................................................................................................................................77 5.3.3 LAND USE POLICY......................................................................................................................................................... 77 5.3.4 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 77 5.3.5 KoKUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 78 5.3.6 COMMUNITY ACTION.....................................................................................................................................................78 5.4 FORMALIZE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES....................................................................................................................... 79 5.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................79 5.4.2 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 79 5.5 DEVELOP PLACE -APPROPRIATE ROAD STANDARDS................................................................................................. 79 5.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................79 5.5.2 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 79 5.6 EXPAND MASS TRANSIT FACILITIES & SERVICES..................................................................................................... 79 5.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................80 5.6.2 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 80 5.6.3 COMMUNITY ACTION.....................................................................................................................................................80 5.7 IMPROVE WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE..........................................................................................80 5.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................80 5.7.2 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 80 5.8 IMPROVE RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE FACILITIES......................................................................................81 5.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................................81 5.8.3 COUNTY ACTION..................................................................................................................................... 81 5.8.4 KoKUA ACTION.................................................................................................................................. 82 5.8.5 COMMUNITY ACTION......................................................... ...........................................................................82 5.9 IMPROVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & HAZARD MITIG ........................................................................ 83 5.9.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................83 5.9.2 COUNTY ACTION............................................................ ................ ............................................................ 83 5.9.3 KoKUA ACTION.................................................................. .......................................................... 83 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 ........... 401h............................... ...................................................................85 5.11 EXPAND HEALTHCARE WSOCIAL SERVICES ........................................................................ 85 5. 11.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.. ............... ..........................................................................................................85 5.11.2 COUNTY ACTION ................. .......... ............................................................................................................ 85 5.11.3 KOKUAACTION ........................ .................................................................................................85 5.12 STRENGTHEN & EXPAND EDUCATION FACILITIESA CE............................................................................ 85 5.12.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE ..................... .........................................................................................................85 5.12.2 COUNTY ACTION............................................................................................................................... 85 5.12.3 KOKUA ACTION ............................................................................................................................... 86 5.12.4 COMMUNITY ACTION................................................................................................................................... 86 5.13 EXPAND PARKS & RECREATION FACIL...........................................................................................................86 5.13.1 COMMUNITY 0BJECTIV......................................................................................................................86 5.13.2 COUNTY ACTION................................................................................................................................... 86 5.13.3 KOKUA 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 KOKUA ACTION.......................................................................................................................................................... 89 5.14.6 COMMUNITY ACTION...................................................................................................................................................89 SECTION 6: BUILD A SUSTAINABLE, LOCAL ECONOMY.......................................................................................................91 11 6.1 COORDINATE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................91 6.1.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................91 6.1.2 EXISTING POLICY...........................................................................................................................................................92 6.1.3 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 92 6.1.4 KoKUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 92 6.1.5 COMMUNITY ACTION.....................................................................................................................................................92 6.2 STRENGTHENING LOCAL AGRICULTURE................................................................................................................. 92 6.2.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................................................................92 6.2.2 EXISTING POLICY...........................................................................................................................................................93 6.2.3 COUNTY ACTION........................................................................................................................................................... 93 6.2.4 KoKUA ACTION............................................................................................................................................................ 94 6.2.5 COMMUNITY ACTION.....................................................................................................................................................95 6.3 EXPAND HEALTH AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY.......................................................................................................... 95 6.3.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVES.................................................... 96 6.3.2 COUNTY ACTION.................................................................. ............................................................................... 96 6.3.3 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................. 96 6.4 PROMOTE THE CREATIVE, EDUCATION, & RESEARCH SECTOR .. ............... ....................................................... 96 6.4.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.........................................................................................................................................96 6.4.2 EXISTING POLICY............................................................................................................................................96 6.4.3 COUNTY ACTION ....................................... .......................................................................................... 96 6.4.4 KOKUA ACTION ............................................ ........................................................................ 96 6.4.5 COMMUNITY ACTION............................................................................................................................................. 96 6.5 DEVELOP A PLACE -BASED VI STRY................................................................................................. 96 6.5.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE... ................................................................................................................................ 96 6.5.2 EXISTING POLICY......................................................... �....................................................................................... 97 6.5.3 COUNTY ACTION.................................................................................................................................................... 97 6.5.4 KoKUA ACTION ....................................................................................................................................................... 98 6.5.5 COMM UNITY ACTION..................................................................................................................................................... 98 6.6 REVITALIZE HAMAKUA'S TOWN CENTERS.."*.*.*.*.*.* ........................................................................................ 98 6.6.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE.......... ...............................................................................................................98 6.6.2 EXISTING POLICY ......................... .............................................................................................................98 6.6.3 COUNTY ACTION .......................................................................................................................................... 99 6.6.4 COMMUNITY ACTION..°................................................................................................................................................. 99 6.7 ENCOURAGE GREEN INDUSTRIES....................................................................................................................... 6.7.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE....................................................................................................................................... 99 6.7.2 EXISTING POLICY................................................................................................................................................ 100 6.7.3 COUNTY ACTION......................................................................................................................................................... 100 6.7.4 KOKUA ACTION..........................................................................................................................................................100 6.7.5 COMMUNITY ACTION................................................................................................................................................... 100 6.8 PRESERVE INFORMAL ECONOMIES AND LIVING OFF THE LAND................................................................................. 6.8.1 COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................................................... 100 6.8.2 EXISTING POLICY......................................................................................................................................................... 101 6.8.3 COUNTY ACTION......................................................................................................................................................... 101 6.8.4 COMMUNITY ACTION................................................................................................................................................... 102 7 10_jt TABLE OF FIGURES Table of Figures Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area ........................ Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map .............. Figure 3: Pauka'a 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map ................. Figure 4: Papa'ikou Land Use Guide Map ........................ Figure 5: Pepe'ekeo Land Use Guide Map ....................... Figure 6: Honomu Land Use Guide Map .......................... Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map ............... Figure 8: Ninole Land Use Guide Map .............................. Figure 9: Lau pahoehoe/Papa'aloa Land Use Guide Map.. Figure 10: 'O'okala Land Use Guide Map ....................... Figure 11: Pa'auilo Proposed LUPAG Map............A,****, Figure 12: Honoka'a/Haina Proposed LUPAG Map........ Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map. ............... ...................................... .... 40 .... 41 .... 42 .... 43 .... 44 .... 45 .................................................... 46 .................................................... 47 .................................................... 48 .... 49 .... 50 n. '0 ka mea kupono'aina ka mea kupono kanaka. What is good for the land is good for the people. m Introduction to the CDP i.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 Hawaii General Plan that translates the broad goals and objectives of the General Plan to the unique needs and conditions of a region. The Hamakua 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. 4. Focus and guide community action in pursuit of community goals. For more information about the purpose and scope of the Hamakua CDP, see Section 2: Applicability, below. A 1.1.2 What area does the Hamakua CDP cover? Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai'i, the Hamakua CDP Planning Area encompasses the judicial districts of Hamakua 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 Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Ahualoa, Kalopa, Pa'auilo, 'O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomu, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, Pauka'a, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and other small communities in between. See Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area. 1.1.3 What does the Hamakua CDP do? The Hamakua 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 rotections for coastal and agricultural lands as well as open space and view planes ■ Preserves historic resources X ■ 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 trus ■ Ensures appropriate public access to the shoreline and mauka forests ■ Guides the development of a regional network of trai ■ 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 Pa'auilo Mauka-Kalopa area ■ Guides road and park improvements ■ Prioritizes bus system improvements, including a Honoka'a town route, and additional bus shelters ■ Prioritizes hardening of community facilities ■ Prioritizes improvements to the Honoka'a transfer station 10 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? tN, • The Hamakua CDP was developed through extensive community and stakeholder engagement. Important documents developed through the CDP process are as follows: • Hamakua Community Profile (2010) Vr This is a comprehensive, detailed profile developed based on community knowledge and expertise, as well as existing data, reports, and studie • Values and Vision Statement (2011) Community members identified core community values and a vision of what they'd like to see in Hamakua in 2030, and this was synthesized from the more than 17,000 community comments received into a Vision statement adopted by the Steering Committee. • Hamakua 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. • 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) 11 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: • 'Aina: Natural and Cultural Resource Management Analysis • Community Analysis • Economy Analysis • Draft CDP (Approved by Steering Committee December 19,2016) • Hamakua 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 Hamakua CDP, see www.hamaku&dp.info ow do I navigate the Hamakua CDP? Ic A& 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. 12 1.1.6 CDP Support Documents Each Hawai'i County Community Development Plan is adopted by ordinance. This chapter — the Hamakua Community Development Plan — is the document that will go before the County Council for adoption. All other Hamakua 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. 13 1.2 Acknowledgements (To be completed upon Steering Committee Approval of Draft CDP) 14 1.3 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Used Glossary of Terms Ahupua'a: Hawaiian Land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea 'Aina: 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 essentialfor 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/Critica I Ha bitatFactSheet. htm I 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 Hawai'i http://records.co. hawa i i. hi. us/WebLi n k8/DocView.aspx?id=69701&d bid=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 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 Hawai'i, 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 46# Kuhi Loa: Poetical description of Hamakua meaning "Long Corner" Kupuna: 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 V413. X 'Ay Planning Area: Also referred to as the Hamakua Planning Area, or the CDP Planning Area — the geographic region of the Hamakua CDP, which roughly encompasses Waipi'o Valley to Wainaku, or the regions known as Hamakua, North Hilo, and rural South Hilo. See Figure 1: Map of Hamakua 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. W 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 V413, pursuant to HCC Chapter 35. BLNR: Board of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i CBCA: Community-based collaborative action CBED: Community-based economic development CEDS: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy "it 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 Hawai'i COE: Army Corps of Engineers CTAHR: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii CZM: Coastal Zone Management, pursuant HRS Chapter 205A %&�' N DAR: Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii DBEDT: Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawai'i DHHL: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawai'i DLNR: Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOA: Department of Agriculture, State of Hawai'i DOBOR: Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOCARE: Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOE: Department of Education, State of Hawai'i DOFAW: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i DOH: Department of Health, State of Hawai'i DOT: Department of Transportation, State of Hawai'i EA: Environmental Assessment, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAIR Chapter 11-200 EIS: Environmental Impact Statement, pursuant HRS Chapter 343 and HAIR Chapter 11-200 FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency FHA: Federal Housing Administration 17 FIRM: Flood Insurance Rate Map HAR: Hawaii Administrative Rules HCC: Hawai'i County Code http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lb-countycode/ HCEL Hawai'i Clean Energy Initiative HCDA: Hawai'i Community Development Authority, State of Hawai'i, HRS 206E HHCDC: Hilo-Hamakua Community Development Corporation (nonprofit) HHF: Historic Hawai'i Foundation (nonprofit) HHFDC: Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation HICDC: Hawai'i Island Community Development Corporation (nonprofit) HRS: Hawai'i Revised Statutes HTA: Hawaii Tourism Authority HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development HVNP: Hawai'i 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 Hawai'i LUPAG: Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map NAR: Natural Area Reserve NHERC: North Hawai'i Education and Research Center, a branch of UH -Hilo located in Honoka'a NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration '% NPS: National Park Service x "qq% 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 Hawai'i OEQC: Office of Environmental Quality Control, Department of Health, State of Hawai'i ORMP: Ocean Resources Management Plan PATH: People's Advocacy for Trails Hawai'i (nonprofit) PES: Payment for ecosystem services PLDC: Public Land Development Corporation PONC: Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, County of Hawai'i PTA: Pohakuloa Training Area, a military installation base on the slopes of Mauna Kea PUC: Hawai'i State Public Utilities Commission 18 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 Hawai'i 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 'A& TMK: Tax Map Key — the identifier used by the Real Property Tax division of the County Department of Finance for each individu TNC: The Nat TND: Traditic TOD: Transit TSPTF: Taro 5 UH/UHH: Un UHERO: Univ USDA: Unite( USFWS: Univ 19 1.5 Introduction to the Hamakua Planning Area i.rm The Land Sustains the People of the Kuhi Loa The region referred to as Hamakua stretches along north of Hilo along the upright cliffs (Hilo Paliku) to the majestic, historic valley of Waipi'o and up the slopes to the sacred summit of Mauna Kea. It is against this sweeping, lush green landscape that the people of the Hamakua region have flourished for generations. The region was historically renowned as a powerful religious, economic, and demographic center of Hawai'i Island and from early times, the region was known for its agriculture. One cannot truly understand Hamakua's people without appreciating the legacy that agriculture has stamped on this land and its people. 1 For some, Hamakua 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 Hamakua. Regardless of their background, the people of Hamakua share a deep appreciation for the historical heritage of their small towns and highly value preserving an 'ohana-centered community that emphasizes quality of life, neighborhood cooperation, and the aloha spirit. The people of Hamakua 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. 1 See Appendix V46: Community Building Analysis, page 173. 20 1.6 Hamakua 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 'A& • 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 Mamalahoa highway segments, and mauka-makai homestead roads connect the towns and settlements. • Elementary and Middle Schools serve Papa'ikou and Pa'auilo communities; K-12 systems serve Honoka'a and Laupahoehoe (the only public charter school in the Planning Area). A Kamehameha Schools preschool is located in Pa'auilo. • Hospital, clinic, and long-term care are located in Honoka'a. • A full-time police station and fire station are located in Honoka'a; while police substations and fire department facilities (for volunteer teams) are located in Pepe'ekeo and Laupahoehoe. Pa'auilo has a fire truck and volunteer fire team. • County Park Facilities include: Kaiwiki park & gym; Honoli'i beach park; Papa'ikou park & gym; Pepe'ekeo park, ball field, community center; Honomu park, gym, & Kolekole beach park; Hakalau-Wailea tennis courts & playfield; Ninole (Waikaumalo) river park, Papa'aloa gym, annex, & tennis courts; Laupahoehoe swimming pool, beach park, & gym, Pa'auilo park, gym, & playfield; Haina playfield; Honoka'a park, gym, playfield, swimming pool, & rodeo arena; Kukuihaele playfield & Waipi'o lookout. • State Recreation Facilities include: 'Akaka Falls State Park, Kalopa State Park, and Mauna Kea State Recreation Area. 1.6.1.4 Economic Developmen • 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 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 Hamakua'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. 'O'6kala gym is permanently closed; the Hakalau gym and the Laupahoehoe boat ramp are closed indefinitely. Papa'aloa gym is partially cordoned off due to hazardous materials; Hakalau tennis courts are an inadequate playing surface, and the gyms in Honomu and Papa'ikou need to be reroofed. 1.6.2.4 Economic Developmen • Barriers to agricultural sustainability, including land tenure, water, and infrastructure. • Available workers exceed available jobs in Hamakua, 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. 22 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) `AINA (natural resources, land use, public access, environmental quality, natural beauty, sustainability) PUBLIC SERVICES (transportation, roadways, mass transit, public utilities, protective services) We, the residents of Hamakua recognize that the foundation of our life, livelihood and well-being comes from the 'aina-the land, the seas, the rivers and streams, the forests, and the skies. As active stewards, we malama the 'aina 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 kupono 'aina ka mea kupono 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 'aina supports and perpetuates subsistence and recreation, Native Hawaiian, and other cultural traditions. Hamakua 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 'ohana 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. Hamakua is a place where change is thoughtful & deliberate. Our deep aloha for the 'aina compels and ensures smart, sustainable development, and the protection and perpetuation of Hamakua's uniqueness now and into the future. — adopted by the Hdmdkua CDP Steering Committee on March 1, 2011 1.8 From Vision to Action i.&i 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: 'AINA [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 Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. COMMUNITY [Culture, Town Planning, Infrastructure, Public Facilities, Services, Transportation] • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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. "qq% 1W • Obiective 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 Hamakua'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. • Objective 11: Enhance and promote local and sustainable agriculture, farming, ranching, renewable energy, and related economic support systems. 25 • Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to Hamakua's resource-based economy. • Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote HawaiTs host culture and Hamakua'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. IYk1.8.3 Types of CDP Strategi 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 K6kua 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. 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. 26 3.4 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 Hamakua 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. 27 qj 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 Hawaii 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 Hawai'i 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 Hamakua 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 X X Located in the northeastern portion of the Island and County of Hawai'i, the Hamakua CDP Planning Area encompasses the judicial districts of Hamakua 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 Waipi'o Valley, Kukuihaele, Honoka'a, Ahualoa, Kalopa, Pa'auilo, 'O'okala, Laupahoehoe, Papa'aloa, Ninole, Umauma, Wailea, Hakalau, Honomu, Pepe'ekeo, Papa'ikou, Pauka'a, Wainaku, Kaiwiki and other small communities in between. See "Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area." For clarity, to distinguish between the Hamakua District and the Hamakua Planning Area, the CDP will specify which is being referenced throughout the CDP. The Hamakua 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 Hamakua Community Objectives. For the "Existing Policies" that are particularly pertinent to the Hamakua 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 Hamakua CDP policies either verbatim or tailored to the specific context of the Hamakua 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. 29 The County policies articulated herein are established with the adoption of the Hamakua CDP. There are two types of County policies in the CDP: 1. "Land Use Policies" are the official land use policy guidance for the Hamakua 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 Hamakua Planning Area. The Land Use Policies within the Hamakua 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 Hamakua 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. "Kokua 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, Kokua Actions are dependent on non - County action. MkIdw 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 Ro es and Gui 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: Planners 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 111.1: County Actions by Agency." (This document is to be developed when policy revisions are complete) • "Kokua Actions" are re -organized by entity in "Chapter 111.3: Kokua 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." Me Figure 1: Map of Hamakua Planning Area LEGEND Kauai Hamakua CDP Q Judicial Districts 00 O'ahu Planning Area — Southern Boundary Ni`ihau Molokai Z=t7 Maui 01 * Communities Lanai ID Q t Pac/r Kaho`olawe NORTH'' Waipi`oValley �c �. Kukuihaele o KOHALA �, Ahualoa 0 Hawaii .,. X Honoka`a Ko aka ' .. s ti �. Pa`auilo — 7 ,rte ► (Hdahoy O`bkala B�/rR as LdUpahoehoe Papa aloe y SOUTH r Nrnole KOHALA HAMAKUA Umauma NO I ' HIROTH Hakalau *Z--Wailea Honom0 Mauna Kea Pepe'ekeo Pauka`a ♦ ` '� � ` ♦ ` rWainaku sd Kaiwiki ( Southern Boundary Inset i fir✓ � SDUTH � HILO m NORTH�� KONA X�e� i PUNA � r Mauna Loa KA`lJ / 0 2.5 5 101 J (MILES) Kaoue v r S/rE,am PapaSkou ♦ — �. Palhoeho � e Hono/ii Srram - @a m r Pau ka`a 4 r Y 1 w � ,• ream * ` w ainakur Kaiwiki ,Vf w a 1.- �i/UkU River -: As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i Section 2: Applicability Pupukohi i holomuo Unite to move forward 3A Land Use & Settlement Patterns This section of the CDP guides future land use '2 development and permitting to be consistent with CDP objectives and policies. Specifically, to reduce rural sprawl and infrastructure costs, it focuses futur 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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua's rural character. 3. eral Plan Settlem t 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 with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County. 33 (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 int Laupahoehoe-Papa'aloa area shall be %k encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (a)) Centralization of commercial activities in the Honoka'a area shall be encouraged. Urban renewal of the area should be Land Use Pol Piihlir Arracc 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, heiau, 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) %kh Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development Appropriate public access to and along the shoreline shall be ensured as a condition ofS A 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 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) • Do not allow strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the primary commercial area. (GP 14.3.5.3.2 (c)) 34 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. (Hamakua 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 4 preferred land use and settlement pattern in Hamakua, including the relative location of residential, commercial, industrial, rural, and agricultural areas. Policy 1 NM With the adoption of the Hamakua CDP, Figures 2-13 (pages 31-50) are adopted as the Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua CDP Planning Area. Future land use decisions in the Hamakua CDP planning area shall be consistent with the Land Use Guide Map, unless the CDP and the General Plan are in direct conflict, in which case the General Plan shall be controlling. As with the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map, the CDP Land Use Guide Map designates preferred future development patterns by indicating the general location of various land uses in relation to each other. To maintain consistency, the land use category definitions used in the CDP Land Use Guide Map are identical to those currently used in the 2005 General Plan LUPAG map. See Policy 12 for the County Action that aligns the CDP Land Use Guide Policy Map with the General Plan. Policy 12 is necessary because the CDP Land Use Guide Map does not automatically amend the General Plan. 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 Guide Map. olicy 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 Guide 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 Guide Map, which is intended to facilitate changes of zone to 35 "Residential and Agricultural District" (RA) or the "Family Agricultural District" (FA). The intermediate land use between residential and productive agricultural areas is intended to serve as: • A low density area that provides a transitional use buffer area between strictly residential and commercial productive agriculture areas, and; • A mix of personal or family -scale productive commercial or subsistence agricultural use on all newly established parcels in the Rural area, and; • Parcels having a median size of between 2 — 3 acres but in no case less than 1 acre in size. Areas beyond both the Urban Growth Boundary and Rural areas are to be preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty areas. Policy 5 In the official Land Use Guide 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 Hamakua 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 Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide 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 Hamakua 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 Hamakua 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 36 allowing Industrial uses in appropriate areas until the General Plan appropriately identifies locations for Industrial uses. Policy 7 In the official Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua Planning Area, in the "Low Density Urban" (LDU) and Medium Density Urban (MDU) categories, 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 Code for consolidation and resubdivision actions in the Hamakua CDP planning area, the Planning Director shall carefully consider how to best further the public welfare relative to the objectives and policies of the Hamakua 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). In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions 3,1.5 County Acti in coastal areas, subdivisions shall be encouraged 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 Hamakua 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 Hamakua 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 Policy 12 Amend the General Plan to reflect the following changes: The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide should be consistent with the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map. If the definitions of land use designations in the General Plan are revised, the following factors should guide land use designations in the Hamakua Planning Area: — Factor 1: Minimize new coastal development — Factor 2: Minimize encroachment onto agricultural lands — Factor 3: Align with State Land Use District Boundary — Factor 4: Align with County zoning — Factor 5: Accommodate projected population growth — Factor 6: Align with infrastructure — Potable Water — Factor 7: Align with infrastructure — Roadway Network — Factor 8: Align with infrastructure — Wastewater — Factor 9: Ensure that commercial designations are appropriate — (MDU) 37 — Factor 10: Ensure that industrial designations are appropriate and consistent More details on these factors can be found in the CDP Rationale section of the CDP. While these factors cannot be applied absolutely in every land use situation, they should be considered as important criteria when amending the General Plan. • Amend General Plan Table 14-5 to reflect the following LUPAG map amendments: Papa'ikou, Laupahoehoe-Papa'aloa, and Pa'auilo 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 allow Clustered Rural Subdivisions as an alternative to Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) Section 25-6- 20. Clustered Rural Subdivisions are intended for areas with rural designations, or that are de - facto rural areas adjacent to urban zoned areas (whereas Cluster Plan Developments are intended for single-family RS zoning district). The Clustered Rural Subdivision provision would not be appropriate if the result would create compact housing developments on agricultural lands completely separate from existing urban areas with adequate infrastructure. Policy 14 Develop incentives for Cluster Plan Developments and Clustered Rural Subdivisions that leave natural, open space buffer areas along the shoreline, streams, and gulches, or adjacent to forest, conservation areas, or other culturally/environmentally sensitive areas. See corresponding Policy g 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 is Develop Town Revitalization Plans focused on developing guidelines for preserving historic and cultural character, infrastructure improvements, developing affordable housing, and promoting economic revitalization. 38 3.1.7 LUPAG Maps, Figures 2-13 Figure 2: Wainaku/Kaiwiki Land Use Guide Map Pa rk 'Alae Cemetery Ha'aheo School /9 -a Wainaku Gym — I AlI"IIv� )TIA + Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Wainaku LUPAG Designations ! Conservation Important Important Ag. Lands �- Hn sr F , Low Density Urban N Open Area Rural ._._� Hamakua CDP Boundary N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 201( As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i Section 3: Preferred Land Use & Settlement Patterns Figure 3: Pauka`a 2015 Proposed LUPAG Map r F (Approved for 21 -lot �__ �> 1iOA" xt11 residential development)3r t Future I o��� Park\\ Site -- - . �}� Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Pauka'a LUPAG Designations � a\\ Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area z Rural Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 40 Figure 4: Papa`ikou Land Use Guide Map Kalaniana`ole School 0 H -am akua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Papa'ikou LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Industrial - Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area Z Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Canty of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 L - Pu`deo -- Plzku Papa`ikou Community Center 41 Kula`imano Park xo i 0 G Figure 5: Pepe`ekeo Land Use Guide Map LJ Pepe`ekeo Park 1 1 Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Pepe'ekeo LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Industrial ■ Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area i❑ IRural N Feet 0 250500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 42 Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Honomu LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands . Low Density Urban ■ Medium Density Urban - Open Area i N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 Figure 6: Honomu Land Use Guide Map 43 Figure 7: Hakalau/Wailea Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Hakalau and Wailea LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands id Industrial Low Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 2016 Hakalau Post Office Hakalau ^1 Veteran's Park 44 O Figure 8: Ninole Land Use Guide Map Waikauma Park Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Ninole LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands - Open Area Rural N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Haw Wl Planning Department GIS - November 2016 45 Figure 9: Laupahoehoe/Papa`aloa Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Laupahoehoe/Papa'aloa Q LUPAG Designations . Conservation Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban AMedium Density Urban Open Area N Feet 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 County of Hawai'i Planning Department CIS - November 201 6 M Kapehu Camp Aq F!J J j f 1( iy F� �y� J f O ! 1 l II C � r J s Papa aloa KAA11 0 Pt Park W. Figure 10: `O`okala Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for 'O'okala LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands Industrial ,'A Low Density Urban N - Open Area Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 County of Hawaii Planning Department GIS - November 207 6 J y ce _C I Rte, I tat r r Ku �� t4AWA4 �� Ho�C)kl D LAUPAHOFHOF �y M Figure 11: Pa'auilo Proposed LUPAG Map Harnakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Pa'auilo LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Industrial Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban rp I Open Area Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Gym MEN= Feet Paauilo School 48 PA'auhau 0 0.125 025 0.5 Miles Figure 12: Honoka`a/Haina Proposed LUPAG Map auhau Honoka'a Park Hamakua Country Club MS,, O Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Honoka'a/Haina LUPAG Designations Conservation Important Ag. Lands - Industrial Low Density Urban Medium Density Urban - Open Area - Rural Z Miles 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 County of Hawai'i Planning Department GIS - November 2016 49 Figure 13: Kukuihaele Land Use Guide Map Hamakua CDP Revised Land Use Guide Map for Kukuihaele LUPAG Designations Important Ag. Lands Low Density Urban - Open Area N Feet 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 County of Hawai'i Planning Department GIS - November 2016 i I� - �� 1 I Kukuihaele Park Cemetery c� HONOKA'A-WAINI'O RD c Ola 1 ko woi ko 'opuo Rain gives life V 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 Hamakua's rural character. Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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 48 for a policy related to prioritizing community accesses in the Hamakua Planning Area. As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i Section 4: Protect and Enhance Natural and Cultural Resources Policy 17 Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion Project. See also: Policy 43 - Regarding effective management of watersheds and natural areas Policy 47 — Regarding trails to forest reserves 4.1.3 Kokua Actior U.S. Congress Kokua 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 Kokua Action 2: 4.2 Protect Coastal Resources This section of the CDP protects coastal resources with the CDP Land Use Guide Map, shoreline setbacks, the Special Management Area, and encourages the State to strengthen protections and the community to engage in coastal land use decisions. Continue to pursue acquisition or cooperative management of the six parcels identified in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessme Please see the Environmental Assessmen ere: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region 1/NWR /Zone 1/Big Island Complex/Hakalau Forest/PDFs/ Hakalau%20Forest%20NWR%20FInal%20LPP-EA.pdf 4.1.4 Community Actio I%k 'J Community Action is 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; z.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 Hamakua's rural character. Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. 4.2.2 Existing Polk 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 manner that is protective of resources and is of the maximum benefit to the general public. (GP 8.3(c)) 52 • 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, heiau, 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 advers 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 settin 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)(13)). 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 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 53 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 Hamakua 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) A minimum of 40 feet from the top of cliff, in addition to a distance equal to the average elevation of the top of cliff within the subject parcel; or, b) A minimum of 40 feet from the top of cliff, in addition to a distance equal to the anticipated 100 years of erosion as determined by a coastal erosion study. This study, including a cliff stability analysis and/or a geological analysis, shall be conducted by a licensed engineer. This policy shall only apply to properties that are located within the Special Management Area 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 Hamakua CDP with an average lot depth of two hundred feet or less, the shoreline setback line shall be a minimum of 40 feet from top of cliff. See also Policy 21 related to determining 'top of cliff' and also Policy 22 and section 4.2.5 K6kua Action, #3. Policy 20 Develop objective guidelines for determining and defining the "top of cliff". (HRS 205A-1, and HAIR 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 Hawai'i '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, wind and rain, to the extent that the ground is essentially devoid of naturally occurring vegetation. Policy 21 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 K6kua Action, #5 and section 4.6.5 K6kua Action. Policy 22 To further protect coastal resources in the Special Management Area, review SMA 54 boundaries in the Hamakua 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 buffer areas along the shoreline. 14 Policy 49: Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i 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 forilEalb gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes. Policy 47, 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 Kokua Action Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 3: Amend Hawai'i Administrative Rule (HAR), Section 13-322-2 to include "top of cliff" in the definition of shoreline. Kokua Action 4: Amend HAIR 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, NOAH, UH Sea Grant Kokua 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 Kokua Actions under 4.6.5 Kokua Actions. .6 C10munity 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 Hamakua 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 Guide 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. 55 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 Hamakua's rural character. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua'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 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)) • Importan t Agricultural lands shall not be rezoned to parcels too small to support economically viable farming units. (GP 14.2.3(s)) 4.3.3 Use Policy Policy 23 To preserve the agricultural character of Hamakua and to reinforce existing protections, the official Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates agricultural lands in the Hamakua Planning Area to be preserved for agriculture and open space. Development and construction 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. • Conserve and protect agricu tura 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)) IV • Identify, protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawai'i. (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)) 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 24 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 Hawai'i Agricultural District if the applicant clearly demonstrates that an unreasonable economic hardship cannot otherwise be prevented or land utilization is W improved relative to the objectives and policies of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)). Policy 25 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 26 Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a farm subdivision pursuant to Hawai'i County Code section 23-112. 4.3.4 County Action Policy 27 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 28 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 29 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 30 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 31 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. Policy 32 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 5146-136) See also: Policy 16 regarding securing priority lands in trust; and Policy 54: 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 Kokua Action Hawai'i State Legislature: Kokua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County of Hawai'i to develop recommendations of lands to be designated Important Agricultural Lands. Kokua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land banks that counties can use to acquire tax -delinquent 57 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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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, heiau, 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) Policy 33 To reinforce existing protections, the official Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates mauka regions and forests in Hamakua 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 49: Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i 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 M gathering, hunting, and other recreational purposes. 4.4.4 County Action See Policy 17: Support the proposed Hakalau NWR Expansion Project. Policy 38: 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 Mana Public Access for policies relating to mauka forest access issues, such as: Policy 47, #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 K6kua Action See K6kua Actions in Section 4.1.3 and: State Office of Planning See: K6kua 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 Actio See also: Community Action 2 Communitv Action 4 Community Action 8 Communitv 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 prioritizing viewshed identification and regulations, scenic overlooks, and scenic routes. 4.5.1 CommunitQVIective • 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. Obiective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character ;.i 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 Hawai'i'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 Hawai'i 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, heiau, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) See also (HRS 205A-2(b)(3)(B), HRS 205-26, Char 4.5.3 La Policy 34 In the Hamakua 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 35 In the Hamakua 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 36 In the Hamakua 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) 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 109: 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 37 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 Hamakua Planning Area; • Develop a corridor management plan to direct viewshed protections along roadways; MM 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 38 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 39 Assess siting options for and develop new scenic lookouts along Highway 19 (work with State DOT) and along the Old Mamalahoa Highway as 4.5.5 Kokua Actior Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division Kokua Action 8: Consider viewshed corridors for mountain and ocean views while negotiating leases along the Highway, such as timber leases. Department of Transportation Kokua Action 9: rioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordinate this work with regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. Kokua Action 10: appropriate to ensure important views (coastal, Assess siting options for and develop new scenic mountain, and waterfall) are preserved from lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure development and that there are various ocean, mountain, agricultural/pastoral, and opportunities to view these scenic resources throughout the three districts of the Hamaku Planning Area. (GP 7.3(c)) Policy 40 Prioritize maintaining the views at sce overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program. Coordir this work with regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program. waterfall views are preserved from a development. Kokua Action 11: Consider adding/improving viewing locations Current scenic overlooks in the Planning Area are located in: • Laupahoehoe on Highway 19; • Onomea Scenic Route; • Waipi'o Valley Lookout See also: Policy 53 for related policies on protecting viewsheds of Waipi'o Valley. 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 Hawai'i Tourism authority to improve signage on the Highway and identify safe viewing locations. 61 4.5.6 Community Actior 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 Mamalahoa 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 61 County capacity and participation in watershed planning and the collaborative development an implementation of resource management plans the enforcement necessary to protect ecosystei 6.1 Community Objective Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, sweeping views, an open spaces from mauka forests to makai shorelines, while assuring responsible public • 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 Hawai'i. (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)) access for recreational, spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices. IV • Objective 2: Protect and restore viable agricultural lands and resources. Protect and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. 4.6.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent 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 Hawai'i's resources by protecting, preserving, and conserving the critical and significant natural resources of the County of Hawai'i. (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 62 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 Hawai'i's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program as a condition of land use permitting. (GP 4.3 (k)) 4.6.3 County Action Policy 41 Develop and adopt policies (including setback requirements) to protect riparian (streamside) areas from incompatible development and uses. Policy 42 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 tcl maintain the good appearance of gra reduce the detrimental impact on adj properties, and protect watersheds. (c)) Policy 43 No To further watershed management g collaborate with the Department of h Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, the USDA 2. 3. 4. Natural Resource Conservation Service, and th 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; Initiate a conservation planning process for priority watersheds with Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) from NRCS; Enter into a partnership agreement with the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU Process; Work with partners such as UH Hilo, Hawai'i Community College, Hawai'i County Research and Development, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Kohala Center on a pilot program to train UH/HCC students to assist with Conservation Planning. (GP 8.3 (e), (k), (j), (/)),- Support I));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, Identify streams and stream corridors as candidates for further protections, and once identified, prioritize and seek to acquire corridors for further management; Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community in implementing the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. ie above actions can be implemented dependently of each other and do not reflect ioritization by their listing order. The goal of tris policy is that the County becomes actively involved in watershed planning. Policy 44 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 Hawai'i Administrative Rules 4-68 as plants to avoid. Collaborate with the Big Island Invasive Committee (BIISC) and the University of Hawai'i to determine which native and noninvasive plants to include with this rule revision. 63 See also: Policy 38: 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 87: 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 Kokua Action State Office of Planning Kokua Action 16: Review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State Land Use boundary comprehensive reviews. (GP 8.3 (m)) State of Hawaii Legislature Kokua 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). Kokua Action 18: For additional policies and kokua actions relating to Provide assistance and funding for control and coastal protections, please see 4.2 Protect Coastal bol management of Little Fire Ant infestations within Resources. , the Hamakua Planning Area. State of Hawal'I Department of Land �� "'�` �� 'United States Congress Resources 1k Kokua Action 12: Update Hawai'i Stream Assessment (HAS). Kokua Action Develop place -based marine protected plans for priority areas. State of Hawaii Department of Water Branch Kokua Action 14: Complete a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for the Planning Area's coastal waters. Kokua Action 15: Prioritize developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Impaired Streams. (Clean Water Act § 303 (d) Kokua 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 Actior 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. 64 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 io: 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 Review and comment by DLNR's State Historic of historic streetscapes and rural road standards. It Preservation Division (SHPD) shall be requested also guides community -led efforts to restore historic for any permit or entitlement for use that may sites and buildings, retain village and town affect any building, structure, object, district, character, and document oral, written, and video area, or site that is over fifty years old (HRS histories. 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) 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 qM collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape. im Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets, including sacred places, historic sites and buildings, and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 13:... Promote Hawaii's host culture and Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi -cultural music, art, and agriculture. 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 Hawai'i its unique character and cultural significance. (Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Plan, 2008) 4.7.3 Land Use Policy See: Policy 7: In the official Land Use Guide Map for the Hamakua 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. 65 4.7.4 County Action Policy 45 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)) Kokua Action 21: Encourage the State's implementation of the 'Aha Moku System. 4.7.6 Community Action Community Action ii: Document the Mo'olelo of Hamakua using resources outlined in oral history, hula, chant, and other sources. needs, when improving existing roads or designations. developing new roads in the Hamakua CDP Community Action 14• Develop, promote, and Planning Area, road design may follow rural road maintain the continuity of community festivals & standards, including standards relating to events. pavement width and (lack of) curbs, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP 13.2.3(1) and 13.2.3 (m))4,8 Establish and Manage Public Access Policy 127: Encourage and assist in the 1% and Trails promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage,and agriculture. 4.7.5 K6kua Actioi State Legislature Kokua 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. Department of Land and Natural Resources 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. r. • • Work with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Policy 46 and possibly seek assistance through the County Support the development and promotion of Product Enrichment Program (CPEP) to develop Heritage Corridors as part of a coordinated effort appropriate cultural signage for moku and to promote the roadways and towns of the ahupua'a boundaries. Hamakua Planning Area. GP 6.3 (1) Community Action 12: Identify and inventory • Coordinate this effort with Policy 128 important sites, map resources and make relating to the State Scenic Byway Program. recommendations to County Cultural Resource See also: Commission for sites. Policy 73: As appropriate to maintain community Community Action 13: Develop and implement character while also accommodating drainage,k place -based strategies to retain village and town walkability maintenance and other site-specific character, including alternatives to Historic District needs, when improving existing roads or designations. developing new roads in the Hamakua CDP Community Action 14• Develop, promote, and Planning Area, road design may follow rural road maintain the continuity of community festivals & standards, including standards relating to events. pavement width and (lack of) curbs, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. (HCC 23-41, 86, & 87; GP 13.2.3(1) and 13.2.3 (m))4,8 Establish and Manage Public Access Policy 127: Encourage and assist in the 1% and Trails promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage,and agriculture. 4.7.5 K6kua Actioi State Legislature Kokua 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. Department of Land and Natural Resources 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. r. • Community Objective 3: Encourage community- based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality of Hamakua'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 Hamakua's resource- based economy. 4.8.2 Existing i 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 where there are existing mountain trails. (HRS 46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)) 4.8.4 County Action Policy 47 Establish a 'County of Hawai'i 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) s. 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 67 comprehensiveness in the public access plans required of landowners,- 11. andowners,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. 14. Reinstitute a Public Access Sign program managed by the Planning Department to assist interested community groups in maintaining appropriate signage at public access points. IM 15. Provide cultural and safety information at trailheads. The above actions can be implemented independently of each other and do not reflect prioritization by their listing order. Policy 48 Pursue access easements and/or acquisition of high priority public accesses to meet CDP objectives. Policy 49 Nk Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i 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 50 Identify government roads (including roads -in - limbo, 'paper roads' and train infrastructure remnants) with public access value for trails. If these are being obstructed by private parties, work to remove the obstructions. This policy is specific to publicly owned 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 Hawai'i road inventory, see Policy 69, and Policy 72. Policy 51 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, and §171- 26) Policy 52 Reconstruct the Laupahoehoe 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 Hamakua's Objectives. 4•$•5 Kokua Action State Legislature Kokua 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. M Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools; State of Hawaii Kokua 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 Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division Kokua Action 24: 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 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 Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring I and enhance viewscapes and open spaces that public lands, including public roads or trails, A& exemplify Hamakua's rural character. public access potentials will be assessed, • Community Objective 3: Encourage community - documented and protected if public access use is in the public's interest. based collaborative management plans to assure that human activities are in harmony See corresponding Policy 51. with the quality of Hamakua's unique natural Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Kokua Action 25: 1 Explore expansion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in the Hamakua Planning Area. 4.8.6 Community Action Nk- Community Action 15: Develop and implement plans to establish and manage specific access points and trails. See also N N N Community Action 39: Work with State and private landowners to develop and maintain additional trails for non -motorized recreation 4.9 Preserving Sacred Places: Waipi`o Valley and Mauna Kea This section of the CDP identifies Waipi'o Valley and Mauna Kea as sacred places needing special attention. This section specifically addresses natural and cultural resource protections for both of these and cultural landscape. Community Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua'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 Hamakua's heritage, including historic roads and plantation towns, and festivals that celebrate our rich multi- cultural music, art, and agriculture. 4.9.2 Waipi`o Valley as a Wahi Pana This section prioritizes protecting Waipi'o Valley as a wahi Pana, focusing on protecting natural ecosystems, viewsheds and streams, managing responsible access, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. 4.9.3 Waipi'o Valley: County Action Policy 53 Designate Waipi'o Valley, including the Valley rim, as a Wahi Pana and create a resource protection overlay and regulations that will protect Waipi'o Valley's natural resources, preserve its storied past and perpetuate its agricultural traditions and unique rural lifestyle. The Wahi Pana designation should address h following: ■ Create a Natural Resource Overlay Zone: o Prepare viewshed siting guidelines in the County Zoning Code for parcels along the southeast and eastern portions of Waipi'o Valley rim (GP Policy 7.3 (b)); o Extend the SMA boundary beyond Waipi'o 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 Community Groups: o Collaborate with the Waipi'o Valley community to develop a long range management plan for Waipi'o that addresses public access, carrying capacity, resource management, and potential funding sources for on-going maintenance of streams and roads. o Support community organizations such as the Waipi'o Valley Stakeholders Alliance, the Waipi'o Community Circle, the Traditional Waipi'o Taro Farmers Assoc., and Ha Ola O Waipi'o Valley in developing and implementing a community-based watershed plan based on the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan. Policy 54 Provide a property 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 55 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 Waipi'o Valley. Policy 56 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic route from the Waipi'o 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 Waipi'o Valley lookout, and would create a scenic loop between Waimea, Waipi'o Valley Lookout, and Honoka'a. This policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). See also related Policy 57, below. Policy 57 Perform a feasibility study on developing a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing 70 area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of the scenic highway. This policy is related and dependent on Policy 56 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 Hi'ilawe 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 58 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 Waipi'o Valley. (Refer to HCC Chapter 25 Section 2, Division 7 for more information on Plan Approval) Policy 59 Policy 47, #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; Policy 43, # 1: Build County staff capacity and provide training to support development and implementation of stream management plans. Policy 37: Conduct a scenic resources inventory and map for the Hamakua Planning Area. Policy 31: 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. 4.9.4 iPi`o Valley: Kokua Action Land Use Commission kua Action 26: Develop the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center,pftk� Reconsider the State's agriculture land capability including: class designations to better protect viable taro growing lands. • Support for its related Educational Programs 4b such as the Waipi'o Education and & Bishop Estate, State of Hawaii, Kamehameha Information Program (aka: Waipi'o Valley Rangers Program). Support community-based management of the Waipi'o Valley Heritage Center through a lease or cooperative use agreement with the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Policy 60 Integrate the support facilities for the existing Waipi'o 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. Schools Kokua Action 27: Perform a feasibility study on the development of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of Mud Lane into a scenic route. See related Policy 56 & Policy 57 based on GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c). Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 28: Support reintroduction of H.B. #414 or similar legislation that would provide funding and 71 technical assistance for stream maintenance programs. State of Hawaii, Governor Kokua Action 29: Release allocated disaster funding to help taro farmers and residents of Waipi'o Valley to avoid 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 Wakea as a wahi pana. future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation) A Special Note on Mauna a Wakea: The summit State Department of Agriculture Kokua Action 30: Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to strengthen taro production. See also: Hawai'i State Legislature Kokua Action 6: Appropriate funds to the County lands are out of County jurisdiction and are under the State of Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, with portions leased to the University of Hawai'i 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 'kokua actions' to the agencies and groups that currently manage resources at the summit and near -summit lands. All the CDP Kokua of Hawai'i to develop recommendations of lands actions are based on previously developed policies to be designated Important Agricultural Lands. that align with CDP Community Objectives. .7 Ma ea: County Action 4.9.5 Waipi'o Valley: Comm ction See also. Community Action 16: Form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Policy 43: To further watershed management entity for community empowerment to develop a Land Management Partnership. goals, enter into a partnership agreement with the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance via MOU Community Action 17: Develop a detailed Master Process. Plan for Waipi'o Valley, including a community- based management plan for the Waipi'o 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 Waipi'o Valley rim. Community Action i9: Support community organizations, such as the Waipi'o Circle, in developing a watershed plan based on the Waipi'o Valley Stream Management Plan, the Hanalei Watershed Hui model, or similar community-based management plans. 4.9.8 Mauna Kea: Kokua Action Various Agencies: Bureau of Land and Natural Resources; DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife — Natural Area Reserve System; Kokua Action 31: 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 72 Kokua Action 32: Nominate the Mauna Kea Summit Region Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. Department of Land and Natural Resources Kokua Action 33: Update the management plan for Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve. Kokua Action 34: Identify mamane-naio forest sites within the Forest Reserve system on Mauna Kea for inclusion in the NAR system. Kokua Action 35: Develop a mechanism for the long - protection of Palila sites. Kokua Action 36: 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. Kokua Action Maintain a trail network with signage. Kokua Action 38: 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. Kokua Action 39: Work together, in partnership with hunting associations and other land stewards, to establish clear recreational hunting policies and disseminate education regarding these policies. Department of Land and Natural Resources/ University of Hawaii, Office of Mauna Kea Management Kokua Action 40: Work with the Hawaiian community to develop a historic property monitoring program within the UH Management Areas. Kokua Action 41: Evaluate the need and feasibility of establishing a vehicle wash -station near Hale Pohaku to prevent the transport of invasive plants and animals. Kokua Action 42: 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. kua Action 43: 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, Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) Kokua Action 44: Complete the large scale firebreak that extends completely across Pu'u Anahulu between the Ke'amuku and the1859 lava flows. Kokua Action 45: Improve Mauna Kea Trail and Infantry Road to firebreak standards and to extend Mauna Kea Trail slightly in the area behind Pu'u Pohakuloa. 73 Kokua Action 46: Complete the Remedial Investigation for the Pu'u Pa'a 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. Kokua Action 47: Address the potential hazards of depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa 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, "Pohakuloa Training Area; Testing and Monitoring of Radioactive Contamination." County RES. 639 Draft 012006-2008 oc/39961/Pagel.aspx State Legislature: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20ll/ Bills/HCR181 .PDF http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session20ll/ bills/SCR118 .pdf 4.9.9 Mauna Kea• ity Community Action 21: Document the Mo'olelo of Mauna Kea using resources outlined in Oral History. Community Action ii: Develop an educational program for tour operators, Visitor Information staff, and volunteers as part of orientation training for regular users of Mauna Kea. %10' 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. 74 A'ohe hong nui ko alu'io. No task is too big when done together 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'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.1.2 Existing Polic 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 61 Implement capital improvement priorities in the Hamakua Planning Area. Current capital improvement priorities for Hamakua include: • Reconstruct of the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp. (Policy 52 • Develop the Waipi'o Valley Lookout Visitor Center. (Policy 59) • Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Hamakua Planning Area. (Policy 68) • Complete the extension linking Pikake and Pakalana Street. (Policy 71 • Provide a cross-town connection to Plumeria Street by extending Kamani Street. (Policy 71) • Provide a mauka-makai connection from the Kamani Street extension to Mamane Street on the Hilo side of the elderly housing. (Policy 71) • With the goal of developing alternative, emergency routes, improve substandard As Recommended By The Hamakua CDP Steering Committee For Adoption by the County of Hawai'i Section 5: Strengthen Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. (Policy 72) • Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honoka'a Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station (Policy 84) • Add solar -water heating for Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool. (Policy 103) • Re -roof Papa'ikou Gym (Policy 103) • Abate hazardous materials at Papa'aloa Gym (Policy 103) Policy 62 Provide technical support to communities and organizations pursuing capital improvement financing through USDA Rural Development, infrastructure improvement financing districts, and other sources. Policy 63 The development of County fac designed to fit into the locale v intrusion while providing the di Implement protocols for receiv input during capital improvemi and design within the Hamaku 5.1.4 Community Act Community Action 24: Actively ad appropriations, financing, allotmer encumbrances that support impler CDP. lu 5.2 Expand Affordable Housing Options affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana 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 64 Develop and implement a County -wide, cross - agency affordable housing plan. • Develop affordable housing options within existing towns and villages, near services, and critical infrastructure. 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, Propose and support amendments to the County's taxing powers as a means to increase the supply of affordable housing. Revise the Zoning Code, Chapter 25, relating to 'Ohana Dwellings and develop an Accessory Dwelling Unit policy aimed at facilitating affordable housing and aging -in- place opportunities. Evaluate and incorporate applicable policy criteria from the City and County of Honolulu's Chapter 21 Accessory Dwelling Unit policy; see also www.accessorydwellings.orq as a resource for how other municipalities are handling accessory dwelling unit regulations. • Revise the building code requirements for renovating older houses to facilitate the redevelopment of affordable housing. 76 5.2.4 Kokua Action Hawai'i Public Housing Authority, State of Hawaii Kokua Action 48: 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. 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 Object' • 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%, It IV • 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 65 All subdivision in the Hamakua CDP planning area, including condominium property regimes (CPRS) and planned unit developments (PUDs), shall conform to connectivity standards of the Hawai'i County Code, section 23-28, 29, and 40. 5.3.4 County Actic Policy 66 Create a permanent Transportation Planner Position within the Planning Department's Long Range Planning Division to develop the County of Hawai'i's professional capacity to plan for transportation issues. PAuitable/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 68 Improve/replace substandard bridges in the amakua Planning Area. See Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis pages 87-92 for a discussion and a list of bridges. Policy 69 Develop a roads -in -limbo improvement and adoption process according to population, usage, alternative rout%onnectivity needs, and safety assessments. Policy 70 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 71 To improve safe pedestrian access and increase connectivity in Honoka'a: ■ Make safety improvements to downtown Honoka'a based on Complete Streets and/or other evidence -based planning principles. 77 ■ Improvements to include: additional pedestrian crosswalks on Mamane Street, additional sidewalk development (such as along Lehua Street), and safe, marked walkways to parking areas servicing downtown. ■ Complete the extension linking Pikake and Pakalana Street to provide arterial redundancy ■ Explore 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); See also: 19; in particular at the following identified locations: • Kalaniana'ole School and Onomea Scenic Route intersection in Papa'ikou; • Mill Road intersection in Papa'ikou; • Honomu Road intersection • Old Mamalahoa Intersection at the School/Pool/Transfer Station turn-off in Laupahoehoe. Kokua Action 51: Implement Bike Plan Hawai'i. (See the plan here: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/bike-pIan- hawaii-master-planZ) Kokua Action 52: Policy 50: Identify 'roads -i n-li m bo' and other old Continue to identify areas vulnerable to rockfall road rights-of-way (including 'paper roads') with and shoreline erosion in the highway right -of - public access value for trails that are being way and prioritize funding for mitigation. obstructed by private parties and work to remove the obstructions. 5.3.6 Community Action Policy 74: Implement a Complete Streets Community Action 26: Develop 'road improvement Program, including place -appropriate roadwa districts' in order to finance improvements. design and sidewalk development for Hamakua (Supporting policy: GP13.2.3 (d); County Res. No. towns and village. (Refer to County Resolution 320-10) 171-11) 5.3.5 Kokua Action State Department of Kokua Action 49: No 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)) Kokua Action 50: Develop turn lanes or other safety improvements at intersections per DOT guidelines on Highway Community Action 27: Work with the owners of private roads and local community groups to help identify and develop road management agreements that mitigate road closures and access disagreements for public access and/or residential use. The following private roads have been identified as examples of roads needing improvements in their road management/access strategies: ■ Mill Road in Papa'ikou ■ Beach Road to Honoka'a Landing ■ Blair Road in Laupahoehoe 78 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. 5.4.2 County Action Policy 72 Improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19 Particularly noted in the General Plan: Portions of the old Mamalahoa Highwa W especially those serving Pepe'ekeo and Honomu, should be improved to provide a secondary north -south route along the Hamakua Coast. (GP 13.2.5.2.2(a)) See also: Policy 56: Explore the feasibility of developing a scenic route from the Waipi'o 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 Waipi'o Valley lookout, and would create a scenic loop between Waimea, Waipi'o Valley Lookout, and Honoka'a. This policy is based on GP 13.2.5.4.2 (c). Policy 68: Improve/replace substandard bridges in the Hamakua 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. 5.1 Community Objective • Community Obiective 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. e . ..2 County Ackn Policy 73 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(1) and 13.2.3 (m)) Policy 74 Implement a Complete Streets Program, including place -appropriate roadway design and sidewalk development for the Hamakua 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 Hamakua Planning Area, and developing additional bus shelters. 79 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 75 Implement the recommendations from the Kohala Center's study Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawai'i Island to optimize efficiencies and create new transportation alternatives, including: Optimize Public Transport with Technology; Partner with private enterprises for both rideshare and vanpool alternatives.1106 See: http://kohalacenter.org/wp/wp- nsit Study 2014.pdf Policy 76 40% Provide rural transit centers within the Planning Area in areas of heavy user -ship, particularly provide shelter options at thefollowin locations: • Pepe'ekeo, Near the Post Office Laupahoehoe, near the Highway Overpass • Assess where to provide a Mamane Street bus shelter in relation to Polic 7 Policy 77 IwAf Modify existing and develop additional bus routes, as appropriate, with scheduled stops within the towns and villages where practicable; particularly: • Honoka'a: Mamane Street (State of Hawai'i Coordinated Public Transit — Human Services Transportation Plan pages 31- 55) Policy 78 Develop, or collaborate with private owners to facilitate the development of, Park -and -Ride facilities throughout the Hamakua Planning Area. 5.6.3 Community Acts Community Action 28: Identify locations for bus stops, biking facilities (i.e. bike racks, lanes, etc.) and park and ride facilities. 'A0 5.7 Improve Water and Wastewater astructure This section of the CDP prioritizes the improvement of existing potable water and wastewater systems to support infill growth. 5. munity Obj( • 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 Hamakua'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 79 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 Hamakua CDP growth boundary. Towns identified in the Hamakua Planning Area where water availability is inhibiting infill capacity are as follows: • Pepe'ekeo, • Hakalau-Wailea; • Wnole; • Honoka'a; Continue to evaluate growth conditions to coordinate improvements as required to the existing water systems. Importantly, County water distribution systems shall not be extended outside the growth boundary established in the Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map, with the exception of water designated specifically for and limited to agricultural irrigation and livestock. Policy 80 Develop an infrastructure prioritization designation such as an Infrastructure Priority Area (IPA) within the Hamakua CDP and designate Honomu, Laupahoehoe, Pa'auilo, and sections of Honoka'a as priority areas in need of wastewater service. Infrastructure prioritization designations shou be based on the following criteria: ■ The area contains a mix of residential and commercial zoning; IV ■ The area lacks a core infrastructure component (municipal or community water, wastewater, or roadways); ■ Redevelopment options (including the renovation of historic structures) and/or projected commercial and residential growth (including affordable, multi family housing) is hindered by the lack of core infrastructure; ■ Highest priority should be given to areas that contain existing built -out parcels facing regulatory constraints relating to parcel size, areas with historic buildings and structures in need of renovation, and areas where affordable housing is lacking and development is impeded by the lack of necessary infrastructure. Policy 81 Develop wastewater systems at a cost-effective scale for small communities. Use Infrastructure Priority Area (IPA) criteria in prioritizing communities for critical infrastructure improvements. See also: Policy 122: Cooperate with appropriate State and I Federal agencies and the private sector to develop, improve and expand agricultural water systems. (GP 11.2.2(j)) .8 Improve Recycling and Solid Waste cilities This section of the CDP prioritizes recycling education, waste diversion strategies, and transfer station facility and programmatic improvements. 5. unity 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. 5•$•3 County Action Policy 82 Promote the recycling or composting of agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material through education, outreach, and incentives. (GP 4.3 (d)) Policy 83 Incorporate green waste facilities at appropriate rural transfer stations. Particularly assess these facilities for greenwaste options: • Honomu 81 • Pa'auilo (GP 10.5.2 (f) & (h); Hawai'i Zero Waste Plan, State of Hawai'i Integrated Solid Waste Management Act (HRS §342G) Policy 84 Add an additional chute/receptacle at the Honoka'a Recycling and Solid Waste Transfer Station. Policy 85 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 tations, Up-to-date information on recycling even Policy 86 Encourage new and maintain and enhance existing community -County partnerships in managing recycling/reuse centers at County facilities to increase waste diversion. (Particularly at Laupahoehoe Recycling & Transfer Station) See affiliated Community Action 30 Policy 87 NL 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) Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and offenders. See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here: http://www. hawaiizerowaste.org/i nfo/il legal - dumping/ See corresponding Community Action 31 5•$•4Ko ction See• Hawaii State legislature Kokua 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)) ( mmunity 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 Community Action 31: Educate neighborhood watch groups and other community groups about how to actively identify and report littering and illegal dump sites to the Department of Environmental Management. Raise awareness of the issue through the use of outreach and social media tools to report sites and offenders. See more on how to report littering and dumps sites here: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/iIlegal- dumping/ 82 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'ohana emergency shelter references up-to-date. (GP 10.3.2(1) & (j)) Policy 92 Develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans specifically for Laupahoehoe Point and Waipi'o Valley, including evacuation plans. (GP 10.3.2 (j and k)) Policy 93 Assess the feasibility of installing an emergency telephone for Waipi'o Valley residents and determine if additional emergency telephones are safe, strong, and healthy. appropriate and feasible in other areas of low cellular connectivity. (GP 11.3.2 (b)) 5.9.2 County Action Policy 94 Policy 89 Educate and prepare the public for disaster County Civil Defense and State Civil Defense preparedness and response by increasing the should ensure that communities within the number of CERT programs in the Hamakua Hamakua Planning Area are adequately serve Planning Area. (GP 10. 3.2 (k)) by emergency shelters. Policy 95 4% Policy 90 -AM% Coordinate with FEMA and NRCS to address areas In coordination with the State Civil Defense developed prior to flood regulations and riverine Agency and in line with Multi -Hazard Mitigation flood areas in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps Plans, harden critical facilities. (FIRM). (HCC Chapter 27) • Laupahoehoe Fire Station Hardening; See Also: Replace and relocate the Honoka'a Fire Station to Highway 19; 1% Harden Kula'imano Community Center (Pepe'ekeo); • Look for opportunities to combine hardening with other facility improvements, such as ADA improvements, etc. Policy 91 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 Policy 72: Improve substandard sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway and maintain for use as an alternative, emergency route to Highway 19. Policy 104: Seek to combine Park facility improvements projects with other needed facility improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening, etc.) 5.9.3 Kokua Action Department of Education, Department of General Accounting and Services, State Civil Defense, and Federal Emergency Management Agency 83 Kokua Action 53: Conduct routine facility assessments for all emergency shelters and prioritize funding for improvements Hawai'i Health Services Kokua Action 54: Request State CIP funding to harden Hale Ho'ola Hamakua (aka: Honoka'a hospital). See also: 4.9.8 Mauna Kea: for various emergency actions relating to Mauna Kea, and: State Department of Transportation Kokua Action 52: Continue to identify areas 5.10.2 County Action Policy 96 Actively expand Community Policing programs such as Neighborhood, Farm, and Business Watch programs. (GP 10.3.2(g)) Policy 97 Optimize use of the Pepe'ekeo 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 (Honomu and Pepe'ekeo) to increase response times in these rural areas; vulnerable to rockfall and shoreline erosion in Policy 98 the highway right-of-way and prioritize fundin 1% Work with community members to develop for mitigation. volunteer firefighter capacity for the 5.9.4 Community Action Laupahoehoe Fire Station. Community Action 32: Coordinate with Civil Defense olicy 9 to develop emergency evacuation plans for residents prioritize securing an emergency vehicle for of Waipi'o Valley and Laupahoehoe Point. Honoka'a fire station with the capacity for 66, Community Action 33: Develop and train CERTs providing safe service to Waipi'o Valley. throughout the Planning Area. See also: 1%6, 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 Objectiv( • 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. Policy 89: Incoordination with State and County Civil Defense Agencies and in line with both agencies' Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plans, harden critical facilities. • Laupahoehoe Fire Station Hardening • Replace and relocate the Honoka'a Fire Station to Highway 19 • Look for opportunities to combine hardening with other facility improvements, such as ADA improvements, etc. 84 5.10.3 Community Action Community Action 34: Develop volunteer firefighter capacity for the Laupahoehoe Fire Station. Community Action 35: 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 Kokua Action 55: Develop new, expand, or improve existing community health centers and rural health clinics in the Hamakua Planning Area. (GP 10.5.2 (a, e)) Kokua Action 56: Expand the use of mobile health centers and services (health, screening, vision, dental, etc.) to rotate through the Hamakua Planning Area on a regular basis. State of Hawaii Kokua Action 57: Continue operation of rural hospitals. (GP 10.5.2(d)) 2 Strengthen & Expand Education utilities, healthcare, emergency services affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana Facilities and Services This section of the CDP prioritizes education facilitv safe, strong, and healthy. coordination between the State, County, and 5.11.2 County Action Policy 100 Develop a broad spectrum of care population of the area, including: Increase age -in-place options; IM Support expansion of programs such m traveling nurses, in-home care visits, m on -wheels, etc., (GP 2.3(x), (n)) 5.11.3 Kokua Action N' Health, Dental, and Vision Care Providers: The following kokua actions could be implemented by various health care providers such as: Kaiser Permanente, HMSA, Hawai'i Dental Service, Hawai'i Health Systems, Aloha Care Quest, Medicare, etc.,: community. IV .12.1 Co nity Objective Community Objective 6: Develop and improve critical community infrastructure, including utilities healthcare emer enc services g Y , affordable housing, educational opportunities and recreational facilities to keep our'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. 5.12.2 County Action Policy 101 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 74: Implement a Complete Streets Program, including place -appropriate roadway design and sidewalk development for Hamakua's 85 towns and village. (Refer to County Resolution 171-11). Refer also to the Kokua Actions, below: 5.12.3 Kokua Actic State Department of Education Kokua Action 58: 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) Kokua Action 59: 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'ohana safe, strong, and healthy. Continually improve existing educational .13.2 County Acton facilities. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (e); 10.1.2 (a); 10.1.3 (a); Policy 102 10.2.4.4 (a) Conduct Park facilities condition assessments and Kokua Action 60: prioritize improvement funding. Update the Provide pedestrian walkways to and around airll school complexes, and improve vehicular traffic management. (GP 10.2.4.2.2 (c); 10.2.4.3.2 (a)) See Policy 74. Kokua Action 61: rN Develop and implement a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. (http://www.saferoutesinfo.org) Hawai'i State Legislature Kokua Action 62: Allocate sufficient funds to improve traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety improvements at all schools in the Hamakua Planning Area. See Policy 74, and Kokua Actions 62- 64 from 5.12.3 Kokua Action. 5.12.4 Community Action Community Action 36: Develop and implement Safe Routes to School programs. (See Kokua Action 61: "County of Hawai'i Recreation Plan: to reflect newly identified recreational priorities. Specific needs identified include: Assess court conditions for basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, and prioritize these improvements (e.g., Hakalau tennis courts; Pepe'ekeo basketball courts, etc.). • Identify parks in need of playground equipment and pavilions. Assess and improve or develop new restroom facilities at the Waipi'o Lookout to ensure they are adequate for the number of users to the site and meet hygienic standards for maintenance and cleanliness. (GP 12.3 (f) & (e)) Policy 103 Complete the following recreation improvement projects: • Solar -water heating for Laupdhoehoe Swimming Pool • Re -roof Pdpa'ikou Gym EY7 Convert the old Honoka'a courthouse facility to use for community meetings and functions. (Requires a management agreement with the State of Hawai'i, and relates to the intent of GP 12.5.4(a)) • Hazardous materials abatement at Papa'aloa Gym Perform regular termite and other pest assessments/treatments at each Community Center and Parks facility. Policy 104 Seek to combine Park facility improvements projects with other needed facility improvements (e.g., ADA improvements with facility hardening, etc.) Policy 105 Develop a system of trails and paths for walking, jogging, and biking activities. (GP 12.3 (o)) See also General Plan 12.3 (M): 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. Policy 106 —q%6, Coordinate with the Hakalau community to investigate and pursue the redevelopment of the Hakalau gym facility for community use. Policy 107 %hkj Continue to improve parks and recreation outreach efforts for youth and senior programs in rural communities to ensure program and facility information is adequately available, promoted online through accessible websites and through other mediums, and kept up-to-date to facilitate maximum community participation. Policy 108 Develop walking paths around existing ballparks and other park grounds, as feasible. These walking paths should be level, paved footpaths that meet accessibility requirements whenever possible. Refer to existing Policy 105, and Kokua Actions 23, 38, 50, and 61. See also: Policy 52: Prioritize CIP funding for reconstruction of the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp to provide safe and adequate access to ocean resources for subsistence fisher -people and recreational users. Policy 57: Explore the feasibility of developing a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of the scenic highway. This policy is related and dependent on Policy 56, 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 Hi'ilawe 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 Kokua Action 23 from 5.13.3 Kokua Action. Policy 59:... Support community-based management of the Waipi'o Valley Visitor Center through a lease or cooperative use agreement with the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Policy 101: 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)) 87 5.13.3 Kokua Action State of Hawaii, Department of Education Kokua Action 63: 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 Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools Kokua 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. Kokua Action 27: Perform a feasibility study on the development of a scenic park (accessible via Mud Lane) with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls in conjunction with the development of Mud Lane into a scenic route. See related policies Policy 56 and Policy 57; GP 12.5.4.2 (d)) and 13.2.5.4.2 (c). 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. 5.14.1C nity Object • 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. Policy Land Use Policy Intent Ensure a proper balance between the development of alternative energy resources and the preservation of environmental fitness and 5.13.4 Community Action ecologically significant areas (GP 3.3 (e)) Community Action 37: Work with County Dept. o 14.3 Land Use Policy P&R through the County Cooperative Park Management Programs (Adopt a Park, etc.,) to Policy 109 maintain/improve existing park facilities. GP 12.3 (j) Community Action 38: 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 39: Work with State and private landowners to develop and maintain additional trails for non -motorized recreation. 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 110 Collaborate with local businesses, community groups, and private enterprises to develop Wi-Fi service within appropriate towns. Policy 111 Use alternative energy sources to power County facilities within the Planning Area. See also: Policy 36: In the Hamakua 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 93: Assess the feasibility of installing an emergency telephone for Waipi'o 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 Koku Ir ion Hawaiian Telcom, Time Warner Cable, and other service providers Kokua Action 64: Prioritize rural broadband access in underserved areas in the Planning Area (e.g., rural and mauka areas). Hawai'i Electric Light Company Kokua Action 65: Expand Net -Metering (NEM), Feed -in -Tariff (FIT) programs, and other similar programs designed to lower costs and diversify power sources. (GP 3.3o) 5.14.6 Community Action Community Action 40: Work with County and private enterprises to bring broadband and Wi-Fi services to the Planning Area's towns. E•� E louhoe mai no wo'o; i ke ko, i ko hoe; i ko hoe, i ke ko; poe oku i ko '5ino. Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore is reached. and Kokua 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 Hawai'i's economic development capacity. As an example, General Plan Policy 14.2.3 (1) 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 2development, Section 6 focuses considerably on Note: The State of Hawai'i takes an active role in Kokua Actions and Community Actions to achieve economic development through various endeavors community objectives. initiatives, and programs. The role of the County of Hawai'i 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 No 6.1 Coordinate Regional Economic lopment 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 Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 91 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 Hawai'i. (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 112 Develop a distinctive identity for the Hamakua region to enable public and private industries to promote it as unique within the State of Hawai'i. (GP2.3 (o)) Policy 113 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 114 Pursue brownfields assessment grants to complete the Phase I and II environmental assessment for high priority sites in the Planning Area. ction State of Hawaii Office of Planning Kokua Action 66: Align the clusters and priority projects in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with the objectives, policies, and actions in the Hamakua Community Development Plan. 6.1.5 Com nity Action Community Action 41: Develop a distinctive identity for the Hamakua region to enable public and private industries to promote it as unique within the State of Hawai'i. (See Policy 112) Community Action 42: Coordinate regional, cross - sectoral economic development strategies. Community Action 43: Develop a high-tech, high - touch regional education, enterprise development, and research network. Community Action 44: 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 92 alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua'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 Hawai'i'sAgricultural Industry. (GP 14.2.2 (c)) See also: (GP 2.3 (a)) (GP 14.2.3 (e)); (GP 14.2.3 (1)); (GP 14.2.4.7.2) Assist other State agencies, such as the University of Hawai'i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i 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 q 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)) im 6.2.3 County Action Policy 115 Implement the County of Hawai'i 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 116 Develop increased capacity for County -level agricultural specialists to liaise and coordinate with State and Federal Agencies in improving and implementing policy, increasing agricultural education, and promoting opportunities for I expanding markets for locally grown products. Policy 117 INEncourage the establishment and continued operation of open farmers' markets to allow local agricultural producers to market their products. (GP 2.3 (u)) flicy 118 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 119 Amend Hawai'i 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. 93 Policy 120 Evaluate County Zoning Code Section 15-5- 72(a)(17) relating to "livestock production of piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding of livestock shall be [..] located no closer than one thousand feet away from any major public street or from any other zoning district." ■ Define what qualifies as a "piggery" or an "apiary';• ■ Determine if the minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any public street or other zone is appropriate for each use referenced,- recommend eferenced,recommend revision to minimum distance if research justifies adopting new minimum distances. Policy 121 Support the development of private, County, and 6.2.4 K6kua Action State of Hawaii Department of Education Kokua Action 67: Develop and support Farm to School programs and other programs designed to provide locally produced food to Planning Area schools. State of Hawaii, Department of Health (and Dept. of Ag — USDA) Kokua Action 68: Work with local farmers/producers to educate and facilitate the development and management of farmers markets within the Planning Area. (GP 2.3 (u)) State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) 1W %%hh, Policy 122 Cooperate with appropriate State 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)) See also: 4q%k Policy 43, see point #5 regarding Best Management Practices for agriculture and forestry. Policy 54: 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 126: 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)) 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. of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture kua Action 69: Support the development of agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities. (GP 14.2.3(k)) Kokua Action 70: 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/Hawai'i Community College Kokua Action 71: Prioritize development of programs and research that increases local agricultural capacity, including marketing and other small business training. 94 Kokua Action 72: Explore the feasibility of establishing an aquacultural program in the Hamakua Planning area for research, demonstration, and development purposes. (GP 2.4.2.2(i)) See also: State of Hawaii, Governor Kokua Action 29: Release allocated disaster funding to help taro farmers and residents of Waipi'o Valley to avoid future flood damage. (TSPTF recommendation) State Department of Agriculture Kokua Action 30: Apply for Specialty Crop Block Grants to strengthen taro production. Hawai'i State Legislature Kokua Action 7: Pass legislation enabling land j banks that counties can use to acquire tax - delinquent properties and use them to preserve qq agricultural land and open space 6.2.5 Community Actio Community Action 45: Strengthen local agriculture through the following: • Develop a marketing brand for Hamakua products (Assist in the promotion of prod u produced in Hamakua (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. • Develop agricultural cooperatives to facilitate farming collaborations, cost- and resource - sharing opportunities, provide a mechanism for marketing assistance and educational opportunities, and coordinate with County, State, and Federal agricultural specialists. Pursue the development of incubator community kitchens for the production of value-added agricultural products. Community Action 46: Promote farmers' market events as community and visitor gathering places. Community Action 47: To better address issues relating to the Lower Hamakua Ditch: form a cooperative community group (for example, a "Friends of the Lower Hamakua Ditch" group) composed of adjacent landowners to the ditch and other affected parties to advocate to and collaborate with the Department of Agriculture in developing a cooperative management plan that would seek to resolve issues relating to water quality, water efficiency, ditch maintenance, and to assess ditch trail access opportunities. See also: Community Action 44: Coordinate regional strategies to increase "buying local." Community Action 49: 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 Mana 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. 95 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 Hamakua's ecology, rural character, and cultural heritage. 6.3.2 County Action See also: manpower training programs shall be encouraged. (GP 14.3.5.2.2 (b)) 6.4.3 County Action Policy 123 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 Policy 126: Encourage the development of small of immediate short run economic benefits. (GP "bed and breakfast" type visitor 2.2(h)) accommodations, in particular those with <6.4.4 Kokua Acheritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes. (GP 14.7.5.9.2(b)) te of Hawaii, Workforce Development Division AM 1%6.3.3 Community Action Kokua Action 73: Community Action 48: Establish a con network of health and wellness service 6.4 Promote the Creative, Ed Research Sector ML 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)) 4.5 Community Action This section of the CDP guides the development of a E Community Action 49• Collaborate with farm regional education, enterprise development, and groups, community organizations, and County to research network. support the Kohala Center's research and training 6.4.1 Community Objective programs (i.e., the Beginner Farmer -Rancher Development program) • Community Objective 9: Encourage the increase and diversity of employment and living options for residents, including living wage jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow 6.5 Develop a Place -Based Visitor residents to work and shop close to home and Industry that complement Hamakua's ecology, rural This section of the CDP guides the development of a character, and cultural heritage. regional ho'okipa network—a place -based approach to community tourism. 6.4.2 Existing Policy Land Use Policy Intent Assistance to small businesses in obtaining loans and management education classes and 6.5.1 Community Objective Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's M. host culture and Hamakua'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 Policy 126 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 127 Encourage and assist in the promotion of festivals and events that celebrate regional culture, heritage, and agriculture. See also related: Community Action 14 any resort development shall complement the Community Action 45 character of the area. (GP 14.7.5.9.2 (a)) Community Action 51 Irp • Encourage the development of small hotels in Honoka'a. (GP 14.7.5.4.2(a)) licy 128 6.5.3 County Action Support the designation of sections of the Old Mamalahoa Highway as a scenic byway through Policy 124 the State Scenic Byway Program. Encourage the development of a visitor industry Policy 129 that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua and Encourage and provide incentives for businesses with the environmental and social goals of to develop and promote public restrooms for residents. (GP 2.3(c)) visitors along Highway 19. Policy 125 ee also: Encourage appropriate visitor -related uses and Policy 112: Develop a distinctive identity for facilities. Some examples of appropriate visito - Hamakua to enable public and private industries related uses and facilities are ones that: to promote it as unique within the State of 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. Hawai'i. (GP2.3 (o)) And Scenic policies in 4.5 Preserve Scenic Areas and Viewsheds; Policy 56: Explore the feasibility of developing a scenic route from the Waipi'o Valley Lookout extending mauka to connect to Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea. (See also related Policy 57) 97 6.5.4 K6kua Action Hawaii Tourism Authority K6kua Action 74: Encourage the development of a visitor industry that promotes small business development in harmony with the character of Hamakua 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 6.5.5 Community Action Community Action 5o: Develop a regional ho'okipa network—a place -based approach to community tourism. Community Action 51: Develop and support cultural festivals and events with a view to welcoming visitors. Community Action 52: Develop and promote public restroom facilities at various locations along Highway 419. .6 Revitalize Ham&ua's Town Centers This section primarily points to various policies throughout the CDP that encourage the rehabilitation and revitalization of the Planning long as they will not detract from the Area's commercial and town centers. natural beauty of the area); and/or. 6.6.1 Community Objective Offer an educational experience as well as recreational activities. Community Objective 10: Revitalize retail, • Encourage and assist in the promotion of service, dining, and entertainment centers that festivals and events that celebrate regional complement the community's rural character cults See also: Department K6kua.4 develop new scenic lookouts along Highway as appropriate to ensure ocean, mountain, and waterfall views are preserved from development. K6kua 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. Work with the Hawai'i Tourism authority to improve signage on the Highway and identify safe viewing locations. and culture. Community Objective 13: Promote appropriate rural tourism that welcomes guests for an alternative visitor experience. Promote Hawai'i's host culture and Hamakua'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 Hamakua District: • Encourage commercial activities within Honoka'a town to promote and enhance the history and culture of the paniolo and former sugar plantation. (GP 14.3.5.4.2 (c)) M. 6.6.3 County Action Policy 130 Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service- oriented industrial areas. (GP 14.4.5.4.2(b)) Policy 131 Develop underutilized private and public properties within existing towns to be used as gathering places, community gardens, open squares and markets, auxiliary parking lots (including park and ride areas), and parks (including pocket and art parks, and outdoor amphitheaters, etc.). Examples of underutilized parcels owned by the County are: ■ Honoka'a: TMK 4-5-005:010 on the corner of Mamane and Puakalo. ■ Papa'aloa: TMK 3-5-003:035 next to t Papa'aloa Gym. Policy 46: Support the development and promotion of Heritage Corridors as part of a coordinated effort to promote the roadways and towns of the Hamakua Planning Area. GP 6.3 (1) Policy 129: Encourage and provide incentives for businesses to develop and promote public restrooms for visitors along Highway 19. 6.6.4 Community Action Community Action 53: Promote the collaborative development, use, and management of community gardens in towns and neighborhoods. 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. (6-7Encourage he following General Plan priority: ■ '0'6kala: TMK 3-9-001:026 (Currently zoned IV Industrial) & TMK: 3-9-001:034 (betweencus on urban renewal of Honoka'a. (GP Jqql� 'O'6kala town and Highway 19. .3.5.4.2 (a) See also: rresponding Policy 15. Policy 3: Focus higher density residential (great Green Industries than 6 units/acre) and commercial areas in This section of the CDP guides sustainable, communities that can sustain a higher intensity ecologically sensitive approaches to economic of uses and where these residential and development. 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 Guide 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. 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 Hamakua'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 K6kua Action 73: 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)) 6.7.4 K6kua Action Hawai'i State Legislature Kokua 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)) Hawai'i Electric Light Company See also: 1% development of alternative energy resources and Kokua Action 65: Expand Net -Metering (NEM), the preservation of environmental fitness and Feed -in -Tariff (FIT) programs, and other similar ecologically significant areas. (GP 3.3 (e)) programs designed to lower costs and diversify • Strive to diversify the energy supply and minimize power sources. GP 3.3 (o) the environmental impacts associated with energy usage. (GP 3.3(k)) 6.7.5 Community Action 6.7.3 County Action Community Action 54: Develop local, renewable, Policy 132 distributed energy networks. 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 123: 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)) Community Action 55: 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 100 sustainable complement to Hamakua'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 S exemptions and permits. (HRS 205A-26). Subdividers of six or more lots, parcels, units, interests shall be required to dedicate land fc public access for pedestrian travel from a pul highway or street to the land below the high- 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 ci lhcictanra Support the efforts of landowners in establishing conservation and agricultural easements to preserve important resources Aolicn perpetuity. Py 47: 'County of Hawai'i Public Access and Trail Program.' (See policy for complete text) 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 Hamakua's Objectives. Seek to use conservation easements or acquisition opportunities through funding sources such as PONC, etc., once critical Policy 49: Where possible through permit conditions, easements, or acquisitions, the County of Hawai'i 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 52: Prioritize CIP funding for reconstruction of the Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp to provide safe and adequate access to ocean resources for subsistence fisher -people and recreational users; Policy 117: 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 K6kua Action and: K6kua 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. 101 K6kua 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. K6kua Action 38: 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. K6kua Action 39: 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 Laupahoehoe 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 39: Work with State an private landowners to develop and maintain additional trails for non -motorized recreation. v 1% 102