County to Hold Public Meeting on Island’s Growth

Scenario Planning Workshops flier. HI County.

The Hawai‘i County Planning Department will hold Public Input Forums for East Hawai‘i on Tuesday, Aug. 23, and West Hawai‘i on Thursday, Aug. 25, in relation to the comprehensive review of the County General Plan.

(See “Public Input Forum Schedule” below.)

The County General Plan guides Hawai‘i Island’s long-term physical development.

The County General Plan is reviewed approximately every 10 years; the existing plan was adopted in 2005.

These forums are the next round of the more formal public input process with other opportunities to come later.

The current review began 18 months ago when Planning Director Duane Kanuha invited initial comments from the general public, community development plan action committees, planning commissions, the Hawai‘i County Council and various county/state agencies.

The county Planning Department has reviewed initial public input and has used data and analyses to develop a series of alternative scenarios for future patterns of growth and development.

“The General Plan affects everyone on Hawai‘i Island, as it sets the tone for all physical improvements and developments,” said Kanuha. “We encourage people in every island community to attend the input forums and share thoughts on our island’s long-term direction.”

The community can provide feedback on alternative future growth scenarios during the public input forums.

Public Input Forum Schedule

East Hawai‘i: Tuesday, Aug. 23
6–8 p.m.
25 Aupuni St, Room 1401, County Council Chambers

Hilo residents may also participate at remote sites:

• Waimea Community Center – 65-1260 Kawaihae Road
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility – 15-2910 Puna Road
• Na‘alehu Community Center – 95-5635 Māmalahoa Highway
• Kona Council Chambers – 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A

West Hawai‘i: Thursday, Aug. 25
6–8 p.m.
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A, County Council Chambers

Kona residents may also participate at remote sites:

• Waimea Community Center – 65-1260 Kawaihae Road
• Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility – 15-2910 Puna Road
• Na‘alehu Community Center – 95-5635 Māmalahoa Highway
• Hilo Council Chambers – 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401

The Public Input Forums will be made available online after the events to provide for additional public review and comments.

After the forums, the Planning Department will analyze all input received and research gathered, along with upcoming small group stakeholder meetings, to develop recommendations for
General Plan revisions, which are anticipated for public review and comment by Summer of 2017.

For more information about the General Plan and upcoming public input forums, go online.

To receive email updates, go online.

All comments and questions are welcome.

Submit written comments and questions by mail to the Hawai‘i County Planning Department, 101 Pauahi St., Ste. 3, Hilo, HI 96720; by phone via (808) 961-8288; and by email to [email protected].