Hawai‘i County general plan in final recommended draft stages following months of community outreach

After seven months of taking input from the community, Hawai‘i County will now work on its final recommended draft for the county’s general plan.

The General Plan holds significant importance for every resident of Hawaiʻi Island, as it establishes the vision, policies, and actions necessary to enhance the overall quality of life. It addresses crucial topics such as active living, climate change, quality jobs, housing choice and affordability, local economy and traffic.

The comprehensive review, initiated in 2015 by the Planning Department, sought input from the island-wide community, stakeholders, numerous county and state agencies, Community Development Plan Action Committees and the Hawaiʻi County Council.

The insights gathered from the community outreach activities have been instrumental in shaping the draft, officials stated.

The department will release the Final Recommended Draft by July 29, 2024, and hold one last round of public workshops.

The public participation opportunity was open from Sept. 18, 2023, to April 1, 2024. Now, planners will carefully evaluate and incorporate the feedback received into a Final Recommended Draft, marking the beginning of the adoption process.

At the close of the public comment period, the Final Recommended Draft and public comments will be forwarded to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions, who will have 150 days to offer their recommendations to the county council.

All community members are encouraged to participate in the process.

The council, responsible for the final review and adoption, will also provide an opportunity for public testimony.

Stay informed about upcoming events, progress, and the overall process by signing up for the Department’s eNews at www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/connect.

For more information about the overall GP Comprehensive Review process, click here.

You may contact the Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, by phone at 808-961-8288, or by email at GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov.