MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai‘i County Department of Planning will host events around Hawai‘i Island through October to solicit public feedback on proposed updates to the General Plan before the comment period closes on October 31, 2019.

Once adopted, the plan, referred to as General Plan 2040, will govern land use and development on Hawai‘i Island for the next 25 years. General Plan 2040 strives to position Hawai‘i Island for economic progress while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. Specific needs of each area of the Island have been evaluated to craft a sound growth strategy that directs future opportunities related to land use, zoning amendments and capital expenditures.

“General Plan 2040 incorporates issues that have emerged or become more urgent since the 2005 General Plan, such as climate change, healthy communities, integrated water resource management, renewable energy, food security, equitable housing, and a place-based economy,” said County Planning Director Michael Yee.

The Planning Department hosted community events throughout August and September to solicit public comments on General Plan 2040. Over the next several weeks, the public will have a last opportunity to give feedback prior to the end of the comment period.

The public is invited to drop in any of the Community Mini-SpeakOuts between 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.:

• October  16 at the Puku‘ana United Church of Christ in Captain Cook;
• October 24 at the Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School.

In addition, the Planning Department is holding several topical workshops:

• October  12 at the County of HawaiÊ»i Office of Aging in Hilo;
  • Land Use, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Economic Development, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• October 19 at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center Council Chambers in Kailua-Kona;
  • Infrastructure, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Natural Resources, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

• October  26 at the County of HawaiÊ»i Office of Aging in Hilo;
  • Infrastructure, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Natural Resources, 1 to 4 p.m.

“Planners have been keeping track of topic items emphasized or brought up repeatedly in various districts during the public sessions. We will focus on these items in greater detail during the topical workshops,” said Yee.

Once the public comment period ends, planners will incorporate comments and provide another public review period prior to moving the draft General Plan 2040 forward through the legislative process. The Windward and Leeward Planning Commission hearings are expected to begin by spring of next year. Members of the community are encouraged to be a part of the process and to testify during the hearings. The County Council is charged with final review and adoption.

The public can review General Plan 2040 online and give feedback at http://www.hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/gp2040/For more information contact the Planning Department, County of Hawai‘i 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3; Hilo, HI 96720.  Phone: (808) 961-8288.  Email: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov.  Those interested in keeping current with upcoming events, progress, and process can sign up for the Department’s eNews at http://www.hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/connect/.