County of Hawaiʻi

GENERAL PLAN 2045

Planning for a Sustainable Future

June 2026

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COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I STATE OF HAWAI‘I

BILL NO. 66 (DRAFT 2)

ORDINANCE NO. 26 46

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I GENERAL PLAN 2045 AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 05-025, AS AMENDED.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt a General Plan in compliance with Section 3-15, Hawai‘i County Charter and to repeal the 2005 General Plan adopted by Ordinance No. 05-025, as amended.

SECTION 2. The attached document identified as Appendix A, which also includes the General Plan Land Use Maps and the Facilities Maps, is hereby adopted as the Hawai‘i County General Plan.

SECTION 3. Ordinance No. 05-025 (2005 General Plan) and subsequent amending Ordinance Nos. 06-153, 07-070, 09-161, and 14-087 are hereby repealed.

SECTION 4. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY: ⬚ figure COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I

Hilo , Hawai‘i Date of Introduction: May 20,,2026 Date of 1st Reading: May 20, 2026 Date of 2nd Reading: June 3, 2026 Effective Date: June 26, 2026

REFERENCE Comm. 372.30

Acknowledgements

County Agencies

Aging CDP Action Committees Civil Defense Corporation Counsel County Council Environmental Mgmt. (Solid Waste & Wastewater) Finance Fire Housing & Community Devel. Leeward Planning Commission Mass Transit Mayor & Managing Director Parks & Recreation Planning Police Prosecuting Attorney Public Works Research & Development Water Supply Windward Planning Commission

State Agencies

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Commission Dept. of Agriculture Dept. of Health Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands Dept. of Land & Natural Resources Dept. of Transportation Energy Office Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corp. Office of Planning & Sustainable Development Transit Oriented Development Council University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa

Federal Agencies

Dept. of Housing & Urban Devel. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Housing Assoc. Forest Service National Park Service & Ala Kahakai

Consultants

(research & analysis)

City Explained Clarion Associates Dept. of Urban & Regional Planning (UHM) Focused Planning Solutions Munekiyo Hiraga Placeways Planning Consultants Hawaiʻi Smart Growth America SMS Hawaiʻi Research & Marketing

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ____________________________________________________________________ 24 1.1 Purpose and Authority of the General Plan _______________________________________ 27 1.2 History of the Plan ___________________________________________________________ 28 1.3 Planning Process ____________________________________________________________ 29 1.4 Sustainability Principles and Practices __________________________________________ 31 1.5 County Planning System and General Plan Framework ____________________________ 32 1.6 Grounded Vision and Goals ___________________________________________________ 34
2. Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship _____________________________________________ 36 2.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________ 37 2.2 Biocultural Stewardship Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ____________________ 40 2.3 Natural Beauty Sites _________________________________________________________ 49
3. Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health __________________________________ 55 3.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________ 56 3.2 Climate Change Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ____________________________ 68
4. Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities ________________________________ 72 4.1 Land Use ___________________________________________________________________ 73 4.1.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 74 4.1.2 Land Use Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ____________________________ 79 4.1.3 Overview of Land Use Designations and Maps ______________________________ 83 4.1.4 Urban Growth Areas _____________________________________________________ 86 4.1.5 Rural _________________________________________________________________ 97 4.1.6 Agriculture ___________________________________________________________ 100 4.2 Transportation Access and Mobility ____________________________________________ 103 4.2.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 104 4.2.2 Transportation Goal, Objective, Policies, and Actions _________________________ 108 4.2.3 Active Living Corridors and Public Access __________________________________ 110 4.2.4 Mass Transit __________________________________________________________ 113 4.2.5 Roadways ____________________________________________________________ 115 4.2.6 Transportation Terminals: Airports and Harbors _____________________________ 122 4.3 Public Utilities ______________________________________________________________ 124 4.3.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________________ 125 4.3.2 Public Utilities Goal, Objective, Policies, and Actions _________________________ 130

4.3.3 Drinking Water Conservation ____________________________________ 131

4.3.4 Wastewater Treatment and Reuse_______________________________ 135

4.3.5 Stormwater Infiltration and Green Infrastructure __________________ 140

4.3.6 Electricity and Renewable Energy _______________________________ 144

4.3.7 Telecommunications and Broadband Connectivity _________________ 147

4.4 Public Facilities and Services ______________________________________ 151

4.4.1 Introduction _________________________________________________ 152

4.4.2 Public Facilities and Services Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ___ 155

4.4.3 Protective Services ___________________________________________ 156

4.4.4 Solid Waste Management ______________________________________ 161

4.4.5 Education __________________________________________________ 164

4.4.6 Recreation__________________________________________________ 168

4.4.7 Community Health and Wellness ________________________________ 175

4.5 Housing for All __________________________________________________ 178

4.5.1 Introduction _________________________________________________ 179

4.5.2 Housing Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ____________________ 182

4.6 Integrated Systems_______________________________________________ 186

4.6.1 Introduction _________________________________________________ 187

4.6.2 Integrated Systems Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions ___________ 188

5. Thriving, Diverse, and Regenerative Economy__________________________ 191

5.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________ 192

5.2 Economic Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions _____________________ 197

5.3 Agriculture and Food Systems _____________________________________ 201

5.4 Visitor Industry ________________________________________________ 209

6. Implementation and Monitoring ______________________________________ 214

6.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________ 215

6.2 County Planning System __________________________________________ 216

6.3 Capital Improvements Program ____________________________________ 220

6.4 Monitoring and Evaluation ________________________________________ 221

7. References ______________________________________________________ 256

8. Policy Maps ______________________________________________________ 264

Table of Contents | County of Hawai‘i General Plan 4

List of Tables

Table 42: | Economic Challenges | 195 Table 43: | Economic Opportunities | 196 Table 44: | Indicators – Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship | 224 Table 45: | Indicators – Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health | 225 Table 46: | Indicators – Land Use | 225 Table 47: | Indicators – Transportation Access and Mobility | 226 Table 48: | Indicators – Public Utilities | 227 Table 49: | Indicators – Public Facilities and Services | 227 Table 50: | Indicators – Housing for All | 228 Table 51: | Indicators – Integrated Systems | 229 Table 52: | Indicators – Thriving, Diverse, and Regenerative Economy | 229 Table 53: | Implementation Table – Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship | 232 Table 54: | Implementation Table – Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health | 235 Table 55: | Implementation Table – Land Use | 236 Table 56: | Implementation Table – Transportation Access and Mobility | 239 Table 57: | Implementation Table – Public Utilities | 241 Table 58: | Implementation Table – Public Facilities and Services | 244 Table 59: | Implementation Table – Housing for All | 249 Table 60: | Implementation Table – Integrated Systems | 251 Table 61: | Implementation Table – Thriving, Diverse, and Regenerative Economy | 251

List of Figures

Figure 1: | Timeline of Hawai‘i County Long-Range Plans | 29 Figure 2: | Comprehensive Review Process | 30 Figure 3: | County Planning System | 32 Figure 4: | Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Hawai‘i | 57 Figure 5: | Hawai‘i County Sector Overview of MTCO2e for Years 2005, 2015, and 2017 | 58 Figure 6: | Layers of Land Use Planning | 75 Figure 7: | Modal Hierarchy | 120 Figure 8: | Summary of Hawai‘i Island Agricultural Footprint and Changes Between | | | | 2015 and 2020 | 202 Figure 9: | Hawai‘i Island Agricultural Footprint | 203 Figure 10: | Integrated Destination Management System Pillars | 210 Figure 11: | County Planning System | 216 Figure 12: | Phases of Implementation | 222

List of Maps

Map 1: | Districts and Town | 265 Map 2: | Draft General Plan Land Use: Overview Map | 266 Map 3: | Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map A | 267

List of Tables, Figures, and Maps | County of Hawai‘i General Plan 6

Map 4: Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map B __________________________________________ 268 Map 5: Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map C __________________________________________ 269 Map 6: Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map D __________________________________________ 270 Map 7: Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map E __________________________________________ 271 Map 8: Draft General Plan Land Use: Detailed Map F __________________________________________ 272 Map 9: Population Density_________________________________________________________________ 273 Map 10: State Land Use __________________________________________________________________ 274 Map 11: Draft General Plan Road Recommendations (Island Wide) ________________________________ 275 Map 12: Draft General Plan Road Recommendations (Inset) ______________________________________ 276 Map 13: Federal-Aid Road Functional Classification (Island Wide) _________________________________ 277 Map 14: Federal-Aid Road Functional Classification (Inset)_______________________________________ 278 Map 15: County of Hawai‘i Street Typology (Island Wide) ________________________________________ 279 Map 16: County of Hawai‘i Street Typology (Inset) _____________________________________________ 280 Map 17: Harbors, Airports and Transit Facilities (Island Wide) ____________________________________ 281 Map 18: Harbors, Airports and Transit Facilities (Inset)__________________________________________ 282 Map 19: Natural Resources ________________________________________________________________ 283 Map 20: Cultural Resources _______________________________________________________________ 284 Map 21: Aquifers ________________________________________________________________________ 285 Map 22: Wastewater Facilities (Island Wide)___________________________________________________ 286 Map 23: Wastewater Facilities (Inset) ________________________________________________________ 287 Map 24: Affordable Housing Projects (Island Wide) ____________________________________________ 288 Map 25: Affordable Housing Projects (Inset) __________________________________________________ 289 Map 26: Public Facilities (Island Wide)_______________________________________________________ 290 Map 27: Public Facilities (Inset West) _______________________________________________________ 291 Map 28: Public Facilities (Inset East) ________________________________________________________ 292 Map 29: Critical Facilities Map A (Island Wide) ________________________________________________ 293 Map 30: Critical Facilities Map A (Inset) ______________________________________________________ 294 Map 31: Critical Facilities Map B (Island Wide) ________________________________________________ 295 Map 32: Critical Facilities Map B (Inset) ______________________________________________________ 296 Map 33: Wildfire Risk Area_________________________________________________________________ 297 Map 34: Lava Flow Hazard Zones ___________________________________________________________ 298 Map 35: Flood Hazard Areas (Island Wide) ____________________________________________________ 299 Map 36: Flood Hazard Areas (Inset East) _____________________________________________________ 300 Map 37: Flood Hazard Areas (Inset West) _____________________________________________________ 301 Map 38: Sea Level Rise, Costal Flood Zone (Island Wide) ________________________________________ 302 Map 39: Sea Level Rise, Costal Flood Zone (Inset East) __________________________________________ 303 Map 40: Sea Level Rise, Costal Flood Zone (Inset West) _________________________________________ 304 Map 41: Dam Location, Streams ____________________________________________________________ 305 Map 42: Tsunami Evacuation Zone (Island Wide) _______________________________________________ 306 Map 43: Tsunami Evacuation Zone (Inset East) _________________________________________________ 307 Map 44: Tsunami Evacuation Zone (Inset West) ________________________________________________ 308 Map 45: DHHL Lands (Island Wide) __________________________________________________________ 309 Map 46: DHHL Lands (Inset) ________________________________________________________________ 310

List of Tables, Figures, and Maps | County of Hawai‘i General Plan 7

Glossary

The following list, arranged alphabetically, provides definitions for planning terms used throughout this document. The translations for Hawaiian words are taken and adapted as necessary from Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, available online at https://wehewehe.org/.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) means a structure or portion thereof designed and used for single-family residential purposes and which can be detached from or attached to an existing residence, to be used for single-family occupancy and containing one kitchen.

Action Committee (AC) is a citizen-composed committee established for an adopted community development plan and administered by the Planning Department.

Actions specify how a planning policy will be implemented. Actions are meant to be refined during the process of implementation in consideration of available resources, more detailed analysis, feasibility, and other factors. Thus, these actions are not legally binding but are meant to provide specific directional guidance for plan implementation and to be implemented in good faith.

Active Living Corridor is a planned or existing linear space within a community designed to promote physical activity, active transportation, and community interaction. These corridors often integrate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails, connecting residential areas with key destinations like parks, schools, shopping centers, and public transit stations. The design of active living corridors prioritizes safety, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, encouraging residents to engage in walking, jogging, cycling, and other forms of active recreation as part of their daily routines. These corridors contribute to public health by facilitating active lifestyles and reducing reliance on motor vehicles, thereby promoting sustainable and vibrant urban environments.

Active Transportation (or non-motorized transportation) refers to any way of getting from place to place that is powered by human energy, such as walking or cycling.

Adaptation is the process of observing changes in social, environmental, and economic systems and adjusting operations to meet present and anticipated future needs.

Affordable Housing consists of dwelling units that may be rented or purchased at cost levels that can be afforded by persons or families who are within the definition of “qualified households” and whose total household income is within the affordable housing income guidelines, as defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.

Agricultural Parks are areas set aside by the State of Hawai‘i, specifically for agricultural activities to encourage the continuation or initiation of such agricultural operations. The State’s Agricultural Parks Program makes land available to small farmers at a reasonable cost with long-term tenure.

Agricultural-Based Commercial Operations are allowed on lands within the State Land Use Agricultural District and includes a roadside stand, retail activities, retail food establishment, farmers’ market, and food hub (in accordance with HRS 205-2(d)(15)).

Agriculture Tourism (or agritourism) is tourism related to experiencing and appreciating agriculture products, settings, and lifestyles.

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Ahupua‘a is a Native Hawaiian comprehensive and holistic system of careship of biocultural and sociopolitical systems and resources that are inclusive of wao or horizontal bioregions.

‘Āina is a Hawaiian term that means land or earth that sustains and feeds the ecosystems and its communities.

Alternative Energy refers to energy sources other than fossil fuels. This includes all renewable sources.

Anchialine Pools are unique and sensitive coastal groundwater features found in Hawai‘i and other volcanic islands. These pools are landlocked bodies of water that have varying levels of salinity due to their connection with both freshwater from precipitation and seawater from the ocean through underground channels. Anchialine pools are typically shallow and characterized by their clear, calm waters, often hosting diverse ecosystems that include endemic species adapted to the fluctuating salinity levels. They are culturally significant in Hawai‘i and provide habitat for unique flora and fauna, making their conservation crucial for biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Aquaculture is the production of aquatic plant or animal life for food or fiber within ponds and other bodies of water, as defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.

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.

Biosphere Reserve Buffer Zone (BRBZ) is enacted either separately or as an overlay district for the Volcano area, to guide development within the region’s native forest through regulatory measures and economic incentives.

Brownfield is an abandoned or underused site where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or perceived presence of contamination.

Bulk Regulations are standards that govern the provisions for lots based on housing type and by zoning district. Bulk regulations include:

• Height limit
• Minimum building site area
• Minimum building site average width
• Minimum yards
• Setbacks
• Floor area ratio

Capital Improvements comprise all forms of physical structures intended for long-term use by the public and include roads, water and sewer systems, communication systems, flood control structures, other forms of infrastructure, and facilities such as active recreation areas and buildings, meeting rooms, public safety operation centers, government service centers and other structures supporting public activities.

Capital Improvements Budget is adopted by ordinance for the ensuing fiscal year.

Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is a six-year program of planned capital improvements that sets forth what improvements will be funded, when each will be funded, and how much each will cost. It is provided to Hawai‘i County Council for information purposes for the ensuing six fiscal years.

Cesspool is any buried chamber including but not limited to any metal tank, perforated concrete vault, or covered hollow or excavation, which receives or discharges sanitary sewage from a building sewer to collect solids or discharge liquids to the surrounding soil. Cesspools are not an approved method of sewage disposal under these regulations and all existing cesspools are substandard.

Climate Adaption refers to actions that adjust to actual or expected future climate with the goal of reducing risks from the harmful effects of climate change and maximizing any potential benefit opportunities.

Climate Change refers to the long-term (usually at least 30 years) regional or even global average of temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades. Human-induced climate change is resulting in global warming, the long-term heating of Earth’s surface.

Climate Change Impacts refer to the effect on social, economic, and environmental systems that are caused by human-driven climate change including, but not limited to, increases in natural disaster severity, unstable and extreme weather patterns, and loss of native ecosystems.

Glossary | County of Hawai‘i General Plan 9

Climate Mitigation means actions and strategies aimed at reducing the risk of harm and damage to human communities, natural ecosystems, infrastructure, and the economy due to the impacts of climate change. These actions and strategies include but are not limited to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Climate Resilience is the ability to is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate change. Improving climate resilience involves assessing how climate change will create new, or alter current, climate-related risks, and taking steps to better cope with these risks.

Cluster refers to a concentrated grouping of buildings, activities, or land uses within a defined area. The concept of clustering is used to promote efficient land use, enhance connectivity, and foster synergies among different functions or uses. Clusters can include residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use developments that are strategically located to optimize infrastructure and resources while minimizing environmental impacts. Planning for clusters often involves zoning regulations, design guidelines, and infrastructure investments to support compact, walkable, and sustainable development patterns.

Cluster Plan Development (CPD) refers to a land use planning strategy where residential or commercial development is concentrated in specific areas while preserving larger portions of the land as open space or natural areas. In this approach, buildings are grouped closely together, often in a compact or clustered manner, rather than being evenly dispersed across a site. Cluster development aims to promote efficient land use, preserve natural resources, and protect sensitive environmental areas by reducing overall land disturbance and infrastructure costs. It can also foster a sense of community by encouraging shared open spaces and

amenities among residents or businesses within the development. (See Hawai‘i County Code 25-6-20)

Clustered Rural Subdivision is a type of land development where residential lots are grouped together in compact clusters or nodes within a larger rural area. This approach contrasts with traditional rural subdivisions where lots are typically larger and spread out across the landscape.

Coastal High Hazard Areas include tsunami inundation, sea level, rise, and special flood hazard areas.

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Area encompasses all lands of the State of Hawai‘i and the area extending seaward from the shoreline to the limit of the State’s police power and management authority, including the United States territorial sea.

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program was created through passage of the Federal CZM Act of 1972. The Hawai‘i Coastal Zone Management Program is a State program that was enacted to focus on a common focus for state and county actions dealing with land and water uses and activities. As the State’s resource management policy umbrella, it is the guiding perspective for the design and implementation of allowable land and water uses and activities throughout the State. Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 205A requires the legal and operational compliance with CZM objectives and policies.

Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship represents an approach to sustainable development that emphasizes collaboration and partnership building among stakeholders and refers to the integration of cultural and natural resource management strategies to promote conservation, sustainability, and resilience.

Community Conservation Areas are natural or modified ecosystems, including significant biodiversity, ecological services, and cultural values, voluntarily conserved by local communities through customary laws or other effective means.

Community Development Plan (CDP) is a regional community plan for a specific planning area, typically comprising, but not necessarily bounded by, one or more of the County’s judicial districts.

Community-Based Food System are networks of farms and food businesses that do business in order to build community health, wealth, connection, and capacity, as well as to sustain themselves financially.

Cottage Industry is a small-scale industry that can be carried on at home generally by family members using their own equipment.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multidisciplinary approach of crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments.

Critical Environmental Areas include but are not limited to:

• Watershed and recharge areas
• Wildlife habitats (on land and in the ocean)
• Areas with endangered species of plants and wildlife
• Natural streams and water bodies
• Scenic and recreational shoreline resources
• Open space and natural areas
• Historic and cultural sites
• Areas particularly sensitive to reduction in water and air quality; and scenic resources
• Lands designated for acquisition by public agencies for conservation and natural resource protection
• Lands designated as Conservations in the State Land Use (SLU), Future Land Use maps, or Zoning maps
• Identified wetlands

Critical Facilities include public and private facilities that need to be operational during and after a hazardous event to meet public health and safety needs, or to speed economic recovery.

Critical Habitat is a specific geographic area that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery.

Demand Management, or Transportation Demand Management, is a defined set of strategies aimed at maximizing traveler choices.

Development is the placement or erection of any solid material, grading, grubbing, or extraction of any materials, change in density or intensity of use of land, or construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of any structure.

Development Rights are the rights to develop land by a land owner who maintains fee simple ownership over the land or by a party other than the owner who has obtained the rights to develop. Such rights usually are expressed in terms of density allowed under existing zoning. (See Transfer of Development Rights).

Director is the Planning Director unless otherwise specified.

Eco-Industrial parks include a community of firms that exchange and make use of each other’s byproducts.

Ecosystem Services include any positive benefit that wildlife or ecosystems provide to people. The benefits can be direct or indirect, small or large.

Eco-Tourism in Hawai‘i refers to sustainable travel and recreation activities that prioritize the conservation of Hawai‘i’s unique natural environment, cultural heritage, and local communities. It involves exploring and appreciating Hawai‘i’s diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes, while supporting efforts to protect these environments. Ecotourism in Hawai‘i encourages responsible behaviors among visitors, such as respecting wildlife, minimizing waste, and supporting local businesses that prioritize environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. This approach aims to ensure that tourism benefits Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural

resources while fostering awareness and appreciation of its unique island ecosystems.

Embodied Carbon in the building industry refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the lifecycle of building materials, including extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal.

Endemic Species are native species that are unique to a defined geographical location. They are of conservation concern because they are not widespread and may be confined to only one or two areas.

Energy Producer is any entity that produces energy of any kind, including (without limitation) gas or oil-fueled, coal, nuclear, hydro, chemical reaction, electromagnetic, wave or tidal action, biofuels-based, geothermal, and renewable energy production.

Energy Sustainability Standards or certificates are voluntary guidelines used by producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers, and service providers to demonstrate their commitment to good environmental, social, ethical, and safety practices. (E.g., LEED)

Environmental Justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Environmental Stewardship involves the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices to enhance ecosystem resilience and human wellbeing.

Equity means the consideration of cumulative impacts on lower- and middle-income individuals and historically marginalized groups during decision-making.

Firm Generation is energy available on demand, which can be adjusted as needed.

Food Insecurity is defined as the "limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways."

Functional Classification describes the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes or systems according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

Functional Plan is typically a public agency plan that addresses a specific need, program, or issue usually prepared by the agency responsible for implementation that may but is not required to be adopted by resolution.

General Plan is the County's policy document for the long-range comprehensive development and preservation of the Island of Hawaiʻi pursuant to provisions for its purposes and contents, as set forth in Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes and the County Charter.

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a spatial system that creates, manages, analyzes, and maps all types of data.

Gig Economy is a labor market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees. This segment of the service economy often involves connecting clients and customers through an online platform.

Green Infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and other elements and practices to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create healthier urban environments. Green infrastructure detains stormwater or directs it to engineered systems for infiltration or remediation at a slower rate before it enters groundwater, sewer systems, or aquatic or marine environments.

Greenfield Development is any kind of real estate development in previously undeveloped areas.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and influencing Earth's climate. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), fluorinated gases, and water vapor. They absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range, which warms the planet's surface and lower atmosphere. Human

activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution, leading to global warming and climate change.

Greenhouse Gas Effect refers to the process by which greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. This absorption and re-emission of energy create a warming effect, similar to how a greenhouse traps heat, hence the term “greenhouse effect”.

Harden (or 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.

High-Risk Hazard Areas are areas within the Coastal High Hazard Area or Lava Flow Hazard Zones 1 or 2.

Historic District is a geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development. In addition, historic districts consist of contributing and non-contributing properties. Historic districts possess a concentration, linkage, or continuity of the other four types of properties. Objects, structures, buildings, and sites within a historic district are usually thematically linked by architectural style or designer, date of development, distinctive urban plan, and/or historic associations. Under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 6E, a historic property is an object, district, structure, site, or building that is 50 years or older. Historic properties that meet the significance criteria and retain historic integrity may be eligible for, or listed to, the

Hawai‘i or National Register of Historic Places.

Hub and Spoke are a centralized location within a specific service area. The hub generally has various passenger amenities including information, shelter, benches, bicycle storage, restrooms, security, and lighting. The hubs are served by transit routes or “spokes”, which are those localized routes providing neighborhood connections to the hubs.

Impact Fee is a fee levied on the developer or builder of a project by the County or other public agency as compensation for otherwise unmitigated impacts the project will probably produce.

Impervious Surface (or Impervious Area) is any hard-surfaced, man-made area that does not readily absorb or retain water.

Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) State Designation, 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. Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) means those lands that: (1) are capable of producing sustained high agricultural yields when treated and managed according to accepted farming methods and technology; (2) contribute to the State's economic base and produce agricultural commodities for export or local consumption; or (3) are needed to promote the expansion of agricultural activities and income for the future, even if currently not in production.

Incompatible Development, or (Incompatible Land Use), is the transfer over a property line of negative economic or environmental effects.

Indigenous Data Science applies data science principles to issues relevant to Indigenous communities while respecting their knowledge systems and cultural practices. It emphasizes data sovereignty, ensuring Indigenous control over data, and cultural relevance, aligning methodologies with Indigenous worldviews. The field prioritizes community engagement, ethical considerations, and capacity building within Indigenous communities. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches and advocating for

Glossary | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

13

Indigenous rights, Indigenous data science aims to empower communities and support their self- determination and governance.

Infill Development is the development of vacant land or rehabilitation of existing structures in already urbanized areas where infrastructure and services are in place.

Innovative Housing includes the efficient and creative use of spaces, features, and amenities both within the overall development and individual homes. Examples of innovative housing include factory-built homes and manufactured housing, modular and volumetric builds, panelized wall systems, accessory dwelling units (ADU), and alternatives to lumber and wood framing.

Integrated Resource Plans is the identification of the resources or the mix of resources for meeting near and long-term consumer energy needs in an efficient and reliable manner at the lowest reasonable cost including the need and timing of any new generation and new cross-island transmission lines.

Intergenerational Equity refers to the principle of fairness and justice between different generations. It emphasizes the responsibility of current generations to manage resources and make decisions in ways that do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This concept is central to sustainable development, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental policies consider long-term impacts. Intergenerational equity seeks to balance the needs and rights of present and future populations, promoting sustainability and continuity over time.

Invasive Species are alien species that have been introduced to an area, arriving through human intervention, and cause or could cause harm in at least one of three areas: the environment, the economy, or human health.

Kākou is the Hawaiian pronoun for we (inclusive, three or more).

Kuleana is a Hawaiian word that means right, privilege, concern, responsibility.

Kūpuna is a Hawaiian word that means elders.

Land Study Bureau (LSB) Detailed Land Classification is based on the Land Study Bureau of the University of Hawai‘i’s inventory and evaluation of the State’s land resources. The Bureau grouped all lands in the State, except those in the urban district, into homogeneous units of land types; described their condition and environment; rated the land on its overall quality in terms of agricultural productivity; appraised its performance for selected alternative crops; and delineated the various land types and groupings based on soil properties and productive capabilities.

Large Development is the creation of 25 or more residential units, or commercial, industrial, or resort space of 30,000 square feet of gross floor area or any combination greater than 35,000 square feet of gross floor area. (See Development)

Leachate is formed when rain water filters through wastes placed in a landfill. When this liquid comes in contact with buried wastes, it leaches, or draws out, chemicals or constituents from those wastes.

Level of Service (LOS) Standard is a measure of the relationship between service capacity and service demand for public facilities.

Lo‘i is a traditional Hawaiian taro patch, designed specifically for cultivating taro (kalo) in wetland environments. These patches are often found in valleys or along streambanks, where they can be irrigated and flooded to create optimal growing conditions.

Loko I‘a is an ancestral Hawaiian fishpond that is a unique aquaculture system that optimizes natural patterns of watersheds, nutrient cycles, and fish biology. Loko I‘a feed and connect communities.

Low- and Moderate-Income families earn less than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) for the County of Hawai‘i, based on 2010 or 2020 Census data.

Low-Impact Development (LID) is a general term for a wide array of site planning principles and engineered treatment practices used to manage both water runoff volume and water quality. (See green infrastructure)

Low-Impact Development (LID) Best Practices include undisturbed pervious areas, vegetated filter strips, grass channels, rain gardens, edible landscapes, stormwater planters, dry wells, rainwater harvesting, bioretention areas, and dry swales.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) was created by the United States Tax Reform Act of 1986 and gives state and local agencies the authority to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households.

Makai is a Hawaiian word that means toward the ocean.

Master Plan is a private land-use plan focused on one or more sites within an area that identifies site access and general improvements and is intended to guide growth and development over a number of years, or in several phases.

Mauka is a Hawaiian word that means inland or toward the upland.

Microgrid is a local energy grid with control capability, which means it can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously.

Micromobility is any small, low-speed, human- or electric-powered transportation device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.

Missing Middle Housing is a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units, compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes, located in a walkable neighborhood. Missing Middle Housing refers to housing types that fall somewhere between a single-family home and mid-rise apartment buildings, such as townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard clusters.

Mixed-Use is a land use pattern that integrates compatible residential, commercial, industrial, office, institutional, or other uses.

Mixed-Use Development is a structure with multiple functions, such as residential and commercial

Multimodal Transportation describes the practice of integrating multiple forms of transportation into the planning process. Examples include pedestrian, cycling, automobile, and mass transit.

Native Species include plant and animal species that arrived in Hawai‘i without the assistance of humans.

Natural Hazards are dangerous natural events that can threaten life and property. Examples include wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, and tsunamis.

Natural Systems Planning refers to the land use planning process of working toward the goal of protecting, conserving, and improving the biodiversity and sustainability of a region’s natural systems.

Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. This balance is typically achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offsetting any remaining emissions through measures such as carbon removal or carbon offsetting projects. The ultimate goal of net zero is to limit global warming to a level considered safe and sustainable, aiming to stabilize the Earth’s climate by reducing the overall impact of human activities on the environment. Achieving net zero emissions is a critical component of global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) describes opposition by residents to proposed developments in the local area, often due to concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment, property values, and quality of life.

One Water is an integrated and holistic approach to managing all aspects of the water cycle— drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and other water resources—as a single, interconnected system. This framework emphasizes the interdependence of different water sources and seeks to maximize the sustainable use of water resources through coordinated management and policy-making.

Open Space is largely undeveloped land or water body which is free of structures and equipment, except for those incidental to the permitted uses. Open space may include the following: flood protection, creating a sense of special separation from incompatible land uses, areas for agricultural operations, passive recreation, active recreation, conservation uses, forests, or historical site preservation. Lands with a general slope of 20 per cent or more that provide open space amenities or possess unusual scenic qualities. Lands necessary for the preservation of forests, park lands, wilderness and beach/shoreline areas.

Operating Budget is a complete financial plan for the current operations of the county and its agencies and executive agencies in the ensuing fiscal year, showing all funds and reserves.

Optimal is most desirable or satisfactory.

Overlay is an area where certain additional requirements are superimposed upon a base zoning district or underlying district and where the requirements of the base or underlying district may or may not be altered.

Overlay Zone is a zoning designation applied to a specific geographic area that imposes additional standards on top of the underlying zoning regulations and are used to address particular issues or goals that may not be adequately addressed by the base zoning district alone. Common purposes of overlay zones include special management area, promoting environmental conservation, managing floodplains, encouraging mixed-

use development, or enhancing design standards.

Paratransit is special transportation services for people with disabilities and the elderly, often provided as a supplement to fixed-route bus systems by public transit agencies.

Performance Conditions are requirements or obligations that an applicant must complete before certain rights or obligations can take effect.

Permeable refers to a pavement system with traditional strength characteristics, but which allows rainfall to percolate through it rather than running off.

Placemaking is a multifaceted 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.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) refers to a zoning and development strategy that allows for flexibility in land use and design within a defined area. It typically involves a comprehensive plan for mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, with an emphasis on preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. PUDs are intended to encourage innovative land use planning while ensuring compatibility with surrounding areas and meeting community needs.

Planning Areas are the geographical regions that define the community development plan boundaries.

Planning Commission refers to either the Leeward Planning Commission or the Windward Planning Commission. The two Planning Commissions consist of members appointed from within each judicial district, advise the Mayor, County Council, and Planning Director on land use matters pursuant to law and the Hawai‘i County Charter.

Pono is a Hawaiian word that means goodness, uprightness, morality, moral qualities, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being,

prosperity, welfare, benefit, behalf, equity, sake, true condition or nature, duty; moral, fitting, proper, righteous, right, upright, just, virtuous, fair, beneficial, successful, in perfect order, used in this plan to describe an aspirational course of action.

Principle is a professionally accepted practice or guiding rule used by planning agencies and professional planners in formulating policies and standards for community development.

Project District is a comprehensive planning method which provides for a flexible planning approach and incorporates a variety of uses as well as open space, parks, and other project uses, as further defined in the Hawai‘i County Code.

Pu‘u is a Hawaiian word that means any protuberance including a hill, mountain, cone, peak, or elevation.

Rangeland refers to large, natural landscapes such as grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and deserts that are primarily used for grazing livestock and wildlife. These areas are characterized by native vegetation, open spaces, and minimal human modification. Rangelands provide essential ecosystem services, including habitat for wildlife, soil stabilization, water filtration, and carbon sequestration. They are managed to balance the needs of livestock production, conservation, and recreation while maintaining ecological health and sustainability.

Regenerative Agriculture is a farming approach that focuses on restoring and enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. It employs practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and holistic grazing to improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and promote beneficial soil microorganisms. This method aims to sequester carbon, improve water retention, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, contributing to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Regenerative agriculture not only enhances farm productivity and profitability but also supports environmental health and climate change mitigation.

Regenerative Tourism is a movement that seeks to balance the economics of tourism with the well-being of communities, natural resources, and culture. This includes attracting and educating positive-impact travelers and group attendees who are mindful of how they respect and interact with residents, or how their movement through Hawai‘i impacts the environment positively, and of how they value and respect the Hawaiian culture and other cultures of Hawai‘i.

Regional Centers are intended for mixed-use and higher-density residential, retail, commercial, employment, and/or regional one-of-a-kind facilities, such as major civic, medical, educational, and entertainment facilities.

Renewable Energy refers to energy derived from natural resources that are continually replenished on a human timescale. These resources include sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, renewable energy sources are considered sustainable and environmentally friendly. Technologies used to harness renewable energy, such as solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower plants, and geothermal systems, generate electricity and heat without depleting natural resources or significantly contributing to climate change. Embracing renewable energy plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting energy security and economic resilience.

Resilience is the ability to withstand social, environmental, and economic shocks and stressors with minimal human, environmental, and economic costs, risks, and damages.

Resort Area is an area with facilities to accommodate the needs and desires primarily of visitors, tourists, and transient guests.

Roads in Limbo (RIL) were built or, planned by the State or the Territorial government. They are classified into either existing or paper roads. For

decades, the State and County government argued over maintenance responsibility because of limited resources. Typically, existing roads are referred to as “government roads” or “homestead roads”.

Shelter-Burdened, also known as cost- burdened, are those who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. Severe rent burden is defined as paying more than 50 percent of one’s income on rent.

Shoreline is the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the waves.

Shoreline Setback Area is the land area between the shoreline and the shoreline setback line established by the Planning Department running inland from and parallel to the certified shoreline at a horizontal plane.

Silviculture is the development or maintenance of a forest or wooded preserve.

Silvopasture is the deliberate integration of trees and grazing livestock operations on the same land.

Smart Growth is the overall approach to development that encourages a mix of building types and uses, diverse housing and transportation options, development within existing neighborhoods, and robust community engagement.

Special Area Plans are plans prepared by a county department or agency for a specific area for the purpose of master planning, redevelopment planning, or other purpose that may but is not required to be adopted by resolution or ordinance.

Special Management Area (SMA) is the area that extends inland from the shoreline and is designated for special protections. The State of Hawai‘i Office of Planning 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 SMA permitting system is part of the CZM Program approved by Federal and State agencies.

Sprawl is low-density land-use patterns that are automobile-dependent, energy and land consumptive, and may lead to an inefficient and undesirable distance between residences and their needed infrastructure and services.

Stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that has an interest or concern in a particular project, decision, or activity and can be affected by its outcomes. Stakeholders can include a wide range of entities, such as employees, customers, suppliers, investors, government agencies, community members, and non- governmental organizations. They can influence or be influenced by the objectives, policies, and performance of an organization or project. Effective stakeholder engagement and management are crucial for the success and sustainability of any initiative, as it helps ensure that diverse perspectives and interests are considered.

Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability requires a balanced approach of managing present-day environmental, social, and economic needs to ensure harmony between economic growth, environmental systems, and social well-being.

Sustainable Yield, according to Hawai‘i Revised Statutes Chapter 174C, is the maximum rate at which water may be withdrawn from a water source without impairing the utility or quality of the water source as determined by the commission.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public funding method that uses future property tax increases to pay for community improvements.

Time Share Unit is any multiple-family dwelling unit or hotel, which is owned, occupied or possessed, under an ownership and/or use Glossary | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

agreement among various persons for less than a sixty-day period in any year for any occupant, and is regulated under the provisions of chapter 514E, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, as amended.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is a cumulative body of knowledge, belief, and practice handed down through generations and focused on the relationship of plants, animals, and humans with place-specific traditional practices and with their environment.

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) involves compact, mixed-use neighborhood where residential, commercial, and civic buildings are within proximity to each other.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a process by which development rights may be transferred from one parcel of land to another. (See Development Rights)

Transient Accommodation means the furnishing of a room, apartment, suite, single family dwelling, or the like to a transient for a designated period of time that provides living, sleeping, or housekeeping accommodations.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a development of high-density mixed land use that uses a transit facility as a focal point and thereby seeks to encourage the use of public transit.

Underserved Subdivisions are characterized by having:

• Lot sizes that do not conform to State or County standards or other zoning criteria;
• At least 10 lots; and
• Limited access to public infrastructure and services; and
• High lot vacancy rates or a pattern of “leapfrog” development; and
• Lot sizes too small for agricultural development (1/2 to 3 acres); and
• A location outside County designated preferred development areas

Universal Design Principles aim to create environments, products, and services that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or disability. These principles emphasize inclusivity, ensuring that designs accommodate a wide range of users with varying needs and preferences. Key aspects include simplicity, flexibility, intuitive use, and equitable access, which together promote usability and accessibility for everyone. By integrating universal design principles, designers and planners create more inclusive, functional, and user-friendly solutions that benefit all members of society.

Urban Development Plan is a plan having a local scale primarily comprising one or more existing or proposed urban areas including towns, villages, resort-residential nodes and/or suburban residential neighborhoods where more intensive uses are contemplated. These may include redevelopment plans for all or part of such urban areas.

Urban Forestry is the planting, maintenance, care, and protection of tree populations in urban settings. Urban forests come in many different shapes and sizes. They include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, shelter belts of trees, and working trees at former industrial sites. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area to the regional landscape.

Urban Growth Areas (UGA) are established as land that is envisioned for future areas of urban use and should include only those lands that meet the following criteria:

• Are characterized by urban development that can be efficiently and cost-effectively served by roads, water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage, schools, and other urban governmental services within the next 20-40 years
• Respect topographical features that form a natural edge, such as watercourses and ridgelines
• Are sufficiently free of environmental

constraints to be able to support urban growth without major environmental impacts

• Do not unnecessarily overlap with State Land Use Agricultural
• Shall not overlap with State Land Use Conservation District

Urban Heat Island Effect is a phenomenon where the metropolitan areas are generally hotter than the surrounding countryside. Without as many trees and green cover, the impervious surfaces of man-made structures absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy.

Urban Service Area defines the geographical limits of government-supplied public facilities and services.

Variable Generation is energy that may not always be available or controllable.

Variance, in the context of planning permits, is a legal authorization that allows a property owner to deviate from the requirements of local zoning ordinances or land use regulations. It grants permission to use the land in a way that does not strictly comply with the existing zoning rules, typically due to unique circumstances or hardships specific to the property.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is defined by the United States Department of Transportation as the total annual miles of vehicle travel divided by the total population in a state or in an urbanized area. This metric, along with travel times and costs, to measure vehicle travel demand and make policy decisions regarding roadways and other transportation infrastructure.

Viewshed is the area within view from a defined observation point typically used to define a view scenic quality such as a pu‘u (hill) or the coastline.

Village Plan is a strategic document that guides the development and management of a specific community or village. It outlines goals and policies related to land use, infrastructure, environmental

conservation, community services, transportation, economic development, and community character. Developed through collaboration with stakeholders, village plans serve as blueprints to ensure orderly growth, preserve natural resources, enhance community services, and maintain or enhance the unique identity of the village over time. Regular updates ensure alignment with evolving community needs and priorities.

Wahi Pana means living space and place of ecological, cultural and/or historical significance. Wahi Pana may also mean legendary place.

Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is a process in solid waste management that involves converting non- recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy, such as electricity, heat, or fuel, and reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a sustainable energy source, contributing to environmental protection and energy sustainability. This is achieved through various technologies, including:

• Incineration: Burning waste at high temperatures to produce steam, which can then be used to drive turbines and generate electricity. The heat generated can also be used for district heating.
• Gasification: Converting organic or fossil- based materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide by reacting the material at high temperatures with a controlled amount of oxygen or steam. The resulting syngas can be used to generate electricity or produce fuels.
• Pyrolysis: Decomposing organic materials at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing a mixture of solids (char), liquids (tar and pyrolysis oil), and gases (syngas). These by-products can be utilized as fuels or raw materials for chemical processes.
• Anaerobic Digestion: Breaking down organic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas (primarily methane and carbon dioxide), which can be used for electricity and heat generation, or upgraded to biomethane for use as a renewable natural gas.

Watershed is an area of land that collects rainwater and directs it to a common outlet, such as a stream, lake, or ocean.

Water Systems is any water system, whether publicly or privately owned and managed, that provides water for human consumption to at least 15 connections or regularly serves at least 25 individuals.

Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) refers to a movement that describes advocates who support housing development as a response to the outcomes of restrictive zoning and planning policies.

Zone of Influence in the context of drinking water refers to the area surrounding a water source, such as a well or a reservoir, where the extraction of water affects the local groundwater levels or flow patterns. This zone is crucial for managing and protecting drinking water supplies, as it delineates the region where human activities, such as pumping, can impact the quality and quantity of water available. Properly understanding and managing the zone of influence helps ensure sustainable water extraction, prevents contamination, and protects the integrity of the drinking water source.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following list, arranged alphabetically, provides acronyms, abbreviations, and their corresponding definitions used throughout this document.

CRS | Community Rating System CV | Village Commercial District CZM | Coastal Zone Management Area DBEDT | Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism DEM | Department of Environmental Management DF | Department of Finance DHHL | Department of Hawaiian Home Lands DHR | Department of Human Resources DIT | Department of Information Technology DLNR | Department of Land and Natural Resources DOA | Department of Agriculture DOE | Department of Education DOH | Department of Health DPR | Department of Parks and Recreation DPW | Department of Public Works DRD | Department of Research and Development DU | Dwelling Unit DWS | Department of Water Supply EPA | Environmental Protection Agency FA | Family Agricultural District GHG | Greenhouse Gas GIS | Geographic Information System H+T | Housing and Transportation Affordability Index HELCO | Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company, Inc. HFD | Hawaiʻi Fire Department HIDEC | Hawaiʻi Island Digital Equity Coalition HPD | Hawaiʻi Police Department HRS | Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes

HUD | Department of Housing and Urban Development IAL | Important Agriculture Land ICT | Information and Communication Technologies IWS | Individual Wastewater System LID | Low-Impact Development LIHTC | Low-Income Housing Tax Credit LMI | Low- and Moderate-Income LOS | Level of Service LSB | Land Study Bureau LSB | Land Study Bureau Detailed Land Classification MCX | Industrial-Commercial Mixed District MG | General Industrial District ML | Limited Industrial MS4 | Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MTA | Mass Transit Agency MTCO2e | Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent NELHA | Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority NFIP | National Flood Insurance Program NIMBY | Not In My Backyard O | Open District OA | Office of Aging OHCD | Office of Housing and Community Development OPA | Office of Prosecuting Attorney OPSD | Office of Planning and Sustainable Development OSCER | Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience OTEC | Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

PC | Planning Commission PCS | Public Charter School PD | Project District PONC | Public Access, Open Space, & Natural Resource Preservation Commission PUD | Planned Unit Development RA | Residential and Agricultural District RCX | Residential-Commercial Mixed-Use District RD | Double-Family Residential District RM | Multiple-Family Residential District RS | Single-Family Residential District SHPD | State Historic Preservation Division SLU | State Land Use SMA | Special Management Area TDR | Transfer of Development Rights TIF | Tax Increment Financing TMK | Tax Map Key TND | Traditional Neighborhood Development TOD | Transit Oriented Development UGA | Urban Growth Areas UGB | Urban Growth Boundary UH | University of Hawai‘i UHH | University of Hawai‘i at Hilo UNV | University District USDA | United States Department of Agriculture USGS | United States Geological Survey V | Resort-Hotel District VMT | Vehicle Miles Traveled

1. INTRODUCTION

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The County of Hawaiʻi encompasses the Island of Hawaiʻi, which is the southeastern-most and youngest island of the Hawaiian archipelago. Hawaiʻi Island is nearly twice the combined land area of the remainder of the State and has a diverse climate and topography.

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Navigating Growth on Hawaiʻi Island

Hawaiʻi Island is unique in the world. Hawaiʻi Island is a community of rooted heritage, constant change, and unique beauty. As our community navigates our future, integrating a sustainable balance between environmental stewardship, social and community equity, and economic sufficiency is paramount. We should be confident in our ability to meet our current needs and the needs of our future generations to come, ensuring that our keiki are able to stay here and raise their keiki. We must be ready, willing, and able to consistently pursue bold actions that address our challenges and help us arrive at a better future. Navigating our island’s future growth requires hearing the voices of our diverse population and balancing their needs. Effective growth plans evaluate the past, incorporate current realities, assess future challenges, and craft meaningful solutions.

Careful consideration of these factors are intended to result in successful long-range planning and the application of Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa framework in all planning and development analyses. This section should articulate the critical importance of the Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa framework in all planning and development analyses.

Advancing Hawaiʻi Island Together

In an increasingly polarized world, the importance of collaborating to navigate through a variety of situations should be of utmost importance. Recognizing and embracing our diversity, as well as our individual and communal sense of kuleana is where we find our strengths. Steering our island in the right direction takes all of us. Setting the best path for our future relies on ensuring buy-in for solutions and accurately and collectively representing community sentiments. Hawaiʻi Island is an exemplary leader with healthy and resilient communities that are built by sustainable development, a thriving and diversified local economy, and collaborative environmental stewardship. The General Plan serves as a 25-year blueprint for the long-term growth and sustainable development of Hawaiʻi County. It envisions a future that balances growth with the preservation of the County’s unique natural and cultural resources. A sustainable future is not a distant dream but an attainable reality. A reality that can only be achieved through the powerful combination of government and community collaboration. The task ahead of us is substantial, and it calls for unity, vision, and unwavering dedication.

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Key Themes and Goals

⬚ figure Cultural & Natural Resource Protection: Safeguard the county's unique cultural sites, traditions, and natural resources.

⬚ figure Sustainable Growth & Development: Encourage growth in areas with existing infrastructure, while minimizing impacts on sensitive environments and agricultural lands.

⬚ figure Infrastructure: Enhance and maintain critical infrastructure including roads, public transit, water, and wastewater systems.

⬚ figure Public Health & Safety: Strengthen emergency preparedness and improve public health facilities and services.

⬚ figure Recreation & Open Spaces: Develop parks and recreational facilities and preserve open spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

⬚ figure Housing: Promote the development of affordable housing and support diverse housing types for all residents.

⬚ figure Economic Development: Foster a diversified economy that offers a range of employment opportunities and supports local businesses.

Implementation Strategies

Zoning & Land Use Regulations Update regulations to align with the goals of the General Plan.

Public-Private Partnerships Collaborate with private entities to achieve mutual development and conservation objectives.

Community Engagement Continuously engage residents and stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Investment Prioritize funding for projects that align with the General Plan's vision and goals.

Monitoring & Evaluation Regularly review and assess the implementation of the plan to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

1.1 Purpose and Authority of the General Plan

The County of Hawai‘i’s General Plan is the policy document for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawai‘i. The purposes of the General Plan are to:

• Guide the pattern of future development in this County based on long-term goals;
• Identify the visions, values, and priorities important to the people of this County;
• Provide the framework for regulatory decisions, capital improvement priorities, acquisition strategies, and other pertinent government programs within the County organization and coordinated with State and Federal programs.
• Improve the physical environment of the County as a setting for human activities; to make it more functional, beautiful, healthful, interesting, and efficient.
• Promote and safeguard the public interest and the interest of the County as a whole.
• Facilitate the democratic determination of community policies concerning the utilization of its natural, man-made, and human resources.
• Effect political and technical coordination in community improvement and development.
• Inject long-range considerations into the determination of short-range actions and implementation.

The 2045 General Plan is the primary policy document for county agencies, planning commissions, elected officials, landowners, developers, and citizens to guide land use policy decisions for the Island of Hawai‘i. Section 3-15 of the Hawai‘i County Charter states:

"The county council shall adopt by ordinance a general plan which shall set forth the council’s long-range policy for the comprehensive physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural well- being of the county.

(a) The general plan shall contain a statement of development objectives, standards and principles with respect to the most desirable use of land within the county for residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial, industrial and other purposes which shall be consistent with proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites; the most desirable density of population in the several parts of the county; a system of principal thoroughfares, highways, streets, public access to the shorelines, and other open spaces; the general locations, relocations and improvement of public buildings, the general location and extent of public utilities and terminals, whether publicly or privately owned, for water, sewers, light, power, transit, and other purposes; the extent and location of public housing projects; adequate drainage facilities and control; air pollution; and such other matter as may, in the council’s judgement, promote the general welfare, health, and prosperity of its people.

(b) The council shall enact zoning, subdivision, and such other ordinances which shall contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the general plan.

(c) No public improvement or project, or subdivision or zoning ordinance, shall be initiated or adopted unless the same conforms to and implements the general plan.

(d) Amendments to the general plan may be initiated by the council or the planning director."

Pursuant to the Section 226-52 and 58 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS), as well as Section 3-15 of the County Charter, the General Plan includes overall themes, goals, principles, objectives, and policies, as well as implementation priorities and actions to carry out policies including, but not limited to, land use maps, programs, projects, regulatory measures, standards and principles, and interagency coordination. Neither the HRS nor the County Charter clearly define all the terms above, so for the purposes of the 2045 General Plan, they are defined in this section using references from professional planning practice. The authority of the General Plan includes three fundamental types: directional, regulatory, and programmatic.

Authority Limits of the General Plan

The 2045 General Plan often relies on further implementation actions, such as zoning and budget ordinances, to move Hawaiʻi Island in the direction of our goals. Further, it contains no authority to change previously existing subdivisions or zoning, and no authority over lands governed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The Hawaiian Homes Commission has the ultimate control over uses of the Hawaiian home lands leased to Native Hawaiians.

The 2002 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the County and DHHL is formally referenced in the General Plan and included as an appendix to ensure institutional knowledge of DHHL's land use authority over its lands.

Achieving our island's vision will require collective long-term commitments that build on this plan.

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1.2 History of the Plan

General Plan studies in the County of Hawaiʻi were initiated in the late 1950s and were limited to particular regions of the island such as the Hilo, Kona, Kohala, Hāmākua, and Puna Districts. As such, these initial plans lacked a comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated overview of the entire County. The first of these studies, “A Plan for Kona”, was completed in 1960 and encompassed the districts of North and South Kona. “A Plan for the Metropolitan Area of Hilo” was completed in 1961 for the districts of South Hilo and Puna. “The Kohala-Hāmākua Region General Plan” was completed in 1963 and covered part of the district of North Kona and the districts of North and South Kohala, Hāmākua, and North Hilo. These regional plans were adopted by Ordinance No. 317 in July 1965, as the General Plan for the County. The district of Kaʻū was the only area in the County not covered by this plan.

The first General Plan document to be completed after the ratification of the County Charter in 1968 was adopted by ordinance on December 15, 1971 by the County Council. Upon adoption of the General Plan in 1971, the Council laid the foundation for establishing a comprehensive planning program for the County of Hawaiʻi. This program consists of a hierarchical set of plans and activities. The initial development of the General Plan program, undertaken between 1968 and 1970, was funded through an agreement between the County of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the former State of Hawaiʻi Department of Planning

and Economic Development (currently the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism). The initial General Plan study program was conducted over a 36-month period and completed by the Planning Department with the technical assistance of professional consultants in the fields of drainage and flood control, historic sites, sewerage, economics, and water.

The General Plan program is structured to investigate, analyze, and evaluate concurrently all aspects of the County under a common or standard methodology. The preparation of the General Plan involves the process of planning and provides the opportunity to broaden the base of citizen participation, review, and understanding. The 1971 General Plan required five- and ten-year comprehensive reviews and updates. The reviews and updates are intended to maintain the dynamism and flexibility of the General Plan and to accommodate major changes and trends that may occur within the County.

The County initiated a review of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map in 1978 that led to several changes to the map. Other changes included the addition of an Energy element and amendments to procedures for the comprehensive reviews and proposals for specific amendments to the General Plan.

Figure 1 provides a glimpse into the County’s historical long-range planning initiatives. Since 1971, there have been two subsequent comprehensive reviews of the General Plan. The first was adopted in 1989 and the second was in 2005. The adoption of the 2005 General Plan identified the preparation of Community Development Plans to further guide implementation efforts. Significant public input helped guide the development and 2008 adoption of the Kona Community Development Plan, Puna Community Development Plan, North Kohala Community Development Plan, and South Kohala Community Development Plan. The Kaʻū Community Development Plan followed in 2017, and the Hāmākua Community Development Plan in 2018.

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1.3 Planning Process

Since the adoption of the 2005 General Plan, Hawaiʻi Island has seen a lot of change, including population growth, natural disasters, technological advancements, and sustainability efforts. These topics have been considered in the General Plan 2045. On February 6, 2015, the Planning Director initiated the comprehensive review of the 2005 General Plan. The comprehensive review process involves many different stages, including collecting community feedback, examining the effectiveness of the previous plan, and research and analysis of existing conditions and trends. The comprehensive planning process requires a systems approach in order to effectively integrate key elements and develop a path for implementation. Throughout the review process, an overarching intention was to create an open

forum for discussion, reflect community input and values, encourage interagency coordination and participation, and direct growth patterns in ways that benefit our population and protect our unique island environment.

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Community engagement event in 2019.

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Cataloguing and reviewing community input.

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Public workshop event in 2023.

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Public workshop event in 2024.

Figure 2 Comprehensive Review Process

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*The Planning Commissions are responsible for reviewing and providing recommendations on the General Plan. Final approval and adoption of the General Plan rests solely with the Hawai'i County Council.

1.0 Introduction | County of Hawai'i General Plan

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1.4 Sustainability Principles and Practices

Integrating sustainability into the General Plan is crucial for fostering long-term resilience and prosperity. There is a common need to improve the planning process across the State of Hawai‘i. This includes increasing the effectiveness of government and private actions, improving coordination among various agencies and levels of government, and providing guidance for the use of our precious natural and cultural resources. for sustainable development that balances environmental, social, and economic goals. The General Plan recognizes this need and aligns with the Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan¹, which sets a strategic framework for achieving a sustainable future. By embedding sustainability principles into its core, this Plan sets forth a cohesive and forward-thinking strategy that addresses key challenges and anticipates future needs.

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The Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan created the State’s first definition of sustainability:

A Hawai‘i that achieves the following:

1. Respects the culture, character, beauty, and history of our state’s island communities;
2. Strikes balance among economic, social and community, and environmental priorities; and
3. Meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This definition was intended to form the basis of Hawai‘i’s sustainability efforts towards 2050 and establish a common language about sustainability Hawai‘i’s future.

1.5 County Planning System and General Plan Framework

County Planning System

The planning system, as illustrated in Figure 3, consists of a comprehensive County-wide General Plan, and includes Community Development Plans, Special Area Plans and Urban Development Plans, and Agency Functional or Strategic Plans as implementation mechanisms that carry out the goals, objectives, policies or standards, and actions of the General Plan. The General Plan represents the first level of the County planning system and encompasses long-range goals, objectives, policies, and courses of action for the entire County. The General Plan also provides the legal basis for all the other elements of the County’s planning structure. As such, the Plan is the highest order, or “umbrella” plan. It establishes the boundaries within which the County must operate.

The second level consists of short and middle range plans that further define the long-range goals and policies of the General Plan. These plans are related to specific regions or districts (Hilo, Kona, Kohala, Ka‘ū, etc.), functions (recreation, agriculture, drainage, highways, etc.), and specific areas within a region (Kailua-Kona, Downtown Hilo, etc.).

The third level consists of specific mechanisms to implement the two higher levels of the planning hierarchy. These include regulatory measures such as the Zoning and Subdivision Codes, and the operating and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budgets.

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Directional Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Standard Guidelines

The General Plan vision statement, goals, and objectives provide a high-level integrated direction for the community and a holistic perspective. The Plan also incorporates standard guidelines to serve as strategic directions and standards to inform decisions regarding topics such as land use, infrastructure, housing, and resource management. These standard guidelines help to ensure consistency in planning and implementation, promoting sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

• Vision: The ability to plan for the future with creativity and wisdom in alignment with community values.
• Goal: A desired state of affairs to which planned effort is directed.
• Objective: Measurable, achievable, and time-bound milestones toward achieving a goal.
• Standard Guideline: A stated course of action that shall take precedence when addressing areas of concern and should be

followed, unless a determination is made that it is not the most desirable in a particular case; thus, a guideline may be deviated from without penalty or sanction.¹

Regulatory Implementing Actions

Regulatory implementing actions are one of two types of approaches used in the General Plan to pursue the vision, goals, and objectives. Regulatory actions are controlling in that they define boundaries, development parameters, and measures intended to implement goals or objectives. The three regulatory implementing actions in the Plan include:

• General Plan Land Use Map: A map that graphically delineates the areas of intended future land use types.
• Policy: A general rule for action focused on a specific issue, derived from more general goals.²
• Standard: A regulatory measure that defines the meaning, quality, or quantity of a policy by providing a way to measure its attainment.

In the General Plan, future land use maps, policies, and standards are specific to the actions through which zoning ordinances, subdivisions, and public improvements or projects are initiated or adopted because, as they must conform to and implement the general plan in accordance with the County Charter, Section 3-15.

Non-Regulatory Implementing Actions

The second approach of implementing actions is not regulatory or controlling and requires subsequent decisions and/or the allocation of resources. The following types of actions are intended to support and advance the goals and objectives of the plan without the enforcement power of laws or regulations. Non-regulatory implementing actions typically involve community engagement, education and outreach, partnership development, and resource allocation to encourage compliance and proactive efforts. This approach allows for flexibility and innovation in achieving the Plan’s vision.

Throughout the General Plan, the objectives and policies are followed by a set of implementing actions. There are three types:

• Program: An action, activity, or strategy carried out in response to adopted policy to achieve a specific goal or objective.³
• Project: An enterprise that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular purpose.
• Interagency Coordination: A program or project that requires collaboration among organizations, including those external to the County.

1.6 Grounded Vision and Goals

As we navigate our future, maintaining a sustainable balance between environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic sufficiency is paramount. The values articulated by our community in the adopted Community Development Plans (CDP) are synthesized to form a singular vision statement for Hawai‘i Island. This vision statement represents the ability to plan for the future in alignment with community values.

The goals of the General Plan were formulated by incorporating concepts and value statements from the 2005 General Plan and the various CDPs. These foundational documents provided a comprehensive understanding of the community’s priorities and aspirations. By integrating those established values and principles, the General Plan ensures continuity and reflects the collective vision of Hawai‘i Island residents, guiding sustainable development while honoring our unique cultural and environmental heritage. These goals are listed alongside the chapter they pertain to. The four primary chapters of the Plan encompass the sustainability pillars of environment, community, and economy, as outlined in the Hawai‘i State Planning Act Goals (HRS, Section 226-4).

General Plan Vision Statement

Hawai‘i Island is an exemplary leader with healthy and resilient communities that are built by sustainable development, a thriving and diversified local economy, and collaborative biocultural stewardship.

Our communities are adequately served by sustainable and efficient public infrastructure, utilities, and services based on existing and future growth needs, sound design principles, and effective maintenance practices.

Our communities are safe and protected, and have access to integrative health, education, and social services to support a high quality of life for all residents.

Residents have access to adequate and affordable housing to meet the needs of the population and provide equitable opportunities for household flexibility and mobility.

We employ integrated systems that are efficient, equitable, and organized to facilitate coordination and collaboration.

Thriving, Diversified, & Regenerative Economy

Our economy is diverse, regenerative, and innovative, improving and maintaining the financial well-being of our residents with a focus on increasing local economic opportunities.

Agriculture is a robust, diversified sector that addresses food security and includes a broad range of agricultural-based businesses that highlight value.

A high quality of life for residents is maintained when a regenerative visitor industry balances the preservation of natural and cultural resources with responsible visitation.

2. COLLABORATIVE BIO CULTURAL STEWARDSHIP

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2.1 Introduction

Collaborative biocultural stewardship is an approach to sustainable development that emphasizes collaboration and partnership building among stakeholders and integrates natural and cultural resource management strategies to promote conservation, sustainability, and resilience. This framework is foundational to the General Plan as it seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental goals. Cooperative efforts aimed at achieving sustainable management of ecological systems are crucial for protecting our natural and built environments. Land use planning and management should be holistic, inclusive, and adaptive to reflect community values, knowledge, and aspirations. The General Plan provides key strategies to achieve biocultural stewardship, including community engagement, partnership building, collaborative decision-making, and collective action.

Environmental and social systems are complex and dynamic. These systems will require adaptive management and continuous learning as we navigate the future. The policies presented in this section seek to foster partnerships that are based on mutual respect, trust, and shared values. The community engagement process must be inclusive to incorporate diverse perspectives and knowledge systems into conservation and development strategies. Following such practices can promote the co-creation of knowledge, the sharing of resources, and the empowerment of communities. By leveraging the strengths and resources of different stakeholders, we can enhance the capacity of communities to manage natural and cultural resources sustainably. We can also facilitate the creation of new networks and alliances, promoting social cohesion and resilience. Ultimately, the collaborative biocultural stewardship approach can foster a more integrated, inclusive, and equitable approach to

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According to the Hawaiʻi County Charter, Section 13-29, “For the benefit of present and future generations, the State and its political subdivisions shall conserve and protect Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty and all natural resources, including land, water, air, minerals and energy sources, and shall promote the development and utilization of these resources in a manner consistent with their conservation and in furtherance of the self-sufficiency of the State. All public natural resources are held in trust by the State for the benefit of the people.”

conservation and development that reflects the aspirations and needs of local communities.

This fundamental element of the Plan strives to cultivate a sense of place and connection to the environment and recognizes that the management of natural and cultural resources requires the participation of diverse actors, including communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. By promoting collaborative decision-making and collective action, we can enhance the effectiveness, equity, and legitimacy of conservation and development policies. By promoting community-based conservation and restoration strategies, we can enhance ecological integrity, promote biodiversity, and preserve cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. Biocultural stewardship acknowledges the role of cultural diversity in shaping environmental perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. It recognizes that cultural practices arising from traditional ecological knowledge are integral to maintaining ecosystem services and biological diversity.

Table 1: Biocultural Stewardship Challenges

Table 2: Biocultural Stewardship Opportunities

2.2 Biocultural Stewardship Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions

Goal: Natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.

Objective 1

Increase the biodiversity and resilience of native habitats.

Policies

1.1 Minimize and mitigate significant impacts, such as degradation, incompatible uses, or other threats, to Native Hawaiian habitats and public trust resources.

1.2 Strive to improve the health of the island’s forests, rangelands, watersheds, nearshore environments, riparian areas, and reefs.

1.3 Encourage the preservation and restoration of natural landscape features, such as reefs, beaches and dunes, forests, rangelands, streams, floodplains, wetlands, and aquifer recharge areas that have the inherent capacity to prevent, minimize, or mitigate the impacts of climate change.

1.4 Maintain the shoreline for recreational, cultural, educational, and/or scientific uses in a manner that is protective and respectful of resources and is of the maximum benefit to the general public.

1.5 Increase collaborative efforts to improve coordination to conserve and manage wetlands, streams, and watersheds.

1.6 Encourage the preservation of native vegetation and open space during development activities.

1.7 Improve the use of native or non-native plants of cultural or environmental importance.

1.8 Prioritize native landscaping for all County projects.

1.9 Limit the introduction and establishment of invasive species.

1.10 Maintain a program to identify and protect exceptional trees, groves, or stands of trees.

1.11 Encourage and incentivize green belts, tree plantings, and landscape plans and designs in urban areas.

1.12 Increase collaborative efforts to create and maintain community forests, food forests, silvopasture, and other agroforestry.

1.13 Incentivize private land management practices that protect and enhance natural resource values and, when appropriate, pursue the acquisition of lands for the protection of natural resources.

1.14 Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to:

a) Implement the Hawai‘i State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) b) Better understand and model carrying capacities of the island’s habitats and resources c) Improve the inventory of forested lands and associated ecosystem services d) Encourage the continued identification and inclusion of unique wildlife habitat areas of Native Hawaiian habitat within the Natural Area Reserve System e) Anticipate future habitat migration, especially wetlands and coastal ecosystems f) Prioritize quantitative wetland assessment to identify wetlands g) Expand native and/or endemic forest cover h) Improve enforcement for illegal activities that harm or degrade endemic habitats 1.15 Any development will not adversely impact the following resource asset(s): a) Rivers, streams, springs, and other naturally flowing surface water bodies b) Anchialine pools and estuaries c) Shoreline setback areas, beaches, and dunes 1.16 Maintain shoreline setbacks to protect: a) Natural shoreline vegetation; b) Marine turtle nesting beaches/areas; c) Nearshore water quality; d) Structures from the effects of long-term sea level rise; and e) Beaches and shorelines from erosion. 1.17 Allow the redevelopment of existing waterfront commercial structures consistent with the community character to preserve overwater views. 1.18 Landscaping and irrigation shall be designed to maximize water use efficiency and native plants.

Actions

1.a Develop buffer policies to protect native forests, wildlife, rivers, streams, coastal waters, and other native habitats. 1.b Seek partnership opportunities to support wetland identification and assessments. 1.c Review tree survey requirements and amend the Code to incorporate as part of site planning. 1.d Consider the establishment of clearing limits within the Code and increase tree removal mitigation requirements, limiting the clearing of native vegetation during development. 1.e Revise floodplain management requirements to require consideration of nature-based solutions as alternatives for all projects that have the potential to affect floodplains or wetlands. 1.f Develop a regulatory list of invasive species for Hawai‘i County. 1.g Develop priorities for the management of fire-prone invasive species. 1.h Amend the Code to include an appropriate list of invasive species to be removed during development activities, to the extent feasible. 1.i Support programs designed to prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive species and the control and eradication of invasive species; particularly those that serve as disease vectors.

1.j Create incentives for landowners to retain and re-establish forest cover in upland watershed areas with an emphasis on native forest species.

1.k Identify partners and support a public awareness and education campaign to elevate recognition of the value of urban trees as essential infrastructure.

1.l Amend the landscape standards in Rule or Code to require the use of native plants for screening or landscaping.

1.m Amend the Code to incentivize the establishment of threatened and endangered endemic plant species within their habitable ranges during development approvals.

1.n Review the Code and consider amendments to encourage site clustering of development in order to avoid critical environmental areas and assets.

1.o Develop and establish Open Space Network Overlay for natural landscape features, such as beaches and dunes, forests, streams, floodplains, wetlands, estuaries, or recharge areas that have the inherent capacity to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the impacts of climate change.

1.p Study, develop, and establish Biosphere Reserve Buffer Zones, either separately or as an overlay district, to guide development within native forests through regulatory measures and economic incentives.

1.q Maintain a program for acquiring and/or restoring wetlands, estuaries, and anchialine pools.

1.r Develop comprehensive programs and policies and provide resources for enhancing urban forestry canopy cover.

1.s Improve urban and community forest management, maintenance, and arboricultural practices.

1.t Increase funding and grants for urban and community forestry.

1.u Support programs to prevent harmful invasive species from becoming established.

1.v Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to develop a program for the identification and protection of plant species of special status, including plants significant for cultural practitioners.

1.w Support seedbanks of native and endemic plant species, especially species that are threatened or endangered.

1.x Partner with community groups to apply for funding to restore native habitats including marine, wetland, shoreline, and native upland systems on County-owned or managed lands.

1.y Prioritize removal of invasive species during maintenance of County-owned or maintained properties.

1.z Assess and prioritize County-owned areas for restoration in collaboration with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders.

1.aa Review and update the exceptional tree code and inventory to support the protection of native species and habitats.

Objective 2

Apply the Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa framework to preserve and enhance the health and function of watersheds to promote water recharge, improve water quality, and reduce runoff.

Policies

2.1 Engage in comprehensive watershed planning to protect all watersheds and identify priority watershed areas to develop or complete watershed management plans and projects.

2.2 Address water best management practices and implement plans for non-point source discharges, such as irrigation flows and agricultural or urban runoff.

2.3 Prioritize forest and land management above 2,500 to 3,000 feet elevation to ensure effective groundwater recharge.

2.4 Within mauka areas of high rainfall/fog-drip belt, ground disturbing activities such as excessive soil compaction and excessive removal of vegetative cover should be minimized and mitigated consistent with management strategies that encourage the retention of existing forested and pasture areas, reforestation, minimal coverage by impervious surfaces and other strategies that encourage effective infiltration to groundwater.

2.5 Watershed management planning should recognize the ecosystem service value of watersheds and open space to protect scenic vistas and aesthetic values; water recharge; carbon sequestration; oxygen production; habitat enhancement and preservation; fire suppression and fuel load management; soil conservation; preservation of cultural values; and the potential for additional public access and recreational opportunities.

2.6 Maintain participation in the development and implementation of the Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP), marine zoning plans, Marine Managed Areas (MMAs), or other appropriate tools.

2.7 Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to:

a) Implement a comprehensive conservation plan that identifies priority watershed areas for habitat restoration and enhancement.

b) Review and designate forest, river corridors, and watershed areas into the conservation district during State land use boundary comprehensive reviews.

c) Monitor nearshore water quality and impacts to reefs and marine environments and address land-based sources of impacts.

d) Protect and restore wetlands and riparian corridors to ensure more pristine water quality, decrease erosion, and increase sediment management, groundwater infiltration, nutrient/pollutant uptake, soil moisture retention, stormwater abatement, and cultural/community connections.

e) Develop reasonable standards to improve stream and coastal water quality monitoring and encourage local communities to develop such projects.

Actions

2.a Review and update the County grading and grubbing ordinances to ensure that they adequately address potential erosion and runoff problems.

2.b Adopt appropriate measures and provide incentives to control point and non-point sources of pollution.

2.c Identify and establish appropriate riparian buffer protection areas around streams, ponds, perennial flowing natural springs, and all springs and reservoirs serving as water supplies.

2.d Support research to identify and refine priority watershed areas meant to enhance groundwater recharge and improve surface water quantity and flows.

2.e Identify and establish appropriate wetland protection areas and regulations to mitigate impacts of development.

2.f Partner with and support land managers to improve infrastructure and grazing management practices for cattle and other livestock to promote soil and groundwater retention and mitigate fire risk.

2.g Amend the Special Management Area (SMA) to include wetlands, riparian areas, and adjacent buffer areas.

2.h Build community capacity and agency support for Community Conservation Areas (CCAs) as part of stewardship-based efforts.

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Objective 3

Increase direct community restoration and collaborative efforts to conserve and nourish the island’s biocultural resources.

Policies

3.1 Encourage an overall conservation ethic in the use of Hawaiʻi’s resources by protecting, preserving, and conserving critical and significant natural resources.

3.2 Foster educational activities that promote the importance and value of Hawaiʻi’s unique and limited environmental resources.

3.3 Integrate progressive strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and practices to maintain environmental quality at the highest standards, address a changing climate, protect natural resources, and restore ecosystem health for the benefit of present and future generations.

3.4 Promote and protect traditional exercised rights and customs of Native Hawaiians.

3.5 Promote resource management that is sustainable, responsible, and data driven.

3.6 Require the management of natural resources in a manner that fully minimizes adverse effects on the environment and depletion of energy and natural resources.

3.7 Ensure that activities authorized or funded by the County do not damage natural resources.

3.8 Increase community-based stewardship that focuses on management responsibilities and promote community education and shared learning.

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3.9 Improve community planning capacity-building efforts toward coordination, leadership, effective action, connectivity, and impact.

3.10 Contribute to programs for the collection and dissemination of data concerning natural or cultural resources.

3.11 Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to:

a) Protect special areas, structures, and elements that are an integral and functional part of Hawai‘i’s ethnic and cultural heritage.

b) Identify and protect wahi pana.

c) Promote the preservation and restoration of significant natural and historic resources.

d) Aid in programmatic education concerning historic sites.

e) Maintain the shoreline area for recreational, cultural, educational, and/or scientific uses in a manner that is protective of resources and is of the maximum benefit to the public.

f) Encourage the documentation and preservation of traditional ecological knowledge, identifying best management practices for integration.

Actions

3.a Contribute on a regular basis to state or federal Geographic Information System (GIS) data stores and other programs for the collection and dissemination of basic data concerning natural, historic, or cultural resources.

3.b Create special (business) improvement districts to engage in environmental research, restoration and maintenance, natural resource management, climate change or sea level rise adaptation, or other purposes to improve environmental conditions and provide community benefit.

Objective 4

The historical integrity, character, scenic assets, and open spaces of our communities are protected, restored, and treated as unique assets with significant social and economic value and managed in perpetuity.

Policies

4.1 Require public and private developers to provide historical and archaeological surveys and cultural assessments, where appropriate, prior to the clearing or development of land when there are indications that the land under consideration has historical significance.

4.2 Increase public access opportunities to scenic places and vistas.

4.3 Public access to significant historic sites and objects shall be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with lineal descendants, those with kuleana to that site or object, or other local sources such as cultural or historic groups.

4.4 Encourage the restoration of significant sites on a case-by-case basis in consultation with lineal descendants, those with kuleana to that site or object, or other local sources such as cultural or historic groups.

4.5 The County shall use and promote the use of interpretive signs and/or other appropriate methods that are in keeping with the character of the area to recognize landscapes, sites, buildings, and objects of historic and cultural significance.

4.6 Historic preservation shall represent the full range and diversity of the multi-cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi Island.

4.7 Maintain an inventory of significant cultural and historic sites and districts compatible with that of the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD).

4.8 Ensure that projects requiring preservation plans are identified on subdivision maps and plan approval site plans.

4.9 The County shall develop a comprehensive management plan for historic and cultural resources that are on County-owned or managed properties.

4.10 Maintain the character of County-owned historic structures and bridges, as appropriate.

4.11 Identify outstanding natural or cultural features, such as water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures on subdivision preliminary plat maps.

4.12 Original place names should be restored wherever possible.

Actions

4.a Seek private-public partnerships to maintain and steward the preservation of sites, buildings, objects, and landscapes of significant cultural and historical importance.

4.b Maintain Certified Local Government status and maximize funding opportunities.

4.c Support the identification of Heritage Landscapes, Corridors, Areas, and Centers.

4.d Support the development of multi-cultural centers.

4.e Support historic district surveys for our urban centers.

4.f Work with SHPD to establish a framework and database for Cultural Impact Assessments.

4.g Continue the dialogue between State and County agencies to identify guidance to protect Native Hawaiian customary and traditional practices.

4.h Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to develop design guidelines for designated communities containing significant historic buildings, sites, or landscapes.

4.i Assess and prioritize County-owned lands for historic site restoration in collaboration with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders.

4.j Create and maintain a GIS overlay of historic districts.

4.k Educate and encourage property owners, historical societies, preservation organizations, lineal descendants and others with close connections to nominate structures and sites to the State and National Register of Historic Places. Encourage collaboration among interested entities.

4.l Support property owners with the preservation of historic structures that are on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

4.m Provide real property tax incentives for historic properties, including commercial properties.

4.n Support the development of a multi-sector public education program regarding historic and cultural sites that target key partners such as the visitor industry, real estate agents, site developers, consultants, schools, youth groups, and civic organizations.

Objective 5

Protect, restore, and enhance our communities’ unique scenic character.

Policies

5.1 Consider structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways and establish development and design guidelines to protect important view planes.

5.2 Preserve transportation corridors that have important scenic, historic, recreational, natural and/or cultural resources that enhance the character and scenic resources of communities.

5.3 Protect the views of areas endowed with natural beauty by carefully considering the effects of proposed construction and compatibility during all land use reviews.

5.4 Encourage the design of developments and activities that complement the natural beauty of the island.

5.5 Maintain a program to identify and protect viewing sites on the island.

5.6 Preserve and protect culturally significant lava tubes, caves, or other geologic features determined to be significant by a governmental agency or plan.

Actions

5.a Prioritize maintaining the views at scenic overlooks with a frequently maintained vegetation management program which includes eradication of invasive species. Coordinate this work with a regular roadway vegetation management maintenance program.

5.b Develop and establish view plane criteria, rankings, and regulations to preserve and enhance views of scenic or prominent landscapes and/or corridors from specific locations and coastal aesthetics.

5.c Develop a process for reviewing and revising guidelines for designating Natural Beauty Sites.

5.d Establish a Scenic Resources Protection Program to identify, inventory, and protect areas of significant beauty. The program could include recommendations from the Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project (2016).

5.e Utilize the Scenic Corridor Program for Aliʻi Drive (Mamalahoa Bypass Highway) between Keauhou and Captain Cook, with limited access and without commercial development. 5.f Utilize the Scenic Corridor Program for Akoni Pule Highway between Kawaihae and Puakea, with limited access and without commercial development.

2.3 Natural Beauty Sites

Table 3: District of Puna

Table 4: District of South Hilo

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Table 5: District of North Hilo

Table 6: District of Hāmākua

Table 7: District of North Kohala

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Table 8: District of South Kohala

Table 9: District of North Kona

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Table 10: District of South Kona

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Table 11: District of Ka‘ū

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3. ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE FOR ISLAND-WIDE HEALTH

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3.1 Introduction

The climate change section of the General Plan is intended to be used as a policy guide for the coordinated climate mitigation and adaptation efforts on Hawaiʻi Island. This element provides a high-level policy framework, building on the scientific knowledge and government-level strategies and actions developed in the Integrated Action Plan (ICAP) for the island of Hawaiʻi. The ICAP establishes the County's strategic roadmap for implementing climate action by identifying actions the County government can take to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The research collected, challenges identified, and strategies proposed in the ICAP provide a foundation for the General Plan. Recognizing the purpose and scope of the ICAP, the General Plan contains overarching policies and implementing actions to help the County achieve the following climate action objectives, in alignment with existing State and County priorities.

Climate change refers to the long-term regional or global average of temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades. Human-induced climate change is resulting in global warming, or the long-term average heating of the Earth's surface. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Climate Change Adaptation Priority Guidelines

In 2012, Act 286 was passed and signed into law, making Hawaiʻi one of the few states in the country to adopt a statewide climate adaptation policy for addressing the impacts of climate change. Act 286 is codified as HRS, Section 226-109. An amendment to the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act, all county and state actions must consider the policy in land use, capital improvements, and program decisions.

(IPCC) has concluded in its most recent report that human activities have unequivocally caused global warming.¹ Climate change is already impacting the lands and waters on which we live and the health of our communities. Island communities such as those on Hawaiʻi Island are at the forefront of climate change due to impacts, such as sea level rise. Our small population and island geography mean that a single climate change event has cascading effects that significantly impact the health of the land and people.

3.1.1 The Impacts of Climate Change

The islands of Hawaiʻi are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to our isolated geography. The County faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities as we plan for a sustainable future. Among the most pressing issues is the impact of climate change on public health, as illustrated in Figure 5. As global temperatures rise, our communities will continue to experience rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, wildfires, increased coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and other shifting ecological patterns. Residents will be directly impacted as critical infrastructure, homes, and other community assets along the coastline are exposed to coastal hazards exacerbated by sea level rise. Sea level rise also jeopardizes shallow groundwater aquifers used for drinking water wells and degrades water lines and wastewater systems,

which leak into groundwater aquifers and coastal ecosystems. These changes pose significant risks to our food and water sources, ecosystems, air quality, cultural connections to ‘āina, agriculture and visitor industries, and overall health and well-being.

The threats to public health from the climate crisis are extensive and may affect some areas and populations more than others. The Hawai‘i County General Plan recognizes the critical need to address these vulnerabilities through comprehensive, proactive strategies. By integrating climate resilience into planning processes, we aim to protect our communities, ensure the availability of clean water and air, and promote sustainable development practices. Our approach emphasizes collaboration across sectors, community engagement, and the use of scientific data to guide decision-making. Incorporating climate change considerations into our planning processes not only safeguards public health but also strengthens the resilience of our communities. Through adaptive measures and innovative solutions, we are committed to fostering a healthy, thriving environment for current and future generations.

Figure 4 Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in Hawai‘i¹

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3.1.2 Climate Action in Hawai‘i County

The County has a dual role to play: climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Climate mitigation refers to actions that reduce the flow of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases or enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store these gases. Mitigation serves to ensure that future climate change is as moderate and manageable as possible. Climate adaptation refers to actions to help people adjust to the current and future effects of climate change. Adaptation primarily responds to and manages climate change that cannot be

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prevented. Both climate mitigation and adaptation are complementary and work in conjunction to

Climate Mitigation

The natural carbon cycle includes sources that emit GHGs and sinks that sequester GHGs. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The greenhouse gas effect occurs when GHGs trap heat by reducing the release of infrared light waves back into the atmosphere. In 2017, Hawaiʻi County produced 2,779,683 metric tons of GHGs.¹ As of 2023, GHG sources in Hawaiʻi County include emissions from burning of fossil fuels and biofuels for energy and transportation and from decomposition of organic and inorganic waste. GHGs are emitted to support community systems such as electricity, transportation, waste, and industries from agriculture to healthcare to tourism. Simultaneously, the cycles of land development, including land abandonment, have led to

protect communities from the harms of climate change.

deforestation and biodiversity loss, decreasing natural carbon sinks on Hawaiʻi Island. The early 20th century expansion of plantation and cattle industries followed by the contraction of farming and ranching in the 21st century were major drivers of these impacts.

Emissions are expected to grow in all sectors with population growth, increases in electricity use and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), waste production, and new development.² As the effects of climate change emerge, so does the urgency to understand how to reduce emissions and ensure equity while pursuing solutions. While Hawaiʻi County’s contribution to global emissions may be small by proportion, it’s essential that we take responsibility for our contribution to global climate change and reduce our sources of emissions alongside the rest of the world.

Figure 5 Hawaiʻi County Sector Overview of MTCO2e Emissions for Years 2005, 2015, and 2017

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Source: Integrated Climate Action Plan for the Island of Hawaiʻi, County of Hawaiʻi (2023)

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Transportation

Transportation is the primary source of emissions for Hawaiʻi County, with a total of 1,742,191 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) released per year, as shown in Figure 6. In Hawaiʻi, transportation emissions are generated from ground, air, and marine transportation. Ground transportation contributes 16.8 percent of emissions annually on Hawaiʻi Island.¹ Due to the rural geography of the island and the distance between urban socioeconomic hubs and residential areas, many residents have long commutes. The visitor industry adds to the use of vehicles on the island, as visitors rent cars and drive to popular attractions around the island. With increasing population and commercial activity, ground transportation emissions increased 17.31 percent from 2015 to 2017 and are expected to continue to increase.² Airline transportation also contributes significantly to GHG emissions, accounting for 54 percent of total annual emissions. Airline travel is essential to residential, commercial, and visitor industry activity on island. Interisland commutes are a standard part of many industries, including construction. Increasing population and commercial activity amplify the need for flights and imported goods, so airline emissions are expected to increase. On a local level, reducing emissions that are generated from the transportation sector involves expanding opportunities for and access to multimodal options as well as prioritizing active transportation in planning and design processes. The General Plan further discusses strategies for decreasing vehicle reliance and improving commutes in the Transportation Access and Mobility section.

Energy and Electricity

On- and off-grid energy production and electricity use make up the second largest source of emissions on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 959,900 MTCO2e released per year.³ Energy production provides electricity, air conditioning, and heat. Our heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation, along with inefficient energy use, are contributing to increasing amounts of GHGs. Reducing fossil fuel use can relieve the burden of energy and fuel costs, especially in the face of global shocks and stressors that increase the price of imported fossil fuels.

Homes in Hawaiʻi use 40 percent less electricity on average than the national average.⁴ However, the State of Hawaiʻi has the highest energy cost of any state in the country, at 42.37 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to the national average of 12.52 cents.⁵ These high prices stem from the State's dependence on energy importation, as Hawaiʻi uses 12 times more energy than it produces and pricing structures are dependent on the cost of foreign oil, even for renewable energy generation. Foreign oil generates about 60 percent of Hawaiʻi’s energy.

The County can reduce its footprint by increasing the percentage of renewable fuel used to power public facilities and infrastructure, reducing VMT, and establishing more energy efficient buildings. One of the most cost-effective ways of reducing energy emissions is by making buildings more energy efficient, as improving energy standards costs less than 1 cent per kWh saved. Building energy efficiency refers to how effectively infrastructure uses energy generated. For example, buildings that are designed with natural cooling systems, such as windows and doors that allow for cross-ventilation or siding that better reflects sunlight, require fewer fans or small air conditioning units. Upgrading appliances such as light bulbs, refrigerators, and washing machines also reduces electricity usage. New building development inevitably increases GHG emissions

by adding load on or off the grid. New development also includes embodied emissions, also referred to as embodied carbon, from harvesting, transportation, and construction of materials. The General Plan expands on the opportunities for increasing renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency in the Public Utilities section.

Waste and Wastewater

The third and fourth highest contributing sectors for Hawai‘i County emissions are solid waste and wastewater, accounting for 8.79 percent of emissions.¹ In 2022, Hawai‘i County collected 203,872 tons of waste in its landfill. Solid waste produces emissions through the process of decomposition, which releases nitrogen gases and methane. Additionally, transporting waste to and from transfer stations and the landfill produces additional emissions. Wastewater (sewage) produces GHG emissions during treatment processes, including nitrification and denitrification. Waste management is especially important for an island community, which has limited land for waste disposal and watersheds that are easily polluted. Residential, commercial, and industrial activity add to waste production on the island through materials used in construction, agriculture, and the visitor industry. Without finding ways to repurpose and reduce waste, waste production will continue to grow as population expands and economic activity increases. The County can divert waste from the landfill or incinerator through integrated waste management activities, including reducing, reusing, recycling, or composting waste. Waste minimization feeds into economic development, cesspool management, and toxic leakage. The General Plan explores opportunities for reducing waste in the Public Utilities and Public Facilities and Services sections.

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Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use

Agriculture, forestry, and other land use serve as carbon sinks, which absorb a substantial amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Hawai‘i Island forests are the largest source of carbon sequestration in the State.² Forests are also essential components of our watersheds. At higher elevations, forests catch and collect water that then travels down to lower elevations, providing fresh water from mauka to makai. As forests and shrublands are converted for commercial and residential activities, ranching and agriculture, essential natural carbon sinks, and vital cultural resources disappear. Deforestation and degradation of native forests can reduce the availability of fresh water, impacting potable water supply, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Moreover, the proliferation of invasive species can decrease groundwater recharge and have diminished the dominance of native ecosystems in

Hawaiʻi. Given that increased development, deforestation, and certain land management practices can become carbon sources, the County will need to preserve open spaces and forested lands to maintain carbon sinks. The General Plan expands on opportunities for climate-conscious land development in the Land Use section.

Climate Adaptation

Climate adaptation refers to actions to increase resilience to climate change impacts. Adaptation actions adjust to the actual or expected future climate to reduce risks from the harmful effects of climate change and maximize any potential benefit opportunities. The effects of climate change that are already starting to impact Hawaiʻi Island include increased air and sea surface temperature, drought, extreme rainfall, sea level rise, and increased hurricanes. These hazards exacerbate and are exacerbated by other hazards including wildfire, flooding, landslides, and high winds. Climate change poses a threat to ecosystem and community health. Climate change also endangers critical infrastructure and services, including structures, roads, bridges, potable water and watersheds, wastewater, parks, and emergency services.

Human and Environmental Health

Rising GHG emissions result in higher air and sea surface temperatures and greater absorption of carbon dioxide in the ocean, which increases ocean acidity. Coastal communities are especially susceptible to increased temperatures, with longer stretches of temperatures well above 80 °F. Higher temperatures alone can be dangerous for the health of humans and other living organisms. Higher temperatures also change the natural cycles of our planet. For example, higher temperatures can affect how the atmosphere

retains water, leading to increased rain in some areas and drought in others. High temperatures can be hazardous, particularly for vulnerable populations and those exposed for long durations. Kupuna and keiki are even more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death, as well as exacerbate preexisting chronic conditions such as respiratory, cerebral, and cardiovascular diseases.¹

Plants, birds, and other living organisms will migrate and likely be more stressed with rising air temperature. Increased air temperature will affect the behavioral patterns of species on Hawaiʻi Island. For instance, avian mosquitoes are migrating mauka with warmer air temperatures, harming native bird populations that live at higher elevations.² While some plant species may benefit from higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide, other factors essential to plants' growth such as nutrients, temperature, and water may limit growth. For example, the seed production of koa decreases in response to higher temperatures. There are various ways plant and animal species can adapt to increased temperature. In alpine ecosystems throughout the Pacific, species have been migrating to higher elevations in response to climate change.³ Higher temperature intensify drought conditions by increasing evaporation, which can lead to higher tree mortality and contribute to forest decline.⁴ Urban areas often lack tree canopies and green spaces that absorb heat and provide shade. Instead, structures such as buildings and roads elevate the surrounding temperature, leading to an urban heat island effect.

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Water Resources

A warmer ocean and more acidic ocean stresses reef ecosystems from increased rainfall and runoff containing sewage, pesticides, and fertilizers. Rising sea surface temperature, also associated with increasing storm intensity, can cause similar damage. This impacts fish populations, the food web in marine ecosystems, and the communities who depend on them. Hawaiʻi is impacted not only by global ocean acidification, but also coastal acidification resulting from localized land-based pollution, such as runoff and cesspools.¹

Further, wastewater and water line segments as well as on-site disposal systems are exposed to sea level rise. Saltwater intrusion from sea level rise into shallow coastal aquifers impacts potable water supply from shallow coastal groundwater wells and underground infrastructure. Underground infrastructure may become corroded and contaminate freshwater and nearshore waters. The General Plan promotes One Water strategies in the Public Utilities section.

Agriculture and Native Ecosystems

Extended droughts can have cascading effects on native ecosystems, the economy, agriculture, and public health. Drought reduces stream flow, which decreases the water available to support stream and wetland habitats, agricultural irrigation, cultural practices, and aquifer recharge and freshwater supplies.² Rain-fed fields and pastures are the most vulnerable to drought impacts in Hawaiʻi. If droughts persist, irrigated areas can become vulnerable as well.³ Additionally, higher temperatures and drought degrade native forests through increasing tree mortality and accelerating grass invasion. Together, these factors can reduce the cover of high-quality forest and heighten vulnerability to fire impacts. Future drying with

climate change will shift speak fire risk to higher elevations, endangering native forests mauka.

Freshwater ecosystems are especially vulnerable to drought. Stream wildlife is adversely impacted by reductions in stream flow through the limited availability of freshwater habitat, loss of hydrological connectivity, and impaired water quality. Reduced surface water and groundwater inputs into nearshore environments may also have negative impacts on organisms in brackish and marine environments. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems, including fish ponds, anchialine pools, and coastal springs, are culturally and ecologically significant systems that are affected by drought and exacerbated by unsustainable water use. Longer and more frequent droughts increase the demand for potable and non-potable water for municipal and agricultural uses. Water supply from County, private, and individual systems will be impacted by drought conditions and increased water use to support residents, agriculture, ranching, and tourism. Improving water infrastructure and conservation by increasing water storage capacity, reducing leakages from water systems, providing backup water systems, using stormwater to recharge groundwater aquifers, integrating groundwater-dependent ecosystem needs in sustainable water yield analysis, and conducting education and outreach activities are some of the key pre-drought management actions needed in a changing climate. The Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship section of the General Plan promotes balanced and resilient approach to managing land and resources.

Critical Infrastructure

Severe rainfall events, compounded by flooding and landslides, jeopardize critical infrastructure, communities, and coastal ecosystems. Runoff and flooding are some of the most disastrous impacts

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of severe rainfall events. As stream flows and velocities change, erosion patterns also change, altering channel shapes and depths, potentially increasing sedimentation behind dams and affecting habitat and water quality. Changes in watershed vegetation and soil moisture conditions also change runoff and recharge patterns. Additionally, deforestation adds to the impact of extreme rainfall events. When forests are removed from a watershed, stream flows can easily double. Increased sediment prevents streambeds from carrying the increased discharge, causing floodplains and floodplain elevations to increase.

Numerous County roads, bridges, and structures are exposed to severe rainfall events and compounding hazards. Sea level rise affects critical infrastructure including hazard materials and waste storage facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and transportation, communication, energy, safety, and security systems. Structures along the coastline in South Hilo, North Kona, and South Kohala have the greatest sea level rise exposure. Disruptions to emergency services can occur due to the impacts on roads, utility lines, and other critical infrastructure. More severe flood events will increase the number of brown water advisories that carry land-based sediment and contaminants, including sewage, dead animals, and pesticides, to the shoreline, beaches, and coastal waters, posing risks to public safety and coastal ecosystem health. The General Plan further expands on strategies to increase resilience in the Transportation Access and Mobility, Public Utilities, and Public Facilities and Services sections.

Energy Resilience

Increased air temperature places greater demand on energy consumption. A greater dependency on air conditioners will be necessary for organizations including hospitals and schools. Moreover, technology such as data servers require immense amounts of cooling, which will increase energy demand as temperatures and technology use rise. Disasters from climate change can also increase energy demand as power sources go out and need to be replaced with fossil fuel. Greater energy demand further increases GHG emissions, especially without renewable and reliable energy sources. The General Plan expands on renewable energy in the Public Utilities section.

Table 12: Climate Mitigation Challenges

Climate mitigation in Hawai‘i County faces a range of challenges due to its unique geographic, socio-economic, and environmental contexts. Mitigation focuses on the root cause of climate change: heat-trapping greenhouse gases that are added to the atmosphere at a faster rate than the planet can absorb them. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, community groups, and other stakeholders. Investment in research, innovation, and education, as well as robust policy frameworks and financial mechanisms, are essential components of effective climate mitigation strategies.

3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

Table 13: Climate Adaptation Challenges

Complementary to mitigation, climate adaptation is intended to be proactive. These efforts focus on building systems to withstand not only current but future climate change impacts. Approaches to adaptation include a wide range of solutions. Some examples may include building or retrofitting infrastructure to better manage increased flooding or natural solutions such as habitat restoration. Adaptation may also be associated with behavior and policy changes, such as public awareness campaigns and updating regulatory codes.

Table 14: Climate Mitigation Opportunities

By focusing on the following areas, Hawaiʻi County can make significant strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Table 15: Climate Adaptation Opportunities

By leveraging the following opportunities, Hawaiʻi County can build resilience against the impacts of climate change, protect its natural resources, and ensure the well-being of its residents.

3.2 Climate Change Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions

Goal: Ensure a just transition to a climate resilient island by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.

Objective 6

Ensure that climate actions are equitable and uplift marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Policies

6.1 Prioritize and support community-based organizations, businesses, and programs through County purchasing and procurement policies.

6.2 Prioritize and support Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) communities through tax incentives, grants, and financial support provided to community members, organizations, and other related groups.

6.3 Prioritize projects in communities that experience disproportionate impacts of climate change.

6.4 Consider financial and time barriers, geographic constraints, and language accessibility when conducting community outreach.

6.5 Improve the communication of climate risks and opportunities for adaptation efforts.

6.6 Support communities to become fire-adapted as they prepare for climate change.

6.7 Expand urban forestry benefits to disadvantaged communities.

6.8 Support social science research and applications to help address environmental justice and intergenerational equity.

6.9 Integrate Native Hawaiian traditional knowledge and practices in planning for the impacts of climate change.

Actions

6.a Increase transparency of government actions by creating a climate change dashboard and portal to track the implementation of climate action.

6.b Engage communities by incorporating place-based knowledge and qualitative data to guide implementation priorities and decision-making.

6.c Promote funding opportunities for LMI communities to implement climate action, including interactive videos and workshops that meet communities where they are.

Objective 7

Reduce the County government’s carbon footprint to net zero emissions by 2045.

• Achieve a 100 percent renewable-powered County fleet by 2035.
• Support the statewide effort to achieve 100 percent renewable ground transportation and 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.

Policies

7.1 Incentivize efficiencies that integrate affordable housing and carbon neutrality.

7.2 Require energy-efficient designs in all new County facilities and upgrade existing facilities with energy-efficient systems.

7.3 Support building code updates that incentivize energy-efficient designs and climate-neutral building methods and materials.

7.4 Encourage and incentivize the use of technologies, techniques, and materials in building design, construction, and removal that minimize the ecological footprint over the life cycle of the structure.

7.5 Encourage and incentivize large developments to meet energy sustainability certification standards.

7.6 Strive for energy sustainability certification for new County buildings or when renovating existing buildings for County use.

7.7 Prioritize energy-efficient designs, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction and/or reuse at County facilities.

7.8 Evaluate Capital Improvement Projects for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, including the cost savings related to improved design.

7.9 Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive and coordinated strategies promoting energy and water conservation to strive for climate resilience.

7.10 When evaluating public investments, including acquisition, siting, and design, consider the potential of natural areas for carbon sequestration and provide climate adaptation and mitigation opportunities.

7.11 Integrate and incentivize urban forestry into all scales of planning where feasible and compatible with infrastructure.

7.12 Develop carbon-emission standards and an incentive program aimed at achieving County carbon emission goals.

7.13 All County facilities shall report energy usage annually.

7.14 Program the upgrading of the County vehicle fleet and equipment to net zero emissions.

7.15 The Mass Transit Agency shall operate a net zero emissions fleet by 2035.

7.16 Prioritize the installation of electric vehicle chargers at community facilities, for both County vehicles and public parking.

7.17 All new County vehicle purchases, including average mpg, emissions equivalent per gallon of fuel (or kWh), and estimated annual operation and maintenance costs shall be reported annually.

7.18 Prioritize the accommodation of active transportation options as part of the planning and design of all roadway improvements to encourage non-motorized forms of transit.

Actions

7.a Develop and provide incentives for new development/redevelopment to pursue certification for “green” site planning, construction, and post-construction practices.

7.b Adopt policies and strategies across all County departments to reduce GHGs and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

7.c Develop a County purchasing policy to prioritize products with low emissions over their lifecycle and resiliency to the impacts of climate change.

7.d Develop and implement incentives for energy-efficient or green design standards.

7.e Prioritize urban tree inventories for primary urban areas such as Downtown Hilo, Waimea, and Kailua-Kona.

7.f Develop procedures to include street trees as part of public capital improvement projects.

7.g Develop energy benchmarking standards for County buildings.

7.h Develop and implement an electric vehicle charging plan with a station network map that identifies regional gaps in service.

7.i Create a fleet transformation plan for each County department.

7.j Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to increase community-wide awareness and accessibility regarding reducing transportation costs and emissions (e.g., the impact of keeping tires inflated on the efficiency of cars) through education awareness programs.

7.k Develop and implement a streamlined framework to report annual energy use of all County facilities and all new County vehicle purchases.

Objective 8

Improve the identification of climate change threats, assessment of potential consequences, and evaluation of adaptation options.

Policies

Climate change threats

8.1 Use accurate and up-to-date, peer-reviewed scientific predictions and observations related to climate change impacts to guide adaptation policy and land use decisions.

8.2 Support local and regional climate change modeling and monitoring programs.

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8.3 Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to monitor impacts that may be specific to Hawai‘i County due to its unique exposure to climate change and sea level rise impacts.

8.4 Improve assessments of climate change threats and potential consequences to determine specific geographic areas impacted and projected financial cost.

Assessment of consequences

8.5 Climate change adaptation strategies shall be considered in County budgetary, land use, water stewardship, fire mitigation, and other decision-making processes.

8.6 Implement sea level rise planning and policies for public infrastructure projects and other projects with a low tolerance for risk.

8.7 Prioritize the preservation and restoration of natural landscape features, such as reefs, beaches and dunes, forests, rangelands, streams, floodplains, wetlands, and aquifer recharge areas that have the inherent capacity to prevent, minimize, or mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Evaluation of adaptation

8.8 Develop adaptation strategies (e.g., protection, accommodation, managed retreat, and preservation) for capital improvements to ensure that the project’s useful life and service expectations can be met in the face of projected climate change impacts.

8.9 Design and maintain infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and stream crossings, to accommodate increases in flooding and geologic hazards such as landslides.

8.10 Partner with communities to develop adaptation strategies (e.g., protection, accommodation, managed retreat, and preservation) for vulnerable areas including conducting vulnerability assessments and assessing land use and land availability.

8.11 Partner with government (e.g., State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development [OPSD]), private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to analyze conservation buffers to accommodate shifting native habitats impacted by climate change, particularly wetlands and high-elevation forests.

8.12 County departments should integrate economic development, equity, and sustainability outcomes into their annual goals and reports to the Mayor.

Actions

8.a Conduct detailed vulnerability mapping of existing and planned infrastructure.

8.b Support and partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders on research for adaptive policies and technology that increase resilience.

8.c Incorporate appropriate green building or climate-resilient specifications into competitive bids.

8.d Adopt a land acquisition program with potential leaseback options for the purchase of hazard-prone locations or those with beneficial attributes for climate adaptation and mitigation.

8.e Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to implement environmentally beneficial upgrades for wastewater, irrigation, and/or landscaping, including sea level rise, storm, and other climate change considerations.

3.0 Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Organization

4.1 Land Use 4.2 Transportation Access and Mobility 4.3 Public Utilities 4.4 Public Facilities and Services 4.5 Housing for All 4.6 Integrated Systems

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4.1 LAND USE

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4.1 Land Use 4.1.1 Introduction 4.1.2 Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions 4.1.3 Overview of Land Use Designations and Maps 4.1.4 Urban Growth Areas 4.1.5 Rural 4.1.6 Agriculture

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4.1.1 Introduction

On Hawai‘i Island, land use planning plays a vital role in balancing the needs of the environment, community, and economy. The island's unique natural beauty and delicate ecosystems, including its diverse forests, coastal areas, and volcanic landscapes, require careful consideration and responsible stewardship to ensure their preservation for future generations. Land use refers to the allocation, management, and development of land resources in a particular area. This involves determining how land is utilized for various purposes, such as residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, or conservation. Land use planning, on the other hand, is the process of guiding and regulating land use decisions to achieve sustainable development and create healthy and resilient communities.

Sustainable development is a key objective of land use planning for the County. By strategically designating areas for different land uses, such as promoting agriculture in fertile regions, developing commercial areas in appropriate locations, and preserving native ecosystems, land use planning helps to create a balance that supports economic growth while protecting our natural and cultural resources. Land use planning is essential for cultivating healthy and resilient communities on Hawai‘i Island. This process involves considering factors such as access to healthcare, transportation infrastructure, recreational spaces, public services, and affordable housing. By promoting mixed-use developments and compact urban planning, land use planning aims to create Live-Work-Play communities, or livable neighborhoods that minimize commuting, encourage physical activity, and enhance social interactions.

Additionally, land use planning is critical to disaster resilience. Given our vulnerability to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change, responsible land use decisions can help reduce the risk and impact of such events. Land use regulations, such as County zoning and General Plan designations, among others, can promote the preservation of natural buffers and contain development where sensible, ensuring that communities are better prepared for and protected against potential disasters.

The land use element of the General Plan is intended to be used as a policy guide for coordinated growth and sustainable development across our island. As required by the State Planning Act, this section contains goals, policies, standards, and implementation priority actions to define patterns of future growth and guide the location and density of land uses within the County. The land use section seeks to establish the most desirable use of land for residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and other purposes which shall be consistent with the proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites.

The land use section is a land-based synthesis of the values, goals, and objectives of the other sections comprising this Plan. This component guides where and how land uses, infrastructure, and services should be directed to promote and protect the values of the people of Hawai‘i Island and to best achieve the goals and objectives outlined in the various elements of the Plan.

Figure 6 Layers of Land Use Planning

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County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

Figure 4 illustrates the interconnected layers of land use planning, emphasizing their interdependence and overlap to achieve the General Plan’s comprehensive goals.

• Natural and Cultural Resource Planning forms the foundation, integrating conservation and hazard considerations.
• Infrastructure Planning builds on this foundation, focusing on essential components such as water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, and other public utilities that complement natural resource planning and pave the way for economic opportunities.
• Economic Opportunity Planning is the next layer, which leverages natural assets and infrastructure to drive key industries such as agriculture, housing, education and other growth sectors.
• Community Placemaking sits at the top, demonstrating how these layers collectively enhance the quality of life in the community.

Each layer depends on and supports the others, much like the weave of sustainability, highlighting their crucial interrelationship.

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Table 16: Land Use Key Trends¹

Table 17: Land Use Challenges

Table 18: Land Use Opportunities

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4.1.2 Land Use Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions

Goal: We strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health, safety, and emergency response and preparedness services for our communities.

Objective 9

Maintain community character and land use compatibility.

Policies

9.1 The development of commercial facilities should be designed to reflect the character of the community while providing desired services and mitigating impacts on the surrounding environment.

9.2 In those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are inconsistent with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, variances, or Planned Unit Developments (PUD) that maintain consistent village/town character should be encouraged.

9.3 Zoning, subdivision, and other applicable ordinances shall provide for and protect open space areas.

9.4 Support mechanisms, such as PUD and Cluster Plan Development (CPD), that group parcel density to preserve open space, recreational areas, scenic viewsheds, or cultural or historic sites.

9.5 Discretionary permit applications for uses that may impact view planes to and along the coastline, and areas of natural beauty should take into consideration visual impact assessments and propose conditions to mitigate scenic impacts where appropriate.

9.6 In the review of discretionary permits, consider land use compatibility to ensure proximate compatible and complementary uses and appropriate mitigation measures.

9.7 Encourage developers of new urban areas to place utilities underground.

9.8 Route selection for high-voltage transmission lines should include consideration for setbacks from major thoroughfares and residential areas. Where feasible, delineate energy corridors for such high-voltage transmission lines.

Actions

9.a Develop a process for County-initiated State land use boundary reclassification to best align State Land Use with County long-range plans.

9.b Create village plans for unique urban areas that include considerations for urban design, aesthetic quality, and the protection of amenities in adjacent areas through landscaping, open space, and buffer areas.

9.c Develop subdivision standards that make a distinction between agricultural, rural, and urban land uses.

9.d Define the types of open space that are sought to be protected and establish standards to be applied to ensure its protection.

9.e Conduct a review and re-evaluation of the real property tax structure to simplify and assure compatibility with land use goals and policies.

9.f Study the feasibility, issues, and opportunities related to the development of a TDR program to strategically preserve open space and achieve density to remain consistent with the land use pattern in accordance with the General Plan Land Use Maps.

Objective 10

Increase the integration of natural systems planning including the Native Hawaiian ahupua‘a framework.

Policies

10.1 Protect and enhance Hawai‘i’s beaches, shoreline, open spaces, and scenic resources.

10.2 During discretionary permit applications, the Planning Director may require a pedestrian, equestrian, and/or bicycle path when it is possible and safe to connect to existing or future open space, drainage, or active living corridors.

10.3 Proposed discretionary permits for large development projects (200+ units) in the North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, and Ka‘ū Districts should be designed to be as water neutral as reasonably possible through water conservation, recharge, and reuse measures to reduce the water footprint.

10.4 Identify outstanding natural or cultural features, such as water courses, fine groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures on subdivision preliminary plat maps.

Actions

10.a Amend the Zoning Code to create a category for lands that should mostly be kept in a natural state, but that may not be in the Conservation District, such as certain important view planes, buffer areas, and very steep slopes. The zoning category should include reasonable land uses.

10.b Amend the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code to allow CPDs to be applied to all zoning districts with appropriate building site standards.

10.c Collaborate with the State Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD) to create criteria to help identify and protect Native Hawaiian customary and traditional practices.

Objective 11

Increase equitable planning and decision-making processes.

Policies

11.1 Ensure there is necessary and adequate on-site infrastructure for development projects may include but not limited to water, wastewater, and multimodal infrastructure.

11.2 Ensure affordable housing requirements that meet the demand created by the development.

11.3 The County may impose incremental and conditional zoning based on performance conditions that focus on addressing the impacts of the proposed development.

11.4 Concurrency reviews should incorporate reduction in vehicle miles traveled to mitigate traffic impacts and achieve sustainability and demand management goals.

11.5 County agencies recognize that land use decisions on DHHL lands are determined by the Hawaiian Homes Commission (HHC) and should coordinate accordingly.

11.6 DHHL Plans (DHHL General Plan, DHHL Hawai‘i Island Plan, DHHL Regional Plans) will be the authority on land use that will guide County policy regarding land uses and projects surrounding DHHL lands to prevent land uses that may negatively impact homestead communities.

Actions

11.a Collaborate with the SHPD to create clear guidance to be used when reviewing a project related to the identification of cultural sites and practices.

11.b Implement efficiencies to make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective.

11.c Evaluate concurrency requirements that would impose reasonable and fair infrastructure concurrency requirements on all developments.

11.d Amend the Zoning Code to allow for PUD to become administrative permits and subject to the approval of the Planning Director.

11.e Provide flexibility within the Zoning Code to accommodate emerging new industries through Use Permits or allow new uses that do not conflict with the purpose and intent of the existing zoned district.

11.f Update traffic impact analysis requirements to include alternative evaluations to the level of service outcomes, such as vehicle miles traveled and alternative transportation metrics.

Objective 12

Reduce the threat to life and property from natural hazards and disasters.

Policies

12.1 Enact additional land use and building structure regulations in areas vulnerable to severe damage due to the impact of waves or inundation.

12.2 Review land use policy as it relates to floodplains, high surf, and tsunami hazard areas.

12.3 Consider natural hazards in all land use planning and permitting.

12.4 Discourage intensive residential development in areas of high volcanic hazard.

12.5 Discourage public investment/infrastructure that supports increases in density in high-risk hazard areas , while allowing such investment to support existing residents and facilities.

12.6 Reduce development intensity in identified high-risk hazard areas.

12.7 Incorporate hazard mitigation strategies into policies and planning decisions using the most conservative models in delineating hazard areas.

12.8 Encourage the development and implementation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans, Firewise Community Certification, and public education programs for communities with high wildfire risk.

12.9 Encourage the use of natural features such as sand dunes, xeriscape, or native plants to provide buffers from hazards.

12.10 Traditional ecological knowledge and methodologies should be considered to mitigate, adapt, and restore areas prone to natural hazards and disasters.

12.11 Utilize multimodal trails for firebreaks and possibly emergency evacuation routes where feasible.

12.12 Power distribution should be placed underground when and where practical.

Actions

12.a Update the Building Code to maintain cost-effective standards to resist hazards and reduce carbon footprint.

12.b Adopt natural hazard overlay zones and set appropriate conditions for land use, siting, and design within high-risk hazard zones.

12.c Amend the Zoning Code to establish building setbacks for coastal and inland cliffs.

12.d Collaborate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to regularly update flood studies and refine flood zone designations.

12.e Review and amend land use policies to reduce risk from hazards including but not limited to floodplains, high surf, tsunami, landslides, erosion, wildfires, and high-risk volcanic hazard areas.

12.f Study the feasibility, issues, and opportunities of a TDR program to incentivize development away from high-risk hazard areas.

12.g Amend the Zoning Code to include a science-based shoreline setback to address climate change and sea level rise.

4.1.3 Overview of Land Use Designations and Maps

Purpose and Authority of the General Plan Land Use Map

The designated land uses are delineated on the General Plan Land Use Map. The broad-brush boundaries indicated are graphic expressions of the General Plan policies, particularly those relating to land use. They are forward-looking, long-range guides to the general location and will be subject to a) existing zoning; and b) the State Land Use District. While some future actions must be consistent with the Plan, it is not retroactive and does not change existing subdivisions or zoning. Similarly, the acreages allocated represent alternatives for the various levels of economic activity and supporting functions, such as resort, residential, commercial, and industrial activities. The land use pattern is a broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. The General Plan Land Use Map indicates the general location of various land uses in relation to each other.

Interpretation

Interpretation of the General Plan Land Use Map should be reviewed against the following criteria: parcel boundaries, census block groups, place types, County zoning designations, State land use designations, and Community Development Plan (CDP) guidance. Because of the scale of the land use maps, the location of designated Natural lands should be verified by more detailed mapping when considering specific land use decisions. In the event of questions related to the General Plan land use designation of a parcel or area, the Planning Director will utilize the above criteria and any other relevant research and information available at the time to provide a clear interpretation of the General Plan Land Use Maps.

Standard Guidelines

In each section of the land use designations outlined in this chapter, standard guidelines give examples and additional details regarding the intent of each land use designation. They are meant to be a design framework and used as general guidance and best practices.

Table 19: General Plan Land Use Designations and Maps

Urban Land Use

Rural Land Use

Agriculture and Natural Land Use

Open Space Land Use

Note: The General Plan Land Use Maps can be found at the end of this document.

4.1.4 Urban Growth Areas

The Urban Growth Areas (UGA) include high-density Transit Oriented Development (TOD), medium-density Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), and low-density Urban Neighborhood Centers. These centers provide physical, social, governmental, and economic concentrations and easier access to services, recreation, and employment activities.

To integrate land use planning and infrastructure planning, the urban centers have been designated based on Smart Growth principles¹. This ensures that land use patterns and infrastructure availability help us achieve our intentional sustainable development goals. More specifically, urban centers have been designed to create compact, walkable, mixed-use spaces with a purposeful density that helps reduce the need for driving.

Infrastructure costs less when new residential areas are located near existing roadways, water and sewer lines, and employment centers. The location of urban uses should continue to be evaluated from the standpoint of how each use serves existing and future population growth of the surrounding area. It is also worth noting that shopping patterns have changed, resulting in fewer brick-and-mortar types of structures. This should continue to be evaluated to consider flexibility and mixed uses with performance standards to protect residential areas from potentially noxious uses.

The value of establishing UGAs lies in the ability to manage growth effectively, preserve natural and cultural resources, plan infrastructure efficiently, stimulate economic development, and foster strong, cohesive communities. UGAs present a strategic approach to urban planning that balances the needs of a growing population with the preservation of Hawai‘i Island’s unique character and heritage.

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The urban land use objectives are directed toward making UGAs more efficient, livable, and safe. Growth should be encouraged in terms of renewing older areas or developing new urban areas consistent with the land use map. The General Plan Land Use Map designates areas reserved for urban expansion.

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Objective 13

Increase the use of Smart Growth principles to focus development within designated urban centers.

Policies

13.1 Encourage flexibility in the design of residential sites, buildings, and related facilities to achieve a diversity of socio-economic housing mix and innovative means of meeting the market requirements.

13.2 Prioritize increase in density, rehabilitation, and redevelopment within existing zoned urban areas already served by basic infrastructure, or close to such areas.

13.3 Incentivize rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings rather than demolition in urban areas characterized by vacant, abandoned, and underutilized older buildings.

13.4 Encourage the rehabilitation and/or utilization of maximum density in multi-family residential areas.

13.5 Rezonings that promote infill are encouraged and should be conditioned to ensure connectivity to the surrounding developments and, where applicable, to provide mixed-use opportunities to make the area more pedestrian-oriented.

13.6 The establishment of urban types of zoning may include additional acreages to account for acreages utilized for public benefits, such as historic sites, public access, parks, and open space.

13.7 Within the “high- and medium-density“ area, commercial development shall be focused on major streets, while interior blocks should be zoned primarily for small lot single-family and multi-family residential use.

13.8 Focus on medium- and high-density residential and commercial uses in communities that can sustain a higher intensity of uses and where consistent with General Plan Land Use Map and existing town character.

13.9 Support the rezoning of land to multiple residential near places of employment, retail, utilities, and educational, recreational, cultural, and public facilities.

13.10 Development of TODs and TNDs are encouraged within locations of the urban centers shown on the General Plan Land Use Map. These locations are approximate and become fixed during rezoning.

13.11 Plan for and identify appropriate areas for business incubation/innovation districts and industrial/business parks.

13.12 Urban renewal, rehabilitation, and/or redevelopment programs should be undertaken in cooperation with communities, businesses, and governmental agencies.

13.13 Support master planning by public and private institutions and landowners which emphasize TOD, affordable housing, and mixed-use development.

13.14 Low- to medium-density residential development and/or low-impact office uses within urban areas should serve as transitional densities between lower-density neighborhoods and more intensive commercial and residential uses.

13.15 Encourage the use of more innovative types of housing development with respect to geologic and topographic conditions, such as zones of mix and cluster and planned unit developments.

13.16 Lots within proposed single-family residential subdivisions should not have direct vehicular access from major collector streets or higher based on Federal Highway Administration classifications.

13.17 Large, oversized blocks in new subdivisions should be avoided in favor of smaller blocks and enhanced pedestrian networks. The determination of block size should be based on land use and the urban or rural character of the area.

Commercial

13.18 Support the redevelopment of aging and high vacancy shopping centers and strip-type developments into mixed-use developments with housing and public recreation facilities.

13.19 Encourage the concentration of commercial uses within and surrounding a central core area adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure.

13.20 Infrastructure and design elements shall be incorporated into the review of commercial developments.

13.21 Encourage a mix of uses near affordable housing and access to commercial and recreational opportunities.

13.22 Industrial and commercial mixed-use districts may be provided in urban centers.

13.23 Distribution of commercial areas shall meet the demands of neighborhood, community, and regional needs in accordance with Smart Growth principles.

13.24 Discourage strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the UGAs.

13.25 Discretionary permit applications for regional retail uses, including big box and regional shopping centers located adjacent to areas designated for low-density residential and rural uses, should be buffered to mitigate impacts.

13.26 Encourage small-scale manufacturing and processing within retail establishments that enhance and are consistent with the surrounding community.

13.27 Support the flexible design of commercial spaces to allow for transitional uses that serve the evolving needs of its users.

13.28 Discretionary permit applications for new commercial developments adjacent to or within existing industrial designated lands shall be reviewed for the criteria of conversion from industrial lands.

Industrial

13.29 Industrial development shall be in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure or adjacent to unique resources and/or projects.

13.30 Support the creation of industrial uses in appropriate locations as part of mixed-use districts and developments.

13.31 Support Industrial Project District zoning and flexibility of uses and lot sizes, depending on the needs of the industries and the communities.

13.32 Encourage Industrial Project Districts and Innovation Centers within the UGAs.

13.33 Industrial-commercial mixed-use districts should serve as transitional areas in accordance with the General Plan Land Use Map and Community Development Plan.

13.34 Support land uses that locate regional-scaled industrial and warehouse sites near major transportation corridors, airports, and harbors.

13.35 Support the development of recycling operations near transfer stations and County landfills.

13.36 Industrial uses may be permitted outside UGAs through Special Permits only when there is a clear community benefit or consistent with County, State, and Federal sustainability objectives.

13.37 Encourage the rehabilitation of existing service-oriented industrial areas.

13.38 Mitigate impacts of industrial development on surrounding uses by requiring landscaping, trees, open spaces, buffer zones, and other appropriate conditions.

13.39 Future land uses in the vicinity of industrial areas, including airports, should have an adequate open space buffer and/or be compatible with the anticipated aircraft noise exposure levels for that vicinity.

13.40 Heavy Industrial and residential uses should be separated by other transitional uses or sufficient open space.

Resort

13.41 Resorts, hotels, visitor attractions, and related development shall be in areas adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure.

13.42 Promote and prioritize the rehabilitation and the optimum utilization of resort areas that are presently serviced by basic facilities and utilities before allowing new resorts.

13.43 Coastal resort developments shall provide public access to and public parking for beach and shoreline areas.

13.44 The development or designation of new resort areas should complement the character of the area; protect the environment and natural beauty; respect existing lifestyles, cultural practices, and cultural resources; and provide shoreline public access.

13.45 Do not allow new Resort (V) zoning development along the ocean side of Ali‘i Drive.

13.46 Resort development should be in balance with the social and physical goals as well as the economic desires of the residents of the area.

13.47 Encourage new developments to be water neutral by balancing water supply and demand.

13.48 Retreat Resort uses may be permitted outside UGAs through Special Permits only when there is a clear community benefit or consistent with County, State, and Federal sustainability objectives. .

13.49 On-site affordable housing and workforce units shall be excluded from the total permitted visitor unit counts for existing and new resort developments.

13.50 Encourage the addition of workforce housing opportunities within existing and proposed resort areas.

13.51 Incorporate open and natural spaces within existing and future resort areas.

Actions

13.a Incorporate innovations such as “mixed-use zones” into the Zoning Code.

13.b Incorporate flexibility in codes and ordinances to achieve a diversity of socio-economic housing mix and to permit an aesthetic balance between residential structures and open spaces.

13.c Amend the Subdivision Code to ensure block sizes are based on land use and the character of the area.

13.d Initiate rezonings that promote infill to ensure connectivity and provide mixed-use opportunities to make the area more pedestrian-oriented.

13.e Amend Zoning Code to:

i. Establish a TOD overlay zone project district with a minimum size of 15 acres.

ii. Create a TND overlay zone for existing zoned lands within identified residential and commercial zoning districts.

iii. Allow for residential uses in ML and MCX zoning districts.

iv. Support innovative uses of alternative energy, agriculture, aquaculture, and others, in MCX zoning districts.

v. Clearly distinguish between general industrial and service industrial types.

vi. Establish urban open space standards.

vii. Create Industrial Project Districts and Innovation Centers.

Urban Standard Guidelines

Table 20: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Standard Guidelines

Table 21: Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) Standard Guidelines

Table 22: Urban Neighborhood Center Standard Guidelines

Table 23: Industrial Center Standard Guidelines

Table 24: Criteria for Industrial Land Conversion to Commercial/Mixed-Use

4.1 Land Use | County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

Table 25: Resort Area Standard Guidelines

4.1.5 Rural

Hawai‘i Island is widely considered rural, yet the State Land Use Rural District comprises just 807 acres or less than one percent of the island’s total land area. The Rural District was defined after the original district boundaries were established upon the request of small landowners. In the establishment of the original district boundaries in 1963 to 1964, plantation towns and rural centers were designated Urban, although urban land use and development standards are inappropriate for use in the context of rural settlements and rural infrastructure. All working and open lands not designated as Conservation were designated Agricultural, even if they had little agricultural resource value. Consequently, many of our rural areas are still designated State Land Use Agricultural with Agricultural County Zoning.

Rural areas are situated outside of the UGAs, where a city-like concentration of people, structures, streets, and urban level of services are limited, and where small farms are intermixed with low-density residential development. These areas should retain their rural character with low-density residential development, supporting small-scale commercial development, and agricultural land uses. It is worth noting that Rural and Agricultural land uses are not interchangeable and have distinct outcomes.

Residents value the natural spaces, open areas, and small-scale agricultural activities that rural living provides. The history and character of the island’s rural communities are irreplaceable. Well-defined rural areas that are distinct from agricultural areas can address the demand for rural lifestyles on marginal agricultural land while reducing the pressures to develop important agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.

Minimizing sprawl and greenfield development can be challenging when rural residences have been among the most affordable homeownership options on Hawai‘i Island for decades. Rural subdivisions, such as Hawaiian Paradise Park and Hawaiian Oceanview Estates, have been two of the fastest-growing residential areas on the island because lots have been the most affordable. Many rural subdivisions have also been the most underserved areas, in terms of infrastructure and services. These communities may lack essential infrastructure and services such as healthcare facilities, schools, and transportation options. The distance from urban centers and the dispersed nature of rural settlements makes it challenging to provide adequate services to these areas.

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Despite these challenges, rural communities often exhibit strong social cohesion and self-sufficiency. Preserving rural character and lifestyle allows residents to maintain a sense of community and fosters resilience in times of adversity, such as natural disasters or disruptions to external supply chains. Rural areas often retain strong ties to the island’s cultural heritage, which helps maintain traditional practices and values that are important to communities. By maximizing rural lands, there are opportunities to support small-scale farming and promote agricultural self-sufficiency. The General Plan recognizes the value of utilizing Rural as a land use designation to clearly define and characterize its role on our island.

Objective 14

Maximize the use of Rural designated lands to preserve rural character and lifestyle.

Policies

14.1 Support the State Land Use reclassification to Rural in alignment with the General Plan Rural designation.

14.2 Support reclassification/rezoning of appropriate General Plan Rural designated areas where an intermediate land use and a well-defined buffer between Urban and Productive Agricultural areas are consistent with the surrounding uses and rural character.

14.3 Support General Plan amendments and rezoning applications for the development of new Rural Neighborhood Centers with adequate infrastructure, as necessary, in or near presently underserved subdivisions, beginning with those experiencing higher rates of population growth.

14.4 Rural-style residential-agricultural developments, such as new small-scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities, should be incentivized to cluster in appropriate locations.

14.5 Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes in rural areas and near points of interest.

14.6 Provide flexibility in discretionary permit applications to maintain health and safety for rural small-scale visitor accommodations not serviced by public infrastructure.

Actions

14.a Amend the Zoning Code definition and requirements for Lodges and reconcile similarities and inconsistencies with the special permit provisions for Retreats. Clearly articulate in the Code the zoning districts appropriate for Lodges.

14.b Amend the zoning districts currently listed as Family Agricultural District (FA) and the Residential and Agricultural Districts (RA) to be consistent with the Rural designation and to allow for home occupations that do not negatively impact rural character.

14.c Amend the Zoning Code to allow telecommuting and home-based businesses that rely on the internet as permitted accessory uses to residential uses when operated in compliance with cottage industry performance standards.

14.d Amend the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code to establish Clustered Rural Subdivision PUD.

Table 26: Rural Neighborhood Standard Guidelines

4.1 Land Use | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

4.1.6 Agriculture

Agriculture, including but not limited to farming, ranching, forestry, nursery, and aquaculture operations, holds a crucial role in Hawai‘i for its significance in the economy, food security, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage. Land use planning policies directly impact agricultural land and activity, shaping the future of farming practices, food production, and the overall agricultural landscape on Hawai‘i Island.

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The State Land Use Agricultural District encompasses 1,184,599 acres or 46 percent of the island’s total land area. However, during the original designation of lands, all working and open lands not designated as Conservation were designated Agricultural, even if they had little agricultural resource value. Since then, there have been efforts to better define lands well-suited for productive agricultural uses based on soil data, rainfall, and other factors. Ensuring appropriate agricultural land uses is a priority of the State and County of Hawai‘i. The General Plan further works to define and protect productive agricultural land through establishing policies and guidelines that support and enhance agricultural activities while promoting responsible land use practices.

One of the primary challenges to the maximization of agricultural production is access to affordable land. Productive agricultural land values have risen beyond their value for agricultural purposes due to increases in non-agricultural residential uses. Other impediments to agricultural production include labor cost, labor availability, and limited market access. The agricultural industry is constantly evolving and has shifted away from larger-scale production and now includes value-added processing and agricultural tourism. This shift has resulted in the need to manage large tracts of otherwise unmanaged agricultural lands. Unmanaged lands are often full of fire-prone grasses and shrubs which create dangerous conditions for wildfires. The land use regulatory system should encourage the management of all agricultural lands and must be flexible to adapt and allow the agricultural industry to make changes that help it to succeed.

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The General Plan provides planning tools to incentivize the highest and best use of productive agricultural lands. The Plan’s policies and actions are aimed at maintaining the viability of the agricultural sector by preserving productive agricultural land, promoting local food production, supporting sustainable farming and ranching practices, mitigating urban encroachment, strengthening the local economy, and contributing to the conservation of the island’s biodiversity.

Objective 15

Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands.

Policies

15.1 Development in Productive Agriculture and Extensive Agriculture areas should include agricultural uses, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, compatible renewable energy, open area recreational uses, community facilities, and compatible agriculture worker housing.

15.2 Special permit applications within Productive Agriculture designated land should support primary agriculture use.

15.3 Encourage buffer zones or compatible uses between Productive Agriculture and adjacent other uses of land to mitigate unintended agriculture externalities such as machine/animal noise, odors, fertilizer/pesticide drift, and related impacts.

15.4 Preserve agricultural character, including the open space preserved by agricultural land.

15.5 Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations that directly promote the agriculture industry, health and wellness industry directly related to agriculture, or are near points of interest that support agriculture.

15.6 Any subdivision or agriculture worker housing complex developed on Productive Agricultural Lands should be clustered to minimize impact.

15.7 Encourage and aid the agricultural industry in continuing to provide agriculture worker housing.

15.8 Encourage the use of agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs.

15.9 Promote the preservation and restoration of indigenous agricultural systems.

15.10 Provide flexibility to allow adjacent compatible uses for agriculture with industrial components, such as carbon sequestration, timber, or food processing.

15.11 Encourage agroforestry as a viable industry, which can utilize less productive agricultural lands and contribute to carbon sequestration.

Actions

15.a Amend the Zoning Code to develop standards for permitting certified incubators or commercial kitchens in Rural or Agricultural districts.

15.b Conduct a study to review a maximum developable area consideration for properties designated as Productive Agricultural lands.

15.c Create and adopt a County Agricultural Tourism program.

15.d Amend the County Code to allow agriculture worker housing to be permitted where the employee’s primary occupation is working on a specific farm but where the housing and the farm are not on the same parcel.

15.e Update the Real Property Tax Code for agricultural land uses that result in actual production or other public benefits, such as native forestry and the ecosystem services that result from well-managed rangelands.

15.f Amend the Zoning Code to require Plan Approval for commercial open area recreational uses in the Agricultural District.

15.g Evaluate the Zoning Code relating to livestock production such as piggeries, apiaries, and pen feeding based on modern practices and potential impacts on adjacent uses.

15.h Develop standards and guidelines for buffer areas located adjacent to agricultural lands.

15.i Develop a program and incentives, including proposed resources (e.g., grants, loans, technical assistance, education) that support small-scale farmers, the lease of public lands, and learn opportunities to become effective stewards of the land.

15.j Collaborate with USDA and the State to enable farmers to bring local meat to local markets.

4.2 TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND MOBILITY

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4.2.1 Introduction

Transportation access and mobility are vital elements of any thriving community. These concepts encompass how individuals, goods, and services move within and beyond Hawai‘i Island. This element of the General Plan examines various modes of transportation, including roadways, public transit, biking and walking paths, and air and sea transport. These networks enable people to commute to work, access essential services, connect with natural and cultural attractions, and facilitate the movement of goods and services that sustain our local economy. The County recognizes the significance of transportation infrastructure in advancing economic growth, enhancing the quality of life, and preserving our unique natural and cultural assets.

As the largest and most ecologically diverse island in the State, the County faces various challenges and opportunities in ensuring efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation systems. The Plan aims to improve connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance energy efficiency. This approach not only minimizes the environmental impact of transportation but also promotes a healthier and more livable community for all residents. This section sets the stage for comprehensive and forward-thinking policies that will help guide transportation infrastructure development, promote alternative modes of transportation, and address the evolving needs of residents, visitors, and businesses across the island.

Resilience, on the other hand, is the capacity of a community to adapt, withstand, and recover from shocks and stressors such as natural disasters and economic fluctuations. Accessible and resilient transportation infrastructure is vital during emergencies, enabling efficient evacuation, emergency response, and the restoration of critical services. By investing in resilient transportation systems, the County strengthens its ability to confront and recover from adversities, ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents in times of crisis.

Transportation planning focuses on providing safe, efficient, and affordable modes of mobility for people and goods that achieve our sustainability goals and establish resilient responses to climatic and economic challenges. The traditional traffic perspective evaluates transportation system performance according to vehicle speeds, delays, level of service, and operating costs. Contemporary perspectives broaden evaluation to mobility costs and transit times of a variety of transportation modes and accessibility for people and businesses to reach desired services and goods. This broadened view of active transportation considers the movement of people through human-powered means, such as walking or cycling, small-scale motorized and traditional vehicular solutions, such as electric scooters, and communal offerings such as ridesharing or mass transit.

The Plan is focused on improving connectivity within and between communities, enhancing multimodal transportation options, prioritizing health and safety, reducing congestion, and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation systems. This section leverages emerging technologies, incorporates sustainable practices, and considers the County’s long-term goals for resilience and adaptation to climate change.

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Table 27: Transportation Key Trends

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4.2 Transportation Access and Mobility | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

Table 28: Transportation Challenges

Table 29: Transportation Opportunities

4.2 Transportation Access and Mobility | County of Hawai‘i General Plan

4.2.2 Transportation Goal, Objective, Policies, and Actions

Goal: Each community is connected by a multimodal and modernized transportation network that provides a system for safe, efficient, and comfortable movement of people and goods.

Objective 16

Achieve a transportation system that is consistent with and will accommodate planned growth.

Policies

16.1 Encourage transportation systems that serve to accommodate the present and future development needs of communities.

16.2 Encourage safe and convenient use of low-cost, energy-efficient, non-polluting means of transportation.

16.3 Encourage the diversification of transportation modes and infrastructure to promote alternate fuels and energy efficiency.

16.4 Transportation and land use planning shall be integrated to optimize the use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing mass transportation systems and future demand.

16.5 Establish a framework of transportation facilities that will influence desired land use and promote multimodal options.

16.6 Provide for present traffic and future demands, including the development of mass transit programs for high-growth areas by both the private and public sectors.

16.7 Implement procedures for County departments to collaborate on defining short- and long-term transportation CIP projects in terms of scope, timing, proposed funding, and project performance measures required to optimally achieve transportation ambitions stated in County plans, standards, and laws.

16.8 Prioritize CIP investments consistent with General Plan goals and objectives with consideration for multimodal transportation demands, walking and cycling infrastructure, and safety features for our most vulnerable roadway users, for all roadway repaving, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

16.9 Support the design of all transportation facilities, including airports, harbors, and mass transit stations, to reflect local and/or Hawaiian architecture.

16.10 Identify and evaluate transportation strategies to address energy and climate issues.

16.11 Prioritize public and private transportation investments to expand the multimodal transportation system.

16.12 Require new developments to contribute their pro rata share of local and regional infrastructure costs.

16.13 There shall be coordinated planning of transportation systems for the funding of projects in areas of anticipated growth and to meet program goals of other elements such as historic, recreational, environmental quality, and land use.

Actions

16.a Develop a comprehensive, island-wide multimodal transportation plan that identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate federal and state agencies.

16.b Develop a planning and financing strategy to fund timely and routine maintenance of County transportation assets that secures availability and reliability, independent of CIP activities.

16.c Amend the County Code, Chapters 22, 23, and 24, to increase active transportation and accommodate emerging micro-mobility solutions.

16.d Establish interdepartmental teams to review significant development projects to evaluate integrated infrastructure requirements, multimodal options, and private-public collaboration to ensure implementation.

4.2.3 Active Living Corridors and Public Access

Access to coastal and mountain areas was traditionally and is currently an essential element of island life that provides for gathering resources and transportation, as well as engaging in activities of cultural significance, recreation, and ancestral legacy. In 1995, the Public Access Shoreline Hawaiʻi (PASH) decision by the Supreme Court of Hawaiʻi validated customary rights of certain types of access to conduct cultural traditions and practices on lands where those activities had been conducted in the past.

Today, historic trails can serve as a foundational pattern upon which modern-day public access should be planned, designed, and built in relation to the natural and sociocultural landscape. With intentions to preserve and protect historic trails and their networks, and in the context of establishing active living corridors, land use planning can identify modern connections in an open space network that includes County roadways and public transit services as an extension of traditional mobility that preserves and honors historic trails and the cultural landscape as part of transportation.

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Active Living Corridors

Historic

• Trails mauka to makai, along the shoreline, and throughout the mauka regions.
• Enables the community to access areas that have significant natural or scenic value, and to continue traditional practices for gathering, hunting, and recreation.
• E.g., Ala Kahakai

Modern

• Pedestrian, equestrian, and biking trails; modern facilities for parking and comfort.
• Provides access to shoreline and other natural resources, boat harbor, parks, sport fields, camping sites, and outdoor gyms.
• Can be found in both rural and urban areas E.g., Maka‘eo walking path

Establishing these active living corridors in an open space network requires a combination of identifying and mapping historical and potential trails and connections, ensuring that continuity mauka to makai and laterally around the island is not interrupted by development activities, planning for extended bike and pedestrian trails, and connecting roadway and public services.

Objective 17

Increase transportation connectivity.

Policies

17.1 Ensure Native Hawaiian access rights are clearly expressed in County code, policies, and procedures, while also protecting sacred sites and burials in accordance with applicable state laws and state historic preservation laws.

17.2 Programmatically support the open space network concept with a methodology that includes criteria for establishing County department and other agency responsibilities, mapping requirements, financing strategies for implementation and maintenance, and standards for facilities that enhance the community experience.

17.3 Prior to disposing of, leasing, or transferring public lands through County Property Management procedures, the County shall assess, document, and protect access to existing active living corridors that are located on County-owned parcels.

17.4 Land use applications shall identify as early as possible any existing or potential active living corridors that should be incorporated into the County’s open space network.

17.5 Ensure that existing active living corridors that are publicly owned or available by easement are properly identified and that their access elements are secured and documented.

a) Primary examples include but are not limited to historic trails and roads, roads-in-limbo, ‘paper roads’, former sugar cane roads, train infrastructure remnants (Rails to Trails), and pedestrian and bicycling paths.

b) “Acceptance” by the County of the responsibilities detailed in the grant of easements should require County Council action and a dedicated funding source.

17.6 Provide public pedestrian access opportunities to scenic places and vistas.

17.7 Establish public access to historic and modern active living corridors and facilities that provide an island-wide route and connect to major destinations.

Actions

17.a Develop and adopt a program to establish public access to historic and modern active living corridors and facilities that provide an island-wide route and connect to major destinations.

17.b Explore the potential of multimodal trails to serve as evacuation routes during emergencies.

17.c Develop standards for active living corridors to assist when reviewing discretionary permits.

17.d Establish a public-private partnership, including financing strategies, for maintaining public access trails.

Table 30: Public Access Spacing Standards

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4.2.4 Mass Transit

Hawaiʻi County is committed to providing residents with a public transportation system that is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and reliable. Mass transit systems aim to reduce congestion, promote sustainable mobility, and provide equitable access to transportation options. Implementing and expanding mass transit on Hawaiʻi Island can have significant impacts on building resilient communities.

Mass transit systems may offer an efficient alternative to private vehicles, reducing congestion on roadways. With reliable mass transit, residents, including those without cars or with limited mobility, have an alternative means of transportation to access employment opportunities, education, essential services, commercial centers, recreation, and other activities. Improved mobility through public transit can enhance community connectivity and social cohesion while promoting pedestrian activities and active lifestyles.

The Hawaiʻi County Transit and Multimodal Transportation Master Plan was adopted in August 2018. The Master Plan provides a deeper review of the County’s transportation system and identifies policies and standards for the delivery of service. The General Plan recognizes the need to reflect the island’s shared vision for high quality multimodal transportation and strives to uplift the goals and strategies for achieving this vision.

Mass transit can play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. By encouraging a shift from individual car usage to shared transportation, mass transit helps decrease overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT), resulting in lower carbon emissions and improved air quality. This promotes a healthier environment and protects the natural beauty and resources of our island.

A well-planned mass transit system can stimulate economic growth and resilience. It creates employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases, fostering local job creation. Mass transit can also attract businesses and investments to areas with reliable transportation infrastructure, supporting economic development and revitalization of communities along transit corridors. Considering our vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and volcanic activity, mass transit can contribute to disaster resilience by providing evacuation routes and transportation options during emergencies. Having a resilient mass transit system in place ensures that residents have reliable means of transportation to evacuate affected areas efficiently and reach safe zones or emergency shelters.

Mass transit enhances social equity by improving access to transportation for all residents, regardless of income, age, or physical abilities. These systems help bridge transportation gaps and reduce transportation-related barriers, ensuring that underserved communities have affordable and convenient mobility options. Mass transit can enhance equity by providing reliable transportation to essential services like healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and job centers.

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Objective 18

Increase mass transit ridership by 50 percent by 2045.

Policies

18.1 Ensure transit routes connect with other modes of active transportation consistent with the County Street Design Manual.

18.2 Provide more equitable mobility for youth, low-income, elderly, and people with disabilities.

18.3 Maximize regular and paratransit service to the following: a) Town centers, commercial districts, and employment centers. b) Airports and cruise ship terminals. c) University and adult education centers. d) Accommodate school schedules such as after-school activities and sports.

18.4 Bus maintenance facilities should be developed at or near appropriate transit hubs.

18.5 Adopt hub and spoke system including alternative first and last mile or door-to-door services.

18.6 Transit infrastructure (e.g., bus stops, bus pullouts, waiting benches and shelters, and signs) shall be adequate and upgraded along existing and future transit routes.

18.7 Data shall be collected and analyzed to optimize mass transit planning, operation, and overall performance.

18.8 Improve and expand public transportation in communities with the highest socioeconomic needs.

18.9 The County’s public transit system assets shall be available to assist in transportation in emergency situations.

Actions

18.a Develop marketing and public awareness campaign of various services in collaboration with the airports, cruise ship terminals, and educational facilities.

18.b Identify, preserve, and/or acquire corridors for future transit use, for high traffic areas such as the Pahoa-Kea‘au-Hilo route, including but not limited to multimodal corridors and require new development to provide rights-of-way (ROWs) to accommodate transit services.

Table 31: Mass Transit Level of Service Standards

4.2.5 Roadways

Vehicle transportation remains the primary mode of mobility in Hawaiʻi County, with total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) continuing to increase. As of 2020, VMT in the State grew by about 15% since 2009 in response to general economic growth and increased tourism.¹ Much of the VMT occurred in single occupancy vehicles, which increases fuel consumption and carbon emissions. In addition, pedestrian and vehicular fatalities and injuries increase as more vehicles are added to roadways and total VMT grows. In response, transportation planning policy has evolved to prioritize active transportation, encourage demand management solutions, and establish street design standards and safety strategies to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

Active transportation places priority on pedestrian, public transit, and bicycle modes of mobility over the automobile. To effectively implement this priority, changes in land use zoning, street design standards, and defining and prioritizing infrastructure capital investments are required. Moreover, implementing active transportation requires coordinated planning and prioritizing of capital investments across planning, public works, parks and recreation, and public transit departments to achieve short- and long-term design goals.

In November 2020, the County of Hawaiʻi adopted by resolution a Street Design Manual to set standards for how County streets should support all modes of traffic. For each street type found in the County, this manual illustrates how the right-of-way should allocate space for multimodal activities following active transportation priorities. These design standards are essential for new development and infrastructure rejuvenation projects to achieve active transportation solutions in each step of modernizing the County's transportation system properly and adequately.

As of December 31, 2021, the State of Hawaiʻi’s traffic fatalities continue to rise and the County of Hawaiʻi’s figures per capita remain the highest in the state.² The County’s Vision Zero Action Plan, adopted in September 2020, provides a deeper understanding of the varying impact on Hawaiʻi Island communities regarding drivers versus cyclists and pedestrians, roadway conditions (e.g., visibility, peak traffic hours), and behavioral factors (e.g., speeding, impairment) that contribute to the persistent presence of traffic fatalities and injuries on our island. The General Plan acknowledges the recommendations of the Vision Zero Action Plan to establish strategies that increase safety, health, and equitable mobility for all.

In combination, active transportation and demand management strategies, street standards, data-driven planning, and a focus on Vision Zero safety goals create a modern approach to transportation planning that aims to secure equitable and affordable mobility opportunities for the island’s communities to connect to work, family, education, and recreational opportunities. This approach to planning roadways is essential to ensure safe experiences for all residents and to promote healthy and resilient communities.

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Objective 19

Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

Policies

19.1 Encourage collaboration between the Planning Department, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Mass Transit Agency to define the scope and priority of capital investment projects that achieve active transportation objectives and goals.

19.2 Increase arterial capacity through prioritization of alternative means of transportation, such as mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian systems.

19.3 Incorporate bicycle routes, lanes, and paths within road rights-of-way.

19.4 Increase mobility for minors, non-licensed adults, low-income, elderly, and people with mobility limitations through prioritization of alternative means of transportation.

19.5 Roadway designs and improvements made by the Department of Public Works shall accommodate pedestrian-friendly, multimodal design, and on-street parking evaluations, to the fullest extent possible .

19.6 Use traffic demand management to aid in reducing traffic congestion by targeting an increase of active transportation mode share to 10 percent (bicycling, walking, micro-mobility).

19.7 Concurrency reviews should incorporate reduction in vehicle miles traveled to mitigate traffic impacts (e.g. the level of service) and achieve sustainability and demand management goals.

Actions

19.a Continue to adopt the County Street design manual as the County’s complete street design program/policy.

19.b Amend the County Code to incorporate complete street design.

19.c Develop an active transportation plan to guide where complete street improvements should be focused and replace previous pedestrian and bikeway plans.

19.d Identify all roles for interdepartmental collaboration in delivering a truly multimodal transportation system.

19.e Update traffic impact analysis requirements to include alternative evaluations to the level of service outcomes, such as vehicle miles traveled and alternative transportation metrics.

19.f Increase community engagement and education around active transportation and alternative transportation options.

Read about climate mitigation efforts focused on the transportation sector in Section 3, Addressing Climate Change for Island-Wide Health.

Objective 20

Achieve a transportation system that employs all modes of transportation at a community scale.

Policies

20.1 Encourage the application of the County of Hawaiʻi Street Design Manual when necessary to preserve the character of an area while maintaining a pedestrian and bicycle friendly design and desired landscaping solutions.

20.2 In planning, designing, and constructing new roadways or modernizing improvements, transportation agencies should balance the conservation of the area’s natural, historic, and scenic qualities with transportation safety objectives for traffic speed, safety, and traffic calming.

20.3 Support and provide technical assistance to assist in the development of road improvement districts to finance road improvements.

20.4 Preserve the unique character of an area by allowing flexibility in existing roadway improvements and maintenance while seeking a pedestrian-friendly design and desired landscaping solutions.

20.5 Incentivize subdivision roadway connectivity.

20.6 A corridor planning/management program shall be maintained to help prioritize various active transportation projects.

Actions

20.a Create and adopt a performance measure program/policy.

20.b Amend the County Code to promote connectivity and discourage neighborhoods with only one inlet or outlet.

20.c Establish a corridor planning/management program that is data-driven and uses performance-based targets and outcomes.

20.d Designate new connectivity points for local traffic roads and create redundant routes for existing highways, utilizing existing routes where possible, that can also serve as emergency and evacuation routes.

20.e Adopt a Complete Streets ordinance.

20.f Explore options to incentivize roadway connectivity.

Objective 21

Incorporate green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff.

Policies

21.1 Incorporate low-impact development (LID), green infrastructure strategies, and pollution prevention procedures to address drainage in roadway design and update operation and maintenance methods to retain integrity of these solutions.

21.2 Prioritize roadway drainage improvements in flood-prone areas.

21.3 Use native vegetation when viable and maintainable to achieve the County Street Design Manual standards.

21.4 Maintain an Adopt-a-Street program to encourage civic participation where moderate landscaping and roadside cleaning can be done by community groups.

21.5 At a minimum, the County shall plan, site, and develop roads, bridges, and highways to:

a) Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits or are particularly susceptible to erosion or sediment loss;

b) Limit land disturbance such as clearing, grading, and cut and fill to reduce erosion and sediment loss; and

c) Limit disturbance of natural drainage features and vegetation, including mitigating impacts of stream crossings.

Actions

21.a Develop green infrastructure standards including right-of-way (ROW) landscaping, low-impact development (LID), and drainage.

21.b Develop an Adopt-a-Street program.

21.c Pursue funding, County capacity, and responsibility to maintain green infrastructure and native landscaping in the County Rights-of-Ways.

Objective 22

Increase transportation safety for transportation’s most vulnerable users and reduce traffic fatalities.

Policies

22.1 Human life and public health are prioritized within all aspects of the transportation system.

22.2 Safety solutions should be prioritized in areas with the most vulnerable populations.

22.3 Engage communities in defining issues and developing solutions for their community, with a particular focus on prioritizing disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

22.4 Prioritize interdepartmental coordination and accountability of traffic safety through education, enforcement, engineering, encouragement, and evaluation. Focus on policies, practices, staffing, and programs to improve road and pedestrian safety.

22.5 Incorporate traffic-calming features into arterial road and street designs to include vertical deflections, horizontal shifts, roadway narrowing, and closures to reduce speeding and increase safety. These may include techniques such as roundabouts, median barriers, speed humps, raised intersections, and other transportation industry practices.

22.6 Commit to an equitable approach and outcomes, including prioritizing engagement and investments in traditionally under-served communities and adopting equitable traffic enforcement practices.

22.7 Develop roadway standards to accommodate emerging technology for connected and automated vehicles.

22.8 Maintain dedicated roadway standards that are appropriate to roadway type and achieve active transportation and safety goals.

22.9 Engage and collaborate with the owners of private roads and local community groups to help identify and develop road management agreements that mitigate road closures to provide emergency evacuation routes.

Actions

22.a Amend the County Code to incorporate Vision Zero safety principles and Complete Street design principles.

22.b Develop educational programs promoting traffic safety.

Objective 23

Adequately maintain public transportation systems.

Policies

23.1 Maintain an Asset Management Program aimed at utilizing maintenance plans for pavement, bridges, and other road infrastructure to prolong the life of our transportation system as well as reduce its whole-life cost.

23.2 Maintain the unique features of historic bridges, while balancing safety needs and preserving historic and scenic character.

23.3 Prioritize the replacement of deficient and inadequate bridges and maintain pedestrian/bicycle access across bridges.

23.4 Design new bridges and bridge improvements to accommodate and not negatively impede identified scenic resources.

23.5 Evaluate freight routes identified in the State Freight Master Plan for required improvements to meet roadway standards.

23.6 Encourage the adoption of innovative materials and methods that improve roadway sustainability and resilience.

Actions

23.a Create an asset management program.

23.b Continue the bridge inspection program and expand rehab or replacement to include active transportation accommodations.

Roadway Standards

The County adheres to several federal and industry standards for roadway design. These include the AASHTO Green Book and Roadside Design Guide, the MUTCD, the NACTO, and the Highway Capacity Manual.¹ Examples of topics addressed by these guidelines include road geometry (e.g., curves, sight distance), safety within ROWs adjacent to travel ways, design speeds, level of service, signs/striping/signaling, and urban transit. In addition to these sources, the County adheres to the following locally defined standards.

Street Standards

Highways shall not be wider than four through travel lanes that accommodate single occupancy vehicles and should be limited to the most populated areas typically connecting residential areas with employment centers.

Integrate transportation networks to prioritize the most vulnerable roadways users and the greenest modes of travel through a Multimodal Hierarchy (Figure 7) that prioritizes investments in the following order:

1. Pedestrian
2. Public Transit
3. Bicycle
4. Auto

The minimum roadway width standards to accommodate the County Roadway Classifications were adopted in Resolution 779-20. The following provides an overview of this standard with reference to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Functional Classification system.

Figure 7 Multimodal Hierarchy

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4.2 Transportation Access and Mobility | County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

Table 32: County Street Typology Definitions

*Modal Hierarchy not applicable to Parkway and Primary Arterial as they are primarily under DOT jurisdiction.

4.2.6 Transportation Terminals: Airports and Harbors

As a major hub for tourism, commerce, and connectivity, Hawaiʻi County recognizes the importance of effective planning and management of its airports and harbors. These key infrastructure components serve as lifelines that facilitate economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and provide essential services for residents and visitors. Airports and harbors connect the County to the rest of the world, allowing for the efficient movement of goods, people, and ideas. They are essential nodes within the transportation network, acting as important economic drivers for the region. Efficient airports and harbors directly contribute to the success of various industries, including tourism, agriculture, trade, and logistics. Moreover, they are instrumental in supporting emergency response efforts, disaster management, and ensuring the overall resilience of the region’s transportation system.

The principal concerns of planning for transportation terminals involve a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects, including location, zoning of adjacent land, infrastructure development, capacity management, safety and security measures, environmental sustainability, integration with other modes of transportation, and financing and programming of improvements and services through capital improvement projects. While the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for the actual design, construction, and operation of terminals and supporting facilities, the General Plan addresses the location of these facilities in relation to the pattern of overall land uses. There are two deep draft harbors on the island, one in Hilo and another in Kawaihae.

While improvements continue to be made, both harbor terminals lack adequate docking and support facilities. Cargo volume at Kawaihae

• By the Numbers:
  • Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors saw 4.168 million short tons of cargo combined in 2016 (2017 DBEDT data book).
  • Kona Airport had 847,937 passenger departures and 859,265 passenger arrivals in 2017.
  • Hilo Airport had 36,048 passenger departures and 33,964 passenger arrivals in 2017.

Harbor has increased significantly as the population and development in West Hawaiʻi continue to grow. In 2011, the Hawaiʻi Commercial Harbors 2035 Master Plan was developed by the State to accommodate the future needs of facilities.

Air terminals that service inter-island transportation are in Hilo, Waimea, ‘Upolu, and Kona. The terminals at Hilo and Kona are overseas facilities. Oversea flights at the Kona International Airport at Keahole will continue to increase with the growth of resort areas in Kona and Kohala. Overseas flights through Hilo International Airport have been important for agriculture in East Hawaiʻi. Since 2011, the DOT has embarked on a $2.3 billion Hawaiʻi Airports Modernization Program to improve the safety, capacity, and efficiency of our major passenger and cargo airports.

As the population becomes more mobile and as resident and visitor populations increase, there will be a greater demand for new and expanded transportation facilities that are adjacent to compatible land uses and include alternative and active transportation connections to decrease the demand for cars and reliance on fossil fuels.

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Objective 24

Improve accessibility to airports, harbor systems, and support facilities.

Policies

24.1 Encourage the programmed improvement of existing terminals, including adequate provisions for control of pollution and appropriate and adequate covered storage facilities for agricultural products.

24.2 The State Department of Transportation should continue to implement its plans for transportation terminals and related facilities to promote and follow desired land use policies.

24.3 Transportation terminals should be developed in conjunction with the different elements of the overall transportation system.

24.4 Encourage maximum use of the island's airport and harbor facilities.

24.5 Encourage the development, maintenance, and enhancement of Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors as detailed within the State’s Hawai‘i Commercial Harbors 2035 Master Plan.

24.6 Support the State’s objectives to acquire rights within the runway clear-zones, limit heights within approach zones, and restrict noise-sensitive uses within designated noise contours determined by the State.

24.7 Future land uses in the vicinity of airports and harbors should have an adequate open space buffer and/or be compatible with the anticipated noise exposure and industrial nature in the vicinity.

24.8 Encourage pedestrian-oriented connectivity around harbors and small boat harbors.

24.9 Encourage master planning of small boat harbors to accommodate commercial and recreational fishing, tour boats, as well as business and recreational ocean activities, that balance economic vitality and environmental sensitivity.

Actions

24.a Create a strategic improvement plan, including mapping, for County owned and/or managed boat harbors and develop an island-wide needs assessment to better serve regional gaps in ocean accesses.

24.b Ensure collaboration with State agencies to offer a variety of transportation options at airports and harbors.

4.3 PUBLIC UTILITIES

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4.3.1 Introduction

In Hawai‘i County’s pursuit of a prosperous and resilient future, public utilities stand as pillars of essential infrastructure. These are services regulated by the government and provided in response to existing and prospective patterns of development. Changes in land use, population density, and development usually generate changes in the demand and supply of utilities. As the backbone of modern society, public utilities encompass a wide range of vital services that support the health, safety, and sustainability of our communities. This critical infrastructure allows us to function in many ways, including the ability to maintain healthy living conditions, proper sanitation, and access reliable energy to power our homes and businesses.

Public utilities play a key role in forming the foundation upon which social, economic, and environmental progress is built. Such essential services enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses while safeguarding the natural resources and cultural heritage of our island. The significance of public utilities can be understood through their contributions in the areas of environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social well-being.

Public utilities drive environmental stewardship by promoting clean energy generation, efficient water management, waste reduction, and recycling initiatives. Through the application of sustainable practices and technologies, public utilities protect our fragile ecosystems, mitigate climate change impacts, and preserve the beauty of our island for future generations. Additionally, robust and reliable infrastructure attracts investment, supports economic growth, and fosters job creation. From powering local industries to enabling efficient transportation networks, public utilities are catalysts for economic development, making our communities more resilient in the face of challenges.

Access to safe and affordable utilities is a fundamental right of every individual. Public utilities ensure equitable distribution of resources, allowing residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds to enjoy necessities such as clean water, affordable energy, and accessible internet-based services. These services enhance public health, education, and overall quality of life, fostering thriving and inclusive communities.

Given the unique challenges posed by our geography and vulnerable ecosystem, the General Plan aims to effectively guide the development, maintenance, and improvement of these critical services. This section of the Plan is primarily concerned with the planning aspects of our, water, wastewater, stormwater, electricity, and telecommunications systems. Planning for the location of utility facilities such as reservoirs, pumping stations, and sewage treatment plants is an important aspect of the land planning process, as it makes way for development opportunities.

Unintegrated utilities can burden developments with lower levels of service and may limit or even prevent development. The integration and availability of public utilities in priority growth areas are imperative. Changes in the intensity of land use greatly influence the quantitative design of utilities and services, particularly their design capacity. There may be distinctions in the type of services offered for each utility as land use intensities vary. These distinctions also depend on local codes and ordinances, health and sanitary considerations, and practices followed by utility companies.

Table 33: Public Utilities Challenges

• The looming deadline to convert cesspools to sewer or other IWS may create lack of local expertise to meet demand if not properly planned.

4.3 Public Utilities | County of Hawai‘i General Plan 127

Table 34: Public Utilities Opportunities

4.3 Public Utilities | County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

• Increase availability and access to information about private wastewater treatment plant capacities or expansion opportunities.

4.3.2 Public Utilities Goal, Objective, Policies, and Actions

Goal: Our communities are adequately served by sustainable and efficient public infrastructure, utilities, and services based on existing and future growth needs, sound design principles, and effective maintenance practices.

Objective 25

Improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of essential infrastructure systems.

Policies

25.1 Public utility facilities shall be designed at a scale that meets the needs of future development.

25.2 Provide utilities and service facilities that minimize total cost to the public and effectively serve the needs of the community.

25.3 Utility facilities shall be designed to complement adjacent land uses and minimize pollution or disturbance of the natural environment and natural resources.

25.4 Improvement of existing utility services shall be encouraged to meet the needs of users.

25.5 Encourage the clustering of developments to reduce the cost of providing utilities.

25.6 Develop short- and long-range capital improvements programs and plans for public utilities within its jurisdiction that are consistent with the General Plan.

25.7 Maintain an Asset Management Program aimed at utilizing maintenance plans to prolong the life of our utilities as well as reduce whole-life costs.

Actions

25.a Develop and adopt an Impact Fees Ordinance to aide in the expansion of public utilities.

4.3.3 Drinking Water Conservation

The Hawaiʻi State Constitution provides that all public natural resources, including water, are held in trust by the State for the benefit of the people. The State Constitution further maintains that “the State has an obligation to protect, control, and regulate the use of Hawaiʻi’s water resources for the benefit of its people.” Water availability is crucial to any type of development, whether urban, rural, or agricultural. Water availability is based on the sustainable yields of the groundwater hydrologic units established through the State Water Code.¹

Land use allocation must be closely related to water availability, including the quantity and quality of the water, and the adequacy of the transmission and distribution system. The General Plan requires an understanding of water availability and capacity, current demands, and future demands based on planned and anticipated future growth and land uses.

The County’s Department of Water Supply (DWS) is the primary agency that manages, controls, and operates the water supplies of the County and its properties. There are 23 individual water systems distributed throughout the island. Water demand is directly related to population and industry usage and is expressed as gallons per day (gpd) or million gallons per day (mgd). Demand does not represent domestic consumption alone, but also includes all agricultural, industrial, and commercial uses, fire protection, and other uses. In some areas, however, non-domestic users are likely to create the major demand, and careful attention must therefore be given in any study of probable future water needs.

In Hawaiʻi, there are a multitude of public agencies that are either actively tasked with regulating water resources or whose policies affect water use. There are also a number of private entities that use and manage water resources. Over the decades, water management has become segregated in a way that has created disjointed, mechanical approaches to a naturally continuous resource. The disconnection has included narrow perspectives that fail to see the larger picture. Hawaiʻi County aspires to achieve water resource management that is free from the limitations and issues of siloed practices, processes, agencies, and government bodies. Achieving a One Water approach in Hawaiʻi County includes actionable steps that can be adapted and adjusted to localize the One Water strategies.

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i One Water

One Water is a strategy that integrates the management of stormwater, wastewater, groundwater, sea water, freshwater, graywater, and recycled water to create resource and financial efficiencies. One Water will help the County of Hawaiʻi address climate change impacts by creating cross-agency coordination and advancing the capacity within agencies.

Objective 26

Increase the protection of existing and potential sources of drinking water.

Policies

26.1 All public water systems shall be designed and built to the DWS dedication standards. All other systems shall meet all relevant health and safety regulations and be designed and constructed by a licensed engineer.

26.2 Water sources shall be protected to prevent depletion and contamination from natural and man-made occurrences or events.

26.3 An effort by County, State, and private interests shall be coordinated to identify sources of additional water supply to be implemented and ensure the development of sufficient quantities of water for existing and future needs of high-growth areas and agricultural production.

26.4 Installation or rehabilitation of water distributions shall be sized to adequately meet fire protection.

26.5 Ensure the highest quality of water is reserved for the most valuable end-use.

26.6 Encourage the design of large development projects (200+ units) in the North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, and Ka‘ū Districts to be as water neutral as reasonably possible through water conservation, recharge, and reuse measures to reduce the water footprint.

26.7 Promote best practices in sustainable water collection and use for private water systems.

26.8 Water system improvements, including exploratory wells, shall correlate with the County's desired land use development pattern.

26.9 The DWS shall prioritize infill development and focus source development to serve designated Urban Growth Areas.

26.10 Water demand projections shall include all consumptive and non-consumptive demands.

26.11 The DWS and the Planning Department shall coordinate priorities before the adoption of any new water development or County land use plans.

26.12 All County potable water systems should have backup standby sources.

One Water

26.13 Treat all water as a valuable resource in community design, and integrate designs for drinking water, stormwater, and recreational water needs.

26.14 Manage water, stormwater, and wastewater as the same natural resource in collaboration with the DWS, DEM, DPW, and DOH.

26.15 New developments should be designed to reduce water demand, retain runoff, decrease flooding, and recharge groundwater.

26.16 Support localized, small-scale solutions to water reuse and on-site systems.

Actions

26.a In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), conduct further research on localized rainfall modeling to accurately assess future precipitation trends.

26.b Expand water conservation programs, primarily aimed at reducing demand, such as leak detection, and rebates for low flow.

26.c Evaluate and amend the fee schedule for water use to take into account high water use and aquifer recharge projections. Use the funds generated to pay for conservation measures and infrastructure.

26.d Improve County water conservation practices to lead by example.

26.e Maintain the water master plan to consider water yield, present and future demand, alternative sources of water, guidelines, and policies for the issuing of water commitments.

26.f Promote the use of groundwater sources to meet DOH water quality standards.

26.g Seek state and federal funds to assist in financing projects to bring the County into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

26.h Explore the feasibility of incentive methods such as property tax deductions, conservation easements, or transfer of development rights to protect the defined zone of influence of existing or proposed public and private wells.

26.i Investigate alternative financing options for expanding water systems to support infill growth consistent with the County’s desired land use development pattern.

26.j Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to develop, improve, and expand agricultural water systems in appropriate areas on the island.

26.k Continue to participate in the United States Geological Survey (USGS) exploratory well drilling program.

26.l Expand programs to provide agricultural irrigation water.

One Water

26.m Develop water conservation and stormwater management guidelines for commercial, industrial, and residential properties.

26.n Codify the administrative structure needed to develop a water resource program and interdepartmental collaboration framework.

26.o Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to develop and facilitate community partnerships between upstream and downstream communities.

26.p Develop public-private partnerships to leverage funding sources.

Table 35: Water System Standards Domestic Consumption Guidelines

• A unit, or, more precisely, one Equivalent Unit (EU) of water allows for an average daily usage of up to 400 gallons per day and a maximum daily usage of up to 600 gallons on any day but the average is still not allowed to exceed 400 gallons per day.
• One EU is typically served through a 5/8-inch meter and is considered adequate for a single-family home or dwelling and allows for some landscape or gardening usage.

4.3.4 Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

The General Plan recognizes the significance of wastewater treatment and reuse as essential components of the County’s comprehensive water management strategy. Adequate sewer systems are vital to maintain public health and protect the environment. As communities generate wastewater through various sources such as residential, commercial, and industrial activities, effective treatment is necessary to remove harmful pollutants and contaminants before the water is discharged back into the environment. Improperly treated wastewater can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, coastal waters, and freshwater resources, jeopardizing both human and ecological health.

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An adequate system minimizes contamination of both the groundwater supply and coastal waters, beaches, and waterborne recreational areas and is not a visual and odor nuisance. Land development plans for resort-residential complexes located in shoreline areas pose a potential water quality problem for adjacent near-shore waters. Adequate treatment facilities are essential prerequisites for development.

Wastewater reuse, also known as water recycling or reclaimed water, involves treating wastewater to a level suitable for non-potable uses. Reusing treated wastewater provides an opportunity to conserve precious freshwater resources and reduce the strain on existing water supplies. For Hawai‘i Island, where freshwater resources are limited and vulnerable to climate change impacts, the implementation of wastewater reuse projects becomes vital for ensuring water sustainability. By implementing appropriate treatment processes, treated wastewater can be used for a range of purposes, including irrigation of agricultural lands, landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge. This practice helps meet non-drinking water needs, reducing the reliance on freshwater sources for non-potable purposes and leaving more available for essential uses like drinking water.

The County operates municipal sewerage in Hilo, Pāpa‘ikou, Kapehu, Pepe‘ekeo, Honoka‘a, Kealakehe, and Kaloko. The remaining communities are served by private wastewater treatment facilities or individual facilities, such as cesspools or septic tanks. In 2017, the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed Act 125, mandating that all Hawai‘i’s cesspools be replaced by 2050. Cesspools are substandard sewage disposal systems as they do not treat wastewater. According to the latest report on the Hawai‘i Cesspool Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Tool, Hawai‘i Island contains an estimated 48,596 cesspools. Sewerage disposal system designs must be examined with the particular region in mind. Of critical importance in an examination of sewerage disposal for a community is the cost of the system, including construction and operation costs. These costs vary with the characteristics of each area.

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 legislated the protection of all aquifers or portions of aquifers currently serving as drinking water sources and any other aquifer capable of yielding consumable water. This mandate was based on a national concern for the quality of the groundwater and the increasing evidence of contamination of this valuable resource.

In 1976, the State Legislature enacted Act 84, relating to safe drinking water, which requires the State Department of Health (DOH) to establish an underground injection control program to protect the quality of the State’s underground sources of drinking water. Because of the importance of

groundwater as a source of municipal water supplies, the underground injection control program is considered a beneficial approach in the identification of aquifers that should be protected from subsurface disposal of wastewater through injection wells.

The protection of these aquifers is established by designating areas currently being used or will be used in the future for drinking water supply. The Underground Sources of Drinking Water (USDW) will be protected from pollution by prohibiting the construction of new injection wells that may pollute the USDW. Injection wells are allowed in exempted areas. The boundary lines between the USDW and the exempted areas have been developed. Under Chapter 62, Wastewater Systems, the DOH adopted a 1,000-foot setback of wastewater systems from all public drinking water wells and springs.

In compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-500), the DOH and the County jointly prepared the Water Quality Management Plan for Hawaiʻi County in 1978 and subsequently updated the plan in 1980. In 1979, the County Council adopted the plan through a resolution to serve as the planning guide for the development of regional waste treatment systems and the control of non-point sources of pollution. To implement the management plan, the County has prepared facility plans for various areas on the island. Facility plans are developed by the County to satisfy a requirement for the application of loans from the State to develop wastewater treatment facilities. The facility plans identify problems, potential solutions, and costs.

In 1985, the State Legislature enacted Act 282, Relating to Environmental Quality, which reassigns the County, effective July 1, 1987, or upon receipt of State funds, to assume complete administration and implementation for the regulation of sewerage and wastewater treatment system programs.

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Source: Hawaiʻi News Now (2022).

4.3 Public Utilities | County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

Objective 27

Planned and developed municipal sewer capacity is expanded to serve our Urban Growth Areas and reduce sewage-related impacts on water quality.

Policies

27.1 A Sewerage Study for All Urban Areas, including appropriate water quality management strategies, shall be completed and used as guides for the general planning of sewerage disposal systems.

27.2 Private treatment systems shall be installed by land developers for major resorts and other developments along shorelines and sensitive higher inland areas, except where connection to nearby treatment facilities is feasible and compatible with the County’s long-range plans, and in conformance with State and County requirements.

27.3 Immediate steps shall be taken to designate treatment plant sites, sewerage pump station sites, and sewer easements according to the facility plans to facilitate their acquisition.

27.4 The County shall obtain State and Federal funds to finance the construction of proposed sewer systems and improve existing systems.

27.5 Plans for wastewater reclamation and reuse for irrigation and biosolids composting (remaining solids from the treatment of wastewater are processed into a reusable organic material) shall be utilized where topographically feasible and needed for landscaping, agricultural purposes, or fire protection.

Wastewater and Environmental Quality Prioritization

27.6 Pollution shall be prevented, abated, and controlled at levels that will protect and preserve public health and well-being through the enforcement of appropriate Federal, State, and County standards.

27.7 Ensure municipal wastewater systems serve designated Urban Growth Areas (UGA) with the capacity to accommodate projected population growth.

27.8 The Department of Environmental Management and the Planning Department shall coordinate priorities before the adoption of any new wastewater development or land use plans.

27.9 Prioritize developing a multipronged approach to wastewater infrastructure funding, including proactively seeking grant funding for wastewater system expansion, improvements, and new development.

27.10 Ensure wastewater fees reflect actual costs for service, maintenance, and future improvements.

27.11 Ensure that wastewater systems and improvements are designed and functioning to maximize system efficiencies, prevent accidental leaks or spills, and provide sanitary, reliable wastewater treatment that is not negatively impacting natural resources.

One Water-Recycled Water Expansion

27.12 Strive for an integrated approach to stormwater and wastewater, and water resource management that is comprehensive and as efficient as possible.

27.13 Encourage on-site water reuse solutions for large developments.

27.14 Encourage and incentivize the collection of rainfall for potable and non-potable use.

27.15 Prioritize the use of gray water in areas connected to County water and not connected to County wastewater.

Actions

Wastewater and Environmental Quality Prioritization

27.a Prioritize areas where on-site wastewater treatment should be converted to sewer and establish financial tools such as improvement districts to aid in implementation.

27.b Prioritize areas where wastewater treatment facilities are necessary to facilitate future growth and utilize financing tools such as community facilities district (CFD) or tax increment financing (TIF) to aid in implementation.

27.c Review, assess, and amend Codes relating to sewer connection requirements to ensure wastewater issues and requirements are addressed in a consistent, sustainable, and socially equitable way.

27.d Develop a wastewater master plan with a clear prioritization method for wastewater system expansions and improvements based on criteria involving land use, projected growth, social equity, and environmental factors.

27.e Develop plans to improve, connect, or develop new wastewater systems in unsewered urban coastal communities.

27.f Perform a study to assess individual wastewater systems (IWS) in unsewered urban growth areas to assess the rate of failures/negative impacts, determine rates of large capacity cesspools still in use, and develop plans to improve, connect, or develop new wastewater systems for unsewered urban communities.

27.g Proactively seek opportunities for public-private partnerships for wastewater collection and treatment development.

27.h Facilitate the use of infrastructure improvement districts and other types of localized funding mechanisms to fund improvements.

27.i Streamline the sewer connection loan program.

27.j Develop wastewater cost valuation in service fees (similar to the water model fee structure).

27.k Develop a criteria-based infrastructure prioritization tool to develop new or expand existing municipal wastewater systems. Base these priority areas on designated urban growth boundaries, urban zoning and density, population trends and anticipated growth, health/safety, and environmental factors.

27.l Implement innovative wastewater systems at a cost-effective scale for small communities.

27.m Amend the County Code, Section 21-26-1(a) requiring “all sewer extensions shall be approved by resolution of the County council” to read, “all sewer extensions outside of Urban Growth Areas shall be approved by resolution of the County council.”

27.n In collaboration with the DOH Wastewater Branch, reevaluate and clarify the requirements set forth in Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR), Section 11-62-31.1(a) (1) (B) and amend County sewer requirements accordingly to accommodate needed housing units.

27.o Collaborate with the DOH to advance progressive wastewater technology and regulations.

One Water-Recycled Water Expansion

27.p In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, develop a water resource strategy for efficient agricultural water use and reuse.

27.q Install non-potable systems, such as reclaimed wastewater, brackish groundwater, and untreated surface water in proximity to priority UGAs for non-potable water uses.

27.r Conduct supply and demand studies to determine a level of service for non-potable water needs.

27.s Facilitate greywater reuse systems through code amendments and through partnering with DOH for regulatory changes and incentives.

4.3.5 Stormwater Infiltration and Green Infrastructure

Stormwater management and the implementation of green infrastructure are critical elements of the General Plan for their vital role in sustainability on Hawaiʻi Island. As an island ecosystem with limited freshwater resources and vulnerable coastal areas, managing stormwater effectively and integrating green infrastructure practices are essential for preserving our water resources and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Stormwater refers to the runoff from precipitation that flows over land surfaces, eventually entering water bodies such as streams, rivers, and oceans. Stormwater is a crucial element of the island’s overall water landscape. While precipitation may be an obvious contributor to stormwater, all the phases of the hydrologic cycle are related to stormwater and are influenced by public utility decisions made in the built environment. Precipitation and surface runoff are often the phases of the hydrologic cycle that people recognize as stormwater, whereas evaporation, transpiration, and condensation are not as easily observed processes.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can lead to various detrimental effects on water resources and ecosystems. Polluted runoff, also known as nonpoint source pollution, from agriculture, urban development, forestry, recreational boating, marinas, and hydromodification activities is the leading cause of water pollution in waters across the country and in Hawaiʻi. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can also lead to localized flooding, causing damage to infrastructure, property, and even loss of life. Implementing stormwater management strategies helps to control the flow of stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and associated hazards. Moreover, excessive stormwater runoff can cause soil erosion, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation in water bodies, and degradation of natural habitats. Proper stormwater management practices, including erosion control measures, help minimize erosion and preserve the island’s natural resources.

Stormwater is a prime example of the unavoidable connections that exist between the built environment and the natural environment. Increasing the opportunities for infiltration and transpiration can reduce the amount of evaporation that surface runoff requires. The social, environmental, and economic impacts of stormwater infrastructure have meaningful implications for our overall island sustainability as water is one of the most precious resources.

Point and Nonpoint Source Pollution

Engineering efficiency in conveying stormwater runoff using impervious surfaces (e.g., paved swales, channelized streams) must be balanced against environmental considerations. If the drainage is directed to streams, excessive freshwater volumes and sediment loads may impact coastal water resources (e.g., degrade water quality and smother coral reefs). If the drainage is directed to injection wells, more studies are needed to determine the impact of storm runoff on groundwater quality. Sediment basins, wetlands, or less impervious methods of conveyance (e.g., grass swales) should be considered where feasible to reduce nonpoint source pollution of the coastal waters from stormwater runoff and filter infiltrating water.

Green infrastructure refers to the network of natural or engineered features that manage stormwater while providing additional benefits to the environment and community. Such features may include rain gardens, permeable pavement, bioswales, and vegetated buffers. Green infrastructure is crucial for stormwater management, as it captures and absorbs runoff, by mimicking natural hydrological processes like sediment filtration and bioremediation, it helps to recharge groundwater, replenish streams, and

reduce stress on our water resources during periods of heavy rainfall.

By retaining and infiltrating stormwater, green infrastructure reduces the reliance on freshwater sources for irrigation, thus conserving water resources. This is particularly important for our island communities where freshwater availability is limited. Green infrastructure features may also provide habitats for native plants and wildlife. They contribute to biodiversity conservation and help restore and enhance Hawaiʻi Island’s natural ecosystems. Green infrastructure plays a key part in mitigating the impacts of climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect, moderating temperatures, and increasing resilience to extreme weather events. These measures align with the County’s sustainability goals and efforts to adapt to climate change.

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Objective 28

Increase green infrastructure practices.

Policies

28.1 Design to collect stormwater from streets, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces before it can enter the sewer system or cause local flooding; reduce the amount of stormwater that flows into the Sewer System.

28.2 Control stormwater by using it as a resource rather than a waste.

28.3 The “Drainage Master Plan for the County of Hawaiʻi” should be updated every 20 years for urban centers to incorporate new studies and reflect newly identified priorities.

28.4 Encourage vegetated shoulder and swale roadside design where climate and grade are conducive.

28.5 Where applicable, natural drainage patterns shall be improved/restored to increase their capacity with special consideration for the practices of proper soil conservation, and grassland and forestry management.

28.6 Implement nature-based solutions that manage stormwater on-site to reduce the burden on the storm sewer system and reduce flooding.

28.7 Prioritize drainage and flood studies for high-risk urban areas within the Urban Growth Area.

28.8 Drainage standards shall incorporate cumulative upslope development patterns.

Storm Water Management

28.9 Develop an island-wide stormwater management program compatible with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Phase II program.

28.10 The County shall ensure sites are planned, designed, and developed to:

a) Protect, restore, or mimic the natural water cycle within built environments by retaining, detaining, and/or treating stormwater runoff.

b) Mitigate direct impacts of the land development process through the use of green infrastructure or low-impact site planning techniques.

c) Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits and/or are particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.

d) Optimize the integration of the existing landscape into green infrastructure solutions.

e) Manage post-construction stormwater runoff rates, through the use of green infrastructure or low-impact development stormwater management practices.

28.11 The County shall ensure that golf course developments develop and implement grading and site preparation plans to:

a) Develop nutrient management guidelines appropriate to Hawaiʻi for qualified superintendents to implement so that nutrients are applied at rates necessary to establish and maintain vegetation without causing leaching into ground and surface waters.

b) Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan. Follow EPA guidelines for the proper storage and disposal of pesticides.

c) Develop and implement irrigation management practices to match the water needs of the turf.

28.12 The County shall minimize impervious areas on County property, development sites, and parking areas and promote the use of permeable surfaces and landscaped areas in project designs including:

a) Porous materials

b) Natural drainage

c) Filtration pits

d) Infiltration basins, vegetated bioswales, permeable/porous paving

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Actions

28.a Adopt LID practices to address small-scale stormwater management.

28.b Conduct a feasibility study to create a County Stormwater Utility before the County reaches MS4 requirements.

28.c Update the DPW Storm Drainage Standards to reflect current data and to incorporate strategies and standards of green infrastructure and low-impact development.

28.d Develop drainage master plans from a watershed perspective that considers non-structural alternatives, minimizes channelization, protects wetlands that serve drainage functions, coordinates the regulation of construction and agricultural operation, and encourages the establishment of floodplains as public greenways.

28.e Explore new methods of funding for the provision of adequate drainage systems and reduce potential flood inundation areas.

28.f Create a green infrastructure dedication standard.

28.g Create a pilot study for a watershed-based drainage study.

28.h Develop a monitoring and evaluation program for impervious surface coverage.

28.i Promote and provide incentives for participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Districts’ conservation programs for developments on agricultural and conservation lands.

28.j Establish guidelines for Adopt-a-Corridor Program for flood corridors.

28.k Evaluate ownership and/or maintenance responsibility for flood corridors that serve multiple regional benefits.

28.l Identify County parks and recreation, rights-of-way, and other County owned sites for green infrastructure demonstration projects.

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4.3.6 Electricity and Renewable Energy

Hawaiʻi Island’s communities and economy rely on the constant availability of energy. The fossil fuels consumed in Hawaiʻi are predominantly used for transportation or used to produce electricity. However, our energy needs today are being met with an increasingly cleaner combination of energy sources. Hawaiʻi possesses an abundance of natural resources, including wind, solar, flowing water, wave, bioenergy, and geothermal, that can be used to produce energy. Harnessing these resources while reducing the use of non-renewable sources, such as petroleum, coal, and fossil-based natural gas is key to achieving our State’s clean energy goals. Hawaiʻi County is focused on electricity transformation to renewable energy. This transition supports greater resiliency for our island, independent of imports when a natural disaster or shortage occurs.

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The existing electric distribution system consists of several different voltage levels: 2.4kV, 4.16kV, 7.2kV, 12.47kV, and 13.8kV. The distribution system consists of both underground systems and overhead pole lines, yet overhead pole lines are more common because of Hawaiʻi Island’s topography. The use of underground systems has mostly been in West Hawaiʻi’s newer subdivisions and developments. The Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO) supplies electricity for

Hawaiʻi Island and operates major switching stations (used to transfer the flow of power between different transmission circuits) at critical locations around the island. These transmission switching stations provide greater system flexibility and increase system reliability in supplying power to the various distribution substations and eventually, to customers. Distribution substations, which transform voltages to distribution voltages, are also located island-wide in proximity to communities and other developments.

In June 2015, the State of Hawaiʻi became the first state in the country to commit to 100 percent clean energy. Governor Ige signed into law House Bill 623 which calls for the State of Hawaiʻi to produce 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2045. As a result, renewable energy production has been prioritized. Today, approximately 32 percent of the State’s total energy generation comes from renewables. Renewable energy comes from a range of local sources using various technologies and each island has a unique composition of clean energy generation. The renewable portfolio standard (RPS) represents the renewable energy used by customers as a percentage of total utility sales. In 2022, Hawaiʻi Island had a mix of renewable sources including customer-sited solar (15.8 percent), geothermal (15.7 percent), wind (10.6 percent), biofuel (3.5 percent), hydro-energy (2.1 percent), and grid-scale solar (0.3 percent).²

Overall, the County leads the State in renewable energy generation, at 48 percent. While Hawaiʻi is in the process of building its renewable energy, it remains the most energy-insecure state in the nation and most dependent on fossil fuels.

Electricity sales have been trending down over the past decade, mainly due to the decrease in commercial customers and commercial sales. Electricity consumption by streetlights has also been declining. In 2022, HELCO’s power

generation system had a total firm capacity of 280.5 megawatts (MW). The approximate non-firm capacity was about 168.6 MW.

The island’s electric grid is only 40 percent dependent on foreign oil when all its renewable power plants are running. However, the grid does not account for propane use, meaning Hawaiʻi Island is more dependent on foreign fuel than reflected by the grid. Therefore, operation costs are higher for businesses in Hawaiʻi even when using less energy than comparable businesses on the continent. In the face of international oil shortages or economic disruptions, the dependence on foreign oil will continue to increase the costs of living and operating businesses on the island. Hawaiʻi residents have already experienced increased costs of electricity as a result of the 2023 Ukraine-Russia war.

Objective 29

Strive towards energy self-sufficiency.

Policies

29.1 Increase partnerships and interagency collaboration to ensure that energy facility production and distribution is adequate, efficient, and dependably available to each community to support present and future demands.

29.2 Promote and encourage the creation of a modern grid to support the use of distributed generation such as private photovoltaic systems connected to the grid.

29.3 The County shall remove barriers to energy systems that improve independence and resiliency, such as microgrids, combined heat and power (CHP), backup generation and storage, and other decentralized electricity systems.

29.4 Maintain tax incentives for renewable energy improvements and continue to revise incentives as energy technologies progress.

29.5 Continue to participate at the State level to provide feedback on all energy-related initiatives and proposed revisions to comprehensive Integrated Resource Plans.

29.6 Advocate to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) in support of the following types of strategies and initiatives:

a) Programs and fee structures that promote renewable energy

b) Consumer incentives to utilize renewable alternatives

c) Social Equity analysis of proposed energy projects to ensure residents are protected as energy consumers regarding rates, grid planning, utility compensation, and energy project siting

29.7 Encourage and incentivize alternative energy sources including off grid or distributed power sources to increase resiliency.

Actions

29.a Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders for the research and development of alternative/renewable energy resources.

29.b Develop standards and principles for reviewing PUC applications.

29.c Support Net-Metering (NEM), Feed-in-Tariff (FIT), and other programs designed to lower costs and diversify power sources.

29.d Conduct a feasibility report for using renewable sources to generate power for public utility infrastructure.

4.3.7 Telecommunications and Broadband Connectivity

Hawai‘i Island has seen an acceleration in the development of telecommunication technology and a transformation of the telecommunications industry. Technological advancements and industry competition have made wireless communication more affordable and accessible to the public.

As of August 7, 1998, the entire island of Hawai‘i had 100 percent digital switching. Digital switching is significant because it enables the existing telephone infrastructure to accommodate high-speed data transfers and access to many of the latest telecommunication services and features. In 1998, the last rural areas restricted to party line service were upgraded with additional telephone cables allowing single line services island wide. Advances in fiber optic technology provide the backbone for the island’s high-capacity broadband requirements and the necessary services for specialized users such as the telescopes atop Mauna Kea.

Advances in telecommunications are not without cost or concerns. One such concern is the construction and location of telecommunication towers. Telecommunication towers are the physical structures to which antennas are attached to facilitate wireless communication. Because of the need for a clear line-of-site, telecommunication towers are usually located in areas with minimum obstructions between the tower and its area of service. Line-of-site refers to the imaginary line between a mobile phone antenna and a telecommunication tower. If there are impediments between the mobile phone antenna and the telecommunication tower, there may be signal degradation or signal loss. For example, the loss of line-of-sight occurs when a person uses a mobile phone while driving through a tunnel. Most often, communication is lost or unclear. The line-of-sight requirement often necessitates the conspicuous location of many telecommunication towers. The State Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates telephone service statewide.

Broadband service and its critical infrastructure are increasingly becoming part of the class of essential utilities as many aspects of life and work are online. The goals of the County’s Broadband Initiative are to identify gaps in internet service, provide open access files for broadband mapping, and support digital equity and inclusion across Hawai‘i Island communities by providing connections to resources such as digital literacy, education, training, telehealth, funding opportunities, and a space for community partners to collaborate.

Hawai‘i requires an expansive range of infrastructure and technology to ensure broadband connectivity throughout the islands and with the rest of the world. Broadband networks rely on physical infrastructure such as cables, wires, servers, routers, and wireless towers, to provide users with high-speed internet access. The construction, connection, and maintenance of this infrastructure entail a complex process of acquiring necessary permits and easements, siting the facilities, and labor-intensive activities to ensure the adequate functioning of equipment across infrastructure components. Internet access requires a fixed or mobile wireless connection which may be achieved through a range of technologies.

According to the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 17 percent of Hawai‘i residents live within covered households¹, with percentages varying across the counties. The statewide total has grown over the past several years, with the 2015 to 2019 5-year ACS data indicating that 14 percent of Hawai‘i residents live within covered households. In both data sets, Hawai‘i County shows the highest

incidence, with over one-fifth (22 percent) of the population living within covered households.

In May 2023, Hawaiʻi County launched the Hawaiʻi Digital Equity Coalition (HIDEC)¹ bringing together Hawaiʻi Island partners committed to bridging the digital divide within the community. A user-friendly StoryMap² published by Hawaiʻi County captures the landscape of digital equity and Internet services on the island. The counties of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Maui have since followed suit, each creating their own Digital Equity Coalitions modeled after HIDEC. Hawaiʻi Island is estimated to have more than 11,000 households without or limited to internet access. The effects are disproportionately felt by students, adults, kūpuna, people living with disabilities, farmers, small businesses, and remote workers living in rural areas. Efforts are being made by HIDEC to reduce this gap by increasing services.

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Broadband community outreach session.

The County completed a fiber ring in 2022, which serves as a backbone to connect County departments with telecommunication services. From January 2022 to October 2022, there were approximately 5,300 subscribers and 440 internet-connected devices through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is a federal program that assists low-income households with the costs of broadband service and internet-connected devices. As of February 2023, there are 5 County locations with public Wi-Fi Internet locations provided at no cost to the community.³

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Broadband information session led by County R&D representatives.

Broadband is foundational to economic development, job creation, global competition, and the ability to engage in society. Similar to the way electricity revolutionized life around the world, broadband is fueling entire new industries and generating innovative solutions for accessing, organizing, and sharing information. Broadband as a public utility plays a vital role in accessing and providing education and health services, managing energy, preserving public safety, and engaging with the government.

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Connect Kākou is the statewide broadband initiative, spearheaded by Governor Josh Green’s office, to ensure that communities across Hawaiʻi have access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet.⁴ Featured in this photo are two Hawaiʻi Island broadband leaders. Source: Office of The Lieutenant Governor

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Striving for Digital Equity

The Hawaiʻi Island Digital Equity Coalition (HIDEC) is a collaborative effort focused on bridging the digital divide within our communities.

The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. Digital equity is the goal, in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in society, democracy, and economy.

Digital inclusion is how we achieve digital equity. Key elements of this work include affordable, robust broadband internet service; internet-enabled devices; access to digital literacy training; quality technical support; and applications and online content designed to enable self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.

Objective 30

Advance policies, programs, and initiatives for public and/or private investment in broadband and telecommunications infrastructure.

Policies

30.1 Treat broadband access as a basic utility that is available to all communities.

30.2 Develop and support a program of free, public-use broadband services at appropriate County-owned facilities, mass transit facilities, and other community anchor institutions.

30.3 Collaborate with utility companies to incentivize the underground siting of electrical and telecommunications facilities within public rights-of-way.

30.4 Continuously improve the use of broadband communications and digital technology to educate and provide public services with a focus on digital access.

30.5 Siting of new communications facilities shall comply with performance standards and site co-location as stated in the Code.

30.6 Support projects that address service gaps in Hawaiʻi’s broadband infrastructure.

30.7 Advocate for connectivity to businesses to protect the viability of businesses and the livelihoods of residents.

30.8 Promote and incentivize the landing of transpacific submarine fiber optic cables.

30.9 Alleviate barriers and assist broadband projects with navigating through the regulatory permitting process.

30.10 Encourage and support maintenance and improvement of cyber security and informational security of telecommunication facilities.

30.11 Advocate for service diversity, redundant network capacity, and provide improved communications to outlying rural areas and other underserved or unserved communities.

30.12 Plan for broadband infrastructure to support smart grid development.

Actions

30.a Support refurbishment, upcycling, recycling, and reuse of computers and other devices.

30.b Develop standards for the siting and construction of wireless telecommunication facilities.

30.c Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to create and maintain an inventory and mapping of communications infrastructure, including but not limited to wireline, wireless, cell tower locations, and known proposed facilities.

30.d Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to seek funding, identify and remove regulatory barriers to complete and improve the island’s fiber optic loop in an environmentally and economically appropriate manner.

30.e Advocate for provider and consumer incentives to address last-mile installation and/or service plans.

30.f Collaborate with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to progressively improve broadband speeds to keep pace with technological advances.

30.g Collaborate with broadband service providers to ensure all users have efficient service.

30.h Collaborate with the telecommunications industry to increase the availability of emergency telephones throughout the island.

30.i Pursue partnerships and funding for broadband initiatives and deployments.

30.j Support the coordination of infrastructure projects between the public and private sectors to create areas for the deployment of broadband zones.

30.k Seek federal and other opportunities for the funding of broadband infrastructure.

30.l Support the State to develop a broadband dashboard to track progress and gaps that will inform decision-making in economic development on Hawai‘i Island.

30.m Foster public-private partnerships to support the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure, including community networks.

4.4 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES

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4 Public Facilities and Services

4.4.1 Introduction 4.4.2 Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions 4.4.3 Protective Services 4.4.4 Solid Waste Management 4.4.5 Education 4.4.6 Recreation 4.4.7 Community Health and Wellness

4.4.1 Introduction

Public facilities and services are both essential components of public infrastructure, however, it is important to recognize the distinction in their nature and purpose. Public facilities refer to physical structures or spaces that are provided, staffed, and maintained by the government to serve the needs of Hawaiʻi Island residents. These facilities are usually open to everyone and offer access to various resources and amenities. The primary function of public facilities is to provide physical infrastructure and spaces that cater to the basic needs, welfare, and quality of life of the community. Public services encompass a wide range of intangible activities and functions provided by the government to meet the needs of the public. These services focus on delivering essential support, assistance, and governance to residents, addressing their diverse needs, and aimed at promoting health, safety, and social well-being.

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Public facilities are often ideally located in larger towns or centrally situated areas that are near the commercial, industrial, and cultural activities of established communities. Public facilities are funded through the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Capital improvement projects have the potential to influence where growth occurs, to distribute County services more equitably, and to promote important objectives such as affordable housing.

Most public facilities that service the residents of this County are managed by the State and County. For example, the State operates the public school system, libraries, and public hospitals. The County provides police and fire protection and solid waste management. Staffing and service programs provided within these facilities are funded by the County operating budget using real property taxes. Additionally, both the State and County maintain administrative offices on the island to serve the residents’ needs.

It is necessary to carefully coordinate the provision of public facilities to use them most effectively and to maximize the effect of the public dollar. It is equally necessary to realize that the type, quality, capacity and location of facilities and services have a significant impact on the community, the people, and the total environment. This section of the General Plan comprises public facilities and services within law enforcement and public safety, sanitation, education, parks and recreation, and community health and wellness.

Table 36: Public Facilities and Services Challenges

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Table 37: Public Facilities and Services Opportunities

4.4.2 Public Facilities and Services Goal, Objectives, Policies, and Actions

Goals:

Our communities are safe and protected, and have access to integrative health, education, and social services to support a high quality of life for all residents.

Our communities are adequately served by sustainable and efficient public infrastructure, utilities, and services based on existing and future growth needs, sound design principles, and effective maintenance practices.

Objective 31

Adequately maintain public facilities.

Policies

31.1 Maintain an Asset Management Program aimed at utilizing maintenance plans to prolong the life of our facilities as well as reduce whole-life costs. 31.2 Maintain the unique features of historic structures, while balancing maintenance and safety needs. 31.3 Prioritize the replacement of deficient and inadequate facilities. 31.4 Encourage the adoption of innovative materials and methods that improve facility resilience. 31.5 The development of County facilities should be designed to fit into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Implement protocols for receiving community input during capital improvement project siting and design. 31.6 Explore and encourage adaptive reuse of former facilities such as airports (e.g., Maka‘eo Park) and fire stations (e.g., Kawailani Fire Station).

Actions

31.a Create an asset management program. 31.b Continue a facility inspection program. 31.c Develop and adopt an Impact Fees Ordinance to aide in the expansion of County services and facilities.

4.4.3 Protective Services

A comprehensive system of protective services is necessary to ensure safety, well-being, and emergency response for residents and visitors of Hawai‘i Island. Protective services within the County consist of the Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Disaster Management, and Detention and Correction agencies. The General Plan recognizes infrastructure concerns and related impacts on the County’s protective services, as access and connectivity enable emergency responders to perform their duties at a standard level of service. Supporting our protective services through land use policy is imperative for public health and safety and efficiency of these services.

As the County’s law enforcement agency, the Hawai‘i Police Department, plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety. They enforce laws, prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and work towards fostering a secure environment for all residents. The County adheres to the State’s guidance for crime and criminal justice.¹ Hawai‘i Island is divided into east and west operations bureaus that include investigative and patrol operations. Each of the districts is served by a main police station headed by a Captain. There are five substations (Kea‘au, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Mauna Lani, and Captain Cook). Based on population, the islandwide average is about 2.5 officers per 1,000 residents. Police response is primarily mobilized through their vehicles.

Fire and Emergency Medical Services are another essential component of the island’s protective services. The Hawai‘i Fire Department provides 24-hour firefighting services in cooperation with the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, the National Park Service, the State Airports Division, and Pōhakuloa Training Area Fire. In addition to fire suppression, the Fire Department provides rescue services, 911 emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, and ocean safety response services. The Fire Department works diligently to prevent and mitigate fires, respond to medical services, conduct search and rescue operations, and provide educational programs to promote fire safety within the community.

Given our geographical location and exposure to natural hazards, disaster management is of utmost importance on Hawai‘i Island. The Civil Defense Agency identifies hazards (human-caused, natural, and technological) that pose a threat to the island and prepares the County to respond to and quickly recover from the impact of those hazards should they materialize. The Agency’s three primary functions are to prepare the County government, businesses, and residents for disasters, to provide public information and warning, and to coordinate disaster response and recovery. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense works closely with other agencies to follow the guidance of federal and state laws, standards, and frameworks.

The State Department of Public Safety operates correctional facilities for the confinement of pretrial inmates and convicted offenders, and intake service centers for the supervision of offenders. An array of rehabilitative programs is available through the correctional facilities and intake service centers. The Hawai‘i Intake Service Center, the Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center, and its annex are located in Hilo. A minimum-security facility (Kulani Correctional Facility) is located at the end of Kulani Stainback Highway on the lower slopes of Mauna Loa. Police facilities in Hilo and Kealakehe also have holding cells for overnight detention.

Objective 32

Protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors.

Policies

Planning/Siting Protective Services Facilities

32.1 Police and fire stations should be co-located whenever feasible.

32.2 The establishment of a police/fire facility shall consider site size and locations that permit quick and efficient vehicular access.

32.3 Strategically plan and locate volunteer fire facilities, which may include co-existing with full-time Fire/EMS stations.

32.4 Police headquarters shall be near the geographic center of the service area and near concentrations of commercial and industrial use.

32.5 Hardened shelters shall be located within reasonable proximity to population centers.

32.6 Lifeguard stations should be located at all County and State beach parks.

Level of Service

32.7 Adequately support, fund, and expand volunteer fire facilities and capacity.

32.8 Maintain a level of service for response time that is consistent with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

32.9 Ensure Hazardous Material service for both the windward and leeward sides of the island.

32.10 All fire stations should provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

32.11 Stations in rural areas should be based on the population to be served and response time rather than on geographic districts.

Preventative Approaches

32.12 Accommodate flexibility in design and provisions for alternate water sources for fire protection when adequate public water is not available.

32.13 Incentivize the development of large, dedicated catchment tanks for firefighting access.

32.14 The Fire Department shall participate with other related governmental agencies and the involved landowners in the preparation of fire protection and prevention plans.

32.15 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) should be incorporated into planning and design.

32.16 Business Improvement Districts or other organizational tools, such as partnerships with local businesses, should be used to enhance security and orderliness in downtown areas.

32.17 Support bicycle patrol programs in urban areas.

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32.18 Encourage the further development and expansion of community policing programs, school resource officers, and neighborhood/farm watch programs.

32.19 Ensure adequate training and capacity building for emergency response.

32.20 Prioritize to establish, map, and maintain alternative and emergency evacuation routes in each high-risk hazard area.

32.21 Prioritize to develop and/or improve secondary access roads for those communities with only one means of ingress/egress.

32.22 Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) to the maximum extent possible and shall seek to improve its current CRS Class rating (to the maximum extent feasible to reduce insurance costs).

Emergency Facilities and Communication Systems

32.23 Ensure emergency warning sirens and communications coverage is adequate for each community.

32.24 All emergency response critical facilities and communication systems shall be designed and maintained to be resilient and remain operational during hazard events.

32.25 All new emergency facilities shall be designed to minimize and prevent loss.

32.26 In collaboration with State agencies, maintain shelter capacity and condition records to ensure that evacuation shelters are adequate for each community.

Public Education Program

32.27 Increase public education related to hazard zones, including evacuation routes and procedures for visitor accommodations.

32.28 Develop the capacity for hazard preparedness of non-governmental organizations, businesses, and neighborhood groups, such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).

32.29 Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to assess and plan for alternative routes and possible relocation of coastal roads.

Actions

32.a Support the development of private common access-distribution systems of private catchment water for firefighting purposes in rural catchment communities.

32.b Prioritize budgets for technology improvements for emergency services; including hazardous material service, 4x4 vehicles, and other equipment or software to improve emergency response times.

32.c Review county lighting and landscaping ordinances to implement CPTED.

32.d Develop a public safety audit checklist and conduct urban neighborhood and downtown safety walks to identify potential crime spots or unsafe areas.

32.e Educate the public regarding disaster preparedness and response, especially proper responses for sudden-impact hazards.

32.f Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, and the involved landowners to support wildfire control and reclamation.

32.g Define and map critical facilities necessary for community disaster response and recovery that are too important to fail.

32.h Monitor and address known hazards along transportation routes.

32.i Partner with Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency to regularly review and address warning siren coverage.

32.j Install emergency phones along roadways in isolated areas of lower cellular connectivity.

32.k Support the use of the Best Available Refuge Areas within existing buildings.

32.l Provide technical assistance to communities developing emergency response and evacuation plans.

32.m Maintain and update the public education and communications program regarding disaster preparedness and response, especially proper responses for sudden impact hazards. (e.g., CERT, resilience hubs, and first aid training)

32.n Develop and maintain a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan which specifies the following:

i. Roles and responsibilities

ii. Procedures for implementing programs for immediate clean-up, repair, design, and replacement

iii. Long-term rebuilding and redevelopment

iv. Procedures for the identification of damaged infrastructure and consideration of alternatives to its repair or replacement

v. Evaluation of climate impacts

32.o Seek funding and support continued scientific research relating to hazards (e.g., research on erosion rates, slumping rates, slope stability studies, sea level rise rates, tsunami inundation mapping, coastal stream flood mapping, fire and wildfire, etc.).

32.p Prepare and implement wildfire protection and prevention plans.

32.q Develop community-specific hazard mitigation plans.

32.r Develop a standard for requiring an emergency response plan.

32.s Amend the County Code, Chapter 25 to require emergency and hazard information to be prominently displayed in all transient accommodations. This information should include information regarding the monthly Civil Defense siren tests, evacuation routes, and directives to reach appropriate services and agencies.

32.t Adopt incentives, such as tax deductions, to encourage retrofitting of existing structures for resilience against earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, and fire and wildfire.

4.4 Public Facilities and Services | County of Hawaiʻi General Plan

159

Table 38: Protective Services Level of Service Standards

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4.4.4 Solid Waste Management

Solid waste management has significant effects on environmental and public health, aesthetic qualities and land valuation, and the general land use characteristics of a community. Managing waste properly is essential for creating sustainable and livable communities. The handling of solid waste on Hawai‘i Island has undergone significant changes in the past few decades, and to maintain the environmental health of our island community, it is important to shift from a focus on waste management to a focus on resource management. In 2021, the County updated the Zero Waste Plan¹ and since then has implemented various programs aimed at more efficient resource management, including reducing waste, waste diversion, and product reuse. Further technical innovations, optimization of efficiencies in directing the waste stream, and effective waste programs focused on increasing rates of reducing, reusing, and recycling products will advance the County toward meeting its Zero Waste goals.

The County of Hawai‘i currently manages the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill (WHSL) located southwest of Waikoloa at Pu‘uanahulu in the North Kona District. The WHSL is operated by Waste Management of Hawai‘i under a contract with the County. The County Department of Environmental Management (DEM), The WHSL has an estimated lifespan of 20 to 25 years with current recycling rates, as determined by the County in 2023. Higher rates of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in the community may extend life expectancy beyond 25 years.

The County currently operates a network of recycling and transfer stations that accept household refuse. The County does not provide curbside recycling or garbage pickup. Residents take their solid waste to any one of the transfer stations around the island and in some areas, residents pay private haulers to pick up their refuse from their residences for disposal at the landfill. The County is presently expanding recycling activities at the recycling and transfer stations by creating recycling and reuse centers (RRCs).

Since 2009, the County has expanded its green waste program. The County manages two green waste facilities: the West Hawai‘i Organics Facility in Pu‘uanahulu (WHOF) and the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility in Hilo (EHOF). The two green waste facilities accept yard trimmings and untreated wood pallets but do not accept food waste. In April 2017, EHOF began processing and distributing enhanced mulch that has been processed through a 60-day “curing” period to kill invasive species. Green waste bins have been added to various recycling and transfer stations.

Scrap metal is often the largest and heaviest material collected at the County’s recycling and transfer facilities. Recycling scrap metal will not only conserve limited landfill space but also preserves natural resources by replacing the need for raw materials with recycled scrap metal to produce new metal goods.

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