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No. 05-025 (2005 General Plan) and subsequent amending Ordinance Nos. 06-153, 07-070, 09-161, and 14-087 are hereby repealed.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