The General Plan is a policy document for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaii. The General Plan provides the direction for the future growth of the County. It brings into focus the relationship between residents and their pursuits and institutions, offering policy statements which embody the expressed goals for present and future generations. As a policy document, the General Plan provides the legal basis for all subdivision, zoning and related ordinances. It also provides the legal basis for the initiation and authorization for all public improvements and projects.

The General Plan should be thoroughly reviewed at intervals of not more than ten years. Land use acreage allocation should be reviewed at intervals of not more than five years. All review processes shall be a joint effort of the communities, residents, and the County government.