AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I GENERAL PLAN AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 89-142, AS AMENDED.

SECTION 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt a General Plan in compliance with Chapter 46-4, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, and Section 3-15, Hawai‘i County Charter. That is, the General Plan is a long-range policy document with a planning horizon of at least 20 years. The General Plan contains value-based principles from which island-wide and geographic district vision statements are expressed. Vision statements articulate those issues and matters that are vital to defining the past, present and future direction of the community. Vision statements capture the character of the island or district community, and express the role and responsibilities important to its involvement in the greater community. Vision statements, together with the objectives and policies of seven planning elements, are intended to guide, not regulate, future planning and implementation efforts. Through technology, the world has become smaller and, while once isolated, our island state continually experiences the stresses of growth and population. The General Plan establishes a framework for greater responsiveness by emphasizing program implementation and regulatory mechanisms at the next planning levels. The General Plan recognizes that public infrastructure and commensurate financing are essential to preserving and sustaining our community visions. The adoption of the General Plan is a commitment to its citizens and our future.

SECTION 2. Ordinance No. 89-142 (1989 General Plan) and all subsequent amendments are hereby repealed.

The County of Hawai‘i is mandated to prepare and adopt a General Plan pursuant to Chapter 46-4, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes (HRS), and Section 3-15, Hawai‘i County Charter.

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 General Plan states the County’s island-wide and district visions for development over a period of at least 20 years and lays out the direction for achieving those visions through stated objectives, policies and standards. It is, therefore, not intended to be regulatory like the zoning code or other land use regulations, but flexible and resilient. The purpose of the General Plan is to guide the form of future development, provide general direction and location of public facilities and services, provide the framework for regulatory matters, and establish the foundation for future community planning.

Preparation of the General Plan and its revisions shall provide the opportunity for citizen participation, review, and understanding.

The essence of the General Plan is articulated in an island-wide vision statement and district vision statements. The island-wide vision statement expresses fundamentals that are important to our citizens and applied to the entire island. District vision statements provide a view of those aspects citizens have identified as important to preserve, enhance, support, and encourage within each geographical district. Vision statements are vital to understanding district community goals, the district’s interrelationship with other districts and the desirable direction for land use.

The General Plan contains the following elements around which the planning process is formulated: Economic; Historic Sites; Housing; Infrastructure; Land Use; Natural Beauty, Resources and Environmental Quality; and Natural Hazards. Taken together with the island-wide and district vision statements, each element’s objectives, policies, and standards are intended to guide future actions of the County and its programs, to focus the substance of development plans, and to direct funding towards priority public projects.

Each element contains objectives, policies, and, if appropriate, standards described below:

Objective: Indicates a desired long-range goal or direction.

Policy: States the method or strategy that should be undertaken to attain the stated objectives.

Standard: Means a degree or level of requirement; a criterion. As used in this document, a standard is to be applied as a guideline, rather than a strict regulatory measurement.

The General Plan vision, objectives, and policies are graphically depicted in the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map. The LUPAG Map demonstrates the geographic areas of the County, which are meant for various general purposes, such as urban communities, resorts, conservation, open space, rural areas, and different degrees of agricultural-related activities. The LUPAG Map is intended to guide, not regulate, land use forms.

The framework of the General Plan program consists of three components:

1. General Plan. The General Plan represents the first level of planning and encompasses long-range objectives, policies, and standards for the entire County. It provides the legal basis for all of the other components of the County’s planning program. These broad objectives and policies direct the focus for more detailed planning programs and their implementation.

2. Development plans. The second component consists of middle range development plans that implement the broad goals within the General Plan. Development plans focus on action in that they serve to designate and coordinate detailed development patterns and infrastructure needs in a specific geographic area of the County. Development plans may include public facility plans or functional plans. Public facility or functional plans are prepared for a public service system, such as solid waste management, recreation, or roadway circulation. It is not mandatory, but important, that there be a development plan for each region or district. Depending upon its purpose, a development plan may be limited in scope, which may largely be determined by time, funding, community input, needs and priorities. It may contain guidance on one or more planning elements as it relates to desirable land use. A planning element of an area may include roadway system, flooding and drainage control, wastewater facilities, or even architectural design. The need for a development plan should be assessed considering a number of factors, such as the degree to which public infrastructure is challenged by recent or anticipated growth. The Council, the Planning Director or a County department/agency responsible for a function/public facility, with the consent of the Council, may initiate a development plan by resolution.

When a development plan provides direction for more specific land use actions within an urban, rural or agricultural form, the General Plan designations will be subject to the specific development plan direction and shall be considered only as the general land use policy guide.

A development plan shall identify the following:

• Financing program. A financing program contains financing strategies and mechanisms by which the public infrastructure will be funded. Examples of financing mechanisms include tax increment financing districts, impact fees, general or special purpose revenue bonds, community facilities districts, and improvement districts. Utilized in conjunction with Federal and State grants-in-aid, development agreements, and other creative sources of funding, these financing mechanisms will supplement the capital improvements program to successfully implement the middle-range planning efforts.
• Public facility priorities for the financing program.
• Regulatory actions needed by government to implement the development plan.

A development plan may identify:

• Incentive measures to encourage private participation in achieving objectives relating to public infrastructure and services.
• Public or public/private development initiatives when the private market fails to address certain needs—low-income housing or urban redevelopment for example.
• Operational programs by government and the community’s role in planning and implementing the programs. Examples include an after-school program, neighborhood watch program or mediation training program.

The County of Hawai‘i encompasses the island of Hawai‘i, which is the southeasternmost, largest and youngest island of the Hawaiian archipelago. The land area, 2,578,048 acres, is at least twice the combined land area of all the other islands of the State.

The County is divided into nine geographical or judicial districts: Puna (319,680 acres), South Hilo (252,416 acres), North Hilo (206,400 acres), Hamakua (371,520 acres), North Kohala (85,056 acres), South Kohala (225,088 acres), North Kona (312,960 acres), South Kona (214,656 acres), and Ka‘u (590,272 acres). Each district, while unique, is economically, socially, culturally, and environmentally interrelated to one another.

The County’s resident population was 148,677 in 2000, more than doubling the number of residents in 1970 (63,468). The County’s resident population is estimated to be 217,718 by the year 2020.

PART 2. PRINCIPLES

SECTION 1. PUNA DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The Puna District is characterized by agricultural activities, growing rural residential subdivisions forming bedroom communities, small-scale visitor or visitor-generated activities, rugged unspoiled coastlines, a low-land rainforest known as Wao Kele ‘O Puna, an active volcano within the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and geothermal resources. Existing communities will be strengthened to provide some measure of commercial goods and services, and a new commercial core in Puna Makai to service a number of existing subdivisions containing an existing stock of 57,000+ buildable lots may be established. There are distinct planned or natural boundaries that emerge between communities.

Kea‘au and Pahoa serve as the principal areas for goods and services for Puna Mauka and Puna Makai, respectively. New urban centers are located near large subdivisions in Puna Makai to provide goods and services to the residents of Puna Makai. Small-scale visitor accommodations including bed and breakfast operations and a hotel property within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with related uses are offered. Medium-scale resort amenities provide a cultural experience to visitors. Commercial and residential growth within existing villages, such as Kea‘au, Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, Volcano, and Pahoa, are encouraged and may be expanded.

Low density rural and agricultural uses dominate the landscape between existing communities.

Industrial activities related to the geothermal resource may be established.

Open space corridors along the Volcano Highway and the Puna coastline promote a rural/agricultural ambiance.

State Highway 130, which serves residents of Puna Mauka and Puna Makai, is widened to four lanes from the Keaau Bypass to Hawaiian Paradise Park.

A new State highway between Puna and Hilo is constructed to provide an alternate route for the safety of the residents of Puna Mauka and Puna Makai.

An emergency access route, known as the Puna Emergency Access Road running through the Hawaiian Acres and Ainaloa subdivisions, is improved to insure access of emergency vehicles and provides an alternate route for residents in both Puna Mauka and Puna Makai.

Water resources to Puna Mauka and Puna Makai provide an alternate distribution method, such as franchised trucking operations.

Historic non-renewable cultural resources are protected and preserved. This area contains remnants of villages, heiaus, burials, and other important components of Hawaiian culture.

SECTION 2. SOUTH HILO DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The South Hilo District serves as the major economic hub of East Hawaii fueled by the island’s principal government functions, the University of Hawai‘i, a robust scientific and research base, agricultural support such as shipping and processing, and visitor amenities. Its deep-water port and international airport drive the economic base. The City of Hilo is a pedestrian-friendly urban community with pockets of sub-communities providing basic goods and services. The outlying rural areas with planned or natural boundaries serve as self-contained communities built around small-scale agricultural activities and secondarily as bedroom communities.

CITY OF HILO

The major commercial retail and office functions are within existing corridors and expanded as follows:

• Primary commercial core mauka (west) and south of Downtown and Kaiko‘o and in the vicinity of the Prince Kuhio Shopping Center.

• Secondary commercial uses in and around the University area to foster the creation of a "College-Friendly Town".

Industrial uses are within existing industrial-designated areas, with heavy industrial uses to be generally near the airport and immediate surrounding areas and at Shipman Industrial Park in Kea‘au. Light industrial areas will be within existing designated areas and may be expanded gradually in the Waiakea Houselots area.

Principal resort accommodations are located along Banyan Drive with small scale visitor accommodations, such as B&B’s and inns, within the urban core and in outlying areas.

Residential uses will continue in existing areas and will expand through a mixture of residential uses/types generally in the Waiakea Uka and Kaumana areas, with appropriate land uses and visual characteristics to foster a sense of community.

Open space along natural drainage ways are maintained to facilitate flood plain management.

Bayfront Parks, Banyan Drive, and the Keaukaha coast serve as natural outdoor recreation areas for both active and passive activities.

RURAL SOUTH HILO

Existing communities are fostered by providing supportive land uses.

Rural/agricultural uses and drainage ways provide open spaces between existing communities.

SECTION 3. NORTH HILO AND HAMAKUA DISTRICT VISION STATEMENTS

The districts of North Hilo and Hamakua have an economy focused largely on small- and large-scale agriculture and retreat visitor uses. The dominant towns are Laupahoehoe for North Hilo and Honoka‘a for Hamakua. North Hilo and Hamakua are characterized by densely vegetated gulches and valleys interspersed with large tracts of agricultural land much of which was formerly in sugar production. This district includes the spectacular mountain of Mauna Kea and the magnificent valley of Waipi‘o.

Existing communities are strengthened by providing for supportive land uses. Regional commercial uses may be established in Honoka‘a and Laupahoehoe.

Rural/agricultural uses are situated between existing communities providing distinct planned or natural boundaries. Forestry and the native hardwood industries are supported.

The utilization of Mauna Kea for astronomical research is supported at restricted levels and limited visitor facilities are allowed.

The economic base is diversified and historical assets of the area, including existing ranching operations and the former sugar industry, are enhanced. Small farmers and ranchers are important to revitalizing the agricultural economy. The historic Hamakua ditch is revitalized to provide water for farms and ranches.

Businesses are encouraged to maintain the plantation heritage of the area to attract and educate the visitor industry. Honokaa strives to preserve much of its historical, architectural character and lifestyle. Laupahoehoe has an historic train museum and scenic walking trail.

Bed and breakfast establishments and small historic hotels are available.

SECTION 4. NORTH KOHALA DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The North Kohala District is a rural-agricultural community with vast open spaces. Ranching dominates much of the lands, providing open space and scenic vistas. Urban centers include Hawi, Kapa‘au, Niuli‘i and Kohala Ranch. The North Kohala District serves as the northern gateway to the Kohala Mountains and its isolated valleys. Kohala is rich in historic and cultural resources from the birthplace of Kamehameha I and early Hawaiian settlements to early Christian churches.

Coastal vistas makai of Akoni-Pule highway from Kohala Ranch area to Upolu Point and along coastal areas from ‘Upolu Point to Pololu Valley provide meaningful open space.

New urban development is centered around existing urban areas of Hawi, Kapa‘au and Niuli‘i, including expansion of commercial uses in these areas to accommodate population.

Increased employment opportunities are available for the residents of North Kohala by including small-scale development of resort/tourism based activities, such as eco-tours, bed and breakfast and retreat centers, in appropriate areas.

Affordable housing opportunities accommodate the existing community around the villages of Hawi and Kapa‘au.

Access to coastal areas, including fishing and surfing sites as well as to mountain areas, are maintained in keeping with the protection/appropriate use of resources.

Kohala Mountain Road provides unique scenic vistas and open space.

The individual identities and characteristics of villages along Akoni-Pule Highway are retained and enhanced by clear limits to development areas and open space guidelines between existing villages.

Historic buildings are preserved and the style of historic commercial buildings is retained in new development in the villages.

SECTION 5. SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The South Kohala District is dominated by the Kohala Mountains to the north and Mauna Kea to the south. The South Kohala District will remain as one of the world’s premier resort destinations. The South Kohala District will continue as the ranching center of the island with vast open spaces and truck farming will be encouraged in productive areas. South Kohala’s coastal areas are characterized by white sand beaches. A greenbelt open space provides the separation between Waikoloa Village and Waimea.

The hillside above Waimea remains in open space, providing a clear boundary to the village and a scenic resource to the community.

Waimea continues to expand as the commercial, educational, health, and service center for the North Hawaii region. The town center is oriented around the Mamalahoa Highway/Lindsey Road intersection area and will stay within the limits established by Fukushima store on the east and the Pu‘u‘opelu complex on the west.

Ranching dominates the landscape and provides open space/vistas around Waimea.

Premier resort facilities in the coastal areas provide opportunities for both visitors and residents.

The coastal areas are enhanced for public access and use. ‘Ohai‘ula, Hapuna State Park and Puako recreational area is a world-class beach/coastal recreational area.

Waimea is an important agricultural area. The farmlands along Mamalahoa Highway and the Lalamilo area are protected.

A "greenway" system within Waimea provides alternative transportation modes to accommodate bikers, walkers and horses.

Kawaihae Commercial Harbor is improved to accommodate needs of West Hawai‘i as well as to ensure that non-commercial boating uses are accommodated/expanded.

Waikoloa Village is an emerging residential and commercial center. A full range of services provides for the needs of the residents in the area.

SECTION 6. NORTH KONA VISION STATEMENT

The Kona district continues to be known for its sunny skies, beautiful vistas, and pristine waters, as well as diversified agriculture, historic and cultural resources, casual lifestyle, and friendly residents.

The land north of Keahole is characterized by open space and low density uses with public shoreline parks and access points. Resorts and related uses are located at Manini‘owali, Kuki‘o, and Ka‘upulehu. Residential uses are concentrated in the urban areas between Queen Ka’ahumanu and Mamalahoa Highways.

From Keahole to Keauhou, the land is characterized by urban uses, interspersed with open space and public shoreline accesses. Economic centers are located in areas adjacent to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. Historic Kailua Village and Bay serve as the traditional residential, economic and recreational hub, although expansion of Honokohau Harbor, development of nearby business parks, including the unique Hawaii Ocean and Science Technology Park, coupled with expanded civic, commercial, residential, educational, and recreational facilities, especially north of Kailua, provide improved opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Residents and visitors enjoy access to traditional shoreline and mountain areas. A ribbon of public recreational opportunities extend from Kailua to Kiholo and beyond.

Affordable housing is available within and close to the urban core and employment centers.

Adequate and concurrent public infrastructure facilities are available throughout the district, including safe and up-to-date roadways, public safety services, along with recreational, educational, civic and medical facilities.

Alternative and accessible public transportation is available not only in the urban core, but also to the nearby and outlying residential areas, with Kailua serving as the system hub. Pedestrian and bicycle pathways are part of the urban area roadway corridors, with traditional and publicly-owned mauka-makai trails utilized to maintain local community contacts and provide recreational opportunities.

Areas mauka of Mamalahoa Highway are characterized by large forested tracts, open space, large 5+ acre agricultural lots and low-density residential use, offering important protection of the Kona watershed and mauka recharge areas. As part of this protection, natural drainageways below Mamalahoa Highway are identified and set aside as open space.

The mauka communities along the heritage corridor between Keopu and Kealakekua continue to offer traditional and longstanding residential-agricultural opportunities, with smaller 1-5 acre farms in the coffee belt adjacent to and below Mamalahoa Highway.

SECTION 7. SOUTH KONA DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The South Kona District has an economic base that is primarily agricultural focusing on coffee, macadamia nuts, and diversified crops. It has quiet rural communities with services/commercial areas geared to the local community. The upland areas are characterized by native forests and ranching. South Kona history provides religious, social and political significance before and after the arrival of Captain Cook at Kealakekua Bay. Rugged coastal areas in South Kona limit accessibility.

Commercial activities are centered around existing villages along Mamalahoa Highway. Limited expansion of residential and commercial services accommodate the growing community. The individual identities and characteristics of these villages are retained and enhanced by clear limits to development areas and open space guidelines between existing villages.

Limited new commercial uses serve existing population/subdivisions to the south of Kealakekua.

The coastal villages, including Napo‘opo‘o, Ke‘ei, Honaunau, and Ho‘okena, retain and enhance their unique lifestyles and character.

The upland areas, including native forests and ranching areas as well as the undeveloped wild coastal areas south of Ho‘okena, serve as open space resources.

The transportation system will be improved to accommodate the inter-regional traffic from the growing communities to the south.

Kealakekua Bay State Park is a world-class area of natural beauty. The coastal area between Kealakekua Bay and North Kona boundary is in open space and accessible for public enjoyment and education.

The rural lifestyle of South Kona is retained and enhanced with commercial development being limited to existing urban centers and by limiting urban density development in the rural/agricultural areas.

Fishing and ocean-based industries are encouraged.

SECTION 8. KA‘U DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

KA‘U DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT

The Ka‘u District’s economy is focused on small- and large-scale agriculture, including ranching, with pockets of small- to large-scale tourism. Internationally renowned Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) stretches from the former Kahuku Ranch to the northern border with Puna. This 300,00+ acre park is the most visited park in Hawai‘i with a large hotel and visitor complex. Punalu‘u Beach with its small black sand beach is also a major attraction for both local residents and visitors. Pahala has a rapidly growing visitor industry serviced by bed and breakfast operations. The existing communities of Pahala, Na‘alehu, and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates and pockets of sub-communities provide goods and services as desired by local residents and visitors. The Ocean View community serves as another gateway community to HVNP. The Hawaiian Homelands Commission is providing new residential lots to Hawaiians in Punalu‘u, Discovery Harbor and in the south point area.

• Residential uses within existing communities and in and around existing and potential economic generators are established.

• Permit new bona fide agricultural subdivisions that are built to standard.

• Very low-density rural and agricultural uses are encouraged to exist between communities.

• Reliable potable and agricultural water sources and systems and infrastructure are developed for existing residents.

• Historic non-renewable cultural resources are protected and preserved. This area contains some of the least disturbed remnants of villages, heiaus, burials, and other important components of Hawaiian culture.

Development of sound public policy requires an understanding of the economic factors affecting the planning area or region. Such factors are largely responsible for growth or lack of growth, and any planning effort must take them into account. In varying degrees, the other elements of the planning process are affected by the economy.

ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES

• Provide an economic environment that allows new, expanded, or improved opportunities that are in balance with the County’s physical, cultural, natural and social environment.
• Strive for diversification and stability in the economy by strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors.
• Promote and develop the island of Hawai‘i into a unique scientific and cultural model.

ECONOMIC POLICIES

• Assist in the expansion of the agricultural industry through:

(1) The identification and protection of important agricultural lands by the State.

(2) Development of marketing plans and programs, including the recognition of products produced on the island of Hawai‘i.

(3) Cooperative marketing and distribution endeavors for export and the removal of marketing restrictions on Hawaiian fruits and other perishables.

(4) The development of overseas capacity of Hilo International Airport.

(5) Capital improvements and continued cooperation with appropriate State and Federal agencies.

The identity of a community evolves from the past. The Historic Sites Element encompasses our historic past and the recent past, which has seen the immigration of various ethnic groups that have blended to create today’s Hawai‘i.

HISTORIC SITES OBJECTIVES

• Identify, protect, and restore the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawai‘i.
• Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public interest should be made available.
• Encourage a program to inform the public about the history, resources and practices of the Hawaiian Islands.

HISTORIC SITES POLICIES

In an economic setting, the construction of housing is an essential contributor to business, industry and employment. The location of housing on the other hand is dependent upon the location of other economic and employment opportunities, such as agriculture or resort developments.

In the physical setting, housing and its residential land use component utilize a significant portion of the County’s urban lands. The placement or settlement patterns and the form of housing are major influences on the environment and aesthetic setting of the island.

From government’s perspective, adequate housing for residents is part of the considerations of public health, welfare and safety. Housing and residential use of land is a generator of government revenue through local real property taxes. The revenues are balanced by significant expenditures of public funds for roads, schools, protective services and other capital improvement projects that service residential areas. Thus, the provision of housing requires the coordination of planning and implementation on all levels of government.

The availability of housing is dependent on a number of interrelated factors, including the availability of appropriately zoned land and infrastructure, and the cost of raw land and its development. The Housing Element must consider future costs of constructing a house and the ability of individuals to purchase or rent these units. Government housing programs, therefore, influence and are influenced by the diverse needs of our residents.

In the collective sense, the Housing Element is related to all other elements of the General Plan. It is most directly related to the Land Use Element. Moreover, the Housing Element is directly influenced by the County’s desired growth directions.

HOUSING OBJECTIVES

• Attain safe, sanitary, and livable housing for the residents of the County of Hawai‘i.
• Maintain a diversity of socio-economic housing mix throughout the different parts of the County.
• Create viable communities with affordable housing and suitable living environments.
• Improve and maintain the quality and affordability of the existing housing inventory.
• Seek sufficient production of new affordable rental and fee-simple housing in a variety of sizes to satisfactorily accommodate the needs and desires of families and individuals.
• Ensure that housing is available to all persons regardless of age, sex, marital status, ethnic background, and income.
• Locate affordable housing in reasonable proximity to employment centers.
• Encourage and expand home ownership opportunities for residents.

HOUSING POLICIES

A. PUBLIC FACILITIES

Public facilities are those infrastructure service systems that are provided, staffed, and maintained by government to directly serve the residents of the County. Public facilities have been grouped into categories of education, government operations, health and sanitation, parks and recreation, protective services, and transportation.

It is necessary to carefully coordinate the provision of public facilities in order to use them most effectively and to maximize the effect of the public dollar. It is equally necessary to realize that the type, quality, capacity and location of facilities and services have a significant impact on the community, the people and the total environment.

PUBLIC FACILITIES OBJECTIVES

• Encourage the provision of public facilities in appropriate locations that effectively service community and visitor needs.
• Seek ways of improving public service through better and more functional facilities in keeping with the environmental and aesthetic concerns of the community.

PUBLIC FACILITIES POLICIES

• Establish programs to identify and acquire sites for necessary public facilities in advance of need.
• Establish appropriate service levels for public facilities.
• Coordinate with appropriate State agencies for the provision of public facilities to serve the needs of the community.
• Develop short- to long-range capital improvement programs and operating budgets for public facilities and services.
• Capital improvement and operating budgets shall reflect the objectives and policies of the County General Plan.
• Require a six-year, long-term, capital improvements budget by County departments and agencies that shall be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan.
• Develop and adopt an Impact Fees Ordinance to fund identified public facilities.
• Develop and adopt enabling financing mechanisms that could be used in conjunction with programs to fund new or expand existing County public facilities.

1. EDUCATION

Public schools and libraries and their facilities planning are under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education.

Higher education is available through the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH), the University of Hawai‘i West Hawai‘i Campus in Kona, and the Hawai‘i Community College. Long-range development plans for each institution are performed by the school and approved by the State Board of Regents.

Educational policies relate to the provision of facilities rather than programs, although it is recognized that the facilities and programs are the tools necessary to improve total educational service.

EDUCATION POLICIES

• Coordinate school facility planning with the Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i to identify school sites.
• Encourage continuous joint pre-planning of schools with the Department of Education and the University of Hawai‘i to ensure coordination of roads, water, and other support facilities and considerations such as traffic and safety, and access for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian. Encourage master planning of present and proposed public and private institutions.
• Encourage combining schoolyards with county parks and allowing school facilities to be available for after school use by the community for recreational, cultural, and other compatible uses.
• Encourage the Hawai‘i State Library System to seek alternate sites when public libraries are located on the campuses of public schools.

2. GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

This section discusses facilities housing various governmental agencies and baseyard operations. Public office centers consist of a building or complex of buildings that house governmental agencies. Baseyards are the operational, storage and maintenance centers for public works services, such as those provided by the road and water departments. These baseyards also serve as agency field offices.

GOVERNMENT OPERATION POLICIES

• Public office center sites shall satisfy modern and reasonable requirements of accessibility and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
• The multipurpose concept of flexibility to satisfy changing requirements should be part of the design for public buildings.
• Architecture and landscaping shall reflect the community's attributes as much as possible.

3. HEALTH AND SANITATION

a. HOSPITALS

Actual planning of health programs and construction of health facilities are the direct responsibility of the State.

The role of State and private hospitals are determined by the island’s geography and population distribution and the community to be served. Major medical and surgical care, specialty care, out-patient care, long-term care and/or emergency services may be available at the hospitals. The County’s Fire Department provides emergency medical and ambulance services.

HOSPITAL POLICIES

• Encourage the planning, site identification, and development of new health care facilities or the improvement of existing health care facilities to serve the needs of Hamakua, North and South Kohala, and North and South Kona. Site planning shall consider quiet surroundings, convenient and adequate access, and compatability of adjoining uses.
• Encourage the State to continue operation of the rural hospitals.
• Encourage the establishment or expansion of community health centers and rural health clinics.

b. PUBLIC CEMETERIES

Public cemeteries and veterans cemeteries are managed by the County Parks and Recreation Department.

PUBLIC CEMETERIES POLICIES

• Develop and implement a cemeteries master plan for the siting of future cemeteries.
• Ensure that public and private cemeteries are compatible with surrounding land uses and provided with adequate access and drainage systems.

c. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The management of solid waste on the island has undergone significant changes in the past few decades. The adoption of the County’s "Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan" in 1993, as further updated, provides a foundation for decision-making that would guide solid waste management funding, implementation and administration on the island. Recycling, waste diversion, Hilo landfill closure, new technologies, and the question of a material recovery facility are a few of the many issues examined in the "Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan."

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICIES

• Appropriately designed and cost-effective solid waste transfer station sites shall be located in areas of convenience and easy access to the public.
• Continue to encourage diversion programs, such as recycling, to reduce the flow of refuse deposited in landfills.
• Explore and evaluate waste reduction techniques, processes and facilities to lengthen the life of the landfill(s) with energy conversion being a desirable component.
• Encourage development and implementation of a green waste recycling program.

d. WASTEWATER

Adequate sewer disposal systems are vital to safeguard public health and to preserve the environment. An adequate system is one that minimizes contamination of the ground water supply and the coastal waters, beaches and waterborne recreational areas and is not a visual and odor nuisance.

Although Hawai‘i County operates municipal sewerage systems, many communities are served by private wastewater treatment facilities or individual facilities such as cesspools or septic tanks. Because over half of the County's population is served by cesspools, there is an increasing need to create a better system than individual cesspools, particularly in highly urbanized and shoreline areas.

The State Department of Health and the County of Hawai‘i jointly prepared the "Water Quality Management Plan for the County of Hawaii" in 1978 and subsequently updated the plan in 1980. This plan serves as the planning guide for development of regional waste treatment systems and the control of non-point source pollution. To implement the management plan, the County has prepared facility plans for various areas on the island. The facility plans identify problems, potential solutions and costs.

WASTEWATER POLICIES

• Update the "Sewerage Study for All Urban and Urbanizing Areas of the County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii," December 1970, and the "Water Quality Management Plan for the County of Hawaii," December 1980.
• Private systems shall be installed by land developers for major resort and other developments along shorelines and sensitive higher inland areas, except where connection to nearby treatment facilities is feasible and compatible with the County's long-range plans, and in conformance with State and County requirements.
• Designate treatment plant sites, sewerage pump station sites, and sewer easements according to the facility plans to facilitate their acquisition.
• Seek State and Federal funds to finance the construction of proposed sewer systems and improve existing systems.
• Utilize plans for wastewater reclamation and reuse for irrigation and biosolids composting (remaining solids from the treatment of wastewater is processed into a reusable organic material) where feasible and needed.

WASTEWATER STANDARD(S)

• There shall be a minimum of visual and odor pollution emanating from sewerage treatment facilities.

4. PARKS AND RECREATION

Recreational facilities may be defined in two categories: Resource-based and Facility-based. Resource-based parks provide public access to and enjoyment of an outstanding natural or cultural resource. Valued resources include sandy beaches, non-sandy but protected swimming areas, scenic areas and hiking areas. The Federal and State governments play a dominant role in establishing resource-based parks such as the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hapuna Beach State Park. Resource-based parks developed by the County are primarily beach parks. The other park category is facility-based parks. These types of parks are primarily developed by the County and provide for organized, spectator, or informal play recreational activities that are not dependent upon a natural resource. Playfields, gymnasiums, swimming pool complexes, and tennis courts are just some examples of facility-based parks.

PARKS AND RECREATION OBJECTIVES

• Provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities for the residents and visitors of the County.
• Maintain the natural beauty of resource-based recreation areas.
• Provide a diversity of environments for active and passive pursuits.

PARKS AND RECREATION POLICIES

• Strive to equitably allocate facility-based parks among the districts relative to population using public input to determine the locations and types of facilities.
• Improve existing public facilities for optimum usage.
• Recreational facilities shall reflect the natural, historic, and cultural character of the area.
• The use of land adjoining recreation areas shall be compatible with community values, physical resources, and recreation potential.
• The "County of Hawaii Recreation Plan" shall be updated to reflect newly identified recreational priorities.
• Develop short- and long-range capital improvement programs and plans for recreational facilities that are consistent with the General Plan.
• Provide multiple use facilities and a broad recreational program for all age groups, with special considerations for the handicapped, the elderly, and young children.
• Coordinate recreational programs and facilities with governmental and private agencies and organizations. Innovative ideas for improving recreational facilities and opportunities shall be considered.
• Develop local citizen leadership and participation in recreation planning, maintenance, and programming.
• Adopt an on-going program of identification, designation, and acquisition of areas with existing or potential recreational resources, such as land with sandy beaches and other prime areas for shoreline recreation, in cooperation with appropriate governmental agencies.
• Public access to the shoreline and public hunting areas shall be provided in accordance with an adopted program of the County of Hawai‘i.
• Develop a network of pedestrian access trails to places of scenic, historic, natural or recreational values. This system of trails shall provide, at a minimum, an island-wide route connecting major parks and destinations.
• Establish a program to inventory ancient trails, cart roads and old government roads in coordination with the State.
• Develop facilities and safe pathway systems for walking, jogging, and biking activities.
• Develop a recreation information dissemination system for the public's use.
• Consider alternative sources of funding for recreational facilities, including impact fees.

PARKS AND RECREATION STANDARDS

• Regional Park: Is a major recreation area serving several districts and providing indoor and outdoor activities. Is a major center for spectator sports and cultural activities. May include features of historic, geological, and horticultural interests. In the vicinity of major populated areas.

Facilities may include multi-purpose building, auditorium, gymnasium, swimming pool, adequate parking, and facilities for spectator sports: football, baseball, softball, track field, tennis, basketball and volleyball.

• District Park: Offers diversified types of recreational activities to an entire district that includes indoor and outdoor sports. Located within a district consisting of several populated communities.

Facilities may include gymnasium with office, storage, restrooms, showers, a center for community and recreational programs, swimming pool, play area and equipment for young children, courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball, ballfields for soccer, baseball, softball, and football; night lights, and parking.

• Community Park: Serves surrounding urban areas, and entire communities in rural areas. Provides active and passive activities. Located within the center of the community or several neighborhoods.

Facilities may include multi-purpose building, gymnasium (where not serviceable from a district park), courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis, ballfields for softball/baseball, soccer, football; play area and equipment for young children, walking and jogging paths, picnic and passive area, night lights and parking.

• Neighborhood Park: Provides open space in urbanizing areas for the general aesthetic enjoyment of the outdoors, play areas for young children, and a social gathering place for the neighborhood. Located within the center of the neighborhood and preferably adjacent to a school.

Facilities may include restrooms, drinking water, walking and jogging paths (bike and skating paths), courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis, ballfields for tetherball, baseball/softball and soccer, play area and equipment for young children, and parking.

• Community Center: Is a major center for spectator sports, cultural and social activities. Size depends on facilities proposed and accessory uses.

Facilities may include multipurpose building, auditorium, gymnasium, facilities for spectator sports, swimming facility, and parking.

• Parks for General Use: Are centered around a major natural asset, such as a sandy beach, a prime forest, or a volcanic feature and includes historic sites whenever feasible. Designed to accommodate users from throughout the County.

Beach parks provide opportunities for swimming/sunbathing, surfing, camping, fishing, boating, nature study, and other pastimes. Every section of the island should be adequately served. Facilities depend on size and intensity of use but should include restrooms with showers, picnic facilities, a defined tent camping area when allowed, drinking water, parking, pavilions of various sizes, and lifeguard facilities.

Wilderness and wildland areas are remote from population centers and have limited access by jeep, hiking, biking, or horseback. Facilities may include trails and unimproved roads, designated hunting and fishing areas, designated conservation areas for nature study and other passive activities, and wilderness camp sites.

5. PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Protective services consist of fire, police, detention and correctional facilities, civil defense, the Coast Guard, and National Guard armories. The scattered and small population centers on the island generally make protective services difficult in terms of effectively providing fire and police coverage.

The County’s fire stations and volunteer fire stations offer a varied degree of services to communities throughout the island: 24-hour fire fighting, emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous waste response and special services. Its emergency medical ambulance services are contracted with the State Department of Health.

The Hawai‘i County Police Department is charged with enforcing all laws of the state and ordinances of the County related to criminal actions, preserving the public peace, preventing crime, detecting and arresting law offenders, protecting people and property.

The State Department of Public Safety operates correctional facilities for the confinement of pretrial inmates and convicted offenders, and intake service centers for the supervision of offenders. An array of rehabilitative programs is available through the correctional facilities and intake service centers. Detention has become the responsibility of the County Police Department.

The Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency directs and coordinates the development and administration of the County's total disaster preparedness and response program to ensure prompt and effective action when natural or man-caused disaster threatens or occurs anywhere in the County.

The United States Coast Guard provides ocean rescue and navigation services, and the National Guard armories are State and Federally funded facilities housing the State militia.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES POLICIES

• Develop police and fire facilities as joint use structures, whenever feasible, sited to permit quick and efficient vehicular access.
• Plan and develop volunteer fire facilities in appropriate locations to be replaced or to co-exist with full-time Fire/EMS personnel.
• Police headquarters shall be located near the geographic center of the service area and near concentrations of commercial and industrial use.
• Police and fire stations in outlying districts shall be based on the population to be served and response time rather than on geographic district.
• Encourage the further development and expansion of community policing programs and neighborhood and farm watch programs in urban, rural and agricultural communities.
• Encourage continued state funding of emergency medical helicopters.
• Consider the proximity to fire stations in approving any rezoning to permit urban development.
• The Fire Department, in cooperating with other related governmental agencies and the involved land owners, shall prepare a fire protection and prevention plan for forest reserves and other natural areas.
• Consider adoption of impact fees to support police and fire facilities.
• Encourage the State to emphasize rehabilitation in correctional facilities and to establish additional rehabilitation and counseling centers, including drug and behavioral treatment facilities in secure settings, when necessary.
• The County of Hawai‘i Emergency Operations Center shall be improved to meet the requirements set forth by Federal and State regulations.
• Develop a database of disasters and events from disaster assessment reports to assist the County and State in identifying mitigation measures and funding priorities for improvements.
• Educate the public regarding disaster preparedness and response, especially proper responses for sudden impact hazards.
• Encourage the State to evaluate the disaster shelters’ ability to withstand various natural disasters and upgrade or build new shelters as appropriate.

PROTECTIVE SERVICE STANDARDS

• 2.5 police officers per 1,000 resident population.
• Fire stations within five miles of concentrated settlement areas.
• Provide first response emergency medical service within eight minutes of concentrated settlement areas. Alternative means, such as training police officers or volunteer fire personnel, could be available to provide first response.

6. TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is the systems and modes of conveyance of people and goods from place to place. It can be considered the major infrastructural element of an area. The different elements of the transportation system ideally need to be planned through an integrated and comprehensive process that includes land use planning. The coordinated planning of transportation facilities requires an understanding of the characteristics of the modes of conveyance and the patterns and densities of the area that they are intended to serve.

TRANSPORTATION OBJECTIVES

• Provide a transportation system whereby people and goods can move efficiently, safely, comfortably and economically.
• Make available a variety of modes of transportation that best meets the needs of the County.

TRANSPORTATION POLICIES

• Establish a framework of transportation facilities with affected agencies that will promote and influence desired land.
• The agencies concerned with transportation systems shall provide for present traffic and future demands, including the programmed development of mass transit programs for high growth areas by both the private and public sectors.
• Consider the provision of adequate transportation systems to enhance the economic viability of a given area.
• Develop a comprehensive, island-wide multi-modal transportation plan that identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies.
• Work with various non-profit agencies to coordinate transportation opportunities.

a. AIRPORTS AND HARBORS

The principal concerns of planning transportation terminals are location, provision of adequate transportation connections to terminals, financing and programming of improvements and services through capital improvement projects, and the planning and zoning of adjacent land uses.

Although the State Department of Transportation is responsible for the actual design, construction and operation of terminals and supporting facilities, the General Plan addresses the location of these facilities in relation to the pattern of overall land uses.

AIRPORTS AND HARBORS POLICIES

• Encourage the programmed improvement of existing terminals, including adequate provisions for control of pollution and appropriate and adequate covered storage facilities for agricultural products.
• Encourage the State Department of Transportation to implement its plans for transportation terminals and related facilities to promote and influence desired land use policies.
• Transportation terminals should be developed in conjunction with the different elements of the overall transportation system.
• Encourage maximum use of the island’s airport and harbor facilities.
• Encourage the development, maintenance, and enhancement of Hilo and Kawaihae Harbors as detailed within the State’s Harbors Master Plan.
• Support the State’s objectives to acquire rights within the runway clear-zones, limit heights within approach zones, and restrict noise-sensitive uses within designated noise contours determined by the State.

b. MASS TRANSIT

The public mass transit system is operated and managed by the County. Taxi service is regulated by the County.

MASS TRANSIT OBJECTIVE

• Provide residents with a variety of public transportation systems that are affordable, efficient, accessible, safe, environmentally friendly, and reliable.

MASS TRANSIT POLICIES

• Improve the integration of transportation and land use planning in order to optimize the use, efficiency, and accessibility of existing and proposed mass transportation systems.
• Support and encourage the development of alternative modes of transportation, such as enhanced bus services and bicycle paths.
• Enhance the mobility of minors, non-licensed adults, low-income, elderly, and people with disabilities through the coordination and provision of public and private non-profit transportation.

c. ROADWAYS

In planning vehicular transportation, the various systems take into consideration activities or land uses that will continue to generate traffic. New major highways are expected to create new and productive land uses in appropriate locations. Roadways must be planned with other transportation elements, as all contribute to the total movement of people and goods.

ROADWAY OBJECTIVE

• Provide an integrated State and County roadway system so that new major routes will complement and encourage proposed land uses.

ROADWAY POLICIES

• Encourage the programmed improvement of existing roadways by both public and private sectors.
• Investigate various methods of funding road improvements, including private sector participation, to meet the growing transportation needs of the island.
• Encourage the State to establish a continuous State highway system connecting the County’s major airports and harbors.
• Support the development of programs to identify and improve hazardous and substandard sections of roadway and drainage problems.
• Coordinate with appropriate Federal and State agencies for the funding of transportation projects for areas of anticipated growth.
• Consider the development of alternative means of transportation, such as mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems, as a means to increase arterial capacity.
• Coordinate the planning of Federal, State, and County street systems to meet program objectives of the other General Plan elements.
• Provisions for on-street parking shall be incorporated into the design of street systems.
• Encourage the State Department of Transportation to establish special scenic routes within and between communities.
• Integrate transportation and drainage systems where feasible.
• Support the development of an efficient transit route between east and west Hawai‘i.
• Adopt street design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, flexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an area and encourage a pedestrian-friendly design, including landscaping and planted medians.
• Develop minimum street standards for homestead and other currently substandard roadways that are offered for dedication to the County to ensure minimal levels of public safety.
• Explore means and opportunities to enhance the shared use of the island’s roadways by pedestrians and bicyclists, in coordination with appropriate government agencies and organizations.
• Update the "Bikeway Plan for the County of Hawaii" (1979) to include the development of a safe and usable bikeway system throughout the island.
• Work in conjunction with the State to establish a clear agreement of the ownership and maintenance of the old homestead roads.
• Develop short- and long-range capital improvement programs and plans for transportation that are consistent with the General Plan.
• The County shall determine standards for the dedication and upgrade of existing roads.

ROADWAY STANDARDS

Roadway definitions and standards for new roadway construction:

• Primary Arterial: Includes major highways, parkways, and primary arterials that move vehicles in large volumes and at higher speeds from one geographic area to another; highest traffic volume corridor. Designed as a limited access roadway. Primary arterials shall have a minimum right-of-way of 120 feet.
• Secondary Arterial: A street of considerable continuity that is primarily a traffic artery between or through large areas; interconnect with and augment primary system. Designed as a limited access roadway. Secondary arterials shall have a minimum right-of-way of 80 feet.
• Major Collector: Any street supplementary to the arterial street system that is a means of transit between this system and smaller areas; used to some extent for through traffic and to abutting properties; collect and distribute traffic between neighborhood and arterial system. Major collectors shall have a minimum right-of-way of 60 feet.
• Local Streets-commercial/industrial: Local streets within commercial and industrial areas shall have a minimum right-of-way of 60 feet.
• Minor Collector and Local Streets: Minor collectors are used at times as through-streets and for access to abutting properties. The principal purpose of a local street is to provide access to property abutting the public right-of-way.

B. UTILITIES AND ENERGY

For the foreseeable future, Hawai‘i will continue to be dependent on petroleum to meet its energy demands. Fortunately, Hawai‘i is endowed with a variety of natural energy resources that are renewable for low polluting sources of electricity. Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported petroleum provides the incentive for the promotion of energy efficiency and the development of technologies to harness natural energy resources (solar, hydrologic, wind, and geothermal), and to convert solid waste into a fuel resource.

Public utilities are services regulated by government and provided in response to existing and prospective patterns of development. Changes in land use, population density, and development usually generate changes in the demand and supply of utilities.

This section is concerned with the planning aspects of natural energy resources and its conversion to electricity; gas; telecommunications; and water.

UTIITIES AND ENERGY OBJECTIVES

• Ensure that adequate, efficient and dependable utility services are available to users.
• Encourage maximum efficiency and economy in the provision of public utility services.
• Ensure that public utility facilities are designed to fit into their surroundings or are concealed from public view.
• Encourage the co-location of multiple utilities in designated corridors.
• Strive towards energy self-sufficiency.
• Support the establishment of the Big Island as a demonstration community for the development and use of natural energy resources while ensuring the proper balance of the preservation of environmental fitness and ecologically significant areas.

UTILITIES AND ENERGY POLICIES

• Provide utilities and service facilities that minimize total cost to the public and effectively service the needs of the community.
• Design utility facilities to minimize conflict with the environment and natural resources.
• Upgrade existing utility services to meet the needs of users.
• Encourage the clustering of developments in order to reduce the cost of providing utilities.
• Short- and long-range capital improvement programs and plans for public utilities within the County’s jurisdiction shall be consistent with the General Plan.
• Designate a corridor for the co-location of multiple utilities in appropriate areas.
• Strive to assure a sufficient supply of energy to support present and future demands by:

(1) Encouraging expansion of the energy industry and the development of alternate energy resources.

(2) Educating the public on new energy technologies and energy-saving building designs that would foster energy conservation.

(3) Coordinating government and private sector research and funding initiatives.

(4) Encouraging the use of agricultural products and by-products as sources of alternate fuel.

(5) Supporting programs that provide tax, construction, net-metering, and other incentives.

• Support programs that seek funding from both government and private sources for research and development of alternative energy resources.
• Encourage the continuation of studies concerning the development of power sources that can be distributed at lower costs to consumers.
• Encourage the continued development of geothermal resources to meet the energy needs of the County of Hawai‘i.

1. ELECTRICITY

Electricity for the County of Hawai‘i is supplied by the Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO). HELCO purchases its power from privately-owned companies and supplements the balance through HELCO-owned steam units, diesel units, and gas turbines.

The Big Island has a potential to use more alternative energy in the form of geothermal, hydro, wind, solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. These sources have been included in HELCO's Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process. The goal of integrated resource planning 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.

ELECTRICITY POLICIES

• Power distribution shall be placed underground when and where practical. Encourage developers of new urban areas to place utilities underground.
• Route selection for high voltage transmission lines should include consideration for setbacks from major thoroughfares and residential areas. Where feasible, delineate energy corridors for such high voltage transmission lines.
• Advise the electrical utility companies on the future revisions of their comprehensive Integrated Resource Plans.
• Minimize obstruction of scenic views and vistas by electrical facilities.
• Facilities such as substations shall mitigate and minimize any aesthetic impacts to surrounding properties and scenic vistas.

2. GAS

The Public Utilities Commission regulates gas mains and service lines on the Big Island. However, the provision of gas service by tank or cylinder is not regulated.

Propane gas is widely used on the island of Hawai‘i. In some rural areas of the County, gas is the only source of power.

GAS POLICY

• Gas storage facilities shall be located to minimize danger to commercial and residential areas.

3. TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The State Public Utilities Commission regulates telecommunications services statewide.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICIES

• Encourage underground telephone lines where they are economically and technically feasible.
• Work closely with the telephone company to provide all users with efficient service.
• Work with the telecommunications industry to increase the availability of emergency telephones throughout the island.
• Develop standards for the construction of wireless telecommunication facilities.
• In the development and placement of telephone facilities, such as lines, telecommunications and cellular towers, poles, and substations, the design of the facilities shall consider the existing environment, and scenic view and vistas shall be considered and preserved where possible.

5. WATER

The availability of water is crucial to any type of development, whether urban, rural, or agricultural. Land use allocation therefore must be closely related to water availability, including the quantity and quality of the water, and the adequacy of the transmission and distribution system.

Sources of water supply include ground water aquifers (via wells) and surface water (springs, streams, and tunnels).

The demand for water is directly related to population. Demand does not represent domestic consumption alone, but also includes all agricultural, industrial and commercial uses, fire protection, and other uses. In some areas, however, non-domestic users are likely to create the major demand, and careful attention must therefore be given in any study of probable future water needs.

The delivery of domestic water on the island may be accomplished by the County Department of Water Supply or private systems. Domestic water must comply with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the State Department of Health. Many systems, though adequate to fulfill domestic needs, are inadequate for fire protection and do not meet the needs of current agricultural production.

The State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Land and Water Development, also has the capacity to explore and develop new ground water sources. The County has in the past depended upon this agency for source development. The development of new sources requires the cooperation between State and County agencies in the delivery of municipal water systems.

In addition, individual rainwater catchment systems are used in areas where public and private systems are not available, primarily subdivisions approved prior to the adoption of the Subdivision Control Code. Most catchment systems are inadequate for fire protection, and are supplemented by trucking or public spigots during drought periods.

WATER POLICIES

The land use element is intended to be used as a policy guide for the coordinated growth of the County. The land use element sets forth objectives, policies, and standards to guide the nature, location, and density of land uses in particular areas of the County, as reflected in the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map.

The LUPAG map serves as a general guide to the projected long-term uses of private and public properties and the future form and nature of communities, and it is incorporated by reference as a part of the General Plan. The broad-brush boundaries indicated on the LUPAG map are graphic expressions of the General Plan vision statements, objectives, and policies, particularly those relating to land uses. They are long-range guides to general location of land uses, rather than land use designations within specific property boundaries, and are independent of: (a) existing zoning; (b) state land use districts; and (c) property boundaries. Interpretation of the LUPAG map will be based on applicable General Plan policies and circumstances relating to the area in question.

The land use patterns within the LUPAG map reflect considerations of future population growth that are based on economic and employment growth trends, existing land uses and zoned areas, determination of community facility needs, physical characteristics and cultural resources of various regions, and infrastructural demands for the entire island.

When a development plan provides direction for more specific land use actions within an urban, rural or agricultural form, the General Plan designations will be subject to the specific development plan direction and shall be considered only as the general land use policy guide.

LUPAG map designations and their characteristics are as follows:

1. High Density: General commercial uses, single family and multiple family residential uses and related services, mixed industrial-commercial uses in areas of transition.

2. Medium Density: Village and neighborhood commercial uses and single family and multiple family residential uses and related services, mixed industrial-commercial uses in areas of transition.

3. Low Density: Predominantly single family residential uses with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and convenience-type commercial uses.

4. Urban Expansion Area: Allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial, industrial-commercial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not yet been determined.

5. Industrial Area: These areas include uses such as manufacturing and processing, wholesaling, large storage and transportation facilities, light industrial and industrial-commercial uses.

6. Resort Node: A self-contained, Major Resort area that includes various visitor-related uses such as hotels, condominium-hotels (condominiums developed and/or operated as hotels), single family and multiple family residential units, golf courses and other typical resort recreational facilities, resort commercial complexes and other support services.

7. Resort Area: Intermediate Resort, Minor Resort, and Retreat Resort Areas are identified as Resort Areas on the LUPAG map. These areas include a mix of uses such as hotels, condominium-hotels (condominiums developed and/or operated as hotels), and support services.

The Rural-Agriculture Designation includes areas with or proposed for small farms intermixed with residential uses where city-like concentrations of people, structures, streets and urban levels of service are absent. These areas may contain wooded areas, gardens, and open fields as well as residences.

This category serves a two-fold purpose:

It may include existing subdivisions or areas in the State Land Use Agricultural and Rural districts that have a significant residential component with typical lot sizes or zoning varying up to four acres. Non-conforming subdivisions within the State Land Use Agricultural District may be included in this designation.

It may also include future areas within Agriculture designated areas that meet the above criteria, but have not been mapped. These areas may provide a transition between agricultural and urban forms. Typical lot sizes may vary from one to four acres, although larger lots may be included in this designation.

Permitted Activities: With appropriate zoning, the designation may include commercial facilities that serve the residential and agricultural uses in the area.

1. Intensive Agriculture: Includes lands that are capable of producing sustained, high agricultural yields with the application of modern farming methods and technologies due to soil composition, climate, and water. Lands range from low to high soil content and fertility. Agricultural uses such as diversified agriculture, floriculture, orchards, coffee, and forestry may be included in the intensive agriculture designation.

2. Extensive Agriculture: Includes lands that are not capable of producing sustained, high agricultural yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due to certain physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability and climate. Other less intensive agricultural uses such as grazing and pasturage may be included in the Extensive Agriculture designation.

1. University: Public institutional facilities, required infrastructure, and supportive and accessory uses that may be required for establishing or expanding a public university or institution of higher learning, including ancillary public uses, residential, and support commercial uses.

2. Open: Parks and other recreational areas, historic sites, scenic vistas and viewplanes, potential natural hazard areas, and open shoreline areas.

3. Conservation Area: Forest and water reserves, natural and scientific preserves, and lands within the State Land Use Conservation District.

• Encourage and ensure the involvement of community residents in the implementation of the General Plan for their respective communities.
• Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County.
• Accommodate growth through comprehensive, long-range planning by providing suitable land areas for residential use, commercial and visitor services, industrial uses, rural, agriculture, and open space.
• Coordinate land use designations with the County's service and circulation systems.
• Achieve a broader diversification of local industries by providing opportunities for new industries and strengthening existing industries.
• Provide for commercial areas that will serve neighborhood, community and regional needs.
• Promote and encourage commercial, industrial and resort areas and the rehabilitation of commercial, industrial and resort areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities.
• Assure limited flexibility in responding to needs of rural or remote areas in the districts of Puna, North Hilo, Hamakua, North and South Kohala, South Kona and Ka‘u through the “floating zone” concept.
• Maximize choices of single-family and multi-family residential housing opportunities for residents of the county.
• Ensure that resort developments maintain the cultural and historic, social, economic, and physical environments of Hawai‘i and its people.
• When identified by the State, protect and encourage the utilization of the County's important agricultural lands.
• Preserve and enhance opportunities for the expansion of Hawai‘i’s agricultural industry.
• Protect and preserve forest, water, natural and scientific reserves and open areas.
• Utilize publicly owned lands to advance the public interest and for the benefit of the greatest number of people.
• Acquire lands for public use to implement policies and programs contained in the General Plan.

• Establish development plans to implement the objectives of the General Plan on a regional basis. These plans will designate and be used to coordinate development patterns and infrastructure needs throughout the County. These plans will also specify land uses and infrastructure priorities within each regional study area. These plans shall be developed with the participation of the affected communities.
• Foster public/private initiatives for development that will benefit the residents of the County.
• Review and reform the real property tax structure to assure compatibility with the land use objectives and policies.
• Develop a unified impact fee ordinance in order to require new development to contribute fairly for infrastructural improvements that are necessary to accommodate the new development.
• Require the provision of basic infrastructure necessary for developments.

• Provide flexibility and periodically update the Zoning Code to accommodate anticipated or emerging new industries and technologies.
• Encourage commercial and industrial development within or adjacent to existing zoned areas already served by basic infrastructure.
• Undertake urban renewal, rehabilitation, and/or redevelopment programs in cooperation with communities, businesses and governmental agencies.
• Support the creation of industrial parks in appropriate locations as an alternative to strip development.
• Improve the aesthetic quality of commercial and industrial sites and protect amenities of adjacent areas by requiring landscaping, open spaces, buffer zones, and design guidelines.
• Industrial activities may be located close to raw materials or key resources.
• Provide a variety of industrial zoned districts and lot sizes, depending on the needs of the industries and the communities.
• Utilize the concept of "floating zone" for future limited commercial and industrial uses in order to allow flexibility in establishing such uses in rural and/or remote areas.

• Incorporate the concept of "zone of mix" in the Zoning Code for the purpose of achieving a housing mix as well as to permit the more efficient development of residential lands that have topographic and/or drainage problems.
• Ensure the compatibility of uses within and adjacent to residential zoned areas.
• Zone urban uses in areas with ease of access to community services and employment centers and with adequate public utilities and facilities.
• Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and use of urban residential areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities.
• Encourage and coordinate with the State in providing fee-simple and leasehold residential lots/units to the residents through State and/or County Housing Programs.
• Reasonable flexibility is required in codes and ordinances in order to achieve a diversity of socio-economic housing mix and to permit aesthetic balance between single-family residential structures and open spaces.

• Support resort developments that promote the cultural and historic, social, economic, environmental values of Hawai‘i and its people.
• Utilize the concept of a "floating zone" to allow for the future development of retreat resort areas.
• Require coastal resort developments to provide public access to and parking for beach and shoreline areas.

• Establish and implement a comprehensive important agricultural lands program to address, at the minimum, agricultural water development, rezoning criteria, infrastructure standards, labor housing, government incentives, new approaches to preservation, enforcement and minimizing potential adjacent land use conflicts.
• Support the development of private and State agricultural parks to make agricultural land available for agricultural activities.
• Support efforts to provide tax relief and other incentives to enhance competitive capabilities of commercial farms and ranches, thereby insuring long-term preservation, enhancement, and expansion of viable agricultural lands.
• Encourage, where appropriate, the establishment of visitor-related uses and facilities that directly promote the agriculture industry.
• Encourage compatible economic uses that complement existing agricultural activities.
• Assist in the development of basic resources such as water, roads, transportation and distribution facilities for the agricultural industry.
• Assist State agencies on programs that aid agriculture.
• Develop subdivision standards that make a distinction between agricultural and urban uses.

• Rural style residential agricultural developments, such as new small-scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities, shall be encouraged in appropriate locations.
• The Zoning Code shall provide for rural-agricultural style residential uses in appropriate locations, including standards and criteria for the establishment of these uses.

• Incorporate considerations of open space for the social, environmental, and economic well-being of the County of Hawai‘i and its residents in the implementation of the General Plan.
• Open space in urban areas shall be established and provided through zoning and subdivision regulations.

• Encourage uses of public land that will satisfy specific public needs, such as housing, recreation, open space and education.
• Encourage the identification, evaluation, and designation of Natural Area Reserves.
• Continue the coordination of State and County Capital Improvement Programs.
• Support the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service’s expansion plans for the Hawai‘i Volcanoes, Pu‘ukohola and Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Parks.
• Maintain public lands with unique recreational and natural resources for public use.

• Each development plan shall include specific financing mechanisms for improvements to public infrastructure and services that are necessary to accommodate projected growth.
• Zoning requests for industrial, commercial, and retreat resort uses under the "floating zone" concept shall comply with the change of zone process that is provided in the Zoning Code.
• Review zoning requests with respect to the General Plan designations, district goals, regional plans, applicable State land use districts, compatibility with adjacent zoned uses, availability of public services and utilities, access, and public need and, where appropriate, approve on an incremental basis in order to mitigate impacts upon public services and infrastructure in under-served areas.

• High Density Urban: Multiple family residential - up to 87 units per acre.
• Medium Density Urban: Multiple family residential - up to 35 units per acre.
• Low Density Urban: Up to six units per acre.

• A "Major Resort" designation signifies a self-contained resort destination area that contains a combined total of approximately 3,000 transient and residential units.
• An "Intermediate Resort" designation signifies a self-contained resort destination area that contains a combined total of approximately 1,500 transient and residential units.
• A "Minor Resort" designation signifies a resort area that is generally characterized as an area with numerous small, separately-owned resort facilities or an isolated resort development that is not projected as a self-contained destination area and that has a combined total of approximately 500 transient and residential units.
• A "Retreat Resort" designation signifies generally an area that provides guests with rest, quiet and isolation. The guideline for the scale of a retreat resort area is a combined total of approximately 100 transient and residential units.

The following is a general list of urban and rural centers, industrial areas and resort areas by the County by geographic district. Taken together with the island-wide and district vision statements and the General Plan objectives and policies, this table is meant to provide additional guidance for the LUPAG map.

The natural beauty of Hawai‘i is a universally recognized characteristic and one of the most significant and valuable assets of this island. In a relatively small area exists a great range of environments, from lush green tropical valleys, barren fields of lava, native forests, rolling grasslands, and rocky coastlines to snow-capped mountains. These differences in the environment and landscape features are important in giving identity to areas of the island.

The natural resources of the island of Hawai‘i are the physical and environmental assets that are recognized as useful, valuable, and desirable. These natural resources include, but are not limited to, the land, water, air, flora, fauna, soils, geologic features, geothermal steam, climate, wind, sunshine, ocean waters, and shoreline. Some of these resources are finite and irreplaceable. Several are replaceable at extreme cost and others are renewable. The island’s growing population and expanding urbanization place a greater demand on the limited resource base.

Interwoven with the conservation of these resources is their protection through best management practices and enforcement of zoning and environmental laws. The County's basic industries, agriculture, tourism, and scientific and technological enterprises, depend upon a "clean" environment for optimum growth. The agricultural industry depends upon the availability of clean air, soil, and water. The island's major visitor attraction, especially for tourists from large urban centers, is its natural beauty accentuated by the quality of the air and water. The environmental quality of the County thus not only enhances the quality of life for its residents, but is also a major economic asset.

NATURAL BEAUTY, RESOURCES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OBJECTIVES

• Identify and develop programs to protect, preserve and enhance the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty, such as unique or prominent landscapes, natural features having cultural or scenic value, or coastal scenic resources.
• Establish programs to protect and identify significant scenic vistas and view planes from becoming obstructed.
• Maximize opportunities for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy areas of natural and scenic beauty.
• Protect, conserve, and utilize the natural resources of the County of Hawai‘i for future generations.
• Provide opportunities for recreational, economic, and educational needs without despoiling or endangering natural resources.
• Protect Hawai‘i’s unique, fragile, and significant natural resources.
• Protect rare or endangered species and habitats native to Hawai‘i.
• Maintain and, if feasible, improve the environmental quality of the island.

POLICIES

A. NATURAL BEAUTY

• Increase public pedestrian easement access opportunities to scenic places and vistas.
• Develop and establish view plane criteria to preserve and enhance views of scenic or prominent landscapes from specific locations.
• Establish programs to identify, acquire and develop viewing sites on the island.
• Access easements to public or private lands that have natural or scenic value shall be provided or acquired for the public.
• Develop standards to incorporate natural and scenic beauty elements as part of design plan review.
• Maintain a continuing program to identify exceptional trees or tree masses.

B. NATURAL RESOURCES

• Encourage users of natural resources to conduct their activities in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects on the environment.
• Encourage a program of collection and dissemination of basic data concerning natural resources.
• Coordinate programs to protect natural resources with other government agencies.
• Ensure that activities authorized or funded by the County do not damage important natural resources.
• Encourage utilization of the shoreline for recreational, cultural, educational, and/or scientific uses in a manner that is protective of resources and of the maximum benefit to the general public.
• Minimize impact to the shoreline from the encroachment of man-made improvements and structures when permitted.
• Investigate methods of beach replenishment and sand erosion control.
• Promote sound management in the development of Hawai‘i’s land and marine resources for the future and potential continuous economic benefit.
• Encourage the protection of watersheds, forest, brush, and grassland from destructive agents and uses.
• Work with the appropriate State, Federal agencies, and private landowners to establish a program to manage and protect identified watersheds and to identify and inventory forest lands suitable for watershed purposes.
• Encourage appropriate State agencies to review and designate forest and watershed areas into the conservation district during State land use boundary comprehensive reviews.
• The installation of utility facilities, highways and related public improvements in natural and wildland areas should avoid the contamination or despoilment of natural resources where feasible by design review, conservation principles, and by mutual agreement between the County and affected agencies.
• Encourage the continued identification and inclusion of unique wildlife habitat areas of native Hawaiian flora and fauna within the Natural Area Reserve System.
• Encourage the use of native plants for screening and landscaping.
• Ensure public access is provided to the shoreline, public trails and hunting areas, including free public parking where appropriate, by establishing a comprehensive public access program and promulgating laws and plans for acquisition.
• Establish a program in which a system of pedestrian access trails to identified places of scenic, historic, cultural, natural, or recreational values are planned, acquired if appropriate, and developed.
• Encourage the State to establish a program to preserve and protect significant lava tube caves.
• Within the Kona 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.
• Create incentives for landowners to retain and re-establish forest cover in upland watershed areas with emphasis on native forest species.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Earthquakes. The Big Island experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most undetectable, but some strong enough to be felt or to cause minor damage. Most of the island’s earthquakes are related to volcanic activity caused by magma moving beneath the earth’s surface and concentrated beneath the island’s two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Because of this activity, the entire island is within Seismic Zone 4, the highest rating.

The island of Hawai‘i is sinking, or subsiding, at different rates for various reasons: The great weight of the island slowly bends the outer rigid layer of the earth, and the weight of growing volcanoes is greater than the earth can support. Large earthquakes also produce coastal subsidence.

Flooding. The problems of flooding in the County of Hawai‘i are attributed to ponding, surface runoff, high seas, storm surge, and tsunami inundation. Flood control is usually limited to confining runoff within natural or man-made watercourses and standing bodies of water. Drainage involves the collection and conveyance of runoff. The problems of high seas and tsunami inundation are generally alleviated by structural criteria, building setbacks, and land use restrictions.

In 1982, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the "Flood Insurance Study" for Hawai‘i County. This study investigates the existence and severity of flood hazards in Hawai‘i. The flood boundaries for streams, and the flood insurance zones and base flood elevation lines are delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). These maps are the principal result of the "Flood Insurance Study," and have been incorporated into Hawai‘i County’s Flood Plain Management Program. The "Flood Insurance Study," coupled with appropriate rules and regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are part of the Hawai‘i County Code.

Lava Hazards. The island is composed of five volcanoes, two of which—Kilauea and Mauna Loa—are expected to erupt frequently in the future. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified lava hazard zones for the island based on the probability of coverage by lava flows. Zone 1 is the area of greatest hazard and Zone 9 the least. Hazard zones from lava flows are based on the location and frequency of both historic and prehistoric eruptions.

NATURAL HAZARDS OBJECTIVES

• Protect human life.
• Prevent damage to man-made improvements.
• Prevent damage from inundation.
• Reduce surface water and sediment runoff.
• Maximize soil and water conservation.

NATURAL HAZARDS POLICIES

• Review land use policies and building structure regulations as it relates to flood plain, high surf, and tsunami hazard areas.
• Update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and other flood maps in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as needed.
• Promote and provide incentives for participation in the Soil and Water Conservation Districts' conservation programs for developments on agricultural and conservation lands.
• The "Drainage Master Plan for the County of Hawai‘i" shall be reviewed and updated to incorporate new studies and to reflect newly identified priorities from a watershed perspective that:

i. Considers non-structural alternatives;

ii. Minimizes channelization;

iii. Protects wetlands that serve drainage functions;

iv. Coordinates regulation of construction and agricultural operations; and

v. Encourages the establishment of floodplains as public greenways.

• Development-generated runoff shall be disposed of in a manner acceptable to the Department of Public Works and in compliance with all State and Federal laws.
• Explore new methods of funding for the provision of adequate drainage systems.
• Establish public and private partnerships to maintain and improve existing drainage systems and to construct new drainage facilities.
• Cooperate with the State to develop an integrated shoreline erosion management plan that ensures the preservation of sandy beaches and public access to and along the shoreline, and the protection of private and public property from flood hazards and wave damage.
• Promote public education programs on tsunami, hurricane, storm surge, and flood hazards.
• Encourage grassed shoulder and swale roadway design where climate and grade are conducive.
• Develop programs to acquire lands or development rights in areas of high volcanic and natural hazard.

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

SECTION 5. In the printing of the General Plan for public distribution, General Plan amendment procedures may be included therein for ease of reference.

SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

__________________________________ ___________________________________

COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I

_______, Hawai‘i

Date of Introduction:

Date of 1st Reading:

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