County of Hawaii: General Plan
Home | Contact Us | Legislative Auditors | GP Revision | General Plan Table of Contents

PDF Version

BILL NO. 163
(Draft 4)
ORDINANCE NO.

SECTION 1. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt a General Plan in compliance with Section 3-15, Hawaii County Charter and to repeal the 1989 General Plan adopted by Ordinance No. 89 142, as amended.

SECTION 2. The attached document identified as Appendix A, which also includes the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Maps and the Facilities Maps, is hereby adopted as the Hawaii County General Plan.

INTRODUCED BY:

Effective Date:

GENERAL PLAN REVISION

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN

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

• Guide the pattern of future development in this County based on long-term goals;

• Identify the visions, values, and priorities important to the people of this County;

• Provide the framework for regulatory decisions, capital improvement priorities, acquisition strategies, and other pertinent government programs within the County organization and coordinated with State and Federal programs.

• Improve the physical environment of the County as a setting for human activities; to make it more functional, beautiful, healthful, interesting, and efficient.

• Promote and safeguard the public interest and the interest of the County as a whole.

• Facilitate the democratic determination of community policies concerning the utilization of its natural, man-made, and human resources.

• Effect political and technical coordination in community improvement and development.

• Inject long-range considerations into the determination of short-range actions and implementation.

History of the Plan

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

With the adoption and ratification of the County Charter in 1968, the General Plan emerged as a major policy document. Section 3-15 of the County Charter states:

"The county council shall adopt by ordinance a general plan which shall set forth the Council's policy for long-range comprehensive physical development of the County. It shall contain a statement of development objectives, standards and principles with respect to the most desirable use of land within the County for residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and other purposes which shall be consistent with proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites; the most desirable density of population in the several parts of the County; a system of principal thoroughfares, highways, streets, public access to the shoreline, and other open spaces; the general locations, relocations and improvement of public buildings; the general location and extent of public utilities and terminals, whether publicly or privately owned, for water, sewers, light, power, transit and other purposes; the extent and location of public housing projects; adequate drainage facilities and control; air pollution; and such other matters as may, in the Council's judgment, be beneficial to the social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends and shall be designed to assure the coordinated development of the County and to promote the general welfare and prosperity of its people.

(a) The Council shall enact zoning, subdivision, and other such ordinances, which shall contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the General Plan.

(b) No public improvement, project, subdivision, or zoning ordinances, shall be initiated or adopted unless the same conforms to and implements the General Plan.

(c) Amendments to the General Plan may be initiated by the Council or the Planning Director."

The first General Plan document to be completed after the ratification of the County Charter in 1968 was adopted by ordinance on December 15, 1971 by the County Council. Upon adoption of the General Plan in 1971, the Council laid the foundation for establishing a comprehensive planning program for the County of Hawaii. This program consists of three interrelated parts arranged in a hierarchy as described below and illustrated in Figure I.

The General Plan represents the first level and encompasses long-range goals, policies, standards, and courses of action for the entire County. The General Plan also provides the legal basis for all of the other elements of the County's planning structure. As such, the General Plan is the highest order, or "umbrella" plan. It establishes the outer limits or boundaries within which the County must operate.

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

The third level consists of specific mechanisms to implement the two higher levels of the planning hierarchy. These include the Zoning and Subdivision Codes and both the operating and capital improvement program budgets.

General Plan Program

The initial development of the General Plan program, undertaken between 1968 and 1970, was funded through an agreement between the County of Hawaii and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the former State of Hawaii Department of Planning and Economic Development (currently the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism). The initial General Plan study program was conducted over a 36-month period and completed by the Planning Department with the technical assistance of professional consultants in the fields of drainage and flood control, historic sites, sewerage, economics, and water.

The General Plan program is structured to investigate, analyze, and evaluate concurrently all aspects of the County under a common or standard methodology. The preparation of the General Plan involves the process of planning and provides the opportunity to broaden the base of citizen participation, review, and understanding.

The 1971 General Plan required five and ten year comprehensive reviews and updates. The reviews and updates are intended to maintain the dynamism and flexibility of the General Plan and to accommodate major changes and trends that may occur within the County. The County initiated a review of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map in 1978 that led to several changes to the map. Other changes included the addition of an Energy element and amendments to procedures for the comprehensive reviews and proposals for specific amendments to the General Plan.

The first comprehensive ten-year review of the General Plan was initiated by the Planning Department in the mid-1980's and completed with the adoption of Ordinance No. 89 142 by the Hawaii County Council on November 14, 1989. This comprehensive revision program resulted in various revisions to supporting data as well as to the individual study elements and Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide and Facilities maps.

The Current General Plan Comprehensive Review Program

The planning process utilized for the current comprehensive review and revision of the General Plan included an assessment of the General Plan elements relative to new data, laws, and methods of analysis. Each study element was then analyzed and evaluated in relation to all other elements, County and district goals, and the land use pattern. Potentially, a change in one element could affect other elements as well as the land use pattern. Similarly, a change in County and district goals could potentially be reflected in all elements and in the land use pattern.

The comprehensive review of the General Plan gathered and assessed the data related to each element to identify present conditions and problems and future possibilities. The study elements utilized in the General Plan included the following:

Economic: Describes the human, capital, and natural resources used to produce goods and services for consumption in local and overseas markets.

Energy: Describes the energy situation for the County and explains the incentive for promoting energy conservation and the development of indigenous energy resources including solar, wind, hydrologic, and geothermal.

Environmental Quality: Identifies the factors affecting the island's environmental quality and describes the precautions and safeguards necessary to maintain and improve the quality of the environment for the physical, psychological, and social well-being of residents and visitors.

Flooding and Other Natural Hazards: Pertains to the conservation and protection of life, improvements, and natural resources from excess runoff due to either man-made improvements, natural causes, or inundation from tsunamis and heavy seas.

Historic Sites: Identifies sites and buildings of historical and cultural importance.

Natural Beauty: Identifies areas of unique natural beauty that are a principle asset of the island, and encourages programs for their conservation, preservation, and integration with other elements.

Natural Resources and Shoreline: Describes the valuable and often irreplaceable natural assets of the island and encourages programs for their proper management and protection.

Housing: Addresses the requirements for and the quantity, quality, and distribution of housing units in the County. This element also addresses critical housing problems of the County.

Public Facilities: Pertains to the location and distribution of facilities for education, public safety, social, health services and other government operations.

Public Utilities: Describes the distribution of power, light, and water; the collection and disposal of solid waste and sewage; and the provision of other communication utilities that are essential to the efficient functioning of a community.

Recreation: Examines the requirements of the County for active and passive outdoor activities, cultural events and pastimes, as well as attendant facilities and areas.

Transportation: Describes the requirements for air and water transport terminal facilities linking the County with the rest of the State and overseas areas, and the island's network of streets, highways, and roads.

Land Use: Studies the relationship of human activities to the uses of land and the location, spatial relationship, and topography. This element is subdivided into the following designations according to uses:

Agricultural: Encompasses all types of agricultural endeavors and specified industrial uses, residential and ancillary community and public and accessory uses.

Commercial: Comprised of industries in the retail trade and service categories and certain non-noxious enterprises from other industrial classifications.

Industrial: Includes uses that may not be compatible with commercial areas (such as manufacturing and processing, wholesaling, large storage and transportation facilities, power plants, and government baseyards) as well as other industrial, manufacturing, or wholesaling uses.

Multiple Residential: Includes duplexes, apartments, town houses and similar types of residential structures and ancillary community and public uses.

Open Space: Includes conservation lands, forest and water reserves, natural and scientific preserves, and potential natural hazard areas.

Public Lands: Includes Federal, State, County, and University owned lands.

Resort: Consists primarily of areas with basic amenities and attributes that attract developments of visitor accommodations and related facilities.

Single-Family Residential: Consists of single-family detached houses and ancillary community and public uses.

Each study element has been divided into sections described below.

Introduction and Analysis: Describes the element and summarizes findings, County-wide characteristics and features, trends, changes, and problems, as well as the outlook and opportunities for the immediate and distant future. The analysis also addresses the element's interrelationships with other elements.

Goals: Indicates the desired long-range directions and situations enunciated by community groups, officially expressed in the past or implied in governmental programs. Provides a cohesive and comprehensive framework for the coordination of social and economic programs and governmental effort.

Policies: States the methods or strategies that should be undertaken to attain the stated goals. These are action and program oriented and involve the formulation of standard procedures, program evaluation and review, rules and regulations, ordinances and laws, budgeting, specific projects, etc.

Standards: Concerned with qualitative and quantitative criteria by which situations can be evaluated or benchmarks established. Standards are basically "yardsticks" or indicators, minimum conditions or levels of quality necessary for the well-being of the public.

Courses of Action: Many study elements require a more precise and definitive discussion of community concerns and problems. These sections attempt to identify specific alternatives on a community, district or regional basis.

As an aid to the understanding of the inter-relationship of the components of the General Plan, the separate elements of the General Plan may also be described as follows:

The Introduction and the Economic element describe the foundations and factors that generate population and economic opportunities and growth on the island of Hawaii. The Environmental Quality, Energy, Flooding and Other Natural Hazards, Historic Sites, Natural Beauty, and the Natural Resources and Shoreline elements describe those natural and social conditions that influence and set parameters for development opportunities on the island. The Housing, Public Facilities, Public Utilities, Recreation, and Transportation elements describe those services, facilities, and improvements necessary to accommodate the growth of population and support the economy. The Land Use element describes the distribution, pattern, and location of the various activities addressed in the other elements of the General Plan.

 

COUNTY PROFILE

The County of Hawaii encompasses the island of Hawaii, which is the southeasternmost and largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago. The land area of the County is approximately twice the combined land area of all the other islands of the State.

The island of Hawaii has a diverse climate, topography and scenic beauty. Environments include dense tropical forests; majestic snowcapped mountains; active volcanoes; black, white, and green sand beaches; deeply eroded valleys; and large expanses of grazing land. Each district provides a variety of settings for human activity, land and resource utilization, or wilderness areas of minimal human intrusion.

The County of Hawaii has expanded into new fields of industry such as astronomy, high technology, renewable energy, health and wellness, agricultural and eco-tourism, diversified agriculture and aquaculture. The County’s continuing support of research and development in these emerging fields will ensure a promising future for the island’s economy and its residents. Specific examples include the establishment of the Agricultural Research Center of the Pacific, conversion of the old sewer treatment plant near Puhi Bay in Hilo to an aquaculture facility, and the construction of an agricultural water system in Ka’u.

The County’s overall economic outlook remains mixed due to the County’s dependence on the condition of the State's economy. Since 1990, the State’s economy has been in a period of decline. While there are opportunities for expansion into new and existing industries, external factors such as the world economy may have an impact on the County’s future economy.

Throughout the County's history, agriculture has played an important role in the County's economy. In the late l700's, Hawaii's agricultural industry began by provisioning ships. During the 1800's, sugar production and cattle ranching emerged as leaders of the modern agricultural industry. These industries dominated the island's economy and social fabric well into the 1900s. The 1980's and 1990's saw the demise of sugar cultivation and the steady decline in cattle production. These once dominant industries have been replaced by fully diversified agriculture including flowers and nursery products, coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruits, vegetable crops, orchards, aquaculture, and forestry. Import replacement and expansion of export products and markets are increasing. The three leading agricultural industries within the County are flowers and nursery products, vegetables, and macadamia nuts. Combined, these three agricultural industries accounted for over 50 per cent of the total value of agricultural production in the County in 1997. When compared statewide, the County of Hawaii produces 35 per cent of fresh vegetables, 72 per cent of bananas, 30 per cent of coffee, 95 per cent of macadamia nuts, and 51 per cent of flowers and nursery products. Agriculture’s future remains favorable with the strong diversification and development of new export protocol and technology.

Within the past forty years, tourism has emerged as the primary economic activity on the island. Much of the economic growth experienced during this period can be linked with the expansion of the visitor industry. Both the statewide and local economies have been faced with an economic downturn since 1990. Visitor arrivals to the island peaked in 1991 at 1,189,000 and subsequently declined to a low of 1,079,000 in 1994 before rebounding to 1,286,000 in 1998. The mainland economic recession of the early 1990’s and the Asian economic crisis in 1997 significantly impacted Hawaii's visitor industry. These events emphasized the dependency of the local economy upon the visitor industry and its vulnerability to external influences. While the tourist industry is expected to continue growing, it has matured to a point where healthy growth will demand a reinvestment in the infrastructure supporting the visitor industry. The County must continue to preserve, protect and enhance the unique qualities of the Big Island and promote the island as a vacation and business destination to respond to growing competition from tourist destinations around the world.

In 1970, just prior to the initial adoption of the General Plan, the population in the County of Hawaii numbered 63,468. The 1970 census count was the first to show an increase, albeit small, since 1930 when the population peaked at 73,325, largely as a result of the importation of labor for the sugar industry. The population decline between 1930 and the 1960s was primarily due to the increasing mechanization of the sugar plantation, limited job opportunities in other economic sectors, and the out-migration of residents. This decline was reversed during the 1960s with a modest growth of 2,140 residents between the 1960 and 1970 census.

Since 1970, the County's population has continued to grow. The 1980 census registered an island-wide resident population of 92,053 people representing a growth of 28,585 residents or a 45 per cent increase over the 1970 census. The 1990 census revealed a resident population of 120,317 residents, or an increase of 31 per cent over the 1980 resident population. The census registered 148,677 residents in 2000, a 24 per cent increase over the 1990 resident population. The County anticipates that its resident population will grow at an annual rate of 1.95 per cent to 2005, 2.04 per cent between 2005 to 2010, and 2.1 per cent between 2010 and 2020. Projected estimates for 2020 indicate an island resident population of 217,718, or an increase of 46 per cent over the estimated 2000 population of 148,677.

Table 2 summarizes the growth in Hawaii County's job count, by industry, from 1970 to 1997. Since 1980, employment trends within the County have appeared to shift from the non-service industry to the service industry in jobs such as wholesale and retail trade, finance, hotels, etc. In 1980, the service industries accounted for approximately 61 per cent of the private industry workforce and 49 per cent of the total wages earned. By 1997, the service industries have dominated the private industry, accounting for 79 per cent of the workforce and 74 per cent of the total wages earned. This growth in the service industry is mainly attributable to the growth in the County’s tourism sector.

Employment within the County in 1980 totaled 40,850 on a population base of 92,053 residents. In 1990, employment increased to 55,200 on a population base of 120,317, representing a 3.05 per cent and 2.71 per cent annual compounded increase, respectively. The 2000 census showed a population of 148,677 and an employment base of 69,937. For the year 2020, the Planning Department anticipates a population of 217,718 with an employment base of 106,492. Average annual employment growth rates are anticipated at 2.05 per cent between 1999 and 2005, 2.11 per cent between 2005 and 2010, and 2.16 per cent between 2010 and 2020. These employment projections are below the robust 3.05 per cent average annual employment growth rates during the 1980s, but above the 1.61 per cent average annual growth rate during the 1990s.

Unemployment rates for the County of Hawaii dropped drastically from 1980 (6.2 per cent) to 1990 (3.8 per cent) due to the strong economy during this period. As the County entered the economic downturn that extended throughout the 1990s, its unemployment rate increased to 10.2 per cent by 1997. Per capita income during these same periods also saw a corresponding strong increase during the 1980s and a decline in growth during the 1990s.

Change from Previous Census

1970-1997

County of Hawaii Data Book, 1998; State Department of Agriculture Statistics, 1997; N/A – not available

STATEMENT OF ASSUMPTIONS

The following assumptions were the basis by which the General Plan was developed:

• Agriculture

Since the mid-1980s, the County of Hawaii has seen a dramatic shift in its agricultural employment profile. The sugar industry was the island's most significant economic contributor from the mid-1800s to its peak production year of 1983. Since 1983, the sugar industry steadily declined until its ultimate demise in 1997 with the closure of the last sugar operation in Ka’u. The island of Hawaii has since established itself as the center of diversified agriculture production, research, and education in the State. Hawaii’s new agriculture industry is characterized by a few large operations such as agroforestry and ranching along with many smaller family-owned farms that produce a multitude of high quality fresh and processed products for local and export markets. Agricultural employment will increase significantly as former sugarcane lands are brought into production with import replacement, export and value added crops and products. Additional employment will be derived from expanding agrotourism enterprises. The expansion of the industry will be facilitated by the establishment of a new air cargo distribution center and post-harvest processing facilities that will allow for significant increases in the volume and types of products exported to the continental United States and foreign countries. Agricultural research and education will be greatly enhanced.

• Tourism

The County will continue to pursue the development of a strong multi-market base for the visitor industry that includes direct oversea flights to Kona, growth of the cruise ship industry, strong resort-based employment centers and integrated product development for local products that can generate a healthy small business economic base. The County's visitor industry will continue to successfully grow and expand. Likewise, employment in the visitor industry and its related industries will continue to grow.

• Other Basic Industries

There is tremendous potential for expansion in other industries such as aquaculture, astronomy, renewable energy, research and development, and special events such as cultural festivals and athletic events.

 

 

 

EMPLOYMENT AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS

The County's General Plan is a policy document that sets forth the direction for future activities on the island of Hawaii for the next few decades. In order to plan for the future, it is necessary to understand both historical and future trends related to the number of residents and visitors to be served and the kinds of facilities and resources needed to fulfill their needs.

In traditional public planning efforts, entire plans have been based on the achievement of the projected levels of population. In many of these cases, where population numbers are goals, plans become obsolete when the projected number of residents is not achieved or is surpassed. Thus, the population projections presented within the General Plan are not intended to be used as goals. Rather, this General Plan effort uses the projected levels of population as a guideline in land use planning. The projections represent what could reasonably be expected to occur in the future. The goals, policies, standards, and recommendations of this plan are intended to be flexible enough to accommodate population levels below or above the projections stated in this section.

Employment and population projections for the County of Hawaii were developed through the analysis of relationships between economic activity, employment, and population. The analytical approach used entails the forecasting of employment in basic industries and the relationship that changes in employment have upon population.

Primary Income Generators are those industries that generate income from outside the County. They are assumed to be the foundation of the local economy and the key to the development of the island. Primary Income Generators include agriculture, tourism, the manufacturing of export products, and research and development. These Primary Income Generators, in turn, "drive" the secondary industries, or those enterprises that service the Primary Income Generators or the local population and includes wholesaling, retailing and services. The Primary Income Generators determine the long-run pattern of population and income growth for the County.

Three sets of projections were developed for the comprehensive review program, Series A, B, and C. The major variables in each of these projections were the rate of growth of the visitor industry, the construction of the proposed State prison, the expansion of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and the utilization of a post-harvest treatment facility for export agricultural products. It should be emphasized that the projections are not statements of goals. The population projections, and the strength of the correlation between primary economic generators and population growth, must be viewed with caution. The 1989 General Plan contained a similar set of economic and population projections. Visitor arrivals from 1990-2000, a primary economic generator, grew far less than projected. The 1989 "Series A" projected a 35 per cent growth in westbound visitor arrivals in the 1990-2000 period; the actual number barely increased. Agriculture, the other major primary economic sector, lost jobs because of the loss of the sugar industry. During the same time period, the county’s population grew about 24 per cent, just slightly less than the 1989 Series A projection of 27 per cent. It appears that there has been substantial population growth not driven by economic opportunities in the primary industries. This may be due to in-migration of people seeking other amenities such as a clean environment and rural lifestyle.

Series A

Series A is the most conservative projection. It assumes a 1 per cent annual growth rate in the visitor industry. It also assumes that the proposed State prison will not be constructed, job growth at the University of Hawaii at Hilo will be limited to 16 positions per year, and the papaya industry will grow at an annual rate of 1 per cent. Without the construction of the proposed State prison on the island, 2,000 construction jobs over three years and approximately 1,000 permanent jobs to run the facility will not be realized.

POPULATION AND VISITOR INDUSTRY

PROJECTIONS, HAWAII COUNTY 1985-2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

U.S. Census, 2000

 

HAWAII COUNTY, 1985-2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

Series B

Series B projections were developed as a medium series. These projections represent a moderate growth rate between Series A and C. The overall per annum employment growth rate anticipated in Series B ranges between 2 per cent and 2.2 per cent. It also assumes a modest 2 per cent annual growth rate for visitor arrivals, compared to a historical growth rate of 1.45 per cent between the years 1977 and 1998. This projection also assumes that an additional 70 new positions will be created at the University of Hawaii at Hilo to accommodate the additional 1,000 students expected to be enrolled within the next ten years. Finally, the establishment of the Hilo Call Center will ultimately create an additional 300 new jobs.

POPULATION AND VISITOR INDUSTRY

PROJECTIONS, HAWAII COUNTY 1985-2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

U.S. Census, 2000

 

HAWAII COUNTY, 1985-2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

Series C

POPULATION AND VISITOR INDUSTRY

PROJECTIONS, HAWAII COUNTY 1985-2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

U.S. Census, 2000

 

 

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

HAWAII COUNTY, 1985-2020

Economic activity within the County is anticipated to grow at a moderate rate with a continuing, although declining, dependency upon the tourism industry. In 2000, approximately 9.3 per cent of the County's employees were employed by hotels. By 2020, hotel workers may account for employment in the total workforce ranging from 7.7 per cent in Series A to 7.3 per cent in Series C.

Population Distribution

From the estimates of the islandwide resident population, other estimates have been made to project the distribution of population over the districts of the island. These are not intended to be included as population achievement levels for the districts, nor as firm statements or descriptions of future conditions. They are based on assumptions of potential employment growth rates described in the previous islandwide employment and population estimates, past district growth trends, and trends in the distribution of population on the island.

Year 2020

Economic Assessment, PKF Hawaii, January 2000

ECONOMIC

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The 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 which does not take them into account cannot be very effective. In varying degrees the other elements of the planning process are affected by the local economy.

Population usually settles, expands or declines within a given area in some correlation to economic opportunities or the lack of them. Besides affecting the number and density of population, economic activity has a direct bearing on income level, which to a certain extent determines the standard of living of the individual.

Different types of employment influence the social character of communities. The size and character of a community will define its need for housing, transportation, public utilities and facilities, special combinations of land use, recreation, and other forms of public and social services and facilities. Economic studies are thus one of the necessary first steps in developing plans for public and private actions.

Government has a responsibility to identify, understand, forecast, protect and promote local economic sectors and to balance economic growth with desired environmental, social and other objectives of the community. Government has many policy instruments available to influence and guide developments, investment, and operation of private and public interests.

The economy, however, should not be considered as the primary focus of the General Plan. The planning process is geared towards the achievement of a higher quality of life for the residents of the County. Working towards the goals, policies, and standards of the economic element are only one aspect of accomplishing this desired end.

The island offers several amenities conducive for economic growth. Many of these are natural amenities such as a favorable and equitable climate, scenic vistas, high mountains, deep ocean, active volcanoes, large land areas, and an environment generally free of pollution.

Despite these amenities, there have been a number of problems that have limited the growth of the island. Most imported goods must be transshipped through Honolulu. The distances from the population centers of Honolulu, the mainland, and other major markets have limited the growth of export products from the Big Island. Products that are unique and/or have high value (such as macadamia nuts, flowers and nursery products, coffee, and papaya) have been successfully exported.

As the County's population and its tourism industry grow larger and the export volume increases, more favorable rates on overseas carriers may be instituted.

The relatively small population in the State, coupled with the distance to mainland markets, creates a disadvantage for local businessmen. The size of the State's population does not allow for efficient operations, and when exportation is considered in order to expand a particular market, the entrepreneur is faced with high transportation costs.

Natural disasters, such as tsunamis, volcanic activity, flooding, and droughts, are events that have and continue to shape the economic development on this island. For example, while volcanic activity has destroyed homes and historic features, it is also the County’s largest single tourist attraction. In addition to actual physical damage, the fear of the recurrence of natural hazards presents a psychological barrier for investment. Measures to protect life and property have been planned and instituted throughout the County. Further hazard mitigation measures are reported in this plan.

The economy of the County has experienced significant changes over the past three decades since the adoption of the County's first comprehensive General Plan in 1971. Sugar cultivation was the leading agricultural activity during the 1970s and early 1980s. The latter half of the 1980s and throughout the 1990s saw the decline and eventual demise of the sugar industry on this island. Tourism replaced sugar as the County's primary economic generator during the mid-1980s and saw its peak visitor arrival numbers in 1989. Since 1990, external factors such as the Asian economic crisis, the Persian Gulf War, and a brief economic downturn in the U.S. Mainland have contributed toward the State continuing in a protracted economic doldrum. Nevertheless, the County was still successful in attracting several world-class events and saw the completion of several major projects including the opening of the 351-room Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and the 243-room Hualalai Resort, the start of direct national and international flights to Kona, the filming of the movie Waterworld, and the arrival of the PGA Seniors MasterCard Tournament of Champions at the Hualalai Resort and Golf Course.

Agriculture

Agriculture currently constitutes a major economic sector of the island of Hawaii. Including processing, the agricultural industry accounts for about 9.5 per cent of the island's employment. Local agricultural pursuits include the raising of cattle and other livestock, the growing of coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya, flowers and nursery products, vegetables, aquaculture, forestry and several processing plants that utilize locally grown products.

Some large corporate agricultural ventures such as macadamia nut plantations, operate on the island. However, diversification of the industry has led to smaller operations producing an ever increasing array of fresh vegetables, fruits, forestry, and aquaculture products.

Hawaii County accounts for approximately one-third of the fresh vegetables produced in the State of Hawaii, over half of the beef consumed, one-third of the coffee grown, most of the macadamia nuts, and varying percentages of the other crops and livestock. The total value of agricultural marketing declined approximately 20 per cent between 1985 and 1997. The number of farms and livestock operations during this same period increased from 2,650 to 3,319 operations. Acreage in farms, however, declined 57 per cent between 1985 and 1997. Agriculture has shown substantial growth on the island. The island accounted for 55 per cent of the crops in the State in 1997 while livestock on the island accounted for 18 per cent of the State total. While the County's share of statewide agriculture production has remained relatively constant, its livestock production has been steadily declining since peaking in the late 1980s. Much of this decline can be attributed to the closing of all feedlots within the State by 1993 due to the high cost of importing feed. Approximately 90 per cent of all beef cattle are now exported to mainland feedlots to be "grain-finished" before slaughter. New ventures in forestry and aquaculture have expanded opportunities and show promise for the future.

One of the most pressing problems faced by today's agricultural industries is their ability to attract labor. Agriculture is facing increasing competition for labor from other sectors of the economy, such as the visitor, retail and construction industries. There is also a demand for a greater number of personnel with technical and professional agricultural training. A related problem is the housing shortage for both minimum wage and seasonal labor.

Competition from urban uses for agricultural lands has intensified. The protection of important agricultural lands, however, has long been a policy of the County.

The relatively small population of the State and its isolation from overseas markets are limiting factors for the production of agricultural products for local consumption and export. The State Department of Agriculture, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Hawaii - College of Tropical Agriculture, and the County have programs to assist the industry.

The opportunities for the expansion of agriculture on the Big Island seem to be immense. The demand for fresh, locally grown products continues to grow as restaurants, grocery stores and hotels seek the highest quality products for their guests. Export products grown mostly on the Big Island, such as coffee, papaya, macadamia nuts, and flowers, also continue to expand. These commodities and others, such as ginger, guava and other tropical fruits, have potential for growth. There are also new high value crops which have the potential to be successfully cultivated. One such high value crop is Kava (Awa), a medicinal plant which has the potential to be a viable cash crop. Locally, small growers as well as a few large growers are producing Kava. Vanilla bean, cacao, nutraceuticals, hard wood forestry products, and medicinal plants are other types of high value crops that hold much promise for growth.

The expansion of the agriculture industry can also be measured by the success of overcoming some of the restrictive governmental regulations that prevent many locally grown products from being exported to domestic or foreign markets. Concerns regarding the transmission of plant pests and diseases during export have or could be adequately addressed by current treatment or processing technologies. The development of new protocol and processing facilities for quarantine treatment will assure the further expansion of the agricultural industry.

In order for Hawaii's cattle industry to strengthen, new techniques need to be developed for raising forage-finished cattle to compete in the marketplace with grain-finished cattle. Hawaii cattle will then be able to finish grazing on island pastures and remain for consumption within local markets. Local producers also need to find new venues such as processed meats and pre-fabricated meals to market locally raised cattle. By creating a market niche for forage-finished beef, ranchers will be able to keep cattle in Hawaii, increasing production weights and revenues for the State economy.

Forestry

As one of the most heavily traded commodities on the global market and the tenth largest industry sector in the world, forest products grown in Hawaii may be able to capitalize on its central Pacific location, excellent growing climate, and the availability of vast expanses of former sugar lands. Hawaii's growth rates for forest products are among the fastest in the world. As a result, at least 24,000 acres are now being cultivated for eucalyptus production, with thousands of additional acres being planned. Dozens of landowners within the County are currently involved with the commercial production of forest products, both eucalyptus and higher value hardwoods such as toon, maple, and koa. A 1981 State Division of Forestry and Wildlife study identified approximately 80,000 acres of former sugarcane land as ideal for the establishment of a forest plantation. An additional 100,000 acres of pasture and brush lands were identified for longer-rotation forest plantations. The study concluded that there are ample lands available on the island to establish a forest plantation industry.

Fishing and Aquaculture

Fishing and aquacultural activities are also basic economic sectors. The commercial fishing industry on the island accounted for $6,100,000 in 1997 and remains the second largest commercial fishing producer in the State. The County's commercial fishing industry has shown a stable catch and poundage sold during the past five years ending in 1998. This stability in the local fishing industry is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

The deep cold coastal waters off Keahole Point are nutrient rich and pathogen free. The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) is a State-funded facility located on 870 acres of land at Keahole, North Kona. The facility provides support for various research, commercial and educational programs that seek to locate at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority project site to take advantage of its unique resources, including its cold, nutrient-rich ocean waters and high solar insolation. Microalgae, lobsters, abalone, ornamental fish and other sea vegetables and animals are grown at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.

The Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Center is a joint effort by the University of Hawaii at Hilo, the County, State and the Keaukaha Hawaiian Homelands Community Association to establish a research and training facility in Hilo for local aquaculture farmers and university students. The center has the capacity to create water of any salinity or temperature necessary to raise fish. Operation of this center is expected to generate approximately $650,000 annually to the local economy. Value added benefits are expected to add another $3,000,000.

Aquaculture operations County-wide have grown from eight operations in 1982 to forty-three in 1996. During this same period, annual revenues have grown from $90,600 to $13,200,000. The County accounts for 37 per cent of the total aquaculture operations within the State but accounts for over 80 per cent of the total production and over 84 per cent of the production value. While most of the production from aquaculture farms is now sold locally, there are large markets overseas that these producers would like to tap. To assist the export of products overseas, the State has an Aquaculture Development Program (ADP). This organization provides a variety of support services to the aquaculture industry, such as information dissemination, business counseling, marketing, animal health management, and research and development funding. The key to the future growth and success of the aquaculture industry in the County is the ability of Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority to obtain funding to increase the flow of deep sea water to its facilities and tenants and the expansion of its support facilities. These improvements will encourage longer residency at the facility by its current tenants as well as attract additional projects.

The Federal government has shown its support of Hawaii’s aquaculture industry by approving $9,000,000 for Hawaii aquaculture initiative in July 1997, of which $1,600,000 has been appropriated for Tropical Aquaculture Research. In addition, the venture capital partnership HMS Hawaii Management Partners announced in December 1998 their commitment to contribute up to $10,000,000 to help island entrepreneurs finance their aquaculture operations.

Manufacturing

Congress recently funded construction and committed to staffing the USDA’s ARS (Agricultural Resource Services) Pacific Basin Agricultural Resource Center in Hilo. The purpose of the facility is to improve the well-being of Hawaii and the Pacific Basin by strengthening the agricultural sectors, fortifying small farm profitability and sustainability by increasing efficiency of farming practices, identification of preservation and improvement of germplasm adapted to island environments, the development of pest controls and post-harvest technology, and increasing the value of products through the development of value added processing.

Other manufacturing activities are service-oriented, such as bakeries, printing and iron works. These operations are usually located close to population centers or transportation facilities.

Visitor Industry

Tourism became the primary economic generator in the County during the 1980s. From 1982 to 1990, visitor arrivals grew at an average annual rate of 5.66 per cent. Visitor arrivals started to decline in 1991 due to recessions in the United States and Japan and the advent of the Persian Gulf War. These external events impacted visitor arrivals until 1996, when direct flights from Japan to Kona International Airport at Keahole were initiated. In the eight years ending in 1998, the annual visitor arrival growth rate was 1.18 per cent, much less than the previous eight years.

The growth of Hawaii County in terms of employment, population, income and economic activity during recent years has been more closely tied to the visitor industry than any other sector of the economy. Employment opportunities spurred by the growth of this industry has been the catalyst for economic growth in the County. As tourism became the primary economic generator during the 1980s, a shift in employment from the non-service to the service industry sector was evident. In 1980, the service industry accounted for approximately 60.6 per cent of average employment, rising to 71.3 per cent in 1990 and 78.5 per cent in 1997. The County experienced the largest growth in hotel job count statewide with an average annual growth rate of 5.2 per cent between 1981 and 1997.

The principal visitor destination area of the Big Island is the South Kohala-North Kona region in West Hawaii. The single most popular attraction is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The island continues to attract substantial investor interest in the visitor industry. Various resort and resort-residential complexes are currently under construction or are planned for construction in the near future. Most of these developments are concentrated in West Hawaii in the Kohala and Kona Districts, which will continue to accommodate the majority of the visitor market within the County. Visitor accommodation units within the County totaled 9,655 units in 1998, up from 8,952 units in 1990. Bed and breakfast units, although not a significant part of the total visitor unit count, have been the fastest growing segment of the industry, growing from 55 units in 1990 to 171 units in 1998. Historically, the County records the lowest visitor unit occupancy rates of all the major Hawaiian islands. Only in 1998 did the County’s occupancy rate finally surpass that of Kauai.

Continued investor interest in resort and resort-residential development in the County suggests an economic future that promises new jobs and more commercial, recreational, and cultural activities. Along with these promises of a "better" life is the realization that the visitor industry is sensitive to exogenous factors, such as the national economy. High quality development, however, seems less subject to these factors. The key to orderly growth lies in proper planning and controlled development.

The cruise ship industry is a potential growth area for the County. In recent years, the total number of visitors to the County from cruise ships has increased substantially from 124,000 in 1997 to 184,000 in 1998. Based on 1998 visitor counts, cruise ship visitor annual expenditures are estimated to range from $16,000,000 to $23,000,000. Cruise ship visitors are expected to continue to increase in the future due to the recent resurgence and popularity of this industry along with the projected construction of additional cruise ships.

The County’s natural beauty, historical and cultural attributes and its numerous educational institutions and programs lend themselves to provide the catalyst to allow new niche markets to flourish. Niche markets for the County’s visitor industry, such as ecotourism, health and wellness tourism and educational tourism, have growth potential. The health and fitness resources of the various luxury hotels look towards health and wellness tourism as one of its target markets. The expansion of tourism should include careful planning to identify, promote and preserve the island’s unique resources.

Research and Development

Hawaii County has participated in the research and development industry through the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Observatories, the University of Hawaii Cloud Physics Laboratory, Hawaii Volcano Observatory, and various agricultural research centers. The University of Hawaii at Hilo has and will play an increasingly important role in this community. The university complex itself is an important economic force. The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Long Range Development Plan (1996) envisions a target enrollment of 5,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) students by 2025, or roughly twice the 1995 enrollment. The plan outlines the program and facilities requirements necessary to accommodate the projected growth in enrollment.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) at Keahole, North Kona is currently involved in research and development in energy, materials and aquacultural projects. Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) park, an integral part of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, is located adjacent to NELHA and is being developed for similar projects on a commercial scale.

The County is also participating in the development of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center at Keaukaha, South Hilo for research in the spawning activities of several fish species and providing a research and training facility for university students and local farmers. The USDA’s PBARC facility will bring substantial research resources to Hawaii.

The summit area of Mauna Kea has the worldwide distinction as the best international center for observational astronomy. Mauna Kea currently accommodates twelve of the world’s most state-of-the art telescope facilities. The newest telescope is the $300,000,000 Subaru telescope developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The recent completion of the University of Hawaii-Hilo Institute of Astronomy complex at University Park will support the relocation of the Institute of Astronomy staff from UH-Manoa to UH-Hilo. The UH-Hilo is also working to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in astronomy to allow observatories to hire local astronomers. Approximately $619,000,000 of capital investments into the County have been made by the astronomy industry, including the creation of approximately 270 permanent jobs. Astronomical activities contribute approximately $50,000,000 annually to the County’s economy.

Military presence within the County is represented by the United States Army. The U.S. Army operates a field training facility at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Mauna Kea and a recreational camp at the Kilauea Military Camp-Joint Services Recreation Center located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Permanently stationed military units are not located on this island. The Department of Defense appropriated direct expeditures or obligations of $37,800,000 within the County in 1997, an increase of 84.4 per cent over 1987 appropriations. However, the Federal government's downsizing and restructuring of the U.S. military may eventually lead to base closings. As a result, military activities may not be a major economic sector in the foreseeable future.

Secondary Industries

Secondary industries, such as government, construction, trades (retail and wholesale), utilities, financial institutions, and professional services are most often located close to population centers. Population usually locates close to employment centers that, in turn, are based on primary income generators, such as tourism or agriculture. Major transportation facilities also attract secondary industries.

Annual employment in the secondary industry between 1980 and 1990 increased a healthy 4.54 per cent. Latest census information from the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations reveal that employment within the secondary industry between 1990 and 1997 increased by only 1.2 per cent annually, a dramatic slowdown in the growth of employment within the secondary industry due to the protracted growth of the local economy. The secondary economic sector employment accounted for 67.8 per cent of the County’s workforce in 1997, compared to 69.7 per cent in 1990 and 60.5 per cent in 1980.

The largest secondary employment sector is the wholesale and retail trade, which reported the greatest percentage gain in average employment of 78.6 per cent between 1980 and 1990, but a mere 2.8 per cent between 1990 and 1997. The services sector has replaced the government as the second largest secondary economic sector in the County.

The major governmental, service, commercial, transportation, and educational center on the island of Hawaii is the city of Hilo. Of the island's population, approximately 30 percent reside within the city limits. Key to the growth of the city has been its transportation facilities. Until Kawaihae Harbor was constructed on the west coast of the island, Hilo Harbor was the only deepwater port in the County. The Hilo International Airport has been improved to accommodate larger aircraft while Kona International Airport at Keahole has been receiving direct national and international overseas flights.

The future economic outlook for the County is uncertain due to the state of foreign economies and its impact on tourism. Tourism is expected to continue as the primary economic generator in the near term. As a result, the services industry is expected to also be a dominant factor in the future of the County.

The County’s vast quantity of natural resources and land will support the future growth of the County’s non-service industries, especially agriculture. The willingness of the County and its residents to innovate and expand into new fields of industry will help the future expansion of the entire economy. As the primary sectors of the economy expand, the expansion of the secondary economic sectors will follow accordingly.

Enterprise Zones

The Hawaii Enterprise Zone (EZ) program is a partnership between State and County governments and the private sector to stimulate, via tax and other incentives, certain types of business activity, job preservation, and job creation in areas most appropriate or needed. To be eligible for EZ benefits, at least half of a firm’s annual gross income must be derived from one or more of the following activities – agricultural production or processing, manufacturing, wholesale/distribution, aviation or maritime repair/maintenance, telecommunications switching and delivery systems, information technology design and production, medical research/clinical trials/telemedicine or for-profit training programs in international business management or environmental remediation. Within the County of Hawaii, businesses that satisfy all of the requirements will qualify for the following tax benefits for up to seven consecutive years: 1) 100 per cent exemption from the General Excise Tax (GET) and Use Tax every year (contractors are also exempt from the GET on construction done within an EZ for an EZ-enrolled business); 2) an 80 per cent reduction in State income tax the first year (this reduction goes down 10 per cent each year for six more years); 3) an additional State income tax reduction equal to 80 per cent of annual Unemployment Insurance premiums the first year (this reduction goes down 10 per cent each year for six more years); and 4) a three-year exemption from any increase in County property taxes resulting from new construction in an EZ by EZ-enrolled businesses.

Within the County of Hawaii, Enterprise Zones have been established within portions of the Hilo, Hamakua, North Kohala, North Kona, South Kona and the Ka’u districts. In 1999, there were approximately 40 EZ-enrolled businesses located throughout the island.

Employment

Employment opportunities have increased by over 22,700 jobs from 1970 through 1997. The 1980s saw employment grow at an annual compounded growth rate of 3 per cent. From 1990 to 1997, employment grew at an annual compounded rate of only 1.61 per cent, a reflection of the County’s recessionary economy during this period. Employment in secondary industries also expanded. The largest employment decrease was in the sugar industry which saw the closing of the island’s last sugar processing facility in 1997.

Unemployment rates during the 1980s and 1990s followed a similar trend as employment. Unemployment rates dropped drastically from 1980 to 1990 (6.2 per cent to 3.8 per cent, respectively) due to the County’s strong economy during this period. As the economy slowed during the 1990s, unemployment increased to 10.2 per cent by 1997. For 1997, the districts of Puna and Ka’u experienced the highest unemployment rates at 15.6 per cent and 14.8 per cent, respectively.

The following table depicts the shifting of employment between the major sectors of the County's economy. It indicates that the County's economy has shifted from an economy dominated by agriculture in 1960 to a more diversified economy with a significant service-oriented component.

Estimates - County of Hawaii Planning Department

Per capita income in the County grew at an annual compounded rate of 5.18 per cent during the 1980s and 2.91 per cent through 1996. The increase during the 1980s are reflective of the strong economic conditions that existed at the time with a corresponding decrease in per capita income growth during the recessionary periods of the 1990s. Median household income also increased at a healthy rate from 1980 to 1990, increasing from $16,975 to $29,712 at an annual compounded rate of 5.76 per cent. During this period, every district within the County also recorded increases in median family household income with the greatest increases occurring in the districts of South Kohala and North Kohala (8.43 per cent and 8.29 per cent, respectively).

According to statistics from the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, there has been a shift in employment trend from the non-service industry to a dominant service industry within the County. In 1980, service industries (wholesale/retail trade, finance, hotels, etc.) accounted for approximately 61 per cent of the private industry workforce and 49 per cent of the total wages earned. By 1997, the service industries dominated the private industry, accounting for approximately 79 per cent of the total workforce and 74 per cent of the total wages earned. This shift in employment trends has significantly changed the economic make-up of the County as workers have in-migrated to the Big Island to meet the demands of employment growth in the service industry, which is primarily fueled by the tourism sector. Additionally, non-service industry workers, primarily in agriculture, adjusted and shifted to new employment opportunities in the service industries as agricultural jobs dwindled.

Upon completing high school, an increasing proportion of the County's youth have pursued higher education. However, despite this trend, there is still scarcity of employment opportunities for the college-educated who desire to return to the island.

Population

The population of Hawaii County has grown steadily since 1980. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the County’s population increased 23 per cent between 1990 and 2000. During the same period, the State’s population grew by 9 per cent. The district of Puna saw the largest increase at 51 per cent, followed by South Kohala (44 per cent), North Kohala (41 per cent), Ka'u (31 per cent), North Kona (28 per cent), South Kona (12 per cent), North Hilo (12 per cent), Hamakua (10 per cent) and South Hilo (6 per cent).

Utilizing Series B, the County’s population is projected to grow 46 per cent to 217,718 from 2000 to 2020. South Hilo, currently the most populous district within the County, will be eclipsed by the Puna District in 2020 with an estimated population of 58,246 compared to South Hilo’s 49,791.

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

The Puna District will continue to experience relatively strong population growth due to the availability of relatively inexpensive lots that were created around the 1960s. The growth of the population in North and South Kohala, North Kona and South Kona are closely associated with the continuing growth of the visitor and agricultural industry within these districts.

GOALS

• Provide residents with opportunities to improve their quality of life through economic development that enhances the County’s natural and social environments.

• Economic development and improvement shall be in balance with the physical, social, and cultural environments of the island of Hawaii.

• Strive for diversity and stability in the economic system.

• Provide an economic environment that allows new, expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the County's cultural, natural and social environment.

• Strive for an economic climate that provides its residents an opportunity for choice of occupation.

• Strive for diversification of the economy by strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors.

• Strive for full employment.

• Promote and develop the island of Hawaii into a unique scientific and cultural model, where economic gains are in balance with social and physical amenities. Development should be reviewed on the basis of total impact on the residents of the County, not only in terms of immediate short run economic benefits.

POLICIES

• Assist in the expansion of the agricultural industry through the protection of important agricultural lands, development of marketing plans and programs, capital improvements and continued cooperation with appropriate State and Federal agencies.

• Encourage the expansion of the research and development industry by working with and supporting the University of Hawaii at Hilo and West Hawaii, the Natural Energy Laboratory at Hawaii Authority and other agencies' programs that support sustainable economic development in the County of Hawaii.

• Encourage the development of a visitor industry that is in harmony with the social, physical, and economic goals of the residents of the County.

• Require a study of the significant cultural, social and physical impacts of large developments prior to approval.

• Encourage the sustainable development of the fishing industry, various forms of aquaculture, and other fresh and sea water-based activities.

• Support all levels of educational, employment and training opportunities and institutions.

• Capital improvements program shall improve the quality of existing commercial and industrial areas.

• The land, water, air, sea, and people shall be considered as essential resources for present and future generations and should be protected and enhanced through the use of economic incentives.

• Continue to encourage the research, development and implementation of advanced technologies and processes.

• Support the development of high technology industries.

• Continue to encourage development and utilization of by-products from alternate energy conversion projects.

• Identify and encourage primary industries that are consistent with the social, physical, and economic goals of the residents of the County.

• Encourage active liaison with the private sector with respect to the County's requirements for establishing businesses on the island.

• Encourage the development of the retirement industry.

• Promote a distinctive identity for the island of Hawaii to enable government, business and travel industries to promote the County of Hawaii as an entity unique within the State of Hawaii.

• Identify the needs of the business community and take actions that are necessary to improve the business climate.

• Support research and development that would lead to the removal of marketing restrictions on Hawaiian fruits and other perishables.

• Assist in the development of a film and video industry program to market Big Island sites and coordinate film and video activities on the Big Island.

• Assist the further development of agriculture through the protection of important agricultural lands.

• Assist in the promotion of the agriculture industry whose products are recognized as being produced on the island of Hawaii.

• Encourage the establishment of open farmers markets to allow local agricultural producers to market their products.

• Assist in cooperative marketing and distribution endeavors to expand opportunities for local agricultural products for export as well as to the local market.

• Encourage the further development of the overseas capacity of Hilo International Airport for the exportation of agricultural crops.

• Encourage the health/wellness industry.

• Encourage new industries that provide favorable benefit-cost relationships to the people of the County. Benefit-cost relationships include more than fiscal considerations.

DISTRICTS

The following is a brief analysis by judicial district for each district. The entire County, however, is an economic system with many interrelationships and interdependence among the various districts. Each district is an integral part of the County and is treated as such. The courses of action shall be consistent with and supportive of the goals, policies, and standards set forth in the overall economic element.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

The population increased in Puna as a result of employment opportunities in agriculture as well as job opportunities in Hilo. Also contributing to this increase was an in-migration into subdivided areas due to the affordability of parcels within Puna. The table above reflects the continuing population growth within the Puna District. The population in Puna during the past 30 years has increased at a substantially higher rate than the growth in employment.

Puna is primarily an agricultural district. The area also includes part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, large substandard subdivisions, forest reserves, and several small concentrations of population. Most of the subdivisions were created prior to the adoption of the Zoning Code in 1967 and are in agricultural zones.

Agriculture in the form of truck farming in the Volcano area; papaya in the Kapoho area; and flowers, principally anthuriums and orchids, in the Mountain View, Pahoa and Kapoho areas are important. The papaya and flower industries continue to experience moderate growth. Factors currently limiting growth of these industries are the shortage of labor, housing, processing requirements, and plant disease. Over 90 per cent of the State’s papaya production comes from this County, with the majority from the Puna district. The infestation of Puna papaya by the ringspot virus in the 1990s resulted in 1997 production levels falling 55 per cent from 1992 production levels. It also resulted in the dispersion of papaya acreage to other areas of Puna, South Hilo and Hamakua to escape the virus. With the acceptance of the genetically-engineered and disease-resistant Rainbow variety and the recent opening of a post-harvest treatment facility, the future production of papaya within the Puna district is expected to increase. The County also produces most of the State’s bananas, with the Puna district accounting for a large percentage of production. The banana industry in Puna is expected to grow at a moderate rate.

Geothermal resource utilization is a small part of the existing economy of Puna. Future expansion of the geothermal industry within the district is promising.

Except for the Kulani Prison project, there are no major government installations in the Puna district.

The Kamehameha Schools East Hawaii Campus opened in the Fall of 2001. The campus will be able to accommodate an overall student population of approximately 2,300 students in grades K-12, and become a major employment generator in the Puna District.

The visitor industry has very little visible effect on the Puna district other than some roadside stands and a few visitor accommodations, such as bed and breakfast and vacation-rental operations. There are a number of visitor attractions frequented by tourists, such as the lava-inundated former Kaimu Black Sand Beach area, portion of the Volcanoes National Park, and the Painted Church.

Puna's population will probably continue to grow at a rapid rate. The major sector of its economy will continue to be agriculture, such as papaya, macadamia nuts and flowers. However, there are several problem areas that have already been mentioned as well as others such as capital requirements that have to be overcome for expansion. There is also potential for a limited amount of visitor facilities in the form of small accommodations and support facilities, such as recreational areas, botanical parks, and others. Puna also will continue to serve as a residential area for people working in Hilo.

Courses of Action

• Assist the further development of the agricultural industry by providing support services to commodity groups and other organizations such as farmer's cooperatives, protecting important agricultural lands, and requesting and providing necessary capital improvements.

• Resort growth should enhance and be in keeping with the area's rural character.

• Assist the fishing industry through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies.

• Support the development and utilization of geothermal resources and by-products consistent with the environmental, social, economic and other goals expressed elsewhere in the General Plan.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

Population growth in Hilo and in the older plantation based communities on the coast north of the city declined or saw little growth. Between 1990 and 2000, the population for Hilo increased by 6.2 per cent.

Hilo is the County seat and the only metropolitan area on the island. Hilo also functions as the island's industrial, commercial, distribution and population core. Approximately 33 per cent of all Big Islanders live in this city. The rest of the population is scattered throughout the island.

Sugar was one of the largest single industries in South Hilo. The commercial growing of ornamental plants is now the largest agricultural product grown in the district. Bananas and papayas are some of the other major products grown in the district. More than half of the total acreage cultivated statewide for flowers and nursery products are located within the County, which also accounts for over half of the total statewide revenue of flowers and nursery products.

Several kinds of manufacturing operations are located in Hilo, including the processing of food, fruit, livestock, and garment manufacturing.

There were 1,165 visitor accommodation units available in 1998, a decline of 11.3 per cent since 1984 and a 46 per cent decline since its peak in 1976. Hilo continues to attract its share of visitors to the County with approximately 380,000 visitors (30 per cent) in 1997. As the center of business and government within the County, Hilo accommodates numerous business and local travelers for special events such as hula competitions and sporting finals. The South Hilo district will also benefit from the continued growth of the cruise ship industry, which saw a substantial increase in island-wide arrivals from 124,000 in 1997 to 184,000 in 1998 with annual expenditures estimated to range from $16,000,000 to $23,000,000. Overall, the future growth in tourism in the South Hilo district is anticipated to remain at current levels.

Hilo with its population size, harbor and airport facilities, higher education complex, and new investment has potential for economic growth. However, many public facilities, such as the airport facilities and the university facilities in Hilo, rely heavily on State funds and the County must compete with other areas of the State. The closing of Hilo Coast Processing Company and Hamakua Sugar Company in 1994 resulted in some decline in allied sectors. New economic based activities in East Hawaii are needed if the city is to continue its role as the island's commercial and service center in the future.

There are several significant projects that could propel South Hilo’s economy in the near future. Subject to the availability of funding, construction of the Saddle Road improvements could commence in late 2001 and will substantially reduce the commute time between Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Already in operation is a post-harvest fruit treatment plant that will allow a substantial increase in the amount of agricultural products to be exported worldwide. In addition, a call center established in Hilo could ultimately provide as many as 300 new jobs.

Courses of Action

• Encourage the State to provide the necessary funds for the development of the university complex and airport facilities. Provide necessary support services and facilities to aid the development of these complexes.

• Continue to implement a program to revitalize historic downtown Hilo.

• Encourage manufacturing operations that utilize local raw materials, such as macadamia nut shells and timber.

• Assist the fishing industry through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies.

• Assist in the formulation and implementation of management education and manpower training programs to strengthen the overall skill levels of its work force to be compatible with existing and emerging industries.

• Support the development of a master plan for lands within the vicinity of the University of Hawaii at Hilo to incorporate a "college town" concept utilizing an appropriate mixture of residential, commercial and other land uses to complement the university's infrastructure.

• Explore the feasibility of expanding the Afook-Chinen Auditorium into an athletic-exhibition-conference facility that can attract additional activities and visitors to the Hilo area.

• Support the efforts of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center to renovate the abandoned sewage treatment plant in Keaukaha into an aquaculture center.

• Coordinate with the University of Hawaii at Hilo to establish an aquacultural program along accessible areas of the Hilo coast for research, demonstration, and development purposes.

• Support the construction and development of the USDA’s Pacific Basin Agricultural Resource Center facility.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

The population in North Hilo has been declining for more than 50 years. However, in the 10-year period from 1990 to 2000, there was an 11.6 per cent increase in population. The major population and service center for the North Hilo district is Laupahoehoe.

Like Hamakua to the north, the North Hilo district is agriculturally oriented. On the arable lands of the lower elevations from Honohina-Ninole to Ookala, former sugar cane lands are being cultivated in smaller acreages with a diverse range of crops as well as planted in eucalyptus trees. Large tracts of land within the district are used for cattle grazing and logging of native and planted forests. Macadamia nuts, ginger, bananas, tropical foliage, orchids, tropical fruits, cacao, kava, assorted leafy vegetables, papaya and taro are some of the other agricultural products grown in North Hilo.

There are no visitor accommodations in North Hilo. Given current land uses, it is not anticipated that this area will provide overnight visitor accommodations aside from independent bed and breakfast operations.

Economic growth under present conditions is limited in the district. Residents of North Hilo, especially the young, continue to leave the area because of the lack of employment opportunities. Agriculture shows the greatest potential for growth.

Courses of Action

• Assist the further development of agriculture. A program to expand agriculture should be developed and implemented.

• Work with community groups and organizations to identify and develop potential cottage industries.

• Support the development of a native hardwood industry.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

Hamakua's population has grown over the past 30 years, even when faced with the closing of sugar operations in 1994. The continuing growth of the district’s population has been largely due to the major resort activities in the neighboring district of South Kohala and the continuing settlement of the rural homestead areas. There has been some internal movement in this district into the town of Honokaa, which represents the commercial and residential center of the district. There are several smaller communities along the Belt Highway that serve primarily as residential settlements related to the former sugar plantations. At the higher elevations, there are scattered homesteads and ranches. Visitor accommodations are available at a 19-unit hotel in Honokaa as well as various bed and breakfast operations scattered throughout the district.

The economic mainstays of this area are cattle, macadamia nuts, and various crops. These are the greatest sources of income and employment for Hamakua. There are numerous cattle ranches and several different varieties of crops in the district. Of these, macadamia nuts are expected to continue to play an important role in the future of agricultural development. Other crops grown in this area are taro, watermelons, tomatoes, ginger, kava, coffee, and other vegetables.

The closing of sugar operations has made lands available for various crops. A large timber operation has initiated plantings of eucalyptus in its effort to establish a 15,000-acre eucalyptus plantation. The investment includes $29,000,000 in Hamakua and has already created 100 full-time jobs. A 1981 study to identify the best potential forest lands within the County identified 80,000 acres, mostly located along the Hamakua coast between the 1,000 to 3,000-foot elevations.

On July 28, 2000, a joint announcement was made by the Hawaii Forestry and Communities Initiative (Na Hoa Mahi`ai) and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to cultivate a 40-acre parcel of State land at Ookala with high value hardwoods such as koa, milo, kamani, mahogany, pheasantwood, and narra, with 25 per cent of the area dedicated to the restoration of a lowland native rainforest. The project is unique in that the land, under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, will be actively managed by a consortium of community groups from the Ookala-Laupahoehoe area, with technical assistance provided by forestry and other natural resource experts from the State, the University of Hawaii, and several federal agencies, including the USDA Forest Service and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Community representation in the project includes the North Hilo Community Council, the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, and the Laupahoehoe High School.

Manufacturing within the district is limited to the processing of macadamia nuts and other agricultural products. The 60-megawatt co-generation power plant at Haina will encourage other manufacturing activities by providing thermal energy (waste heat) that could be utilized for drying of macadamia nuts or aquaculture activities.

The astronomical facilities located atop Mauna Kea are also part of the Hamakua District. The facilities are located within the 11,228-acre Mauna Kea Science Reserve, which includes those lands situated above the 12,000-foot elevation, with the exception of areas within the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve.

Mauna Kea is considered the world's premier site for ground-based astronomical observatories. Mauna Kea is home to 13 observatories and includes 12 of the world’s most state-of-the-art telescopes. More major telescopes are located on Mauna Kea than on any other single mountain peak in the world. Mauna Kea is widely recognized as offering optimum conditions for optical, infrared and millimeter/submillimeter measurements. In addition, the local availability of support technicians and personnel also contribute to make Mauna Kea one of the finest astronomical sites in the world. Astronomy has contributed over $619,000,000 in capital investments to the State as well as generated approximately 270 permanent jobs.

Courses of Action

• Assist the further development of agriculture and continue to cooperate with the agricultural sector and other appropriate agencies to provide the necessary services to assist agriculture.

• Allow the development of limited visitor facilities that will not detract from the natural beauty of the area.

• Develop a tourism industry that will promote small business development by maintaining the plantation heritage of the area.

• Diversify the economic base and enhance historical aspects of the area including existing ranching operations and the former sugar industry.

• Support the growth of a forestry industry within the district.

• Support the growth of astronomical research and development.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

Population in North Kohala has grown significantly over the last 20 years. The growth in population between 1980 and 2000 can be attributed to the continuing development of various resort complexes along the South Kohala coast as well as a growing number of people who wish to establish their retirement home within the district. New entrepreneurial activities, both in health and wellness and eco-tourism enterprises, also contribute to the growth in population.

Cattle, nursery products and macadamia nuts are the major agricultural products. On smaller acreages, truck crops are grown. The largest tracts of grazing land extend from the top of the Kohala mountains to Akoni Pule Highway.

Another important source of income and employment is tourism and its related service industries. Chalon International, Inc., a major landowner within the district, has developed plans for a 240-unit resort and residential development adjacent to Mahukona Harbor. Economic conditions in Hawaii and Japan have delayed the construction of this proposed resort. There are many natural and historical amenities within the North Kohala district that are conducive to the development of tourist related facilities. There are many residents of this district who work in the adjoining district of South Kohala.

Besides Chalon International, Inc., other major private landowners within the distict include Kamehameha Schools, Parker Ranch Foundation Trust and Kahua Ranch. Together with the State of Hawaii, these landowners account for 90 per cent of the land in this district.

The Upolu Airport can serve a limited number of flights. There are no regularly scheduled flights to Upolu by the two primary inter-island carriers. Upolu Airport is used occasionally by sightseeing air taxi services using both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, flight training activities, medical emergency flights, and the military.

Courses of Action

• Aid in the expansion of agriculture through the protection of important agricultural lands.

• Resort facilities compatible with the physical, social and economic goals of the residents of the district should be considered.

• Encourage the establishment of an open farmer’s market in North Kohala.

• Assist in the formulation and implementation of education and manpower training programs to strengthen the overall skill level of the local residents to compete in existing and emerging sustainable and environmentally sound industries and businesses.

• Work with communities and residents (community groups and organizations) to identify and develop potential cottage industries and provide flexibility in land use to accommodate these potential cottage industries.

• Support efforts to promote small business development that is consistent with the rural, agricultural, and historic character of the area.

• Assist the communities and residents in diversifying the economic base in ways that are consistent with the rural, agricultural, and historic character of North Kohala.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

The primary economic activities of this area are tourism, cattle ranching, agriculture, public and private educational institutions, scientific research associated with the observatories located on Mauna Kea and health and wellness organizations.

Due to the growth in tourism within the district, the population of South Kohala increased dramatically over the past 30 years. The benefit of this growth for the residents of South Kohala is the lowest unemployment rate and the highest median household income of all the districts for 1997.

Kawaihae Harbor is the second deepwater port on the island. The Kawaihae small boat harbor adds to the inventory of amenities in the district and provides limited recreational and commercial sport fishing activities.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, which began operations in 1965, opened the door to resort development of this area. South Kohala has evolved into one of the world’s premier resort destinations with luxury hotel complexes. Hunting on the slopes of Mauna Kea and the Kohala mountains, deep sea fishing, world-class golf courses, hiking trails, historic sites, sandy beaches, and a diversity of climates are some of the attractions available to tourists.

There is considerable investor interest in South Kohala. The three large resort complexes in the district - Mauna Kea Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, and the Waikoloa Beach Resort – currently account for 40 per cent of the total hotel rooms within the County. The South Kohala district is one of the best destinations in the State for world-class golf courses. During the period between 1980 and 1998, ten properties were developed totaling 3,400 visitor units. The larger of these resort properties include the 547-unit Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Hotel, the 350-unit Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, the 1,240-unit Hilton Waikoloa Village, the 539-unit Orchid at Mauna Lani, and the 351-unit Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

Although tourism is currently the leading economic industry in the district, the area is also well known for cattle ranching, vegetable production, egg production, and other forms of agriculture. Waimea is one of the most productive areas for vegetable crops on the Big Island. Cabbages, celery, lettuce, daikon (turnip), peppers, broccoli and carrots are just some of the vegetables grown. Experiments are being conducted on different crops as well as on the improvement of those presently grown. The agricultural industry, especially truck farms, has potential for further expansion. This industry, faced with competition for resources from tourism and other urban forces, needs governmental assistance.

The cattle ranching industry utilizes most of the land area within the district with pastures situated on the higher slopes of the mountains and extending down to the sea. Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned ranches in the world, has its headquarters in Waimea. The closing of all feedlots within the County has resulted in the export of 90 per cent of all cattle to mainland feedlots. Hawaii cattle producers need to expand their presence in the local market in order to keep cattle in Hawaii for finishing and local consumption.

The educational sector includes Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) with a 1999 total enrollment of 578 students in grades K through 12, which includes 190 boarders from grades 6 through 12. In addition, Parker School is a day school with a 1999 enrollment of 129 students. Waimea has three performing arts venues: Kahilu Theatre, Gates Performing Arts Center, and Parker School Auditorium.

The Canada-France Hawaii Telescope on Mauna Kea has its base facility in Waimea. The base has a staff of 51 and an annual operating budget of $6,200,000. As several planned telescopes are built on Mauna Kea, additional base facilities may choose to locate in Waimea due to its desirable environment. Waimea is also home to the headquarters of the W.M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, the largest optical and infrared telescopes in the world. The headquarters employs about 80 people and has an annual operating budget of $10,000,000.

Courses of Action

• Assist in the development of agriculture by protecting important agricultural land from urbanization, providing or having provided the necessary capital improvements, such as water, and working cooperatively with the agricultural sector and government.

• Work closely with the State and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to provide adequate land close to Kawaihae Harbor for industrial activities.

• Recognize the diversity of climate, the quality of the ocean water and the natural beauty of the hills as vital economic and social assets of the region to be protected through appropriate regulations.

• Resort development in the district shall be in an orderly fashion and consistent with the physical and social goals of the residents of the area. Utilize tools such as incremental zoning to insure development that will best meet the needs of the County.

• Encourage the preservation of the rural, ranching character within the town of Waimea.

• Support the growth of astronomical research and development.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

Spurred primarily by the employment opportunities created by the expanding visitor industry, population has greatly increased in North Kona over the last 30 years. The growth of the visitor industry in recent years can be largely attributed to the expansion of runway and terminal facilities at Kona International Airport at Keahole, which now permits the arrival of national and international direct flights.

Tourism continues to expand in North Kona. Currently, there are about 4,081 visitor units in the area. During the period of 1980 to 1998, six new resort properties were developed in North Kona for a total of 900 visitor units, including the completion of the 243-unit Hualalai Resort at Kaupulehu and 263-time share unit Kona Coast Resort in Keauhou. North Kona now accounts for over 45 per cent of total hotel rooms on the island.

The visitor industry in North Kona is expected to grow at a moderate rate. Once the major visitor industry area on the island, the North Kona district now shares this distinction with the South Kohala district. Many of North Kona’s aging hotel properties need major renovation. This effort began with the renovation of the Keauhou Beach Hotel in 1999.

Most of the Big Island’s coffee production is in the North and South Kona Districts, which has been producing coffee since the 1800s. Between 1982 and 1995, the Kona coffee industry experienced sales fluctuations between $2,100,000 and $8,700,000. Since 1995, the value of Kona coffee sales has steadily increased to approximately $16,200,000 in 1997. Coffee production on the other islands has far surpassed this island; which now accounts for one-third of the coffee produced statewide. However, the market and price for Kona coffee continues to grow due to its distinct flavor and quality unique to coffee grown elsewhere in the world.

Besides coffee, agricultural enterprises include cattle ranching and the growing of fruits, macadamia nuts, and vegetables, particularly tomatoes.

Timber and fishing are small industries in Kona. Logging of native hardwood at one time provided a major source of income in the district. The Kailua-Kona Wharf is considered a major center for big game fishing and international tournaments usually held annually.

Quarrying operations for building materials are also conducted in North Kona. The Old Kailua Industrial Area and the Kaloko Industrial Area provide the largest concentration of industrial activities within West Hawaii. These industrial areas accommodate a wide range of manufacturing, service, wholesale and retail activities.

The North Kona district was once the major visitor destination on the island. However, this distinction is now shared with the South Kohala district due to the recent development of numerous hotel complexes along the South Kohala coast. While the majority of visitor accommodations were once centered in Kailua-Kona, visitor accommodation facilities now stretch from the Kona Village Resort to Keauhou. The North Kona district includes approximately 4,081 visitor units including hotels, resort condominiums, bed and breakfast operations and other transient units. The 1,900-acre Keauhou-Kona area provides approximately 1,300 hotel and resort-condominium units.

There are several government projects of significance to the district's economic future. A small boat harbor at Honokohau has been constructed just outside of Kailua Village. This facility will complement the already world famous big game fishing of the area. Further north along the coast, the runway at Kona International Airport at Keahole has been expanded to accommodate larger aircraft utilized for overseas flights. The State has completed an update of the master plan for the Kona International Airport at Keahole, which will include extensive terminal, runway and support facility improvements.

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) at Keahole Point, an ocean science and technology park utilizing deep cold seawater pumped from 2,000 feet off of Keahole Point, has demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of various technologies and industries that use this unique, cold-water resource. Ocean thermal energy conversion, aquaculture, air conditioning of buildings using cold seawater, and the growing of cold-climate vegetables and fruits are just some of these successful activities. In 1999, the 870-acre NELHA complex hosted 26 projects employing more than 160 individuals and contributing approximately $30,000,000 annually to the local economy.

Kona is considered the center for government, commercial and industrial activities for West Hawaii. In addition to being the center for government, retail, and banking services, Kona is also home to "big-box" retailers such as Costco, K-Mart, and WalMart and international sporting events such as the IronMan Triathlon, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, and the Senior PGA Tournament of Champions at the Hualalai Resort.

Courses of Action

• Resort development in the area shall be in balance with the social and physical goals as well as economic desires of the residents of the district. Necessary pollution controls shall be available prior to development. Other necessary support facilities such as transportation and nursery facilities shall also be provided.

• Assist in the further development of agriculture, including forestry and aquaculture activities. Necessary capital improvements that will aid agriculture, such as water, should be given priority for funding.

• Continue to encourage development of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority as a marine research and commercial facility.

• Encourage and support the development of Hawaii Community College in West Hawaii, including the University of Hawaii Center.

• Assist the fishing and boating industry through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies.

• Recognize the natural beauty of the area as a major economic and social asset. This resource should be protected through appropriate review processes when development is proposed.

• Improve Kailua Village to maintain its viability as a popular visitor destination.

• Increase affordable housing opportunities in the Kailua-Kona area.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

South Kona's population has increased by approximately 12 per cent between 1990 and 2000 and 30 per cent in the previous decade. The major trade and population concentrations are along the Mamalahoa Highway at Kealakekua, Captain Cook, and Honaunau.

The primary economic activity of this district is agriculture, with its most important industries being coffee growing and processing, macadamia nuts, citrus fruits and cattle ranching. Within the South Kona district, roughly 4,000 acres of macadamia nut orchards are planted with approximately 237,000 macadamia nut trees. The operation entails the second largest macadamia nut processor in the State, accounting for roughly 20 to 25 per cent of all macadamia nut production.

The number of coffee farms has fluctuated over the years with a high of 635 farms in the late 1980s to a low of 550 farms in 1996. During the same period, coffee acreages have fallen from 3,000 to 1,960 acres. However, the total value of coffee sales within the County has recovered from its low of $3,700,000 in 1992 to a high of $16,200,000 in 1997. Although the price of Kona coffee has been quite volatile, it is still considered one of the most promising agricultural product grown within the County. Compared to other coffee producing areas of the world, the Kona coffee growers have a comparative disadvantage because of higher wages paid to laborers and the topography of prime Kona coffee lands, which limit farmers to manual harvesting methods compared to mechanical harvesting methods utilized by coffee growers on other islands and in other parts of the world. However, the manual harvesting methods utilized by Kona coffee growers may be a significant factor contributing to the superior taste of Kona coffee compared to other coffee grown throughout the State and the world.

Also grown in the South Kona district are bananas, citrus crops (oranges and tangerines), avocado, vegetables and other truck crops, and macadamia nuts. Cattle ranching is also one of the prominent industries in the district.

Manufacturing in South Kona is confined to coffee roasting and macadamia nut processing.

Unlike the North Kona area, the South Kona district has limited accommodations for overnight visitors. There are approximately 88 units located at Captain Cook (Manago Hotel), catering primarily to local business travelers and agricultural workers. A 730-lot agricultural-residential and golf course community and 80-unit private members' lodge development (Hokulia) is being developed north of Kealakekua Bay in South Kona. This development will cater primarily to out-of-state second homebuyers.

Courses of Action

• Assist the further development of agriculture by protecting important agricultural land from urbanization, and by providing necessary resources, such as water.

• Resort development in the area should not destroy the natural resources and historical significance of the area.

• Assist the fishing industry through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies.

• Encourage ocean-based industries, such as aquaculture, in the area.

• Encourage eco-tourism and agricultural tourism as regional opportunities.

• Establish buffers on undeveloped lands around Kealakekua Bay to assure preservation of the region’s unique environment and cultural resources.

Profile

Hawaii County Department of Research and Development

Located on the southern and eastern flanks of Mauna Loa, the Ka'u district is the largest on the Big Island. Although Ka’u is the largest of the nine districts on the island, the population of Ka’u is the second smallest only to that of North Hilo. Between 1990 and 2000, the Ka’u District saw an approximately 31 per cent increase in its population. Much of the increase in the Ka’u population has been concentrated in Ocean View and other smaller communities.

Agriculture is the economic mainstay of the Ka'u region. Coffee, orchids, vegetables, flowers, cattle, and macadamia nuts are grown in this district. Approximately $5,000,000 has been invested in an effort to establish a forestry industry on approximately 5,000 acres that could generate 30 to 40 new jobs.

Within the Ka'u area are several cattle ranches that utilize vast acreages of grazing lands. Although employment in this sector is not large, it plays an important role in the area's economy.

The macadamia nut industry remains one of the primary industries within the district. However, growing competition from foreign producers are beginning to affect the industry due to increased worldwide production, weakness in the Asian economy, and more aggressive marketing of these foreign-grown macadamia nuts in the United States. Similar to the competition faced by the once-dominant sugar industry, future growth of the macadamia nut industry must quickly respond to the threat of foreign competition by focusing on the quality of Hawaii's macadamia nuts and developing alternative markets for the nuts and its by-products.

C.Brewer & Co., Ltd., the major landowner in this area, continues its efforts to explore new economic initiatives within the Ka’u District in the absence of its sugar industry. In addition to maintaining the largest macadamia nut orchard in the Ka’u District, C. Brewer & Co., Ltd. is also engaged in and promotes other forms of agriculture such as vegetables and coffee production. The establishment of a forestry industry upon lands once utilized for sugar cultivation is also being explored.

The existing Punaluu Resort and Seamountain Golf Course complex is the center of tourism activity within the Ka’u District. However, the only accommodations available at this complex is the 56-unit Colony One at Sea Mountain. The golf course remains in operation, but no other facilities or amenities are available. The 12-unit Shirakawa Motel in Waiohinu and various bed and breakfast operations provide the only other visitor accommodations within the district.

Courses of Action

• Balance development with the social and physical environment of the area. Provisions for orderly development, housing, and pollution controls shall be implemented.

• Assist the fishing industry, other ocean based industries, and aquaculture through a cooperative effort with State and Federal agencies.

• Recognize the natural beauty of the area as a major economic and social asset. Protect this resource through appropriate review processes when development is proposed.

ENERGY

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

For the foreseeable future, Hawaii will continue to be dependent on petroleum to meet its energy demands. Fortunately, Hawaii is endowed with a variety of natural energy resources that are renewable for low polluting sources of electricity. Hawaii'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.

Petroleum provides up to 75 per cent of the Island's energy needs. All of the petroleum used in the State must be imported in one of several forms. Most of the petroleum consumed in the State is imported as crude oil, which is then processed at two local refineries, Chevron and Tesoro, both located at Barber's Point, Oahu in the Campbell Industrial Park. Both refineries receive crude oil from Indonesia, Alaska, Africa, Malaysia, and the Persian Gulf. Petroleum products, primarily jet fuel, fuel oil, and propane, are also imported from California, the Caribbean, Singapore, and other areas to meet the demand not met by the refineries. Propane, which is widely used on the Island of Hawaii, is also manufactured from petroleum on Oahu. Petroleum products are received at the Kawaihae and Hilo Harbors.

Under normal circumstances, an estimated 30-day aggregate supply of most petroleum products is stored at the oil terminals and tank farms. A major interruption of petroleum supply due to a lengthy maritime strike, a disaster at the source of crude oil supply, the sinking of a petroleum tanker or barge, or an aviation disaster at Campbell Industrial Park could seriously affect the County of Hawaii's petroleum supply. The island's economy is also vulnerable to interruptions in the supply of oil from the Middle East.

The County of Hawaii must decrease economic vulnerability and energy costs. To do so, the County must combine the efforts of energy efficiency and the development of natural renewable energy alternatives that reduce the dependence on imported fossil fuels and increase energy self-sufficiency.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is a major form of energy utilized on the island of Hawaii. The Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc., (HELCO) which is regulated by the State, owns and operates a number of power generation plants in the County. Most of these plants operate on steam or combustion gases and burn imported fuel. Two plants in Hilo generate power through hydroelectric means and a South Kohala location produces wind energy. A few Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generate power using various fuels and resources, and sell energy to HELCO. The methods of power production include geothermal, hydropower, wind, coal, and oil plants. Most recently, the construction of a 60 megawatt (MW) co-generation power plant in the Hamakua district will provide a firm power source and the excess heat generated by the power plant will be used to further develop agriculture and product manufacturing in the district.

The average annual residential power used in 1990 was 6,794-kilowatt hours (kWh). In 1999, the average residential usage decreased to 6,563-kilowatt hours.

Estimate - Planning Department

Residential refers to single-metered residential customers and may include condominiums for visitor use but excludes master-metered apartment and condominium buildings used by residents classified as commercial customers. General Loads refer to general light and/or power loads supplied through a single meter. Commercial Cooking and Heating applies only to commercial heating (heat pump water heaters), air conditioning, and refrigeration service. Large Power service is applicable to large light and/or power service supplied and metered at a single voltage and delivery point.

The table presented on the previous page clearly indicates that of the 62,478 customers of electrical power, approximately 84 per cent are residential customers. However, of the 916,310 total kilowatt hours used, residential customers accounted for approximately 37 per cent. This yields a ratio of about 6,563 kilowatt hours per customer as opposed to Large Power Service customers that account for less than 1 per cent of the customer base but use 26 per cent of the total kilowatt hours. These customers yield a ratio of 3,613,677 kilowatt hours per customer.

Power rates on this island are among the highest in the nation. One factor that contributes to the high cost of power is the present method of power generation. Most of the electricity is obtained through the burning of imported oil. The cost of fuel, coupled with transportation costs, cause higher rates. Additionally, the size of the service area and length of transmission and distribution lines necessary to transfer the power to the load centers are significant factors. A good example is the fast growing loads in West Hawaii. The major generating plants are located in East Hawaii. This requires generating more in East Hawaii to compensate for losses in lines going over to West Hawaii. Other factors creating higher costs are the small market and the sparseness of population in a relatively large service area.

Except in a few instances, most of the power lines in the County are overhead lines. Although underground wiring has an aesthetic desirability, there are several problems in establishing such a standard. Underground power lines will probably last longer but cost more to install, especially in rocky areas. There is a problem of common sharing of trenches with other utilities. Another problem is repair and maintenance, for while broken lines will probably occur infrequently, they will be more difficult to locate. There has been, however, considerable progress in solving the technological problems concerning underground power lines.

As affluence of the population increases, the consumption of power tends to accelerate faster than population growth. Studies of sources of energy other than the burning of fuel are being conducted. On September 1, 1998, HELCO submitted its second Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Public Utilities Commission with input from a public advisory group.

Electrical Energy Self-Sufficiency for the Big Island

The County of Hawaii must strive to attain energy self-sufficiency in order to minimize its dependence on imported fossil fuels. A commitment by both the government and the public must continue in research, planning, and development to attain the goal of energy self-sufficiency for the County of Hawaii.

As a result of the 1974 and 1978 oil crisis, there has been concern over Hawaii's dependence on imported petroleum. In 1974 and 1976, the State Legislature enacted several significant bills designed to promote the research and development of natural energy resources, and the conservation of energy in order to foster a greater independence from imported fossil fuels.

The State Legislature adopted Act 237 (Chapter 196, H.R.S.) in 1974, which created the position of a State Energy Resources Coordinator to review and formulate existing and proposed energy resource programs.

Also in 1974, the State Legislature established the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI, Act 235) to foster development of local natural energy research at the University of Hawaii. The HNEI maintains cooperation and coordination between all levels of government and private organizations involved with energy related projects with potential for Federal funding, and serves as the central source of information on natural energy policies and programs.

Act 236, adopted by the State Legislature in 1974, established the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELH) at Keahole (North Kona, Hawaii) to provide essential support facilities for future electrical energy research programs. The legislature selected Keahole Point through the criteria for development of three of the proposed natural energy programs (OTEC, Biomass conversion, and direct solar energy utilization systems).

In 1976, the State Legislature adopted Act 189 which complemented the development half for energy self-sufficiency by the creation of tax incentives for the installation and use of "solar energy devices" and "alternate energy improvements" to promote energy conservation. These devices and improvements increase the level of efficiency, and decrease the utilization of electrical power that accounts for 42 per cent of the total energy demand in the County of Hawaii.

In January of 1980, a final report prepared for the County of Hawaii entitled "Energy Self-sufficiency for the Big Island of Hawaii" was released. The report recommended that the County government provide a favorable climate for energy savings and new energy production. It also recommended establishing an Office of Energy Coordinator. The Energy Coordinator:

• Coordinates and provides information regarding conservation and energy production;
• Organizes ride sharing and travel reduction programs;
• Assists business in obtaining information and financial support for energy-related development;
• Funds necessary information gathering programs;
• Monitors the progress of energy departments;
• Recommends changes in the county's energy program;
• Analyzes the impact of proposed developments on the energy balance of the Island.

In addition, the development of naturally occurring energy resources will become an increasingly important factor in determining future industrial activity on the Island of Hawaii.

Gas

Propane gas is widely available and is a major source of energy for the Island of Hawaii. The two primary methods used in delivering gas are via an underground pipeline or tank/cylinder refill. The Public Utilities Commission regulates the underground gas delivery system in Hilo and along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona. Gas is delivered by tanks or cylinders for the remainder of the island.

The use of propane gas diversifies the island's energy supply and creates less pollution. Compared to electricity generation and diesel emissions, propane offers a cleaner, less polluting fuel. Alternatives like propane gas offer opportunities to lessen the island's dependence on electricity and minimize land use conflicts created by the siting of large-scale electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

Propane can be used for self-generation (e.g. cogeneration, micro turbines) for large customers, thereby delaying the need to site and construct large, centralized electric generation facilities.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy is natural heat energy from the earth that can be harnessed for direct thermal use and for electrical power generation. The four basic ways that this type of natural heat energy may be found are steam, hot water, magma, and hot dry rock.

Geothermal drilling on the Big Island started in the early 1960's. Initial wells were either found to be unsuccessful or once drilled, were not further developed.

In 1972, the Hawaii Geothermal Project (HGP) was organized to investigate the development of geothermal energy in Hawaii, as a cooperative project involving Federal, State, County, and private funds. In April 1976, a successful well was completed near Kapoho in the Puna District, and HGP installed a power plant to demonstrate that geothermal energy is an economically viable natural energy alternative for the Big Island. The plant commenced operations in 1982 and ceased in 1989.

In 1983 and with subsequent amendments, the Legislature amended the State Land Use Law, Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by authorizing the State's Board of Land and Natural Resources to conduct a county by county assessment of areas with geothermal potential for the purpose of designating geothermal resources subzones. Geothermal resource subzones may be designated within the urban, rural, agricultural and conservation land use districts. Only those areas designated as geothermal resource subzones may be utilized for the exploration, development or production of electrical energy from geothermal resources. Other amendments to the State Land Use law provide authority to regulate the direct use applications of geothermal resources.

In addition, the 1983 Legislature set criteria for designating geothermal resource subzones. Three geothermal resource subzones were established by this legislative method. The Board of Land and Natural Resources has subsequently designated the Kapoho, Kamaili, Kahaualea, and Kilauea Middle East Rift Geothermal Resource Subzones. The geothermal resource subzones are shown on the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map.

In April 1993, Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) completed its geothermal power plant on the Kapoho Subzone on the East Rift Zone. The geothermal power plant uses steam and steam separated from hot water or brine resources at depths of around 5,000 feet below the surface. The closed loop system injects the spent fluids into injection wells at depths of 7,000 feet to be recycled. Although PGV currently produces 30 megawatts of power to the HELCO grid, PGV has been permitted under Geothermal Resource Permit No. 2 to provide up to 60 megawatts of geothermal power. PGV has been supplying approximately 25 per cent of the electricity for the County of Hawaii. Geothermal power generation has displaced nearly 110 million gallons of fuel oil that would have been used for electricity production. The reduction in fuel oil use has resulted in a reduction in carbon dioxide and other emissions common to fossil fuel plants and contributed to a cleaner environment in Hawaii.

Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power is one of the oldest generators of electrical energy. On the Big Island, hydroelectric power fulfills about 5 per cent of the County's electrical energy demand at any given time.

On the Big Island, the percent of total demand supplied by hydroelectricity will probably not increase due to the reliance on normal stream flows and the lack of impoundment required to store enough water for continuous or increased energy output. However, small-scale hydroelectric units have been constructed at Hawi, Onomea, Wailuku River in Hilo, and Waimea. The Wailuku River Hydroelectric facility has the capacity to supply 11 megawatts of power to the electric power grid.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is the basis of many natural energy alternatives in Hawaii. Solar energy generates the global winds; stores energy in biomass through photosynthetic activity; warms the oceans, produces electrical power directly via photovoltaic cells; and can be used directly for heating through solar heat collection devices.

There are two direct forms of solar energy applicable to households; solar heat collection and solar light energy to electrical power via photovoltaic cells.

Solar heat collection is adaptable to domestic water heating, which accounts for approximately 30-35 per cent of the electrical power demand for an all-electric household.

Photovoltaic technology uses solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Industrial, commercial, and residential applications of photovoltaic technology are still being researched. However, advances in photovoltaic technology are resulting in improved efficiencies, lower costs, and integration into building products and designs. In May of 1998, the Mauna Lani Bay Resort installed a 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system on the rooftop, covering 10,000 square feet. The energy production is expected at approximately 423 kilowatts per day and the measured roof temperature reduction has exceeded 60 degrees. This project is expected to save operation costs for the hotel by providing electricity to 20 per cent of the 350 hotel rooms and reducing air conditioning costs. The resultant success of the project led to the installation of photovoltaic systems for the resort’s golf facilities. The photovoltaic system will also be used to recharge Mauna Lani’s golf carts.

These solar energy devices and improvements can be considered energy conservation technologies since their domestic use will possibly decrease the total energy demand in Hawaii County.

Wind Energy

The process of generating energy from wind simply uses the force and speed of wind to rotate the blades on windmills. This wind energy can be used to generate electricity through windmill electrical generators or by pumping water into storage for use in hydroelectric power systems. Wind energy is a relatively clean form of energy, in that it produces no emissions or chemical waste. Unfortunately, wind energy is inconsistent and electrical grids cannot rely solely on wind and must provide a back up supply from another source. Such is the case with the wind energy generation farms at Kahua Ranch, Lalamilo Wind Farm, and Kamaoa Wind Farm.

Biomass Conversion

Biomass is defined as "the total mass or amount of living organisms in a particular area or volume." Solar energy is converted into plant biomass through photosynthesis. Plant biomass can be used by power plants to produce thermal energy, then steam to generate electrical power.

Historically, biomass has been the Big Island's largest renewable energy resource. As recently as 1994, almost 13 per cent of the Big Island's electricity production were still being provided by two sugar processing companies that burned a mixture of biomass, coal, and fuel oil. With the closure of sugar operations, the companies have ceased burning biomass completely. However, one company continues the production of electricity using coal and fuel oil. Other uses of biomass are currently being reviewed by both the public and private sectors.

Biomass conversion is one of the proposed projects of the NELH program at Keahole point, and involves the cultivation and harvest of plant and animal life forms as a natural energy alternative.

Biomass can also be considered solid waste, since it is the basis for most of mankind's organic refuse, and can be processed into ethyl alcohol. Alcohol fuel is adaptable for use in hydrocarbon combustion systems that account for about 58 per cent of the total energy demand of Hawaii County. Through combustion, alcohol can generate electrical power (via heat and steam) which represents the remaining 42 per cent of the County's total energy demand.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

The oceans are the earth’s largest solar energy collector and storage system, covering approximately 70 per cent of the earth's surface. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion or OTEC is a power production method by which energy is derived from the difference in temperatures between the warm surface and cold deep ocean waters. In 1974, the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELH) was founded. In establishing the NELH, the Hawaii State Legislature set aside 321 acres of land for research and development of alternative energy resources, primarily OTEC.

In 1984, The State Legislature set aside an additional 547 acres of land adjacent to NELH for the commercial expansion of successful NELH research projects. This area was called the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park. However, in 1990 the legislature combined NELH and HOST Park into the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA). There are now 26 tenant companies that operate at NELHA.

OTEC research began in earnest in 1982 following the construction of the laboratory and administration buildings and deployment of the first 30 centimeter diameter, 600 meter intake deep sea water pipeline. Currently, NELHA continues to conduct experiments and is working with other organizations to plan the construction of a 1 megawatt OTEC experimental facility and additional ocean pipelines for sufficient water supply.

GOALS

• Strive towards energy self-sufficiency.

• Establish the Big Island as a demonstration community for the development and use of natural energy resources.

POLICIES

• Encourage the development of alternate energy resources.

• Encourage the development and use of agricultural products and by-products as sources of alternate fuel.

• Encourage the expansion of energy research industry.

• Strive to educate the public on new energy technologies and foster attitudes and activities conducive to energy conservation.

• Ensure a proper balance between the development of alternative energy resources and the preservation of environmental fitness and ecologically significant areas.

• Strive to assure a sufficient supply of energy to support present and future demands.

• Provide incentives that will encourage the use of new energy sources and promote energy conservation.

• Seek funding from both government and private sources for research and development of alternative energy resources.

• Coordinate energy research and development efforts of both the government and private sectors.

• Encourage the continuation of studies concerning the development of power that can be distributed at lower costs to consumers.

• Strive to diversify the energy supply and minimize the environmental impacts associated with energy usage.

• Continue to encourage the development of geothermal resources to meet the energy needs of the County of Hawaii.

• Encourage the use of solar water heating through the continuation of state tax credit programs, through the Building Code, and in County construction.

• Encourage energy-saving design in the construction of buildings.

• Support net-metering and other incentives for independent power producers.

STANDARDS

• New power plants shall incorporate devices that minimize pollution.

• Applicable standards and regulations of Title 11, Chapter 46, "Community Noise Control" of the Hawaii Administrative Rules.

• Applicable standards and regulations of Title 11, Chapter 59, "Ambient Air Quality Standards" of the Hawaii Administrative Rules.

• Applicable standards and regulations of Title 11, Chapter 60.1, "Air Pollution" of the Hawaii Administrative Rules.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The people of the County of Hawaii live in an environment with qualities that other areas have long since lost. Economic expansion and population growth in the County are bringing about more demand for products, transportation, services, energy, and other necessities that could affect the environmental quality of the County.

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, land, 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.

In order to maintain an ecological balance for the biological, physical, social, and psychological well-being of the island community, it is essential to control pollution, develop more effective solid waste and sewer treatment programs, control soil erosion, water run-off, and sprawl development, as well as protect endangered plants and animal species. Greatly altering aspects of the ecological system could destabilize its existing balance and translate into high economic and social costs. Increasing population and urbanization place a greater demand on the limited natural resources, making their utilization and protection a vital concern to the people of the County of Hawaii. The increasing number and affluence of residents and visitors will increase the rate of consumption of local resources, the amount of sewage and solid waste (litter, junk cars, and other scrap metal), the demand for electrical power that will necessitate additional sources, and the number of motor vehicles in use. In urbanizing areas, the generation of pollutants will be greater with increased density and intensified use of the land.

Pollutants may be classified by characteristics, such as organic or inorganic, by stimuli, or by the type of environment affected, such as air, land, or water. Legislation relating to the appropriate disposition of specific pollutants is administered by Federal, State, and County agencies. The large area of the County makes it difficult to adequately monitor and enforce environmental quality standards. The General Plan is concerned primarily with those controls that can properly be formulated and enforced by County agencies.

Current sources of pollution are a problem not only in the amount and type of discharge but also in patterns of dispersal that cause local concentrations of pollutants. There is also a lack of basic information on the existing condition of the County's environment. This is needed to establish a baseline from which future deterioration of the air, land, water, and noise levels can be measured. In order to prevent, abate, and control pollution, deteriorating conditions must be recognized before they reach critical proportions.

Air

The County of Hawaii, along with the other counties comprising the island State, enjoys the unique situation of being geographically isolated from any large land mass and major sources of man-made pollutants. The island’s geographical isolation combined with very minimal locally generated man-made air pollution has contributed toward the Island of Hawaii’s world wide recognition for the clarity of its air at the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. These sites offer some of the best areas in the world for astronomy, combining optical clarity and accessibility.

As in any metropolitan area, though, there is some air pollution. The major sources of air pollution are open burning (by permit only), sprayed agricultural chemicals, modes of transportation, and fixed combustion sources such as power plant emissions. Natural pollutants are also contributing factors. These can be organic, including plant pollens and spores, or inorganic, including airborne dust and volcanic gases. Salt ladened ocean spray, though not a pollutant in itself, is a contributing factor towards increased amounts of suspended particulate matter.

Prevailing northeast trade winds and diurnal land and sea breezes sculpted by the Big Island's topography forms air circulation patterns that can create local concentrations of pollutants. The windward or eastern coast is dominated by trades, while on the leeward coast, the side of the island sheltered from the trade winds, the diurnal land -warmed, upslope winds of the day and the cooling, nightly downslope winds prevail. In areas where the topography favors a confluence of air currents, the potential is great for hazy conditions to develop, especially if vehicular, volcanic, and other air pollution sources increase.

Volcano induced smog, known since the 1950s as vog, has been a long standing issue of concern. In 1983, Kilauea Volcano began a long eruptive cycle at Pu'u O'o with brief pauses between eruptive phases. Volcanic gases are released at the rate of about 385 tons per day during eruptive pauses, and 2,000 tons per day during active eruptions. Volcanic gases are composed primarily of sulfur, silicon, sodium, and chlorine with lesser amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, titanium, and iron. The sulfur, measured in the form of sulfur dioxide, is believed to be oxidized into sulfuric acid, an ingredient in acid rain, in the presence of sunlight and water.

The effect of emissions from Kilauea Volcano on the acidity of rain during noneruptive periods rapidly decreases within six miles of the site and studies suggest that the volcano’s influence on the chemistry of rain is localized. However, this minimum level of impact is altered when the volcano is actively erupting. Vog has affected those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

The spraying of agricultural chemicals is controlled within many divisions and branches of the State Department of Agriculture and the State Department of Health. Emissions from other private and municipal sources such as power generation facilities, are controlled through State and Federal regulations. Under the guidance of the Federal government, the State Department of Health continuously scrutinizes and updates the State's standards and regulations to address current issues, either meeting or exceeding Federal standards.

Water

The waters of the County are vulnerable to contamination. These include fresh, marine, and potable water. As population increases and further development occurs, there will be an increased demand for drinking and irrigation water. Recycled water is currently being used for erosion and dust control at lined land fills and there may be a need in the future to recycle sewage and waste water for use in irrigation. The major sources of water pollution are sewage, natural surface runoff, and the by-products of agricultural activities.

There are five municipal sewage systems with treatment plants that serve limited areas. As a result, only a small portion of the County's sewage is treated. Most sewage is disposed of in private cesspools, septic systems, or private wastewater treatment plants that must meet the State Department of Health's Water Quality Standards. The State Department of Health (DOH) intends to promulgate rules that will prohibit the installation of cesspools.

Since much of the volcanic soil of the island is highly permeable and underground lava tubes are widespread, seepage from cesspools have been known to contribute to the pollution of coastal waters and may pose a potential threat to underground sources of drinking water.

The State Department of Health is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and enforcing the Water Quality Standards. These standards are intended to protect the environmental quality of the waters of the island as well as to maintain the public health.

Soil

The soils of the County consist of various forms and stages of volcanic lava and ash. The young age and form of some of these soils make certain areas temporarily non-productive. Much of the volcanic soil is also highly permeable.

Soil pollution has occurred with the accumulation of industrial, agricultural, and domestic chemicals and the improper disposal of solid wastes, such as refuse, old cars, refrigerators, stoves and other scrap metal, thus creating both unsanitary and unsightly conditions.

There is no comprehensive program for the surveillance and monitoring of chemicals to be able to detect the rate and extent of accumulation within the soil. Little is known of their short- and long- term effects on the environment and public health.

Noise

Loud noises are known to have adverse physiological and psychological effects on people. Noise that is loud or out of character, especially from low flying aircraft, is critically disturbing to residents. Residential and resort areas near the Hilo International Airport are particularly affected. Noise levels will become increasingly more disturbing due to more jet service, vehicular traffic, construction, and the increasing size and density of urban areas. The Department of Health is responsible for establishing standards and regulations for noise control. State noise level regulations and standards are uniform throughout the State. The Federal Aviation Agency has established noise guidelines for determining compatible land uses surrounding airports, however the regulation of surrounding lands remain with the State and County.

Increased air transportation activity and changes in aeronautical technology, that could allow service by super-sonic aircraft could change the "noise contours" that affect lands surrounding the Kona International Airport at Keahole and Hilo International Airport. In order to eliminate the likelihood of surrounding land use development conflicting with future airport activity and/or expansion, appropriate easements and/or covenants should be required in conjunction with land use approvals for lands in the vicinity of the County's two major airports.

GOALS

• Define the most desirable use of land within the County that achieves an ecological balance providing residents and visitors the quality of life and an environment in which the natural resources of the island are viable and sustainable.

• Maintain and, if feasible, improve the existing environmental quality of the island.

• Control pollution.

POLICIES

• Take positive action to further maintain the quality of the environment.

• Reinforce and strengthen established standards where it is necessary, principally by initiating, recommending, and adopting ordinances pertaining to the control of pollutants that affect the environment.

• Advise the public of environmental conditions and research undertaken on the island's environment.

• Encourage the concept of recycling agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste material.

• Encourage the State to establish air and water quality monitoring stations in areas of existing and potential urban growth.

• Encourage the State to continue aircraft noise abatement strategies at Hilo International Airport and the Kona International Airport at Keahole.

• Participate in watershed management projects to improve stream and coastal water quality and encourage local communities to develop such projects.

• Work with the appropriate agencies to adopt appropriate measures and provide incentives to control point and nonpoint sources of pollution.

• Support programs to prevent harmful alien species from becoming established.

• Require golf courses to implement best management practices to limit leaching of nutrients to groundwater in areas where they may affect streams or coastal ecosystems.

• Require implementation of the management measures contained in Hawaii’s Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program as a condition of land use permitting.

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

STANDARDS

• Pollution shall be prevented, abated, and controlled at levels that will protect and preserve the public health and well being, through the enforcement of appropriate Federal, State and County standards.

• Incorporate environmental quality controls either as standards in appropriate ordinances or as conditions of approval.

• Federal and State environmental regulations shall be adhered to.

FLOODING AND OTHER NATURAL HAZARDS

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The problems of flooding in the County of Hawaii 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.

The island is geologically very young and has not had a chance to develop defined watercourses in many areas. These poorly defined watercourses often overflow during rain storms. The South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, Ka'u, Puna and South Hilo districts are particularly impacted by this problem.

On November 1, 2000, torrential rains stuck East Hawaii. The National Weather Service reported approximately 27 inches of record rainfall at the Hilo International Airport within a 24-hour period. More than three feet of rain fell on some areas of the island, causing flooding in many areas of the County. The highest rainfall total was at Kapapala Ranch in Ka’u, where more than 36 inches was recorded within a 24-hour period. In Hilo, the Waiakea-Uka area was inundated with approximately 29 inches, the Piihonua area approximately 24 inches, Mountain View, nearly 29 inches, and Glenwood, 26 inches.

The record downfall overflowed streams and gullies, flooding roadways throughout downtown Hilo and isolating neighborhoods in some areas of the eastern side of the island. The districts of South Hilo, Puna and Ka’u were the hardest hit, with roads, bridges, power lines, businesses and homes either damaged or destroyed. In Hilo, a portion of Komohana Street was destroyed, and near Pahala, three bridges and portions of Highway 11 were washed away. During the height of the storm, various sections of Highway 11 were impassable. Most of the major storm damage on the highway occurred in the Puna and Ka’u Districts. Besides severe scouring of the roadway pavement, shoulders and drainage outlets and inlets in Mountain View, Glenwood, Volcano and Pahala, as well as bridges at the Makakupu ford crossing, Kaalaala Stream, Keiawa Stream and Paauau Stream, were damaged beyond economic repair. Portions of the highway from the 49 to 52 mile markers were closed for approximately three weeks. Farms suffered heavy damage to crops and massive erosion, telephone service was disrupted, and some residents experienced power failures for nearly 12 hours. Although no lives were lost as a direct result of the storm, flood damage was estimated at $20,000,000. On November 9, 2000, a Federal disaster was declared for the island.

The coastline of the island is susceptible to high seas and tsunami inundation. Tsunamis may be of local or distant origination. Historically, those of distant origin have caused the most damage. However, of the nearly 305 miles of coastline, approximately 225 miles, or 75 per cent of the coastline is predominantly undeveloped cliff area and not subject to property damage from coastal flooding or tsunami inundation. Property damage from tsunami activity has occurred in Hilo-Waiakea, Laupahoehoe Point, Waipio Valley, Kawaihae-Puako, some portions of Napoopoo, Keauhou, and Kailua-Kona areas of the coastline. Low lying coastal areas of Ka'u and Puna have been devastated by tsunamis generated by local, large offshore earth movements. Since 1819, the island has experienced about twenty-three tsunamis with a run up of two meters (6.56 feet) or more. Due to the frequency of tsunami events and warnings, the Army Corps of Engineers initiated the planning for a tsunami protection system after the tsunami of April 1946. By a congressional resolution adopted in 1957 and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1960, authorization was given to proceed on an offshore protection system that incorporated breakwaters and navigational improvements. However, further studies revealed that the high costs involved in the proposed tsunami barrier project made the project unfeasible. The project was subsequently abandoned. Warning procedures have been established to alert the public of the approach of a tsunami of distant origination. However, locally generated tsunamis give little or no warning for evacuation. An ongoing program to educate the public on tsunami hazards is needed.

Present drainage and flood problems are mainly due to the development of vacant lands, which are often subject to serious flooding without any commensurate, coordinated development of new drainage systems or expansion of the existing drainage systems. In many areas, the capabilities of existing drains, channels, and culverts have been exceeded during heavy rains. Additional problems occur when debris accumulates and clogs waterways. The absence of easements in drainage and flood courses also hinders maintenance.

Except for the metropolitan area of Hilo and portions of Kona and South Kohala, the majority of the existing flood and drainage systems were provided by the sugar plantations. In the past, each plantation town developed its own sewerage, water, and drainage systems. This policy of the plantations to "take care of one's own" has worked well in the past. However, government will need to take a more active role in providing flood control and erosion mitigation on all developed properties via the County’s grubbing and grading ordinances and providing incentives to landowners and lessees to work with the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in developing and implementing soil and water conservation plans.

Since 1971, much progress has been made in alleviating flood and drainage problems and establishing flood plain regulation. The general plan for the development of a comprehensive drainage system is the "Drainage Master Plan for the County of Hawaii." This report, along with newer reports from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has guided the flood control and drainage improvements made to date. The "Drainage Master Plan" should be revised and updated to include the new studies that have become available.

Technical and financial assistance from agencies outside of the County has been instrumental in the progress made in drainage and flood control in Hawaii County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has provided studies identifying the problems, needs and extent of Federal participation in flood control measures in particular floodplains. Natural Resources Conservation Service has provided technical assistance in carrying out flood plain management studies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, along with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, also provides conservation programs to reduce and control surface water and sediment runoff for individual agricultural and conservation landholders. The continued assistance of these agencies is essential for further progress in flood control and drainage and erosion and sedimentation control in the County.

In 1982, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the "Flood Insurance Study" for Hawaii County. This study investigates the existence and severity of flood hazards in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii County's Flood Plain Management Program.

Unfortunately, there have been problems with the use and accuracy of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. It has been demonstrated that the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps are not very accurate as to the location, position, and formation of geographic and geologic attributes. Thus, it is sometimes difficult to determine if a parcel is on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Furthermore, there are many areas where there is no data to determine the flood potential. The absence of data does not mean an absence of potential flooding in any particular area. Therefore, there is an assumption that flood risk is minimal if a parcel is not in a designated Flood Insurance Rate Map area.

The State participates in drainage and flood control through the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Engineering Branch, Land Division. This agency is responsible for the implementation of a statewide flood control program, and providing technical and financial assistance to the counties and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Hawaii County exercises flood plain regulations because of the need for better coordination between the construction of properly planned drainage systems and urban development. The "Flood Insurance Study," identifying critical flood plain areas, coupled with the appropriate rules and regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been incorporated into what is now Chapter 27 of the Hawaii County Code titled "Flood Control." This chapter serves to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, and minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. Chapter 27, along with the flood control provisions within the subdivision, building, and grading codes, is the legal authority for Hawaii County's Flood Plain Management Program.

The Big Island experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most undetectable, but some strong enough to be felt or causing 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. Since 1868, there have been 14 earthquakes greater than magnitude six, most occurring on the south flank of Kilauea or Mauna Loa, including the Kaoiki region. Honomu, Hualalai and Kona also experienced earthquakes greater than 6.0 on the Richter scale.

With an estimated magnitude of 7.5 to 8.1, the largest Hawaiian earthquake in recorded history occurred in 1868 in the Ka’u district on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa. The 1868 earthquake caused islandwide damage, and the devastation was greatest in Ka’u, where an earthquake triggered mudflow and coastal subsidence produced a tsunami that destroyed several villages and killed 79 people.

In 1975, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on Kilauea’s south flank generated a tsunami that claimed two lives in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, destroyed homes in Punaluu, sank fishing boats in Keauhou Bay, and damaged boats and piers in Hilo. The most recent large earthquake of magnitude 6.1 occurred on Kilauea’s south flank in June, 1989. Earthquakes with magnitude 5.5 and 6.6 have occurred approximately once every 10 years in the Kaoiki region, located between Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The most recent large earthquake with a magnitude 6.6 shook the region in 1983.

The island of Hawaii is sinking, or subsiding, at different rates for various reasons. Tide gauge data suggest that Hilo has sunk at a rate of 2.3 millimeters per year or approximately 4.5 inches in 50 years. At the same time, the sea level has risen about 1.8 millimeters per year, so Hilo has actually sunk about 8 inches relative to sea level in the 50-year period. Other studies suggest a slightly slower subsidence rate of 2.2 millimeters per year over 39,000 years. Hawaii is slowly sinking due to the great weight of the island that slowly bends the outer rigid layer of the earth. As the volcanoes grow, their weight is greater than what the earth can support. Large earthquakes also produce coastal subsidence. The magnitude 7.2 Kalapana earthquake in 1975 produced coastal subsidence of approximately 10 to 11 feet near Halape, 3.5 inches at Kaena Point, 20 inches in Kalapana and nine inches in Kapoho. An earthquake related subsidence event such as this is equivalent to approximately 1,500 years of slow subsidence. Following the 1975 Kalapana earthquake, coastal areas near Kapoho continue to subside at a rate of approximately a few centimeters per year as the lower east rift zone near Kapoho slowly widens. Portion of Kapoho Vacationland Subdivision fronting the ocean are nearly completely submerged. Other areas of the island subject to earthquake-related subsidence are located between Palima Point and Naalehu, and Kealakekua Bay to south of Hookena.

The island is composed of five volcanoes, two of which – Kilauea and Mauna Loa – are expected to erupt frequently in the future. As such, the U.S. Geological Survey has identified lava hazard zones for the island. The U.S. Geological Survey Lava Flow Hazard Zone Map divides the island into Zones 1 through 9 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. The zone boundaries are approximate, and the hazard posed by lava flows decreases as the distance from vents increases. Zone 1 includes the summits and rift zones of Mauna Loa and Kilauea where vents have repeatedly been active in historical times. More than 25 per cent of the area in Zone 1 has been covered by lava since 1800. Zone 2 includes the areas adjacent to and downslope of the most active parts of the rift zones. About 15-25 per cent of the area in Zone 2 has been covered by lava since 1800.

GOALS

• Protect human life.

• Prevent damage to man-made improvements.

• Control pollution.

• Prevent damage from inundation.

• Reduce surface water and sediment runoff.

• Maximize soil and water conservation.

POLICIES

• Enact restrictive land use and building structure regulations in areas vulnerable to severe damage due to the impact of wave action. Only uses that cannot be located elsewhere due to public necessity and character, such as maritime activities and the necessary public facilities and utilities, shall be allowed in these areas.

• Review land use policy as it relates to flood plain, high surf, and tsunami hazard areas.

• Update and improve the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and other flood maps in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as needed.

• Any development within the Federal Emergency Management Agency designated flood plain must be in compliance with Chapter 27.

• 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 Hawaii" shall be reviewed and updated to incorporate new studies and reflect newly identified priorities.

• 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.

• Develop a comprehensive program for the coordinated construction of a drainage network along a single drainage system.

• Explore new methods of funding for the provision of adequate drainage systems and regulating potential flood inundation areas.

• The County and the private sector shall be responsible for maintaining and improving existing drainage systems and constructing new drainage facilities.

• 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.

• Continue to 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 drainage master plans from a watershed perspective that considers non-structural alternatives, minimizes channelization, protects wetlands that serve drainage functions, coordinates the regulation of construction and agricultural operation, and encourages the establishment of floodplains as public green ways.

• Encourage and provide incentives for agricultural operators to participate in Soil and Water Conservation District Programs.

• Where applicable, natural drainage channels shall be improved to increase their capacity with special consideration for the practices of proper soil conservation, and grassland and forestry management.

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

• Discourage intensive development in areas of high volcanic hazard.

STANDARDS

• "Storm Drainage Standards," County of Hawaii, October, 1970, and as revised.

• Applicable standards and regulations of Chapter 27, "Flood Control," of the Hawaii County Code.

• Applicable standards and regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• Applicable standards and regulations of Chapter 10, "Erosion and Sedimentation Control," of the Hawaii County Code.

• Applicable standards and regulations of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

DISTRICTS

A general geographical description, a description of present flooding and drainage problems, and courses of action for the reduction of the flood and drainage problems are presented for the nine districts of the County.

Profile

The climate of the Puna District varies considerably from the rocky shoreline to the rain forest areas in the upper elevation. Rainfall amounts are generally heavy and most of the district receives over 100 inches per year.

The district is subject to heavy rainfall and there is record of severe flooding. Historically, flooding along the Belt Highway and the highway from Keaau to Pahoa had been the most prominent problems of the district. However, highway improvements have done much to alleviate the flooding on the roadways.

Currently, the lack of development and the extremely permeable soils have helped to minimize major flooding and damage to life and property. However, as the amount of development increases within the district, flood problems will also increase. Furthermore, the conversion of land historically planted in sugar to other crops may increase runoff. In this regard, Soil and Water Conservation District conservation programs can help lessen the potential problem.

Some of the flood hazard areas for the Puna district are difficult to delineate due to the lack of defined drainage ways. Recorded flood damage has mainly been caused by surface sheet flows that are likely to occur anywhere when heavy storms strike. Examples of this are found in Fern Forest, Eden Rock, Fern Acres, Orchidland, and Hawaiian Paradise Park. In addition to these subdivisions, flooding occurs in certain areas of Pahoa. Other areas, such as Hawaiian Acres, may be more defined. The flooding below Mt. View may be the result of diversion of the Mt. View watershed into some of the substandard subdivisions.

Systems that incorporate diversion channels to intercept sheet flows and main channels to transport the flows away or through the area have been proposed for the communities of Keaau and Pahoa. Along the Keaau-Pahoa Road, the State Department of Transportation (DOT) has installed culverts to facilitate the movement of water and minimize overtopping of the road in certain sections. In addition, the DOT plans to replace those culverts that are ineffective or inadequate.

Drainage systems incorporating the use of diversion channels to collect and transport surface flows safely through the area are also proposed for Mt. View. A portion of this system has been constructed.

The entire coastline is susceptible to tsunami impacts and hurricane storm surge inundation. However, much of the coastline is undeveloped and/or has high cliffs. This renders most developed areas outside of the inundation zone and not subject to damage. On November 29, 1975, an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale centered approximately three miles off shore of Halape generated a tsunami that killed two people and resulted in $1,400,000 of property damage. The total damage of the earthquake and tsunami amounted to approximately $4,100,000.

Courses of Action

• As development increases within the district, the drainage systems designed for the existing village areas shall be implemented.

• Conduct an update of the County of Hawaii "Drainage Master Plan" and the "Mountain View Drainage Study" and provide improvements as recommended by the updates.

• Seek assistance to develop a comprehensive flood study for the subdivisions between and along Highways 11 and 130.

• Ensure that purchasers of homes and other real property are fully informed of hazards from lava flows and other volcanic emissions.

SOUTH HILO

Profile

With the Wailuku River as a dividing line, the South Hilo district can be separated into two watershed study areas. To the north of the river, the coastline has abrupt cliffs 30 to 80 feet high that are broken by deep stream channels. Usable land areas have a ground slope of six to twelve per cent. Above the 4,000 foot elevation, the stream channels diminish in number and depth and have all but disappeared above the 7,000 foot elevation. Flooding problems in this area are primarily caused by local water runoff from former sugar cane fields situated above the communities.

South of the Wailuku River is a relatively flat plain of less than one per cent slope that extends towards Highway 11. Above Highway 11, the slope steepens to approximately six to twelve per cent. Stream channels are poorly defined and disappear at elevations above 2,500 feet.

Waiakea

Until recently, the existing drainage system was the result of uncoordinated development. Lacking a comprehensive plan, property owners have constructed and installed drainage facilities to protect their own interests. In many instances, these facilities have seriously concentrated flows and aggravated situations downstream. Many proposals of the "Hilo Drainage and Flood Control Report" have been completed in the Waiakea area reducing the flooding problems.

Many culverts in upper Waiakea are inadequate. Roadside ditches, though small in cross-sectional area, are aided by the highly porous ground and are fairly effective even during heavy storms. One of the most serious problems faced by County maintenance crews is the frequent washout of cinder-gravel shoulders along road pavements. Another problem is the accumulation of vegetation growth and debris in waterways, which causes overflow.

The Waiakea Stream Preliminary Investigation report prepared by Natural Resources Conservation Service in November, 1999 identified the channel constrictions at the Hoaka, Kupulau, and Kawailani bridges as a major factor in the flooding of the Waiakea Stream Watershed. Several recommendations in the report suggests an increase in the level of maintenance for the Waiakea stream channel, reconstruction of the three bridges to handle the 100-year flood, installation of a flood levee above the properties along Kupulau Road, and Stream channel improvements to manage the volume of a 100-year flood.

In the lower Waiakea area, storm damage is minimal due to the effectiveness of the Wailoa and Waiakea-Uka Flood Control Projects.

The Waiakea coastal area is subject to tsunami and hurricane storm surge inundation and has suffered considerable loss to life and property from tsunami activity.

Kaumana-Ainako-Wailuku River

Kaumana's drainage system consists of roadside ditches, culverts, and narrow channels. Except for the Ainako Avenue area, all of upper Kaumana's storm water runoff is discharged either through the Waipahoehoe or the Alenaio Streams. The Chong Street Diversion No. 3 and the Wailuku-Alenaio Diversion No. 4 along Akolea Road serves to reduce flooding in the lower areas and the Ainako Avenue sections.

The Wailuku-Alenaio Watershed Reinvestigation report prepared by Natural Resources Conservation Service in December, 1999 identified a new flood diversion alternative for the watershed. The alternative will control stormwater in Waipahoehoe and Kaluiiki Streams and could provide 100-year flood protection to communities on the south side of Kaumana Drive in the vicinity of Akolea Road and Chong Street. The County has requested the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s assistance to further plan and implement the new alternative.

The drainage system in the Ainako-Wailuku River area is comprised of box culverts that pass the discharge of the Ainako River across Kokea, Koula, and Kapaa Streets. The residential areas bordering the Wailuku River have a system of collection ditches. Except during very intense storms, there are few problems in the area.

Hilo Urban Area

Between tsunamis and runoff from higher elevations, the commercial district has displayed amazing recuperative abilities. Prior to the completion of the Waiolama Canal in 1924 and the Ponahawai Storm Drain System in 1926, this area was a virtual "sea" during heavy rain. The construction of the canal and the storm drain system has since provided some degree of protection for the area.

The Alenaio Stream Flood Control Project, completed in 1998, begins just below Kapiolani Street and ends below Kilauea Avenue with an earthen levee leading into the Waiolama Canal. The project consists of three flood walls, a 1,790-foot rectangular concrete-lined channel, a 200-foot concrete entrance transition, and an 830-foot earthen levee. The project also included the reconstruction of four bridges located at Kapiolani, Ululani, Kinoole Streets, and Kilauea Avenue. The Alenaio Flood Control project mitigated much of the flooding that occurred in the Alenaio flood plain.

Except for the northern section of the business district, all of downtown Hilo falls within the Wailoa River basin and within the area tributary to the Alenaio Stream. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) has indicated that there are periodic shifts of beach material along the Hilo bay front shoreline. In addition, occasional storm events will close the roads at bay front due to storm surge. A study detailing the level of storm surge and the periodic shifts of beach material is needed before a solution can be developed.

The shoreline areas south of the Wailuku River are subject to damage from tsunami and hurricane storm surge inundation.

Paukaa, Papaikou, Pepeekeo, Honomu, Hakalau

These communities have no serious flood problems although Honomu and Papaikou have experienced minor flooding. These result from runoff from the areas above the communities.

Although the entire coastline is subject to tsunami activity, the majority of the area has high cliffs and is not subject to property damage.

Courses of Action

• The "Hilo Drainage and Flood Control Report" by Wilson, Okamoto and Assoc., Ltd., January, 1967, shall be updated and implemented.

• The "Hilo Area Comprehensive Study for Flood Damage Reduction" shall be updated and implemented.

• The proposals of the "Final Report and Environmental Impact Study of Alenaio Stream" shall be implemented. Studies shall continue for the upper Alenaio Stream, the upper Wailuku River and its tributaries, the upper Waiakea Stream and Palai Stream.

• The Hawaii County "Drainage Master Plan" for the Honomu, Pepeekeo, Papaikou, and Paukaa areas shall be updated and implemented. In addition, proper soil conservation measures shall be applied to reduce the amount of surface water and sediment runoff.

• Assess the possibility of implementing the recommendations of the NCRS’s "Waiakea Stream Preliminary Investigation" and the "Wailuku-Alenaio Watershed Reinvestigation" reports.

• Encourage a study of storm surge and the annual change in shoreline beach movement as a solution to the closing of the bay front highway during storm events.

Profile

The district is characterized by an average ground slope of approximately 10 per cent with scores of deep intermittent and perennial streams.

Other than runoff from former cane lands, there is little record of flooding in urban areas. Each community is in close proximity to one or more gulches that carry flows from the upper watershed areas. The key to flood control within the district is to collect and divert surface runoff to the gulches. In addition, soil conservation practices are highly recommended.

The flood hazard areas are extremely difficult to delineate. High intensity storms can produce localized flooding in almost any area. The only definite flood hazard area is Laupahoehoe School.

The community of Ookala has not experienced heavy flooding although there are minor problems due to surface waters from the former cane fields above the town.

There is no record of any flooding within the community of Ninole. The existing flood control system provided by the plantation is adequate.

The community of Laupahoehoe has not experienced any extreme flood flows. However, there will be a need to supply flood protection for the community since Laupahoehoe School, which is located just to the south of the urban center, has experienced some flooding. Water flows from the former cane fields, when the natural vegetation does not form a complete cover.

The community of Papaaloa has not experienced any serious flooding problems. With the projected expansion of the community, there will be a need to provide flood protection for the area.

The North Hilo district is characterized by high sea cliffs, most of which rise 300 feet above the sea. Except for the Laupahoehoe Point area, development is not subject to tsunami or hurricane storm surge damage.

Course of Action

• The Hawaii County "Drainage Master Plan" for the Ookala and Laupahoehoe-Papaaloa areas shall be updated and implemented to alleviate problems of runoff from higher elevations.

Profile

The Hamakua District can be divided into two major watershed areas. The northern watershed, which affects the Waipio Valley area, extends upward into the Kohala Mountains. The second watershed extends to the peak of Mauna Kea and affects the communities of Kukuihaele, Honokaa, Paauhau, Paauilo, and Kukaiau.

The majority of the flood damage in this area is felt by the State or the County through damage to improvements within former cane fields, roads, ditches, and bridges.

Streams originating above and flowing through Honokaa have caused flooding in the town. The existing culverts within the town also do not have adequate capacity to handle volume flows.

The communities of Paauhau and Kukaiau have not been subject to any high flood flows in the past and the only recommended flood prevention measures would be the construction of diversion channels above the communities to divert water from former sugar cane fields and into the surrounding gulches.

Occasional flooding along the Hawaii Belt Road between Ahualoa and Waimea occurs when rainwater comes down from the pastures and overtops the road. Although there are no mitigation measures planned at this time, road improvements have alleviated some of the flooding and improved sheet flow.

Localized drainage problems exist within the limits of Paauilo. These problems are caused by allowing surface waters to collect from large areas within the town and flow down narrow roadways. The problems could be eliminated if this water was intercepted and transported to the gulches for disposal.

The only area that is subject to tsunami and hurricane storm surge inundation within the Hamakua district is Waipio Valley and three other uninhabited valleys to the north. Damage in Waipio Valley has been primarily to crops caused by periodic stream meandering, overflow, and stream blockages. Requested solutions and subsequent studies of the problem have found approaches to be economically unfeasible.

Courses of Action

• The Hawaii County "Drainage Master Plan" for the Waipio-Kukuihaele, Honokaa-Paauhau, and Paauilo-Kukaiau areas shall be updated and implemented.
• Support the use of natural channels and proper soil conservation practices to manage flood control and drainage problems.

• Implementation of proper flood control measures and soil conservation practices shall be used to minimize sheet flow, flooding, and sediment runoff from agricultural and forest reserve land above the communities of the district.

• The Waipio Valley area shall be retained for limited recreational and agricultural activities due to its high susceptibility to flooding and tsunami inundation.

• Encourage the State to develop mitigation measures for the occasional flooding along the Hawaii Belt Road between Ahualoa and Waimea.

Profile

The North Kohala district is subject to occasional heavy rainfall that creates heavy runoff. Streams collect water from the upper watershed and convey most flows safely through the urban centers. Although the gulches are generally smaller than those on the Hamakua coast, they have adequate capacity to handle storm flows.

Other than damage to highway culverts, there is no record of any flood damage to structures. There are areas, however, which are subject to flooding problems. These include the town of Hawi which has experienced surface sheet flows concentrating along the highway within the town, the highway and road culverts at Lipoa Gulch, and Halelua and Pueka gulches.

The community of Kapaau has problems similar to those of Hawi. The existing highway culverts are inadequate to handle peak flood flows and have caused minor flooding problems in the past. On each side of the highway, the Makapala area is relatively flat and is susceptible to flooding by the Niulii and Waikani Streams.

The solution to the flood control and drainage problems of this district lies in the practice of proper soil conservation in agricultural lands and forest areas to help reduce and retard surface water and sediment runoff. In addition, there are the improvements to natural channels to increase their capacity.

The North Kohala district has recorded runup from tsunami and hurricane storm surge activity. Areas subject to inundation include Pololu Valley, Upolu Point Airport, and the Mahukona Harbor areas.

Course of Action

• The Hawaii County "Drainage Master Plan" for the Hawi and Honomakau-Kapaau areas shall be updated and implemented.

Profile

The South Kohala district can be divided into two separate watershed areas. The Waimea Village watershed extends into the Kohala Mountains. Heavy rainfall occurs in these mountains and several intermittent streams flow through the Waimea area. Upon reaching the Waimea plains, these streams turn to the west and flow toward Kawaihae across the extremely permeable lava flows of Mauna Kea. The Waikoloa stream has caused flooding within the town of Waimea during high intensity storms when waters overflow due to sharp stream bends and generally inadequate flow-carrying capacities. In addition, there is some flooding concern around the area abutting the Kawaihae road.

The second watershed area above the Kawaihae to Anaehoomalu shoreline extends from the coast to the peaks of Mauna Kea to Mauna Loa. The area is semi-arid with few well-defined channels and infrequent stream flows.

High intensity storms have caused flooding along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway from Kawaihae to Puako, and at Puako. These storms are very infrequent and tend to create flash floods. High flows have been experienced in the Hapuna Beach and Spencer Beach Park areas due to the flash floods. The Puako Beach lots have also been subject to flooding. During the evening of September 8, 1996, heavy rains generated a flash flood along Auwaiakeakua Stream. The floodwaters overtopped the existing drainage ways causing damage to private properties, particularly the Fairway Terrace Condominium at Waikoloa Village, County roads and drainage facilities.

In 1997, construction was completed on the Parker Ranch drainage improvements. The improvements diverted the Kamuela and Lanimaumau Streams toward open pasture lands. Flooding has done substantial damage to the residential subdivision at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. To mitigate the flooding, the developer has constructed flood control measures off site and the State Department of Transportation intends to install three sets of new culverts on site. The State Department of Transportation also intends to realign and replace Waiaka Road.

An added threat to the coastal areas results from fire that leaves the upper slope areas with limited ground cover and thus more susceptible to flooding.

The entire coastline of this district from Kawaihae southward is subject to tsunami and storm surge wave inundation. Runup has been recorded in Kawaihae and Puako.

Courses of Action

• The Hawaii County "Drainage Master Plan" for the Kawaihae, Hapuna Bay-Puako, Pauoa Bay-Honokaope Bay, and Waimea areas shall be updated and implemented.

• Conduct a flood study for the Auwaiakeakua Stream.

Profile

The North Kona district can be divided into two watershed areas. The area north of Keahole Point and the summit of Hualalai have very low rainfall and runoff. Rainfall for this area reaches a maximum average of 40 inches per year, but most of the area receives less than 20 inches per year. The soils in the area are extremely permeable and there is no record of hazardous flooding in this area.

The southern area, extending southward from Keahole Point, contains most of the urban development and is subject to increasing hazards from floodwater damages as land is more intensively utilized. The area is characterized by dry vegetative growth along the coastal areas and thick tropical vegetation in the upper forest reserves. The ground slope is steep, averaging approximately 15 per cent.

The steep slopes, shallow soils, frequent high intensity rains, and the lack of well-defined drainageways make many areas in the North Kona district susceptible to flooding and overland flows.

Flash floods, primarily from overflows of the Keopu/Hienaloli, Waiaha, Kaumalumalu and the Holualoa/Horseshoe Bend drainageways, have been identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s "North Kona Flood Plain Management Study."

Flood water and sediment damage occurs along the entire coffee belt with the Kainaliu, Holualoa and Kailua village areas experiencing the heaviest damage.

The entire coastline of the North Kona district is subject to inundation by tsunamis. Kailua and Keauhou have recorded run up and damage from tsunami activity in the past. In addition, the coastline has also been subject to damage from storm waves.

Courses of Action

• Drainage systems for the Keopu/Hienaloli, Waiaha, Kaumalumalu and the Holualoa/Horseshoe Bend drainageways shall be studied and remapped to determine the actions necessary to mitigate negative impacts.

• Establish and maintain appropriate vegetative cover in high rainfall, sediment and debris producing areas.

• Encourage the mapping of the floodways in North Kona to develop more effective flood control programs.

• Encourage the use of natural drainageways as greenways in the development of the region.

• Maintain and re-establish forest cover in mauka areas to improve the capacity of the ground to absorb heavy rainfall.

Profile

Being geographically young, there are few well-defined drainage ways in the district. Overland and stream flows are rare and can only be detected when the rainfall intensity exceeds the rate of infiltration.

The district is subject to sudden high intensity rainstorms that can strike anywhere and cause localized flooding. Flood prone areas have been identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s "South Kona Flood Hazard Analyses."

Coffee and other agricultural lands are subject to erosional damage and roads and culverts are sometimes damaged by high flows and sediment deposition. The Sunset Coffee Mill Flood Prevention Project has provided substantial relief in the Napoopoo area.

There are also records of minor flooding from Kiilae, South Keokea, Honaunau and Wailapa Streams. In general, an area within 150 feet of the stream channels can be considered subject to flooding. Other areas with records of minor flooding include the areas along the Belt Highway in the area of the 1950 lava flows and at Hookena Road.

The entire shoreline is subject to inundation due to high seas and swells caused by hurricanes and distant storms. Coastal areas have received damage to roads, harbor facilities and oceanfront buildings. The shoreline areas are also subject to tsunami activity. This includes the coastline from Napoopoo to Honaunau and the Milolii village area. Tsunami runup has been recorded in two locations along the South Kona shoreline, in Milolii and Hookena.

Courses of Action

• The "South Kona Flood Hazard Analyses" for the Kealakekua, Napoopoo and Honaunau areas shall be updated and implemented.

• Establish and maintain appropriate vegetative cover in high rainfall, sediment and debris producing areas.

• Encourage the use of natural drainageways as greenways in the development of the region.

• Maintain and re-establish forest cover in mauka areas to improve the capacity of the ground to absorb heavy rainfall.

• Ensure that purchasers of homes and other real property are fully informed of hazards from lava flows and other volcanic emissions.

Profile

The Ka'u district can be divided into three separate regions. The northeastern region is dominated by the Ka'u desert. The average annual rainfall here is approximately 20 inches. There are few defined stream channels, none of which are perennial. The soils are very shallow, covering rough lava flows that are extremely permeable.

The southwestern region that extends westerly from the South Point Road is characterized by moderate slopes, extremely permeable soils, and relatively young lava flows. The median annual rainfall varies from less than 20 inches at South Point to 75 inches at the 5,000-foot elevation. There is little evidence of stream flow within this region and no record of damage from flood flows other than the flooding of roads within the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision.

The central region contains the communities of Pahala, Naalehu, and Waiohinu. There are several streams within the region, none of which are perennial. Flood flows occur when the soils are saturated and rainfall intensity exceeds the rate of infiltration. Storm runoff descends steep slopes behind the communities and causes flooding and deposition of sediment and debris in the communities.

There are three existing flood control measures in this district. A flood water channel and debris basin in Naalehu was completed in 1965 with additional improvements and modifications completed in 1969 and 1982.

The second project is within the town of Pahala and consists of diversion channels in the former sugar cane fields above the town and the improvement of Paauau Stream.

The third project is within the town of Waiohinu. It is designed to collect flows from the watershed areas and transport them around Waiohinu for disposal in the rock land area. This project has been implemented, but needs additional improvements.

Although major flooding within the communities has been addressed, flash flooding along the Hawaii Belt Road still occurs. The Piikea, Keaiwa, Paauau, Punaluu, Hilea, Kawaa, and Honuapo streams often exceed the capacity of the existing bridges and culverts and flood the roadway. This temporarily closes the road and effectively cuts off this district from the Puna, Hilo and Kona districts.

However, in the Piikea ford area, the State DOT completed the construction of a new Piikea bridge in 1998. In addition to the bridge, improvements to the Piikea ford are proposed with the construction of three large box culverts. At the Paauau stream, there are plans for the construction of a new bridge. There are also plans for the replacement of the Ninole bridge located just past Punaluu. A new culvert is proposed in the Kawaa flats region.

The entire coastline of the district is subject to tsunami and high seas activity, with the Punaluu and Honuapo Bay areas having been severely damaged from past tsunami activity.

Courses of Action

• Improve and upgrade existing flood control measures as necessary.

• Continue proper soil conservation measures to complement the existing systems.

• Investigate potential solutions to prevent the closure of the Hawaii Belt Road due to flooding.

• Ensure that purchasers of homes and other real property are fully informed of hazards from lava flows and other volcanic emissions.

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The heritage of a community is documented by its history. The physical evidence of such a documentation is often contained in archaeological and historic sites that support the written or traditional legacy.

The identity of a community evolves from the past. One way of understanding the present is through historic perspective, as cultural values are basically derived from past generations.

According to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), an estimated 11,500 archeological and historic sites have been identified on the island of Hawaii. However, only 5 per cent of the island has been surveyed. The other 95 per cent of the island contains an undeterminable number of historic and archeological sites. The abundance of historic sites can be attributed to the fact that much of the early history of the Hawaiian Islands had its setting on the Big Island. Archeological data indicates that Polynesian voyagers may have settled here as early as 600 A.D. Furthermore, significant historic figures such as King Kamehameha I conquered and ruled the Hawaiian Islands from the Big Island. The Historic Sites element also encompasses the recent past such as the coming of the various ethnic groups that have blended to create today's Hawaii.

There is continuing concern for the historic and archaeological sites of the County of Hawaii on the part of residents, governmental agencies, and private developers. As the early history of Hawaii was kept through oral tradition, the reconstruction of this period is largely based on the physical evidence and data recovered from archaeological and historic sites. It is realized that once destroyed, historic sites and the information they contain cannot be replaced. Many landowners are becoming aware that Hawaiian artifacts used in daily living are being removed from their lands for or by collectors. Consequently, sites have been despoiled and information regarding the function of the site itself and the artifacts have been destroyed.

The SHPD is charged with a variety of tasks within the State's historic preservation program. The SHPD maintains an inventory of known historic sites and promotes surveys to identify and document new sites. The SHPD also has a program element to place significant sites on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and coordinates the nomination of sites to the National Register of Historic Places. SHPD also administers the Burial Sites Program. This program manages those burial sites that are over 50 years old. Approximately 98 per cent of the burial cases handled by the SHPD relate to native Hawaiian skeletal remains. Anyone who wishes to relocate, or preserve in place previously identified Hawaiian burials over 50 years old must obtain the approval of the appropriate Island Burial Council, that meets monthly on its respective islands. Any skeletal remains accidentally discovered must be reported to the SHPD and County police. If burial remains are estimated to be less than 50 years old, they fall under the jurisdiction of the police. Other programs, such as the Hawaiian Heritage Corridor Program, seek to preserve historic sites by enabling non-profit organizations in the various County districts preserve historic sites and buildings along a transportation corridor or the Department of Land and Natural Resources Ala Kahakai trail that will connect various historic sites and parks along the shoreline. Information regarding historic sites may be obtained by contacting the SHPD.

Archaeological investigations continue to be conducted on the island, adding to the list of known sites. These investigations, as well as cultural and historical research, are important in identifying significant cultural resources and helping to provide the basis for their protection and management. However, as indicated by the large number of estimated sites on the island, it is also important to establish criteria for determining what is significant.

The Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH) decision of 1995 allows native Hawaiians the right to conduct their cultural traditions and practices upon lands where those activities had been conducted in the past.

GOALS

• Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant historical and cultural importance to Hawaii.

• Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public interest should be made available.

• Enhance the understanding of man’s place on the landscape by understanding the system of ahupuaa.

POLICIES

• Agencies and organizations, either public or private, pursuing knowledge about historic sites should keep the public apprised of projects.

• Amend appropriate ordinances to incorporate the stewardship and protection of historic sites, buildings and objects.

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

• Public access to significant historic sites and objects shall be acquired, where appropriate.

• Embark on a program of restoring significant historic sites on County lands. Assure the protection and restoration of sites on other public lands through a joint effort with the State.

• Encourage the restoration of significant sites on private lands.

• Collect and distribute historic sites information of public interest and keep an inventory of sites.

• Aid in the development of a program of public education concerning historic sites.

• Signs explaining historic sites, buildings and objects shall be in keeping with the character of the area or the cultural aspects of the feature.

• Develop a continuing program to evaluate the significance of historic sites.

• Develop policies to protect Hawaiian rights as identified under judicial decisions.

• Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.

• All new historic sites placed on the State or Federal Register after the adoption of the general plan shall be included in the General Plan.

• Consider requiring Cultural Assessments for certain developments as part of the rezoning process.

• Recognize the importance of certain natural features in Hawaiian culture by incorporating the concept of "cultural landscapes" in land use planning.

STANDARDS

The evaluation of the importance of specific historic sites is necessary for future action. The following standards establish a framework for evaluating sites.

• Importance in the life or activities of a major historic person.

• Associated with a major group or organization in the history of the island or community.

• Associated with a major historic event (cultural, economic, military, social, or political).

• Associated with a major recurring event in the history of the community (such as annual celebrations).

• Associated with a past or continuing institution that has contributed substantially to the life of the community.

• Unique example of a particular style or period.

• One of the few of its age remaining.

• Original materials and/or workmanship that can be valued in themselves.

• Sites with a preponderance of original materials in context and complexes rather than single isolated sites unless they are of great significance.

• Sites of traditional and cultural significance.

DISTRICTS

The following is a historical profile of the districts. The brief historical sketches of each district are intended to bring into focus the relationship of the district to the island as a whole. The list of sites that are included for the districts are those that have been officially placed on either the Hawaii Register or the National Register of Historic Places. It is important to understand that the listing of sites and their evaluation is an on-going process. Many other sites for the districts have been identified and may be equally significant but the process of evaluation and placement on a register has not been completed. New sites are constantly being discovered and these must be evaluated in conjunction with those already known.

Profile

Historically, the district of Puna did not have much political influence. However, Puna is closely associated with the volcano goddess Pele. For the most part, Puna followed the course of the adjacent districts of Ka'u and Hilo. No strong family lines evolved in the district for power over any of the other districts, and the lands of Puna almost always went to the ruler of Ka'u or Hilo.

The most significant historical feature known in Puna was the Waha'ula Heiau, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1997 by the ongoing eruption of Kilauea. This was the first luakini heiau (temples presided over by the high chiefs) to be built by the priest Pa'ao, circa 1275 A.D., and the last in use until its destruction was ordered by Liholiho in 1820.

Course of Action

• Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.

Profile

In Hawaiian tradition, the district of Hilo played an important role. A cave behind Rainbow Falls was the home of Hina, the beautiful woman who bore the demigod Maui for the islands' traditional founder, Hawaii Loa. Pele herself shaped the area of Hilo by sending fingers of lava down the slopes of Mauna Loa. Kamehameha I spent part of his youth in the district and moved and overturned the Naha Stone, an omen of his later rise to power.

In 1778, the first written reports of Hilo were made by Captain James Cook, who said that heavy seas prevented his landing at "Aheedoo." One of the explorers who came after Capt. Cook was Lord Byron, who first charted Hilo Bay. For years, the bay was known as Byron's Bay and the entrance to the harbor, Blonde Reef, was named after his ship.

Following the explorers were fur traders and other seamen who found the islands an ideal location for wintering and obtaining provisions. By 1791 the exploitation of sandalwood began and Hilo's reputation as a port had emerged.

At the end of the sandalwood era, Christian missionaries arrived, led by William Ellis. In 1822, Ellis searched for a suitable location for a mission station. At the same time, Hilo was the starting point of pilgrimages to the volcano and a market place for people from Ka'u to Hamakua. The main settlement of Hilo was initially located at the mouth of the Wailoa River in Waiakea. Until the arrival of David Belden Lyman and Titus Coan in 1832, the mission's effect was not significant. By the end of 1837, however, two-thirds of the population of the area had relocated themselves to Hilo to join Coan's "Great Revival," leaving villages around Hilo deserted. When the mission eventually moved to the top of Haili Street from Waiakea, the new Christians followed. This established the present location of Hilo town.

Close to the end of Coan's revival, new explorers interested in commerce came to Hilo. The whaling industry had a great effect on the local population, luring Hawaiians away from home with a promise of adventure and money. The whaling industry declined after 1868 when petroleum was discovered in far-off Pennsylvania. The great tsunami and earthquake also occurred in this year.

The sugar industry began to develop in the early 1800's. However, it was not until the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 with the United States that the industry firmly established itself. The treaty assured that no duty would be imposed on Hawaiian sugar imported into the United States. Thus, by the turn of the century, new sugar mills were established, labor was being imported from Asia and Europe, and Hilo became a thriving economic center. The present population reflects the various groups who have made their homes in the area.

Most historic sites of North and South Hilo have been either destroyed by agriculture, urban growth, and natural changes in landforms. Those sites that have been protected should remain as the area grows. Other sites, particularly historic buildings, should be the focus of these districts. These buildings, although not of ancient vintage, reflect the historic growth of the area.

Courses of Action

• Support the development of Kalakaua Park and its surrounding area as the Kalakaua Park Heritage Area and the restoration of its historic significance to Hilo.

• Identify historic sites within the South Hilo District for inclusion within the Hawaiian Heritage Corridor Program.

Profile

Most of the early history of the Hamakua district centers on Waipio Valley. The valley was settled early and was the home of several strong rulers as early as the 13th century. Among the chiefs of Waipio were Liloa and his son Umi. The traditions regarding Liloa indicates he was the first to rule over the entire island and his rule was one of peaceful diplomacy.

In 1823, the Rev. Ellis counted 265 houses in the valley and estimated the population at 1,325. The number of residents has declined steadily since Ellis' estimate. The same is true of the once populated Waimanu Valley.

Hawaiians also lived in the smaller valleys and gulches along the Hamakua coast and were known to cultivate taro.

In relatively recent historical times, there have been Asian and European influences in Hamakua, due primarily to the sugar industry. These influences have erased much of the physical evidence of the earlier culture, but have also introduced a different perspective on historic sites.

Course of Action

• Coordinate with the community to identify historical sites and buildings for inclusion in a heritage corridor program.

Profile

Historically, the present districts of North and South Kohala were considered to be a single unit. Kohala is the birthplace of Kamehameha I. Mo'okini Heiau at Upolu Point is said to have been built by the priest Pa'ao in the 12th century. Other important historic events occurred in the district, particularly at Kawaihae. Kamehameha I gained complete control of the entire island after the death of chief Keoua of Ka`u at the Pu'ukohola Heiau.

It was at Kawaihae that John Young and Isaac Davis in the service of Kamehameha I cleared foreign arrivals who came to Hawaii. They persuaded Capt. George Vancouver to leave cattle in the area and Richard J. Cleveland to leave horses.

In 1820, the brig Thaddeus, carrying a group of Christian missionaries, made its first anchorage at the village of Kawaihae. John Young is credited with the decision to allow the missionaries to disembark at Kailua.

John Palmer Parker was influential in shaping the character of Kohala. He started ranching in Kawaihae and hunted the large number of cattle that had turned wild under the kapu or protection placed on them by Kamehameha I. Parker eventually moved to Waimea where he expanded his operation into what is today one of the oldest and largest privately owned ranches in the United States.

In 1832, the missionary Lorenzo Lyons arrived in Kawaihae. He established his station at Waimea and his parish included the districts of Kohala and Hamakua. Ten years later, Reverend Elias Bond took over the mission duties in North Kohala and established an excellent English school.

Although the character of Kohala has changed through history, the district's relative isolation has preserved many pre-contact sites. The leeward North Kohala coast still contains many remnants of coastal fishing villages that were occupied from the pre-historic period through the early 1900s. Likewise, remnants of the large agricultural complexes that supported the population are still found in both North and South Kohala. Mo'okini and Pu'ukohola Heiau still stand as monuments to the past, as do John Young's house site and the early Christian churches.

NORTH KOHALA

Courses of Action

• Coordinate with the communities and residents of North Kohala to identify historic sites and buildings for protection and preservation.

• Encourage the preservation of historic buildings and promote new development, that matches the style of historic commercial buildings in the area.

• Recognize the natural beauty and history of the area as a major economic and social asset to be protected and perpetuated as part of the uniqueness of the island.

SOUTH KOHALA

Course of Action

• Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.

Profile

The Kona districts have been very significant in the history of Hawaii. Before the arrival of Captain Cook, a large population was settled in villages along the coast. Various rulers lived in the area and have left evidence of the complex religious, social, and political systems that evolved in Hawaii. In North Kona, the major complexes are located at Kailua, Holualoa, and Kahaluu. In South Kona, they are located at Kealakekua and Honaunau.

When Captain Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay in January 1779, he reported that the area was flourishing. It is well known that he was accepted as the god Lono and visited heiau and village sites at Napoopoo. Following Captain Cook's death, no foreign ships stopped in Kona for several years. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver arrived in Kona and left orange trees, grapevines, other plants, and cattle for King Kamehameha I and his chiefs.

In 1812, Kamehameha I established his permanent residence and capital in Kailua-Kona. The royal family remained in Kona until the capital was moved to Honolulu. The districts prospered during the sandalwood and whaling eras, with Kealakekua serving as the main port. In 1820, the first missionary station on the island was established in Kailua.

Although Kona has experienced rapid change since Captain Cook's arrival, it still contains many undisturbed historical sites. Most of these sites are of traditionally Hawaiian origin and can reveal information important in reconstructing Hawaii's early history.

NORTH KONA

Course of Action

· Establish suitable visual buffers for the Keakealaniwahine and Keolanahihi complexes as a condition of rezoning or Special Management Area permits, for nearby properties.

SOUTH KONA

Course of Action

• Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.

• Adopt the Heritage Corridor Plan, which includes lands from Holualoa to Honanau.

• Establish buffers on undeveloped lands around Kealakekua Bay to assure preservation of the region’s unique environment and cultural resources.

Profile

The district of Ka'u has historically been a relatively independent district, isolated from the rest of the island. Historical data indicates that Ka’u was probably settled very early by the Polynesian voyagers. As population increased, the rest of the island was inhabited. Most of the early settlement in Ka'u consisted of small fishing villages.

In 1791, Kamehameha I became ruler of the entire island after the death of Keoua, the chief of Ka`u at the dedication of Pu'ukohola Heiau at Kawaihae.

Ka'u later became the stopping point for seagoing travelers on their way to Hilo. In the 1860's, Mark Twain lived in Waiohinu and wrote extensively about his stay in Ka'u. While living in Waiohinu he declared Hawaii to be "the loveliest fleet of islands."

Course of Action

• Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.

INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS

The natural beauty of Hawaii 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 to snow-capped mountains.

Hawaii's natural and scenic beauty is the result of the interaction of various physical elements and forces. Three primary factors contribute to the variety of environments: elevation, relative location, and geologic origin and age. A further factor is modification by man. The types of landform and vegetation depend on these basic factors. Due to different elevations and locations of the island, the landscape features have particular characteristics. These include barren fields of lava, heavily vegetated valleys, kiawe deserts, native forests, rolling grasslands, and rocky coastlines. The differences in the environment and the landscape features are important in giving identity to areas of the island and enhances the livability of the island by providing a preference of physical settings.

Natural beauty is a multifaceted resource. It is an aesthetic resource experienced by human perceptions. It is an economic resource, as evidenced by the scale of resort development and by visitor-related activities. Real property values further substantiate the economic value of Hawaii's dramatic beauty. The physical elements that make up the landscape and the interrelationships of these elements are also of scientific interest. Investigating and understanding the physical environment are necessary for man to live in harmony with the environment.

As the population increases, the desire to experience natural beauty will continue and may increase. If uncontrolled, the development necessary to accommodate an increasing population as well as resort development could have detrimental effects on the natural beauty of the island. Areas with special amenities of natural beauty have been and will continue to be the focus of pressure for resort development. Present regulatory process provide an assessment of impacts of development projects in order to protect, preserve and restore natural and scenic resources.

Hawaii's natural beauty is both an irreplaceable asset and a part of the public trust. It is fragile and although often enhanced by man can easily be adversely affected. Measures must be taken to insure its protection, both now and in the future, for the enjoyment of Hawaii's residents and visitors.

Through the Zoning and Subdivision codes, and the Special Management Area and shoreline setback regulations, the County of Hawaii has the means to protect the island's natural and scenic beauty as an integral part of the living environment of the island. Safeguards of this valuable asset are a major consideration for any construction or development that may alter, eliminate, or intrude upon it. They are also important so that man-made elements are kept in an aesthetic perspective with the physical surroundings.

The County Arborist Advisory Committee was established to determine guidelines to identify the physical and botanical importance of trees and tree masses on the island. Criteria such as the aesthetic quality, rarity, cultural significance and endemic status are evaluated in designating exceptional trees or tree masses. Preservation for those selected are enacted by County ordinance or regulation.

The Hawaii County Planning Department adopted Rule 17 that implements landscaping requirements. The purpose of the rule is to use landscaping requirements to create screens and buffers from noise, lights, and litter; moderate the visual impact and microclimates of paved parking lots and parked vehicles; enhance the street scape of commercial and industrial areas; and promote ecological and cultural values through landscaping with native and other appropriate plants.

The importance of natural and scenic beauty and its true evaluation as an asset of public trust to be protected for future generations remain with the people of this island. While public planning and regulation are instrumental in achieving the goals set forth for this element, it is public awareness and interest that will maintain the natural beauty of the island of Hawaii.

GOALS

• Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty, including the quality of coastal scenic resources.

• Protect scenic vistas and view planes from becoming obstructed.

• Maximize opportunities for present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy natural and scenic beauty.

POLICIES

• Increase public pedestrian access opportunities to scenic places and vistas.

• Develop and establish view plane regulations to preserve and enhance views of scenic or prominent landscapes from specific locations, and coastal aesthetic values.

• Maintain a continuing program to identify, acquire and develop viewing sites on the island.

• Access easement to public or private lands that have natural or scenic value shall be provided or acquired for the public.

• Develop standard criteria for natural and scenic beauty as part of design plans.

• Consider structural setback from major thoroughfares and highways and establish development and design guidelines to protect important viewplanes.

• Maintain a continuing program to identify exceptional trees or tree masses.

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

• Do not allow incompatible construction in areas of natural beauty.

STANDARDS

The following standards provide guidelines for designating sites and vistas of extraordinary natural beauty that shall be protected.

• Distinctive and identifiable landforms distinguished as landmarks, e.g. Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley.

• Coastline areas of striking contrast , e.g. Laupahoehoe Point.

• Vistas of distinctive features.

• Natural or native vegetation attractive to a particular area.

• Areas that are harmoniously developed and enhanced by man to appear natural.

DISTRICTS

The following describes the characteristic natural and scenic beauty of the districts of the County of Hawaii. Examples of sites and vistas are listed. The goals, policies, and standards of the element shall set forth the courses of action for sites and vistas of natural beauty.

PUNA

Along the coast of Puna district the black sand beaches and tidal ponds are noted features of natural beauty.

The inland areas of Puna are lava land. Major areas of natural beauty are the 1960 Kapoho and the Pu'u O'o volcanic regions. The region is significant in that it represents the force of nature in altering the landscape feature into a cone and desolate field of lava.

A portion of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also located within this district.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the Puna district.

The following designated exceptional trees are adopted by ordinance.

SOUTH HILO

The natural beauty of the South Hilo district is dominated by Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. From various locations in the area, there are magnificent views of the mountains. Hilo Bay provides a picturesque front yard for Hilo. From the bay the land gently slopes upward towards Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Throughout the district there are waterfalls, including the famous Akaka Falls and nearby Kahuna Falls, Rainbow Falls, and others.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the South Hilo district.

The following designated exceptional trees are adopted by ordinance.

NORTH HILO

One of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in North Hilo is Laupahoehoe Point. The point juts out calmly, ending in a rugged coastline with pounding surf. In either direction along the coast are views of the high cliffs.

The deep gulches with silvery green Kukui trees contrasting with the darker green vegetation along the highway are also points of natural beauty, particularly Honohina Falls in Nanue Gulch.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the North Hilo district.

The following designated exceptional trees are adopted by ordinance.

HAMAKUA

The Hamakua district is tropically lush along the lower elevations. The coast is marked by densely vegetated gulches and valleys highlighted by silvery green Kukui trees. The most famous of these is Waipio Valley. This valley is the most accessible in the series of windward valleys. The natural and scenic beauty of Waipio with its waterfalls and tropical rainforests has attracted people for many years.

Mauna Kea is also included in the Hamakua district and with Mauna Loa dominates the landscape along the Hamakua part of the Saddle Road.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the Hamakua district.

The following designated exceptional trees are adopted by ordinance.

NORTH KOHALA

The natural beauty of the leeward area of North Kohala is characterized by undulating hills and gullies. The arid landform slopes gently from the eroded higher elevations of the North Kohala Mountains to the sheltered coastal waters. The shallow soil cover and grasslands are cut by numerous gullies which empty storm waters into embayments along the coast. Akoni Pule highway bisects the area along the lower elevation and provides distant views to both the coast and uplands.

On the windward side of North Kohala, the landscape takes on the appearance of a tropical rain forest with lush green vegetation in the valleys and gulches. At the eastern end of the highway is Pololu Valley and a view down the coast towards Hamakua.

The Kohala mountains provide a backdrop to both these landscapes, and along the higher elevations of windward Kohala are green grazing lands with a panoramic vista of the coast.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the North Kohala district.

SOUTH KOHALA

The district of South Kohala has two distinct physical environments, each with its own kind of natural beauty.

The Waimea region lies in a plateau between the Kohala mountains and Mauna Kea. The Kohala mountains provide a backdrop of rolling hills and volcanic cones covered with pastures kept green by fog, fine mist, and rain. Mauna Kea provides a distant but dramatic mass as it rises steeply above the plateau. Viewed at a distance, Waimea town lies nestled at the base of the Kohala mountains.

West of Waimea, the land forms a long slope down to the arid coastline; changing in color with drops in elevation from green to pale yellow and beige to the red and browns of the coast. The edge of the coast is contrasted with green kiawe stands, pockets of white sand beaches, and coastal waters. Barren lava flows stretch down from Mauna Loa and meet the sea near the southern boundary of South Kohala.

Between these two extremes, the range of landscape quickly changes. Along the mauka road to North Kohala, there are impressive viewplanes to Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai.

The pastures and pu’u immediately above Waimea Town have been identified as a vista of exceptional natural beauty. This area is best defined by running an imaginary line from the top of the trees below Hokuula west to the trees at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and east to the tree line above Church Row.

The following list of sites are examples of natural beauty in the South Kohala district.