GENERAL PLAN COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: THANK YOU & NEXT STEPS
GENERAL PLAN COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: THANK YOU & NEXT STEPS
The County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department expresses gratitude to the communities and stakeholders who have actively participated in the extensive public outreach process during the Hawaiʻi County General Plan (GP) Comprehensive Review and Update. This comprehensive review, initiated in 2015 by the Planning Department, sought input from the island-wide community, stakeholders, numerous County and State agencies, Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committees, and the Hawaiʻi County Council. The valuable insights gathered from the community outreach activities have been instrumental in shaping the draft.
The General Plan holds significant importance for every resident of Hawaiʻi Island, as it establishes the vision, policies, and actions necessary to enhance the overall quality of life. It addresses crucial topics such as active living, climate change, quality jobs, housing choice and affordability, local economy, and traffic.
The public participation opportunity was open from September 18, 2023, to April 1, 2024. Now, planners will carefully evaluate and incorporate the feedback received into a Final Recommended Draft, marking the beginning of the adoption process. The department will release the Final Recommended Draft by July 29, 2024, and hold one last round of public workshops. At the close of the public comment period, the Final Recommended Draft and public comments will be forwarded to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions, who will have 150 days to offer their recommendations to the County Council. All community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the process, offering their valuable testimonies during the hearings. The County Council, responsible for the final review and adoption, will also provide an opportunity for public testimony.
To stay informed about upcoming events, progress, and the overall process, sign up for the Department’s eNews at www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/connect. For more information about the overall GP Comprehensive Review process, visit our website at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/comp. You may contact the Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, by phone at (808) 961-8288 or by email GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov.
