Hawaii County has extended the public comment period to April 1 for the General Plan Comprehensive Review and Update.
The extension comes in response to numerous requests from community members, ensuring ample time for valuable feedback and the release of the policy rationale document now available on the General Plan website: https://cohplanning.konveio.com/gp-draft.
The General Plan — a document shaping the future of Hawaii County for the next 25 years — “plays a pivotal role in addressing community challenges, harnessing opportunities and creating a shared vision,” according to a county press release.
It covers a broad spectrum of crucial topics, including active living, climate change, quality jobs, housing choice and affordability, local economy and traffic.
“We extend our gratitude to all the communities, stakeholders, county and state agencies, Community Development Plan Action Committees and the Hawaii County Council, who have actively engaged in the extensive public outreach process and provided the thousands of comments already received,” Zendo Kern, director of the Planning Department, said in the press release.
“The General Plan is more than just a document; it is a living roadmap for the direction of our county and our communities,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in the release.
Following the conclusion of the extended public comment period, planners will evaluate and incorporate the feedback received into a final recommended draft, marking the beginning of the adoption process.
The final recommended draft will be forwarded to the Windward and Leeward Planning commissions for separate hearings.
All community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the process, offering their testimonies during the hearings. The County Council is responsible for the final review and adoption and will also provide an opportunity for public testimony.
To stay informed about upcoming events, progress, and the overall process, interested individuals can sign up for the department’s eNews at www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/connect.
For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720. Or call (808) 961-8288 or email GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov.
