HAWAII ISLAND – Big Island residents will soon have the chance to express their thoughts on Hawaii Island’s long-term physical development.

Next week, the Hawaii County Planning Department will hold two Public Input Forums in relation to the County General Plan, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive review.

The General Plan is reviewed approximately every ten years, county planners say, and the existing plan was adopted in 2005. Officials say these forums are the next round of the more formal public input process with other opportunities to come.

The current review began 18 months ago when Planning Director, Duane Kanuha, invited initial comments from the general public, community development plan (CDP) action committees, planning commissions, the Hawaii County Council, and various county/state agencies. The Planning Department has reviewed initial public input and has used data and analyses to develop a series of alternative scenarios for future patterns of growth and development.

“The General Plan affects everyone on Hawaii Island as it sets the tone for all physical improvements and developments,” said director Duane Kanuha. “We encourage people in every island community to attend the input forums and share thoughts on our island’s long-term direction.”

The community can provide feedback at these two the public input forums:

East Hawaii: Tuesday, August 23
6:00 – 8:00pm
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401, County Council Chambers, Hilo
Residents may also participate at remote sites:

• Waimea Community Center – 65-1260 Kawaihae Road
• Pahoa Neighborhood Facility – 15-2910 Puna Road
• Naalehu Community Center – 95-5635 Māmalahoa Highway
• Kona Council Chambers – 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A

West Hawaii: Thursday, August 25
6:00 – 8:00pm
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A, County Council Chambers, Kona Residents may also participate at remote sites:

• Waimea Community Center – 65-1260 Kawaihae Road
• Pahoa Neighborhood Facility – 15-2910 Puna Road
• Naalehu Community Center – 95-5635 Māmalahoa Highway
• Hilo Council Chambers – 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1401

County planners say the Public Input Forums will be made available online after the events to provide for additional public review and comments.

After the forums, the Planning Department will analyze all input received and research gathered, along with upcoming small group stakeholder meetings, to develop recommendations forGeneral Plan revisions, which are anticipated for public review and comment by Summer of 2017.

For more information, visit the county’s General Plan website and/or Facebok page.