HILO, Hawaii – The Hilo council chamber was packed on Tuesday night with Big Island residents interested in helping to shape the future of Hawaii County.

The crowd filled the seats to hear a presentation given by county planners who are working on an update to the Hawaii County General Plan.

Attendees also had a chance to provide some input with the push of a button. Using a remote control, the audience was polled on various topics and ideas, and the collective results were integrated into the planning department’s presentation.

Big Island Video News recorded the entire presentation and the video is posted above.

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.

A secnd, nearly identical meeting will be held in Kona on Thursday, August 25 from 6:00 tp 8:00pm at the County Council Chambers in the West Hawaii Civic Center.