HILO — The Ka‘u Community Development Plan is nearing completion.
Following an agency review, the plan is coming back before a steering committee of district residents, 18 months after they completed their draft.
The committee will review changes, which the Hawaii County Planning Department describes as non-substantive, April 25 at the Na‘alehu Community Center. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
The plan will then go to the Windward Planning Commission May 10. The meeting also will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the community center.
The commission will consider approving the plan, which also requires County Council approval, June 1.
The plan will act as a road map for how development in Ka‘u will occur.
It’s the result of eight years of talk-story groups and other meetings in the rural district, which encompasses 922 square miles and more than 80 miles of mostly undeveloped coastline.
While residents gave economic development a priority, they also don’t want to sacrifice their values, the plan says.
The document includes 150 policies regarding land use and other issues.
Regarding settlement, it focuses on infill in existing communities, limiting shoreline development and preserving agricultural and historical lands.
It also says any resort development should compliment the area’s character, protect the environment and natural beauty, respect existing lifestyles and cultural practices, provide shoreline access and affordable housing.
To view the document, visit www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.