Hawai’i County Zoning and Subdivision Code Amendments
Project Background
The County of Hawai'i is initiating a process to analyze, update, and amend the Zoning & Subdivision Codes (Chapters 25 and 23) of the 1983 Hawai'i County Code. The last comprehensive reviews were in 1996 and 1993, respectively. The purpose of the update is to implement updates to the general plan and various comprehensive development plans, provide for more predictability, increase consistency, incorporate best practices in land use and zoning, promote desirable and equitable development, and meet the needs of the Hawai'i Island community.
The County of Hawai'i is supported in this effort by a consultant team including Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Orion Planning and Design, and SSFM International. The process is expected to last approximately 18 months and will include several rounds of community engagement with virtual and in-person public meetings, focus groups, and online open houses.
The zoning and subdivision codes are the implementation mechanisms to implement the general plan and community development plans. Therefore, rewriting and updating these ordinances is important to facilitate growth and redevelopment. Your input will be critical to shape development in the County of Hawai'i and help us better understand how to use zoning to accomplish general plan goals.
Have Questions?
What is a Zoning Ordinance?
A document that defines how property in specific geographic zones can be used. A zoning ordinance typically regulates such items as lot size, structure placement, density, architectural style, development character, and the height of structures. Zoning ordinances also describe the procedures for how to develop land, how to change zones, how to deviate from the standards, and handle any zoning rule infractions.
What is a Subdivision Ordinance?
A subdivision ordinance contains the regulations for subdividing and platting of land, providing for the preparation of plats and providing for the installation of utilities, streets and other improvements.
Who are the teams working on this project?
Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) are the prime Consultants. Orion Planning + Design (OPD) and SSFM International (SSFM) are helping lead the project.
REA is the project lead. They will be focused on code review, drafting the documents, and editing the documents. They will help facilitate and lead public outreach regarding project updates. And will develop supporting graphics and illustrations.
OPD will assist REA in code review, drafting and editing documents, and public outreach and facilitation.
SSFM will help with public outreach and facilitation.
How can I get involved?
There are multiple outlets to keep you involved in the process.
You can submit comments through the "contact us" page, sign up for the project email list, attend upcoming community meetings and events, participate in virtual meetings when offered, and submit comments via Konveio as draft documents are made available.
How can I sign up to receive email notifications to stay up-to-date in the project?
This planning process will be using an email subscription service. Click here to be redirected to add your name and the best email address to be contacted at. Once you have signed up, you will begin receiving emails from the consultant team about upcoming meetings, when documents are posted for review, and about any engagement opportunities that are upcoming.
When will documents be available to review?
The complete initial analysis will be complete between January and March 2023. Staff will review the preliminary drafted documents between March through June of 2023. Edits will be made by the consultant team based on the feedback from the staff and a second preliminary draft will be sent back for further review. Additional field testing will be done throughout August by the consultant teams, another round of review will be done by the staff, and a final draft for public review will be posted towards the end of 2023.
The first official draft of the zoning and subdivision ordinances will be available for the public to review at the end of 2023. However, this process will be transparent meaning the community will be able to follow allow with the staff and consultant teams as the zoning and subdivision ordinances are drafted.
Where can I access the drafted documents and leave my feedback?
You can keep up-to-date with consultant drafts and staff comments using Konveio.
When will the project be complete?
The planning process and final documents are anticipated to be completed in March of 2024.
Documents
