Ko’olau Loa Sustainable Communities Draft Plan
After two years of community engagement, a number of the ideas generated through the Envision Lā‘ie process are now included in the Ko‘olau Loa Sustainable Communities Plan that was released this week as a Public Review Draft by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
Included in the plan is room for BYU–Hawaii to grow, workforce and affordable housing in Malaekahana, bike trails, and road construction to improve the Cane Haul Road to alleviate traffic on the Kamehameha Highway.
Now, more than ever, it’s time for our community to be engaged. In fact, this is just the beginning of a long public process. Your input is vital. The deadline for public comment (in writing) is December 15. To learn more about the updated plan and its significance for area residents, please plan to attend the Ko‘olau Loa Neighborhood Board meeting on Thursday, October 14 at 6 p.m. at the Hau‘ula Community Center.
There will be many opportunities to make your voice heard—through letters, emails and written testimony. We’ll let you know as they arise. There will be public hearings as well. We’ll strive to link you to news stories about the process here at www.envisionlaie.com.
Following the Public Review, the DPP will finalize the Sustainable Communities Plan and forward it to the Planning Committee (an advisory body of citizens appointed by the Mayor.) Then the Planning Commission holds public hearings and forwards its recommendations to the City Council, where there are more opportunities for public testimony.
Once the KSCP is adopted, it will become the foundation for planning for the Ko‘olau Loa region for the next 10 years. Most importantly, it’s about ensuring a future that protects the quality of life and emphasizes the values of the people who live in the Ko‘olau Loa region.
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