Frequently Asked Questions
Among the newer issues that the General Plan update will address are:
- Multimodal transportation (walking, biking, transit) and reduction of vehicle traffic
- Climate change and its potential impacts to Kaua‘i’s environment and economy
- Smart Growth Principles and Form-based code as tools to preserve community character and open space between communities
- The role of community members, non-profits, and private sector in implementation
- How the County can prioritize and finance implementation measures
We are all affected by many of the same concerns about Kaua‘i’s future:
- Are there enough opportunities for our keiki to live and work on Kaua‘i?
- How can more of us make a good living and have access to the housing we need?
- What happens to tourism if our beaches and corals are damaged due to climate change and erosion?
- Can the roads, water systems, sewage, and waste disposal systems handle more growth?
- How can Kaua‘i retain its rural character?
- Is it realistic for Kaua‘i to produce more of its own food, energy, and supplies and become more self-sufficient?
- How can we protect our special places, beliefs, and community values?
Kaua‘i is a resilient and independent island, the only island never conquered by Kamehameha I, and to have survived two devastating hurricanes in recent history. Pulling together to accomplish shared goals is a familiar concept to Kaua‘i’s people, and will be an asset in bringing people together to help define and implement a vision for Kaua‘i’s future.
- Sustainability and the Countywide Vision for 2035
- Natural Resource Management and Conservation
- Cultural and Heritage Resources
- Economic Development
- Affordable and Workforce Housing
- Agricultural Lands and Food Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Climate Change and Hazard Preparedness
- Open Space and Access
- Parks
- Public Services
- Pedestrian Networks
- Bicycle Networks
- Transit
- Roads and Traffic
- Harbors and Airports
- Public Health and Community Design
- Growth Management and Community Character
- Growth Management and Supporting Infrastructure
Consultants: SSFM International, Opticos Design Inc., Collaborative Economics, Economic & Planning Systems, Metroquest, PBR Hawaiʻi, Charlier Associates Inc.
The GP is also supported by a Community Advisory Committee. Click here to learn more.
Key Issues
- A “garden island” of natural beauty
- A rural environment with towns and open spaces
- A vital modern society with many cultures
- Distinctly individual towns and communities
- Pride in historic places, ancient languages, and cultural traditions
- A population size and economy that sustains Kaua’i’s natural beauty, rural environment, and lifestyle
- Best practices in roads, public facilities, land development, and environmental regulations to protect land and water
- An agricultural center for crops, food, and forest products
- A resort destination with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities
- Protection of residents’ relationship to the land and use of special places
- Government support for the labor force and small business owners
Does this vision still ring true? How would you change it?