West Kaua‘i Community Plan Open House Events to Start Aug. 18

The County of Kaua‘i is launching the West Kaua‘i Community Plan to update two outdated regional development plans: the Hanapēpē-‘Ele‘ele Development Plan (1974) and the Waimea-Kekaha Development Plan (1978), according to a county news release.

The plan will utilize a participatory process to develop new recommendations for land use, housing, town character, public facilities and infrastructure. Climate change, sea level rise, social equity and historic and cultural resource protection will also be addressed.

“I am excited for the West Side to plan for their future and address concerns like housing and transportation,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said. “Together we can ensure the best possible future for our keiki.”

To launch the public process, the Planning Department is holding a series of free events in August:

• Saturday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hanapēpē Library;
• Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Kaua‘i Technology and Visitor Center;
• Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kaumakani Neighborhood Center; and
• Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center.

The open house events will include an informational gallery walk, a vision wall and a youth-oriented creation station. Short presentations will also be held. All are invited to attend.

To raise awareness of the public process and open house meetings, the County Planning Department conducted informal roaming outreach on Aug. 10, via a mobile outreach cart. For the detailed open house and pop-up schedules, please visit www.westkauaiplan.org.

Port Allen in Hanapepe. Photo courtesy of County of Kaua‘i

“This first phase of the public process is called ‘Discovery.’ It’s where we build capacity, identify issues, and create a vision. This will be followed by solution building through in-depth topical workshops in the fall,” Planning Director Michael Dahilig said.

The anticipated project timeframe is 18 to 24 months. Carvalho has also appointed community leaders and stakeholders to a focus group that will help the Planning Department guide the process and plan development.

Visit www.westkauaiplan.org or contact the Long Range Planning Division at 241-4050 or plankauai@kauai.gov for more information.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support or an interpreter for a language other than English, contact the number and email above at least seven calendar days before the event.