Community voices shape future of urban development plan

A special meeting of the Planning and Economy Committee convened on August 12, 2024, at Kaimuki High School to discuss the revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan Bill 24, 2024. The meeting, attended by committee members and local council representatives, aimed to gather community feedback on the proposed development plan that will influence growth from Kahala to Pearl City.

Council Chair Waters and Councilmember Say led the discussions, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping the future of their districts. The meeting was structured to include a presentation from the Department of Planning and Permitting, followed by public testimony. Attendees were informed that this was an in-person meeting, with no virtual testimony options available.

The proposed Bill 24 seeks to repeal the existing development plan and introduce a new framework that reflects updated planning strategies. Councilmembers highlighted the diverse needs of their districts, with Councilmember Say noting the contrasts between areas of public housing and affluent neighborhoods.

Public testimony was encouraged, with registered speakers given priority. The first speaker, Lori Yamada, expressed support for the bill while raising questions about the implications for specific areas within the districts, particularly regarding the potential designation of certain neighborhoods as special districts.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to engaging with residents to ensure that the development plan aligns with community aspirations and addresses local concerns.