The County of Kaua‘i Planning Department is pleased to announce the start of the East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation Plan and invites the community to get involved.

To kick off the project, a community open house will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, July 25, at “Kalukalu at 1624” Economic Resilience Center located at 1624 Kūhiō Highway, Kapa‘a (also known as the former Otsuka Building). This is a family-friendly event and food will be provided.

At the open house, the project team will share information and findings of early technical studies conducted on the needs of the district. The open house will also provide a space for collective visioning and discussion around the desired future for East Kaua‘i and key issues and opportunities to be addressed in the plan.

The East Kaua‘i Community and Circulation Plan is intended to build on previous community planning efforts from the 2018 Kaua‘i Kākou General Plan with a focus on  the unique challenges and opportunities of the East Kaua‘i district. The plan will include guidance for future land use, key policy areas, and capital expenditures through 2045.

“The theme for the islandwide General Plan update was ‘Kaua‘i Kākou’, which recognized that we need to work together to plan for our future. This theme rings true for this new district-specific project,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “This process will help to ensure that the qualities that make East Kaua‘i so unique and special are maintained and perpetuated for the future of our island and people.”

To gather public input, the Planning Department is hosting a series of community events including open houses, design workshops, policy review workshops, and targeted outreach to youth, kūpuna, and other stakeholders. The project website will feature virtual open houses, surveys, and other ways for people to engage and provide comments. Mayor Kawakami has also convened a Community Working Group to help guide the planning process with representatives from various sectors, including agriculture, business, culture and the environment, tourism, as well as community representatives from around the district.

The community open house on July 25 is an in-person event that will be paired with an online open house and survey available at PlanKauai.com from July 25 through August 28. Anyone who completes the survey will also be eligible to win one of two $50 gift card prizes.

“This plan is all about community-driven solutions, and we can't do it without you,” said Planning Director Ka‘āina Hull. “Your ideas and feedback are crucial for shaping a plan that reflects a collective vision for East Kaua‘i. I urge everyone to join us at the community open house and participate in the survey. Your feedback will help us build a more sustainable and connected future for East Kaua‘i.”

A public draft of the plan is expected in 2025. For more information about the East Kaua‘i Community & Circulation Plan process and to sign up for the project mailing list, visit PlanKauai.com or call the Long Range Planning Division at 808-241-4050.

If you need an auxiliary aid or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Marie Williams at the Planning Department at 808-241-4050 or plankauai@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.