Revised Central Oahu Plan available for review and comment

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, January 23, 2015

The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is inviting comments on draft changes to the Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan (SCP). Comments are due by March 13.

The DPP will hold a workshop on Feb. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Mililani Mauka Elementary School cafeteria. The Draft Plan is available at http://bit.ly/1Ch3Vfk, and in the DPP’s 7th floor office in the Fasi Municipal Building. Copies of the plan will also be distributed at the Wahiawa/Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meeting on Jan. 26, the Pearl City Neighborhood Board Jan. 27, and the Mililani/Waipio Neighborhood Board Jan. 28.

The revised document is an update of the 2002 Central Oahu SCP, which is the city’s guide for the future of the region that includes Wahiawa, Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipio, Kunia, Waikele and Waipahu.

Proposed policy updates address:

• Climate change impacts;
• Economic opportunities, including diversified agriculture and new job centers in Wahiawa-Whitmore Village; and
• New infrastructure strategies, such as Complete Streets, and low-impact development best practices.

The plan continues to emphasize the revitalization of Waipahu through transit-oriented development, the encouragement of town centers, and more alternatives to automobile usage.

Central Oahu, as one of the three areas designated for growth under the Oahu General Plan, is expected to experience moderate growth between now and 2035, with the addition of 9,900 new housing units to accommodate projected population increases. The plan provides capacity for residential development while protecting about 10,350 acres of high-quality agricultural land.

The final proposed plan revisions are expected to be complete later this year, and sent to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration.

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