The preparation of the kona region community development plan: A case study in visioning and visualization

Abstract

This case study documents the use of visual simulation in the visioning process in the formulation of the Community Development Plan (CDP) for the Kona Region of Hawaii. The adopted CDP translated the broad goals and policies of Hawaii County’s General Plan into specific actions and priorities for the varied geographies in North and South Kona which included • design of a land develop code, • funding for and location of new roads and public transportation, • green infrastructure, • water supply and waste treatment infrastructure, and • affordable housing. The design of the CDP civic engagement visioning process fully integrated technical analyses and visual simulation which were used to delineate issues, frame choices, and engage the public in making informed decisions. These tools and methods are critical as a large part of the public process, which included workshops and charrettes, was dedicated to the issues of accommodating and locating future growth and the character of new compact development in Hawaii’s fragile natural and native cultural landscape.