The vision for the North Shore described in the preceding chapter will be implemented
through application of land use policies, principles, and guidelines.
The region's character is typified by pockets of low-rise, small-scale rural centers and
residential communities surrounded by large expanses of agricultural lands, open space,
and scenic view planes. To assure that this is maintained, proposed land use policies
need to reflect an islandwide regional growth policy, resource protection, and community
desires to maintain the region's rural setting and unique physical and lifestyle character.
These policies focus on the preservation of agricultural lands and open space while
directing limited growth toward Haleiwa and Waialua.
Proposed land use policies are intended to outline policies for future actions and agency
decision making once the Plan is adopted. General policies are broad statements of intent
that express the City's overall philosophy toward particular land uses. Planning principles
and guidelines provide more specific guidance to public agencies and private entities in
terms of planning, design and implementation of projects and programs in the various land
use categories.
It is intended that existing current uses and structures that are legal but are not reflected
by the proposed Sustainable Communities Plan policy would be recognized as existing
uses and allowed to remain at their locations in their current purpose, character, and level
of use. Future proposed land use changes at those locations, however, would have to
conform with policies of the adopted Sustainable Communities Plan.
3.1 OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Open space preservation is a key element of the vision for the North Shore. The natural
landscape (the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, coastal pali, gulches, and shoreline
areas) and man-made elements (agricultural fields and parks) are key open space
resources that define the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan area. Preservation
of these resources is essential in maintaining the rural character of the North Shore.
To ensure integrated resource management practices, from the sea to the mountains,
utilize the resource conservation and land use management principles of ahupua'a. These
principles, adapted and applied to current land use activities and environmental regulatory
and management practices, should reflect the interrelationship between land-based and
marine-based natural resources. From the forested watersheds of the Koolau and
Waianae ranges, to the streams, coastal wetlands, cultivated fields, and rural settlement
areas, resource management practices should promote effective management of these
resources and deter land-based activities which contribute to their degradation. In
particular, care should be taken to avoid or minimize chemical runoff and other “nonpoint”
contaminants into aquatic and marine habitats. References such as the Coastal NonpointPollution Control Program
(See footnote 1) should be used to guide land use planning, management, and
construction activities.
The vast majority of the open space elements in the region are designated as
Preservation, Agriculture, and Park on the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan.
Of the 77,050 acres of land within the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan area,
approximately 96 percent are in open space uses, including 53 percent designated as
Preservation, 40 percent as Agriculture, and 3 percent as Park.
Preservation areas include lands with significant environmental resources, as shown on
Exhibit 3.1. They include watersheds; sites with scenic, historic, cultural, archaeologic or
ecologic significance; and areas with natural ecosystems of endemic plants, fish and
wildlife. They may also include lands that may be impacted by natural hazard such as
tsunami-prone or flood hazard areas, or steep slopes.
3.1.1 General Policies
The following are general policies for the preservation of open space and the natural
environment:
. Retain the North Shore's rural character
. Protect significant natural features
. Protect ecologically sensitive lands
. Preserve cultural and historic features
. Provide recreational resources
. Protect scenic views
. Define community boundaries
3.1.2 Planning Principles
The general policies listed above provide the basis for the following principles:
. Ahupua'a Land Use and Resource Management. Adapt Hawaiian
conservation and management values into land use and resource
management practices based on respect for natural and cultural processes,
love and stewardship of the land, a search for balance and harmony with
nature, and recognition and respect for the close interrelationships between
land-based and marine-based resources. Implement resource management
practices from the sea to the mountains, such as those recommended in the
State of Hawaii's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program. Retain the
natural drainage and stream system, including appropriate buffer areas, andimplement best management practices in agricultural land use and
operations.
Figure
. Long-Range Protection of Agricultural Lands. Agricultural fields are
desirable open space elements. To preserve open space and the rural
character of the North Shore, policies should be implemented to support the
continuation of agricultural uses on agricultural lands.
.
Preservation of Scenic Views. Scenic resources include the Waianae and
Koolau Mountain Ranges, coastal pali, the coastline, and the Pacific Ocean.
Views of these resources from public places, including major roadways,
should be preserved. More open space should be provided along the
shoreline to preserve and enhance views of the ocean. New developments
should seek to minimize impact on these scenic resources.
.
Protection of Recreational Resources. Recreational resources include the
ocean, beach parks, regional parks, district parks, community parks, and
other quasi-public recreational facilities. These resources are important to
the North Shore's open space quality and should be protected.
.
Accessibility of Recreational Open Space. Public parks should be
accessible for recreational use. The shoreline and mountain areas should
also be made accessible; and appropriate recreational opportunities, such
as biking, walking, running and equestrian activities, should be provided in
ways consistent with principles of sound natural resource management.
Allowable uses should be limited to activities which do not require intensive
facility development, do not detract from, degrade, or deplete natural
resource values, and do not create or intensify hazardous conditions.
.
Protection of Ecologically Sensitive Lands. Natural resources and
ecosystems (such as streams, wetlands, fishponds, and drainageways)
should be maintained and enhanced as open space elements. Protective
buffer zones and setbacks around biologically sensitive areas should be
created to minimize habitat disturbance.
.
Limit Impacts from Utility Installations. If utility installations are permitted
in this district, they should be developed and/or managed in ways that
maintain or enhance the natural, cultural, and visual resource qualities.
.
Location of New Developments. New developments should be located
within or next to already existing developments within the Rural Community
Boundary. Developed areas should be kept compact to preserve open
space. Desired or necessary land uses such as affordable housing and
public facilities such as schools should be balanced with the need to
preserve open space.
3.1.3 Guidelines
The following provides a brief description of regional open space resources on the North
Shore, followed by guidelines to carry out the general policies and planning principles
related to each open space element.
3.1.3.1 Mountain Areas
Mountain areas within the North Shore include both the Koolau and Waianae Mountain
Ranges. Mountain areas are designated as Preservation and most of them are in the
State Conservation District. Some acreages along the foothills of the Waianae Mountain
Range are designated as Preservation but are still in the State Agriculture District. These
lands should be rezoned to P-2 as most of them have slopes of 30 percent or more and
some contain endemic plants; but they should remain in the State Agriculture District, so
as to allow for some agricultural uses that are permitted on P-2 lands, such as forestry and
livestock grazing, where appropriate, which would help to contain the threats of brush fire
on the mountain slopes.
Within the State Conservation District are several significant environmental resources,
including the following Forest Reserves and Natural Area Reserves:
Forest Reserves Natural Area Reserves
- Kuaokala Forest Reserve - Pahole Natural Area Reserve
- Mokuleia Forest Reserve - Mount Kaala Natural Area Reserve
- Paumalu Forest Reserve - Kaena Natural Area Reserve
Forest Reserves contain watershed areas, where falling rain is intercepted by trees and
other vegetation where it then seeps slowly through the soil to recharge underground water
supplies and streams. Forest Reserves also serve as wildlife refuges and recreational
areas. Some contain protection areas, such as the Natural Area Reserves, as well as
public hunting areas. Most of the Forest Reserve areas are open to the public for certain
recreational uses, such as hiking, camping, and seasonal hunting; while some are
considered closed watershed areas, which means that the public is prohibited from
entering without a permit. Forest Reserves are important resources for protecting
watersheds, aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitats, undisturbed ecosystems, and rare native
species while providing forestry use and public recreation.
Natural Area Reserves were established by the State to protect and preserve
representative examples of the Island's unique native ecosystems and geological
formations. They require active management to counteract damage from feral animals
such as pigs, goats, deer, and cattle, noxious weeds, and human disturbance. Permanent
funding and staffing are needed to continue careful management of these areas.
Access to the mountain areas is available via hiking trails. The Kuaokala Trail, Mokuleia
Trail, and Kealia Trail form a network that passes through the Mokuleia Forest Reserve
and the Pahole Natural Area Reserve. In Pupukea, the Kaunala Trail passes through the
Paumalu Forest Reserve. A number of trails are on private lands and permission is
needed for access to these private trails.
The Natural Area Reserves, Forest Reserves, and public trail systems are managed by the
State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Mountainous land forms also include coastal pali which occur mauka of many of the North
Shore's shoreline areas. Their scenic characteristics should be protected and preserved
for general public enjoyment.
Guidelines pertaining to mountain areas are as follows:
. Maintain, protect and/or restore native forests and ecosystems within the
State Conservation District and Sustainable Communities Plan Preservation
District. Ensure the protection of conservation lands on the Kaena coastline
and Mokuleia foothills.
. Identify and protect endangered species habitats, native ecosystems, and
other important ecologically sensitive areas, including the Natural Area
Reserves and Forest Reserves, from such threats as fire, alien species, feral
animals, and human activity.
. Encourage reforestation and expansion of forested areas for the
preservation of native species, watershed protection, and aesthetic
enhancement. Protect possible candidates for future Natural Area Reserves,
including the Central Koolau Mountains, which contain watershed forests and
several wet lowland plant communities; Upper Makaleha (adjacent to Pahole
Natural Area Reserve), which contains several rare and vulnerable dryland
and mesic communities; and an extension to the Kaena Point Natural Area
Reserve that would lend protection to rare coastal plant communities.
. Avoid disturbances caused by utility corridors and other uses on areas with
high concentrations of native species.
. Support public-private partnership in cooperative efforts to preserve and
manage watersheds, native ecosystems, and other environmental resources.
Encourage coordination of natural resource protection and management
efforts between the State DLNR and private landowners, as well as with
U.S. Military, especially where the Kahuku and Kawailoa Training Areas
overlap with environmentally sensitive areas.
. Acquire and maintain public access easements to trail heads and public
campgrounds, including parking and signage at trailheads, where
appropriate. Such access should be required, as appropriate, for any
development.
. Support State efforts to seek opportunities for cooperative agreements with
private landowners to gain access to trails leading to public lands.
. Maintain and enhance mauka trail systems by implementing the
recommendations in the State's Na Ala Hele Program Plan.
. Identify historic trails and old government roads of cultural and recreational
value to the public.
3.1.3.2 Shoreline Areas
The North Shore's shoreline extends for over 27 miles between Kaena Point and Waialee.
This world-renowned shoreline provides residents and visitors with significant active and
passive recreational resources and is a key element in defining the region's rural character
and lifestyle. In addition to their recreational and cultural value, shoreline areas are critical
to the health of the coastal marine ecosystem, flood and erosion prevention, and also
provide significant scenic value.
The North Shore shoreline varies from the rugged rocky coastline at Kaena Point to the
popular sandy beach at Sunset Beach. Portions of the shoreline, notably portions of
Mokuleia, Kawailoa, and Sunset Point, have experienced beach narrowing or loss due to
erosion activity, as a result of natural shoreline processes, development and armoring
along the shoreline. An integrated coastal erosion management system to mitigate beach
erosion and preserve coastal resources is needed. The State Department of Land and
Natural Resources (DLNR) has developed a Coastal Lands Program to manage growth
along the state's shoreline to balance conservation and development, and to oversee the
implementation of technical recommendations and policies embodied in the Coastal
Erosion Management Plan (COEMAP) to ensure sustainable coastal development.
Guidelines for shoreline areas include the following:
. Preserve rare coastal resources including coastal strand vegetation, sand
dunes, and archialine pools. Establish buffer zones around these areas
where necessary. Discourage off-road vehicle use in ecologically sensitive
areas.
. Protect nearshore coral reefs from damaging activities such as soil erosion,
nonpoint source pollution, dredging of coral reefs, and alterations to
nearshore water circulation.
. Support research to determine causes of coastal erosion and identify
appropriate management strategies to avoid future erosion hazards.
Encourage interagency coordination and public/private cooperation in
developing and implementing beach management plans, with an emphasis
on nonstructural approaches.
. Discourage development or activities which result in beach loss. Encourage
development or activities which result in beach preservation or
enhancement.
. Maintain and expand public beach access to the shoreline and lateral
shoreline access along the coast, especially in areas with high recreational
or scenic value, including the shoreline along Sunset and Kawailoa where
access to popular sandy beaches and surf spots are in demand. Public
access should generally be no more than 1/2 mile apart in undeveloped
areas and no more than 1/4 mile apart in developed areas. Acquire
shoreline properties as opportunities arise or obtain public use easements
and maintenance agreements with private landowners, especially lands
adjacent to existing public parks.
. Maintain and enhance existing views along the coastal highway. Avoid
visual obstructions such as walls, and clear shrubs and vegetation on vacant
State- and County-owned properties to maintain views of the ocean from
public roadways along the shoreline.
. Where structures are permitted on lands abutting the shoreline, adequate
setbacks should be provided. Establish greater shoreline setbacks for new
structures in erosion hazard areas, using criteria from the various shoreline
studies. New structures should incorporate building styles compatible with
coastal hazards such as coastal erosion, tsunami and hurricane overwash.
Buildings should adhere to the City's and FEMA minimum building elevations
and architectural guidelines.
. Preserve and enhance native and other resident fish and aquatic species
populations and habitats, including nearshore coral reefs, through active
protection and management practices. Efforts to enhance opportunities for
commercial and recreational fishing should use management practices and
techniques that sustain fish populations and habitat quality so as to maintain
a quality aquatic environment for public enjoyment.
. Obtain use of Federal and State lands and waters and acquire available
excess lands for coastal recreation and improved shoreline access.
. Base governmental expenditures for coastline maintenance and
improvements on actual site usage (including visitors) rather than on island
population ratios or land values.
. Place sand from channel, stream, and harbor mouth dredging projects on
local beaches.
3.1.3.3 Wetlands
Wetlands are generally described as areas which are covered or saturated with water,
whose substrate is primarily characterized by undrained moist or saturated soils and which
support water-loving plants. Wetlands are important environmental resources that can
provide irreplaceable benefits including flood protection, water quality improvements,
habitat for fish and wildlife, and opportunities for recreation, education, and research. The
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency as well as State and County agencies have
responsibilities for the protection and management of wetlands.
On the North Shore, the following are the significant wetland areas:
- Haleiwa Marsh
- Ukoa Wetland
- Loko Ea Fish Pond
- Kalou Marsh
- Crowbar Ranch Wetland
- Dillingham Field Ponds
- Waimea Wetland and Estuary
- Haleiwa Lotus Fields
Guidelines pertaining to wetland areas are as follows:
. Preserve and maintain all North Shore wetlands and wildlife habitats. When
considering future activities/construction in the vicinity of biologically
sensitive areas such as wetlands, the preferred sequence will be to:
- avoid ecologically sensitive areas entirely;
- if not possible, minimize project effects; and
- if negative effects are unavoidable, require mitigation that will offset
the loss of resources.
Encourage interagency coordination and public-private partnership in
planning and management efforts of these resources.
. Protect Ukoa Pond, which has been identified by the State Wetlands
Resources Plan as a top-priority wetland. Protection can be achieved
through fee acquisition, land banking, cooperative agreements with public
agencies and private landowners, conservation easements, and other
strategies.
. Promote the development of an aquaculture center and nature reserve
around Loko Ea Pond that would serve as an attraction for both visitors and
residents. It could feature a working aquaculture farm utilizing Loko Ea Pond
and include educational programs on modern aquaculture techniques andthe history of the Pond and the heiau. The facility could also include
walkways extending north to Ukoa Pond for interpretive nature walks.
3.1.3.4 Natural Gulches, Streams, and Drainageways
The ridges and valleys of the Koolau and Waianae Mountain Ranges form streams and
natural drainageways which are integral elements of the open space on the North Shore.
Several intermittent and perennial streams provide essential habitat for Hawaii's flora and
fauna. To protect stream resources, major streams and stream corridors are designated
as Preservation on the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan.
Streams are also the primary means for carrying water from the inland areas to the ocean
and are normally capable of handling runoff from normal rainfall amounts. During periods
of intense rainfall, however, a number of these drainageways overflow (see Section 4.6).
The following are the significant gulches and streams on the North Shore:
- Makaleha Stream/Gulch - Anahulu Stream/Kawailoa Gulch
- Kaukonahua Stream/Gulch - Waimea River
- Kiikii Stream - Kaiwikoele Stream/Gulch
- Poamoho Stream/Gulch - Kamananui Stream/Gulch
- North Poamoho Stream/Gulch - Elehaha Stream/Gulch
- Paukauila Stream - Kalunawaikaala Stream/Gulch
- Helemano Stream/Gulch - Pakulena Stream/Gulch
- Opaeula Stream/Gulch - Kaunala Gulch
Guidelines pertaining to natural gulches and drainageways are as follows:
. Preserve the aesthetic and biological values of the natural gulches, streams,
and drainageways as part of the North Shore's open space system. Where
feasible, establish wildlife habitat protective buffer zones and/or setbacks
along rivers, streams, and shoreline areas. Where possible, provide public
access to these open space and recreational resources.
. Minimize soil erosion, runoff of pesticides, fertilizers and other nonpoint
source contaminants into streams, wetlands, and marine habitats. In
addition to stream setbacks, utilize erosion control devices, integrated pest
management plans, and revegetation of disturbed areas. Incorporate
erosion control measures and best management practices, as recommended
in the State Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, to prevent pollution
of wetlands, streams, estuaries, and nearshore waters.
. Limit uses in these areas to conservation uses, compatible recreational uses
such as hiking, traditional hunting, fishing, gathering, religious and cultural
practices, and controlled diversion for agricultural purposes. Avoid
development in ecologically sensitive areas; if activities are allowed,minimize impacts and implement mitigative measures that will fully offset any
loss of resources.
. Preserve and maintain the natural streams and drainageways within the
developed areas by designating them as part of the open space system. To
the extent possible, limit any modifications to natural gulches and
drainageways, unless they are necessary for flood protection, to preserve
water quality and protect aesthetic and biological resources.
. If modifications are necessary, mitigate impacts on biological habitats by
using stream-side vegetation, rip-rap boulder lining of steam banks, v-
shaped bottom channels to maintain a stream flow during low rainfall
periods, and other designs to promote aeration.
. Integrate planned improvements to the North Shore drainage system into the
regional open space network by emphasizing the use of retention basins and
recreational access in the design approach.
. Establish permanent instream flow standards for perennial streams. These
standards should weigh the benefits of instream and non-instream uses of
water resources, including the economic impact of restrictions of such uses.
3.1.3.5 Agricultural Areas
The majority of the agricultural lands stretch from Mokuleia to Waimea and include the
lands previously cultivated in sugar or pineapple. Preservation of agricultural areas is
essential to maintaining the open space setting and the rural character of the region. In
addition to the Rural Community and Agriculture Boundaries, policies and guidelines are
established to protect agricultural lands from development. Policies and guidelines
pertaining to agricultural areas are listed in Section 3.2.
3.1.3.6 Parks
Parks provide important open space areas to meet the recreational needs of the North
Shore residents and islandwide visitors. While beach parks serve islandwide needs, parks
within the community meet the recreational needs of the community. In addition to meeting
recreational needs of the residents and visitors, parks play a major role in preserving the
open space setting on the North Shore. Policies and guidelines on parks are included in
Section 3.3.
3.1.3.7 Scenic Resources and Scenic Views
With its vast open spaces, scenic shorelines, and the backdrops of the Waianae and
Koolau Mountain Ranges and the coastal pali, the North Shore is blessed with an
abundance of scenic resources.
Scenic views throughout the region are identified on the Open Space Map. They include
the following:
. Views of the Waianae and Koolau Mountains, the Pacific Ocean and
shoreline, Waialua and Haleiwa Towns from Kamehameha Highway and
Kaukonahua Road as one enters into the North Shore.
. Mauka views of the Waianae Mountains from Farrington Highway,
Kaukonahua Road, Kamehameha Highway, and Weed Circle.
. Stationary views from the shoreline between Kaena Point and Makaleha
Beach.
. Views of the Waianae Mountain Range and agricultural fields from Crozier
Drive.
. Makai views of Kaukonahua Stream to Kaiaka Bay from Farrington Highway
near Thompson Corner.
. View from the Waialua Annex Bluff overlooking Kaukonahua Stream and the
open space to Kaamooloa Subdivision.
. Makai view of open space to Puuiki Beach Park from Puuiki Street and cane
haul road crossing.
. Makai views along Haleiwa Road into Haleiwa Alii Park, Haleiwa Boat Harbor
and Haleiwa Beach Park.
. Stationary mauka and makai views from Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, Haleiwa
Alii Beach Park and Haleiwa Beach Park.
. Views of Kaiaka Bay from Haleiwa Road at Paukauila Stream.
. Mauka views along Kamehameha Highway of Anahulu Stream and Loko Ea
Pond.
. Intermittent makai views from Kamehameha Highway between Kawailoa and
Sunset Beach.
. Stationary views from beach parks and access areas from Kawailoa to
Waialee Beach Park.
. Mauka views of the Koolau Mountains and Pali along Kamehameha Highway
from Haleiwa to Waialee.
. Views from the road pullover above Waimea Bay, from the shoreline at
Waimea Bay and from the coral formation at Pupukea Beach Park.
. Mauka and makai views of Waimea Valley and Bay from the Kamehameha
Highway bridge over the Waimea River.
. Lateral views from Puaena Point.
. Lateral views from Pupukea Beach Park.
. Panoramic view from the area near the hairpin turn on Kawailoa Drive.
. Panoramic view of the coast from Pupukea Heights.
. View from Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument.
. Mauka views from nearshore waters.
Guidelines pertaining to scenic resources and scenic views are as follows:
. Conduct planning with attention to preservation of natural open space,
protecting coastal and mauka views from public roadways, and conserving
important viewsheds.
Many of the region's scenic resources encompass privately owned lands.
In some cases, view reductions may come from diversified agriculture
activities which intrude into viewplanes or otherwise degrade or diminish
scenic qualities. The protection of roadway views should be balanced with
the operating requirements of diversified agriculture.
. Evaluate the impact of land use proposals on the visual quality of the
landscape, including viewplane and open space considerations.
. Locate any future overhead utilities on the mauka side of the public coastal
highway. Whenever possible, overhead utility lines and poles that
significantly obstruct public views should be relocated or placed
underground. Strong consideration should be given to placing new
transmission lines underground.
. Encourage interagency and private sector participation and cooperation in
the creation, maintenance and enhancement of views and visual resources
on the North Shore.
3.1.3.8 Utility Corridors and Greenways
Utility corridors and greenways are required to provide for a distribution system throughout
the region. Where located in settlement areas, these corridors may provide for greenways
that can serve as pedestrian or bicycle routes, if issues of safety, liability, and maintenance
can be adequately addressed.
Guidelines pertaining to utility corridors and greenways are as follows:
. Provide sufficient easement width for the major trunk lines and transmission
lines for utility systems, when their alignment is not within a road right-of-way,
to permit the growth of trees within the easement.
. When overhead transmission lines are located within or adjacent to a road
right-of-way, there should be sufficient width to permit the growth of trees
adjacent to the transmission line, consistent with the applicable operations,
maintenance, and safety requirements. The purpose of the landscaping is
to divert attention from the overhead lines and, preferably, obscure views of
the overhead line from the travelway and adjacent residential areas.
. Permit the use of utility easements for pedestrian and bicycle routes.
Encourage coordination between utility companies, landowners, pertinent
agencies, and the community to ensure that safety, liability, and maintenance
issues are adequately addressed.
. Encourage the use of indigenous vegetation that is slow growing and thus
minimizes the need to use herbicides for vegetation control.
3.1.4 Relation to Open Space Map and Land Use Map
The following areas shown on the Open Space Map and Land Use Map in Appendix A are
components of the regional open space system:
Mountain and Agricultural Areas. Mountain areas, including areas within the State
Conservation District, are designated as Preservation and located outside of the Rural
Community Boundary. Agricultural lands outside and within the Rural Community
Boundary are shown.
Natural Gulches and Drainageways. Gulches and streams outside and within the Rural
Community Boundary are indicated for preservation to maintain proper drainage functions.
Shoreline Areas and Parks. Shoreline parks and district parks are shown. Neighborhood
parks within the residential areas are not shown.
3.2 AGRICULTURE
Agricultural lands are a key component of the North Shore's rural character and open
space. Views of open cultivated fields of green extending to the mountains significantly
contribute to the visual qualities of the North Shore. The protection of agricultural lands
and agricultural uses is essential to protecting the rural character and scenic open space
setting that are so valued by the North Shore residents and visitors.
The following information on agricultural activities on the North Shore is based on an
agricultural study conducted in 1997 for the North Shore
(See footnote 2) .
Of the approximately 42,000 acres of land within the State Agricultural District, which
extend from just above the Dole Pineapple Pavilion down to Haleiwa and from Mokuleia
to Sunset Beach, around 20,000 acres of high-quality agricultural lands are suitable and
available for commercial cultivation of crops. Of these 20,000 acres, 12,000 acres in and
above Waialua and Haleiwa were released from sugar cultivation, while Dole and Del
Monte are growing pineapple on another 7,000 acres of land close to Central Oahu.
The 12,000 acres are owned by two landowners, with Dole Food Company owning half of
the 12,000 acres south of Opaeula Stream and Bishop Estate owning the other half north
of Opaeula Stream. Both are actively pursuing diversified agriculture. Land is made
available to bona fide farmers and former sugar workers, in parcels ranging in size from
1 acre to several hundred acres.
The release of former sugar lands has created new opportunities for diversified agriculture.
The majority of the 12,000 acres of former sugarcane lands have been, or will be,
replanted in a variety of crops including coffee, papaya, banana, lychees, mangoes, truck
crops, taro, flowers, cattle feed, corn seed, etc. Small-scale commercial forestry has been
initiated in the upper elevations where intensive cultivation of crops is not feasible.
Because the diversified agriculture industry is still evolving, other agricultural uses suitable
to the region may be added in the future.
In general, important agricultural lands include lands designated prime, unique or other by
the State ALISH system, rated A or B by the Land Study Bureau (LSB), and which have
irrigation sources or other enabling infrastructure. On the North Shore, the most productive
agricultural lands are located near or below the Wahiawa Reservoir Ditch. Most of these
lands are favorable for cultivation because they are well-drained and generally free of
stones; highly rated by the accepted land classification system; nearly level or gently
sloping with good machine tillability, deep soils, and adequate sunlight; served by an
extensive agriculture infrastructure network already in place (roads, irrigation and powerto drive water pumps); and located within reasonable trucking distance to serve local
markets and for overseas shipping.
Less productive lands include lands with steep slopes, lands at higher elevations where
moisture/irrigation cannot be controlled, and lands with lower-rated soils. These include
some of the Mokuleia, Kemoo and Waimea fields and fields in the foothills of the Koolau.
Only some of the agricultural lands outside the former sugarcane lands in Waialua and
Haleiwa are suitable and available for farming. Significant acreages of agricultural lands
in Mokuleia are owned by Sankyo Tsuho Company, Ltd., which operates a palm tree
nursery on a small portion of its lands and leases some acreages for equestrian and limited
ranching activities. A number of private landowners own and farm small agricultural lots
in Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, and Pupukea. Obayashi owns the proposed Lihi Lani
project above Sunset Beach which will include about 200 acres of marginal agricultural
land that will be made available for selected crops and agricultural activities, and
agricultural easements will run along the front of its country lots. Of the 225 acres above
Sunset Beach owned by Comsat, a majority is leased for grazing, with the balance used
for operation of a satellite earth station. GE American Communications, Inc. also operates
and maintains a satellite earth station on an adjoining 11-acre property. The Estate of
James Campbell owns lands above Sunset Point, some acreages of which are used as a
motorcross park. The University of Hawaii maintains two research farms in the region: the
Poamoho Agricultural Farm off Kaukonahua Road and the Waialee Livestock Research
Farm near Sunset Beach.
It is difficult to identify in advance which crop or crops will succeed and at what magnitude
this will occur. Until the various current and future entrepreneurial efforts result in one or
more major export crops, it will be important to maintain the availability of land and water
for agriculture.
To assure the successful development of diversified agriculture on the North Shore, it is
essential that agricultural lands be protected, dedicated, and committed primarily to
agricultural use. Exceptions, to be considered on a case-by-case basis, include residential
uses if they are permitted under the zoning code, outdoor recreational uses where
compatible and appropriate, environmental and educational activities that are resource
compatible, and “institutional” uses and environmentally compatible earth stations and
communications facilities, which should prove and be developed and operated to maintain
compatibility with agricultural uses.
Current impediments to diversified agriculture use or agricultural industry development
should be mitigated, minimized, or removed wherever possible. Appropriate incentives for
maintaining the long-term availability of important agricultural lands and industry
development should be explored, designed, and implemented as high priority action items
by pertinent agencies and parties.
Aquaculture. Aquaculture on the North Shore currently exists on the old quarry site near
the Dillingham Airfield, some agricultural lots in Mokuleia, along Paalaa Road in Haleiwa,
and behind Alluvion in Kawailoa. At Mokuleia, further potential for the expansion of
aquacultural activities in the vicinity of the old Quarry site exists and is being explored.
The North Shore area has significant land and water resources suitable for aquaculture
development. However, tightening regulations for water intake, underground injection
discharge and direct ocean discharge, may make many sites infeasible from a permit
approval and cost perspective.
The aforementioned 1997 agricultural study observed that under current conditions, there
appears to be greater existing aquaculture potential in Kahuku rather than the North Shore.
Nevertheless, the City continues to support ongoing efforts by existing small businesses
in the region to expand and diversify production and sales of fishes, invertebrates, and
plants for food and ornamental tanks. Entrepreneurial activities that could create
significant North Shore aquaculture opportunities should be encouraged.
With the transition from fallowed sugar fields to diversified agriculture, agricultural lands
and water for aquaculture may become available to support the development of new
aquaculture enterprises. Brackish water and marine water resources are also available
and may be utilized for aquaculture activities. Keeping existing aquaculture farms viable
and expanding the job base will require creative solutions to deal with the complex land
use issues, regulations and expenses. Aquaculture offers an economic development
alternative that could provide for a more diversified economic base for the North Shore
while protecting open space and scenic resources.
Agricultural Support Activities. Agricultural support activities are allowed on
Agriculture-designated lands, either as permitted, accessory, or conditional uses,
depending on types and intensities of activities. To promote cost-efficient use of existing
infrastructure and prevent urbanization of productive agricultural lands, agricultural support
facilities should be consolidated in designated areas. These facilities include agriculture-
related industrial and commercial uses which support crop production, harvesting, and
sales. They may include crop storage, processing, packing, and distribution facilities as
well as agriculturally-related administrative, management, marketing, and sales facilities.
These facilities should be held distinct from general forms of industrial and commercial
uses and should not present hazards or nuisances to adjacent uses. Retail sales from
these areas should be incidental to the wholesale activities.
While specific agricultural support facilities may require large structures and baseyard
operations, overall development of agricultural support areas should relate harmoniously
with adjacent commercial, residential or open space areas. Adequate buffer zones will be
maintained between agricultural support and residential districts.
The site makai of the Waialua Mill up to the cane haul road and Goodale Avenue/Waialua
Beach Road can accommodate 20 to 25 acres of agricultural support uses and is
designated as the primary agricultural support area for the region. A secondary area of 10
to 15 acres in Kawailoa near Alluvion Nurseries could accommodate similar support
activities for agricultural fields in Kawailoa.
Resource-Based Recreation. Low-intensity, low-impact, resource-sensitive recreation
or educational programs and tours of agricultural fields should be allowed where
appropriate. These activities could be permitted in areas where they do not interfere with
surrounding agricultural uses. Examples of such activities would include biking, horseback
riding, hiking, picnicking, tours of agricultural fields, botanical garden, fishponds, and taro
fields. Recreational uses involving motorized vehicles and thrill crafts which would
adversely impact on-site or adjacent agricultural activities, natural resources, drainage, or
runoff patterns would not be compatible uses.
3.2.1 General Policies
The following general policies are applicable to agricultural lands:
. Protect all important agricultural lands, regardless of current crop production
capabilities, from uses that would undermine or otherwise irreversibly
compromise their agricultural potential and crop production capabilities.
. Implement best management practices in agricultural land use and
operations to minimize soil erosion and runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, and
other nonpoint source contaminants into streams, wetlands, and marine
habitats. These would include erosion control devices, integrated pest
management plans, and revegetation of disturbed areas.
. Uses such as commercial and industrial development, public or private
schools, and residential subdivision with no bona fide agricultural activities
should not be allowed on important agricultural lands. Allowable uses may
include crop and livestock production and tree farming. Other potentially
appropriate uses include recreational or educational programs, or other uses
consistent with the character of a rural agricultural area which provide
supplemental income necessary to sustain the primary agricultural activity.
There should be a direct connection between those activities and the
maintenance of agricultural uses on the same or nearby properties.
. While minor or essential crop-specific production support facilities may be
located on these lands, major agricultural support facilities should be
concentrated at designated agricultural support areas in Waialua or
Kawailoa.
. Discourage conversion of agricultural lands to large-lot residential
subdivisions with no agricultural activities. Residential uses should be
permitted if they are accessory to agricultural activities. In all such cases,
the site's primary use should be agricultural and owners or occupants should
be actively engaged in crop or livestock production.
Agricultural subdivisions which include farm dwellings should be clustered.
They should be located near similar subdivision or rural communities.
Structures on individual sites should be clustered to maximize agricultural
production lands and reduce infrastructure costs, wherever possible.
. Identify, evaluate and implement, as an immediate high priority action item
at the State and County levels, incentives to support the diversified
agriculture industry. Support measures such as incentive-oriented zones
and tax policies which promote and facilitate diversified agricultural
enterprises.
Consider incentives to encourage landowners to provide affordable long-term
leases to farmers. Such incentives may include subdivisions with reduced
infrastructure requirements, expeditious processing, or other provisions
which reduce the cost of agricultural subdivision and enable tenants to obtain
loans or mortgages currently difficult or impossible to obtain without
subdivision. If implemented, no farm dwellings or other homes should be
allowed in reduced-infrastructure subdivisions.
3.2.2 Planning Principles
The following planning principles seek to preserve and protect agriculture on the North
Shore.
. Protect Productive Agricultural Lands. The continued productive use of
important agricultural lands, which were previously in sugarcane and are
presently in diversified agriculture or pineapple cultivation, should be
encouraged.
- Establish a Rural Community Boundary to protect agricultural lands.
Outside this boundary, land uses will be limited to agricultural
pursuits, outdoor recreation, and preservation.
- Maintain the existing agricultural infrastructure (irrigation system and
roads) to support agriculture on the North Shore.
- Discourage developing or subdividing of agriculturally designated and
zoned lands for residential or other nonagricultural uses.
- Base any subdivision of productive agricultural lands on viable
economic units for agricultural production.
. Promote Diversified Agriculture on the North Shore.
- The designation of the North Shore as an Enterprise Zone provides
tax incentives for the development of agricultural support facilities
and, in turn, toward growth of the agriculture industry. Other potential
incentives which could lower agricultural land taxes should also be
explored.
- Support the development of a property tax system that is supportive
of the conversion from traditional (i.e., sugar and pineapple) to
diversified agriculture, that recognizes the economic value of different
agricultural fields crops, and that provides tax incentives for crops that
take a long time to become productive (i.e., tree crops, coffee, etc.).
- Support agricultural research and development activities directed
toward increasing operational efficiencies, economic returns, and
effective utilization of agricultural lands and supporting infrastructure,
which enables sustainable usage of agricultural resources.
. Promote the Development of Agricultural Support Facilities.
- All qualified agricultural support uses which meet specific criteria
should be allowed on a permit basis within designated agricultural
support areas. Examples of qualified uses include:
- Administration and management of industry operations;
- Crop processing;
- Crop and product storage;
- Agricultural product marketing and sales.
Criteria for such agricultural support uses include the following:
- Uses should be linked to agricultural uses within the region.
- Uses shall be adequately separated from the nearest
residential district and meet minimum distance requirements
established by the Department of Planning and Permitting.
- Uses or the by-products of such uses shall not present health hazards
or nuisance to adjacent areas. Uses should be buffered fromadjacent residential uses to adequately minimize noise, light, air
pollution, or other environmental disturbances.
- Uses shall meet all State and County standards relating to public
health and safety.
- Additional income from small agricultural plots might be gained by
providing areas for marketing products locally, such as a farmers'
market. A suitable location should be conveniently located in or near
Haleiwa or Waialua Towns with adequate space for parking. Efforts
to find a permanent site to promote the North Shore Country Market
in the Sunset Beach vicinity should be supported.
- Retail activities promoting agricultural products grown on the North
Shore could help the agriculture industry. These can include specialty
shops, food tasting facilities, restaurants which help market products
by featuring crops grown on the North Shore, tours of agricultural
manufacturing facilities and other spin-off activities related to
diversified agriculture. These facilities should be located in or near
Haleiwa or Waialua Towns where they are easily accessible and
where adequate parking is available.
- Agriculture wholesale and distribution centers could be established in
the region to help market products from the area. In addition, local
farmers could provide tours or demonstrations of their operations and
have small-scale sales of fresh produce and by-products. These
activities should be incidental to agricultural activities and should not
interfere with the agricultural use of the site.
- Farmers would benefit from a variety of support facilities such as a
vacuum cooling plant and refrigerated storage and a fruit fly
disinfestation facility (for crops destined to the U.S. mainland or
Japan).
- Processing and packing plants may be needed along with warehouse
space to store materials and mechanical garages to maintain
equipment. Possible locations for those facilities include the primary
agricultural support area at the Waialua Mill, and the secondary
agricultural support site in Kawailoa.
. Encourage Aquaculture Uses. Optimize the mix of aquaculture production
and service businesses that can technically and economically be located in
the North Shore area. Support efforts by small businesses in the region toexpand and diversify the aquaculture industry via a variety of integrated
aquaculture activities which include education, training and job creation.
3.2.3 Guidelines
The following guidelines carry out the general policies and planning principles for
agriculture:
. Support intensive cultivation of arable agricultural lands.
. Allow limited outdoor recreational or other uses, which do not adversely
impact on-site or adjacent agricultural activities or other resources.
Examples may include camping, horseback riding, hiking, and tours of
agricultural lands.
. Permit residential uses if they are accessory to agricultural use. Where
dwellings are planned as part of an agricultural use, they should be sited and
clustered to preserve open space, maximize the use of productive
agricultural lands for agriculture and to reduce infrastructure costs.
. Integrate small-scale agriculture with marketing and/or educational programs
for residents and visitors alike. Provide areas for marketing products locally
and facilities (pathways and pavilions) where visitors could see products
being grown and processed. Possible areas could include the taro and lotus
patches in Haleiwa. Farmers should be encouraged to provide tours or
demonstrations of their operations and to have small-scale sales of fresh
produce and by-products at the farm. These activities should be incidental
to the agricultural activities and must not interfere with the agricultural use of
the site.
. Support activities toward development of skills in technology, agriculture and
related specialized industries in Waialua so that residents can seek local
employment in the area without commuting out of town for jobs. Support a
mentor program for teens to learn about agricultural practices, economics,
and business so that interest and commitment to agriculture may continue
on to future generations.
. Create an agriculture demonstration area showing various crops in different
stages of growth and processing. A sugarcane demonstration plot could
serve as the “field” exhibit of a future sugar museum.
. Encourage research, training and technology transfer activities to promote
the aquaculture industry in the region. Identify potential sites for aquaculture
or mariculture parks.
. Design and locate buildings and other facilities that are accessory to an
agricultural operation to minimize the visual impact on nearby areas and
views from arterial and major collector roads.
3.2.4 Relation to Open Space Map and Land Use Map
Agricultural lands within and outside the Rural Community Boundary are indicated on both
maps.
3.3 PARKS AND RECREATION
The North Shore area has an abundance of recreational resources and is known by surfers
around the world as a surfing capital. Recreational resources are shown in Exhibit 3.2.
The City Department of Parks and Recreation and the State Department of Land and
Natural Resources, State Parks Division, maintain control of a number of parks and
recreational facilities on the North Shore. In addition, several private and quasi-public
organizations provide recreational opportunities in the region.
. City and County Parks. The City Department of Parks and Recreation
(DPR) classifies parks according to two basic categories: “island-based
parks” and “community-based parks.” Island-based parks serve the needs
of the islandwide population. The DPR standard for islandwide parks is eight
acres per 1,000 population. They include regional parks, beach/shoreline
parks, beach/shoreline right-of-ways, botanical gardens, golf courses, and
zoological parks. The size of the park and the facilities to be provided are
based on the character of the site, intended use, and availability. The only
types of island-based parks on the North Shore are beach/shoreline parks
and right-of-ways. Existing DPR beach/shoreline parks on the North Shore
are shown in Table 3-1. Existing park facilities and right-of-ways to beach
parks are listed in the Index of Oahu Parks and Facilities (Department of
Parks and Recreation, April 1997).
Table 3-1
DPR Beach Parks on the North Shore
|
|
Park
|
Acreage
|
|
Mokuleia Beach Park*
|
38.49
|
|
Makaleha Beach Park*
|
27.72
|
|
Aweoweo Beach Park*
|
1.43
|
|
Kaiaka Bay Beach Park
|
52.83
|
|
Haleiwa Alii Beach Park
|
19.25
|
|
Haleiwa Beach Park
|
15.67
|
|
Kawailoa Beach Park
|
0.39
|
|
Waimea Bay Beach Park
|
22.16
|
|
Pupukea Beach Park
|
36.57
|
|
Banzai Rock Support Park
|
2.31
|
|
Ehukai Beach Park
|
1.21
|
|
Sunset Beach Park
|
17.73
|
|
Sunset Beach Support Park
|
2.06
|
|
Sunset Point Beach Park
|
0.93
|
|
Waialee Beach Park*
|
25.65
|
* Improvements are proposed at these beach parks which currently lack facilities.
Camping facilities are planned for Waialee Beach Park.
Figure
Kaunala Beach Park, Laniakea Beach Support Park, Kawailoa Beach
Support Park, Leftovers Beach Park, Uppers Beach Park, and Kahawai
Beach Support Park are planned additions to the DPR park system. In
addition, the City maintains a number of right-of-ways which provide access
to the shoreline.
Community-based parks are intended to provide for active recreation and
consist of Neighborhood, Community and District parks. The DPR standard
for community-based parks is 2 acres per 1,000 people, although this may
vary according to each region's situation. Community-based parks provide
courts and playing fields for various sports and serve a wide array of active
sports leagues. Existing community-based parks on the North Shore are
Kamananui Neighborhood Park, Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park, and
Waialua District Park. To expand active recreational opportunities in the
region, a couple of island-based beach parks, such as Haleiwa and Pupukea
Beach parks, are equipped with ballparks.
According to the Department of Parks and Recreation, there is currently a
shortage of community-based parks in the North Shore DP area. Based on
projected population for the year 2020, it is anticipated that there will be a
need for an additional community park (average 10 acres) and two additional
neighborhood parks (average 4 to 6 acres) for the North Shore. The DPR
has identified Aweoweo, Haleiwa Beach Park Mauka (commonly referred to
as Haleiwa Regional Park), and Puuiki Park as potential community-based
parks to address the shortage of these parks on the North Shore.
There are no existing or planned public golf courses on the North Shore.
. State Parks. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
manages two parks in the area: Kaena Point State Park and Puu o Mahuka
Heiau State Monument. The Kaena Point State Park extends from
Dillingham Airfield around Kaena Point to Makua Valley on the west side of
the Waianae Range. It is located at the end of Farrington Highway on 779
acres of land. The park offers opportunities for picnicking and shore fishing
along a relatively remote wilderness coastline. Puu o Mahuka Heiau State
Monument is situated on 5.7 acres overlooking Waimea Bay Beach Park off
Pupukea Road. A low-walled, platform-type temple with two adjoining
structures, it is Oahu's largest heiau. It is the reputed sacrifice site of
Captain George Vancouver's watering party of 1793.
. Other State Recreational Facilities. The Haleiwa Boat Harbor is the only
State-owned and operated recreational boat harbor facility in the North Shore
region. The facility is currently managed by DLNR. The facility is located in
Waialua Bay and contains approximately 7.4 acres of protected water. There is a 600-foot-long, 120-foot-wide, 12-foot-deep entrance channel that
provides access to two inner basins. A two-lane boat launching ramp is
located on the west side of the harbor and a harbor master's office is also on
the premises. The harbor contains 63 berthing spaces and 15 other mooring
spaces. There is a demand for these spaces; the current waiting list
contains approximately 50 people and the waiting period is about 6 years.
The
Haleiwa Boat Harbor Development Study of 1970 envisioned a 220-slip
capacity.
Since 1970, however, the envisioned slip capacity of the harbor will likely be
reduced due to the provisions for slips to accommodate larger vessels.
Additional slips to meet user demand will require the construction of
additional docks. The Harbor Study should be updated to address current
and projected boating needs on the North Shore.
Since this is the only boat launching facility on the North Shore, the harbor
plays an important role in meeting the demand for protected berthings and
moorings to facilitate recreational and commercial fishing pursuits. It also
provides facilities for trailer boating needs.
. Institutional and Private Facilities. The YMCA has private facilities at
Camp Erdman in Mokuleia which provide educational and recreational
activities. Other quasi-public recreation facilities include the A. Wallace
Scout Reserve, Camp Palama Uka, Camp Paumalu, and Camp Pupukea
that are used primarily as Scout Camps. The Mokuleia Polo Field, Cannon
Pony Farm, Camp Homelani, and Camp Mokuleia are also located in the
North Shore area.
Waimea Falls Park is a private recreation facility which hosts approximately
600,000 visitors per year. Situated on a 1,800-acre parcel in Waimea Valley,
the Park has a visitor center, shops, restaurant, arboretum, botanical
gardens, educational resources, Hawaiian cultural preservation areas, and
hiking trails. The Park's master plan includes expanded gardens, camp
sites, access improvements, office and maintenance space.
3.3.1 General Policies
The following general policies relate to parks and recreational resources for the North
Shore.
. Provide safe, suitable sites and facilities for a variety of recreational activities
on the North Shore. Existing recreational resources should be protected and
enhanced. Recreational opportunities should be expanded by providing
greater access to recreational resources in the mountains, at the shorelineand in the ocean. As opportunities occur, acquire additional shoreline sites
for beach park development.
. Maintain and improve recreational areas and facilities to provide high quality
recreational experiences for residents and visitors.
. Promote recreational activities that are compatible with the preservation of
open space, rural character, scenic resources, and environmental quality.
Wilderness and wildlife activities should be explored and promoted if
appropriate.
3.3.2 Planning Principles
The general policies for parks and recreational resources are supported by the following
principles:
. Environmental Compatibility. Uses that generate high noise levels should
be located and operated in a way that keeps noise to an acceptable level in
existing and planned residential areas. The built environment should avoid
adverse impacts on natural resources or processes in the coastal zone or
any other environmentally sensitive areas. Expansive recreational uses,
such as golf courses, should be designed to minimize environmental
impacts. To retain a sense of place, the design of recreation areas should
incorporate natural or cultural features of the site and use landscape
materials that are indigenous to the area where feasible.
. Community Integration. The design of recreational attractions may create
distinct identities and entry features for a particular site. However, there
should be elements that link these sites with surrounding areas through the
use of connecting roadways, bikeways, walkways, horse-riding trails,
landscape features or architectural design. Parks created for regional or
islandwide uses should be located along or near regional roadways.
. Appropriate Scale and Siting. Architectural elements and siting of
recreational facilities should be appropriate to the rural character and to
natural and historic elements of its surrounding environment. Park sites host
predominantly outdoor forms of recreation. However, public recreation
buildings may also be allowed if deemed appropriate by a public recreation
agency. Community-based parks which emphasize intensive use and
recreation facility development such as ballfields, playing courts, or buildings
should be located in or near the communities they serve. Parks developed
at or adjacent to significant natural resources should emphasize the qualities
or opportunities of the resource or setting.
3.3.3 Guidelines
The following guidelines implement the general policies and planning principles for the
recreational resources listed above.
3.3.3.1 Parks, Recreation Areas, and Facilities
. Provide additional parks and facilities to meet resident and islandwide
recreational needs for a variety of recreational activities, including both
facility based recreational activities (ballcourts, playgrounds, etc.) and
resource-based recreational activities (mauka mountain resources, ocean
resources, etc.).
. Develop Aweoweo Park and Haleiwa Beach Park Mauka (commonly referred
to as Haleiwa Regional Park) as community-based parks to expand active
recreational facilities for the North Shore residents. A skate park is proposed
at Haleiwa Beach Park Mauka to accommodate the demand for in-line
skating and skateboarding facilities within the region. When feasible, acquire
Puuiki Park for community use.
. If new residential development occurs, it should provide land for open space
and recreation purposes at a minimum of two acres per 1,000 residents.
Community-based parks (and associated service radius) include miniparks
(1/4 mile), neighborhood parks (1/2 mile), community parks (one mile), and
district parks (two miles).
. Expand public access to the upland or mauka areas for appropriate types of
recreational activities that are low-impact, resource-sensitive and do not
compromise significant environmental resources and important agricultural
activities. These would include nature-based activities such as picnicking,
camping, hiking, hunting and the appreciation of scenic, natural and cultural
resources.
. Acquire and maintain public and/or private campgrounds and hiking trails in
the mauka areas. Develop a system of mauka trails and paths to
interconnect the major recreational areas of the North Shore for use by non-
motorized transportation modes, e.g., walking, biking, horseback riding.
. Support equine activities through a variety of means, including establishment
of well-designed, safe riding trail networks linking destinations in the rural
communities and in the mauka areas that have long been used by riders.
Cooperative agreements for the development and maintenance of such
networks should be forged through public-private partnerships. Explore thepotential of equestrian activities, such as trail rides and riding adventures, as
an adjunct to the area's attractions.
. Coordinate planned private and public actions pertaining to trails and access.
Identify historic trails and old government roads of cultural and recreational
value to the public.
. Acquire additional coastal lands for beach park use in proximity to popular
surfing and coastal recreation sites.
. Limit developments along the shoreline to parks and other compatible open
space uses.
. Improve and expand public access to beaches by providing public access no
more than 1/2-mile apart in undeveloped areas and no more than 1/4-mile
apart in developed areas. Establish access at closer intervals where justified
by public demand, traditional use patterns, high quality recreational
resources, barriers that exist along the shoreline, and land development
patterns or natural features.
. Provide more youth activities, programs and facilities on the North Shore.
. Provide an integrated system of pedestrian paths/bikeways linking the parks,
schools, and town centers in Haleiwa and Waialua, as shown in Exhibit 3.3.
Bikeway development should be coordinated between pertinent State and
City agencies and private landowners to ensure that safety, liability, and a
mixture of use issues are adequately addressed.
. Minimize environmental impacts (such as siltation, pesticide and fertilizer
runoff) of recreational facilities. Expansive recreational facilities, such as
regional parks and golf courses, should comply with State Department of
Health guidelines related to ground and nearshore water quality.
3.3.3.2 Maintenance of Parks and Recreation Areas
. Ensure that existing parks are adequately developed and maintained to
support their intended functions.
. Provide adequate public parking and related support facilities (such as rest
rooms and showers) at popular beach parks, including lifeguard equipment
storage facilities in anticipation of increased lifeguard services needed at
those parks. Improvements are planned for North Shore beach parks at
Laniakea, Leftovers, Uppers, Kahawai, and Haleiwa.
. Limit beach park and nearshore ocean area uses to that which helps
preserve overall environmental quality, rural character, scenic views, and
open space.
3.3.3.3 Site Design of Recreational Facilities
. Incorporate natural features and use landscape materials that are indigenous
to the area, where feasible, into the design of recreation areas.
Exhibit 3.3
Proposed Waialua-Haleiwa Pedestrian/Bikeway System
Figure
. Locate community and neighborhood parks in or adjacent to neighborhoods
or communities, in order to maximize accessibility.
. Design and site park improvements and landscaping in such a way as to
create or add to the aesthetic value of open space elements and natural
resources.
. Provide pedestrian and bicycle pathways from surrounding streets to parks,
to facilitate convenient access to the parks.
3.3.3.4 Management of Recreational Resources
. Identify carrying capacity limitations on recreational resources and implement
policies to regulate and mitigate impacts to these resources.
. Regulate and enforce rules and regulations to mitigate conflicts between
recreational activities.
3.3.3.5 Recreational Activities that Support the North Shore's Economy
. Promote recreational and specialty events such as surf meets, fishing
tournaments, bike tours, races and other competitions which contribute to the
North Shore's economy. Such events shall meet State and City rules and
regulations for park and ocean uses to avoid conflict with recreational uses.
. Manage impacts to the recreational resource and surrounding communities
(such as noise, parking, traffic, etc. ) associated with special events.
. Promote instructional programs, training clinics and other activities that cater
to the health and recreation industry and which will not impact the North
Shore's rural character.
3.3.4 Relation to Open Space Map and Land Use Map
Major park sites are shown on the Open Space Map in Appendix A. While smaller
neighborhood or support parks are not mapped, they are included in Exhibit 3.2 and cited
where appropriate in the Sustainable Communities Plan text.
3.4 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
The Hawaiian concept of land division is based upon the access and use of resources from
the mountain peaks to the shoreline, known as ahupua'a. In traditional Hawaiian culture,
the ahupua'a provided the principle physical and social structure for the society. Itrecognizes the close relationship between land-based and marine-based natural
resources, and it is a useful concept for managing the natural environment.
The North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan area contains the ahupua'a of Waialee,
Kaunala, Paumalu, Pupukea, Waimea, Kawailoa, Helemano, Paalaa, Kamananui,
Mokuleia, Kawaihapai, Kealia, Kuaokala, and Kaena. It spans two moku_Waialua and
Koolau Loa. While the communities in the various ahupua'a may be diverse, they share
a common desire to preserve the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the region.
The North Shore contains several different types of historic and cultural sites and
resources which are representative of its precontact, early history, and plantation eras.
These sites and features are valuable as historic records and cultural resources. Table 3-2
lists historic features that are listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
In addition to these, the State Historic Preservation Division's maps and inventory of
significant historic and cultural features and the inventory maintained by the Oahu Burial
Council list additional sites which may merit protection. These sources may be consulted
for further information.
Table 3-2
National and State Register of Historic Places
|
Tax Map Key
|
Site Name
|
Site
Number
|
Hawaii
Register
|
National
Register
|
|
5-8-01:15, 55
|
Kalou Fishpond
|
80-01-257
|
1/30/81
|
|
|
5-9-05:68
|
Puu o Mahuka Heiau
|
80-01-249
|
1/29/81
|
12/29/62
1996 NHL
|
|
6-6-13:12 (Portion)
|
Haleiwa Elementary School
|
80-04-1348
|
5/3/80
|
8/11/80
|
|
6-1-05:16
|
Kupopolo Heiau
|
80-01-241
|
9/5/78
|
6/4/73
|
|
6-2-01:02
|
Haleiwa Beach Park
|
80-14-1388
|
6/9/88
|
|
|
6-6-07:07
|
Pohaku Lanai
|
80-04-226
|
11/26/86
|
|
|
6-6-09:23
|
Waialua Courthouse
|
80-04-1334
|
2/20/79
|
|
|
6-6-13:03 (Portion)
|
Waialua Fire Station
|
80-14-1346
|
7/19/80
|
12/2/80
|
|
-9-02:06, 09
|
Kaena Complex
|
80-03-1183
|
6/9/88
|
|
3.4.1 General Policies
The following are general policies for historic and cultural resources.
. Emphasize physical references to North Shore's history and cultural roots to
help foster the area's unique sense of place.
. Protect existing visual landmarks and support the creation of new, culturally
appropriate landmarks.
. Preserve significant historic features from earlier periods.
. Retain, whenever possible, significant vistas associated with archaeological
features.
. Respect significant historic resources by applying appropriate management
policies and practices. Such practices may range from total preservation to
integration with contemporary uses.
. Restore or keep intact sites with cultural and/or religious significance out of
respect for their inherent cultural and religious values.
3.4.2 Planning Principles
The treatment of a particular historic or cultural site should depend upon its characteristics
and potential value. The following planning principles should be used to determine
appropriate treatment:
. Preservation and Protection. Recommend in situ preservation and
appropriate protection measures for sites that have high preservation value
because of their good condition or unique, historic, cultural, and
archaeological features.
. Compatible Setting. Determine the appropriate treatment for a historic site
by the particular qualities of the site and its relationship to its physical
surroundings. The context of a historic site is usually a significant part of its
value, and care should be taken in the planning and design of adjacent uses
to avoid conflicts or abrupt contrasts that detract from or destroy the physical
integrity and historic or cultural value of the site.
. Accessibility. Determine the degree of access that would best promote the
preservation of the historic, cultural, and educational value of the site,
recognizing that economic use is sometimes the only feasible way to
preserve a site. Public access to a historic site can take many forms, from
direct physical contact and use to limited visual contact. In some cases,
however, it may be highly advisable to restrict access to protect the physical
integrity or sacred value of the site.
3.4.3 Guidelines
Guidelines for native Hawaiian cultural and archaeological sites that implement the general
policies and planning principles are presented below. In addition to these resources, the
Haleiwa Special District and Waialua Town are historic and cultural resources. Guidelines
for these resources are included in Section 3.6.3 on Commercial Areas.
. Require preservation in situ only for those features which the State Historic
Preservation Officer has recommended such treatment.
. Determine the following on a site-by-site basis in consultation with the State
Historic Preservation Officer:
- appropriate preservation methods;
- appropriate delineation of site boundaries and setbacks: and
- appropriate restrictions on uses and development of adjacent lands.
. Include input from all pertinent community resources in the development of
a site preservation plan.
. Include sight lines and view planes that are significant to the original purpose
and value of the site in criteria for adjacent use restrictions.
. Determine the appropriateness of public access on a site-by-site basis in
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Hawaiian cultural
organizations, and the owner of the land on which the site is located.
3.5 RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
Vital, contemporary communities oriented toward meeting the needs of their residents often
offer a network of amenities to facilitate and enhance individual, family, and community life.
At their best, they may offer parks and landscaped public open spaces, churches,
community centers, and other places for social and civic functions, residences or other
facilities for persons with special needs, and safe, pleasant bicycle and pedestrian
connections that link homes and important destinations. While this plan refrains from
prescribing what the specific ingredients of any given community should be, it takes this
opportunity to cite the need, in each community, for appropriate elements which aid and
enhance the overall quality of life of the community.
The Rural Community Boundary is intended to contain the spread of development into
significant agriculture and preservation areas. The need for additional housing on the
North Shore will be met primarily by “infill” development of existing vacant lands within the
Rural Community Boundary.
Within the Rural Community Boundary, there is ample capacity to accommodate
anticipated residential development to the year 2020. A total of 1,300 units can be
accommodated within the Rural Community Boundary, assuming all the vacant lands that
are designated Rural, Rural Residential and Low Density Apartment are built out. Of this
1,300-unit capacity, 1,100 units were previously approved: approximately 770 units
(including Lihi Lani) in Pupukea/Sunset, 150 in Haleiwa, and 60 each in Kawailoa, Waialua
and Mokuleia. A majority of the vacant lots in Sunset/Pupukea and a portion of the
Haleiwa potential housing stock are country-zoned lots.
To meet existing and future housing needs expressed by residents in Waialua and
Haleiwa, the region with the highest level of crowding and where the North Shore
Sustainable Communities Plan directs future growth in population and employment, limited
residential expansion of up to 200 units is proposed in Haleiwa and Waialua adjacent to
existing built-up areas. Including these newly designated residential areas, the vacant
lands that are designated for housing within the Rural Community Boundary will have a
total capacity of 1,300 units at build-out.
It should be noted that it is unlikely that all the 1,300 potential units will be built out, as
development occurs at different rates in response to changing market conditions. Further,
housing development on the North Shore is constrained by infrastructure adequacy.
However, in the unlikely event that all the potential units are built out over the next 20
years, the potential population for the year 2020 will still be within the General Plan
population guidelines of 1.8 percent of the islandwide population for the North Shore.
Nevertheless, the long-term cumulative impact of incremental intensification in existing
built-up neighborhoods through infill and home expansion could adversely affect the
character of existing neighborhoods, in the absence of effective residential lot and
subdivision design and development standards that distinguish rural from urban
development. The following policies and guidelines are intended to promote rural
character in residential development on the North Shore.
3.5.1 General Policies
The following general policies are intended primarily to maintain and promote rural
character in existing and new residential development:
. Provide sufficient capacity within the Rural Community Boundary to
accommodate existing and future housing needs.
. Direct future residential development to Haleiwa and Waialua.
. Preserve and protect the rural character and natural features and setting of
the North Shore by establishing “rural” forms of development and subdivision
standards, in contrast to existing urban standards. Require development inthese areas to be sensitive to and have minimal impact on the area's rural
character.
. Encourage creative site and housing design options to achieve site planning
flexibility, creative site utilization, creation of internal open spaces, and
achievement of rural character.
. Respond to the special needs of an aging population by providing housing
for a variety of living accommodations which are affordable to low- and
moderate-income, gap group, and other elderly households; such as multi-
generation households, group homes, assisted living units, and continuing
care retirement communities.
3.5.2 Planning Principles
To implement the general policies for residential community development that will achieve
the desired rural character, planning principles include the following:
. Overall Density. Table 3-3 gives an overview of the density and height
guidelines for planned and existing residential developments. Conceptual
locations for Rural, Rural Residential, and Low-Density Apartment residential
areas are shown on the Land Use Map in Appendix A.
Table 3-3
Density and Height Guidelines by Residential Density Category
|
Residential
Category
|
Density
(Housing Units)
|
Building
Height
|
|
Rural
|
1 unit/acre
|
not over two stories/25 feet
|
|
Rural Residential
|
5-8 units/acre
|
not over two stories/25 feet
|
|
Low-Density Apartment
|
10-20 units/acre
|
not over three stories/40 feet
|
.
Rural Development Standards. Adopt rural development standards and
guidelines that provide appropriate building envelope and setback
requirements (smaller building footprints), roadway, streetscape, and
drainage standards (grassed swales in place of concrete sidewalks, curbs
and gutters), and landscaping.
. Compact Development. Promote compact development by concentrating
housing and community activities in or adjacent to existing built areas, to
preserve agricultural resources, open space, views and natural resources
which characterize the rural landscape. These forms of development also
provide for more cost-effective and efficient infrastructure development andare more conducive to alternative modes of transportation such as biking and
walking.
. Physical Definition of Neighborhoods. The boundaries of neighborhoods
should be defined by open space, landscaping or natural features. The
focus of neighborhood activity should be on local streets, common
pedestrian rights-of-way or internal recreational areas.
. Bicycle and Pedestrian-Oriented Residential Streets. Provide safe
streets for walking and biking between and within communities. Pedestrian
and bicycle travel should be encouraged, particularly to reach neighborhood
destinations such as schools, parks and convenience stores.
3.5.3 Guidelines
Except for pockets of existing apartment districts in Mokuleia, almost all the housing in the
North Shore consists of rural residential areas. Some of these areas typically exhibit the
physical characteristics of a rural context, including:
. Smaller lot coverage and larger setbacks than encountered in more
urbanized areas;
. Low-rise structures, generally not exceeding two stories;
. Relatively narrow roadway widths;
. Use of grassed swales rather than curbs and gutters; and
. Rurally-oriented landscaping.
This plan recognizes three categories of residential development: Rural, Rural Residential,
and Low-Density Apartment. Guidelines for these areas are as follows:
3.5.3.1 Rural
This category consists of single-family homes on relatively large lots, e.g., lots of one acre
or more. Development is low intensity and generally consists of a single-family home,
ancillary structures if necessary, low site coverage, and a large predominance of
landscaped open space.
This designation allows agricultural activities and can also serve as a land use transition
from the more densely developed rural residential neighborhoods to agricultural uses.
Rural areas on the North Shore are within the Rural Community Boundary and consist of
existing country-zoned lands and a few infill parcels in Sunset Hills, Pupukea, Lihi Lani,
and parts of Haleiwa. Open landscapes such as fields or tree cover and largelyunobstructed views and rural roadways are the principal visual qualities of these
communities. As there is sufficient capacity on existing Country-zoned lands within the
North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan, no new Country lots are proposed for the
North Shore.
. Density is 1 unit per acre with lots ranging in size from 1 to 3 acres.
Buildings should not exceed two stories or 25 feet, although the height may
vary according to required flood elevation, slope, and roof form.
. Agricultural subdivision standards currently apply to country-zoned lands.
Continue to use rural development standards for buildings, roadway, and
other infrastructure that result in visual as well as physical predominance of
open space and country character. The site design should incorporate rural
standards for roadways, generous setbacks, and low lot coverage.
. Locate and configure utility structures so that they do not visually dominate
major community approaches, roadways, or views.
. Ensure compatibility between country-district uses and adjacent agricultural
lands, natural resources, views, or cultural features.
3.5.3.2 Rural Residential
This category is intended to describe the bulk of existing and new residential developments
located within the Rural Community Boundary. These areas consist of single-family homes
in rural settings. Typical residential lot sizes range from just less than one acre to about
one-eighth acre. Alternate development forms which result in greater amounts of open
space and common facilities may also be used.
A majority of the homes on the North Shore consist of low-density one- and two-story
single-family attached and/or detached dwellings, ranging in size from 5,000-square-foot
lots to 20,000-square-foot lots. New residential single-family development may occur
through infill development on existing residential-zoned vacant lots in the region, or in
areas designated for new residential development in Waialua and Haleiwa. Up to 200 units
can be accommodated in the new housing areas in Waialua and Haleiwa; up to 150 units
between Puuiki Road and Goodale Avenue; and up to 50 units north of Paalaa Road,
respectively.
The expanded residential areas in Waialua and Haleiwa are intended to respond to
housing needs expressed by Waialua and Haleiwa residents and anticipated long-term job
growth related to diversified agriculture and other industries. While both areas have more
capacity than the 200 units proposed, it is assumed that not all of the acreage would be
developable for housing due to topographical, drainage, and utility concerns. The intent
is not to promote larger lots, which may make them unaffordable to area residents, or mayencourage sprawl, but to allow for more site flexibility, integration of open space and
neighborhood park, and a joint infrastructure system for cost efficiency.
The intent of the Rural Residential designation is to distinguish rural from urban residential
development. It is anticipated that Rural Residential will carry development standards for
roadways, building envelope, or other features that will convey rural rather than urban
character. Although existing residential districts islandwide generally allow for a range of
3,500- to 20,000-square-foot lots (2 to 10 or 12 units per acre), the new rural residential
areas in Haleiwa and Waialua are intended to support 5,000-square-foot to 10,000-square-
foot lots, so that they remain affordable and at the same time maintain the rural character,
by adhering to the following guidelines:
. Densities should range from 5 to 8 units per acre, or up to 10 units per acre
for alternative development options which enhance rural character and
maximize consolidated, usable open space. Lot sizes should range from
5,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet, allowing the application of optional
design standards. For smaller lot developments of less than 5,000 square
feet, alternative clustering should be encouraged.
. Rural development standards which encourage appropriate scale and
character through the use of smaller building footprints, greater setbacks,
and more landscaping (use of hedges to create walls and grassed front
yards, and rural roadways with no sidewalk, curbs, and gutters) should be
used to guide planning and design (Exhibit 3.4).
. The site design for small-lot developments should avoid monotonous rows
of garages and driveways along neighborhood street frontages by employing
features such as varied building setbacks and shared driveways.
. New or infill housing development, as well as modifications to existing
homes, should be generally compatible with the predominant form of existing
homes on adjacent properties and with the neighborhood as a whole.
. Buildings should provide visual interest and individual identity by using
pitched roofs in varied forms, exterior colors and finishes, building
orientation, floor plans and architectural details. In general, buildings should
not exceed two stories or 25 feet, although the height may vary in response
to required flood elevation, slope, or other physical site constraints.
3.5.3.3 Low-Density Apartment
This category consists of predominately two- to four-story townhouse complexes, stacked
flats, or low-rise apartment buildings. These areas are confined to existing apartments in
Mokuleia, Haleiwa and Waialua. The district in Mokuleia consist of small single-family
homes, and the only apartment-zoned area on the North Shore consists of two-, three- andfour-story walk-up apartments. The existing apartment-zoned districts are recognized, but
no new apartment districts in Mokuleia is planned for the North Shore.
. Maintain the existing apartment district boundaries at currently zoned scale
and density.
. Densities range from 10 to 20 units per acre. Buildings should not exceed
40 feet in height.
. Where possible, enhance compatibility of apartment district uses with
adjacent uses.
. Building form, orientation, location of entries and landscape screening should
be employed to maintain a sense of residential scale and provide greater
privacy and individual identity for housing units.
. Building scale, roof form and the quality of materials should be compatible
with those of adjacent low-density residential areas.
Figure
3.5.3.4 Special Needs Housing
Special needs housing does not indicate a specific housing or building type. Rather it
refers to facilities designed for certain segments of the population with special living
requirements. Categories of special needs groups include low- and moderate-income
sectors, senior citizens, disabled people, and people with health problems or the need for
other forms of special care. Often such housing includes special features, such as
congregate dining and social rooms; laundry, housekeeping and personal assistance
services; shuttle bus services for residents; and skilled nursing beds or physical therapy
clinics. Special needs housing should be located in close proximity to transit services and
commercial centers.
. Special needs housing should be located within or near Haleiwa or Waialua
towns. They should be located within close proximity to public transit,
community services and commercial activities.
. As an exception to standard density situations, special needs housing may
have densities of up to 20 units per acre, not including beds in skilled nursing
facilities, if they consist primarily of smaller dwelling units with residential
scale and character. Proposals for special needs housing should be subject
to community and agency review.
. Building heights should be limited to 25 feet, in line with the region's rural
character.
. Ensure compatibility of building scale, roof form, and materials with adjacent
residential areas.
3.5.4 Relation to Land Use Map
Residential areas are shown conceptually on the Land Use Map in Appendix A as follows:
Rural. This land use designation covers large lot residential development with lots
ranging in size from 1 acre to 3 acres and includes lands generally consistent with
the Country district of the City's Land Use Ordinance (LUO).
Rural Residential. This land use designation provides for the dominant housing
form on the North Shore which consists of single-family detached dwellings on lot
sizes ranging from 5,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.
Low-Density Apartment. Concentrated primarily in Mokuleia, apartment areas are
recognized where they occur as a preexisting zoned use, but they are not
designated on the Land Use Map. No new apartment areas are planned.
Special Needs Housing. This land use is not specifically designated on the Land
Use Map, but it is allowed in residential areas subject to project-by-project review
for compatibility with surrounding uses.
Nonresidential uses that are not specifically designated on the Land Use Map but are
allowed in all residential areas include: elementary schools, parks, churches, community
centers, child care centers, and other public facility and utility uses serving the area. It
should be noted that some of these uses do require project review and issuance of permits
before they can be developed within a residential area.
3.6 COMMERCIAL AREAS
A variety of commercial areas are present throughout the North Shore. These vary in size
and type from small, individual, freestanding stores, groups of small stores along a main
street in Haleiwa and Waialua, to small commercial centers. For purposes of this
Sustainable Communities Plan, the various types of commercial uses are defined and
designated in three categories: Country Town, Rural Community Commercial Center, and
Country Store.
. Country Towns (Exhibit 3.5). Country towns are generally distinguishable
from their larger, often newer, urban counterparts by their compactness,
small scale, and mixture of different land uses located in close proximity to
each other. Buildings are usually one to two stories in height and built to the
property line. Commercial activity is often along the street frontage or in
similar “Main Street” settings. Rural communities often take their identities
from the character of their particular town center.
The Country Town districts for Haleiwa and Waialua identify the general area
where commercial establishments as well as public services and civic
activities are concentrated. Haleiwa serves as the region's primary
commercial attraction. Waialua Town's commercial area provides Waialua
and Mokuleia residents with convenient goods and services at a rural
community scale and character. Although both are designated similarly as
country towns, they have their own distinct attributes and character and are
discussed separately below.
Haleiwa. Situated along Kamehameha Highway between Haleiwa Beach
Park and Weed Circle, the town serves as gateway to the North Shore as
well as the region's major commercial center and attraction for visitors. The
Anahulu Stream Bridge and Pacific Ocean are distinct physical elements that
enhance the sense of character of Haleiwa Town. The Koolau and Waianae
Mountain Ranges and agricultural areas encircling the town present the
image of a town surrounded by agriculture and open space. The boundary
for the Haleiwa Country Town is generally coterminous with the Haleiwa
Special District, except for agricultural areas adjacent to Weed Circle,Haleiwa Beach Park, Haleiwa Beach Park Mauka, and Loko Ea Pond which
will remain outside the Country Town district. Current land uses within the
Country Town district include a wide range of retail stores, restaurants,
specialty shops, service establishments and professional offices. The
continued success of Haleiwa as a town center and visitor attraction will be
Figure
Exhibit 3.5
Haleiwa and Waialua Country Towns
dependent on its ability to preserve its rural town character while
accommodating economic development and growth.
Waialua. Waialua is a plantation town oriented around the existing Waialua
Mill site. The town core is concentrated around the existing shopping center
and Dole office buildings and consists of shopping and civic facilities
surrounded by residential neighborhoods, many of which are remnants of the
old plantation camps. As proposed, its nucleus, centered around the
intersection of Goodale Avenue and Kealohanui Street, is anchored by the
old Bank of Hawaii Building, the Waialua Library, and the Waialua Park
which helps to form an entrance to the Waialua Mill site. With the closing of
the Waialua Sugar Company in 1996, Waialua's future lies in strengthening
its residential communities, retaining and highlighting the rich social, cultural
and industrial heritage associated with the plantation industry, establishing
agricultural support businesses as part of the overall development of
diversified agricultural industry, promoting technology training within its
schools and community, and revitalizing its town core through economic
development that is compatible with the rural character of this community.
.
Rural Community Commercial Center. The rural community commercial
center is a small cluster of commercial and service businesses which service
primarily the immediate community. Since most are located along highways,
these centers also attract visitors and residents from outside the immediate
community. These commercial establishments may include grocery stores,
sundries stores, or other services and shops catering to residents and
visitors to the region. They are generally one- to two-story in height and
equivalent in size to neighborhood grocery stores. Located on major
thoroughfares, these centers provide a range of goods and services to meet
the needs of surrounding residential communities and visitors to the North
Shore. The area between Foodland market and the adjacent commercially
zoned properties between Pupukea Road and Pahoa Road is designated as
a Rural Community Commercial Center.
. Country Store. This category generally refers to isolated, freestanding retail
or eating establishments located on commercially zoned lands or which exist
as legally nonconforming uses. Its purpose is to recognize such
establishments and to provide guidance for renovation, reconstruction, or
minor expansion of these facilities. It is not intended to provide for new
country stores. Existing country stores include stand-alone retail or eating
establishments on Commercial-designated lands and /or nonconforming
uses. They include Ted's Bakery, Sunset Beach Store/Restaurant,
Kammie's Market/Chevron Station and Sharks Cove Shell Station, Chun's
Market, Paalaa Kai Center and Waialua Junction (Otake Store, Eric's Service
Station, and Sagara Store).
Country stores are freestanding and small in scale. They are usually one-
story in height and are generally equivalent in size to a small neighborhood
grocery store, such as those mentioned immediately above, that provides
convenience goods and services to the surrounding community. Building
character is typically residential in scale and generally harmonious with
adjacent development and setting in form, material, finishes, and color.
3.6.1 General Policies
The general policies pertaining to each of these commercial areas are as follows:
3.6.1.1 Country Towns
. Intent is to maintain the rural “small town” character and allow for a
compatible mix of commercial, service industrial and residential uses within
a rural town context, as well as to recognize and maintain the unique building
and streetscape character and other features of a rural town which
distinguish it from more urban towns.
. Emphasize commercial usage at the ground level along main (major) street
frontages while allowing residential and compatible light industrial uses (in
enclosed buildings) at upper levels, behind streetfront uses, or along minor
or service streets.
. Preserve scenic views of agricultural fields and open spaces of surrounding
areas seen from Haleiwa and Waialua Towns.
. Promote rural character by keeping buildings to one- to two-story heights,
allowing building construction to the sidewalk edge, and emphasizing
features which emphasize a pedestrian orientation throughout the town.
. Protect and enhance natural resources, such as wetlands and streams,
within the country town areas.
3.6.1.2 Rural Community Commercial Center
. Intent is to promote a more concentrated, but small-scale commercial center
on existing Commercial-zoned lands for rural communities, rather than
having them dispersed along the highway.
. Limit rural commercial centers to existing zoned areas between Pupukea
Road and Pahoa Road that currently serve the commercial needs of
residents and visitors.
. Promote rural character by keeping buildings to one- to two-story heights,
and providing appropriate landscape buffers to surrounding residential uses.
3.6.1.3 Country Store
. Intent is to provide and set criteria for considering the appropriateness of
proposals for renovations or reconstruction of existing stores.
. Direct new commercial enterprises to the Country Town districts of Haleiwa
and Waialua. No new country stores are planned for the region.
. Ensure that country stores are compatible with adjacent residential
communities.
3.6.2 Planning Principles
The following planning principles apply to all commercial areas, including the expansion
or renovation of existing commercial areas as well as to the development of new
commercial facilities.
. Scale and Purpose. Commercial uses should be appropriately scaled to be
compatible with the region's rural character and surrounding land uses.
Country Towns serve commercial and civic needs for area residents. They
also provide commercial and related services for visitors to the region. Rural
community commercial centers and country stores should emphasize
convenient and essential services to meet the needs of the surrounding
community.
. Mix of Uses in the Country Town. Permitted uses within the country towns
should allow for a diverse range of civic, retail, office, and light industrial uses
that meet the needs of residents and visitors. Organized around the
traditional “main street,” the mix of uses should be arranged and designed
to provide a cohesive and compatible relationship between the uses. In
general, commercial uses should be emphasized along the ground-level
street frontage of main thoroughfares, with other uses located upstairs, in the
rear, or on smaller service streets.
. Physical Linkages and Accessibility. Incorporate site design and facilities
to promote pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access. Pedestrian and bicycle
access is important for all commercial areas, while transit access is important
for Country Towns and Rural Community Commercial Centers.
. Appropriate Scale and Architectural Style. Maintain consistency between
the building mass of a commercial area and its rural and natural setting. The
architectural character and scale of commercial areas should respect the
surrounding rural and natural features, particularly when located adjacent to
a residential area or significant natural or historic feature.
.
Environmental Compatibility. Encourage energy efficiency features, such
as the use of solar panels for heating water, and passive solar design, such
as the use of window recesses and overhangs and orientation of openings
to allow natural cross-ventilation. Also, resource conservation measures
such as water constrictors and facilities for sorting of waste materials for
recycling should be incorporated into the design of new developments.
3.6.3 Guidelines
The following guidelines are intended to implement the general policies and planning
principles listed above.
3.6.3.1 Country Towns
Haleiwa Country Town
. Preserve the Historic Rural Town Character.
- Maintain the low-rise (one to two stories), human-scale, historic
character of the town by encouraging new development which is
compatible with and complements adjacent buildings. This can be
accomplished through limiting building heights, coupled with building
design elements which reflect the architectural characteristics of the
early 1900 period architecture identified in the Haleiwa Special District
Design Guidelines and the incorporation of generous, functional,
public and open spaces reflective of the town's agricultural heritage.
- New development should complement the physical features,
waterways, open space, mature trees, and sites in Haleiwa.
. Promote mixed use development which retains aspects of the rural-
agricultural lifestyle that has developed in Haleiwa.
- Commercial and related activities that are conducive to the pedestrian
character of the street frontage should be encouraged along
Kamehameha Highway. Other less pedestrian-dependent and
conducive activities (such as manufacturing areas for products and
residences, etc.) should be located behind or above commercial
activities so as not to detract from the commercial retail character of
Kamehameha Highway.
- The town's growth should be focused around a mix of compatible
activities such as agriculture, recreation, marine-related enterprises,
farmers' markets, historic and cultural attractions, “clean” light
industrial, small businesses and offices, civic and governmentalservices, businesses and retail activities for both residents and
visitors.
- Drainage, wastewater, and water infrastructure should be upgraded
to support the growth of Haleiwa.
- Cottage industries and small inns are also considered acceptable use
options within the town center. Preservation of “Mom and Pop” type
stores is also encouraged.
- New development should be located near existing built areas
emphasizing redevelopment and infill along Kamehameha Highway,
makai of the Haleiwa Bypass. Provide adequate landscaped buffer
adjacent to the bypass.
- Provide more elderly housing in close proximity to, but not within, the
existing commercial and light industrial areas of the town center.
- Promote small-scale, limited, well-regulated overnight visitor
accommodations such as a small inn. Provide support facilities, such
as parking lots and rest rooms, for visitors to support the commercial
activities.
- Support the expansion and enhancement of Haleiwa Harbor. If
possible, integrate its attractions of facilities with commercial activities
in Haleiwa Town.
- Promote indoor recreational and educational facilities and programs
(museums, movie theater, gym, and cultural performance theaters)
and historical, cultural, and arts programs.
. Retain a distinctive pedestrian-oriented commercial area by providing
a safe and pleasant pedestrian and vehicular circulation system.
(Exhibit 3.6)
- Promote a strong pedestrian-oriented commercial area by expanding
“storefront” businesses along Kamehameha Highway and providing
improved, expanded, and continuous pedestrian walkways linking
commercial establishments within Haleiwa, including connections to
a proposed farmers' market or other kinds of agricultural product and
retail outlets, open space and environmental resources (such as
beach parks, Haleiwa Harbor and Loko Ea Pond).
- Enhance the attractiveness and general landscaped open space character of the area by providing
roadway improvements, street trees, streetlights, street furniture, and signage compatible with the rural
character of Haleiwa Town.
- Provide a map showing attractions and services in Haleiwa.
Figure
- Maintain Kamehameha Highway as a two-lane thoroughfare through
Haleiwa Town.
- Consolidate off-street parking to areas behind buildings, while
retaining existing on-street parking wherever possible and
appropriate. As needed, parking should be rearranged to
accommodate the pedestrian walkway system along Kamehameha
Highway.
- Provide signage and other forms of orientation to help direct motorists
through the town to major facilities and to off-street parking facilities.
- Improve conditions for transit and bicycling through Haleiwa Town.
This can be achieved by providing better designed and located bus
stops, and a designated bike lane through the town.
- Enhance Weed Junction and Kamehameha Highway/Joseph P.
Leong Junction, which are entry points to Haleiwa, in a manner which
conveys their gateway functions through appropriate design,
landscaping, signage and painting.
- Protect and enhance natural resources and ecosystems within
Haleiwa Town (such as streams, wetlands, and fishponds) as open
space elements. Retain the agricultural use adjacent to Weed
Junction and the Preservation designation at Loko Ea Pond.
Waialua Country Town
. Preserve Small Town Character. Retain a strong sense of community with
employment and commercial areas. Neighborhood parks and community-
oriented recreation areas should be integrated into new residential
development. Churches and public facilities should be located in or near the
town. The town should continue to accommodate the needs of both
residents and visitors while keeping its country character and emphasis on
resident services.
. Retain Open Space and Outdoor Lifestyle. Retain large, readily
accessible open spaces where outdoor recreation facilities and
neighborhood gardens create open vistas and green spaces. Retain open
space entrances to the town core. They include Weed Circle, Thompson
Corner, and Waialua Beach Road, with Waialua Park as the entrance to the
Country Town District.
. Preserve the Plantation Town Character. The plantation heritage is
important to Waialua's identity. Significant historic features from theplantation era and earlier periods should be preserved or restored where
feasible and appropriate. Although it is not the intent of this Sustainable
Communities Plan to designate Waialua as a Special Design District, the
scale and sense of Waialua as a small rural plantation town should be
preserved and enhanced.
- Existing buildings of historical, cultural and/or architectural
significance, such as the surviving elements of the Waialua Mill,
should be preserved and maintained through rehabilitation and
adaptive reuse. Where feasible, these structures should be
incorporated and highlighted as a landmark and icons of the town.
Not all of the Mill structures will be retained. To maintain the Mill site
as an important symbolic reference for the town reflective of the
plantation heritage it once served, guidelines for new construction
reflecting appropriate architectural features and building mass should
be formulated and used to guide and evaluate the future design of
buildings for the site.
- While buildings in the commercial core may be two stories in height,
one-story heights should be emphasized, in keeping with the area's
historic scale and to preserve the prominence and views of existing
mill structures. New commercial buildings should be similar in
architectural character, scale and materials to historic structures such
as the old Waialua Sugar offices and the Waialua Library.
- Design guidelines by which renovations and new construction are to
be reviewed should be prepared for Waialua's commercial core to
promote and develop a special image reflecting the Town's historic
character and role as the cultural and business center for Waialua.
The commercial area should be pedestrian oriented, bike friendly, and
easily accessible from the residential neighborhoods.
. Allow Compatible Infill Development. New developments within the town
core should emphasize commercial, civic, community, and compatible
service uses and be developed in a style that is reflective of the town's
plantation heritage. Infill development as well as new commercial
development around Kealohanui Street will help to strengthen the town core
and provide the critical mass necessary in developing a healthy town center.
- Existing homes in the town core could remain, but new residential
development should be located outside but adjacent to the town core,
as generally indicated on the Land Use Map.
- New built forms should be low-rise and compatible with Waialua's
historic past and rural character.
- Industrial uses should be located around the sugar mill.
- Housing for resident senior citizens should be provided in close
proximity to Waialua Town.
- New housing units should incorporate rural features (such as small
building footprints, larger setbacks, and more landscaping) and
should be sited and organized to give a strong sense of community.
- Housing programs should place high priority on the needs of existing
Waialua residents.
. Promote Compatible, Community-Based Economic Development. To
maintain the vitality of Waialua Town and provide employment opportunities
for its residents, new economic activity is needed to replace the loss of
Waialua Sugar Company. There is a need to promote industries that provide
job or entrepreneurial opportunities for area residents, and training programs
for new jobs and businesses should be made available.
- Promote economic revitalization in the commercial core of Waialua.
- Promote agricultural support activities at the agricultural support area
adjacent to the existing mill. In addition to agricultural support
activities, the mill site could also host industrial activities such as
studios, car and boat repair, surfboard manufacturing and repair,
warehousing, clothing and souvenir manufacturing, and wholesale
activities.
- Retain the sugar mill structures for adaptive reuse, to the extent
financially feasible, as a visual symbol of Waialua's plantation town
history.
- Promote historical and cultural attractions such as museums near the
mill site.
- Attract visitors to the area by providing attractions that illustrate the
history of the community or feature current agricultural operations.
- Encourage computer-oriented, high technology business, health care,
and medical services to locate in Waialua.
. Enhance the Town Core with Physical Improvements and Pedestrian
Walkways and Bike Paths. (Exhibit 3.7)
- Provide for safe and pleasant pedestrian circulation along the
storefronts. As it redevelops, emphasize pedestrian circulation along
Kealohanui Street. Retain a distinctive pedestrian-oriented
Figure
Figure
commercial area for residents and visitors through the use of signage,
street furniture, and street tree plantings to encourage walking and
biking.
- Provide a map showing services in Waialua and attractions in the
region, such as Kaena Point and nearby beach parks.
- Promote Kealohanui Street as a pedestrian-oriented promenade in
Waialua.
- Link proposed pedestrian walkways to Waialua Town core, including
linkages to a proposed farmers' market or other kinds of agricultural
product and retail outlets.
- Provide convenient parking that should be landscaped and screened
from roadways.
- Enhance Waialua Beach Road and Farrington Highway as gateways
to Waialua Town through signage and landscaping.
- Plant street trees to enhance the pedestrian experience and to create
a strong streetscape image. A detailed street tree and planting plan
should be developed and implemented as part of the right-of-way
plan.
3.6.3.2 Rural Community Commercial Center and Country Stores
. Rural community commercial center should be designed to provide a
compact and efficient organization of various commercial services.
. Country stores should be small-scale, freestanding, compact commercial
facilities. They should not be allowed to expand to larger, continuous
commercial strip types of developments along arterial roads.
. Country stores should be dedicated primarily to retail uses that provide
services to the surrounding community.
. Architectural scale and character should respect the surrounding natural
features, and adjacent residential areas. Buildings should reflect a rural
character compatible with surrounding open spaces and adjacent residential
uses.
. Building heights should be limited to one story for country stores and up to
two stories for rural community commercial centers.
. Encourage parking behind buildings or provide parking that is landscaped.
Parking should be visually screened from the street and adjacent residential
lots, by planting a landscaped screen of trees and hedges along street
frontages and property lines and planting shade trees throughout the parking
lot.
. Promote pedestrian and bicycle access.
3.6.4 Relation to Land Use Map
Commercial areas are shown conceptually on the Land Use Map in Appendix A as follows:
Country Towns. This land use designation identifies the two primary Country
Town districts on the North Shore: Haleiwa and Waialua.
Rural Community Commercial Center. The single rural community commercial
center identified on the Land Use Map is the area between Pupukea Road and
Pahoa Road which consists of the Foodland store and adjacent commercial-zoned
property.
Country Stores. This land use designation refers to existing country stores that
provide commercial services to the surrounding communities. Due to their
relatively small scale, their locations are not depicted on the Land Use Map.
3.7 INDUSTRIAL AREAS
The North Shore, especially Waialua Town, was built and populated primarily to service
the sugar industry which was the predominant economic force in the region until recent
years. While most of the land is designated Agriculture for cultivation, some lands were
dedicated to related operations such as harvesting and processing, and were thus
designated industrial. The industrial site at the Waialua Mill is no longer used for sugar
processing and can be used for other industrial uses, including diversified agriculture-
related light industrial uses. Appropriate types of light industrial uses that complement
commercial-related activities can also be accommodated in Haleiwa and Waialua Country
Town districts.
Industrial lands provide for activities such as manufacturing, sorting, processing and
storage of materials and products. They provide employment opportunities for area
residents as well as goods and services for consumption. Industrial uses could help
revitalize the area's economy and maximize residents' choice of employment opportunities
in the region.
3.7.1 General Policies
The following general policies are applicable for industrial areas:
. Encourage compatible industrial uses that help diversify and revitalize the
economic base of the region. Industrial uses should be compatible with the
rural character, with minimal impact on the natural environment, cultural
resources, open spaces and scenic views.
. Promote industries that provide employment opportunities as well as goods
and services for area residents.
3.7.2 Planning Principles and Guidelines
The following planning principles and related guidelines are applicable to industrial
development.
. Maintain adequate open buffer zones between industrial activities and
residential districts. Minimize impacts (views, noise and smells) and visibility
of parking, storage, industrial equipment and operation areas from the street
through proper site planning and landscape plantings.
. Encourage uses which have few environmental impacts and those which
complement the development scale of the surrounding community in this
district.
. Direct industrial activities, including boat repair, auto body and fender shops,
to the Waialua Mill site.
. Allow low-impact, service industrial uses in enclosed buildings within the
Haleiwa and Waialua Country Towns, so as not to detract from the
pedestrian-oriented commercial/retail character of roadways, such as
Kamehameha Highway, Kealohanui Street, and Goodale Avenue. These
could include manufacturing of clothing, arts and crafts and surfboard repair.
. Minimize visibility of large building masses or machinery elements through
site planning and landscaping.
. Building height and form should reflect the contexts of their sites. At the Mill
site, they should follow guidelines reflecting the Mill's image. In Haleiwa,
they should follow the Haleiwa Special District guidelines. In Waialua, they
should be consistent with guidelines of this document. In general, buildings
should be designed to reflect the architectural character of Haleiwa or
Waialua Town. Basic design principles, texture, construction materials, and
colors should be compatible with the styles from this era and surrounding
buildings. Where taller vertical structures are required as part of an industrial
operation, they should be evaluated as to their impact on view planes to
determine if they can be sited or designed to minimize visibility from scenicvistas, public roadways, residential areas, commercial areas, parks, and
other significant open space areas.
. Limit industrial uses located along the shoreline to support water-dependent
activities (such as boat repair and maritime-related activities). During permit
application, they should be evaluated as to the uses' environmental, visual,
and noise impact before being permitted.
. Promote forms of economic development and business enterprises that offer
training and technical skill development to area residents. Promote “quiet”
industries, such as cold storage and clothing manufacturing, computer
hardware or software development, or other forms of high technology
enterprises that provide job or entrepreneurial opportunities for area
residents and are compatible with the rural character.
. Upgrade infrastructure to support industrial facilities.
3.7.3 Relation to Land Use Map
One industrial area is shown conceptually at the Waialua Mill site on the Land Use Map in
Appendix A. Future expansion of the industrial area should be accommodated makai of
the mill site. In addition to the industrial-designated lands, compatible types of light
industrial uses may also be permitted within the lands designated Country Town districts
at Haleiwa and Waialua if they meet the above-described policies, principles, and
guidelines and those described under Section 3.6 relating to Commercial Areas.
3.8 VISITOR FACILITIES
Appropriate forms of visitor facilities should be allowed on the North Shore if they are small
in scale and if they can be regulated to ensure compatibility with the rural character of the
built environment and adjacent natural features. An appropriate type of visitor facility would
be country inns. To support Haleiwa's and Waialua's efforts to revitalize their town cores,
small-scale country inns could be allowed in Haleiwa and Waialua County Town districts
on a permit basis, based on specific criteria which are outlined in the policies and
guidelines below.
3.8.1 General Policies
The following general policies are applicable to visitor facilities:
. Facility design criteria for country inns should be consistent with the
guidelines of the country town districts in which they are located, such as the
Haleiwa Special District guidelines or the guidelines for the Waialua Country
Town, as outlined in Section 3.6.3.1. In general, visitor facilities should
observe the same building envelope and design standards of adjacent
buildings.
. Development of visitor facilities should be oriented toward integration with
the social and economic life of the surrounding communities.
. Facility development should not degrade, deplete, or preclude legitimate
public access to public lands or resources.
. Development of country inns should be small in scale or be compatible in
scale with the old Haleiwa Hotel (40 rooms).
3.8.2 Planning Principles and Guidelines
The following are planning principles and guidelines pertaining to country inns:
Country Inns
. Small in scale (two stories in height) and compatible with the architectural
style and character of the country town districts in which they are located.
. Easily accessible to pedestrians and vehicles.
. Incorporate mixed use that cater to pedestrian activity located on the ground
floor and visitor accommodations provided on the upper floor(s).
. Provide adequate off-street parking which is landscaped and screened from
public roadways.
. Sited to address the streetscape and provides a setting that is conducive to
pedestrian activity, when located along pedestrian-oriented streets.
. Adequately accommodated by existing and/or proposed infrastructure.
. Have limited impacts (noise, traffic, parking, visual) to the surrounding
activities/properties and from public roadways.
. Do not adversely impact any historic and cultural resources.
3.8.3 Relation to Land Use Map
Visitor accommodations described above are not shown on the Land Use Map in Appendix
A. As specified, country inns should be allowed only within the Haleiwa Country Town and
Waialua Country Town districts, which is subject to a case-by-case review process based
on policies and guidelines outlined in the preceding section and in accordance with more
specific criteria and standards to be developed during the implementation of this plan.
3.9 INSTITUTIONAL USES
The purpose of designating lands for institutional uses is to provide areas for public/quasi-
public institutions such as schools, airports, harbors, major health care facilities; major
utility plants and substations; landfill sites, corporation yards, and maintenance yards of
public agencies; religious, social, and social service institutions; and other public services.
3.9.1 General Policies
Public facilities should provide convenient public services or functionally support other
governmental activities. These facilities should be planned and developed in a manner
consistent with the rural character of the region and sensitive to the surrounding community
land uses.
3.9.2 Planning Principles and Guidelines
The following planning principles and guidelines implement the general policies for
institutional facilities listed above.
. Co-locate Neighborhood or Community Parks with elementary or
intermediate schools and coordinate design of facilities when efficiencies in
development and use of athletic, meeting and parking facilities can be
achieved.
. Co-locate social, social service institutions, and other public service agencies
to provide convenient one-stop services to the region.
3.9.3 Relation to Land Use and Public Facilities Map
Institutional areas are shown symbolically on the Land Use Map and major public facilities
are identified by appropriate symbols on the Public Facilities Map, both in Appendix A.
Religious, social, social service institution, and other public service uses not conceptually
shown on the Land Use Map but are permitted within the commercial areas and residential
communities if the uses comply with the City's Land Use Ordinance.
3.10 MILITARY
Military areas include all lands used for military and military support purposes including
residential, commercial, industrial and park uses. The Helemano Reservation, with its
existing and planned residential and industrial uses, and the Kawailoa Training Area and
Dillingham Military Reservation are lands owned and leased by the military on the North
Shore.
3.10.1 General Policies
Applicable general policies for residential, industrial, commercial, and other related uses
should be applied to military lands.
3.10.2 Planning Principles and Guidelines
. The City, State, and Federal agencies should coordinate efforts with the
U.S. military, especially where the Kahuku and Kawailoa Training Areas
overlap with environmentally sensitive areas.
. Helemano Military Reservation has been developed to support military
housing and related community facilities. The military should provide
appropriate infrastructure services to support these uses and minimize any
potential impacts to the region.
. Low- rise Military facilities such as for educational and recreational programs
compatible with the region should be promoted for Military Reservation lands
such as Dillingham Airfield.
3.10.3 Relation to Land Use Map
Helemano Military Reservation is shown conceptually on the Land Use Map in Appendix
A. Military uses within the region should be compatible with the policies, principles, and
guidelines included within the various land uses as conceptually shown on the Land Use
Map.
Footnote: 1 Office of State Planning, Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program, Hawaii's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control
Resource Management Plan, Volume 1, June 1996.
Footnote: 2 Decision Analysts Hawaii, Inc., North Shore Planning District, Oahu: Agricultural Resources, Situation and Outlook,
July 1997.
Revised Ordinances