Koʻolau Poko Sustainable Communities Plan
Koʻolau Poko encompasses the windward coastal and valley areas from Makapuʻu Point to Kaʻōʻio Point at the northern end of Kaneohe Bay, and is bound by the Koʻolau mountain range and the sea. Ko‘olau Poko includes the communities of Waiāhole, Waikane, Kahaluʻu, Heʻeia, Waimānalo, Āhuimanu, Kaneʻohe, and Kaliua. Ko‘olau Poko’s natural, cultural, historic, agricultural, and aquacultural/fishpond resources are protected and enhanced. Significant scenic views of ridges, upper valley slopes, shoreline areas from major public parks highways, coastal waters and hiking trails are protected. Access to shoreline areas and mountainous regions are improved and provided for all to use and enjoy. Cultural and historical resources are preserved through the protection of visual landmarks and significant views, protected access rights relating to traditional cultural practices, and the protection of significant historic, cultural, and archaeological features. Ko‘olau Poko contains productive and potentially productive agricultural lands that are preserved by adopted protective regulatory policies and implemented incentives and programs that promote active agricultural use of these lands. The Koʻolau Poko Sustainable Communities Plan was adopted 2017.
Vision through 2035:
- Adapt the concept of ahupua‘a in land use and natural resource management;
- Preserve and promote open space and agricultural uses;
- Preserve and enhance scenic, recreational and cultural features that define Ko‘olau Poko’s sense of place;
- Emphasize alternatives to the private passenger vehicle as modes for travel;
- Protect and enhance residential character while adapting to changing needs;
- Define and enhance existing commercial and civic districts; and,
- Maintain the Community Growth Boundary to protect agricultural, open space, and natural resources.
Design and Neighborhood Plans in Koʻolau Poko
Public Infrastructure Map
Public Infrastructure Map (PIM) identifies major public infrastructure projects within each of the development plan areas for the City and County of Honolulu as required under Section 4-8 of the Revised Ordinance of Honolulu (ROH). The PIM symbol shows the general location of a major public infrastructure project in a planning region, and is required prior to the appropriation of funds for land acquisition or construction. For more information, visit the PIM page.
- View the current Koʻolau Poko PIM
Special Area Plans
Special Area Plans give communities the opportunity to define the identity, function, organization, and character of their specific neighborhoods in accordance with the general planning framework provided by their area’s Development Plan or Sustainable Communities Plan. For more information, visit the Special Area Plans page.
Special Design Districts
Certain areas are designated as special districts for the purpose of restoration, preservation, redevelopment or rejuvenation. Guidelines regarding development protect and/or enhance the physical and visual aspects of an area for the benefit of the community as a whole.
No Special Design Districts are in Koʻolau Poko.
Transit-Oriented Neighborhood Plans
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a pattern of different uses—housing, jobs, and services—surrounding a transit station that takes advantage of the convenience and affordability of transit. TOD neighborhoods will generally be about a five to 10-minute walk from a transit stop, which is considered to be a comfortable distance for pedestrians. The City’s neighborhood TOD plans recommend more intense uses immediately adjacent to the stations, with progressively lower-density development spreading outward. Visit the TOD website for more information.
No TOD plans are in Koʻolau Poko.
Urban Design Plans
An urban design plan is typically required as a condition of a zone change approval for larger areas of land (master planned communities, large scale developments, etc.). The urban design plan provides a basic framework for site planning, land use, circulation and infrastructure.
No Urban Design Plans are in Koʻolau Poko.