KauaiForward.com

Objectives

The objective of this program is to increase agricultural income and opportunities on Kauaʻi through working closely with farmer groups to assist them in obtaining resources and other assistance to solve industry problems or take advantage of opportunities. The work involves interfacing with federal and state farm agencies as well as the primarily affected on island groups in the crafting of responses to problems and opportunities.

Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan

Incorporating a long-term vision for Kauai’s agricultural industry, this Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan was created to map out forward movement with actionable objectives and tasks. 

For more information, contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Garden Island of Kauai is rich in more than just soil!

The Office of Economic Development seeks to support abundant growth by nurturing entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses. We are working to strengthen our cultural roots while also pollinating businesses with resources. Our primary areas of focus are:

  • Providing tools to current businesses so they may continue to grow and prosper
  • Attracting new and innovative businesses
  • Growing and upskilling the workforce
  • Connecting businesses with valuable resources

Kauaʻi Kākou, the County’s General Plan, calls for bolstering small businesses and town centers by directing investment, infrastructure improvements, and community-building efforts towards town center areas while also easing regulations for emerging industries. OED works with our business-focused partners to build a vibrant business community that promotes opportunities for small businesses and cottage industries.

Zones

Enterprise zones offer state tax relief and other county benefits for businesses that meet the requirements and are approved. Learn more about enterprise zones here. Kauai businesses can receive exemptions from GE Tax and state income taxes for 7 years. Businesses must meet job creation requirements.

Opportunity zones are investment opportunities offering tax incentives for investors to fund development projects that create economic opportunities in designated areas. Learn more about opportunity zones here

 

For more information, contact Nathan Prescott at nprescott@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Office of Economic Development-Tourism collaborates with local partners in managing and supporting Kaua’i tourism that coincides with our economic goals, cultural values and protection of natural resources. Quality of life for residents while maintaining visitor satisfaction are key objectives when directing efforts.

Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023

The full plan can be found here.

Helpful Links

hawaiibeachsafety.com  – Updates of current beach conditions.

 

kauaifestivals.com – Events that celebrate Kauaʻi’s art, history, and culture.

 

getaroundkauai.com – The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development recently launched a website aimed at informing both visitors and residents of the various transportation options available on Kaua‘i. The website includes an overview of transportation options, a map with Kaua‘i bus stops and routes, regional walking guides, and other tips for how to get around Kaua‘i without a car. Weekly blog posts educate readers on transportation related topics, such as how to reserve an airport shuttle, parking permit requirements for Koke‘e State Park, and details regarding the Hanalei Hill access schedule.

 

gohaena.com – Register for a Hāʻena entry pass, along with parking or a shuttle ticket.

 

alohapledge.com – The Aloha Pledge is a call to action and commitment to act with aloha toward Kauai. 

 

For more information, contact Michelle Rego at mrego@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The objective of the County’s Energy Program is two-fold: (1) to manage, reduce, and facilitate the County’s fossil energy use through increased efficiency in both facilities and fleets, and (2) to initiate, coordinate, and partner with stakeholders and the community on innovative programs and projects in the clean energy and transportation sector.

Energy

Waste-to-Energy/Alternative Technologies Feasibility Study

The County of Kauai Public Works Solid Waste Division is working with a consultant on a waste-to-energy/alternative technologies feasibility study. For more information, contact Allison Fraley at afraley@kauai.gov.

Transportation

Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan

The County of Kauai is working in a Public-Private Partnership to explore the feasibility of a mobility hub and visitor information center at the Coconut Marketplace through a Mobility Hub Plan. For more information, visit our project website here.

Congressional Directed Spending Award: DC Fast Chargers

The County of Kauai was awarded roughly $900k to expand our public charging network and install DC Fast Chargers on Kauai. We launched a public survey to get feedback for priority locations for the chargers and are working with HDOT and KIUC to execute this project. Mahalo to Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono for making this joint request. Click here for more information.

Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project

The County of Kauai received a Department of Energy Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) grant in the form of technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Lab and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The Office of Economic Development worked with a Federal/State/County/Private sector team and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute to study Kauai’s transportation system. The scope of work covered mobility data, a travel pattern analysis and emerging transportation technology, and a fast charger network. The partnering labs provided recommendations for multi-modal shift and electrification of transportation. The completed studies will be posted here when available. Click here for more information.

Get Around Kauai

Getaroundkauai.com is aimed to inform residents and visitors of the various sustainable transportation options available on Kauai.

Supporting Transportation Agency State-wide Zero Emissions Bus Project

The County of Kauaʻi will procure four battery electric buses and expand its base yard to prepare the infrastructure needed to transition its fleet to electric buses by the year 2035 and provide the space required to expand and improve transit service quality. For more information, contact Celia Mahikoa at cmahikoa@kauai.gov and see Dept. of Transportations Announcement here.

For more information, contact Christina Kaser at ckaser@kauai.gov.

Objective

The Kauai Film Commission’s objective is to attract, support and facilitate all aspects of today’s media industry including film, digital  and still photo production on Kauai.  Kauai Film Commission also assists with:

 

  • Assistance with the permitting process
  • Recommendations to appropriate locations
  • Advice on Cultural Sensitivity
  • Referrals for accommodations and ground transportation
  • Referrals to crew personnel and other professional support services such as helicopter pilots, boat captains and other local resource listings.
  • Weather information
  • Contacts for filming on private land
  •  

filmkauai.com is a website detailing the Film Commission and the opportunities on Kauai available to filmmakers.

Film Permit

Application for the County of Kauai Film Permit – www.connect.kauai.gov 

For more information, visit filmkauai.com, email Sandy Kaauwai at skaauwai@kauai.gov, or call 808-241-4953.

This website showcases the brands and products of KauaiMade members and can guide you through becoming a member. It is an excellent resource for supporting local businesses and finding excellent products. 

For more information, contact Melissia Mae Sugai at msugai@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The County’s General Plan is governed by the overarching theme of Kauaʻi Kākou: We’re moving forward together to collectively plan for a more sustainable Kauaʻi, in the spirit of malama ‘āina (stewardship of the land). The General Plan is the first plan to adopt sustainability as an overarching goal by, “growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting resources.” With this guiding vision, the objectives of the County’s Sustainability Program are: 1) to have county government lead by example by developing, adopting, and implementing sustainable practices and policies, and 2) to support and leverage community efforts that promote island sustainability.

Definitions

“Sustainability means growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting important resources.”
– Kauaʻi Kākou General Plan

Kekaha Brownsfield Study

The County has been awarded a Community‐Wide Brownfields Assessment Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and allows for the evaluation and preparation of a Brownfields Inventory, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and a Clean Up and/or Reuse Plan for selected brownfield site(s). 

For more information, visit the project website here or contact the Sustainability Coordinator.

Climate Adaptation & Action Planning

The Office of Economic Development is part of the County’s Resiliency Team which is comprised of representatives from the Kaua’i County Planning Department, Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, the Mayor’s Office, and the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program. The Resiliency Team, led by the Planning Department along with consultant Raimi + Associates, is currently developing the Kaua’i Climate Adaptation & Action Plan (CAAP) to ensure our communities continue to thrive as the climate changes. 

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit kauaiadaptation.com.

  • Youth Climate Summit: OED led the County’s first ever Youth Climate Change Summit to engage young people in the climate action and adaptation decision-making process. Read the summary for more details.

Play Streets Kauaʻi

The goal of Play Streets Kaua`i is to connect communities through active play by improving community designs for safe, accessible, and equitable access to physical activity. Play Streets, a place-based, low-cost, intervention that involve temporarily closing streets to create safe places and free opportunities for active play. OED is part of the Play Streets team including the Hawaii State Department of Health, the Planning Department, Get Fit Kaua`i, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center, and different community organizations. The first pilot event was successfully implemented in partnership with E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha as part of the Kekaha Family Fun Day event on July 2nd. 

For more information, or to host your own PlayStreets event, visit our website here

Youth Engagement

Collaborate and partner with educators to provide work-based learning opportunities for students to learn about climate solutions and the various careers within green workforce.

  • Youth Climate Practitioners: A pilot course in partnership with Hawaii Technology Academy offered in Fall 2021. Check out the summary to see the site visits and student activities during the semester.

For more information, contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The objective of this program is to increase agricultural income and opportunities on Kauaʻi through working closely with farmer groups to assist them in obtaining resources and other assistance to solve industry problems or take advantage of opportunities. The work involves interfacing with federal and state farm agencies as well as the primarily affected on island groups in the crafting of responses to problems and opportunities.

Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan

Incorporating a long-term vision for Kauai’s agricultural industry, this Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan was created to map out forward movement with actionable objectives and tasks. 

For more information, contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Garden Island of Kauai is rich in more than just soil!

The Office of Economic Development seeks to support abundant growth by nurturing entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses. We are working to strengthen our cultural roots while also pollinating businesses with resources. Our primary areas of focus are:

  • Providing tools to current businesses so they may continue to grow and prosper
  • Attracting new and innovative businesses
  • Growing and upskilling the workforce
  • Connecting businesses with valuable resources

Kauaʻi Kākou, the County’s General Plan, calls for bolstering small businesses and town centers by directing investment, infrastructure improvements, and community-building efforts towards town center areas while also easing regulations for emerging industries. OED works with our business-focused partners to build a vibrant business community that promotes opportunities for small businesses and cottage industries.

Zones

Enterprise zones offer state tax relief and other county benefits for businesses that meet the requirements and are approved. Learn more about enterprise zones here. Kauai businesses can receive exemptions from GE Tax and state income taxes for 7 years. Businesses must meet job creation requirements.

Opportunity zones are investment opportunities offering tax incentives for investors to fund development projects that create economic opportunities in designated areas. Learn more about opportunity zones here

 

For more information, contact Nathan Prescott at nprescott@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Office of Economic Development-Tourism collaborates with local partners in managing and supporting Kaua’i tourism that coincides with our economic goals, cultural values and protection of natural resources. Quality of life for residents while maintaining visitor satisfaction are key objectives when directing efforts.

Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023

The full plan can be found here.

Helpful Links

hawaiibeachsafety.com  – Updates of current beach conditions.

 

kauaifestivals.com – Events that celebrate Kauaʻi’s art, history, and culture.

 

getaroundkauai.com – The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development recently launched a website aimed at informing both visitors and residents of the various transportation options available on Kaua‘i. The website includes an overview of transportation options, a map with Kaua‘i bus stops and routes, regional walking guides, and other tips for how to get around Kaua‘i without a car. Weekly blog posts educate readers on transportation related topics, such as how to reserve an airport shuttle, parking permit requirements for Koke‘e State Park, and details regarding the Hanalei Hill access schedule.

 

gohaena.com – Register for a Hāʻena entry pass, along with parking or a shuttle ticket.

 

alohapledge.com – The Aloha Pledge is a call to action and commitment to act with aloha toward Kauai. 

 

For more information, contact Michelle Rego at mrego@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The objective of the County’s Energy Program is two-fold: (1) to manage, reduce, and facilitate the County’s fossil energy use through increased efficiency in both facilities and fleets, and (2) to initiate, coordinate, and partner with stakeholders and the community on innovative programs and projects in the clean energy and transportation sector.

Energy

Waste-to-Energy/Alternative Technologies Feasibility Study

The County of Kauai Public Works Solid Waste Division is working with a consultant on a waste-to-energy/alternative technologies feasibility study. For more information, contact Allison Fraley at afraley@kauai.gov.

Transportation

Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan

The County of Kauai is working in a Public-Private Partnership to explore the feasibility of a mobility hub and visitor information center at the Coconut Marketplace through a Mobility Hub Plan. For more information, visit our project website here.

Congressional Directed Spending Award: DC Fast Chargers

The County of Kauai was awarded roughly $900k to expand our public charging network and install DC Fast Chargers on Kauai. We launched a public survey to get feedback for priority locations for the chargers and are working with HDOT and KIUC to execute this project. Mahalo to Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono for making this joint request. Click here for more information.

Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project

The County of Kauai received a Department of Energy Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) grant in the form of technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Lab and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The Office of Economic Development worked with a Federal/State/County/Private sector team and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute to study Kauai’s transportation system. The scope of work covered mobility data, a travel pattern analysis and emerging transportation technology, and a fast charger network. The partnering labs provided recommendations for multi-modal shift and electrification of transportation. The completed studies will be posted here when available. Click here for more information.

Get Around Kauai

Getaroundkauai.com is aimed to inform residents and visitors of the various sustainable transportation options available on Kauai.

Supporting Transportation Agency State-wide Zero Emissions Bus Project

The County of Kauaʻi will procure four battery electric buses and expand its base yard to prepare the infrastructure needed to transition its fleet to electric buses by the year 2035 and provide the space required to expand and improve transit service quality. For more information, contact Celia Mahikoa at cmahikoa@kauai.gov and see Dept. of Transportations Announcement here.

For more information, contact Christina Kaser at ckaser@kauai.gov.

Objective

The Kauai Film Commission’s objective is to attract, support and facilitate all aspects of today’s media industry including film, digital  and still photo production on Kauai.  Kauai Film Commission also assists with:

 

  • Assistance with the permitting process
  • Recommendations to appropriate locations
  • Advice on Cultural Sensitivity
  • Referrals for accommodations and ground transportation
  • Referrals to crew personnel and other professional support services such as helicopter pilots, boat captains and other local resource listings.
  • Weather information
  • Contacts for filming on private land
  •  

filmkauai.com is a website detailing the Film Commission and the opportunities on Kauai available to filmmakers.

Film Permit

Application for the County of Kauai Film Permit – www.connect.kauai.gov 

For more information, visit filmkauai.com, email Sandy Kaauwai at skaauwai@kauai.gov, or call 808-241-4953.

This website showcases the brands and products of KauaiMade members and can guide you through becoming a member. It is an excellent resource for supporting local businesses and finding excellent products. 

For more information, contact Melissia Mae Sugai at msugai@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The County’s General Plan is governed by the overarching theme of Kauaʻi Kākou: We’re moving forward together to collectively plan for a more sustainable Kauaʻi, in the spirit of malama ‘āina (stewardship of the land). The General Plan is the first plan to adopt sustainability as an overarching goal by, “growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting resources.” With this guiding vision, the objectives of the County’s Sustainability Program are: 1) to have county government lead by example by developing, adopting, and implementing sustainable practices and policies, and 2) to support and leverage community efforts that promote island sustainability.

Definitions

“Sustainability means growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting important resources.”
– Kauaʻi Kākou General Plan

Kekaha Brownsfield Study

The County has been awarded a Community‐Wide Brownfields Assessment Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and allows for the evaluation and preparation of a Brownfields Inventory, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and a Clean Up and/or Reuse Plan for selected brownfield site(s). 

For more information, visit the project website here or contact the Sustainability Coordinator.

Climate Adaptation & Action Planning

The Office of Economic Development is part of the County’s Resiliency Team which is comprised of representatives from the Kaua’i County Planning Department, Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, the Mayor’s Office, and the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program. The Resiliency Team, led by the Planning Department along with consultant Raimi + Associates, is currently developing the Kaua’i Climate Adaptation & Action Plan (CAAP) to ensure our communities continue to thrive as the climate changes. 

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit kauaiadaptation.com.

  • Youth Climate Summit: OED led the County’s first ever Youth Climate Change Summit to engage young people in the climate action and adaptation decision-making process. Read the summary for more details.

Play Streets Kauaʻi

The goal of Play Streets Kaua`i is to connect communities through active play by improving community designs for safe, accessible, and equitable access to physical activity. Play Streets, a place-based, low-cost, intervention that involve temporarily closing streets to create safe places and free opportunities for active play. OED is part of the Play Streets team including the Hawaii State Department of Health, the Planning Department, Get Fit Kaua`i, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center, and different community organizations. The first pilot event was successfully implemented in partnership with E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha as part of the Kekaha Family Fun Day event on July 2nd. 

For more information, or to host your own PlayStreets event, visit our website here

Youth Engagement

Collaborate and partner with educators to provide work-based learning opportunities for students to learn about climate solutions and the various careers within green workforce.

  • Youth Climate Practitioners: A pilot course in partnership with Hawaii Technology Academy offered in Fall 2021. Check out the summary to see the site visits and student activities during the semester.

For more information, contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The objective of this program is to increase agricultural income and opportunities on Kauaʻi through working closely with farmer groups to assist them in obtaining resources and other assistance to solve industry problems or take advantage of opportunities. The work involves interfacing with federal and state farm agencies as well as the primarily affected on island groups in the crafting of responses to problems and opportunities.

Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan

Incorporating a long-term vision for Kauai’s agricultural industry, this Agriculture Economic Strategic Plan was created to map out forward movement with actionable objectives and tasks. 

For more information, contact Niki Kunioka-Volz at nkvolz@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Garden Island of Kauai is rich in more than just soil!

The Office of Economic Development seeks to support abundant growth by nurturing entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses. We are working to strengthen our cultural roots while also pollinating businesses with resources. Our primary areas of focus are:

  • Providing tools to current businesses so they may continue to grow and prosper
  • Attracting new and innovative businesses
  • Growing and upskilling the workforce
  • Connecting businesses with valuable resources

Kauaʻi Kākou, the County’s General Plan, calls for bolstering small businesses and town centers by directing investment, infrastructure improvements, and community-building efforts towards town center areas while also easing regulations for emerging industries. OED works with our business-focused partners to build a vibrant business community that promotes opportunities for small businesses and cottage industries.

Zones

Enterprise zones offer state tax relief and other county benefits for businesses that meet the requirements and are approved. Learn more about enterprise zones here. Kauai businesses can receive exemptions from GE Tax and state income taxes for 7 years. Businesses must meet job creation requirements.

Opportunity zones are investment opportunities offering tax incentives for investors to fund development projects that create economic opportunities in designated areas. Learn more about opportunity zones here

 

For more information, contact Nathan Prescott at nprescott@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The Office of Economic Development-Tourism collaborates with local partners in managing and supporting Kaua’i tourism that coincides with our economic goals, cultural values and protection of natural resources. Quality of life for residents while maintaining visitor satisfaction are key objectives when directing efforts.

Kauai Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) 2021-2023

The full plan can be found here.

Helpful Links

hawaiibeachsafety.com  – Updates of current beach conditions.

 

kauaifestivals.com – Events that celebrate Kauaʻi’s art, history, and culture.

 

getaroundkauai.com – The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development recently launched a website aimed at informing both visitors and residents of the various transportation options available on Kaua‘i. The website includes an overview of transportation options, a map with Kaua‘i bus stops and routes, regional walking guides, and other tips for how to get around Kaua‘i without a car. Weekly blog posts educate readers on transportation related topics, such as how to reserve an airport shuttle, parking permit requirements for Koke‘e State Park, and details regarding the Hanalei Hill access schedule.

 

gohaena.com – Register for a Hāʻena entry pass, along with parking or a shuttle ticket.

 

alohapledge.com – The Aloha Pledge is a call to action and commitment to act with aloha toward Kauai. 

 

For more information, contact Michelle Rego at mrego@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The objective of the County’s Energy Program is two-fold: (1) to manage, reduce, and facilitate the County’s fossil energy use through increased efficiency in both facilities and fleets, and (2) to initiate, coordinate, and partner with stakeholders and the community on innovative programs and projects in the clean energy and transportation sector.

Energy

Waste-to-Energy/Alternative Technologies Feasibility Study

The County of Kauai Public Works Solid Waste Division is working with a consultant on a waste-to-energy/alternative technologies feasibility study. For more information, contact Allison Fraley at afraley@kauai.gov.

Transportation

Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan

The County of Kauai is working in a Public-Private Partnership to explore the feasibility of a mobility hub and visitor information center at the Coconut Marketplace through a Mobility Hub Plan. For more information, visit our project website here.

Congressional Directed Spending Award: DC Fast Chargers

The County of Kauai was awarded roughly $900k to expand our public charging network and install DC Fast Chargers on Kauai. We launched a public survey to get feedback for priority locations for the chargers and are working with HDOT and KIUC to execute this project. Mahalo to Senator Schatz and Senator Hirono for making this joint request. Click here for more information.

Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project

The County of Kauai received a Department of Energy Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) grant in the form of technical assistance from the National Renewable Energy Lab and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The Office of Economic Development worked with a Federal/State/County/Private sector team and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute to study Kauai’s transportation system. The scope of work covered mobility data, a travel pattern analysis and emerging transportation technology, and a fast charger network. The partnering labs provided recommendations for multi-modal shift and electrification of transportation. The completed studies will be posted here when available. Click here for more information.

Get Around Kauai

Getaroundkauai.com is aimed to inform residents and visitors of the various sustainable transportation options available on Kauai.

Supporting Transportation Agency State-wide Zero Emissions Bus Project

The County of Kauaʻi will procure four battery electric buses and expand its base yard to prepare the infrastructure needed to transition its fleet to electric buses by the year 2035 and provide the space required to expand and improve transit service quality. For more information, contact Celia Mahikoa at cmahikoa@kauai.gov and see Dept. of Transportations Announcement here.

For more information, contact Christina Kaser at ckaser@kauai.gov.

Objective

The Kauai Film Commission’s objective is to attract, support and facilitate all aspects of today’s media industry including film, digital  and still photo production on Kauai.  Kauai Film Commission also assists with:

 

  • Assistance with the permitting process
  • Recommendations to appropriate locations
  • Advice on Cultural Sensitivity
  • Referrals for accommodations and ground transportation
  • Referrals to crew personnel and other professional support services such as helicopter pilots, boat captains and other local resource listings.
  • Weather information
  • Contacts for filming on private land
  •  

filmkauai.com is a website detailing the Film Commission and the opportunities on Kauai available to filmmakers.

Film Permit

Application for the County of Kauai Film Permit – www.connect.kauai.gov 

For more information, visit filmkauai.com, email Sandy Kaauwai at skaauwai@kauai.gov, or call 808-241-4953.

This website showcases the brands and products of KauaiMade members and can guide you through becoming a member. It is an excellent resource for supporting local businesses and finding excellent products. 

For more information, contact Melissia Mae Sugai at msugai@kauai.gov.

Objectives

The County’s General Plan is governed by the overarching theme of Kauaʻi Kākou: We’re moving forward together to collectively plan for a more sustainable Kauaʻi, in the spirit of malama ‘āina (stewardship of the land). The General Plan is the first plan to adopt sustainability as an overarching goal by, “growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting resources.” With this guiding vision, the objectives of the County’s Sustainability Program are: 1) to have county government lead by example by developing, adopting, and implementing sustainable practices and policies, and 2) to support and leverage community efforts that promote island sustainability.

Definitions

“Sustainability means growing responsibly to meet the needs of current and future generations without depleting important resources.”
– Kauaʻi Kākou General Plan

Kekaha Brownsfield Study

The County has been awarded a Community‐Wide Brownfields Assessment Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and allows for the evaluation and preparation of a Brownfields Inventory, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and a Clean Up and/or Reuse Plan for selected brownfield site(s). 

For more information, visit the project website here or contact the Sustainability Coordinator.

Climate Adaptation & Action Planning

The Office of Economic Development is part of the County’s Resiliency Team which is comprised of representatives from the Kaua’i County Planning Department, Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency, the Mayor’s Office, and the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program. The Resiliency Team, led by the Planning Department along with consultant Raimi + Associates, is currently developing the Kaua’i Climate Adaptation & Action Plan (CAAP) to ensure our communities continue to thrive as the climate changes. 

For more information and ways to get involved, please visit kauaiadaptation.com.

  • Youth Climate Summit: OED led the County’s first ever Youth Climate Change Summit to engage young people in the climate action and adaptation decision-making process. Read the summary for more details.

Play Streets Kauaʻi

The goal of Play Streets Kaua`i is to connect communities through active play by improving community designs for safe, accessible, and equitable access to physical activity. Play Streets, a place-based, low-cost, intervention that involve temporarily closing streets to create safe places and free opportunities for active play. OED is part of the Play Streets team including the Hawaii State Department of Health, the Planning Department, Get Fit Kaua`i, Na Lei Wili Area Health Education Center, and different community organizations. The first pilot event was successfully implemented in partnership with E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha as part of the Kekaha Family Fun Day event on July 2nd. 

For more information, or to host your own PlayStreets event, visit our website here

Youth Engagement

Collaborate and partner with educators to provide work-based learning opportunities for students to learn about climate solutions and the various careers within green workforce.

  • Youth Climate Practitioners: A pilot course in partnership with Hawaii Technology Academy offered in Fall 2021. Check out the summary to see the site visits and student activities during the semester.

For more information, contact Ana Española at aespanola@kauai.gov.