HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	274
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE CITY COUNCIL OF the city and county of HONOLULU TO PASS AN ORDINANCE requiring PLANS AND PERMITS FOR ALL LARGE RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES.

     WHEREAS, there is a growing concern that current development patterns in communities across the nation are detrimental to the well-being of our cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities, and wilderness areas; and

     WHEREAS, the urban sprawl that has spread throughout the country is the result of the abandonment of infrastructure in the city for new building projects beyond the city limits; and

     WHEREAS, though communities are supportive of growth, demographic shifts, increased fiscal concerns, and strong environmental ethic are pushing the demand for smart growth; and

     WHEREAS, smart growth invests time, attention, and resources in restoring communities and vitality to city centers and older suburbs, and emphasizes centralization in towns, transit and pedestrian methods of transportation, and a greater mix of housing, commercial, and retail uses, while preserving open space and emphasizing environmentally-friendly practices; and

     WHEREAS, the following principles touch on the various aspects of planning and development that are involved in smart growth:

     (1)  Create a range of housing opportunities and choices;

     (2)  Create walkable neighborhoods;

     (3)  Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration;

     (4)  Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place;

     (5)  Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective;

     (6)  Mix land uses;

     (7)  Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas;

     (8)  Provide a variety of transportation choices;

     (9)  Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities; and

    (10)  Take advantage of compact building design;

now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the Senate concurring, that the City Council of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to pass an ordinance requiring plans and permits for all large residential or commercial developments be in compliance with smart growth principles; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Chair of the City Council of the City and County of Honolulu, and Director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

City and County of Honolulu; Planning & Permitting; Smart Growth