Chapter Awards Program

2012 Awards Program

The APA Hawai`i Chapter is pleased to announce the results of the 2012 awards program.

Award	Project	Jury Comments
Outstanding Planning Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.	Lima Ola Workforce Housing Development Master Plan Client: County of Kauai Housing Agency / Communities Putting Prevention to Work - Hawaii Program Nominee: Kimura International, Inc.	Both the final master plan and the process by which the plan was developed exemplify excellence in planning, and illustrate a collaborative effort between the County of Kauai and an engaged citizenry. The APA Awards Jury felt compelling justification for recognizing this project because of this partnership, which not only increases support for the project, but also increases the chances of implementation. They also found the project's site plan exemplifies many of the desired traits of new residential projects, including good circulation within the project and the larger community, varied housing products, accommodations for different types of households, and on-site recreational amenities. It also includes a focal point that underscores a sense of place and promotes neighborhood sociability.
Distinguished Leadership Recognizes an individual’s personal efforts and contributions to the advancement of good planning in Hawaii.	Receipient: Mary Alice Evans	The Hawaii Chapter of the American Planning Association is please to present our 2012 Distinguished Service Award to Mary Alice Evans. Her contributions to the Hawaii Chapter of APA throughout the years have been numerous. She has twice served two-year terms as Chapter president, and continues to assist with education, awards, promotions, conference planning, membership, financial accounting, bylaw compliance and newsletter efforts, all associated with maintaining our Chapter in good standing with the national APA organization and keeping the local planning community current and informed. Aside from all her accolades and demonstrated talents throughout the years, we at the APA Hawaii Chapter value Mary Alice most for her personal warmth, commitment, professionalism, intelligence and passion for good planning in Hawaii.
Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Planning Recognizing an effort that protects communities from natural and manmade hazards as well as minimizing losses from a disaster and recovering quickly and efficiently to leave communities stronger and better prepared than ever before.	American Samoa Tsunami Study Client: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / American Samoa Government Nominee: EA / HHF Planners Joint Venture	The APA Awards Jury recognizes this study for the 400 person hours in American Samoa, over 500 interviews, three phases, work with a Technical Advisory Community, and a comprehensive, collaborative approach, building on the effort following the Indian Ocean Tsunami and the Coastal Community Resilience Framework. The jury found the information transferable to other communities facing tsunami and coastal flooding threats and noted the preparation of twelve working papers on various aspects of tsunami science, hazard mitigation, and disaster resilience. They also cite the identification of appropriate developable lands which take account of slope, landslide risk, and potential for flooding as an especially useful part of the project. They commended the project as it helps to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the threats and hazards associated with tsunamis in Samoa and in the region.
Environment/Preservation Recognizes planning work done to nurture, perpetuate, or enhance the environment or the preservation of an area’s historic, and/or cultural resources.	Urban Sub-Basin Action Plan Client/Nominee: Hui O Ko`olaupoko	The APA Awards Jury recognizes that this plan demonstrates persuasively how significant improvement to water quality in Ko`oloupoko's watersheds and the receiving waters of Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo Bays can be achieved by the cumulative effect of numerous small, cost-effective projects at sites distributed throughout the region. First, it identified a clear purpose and set of achievable goals to improve water quality. Second, it employed an effective screening process to identify priorities and candidate sites for retrofitting low-impact design (LID) stormwater management approaches. Third, it illustrated, in before-and-after scenarios and budgets for each of the selected sites, how these LID projects would not only be relatively simple and inexpensive to implement and maintain, but also improve the appearance of the sites. Last, and perhaps most important, the plan is impressive because it was initiated and prepared by a non-profit organization that was supported by significant volunteer effort, community involvement and mostly private sources of funding. The scope of the plan could well be expanded over the years, building on initial successes with small projects. It serves as a good model for other urban watersheds throughout Hawaii.
Innovation in Sustaining Places Award Recognizes examples of truly innovative best practices for sustaining places. Submissions should show specific examples of how sustainability practices are being used in how places are planned, designed, built, used, and maintained at all scales and how place-based strategies are integrated in the broader discussion of sustainability. Areas of specific interest include energy use and efficiency, green infrastructure, resource conservation, transportation choices and impacts, compact development, density, diversity, revitalization, employment opportunities, and population impacts.	Hawaii County Food Self Sufficiency Baseline 2012 Client: Hawaii County Department of Research and Development Nominee: Jeffrey Melrose, Island Planning; Dr. Donna Delparte, UH Hilo Geography and Environmental Studies	The APA Awards Jury selected this study for recognition since it provides important baseline data for measuring food production and consumption and agricultural activity as a basis for monitoring food self-sufficiency in Hawaii County. They noted this as an important effort given national and local concerns regarding agriculture, food safety and security, sustainability, and the effects of climate and environmental change. They found the work innovative, including the creation of a self-sufficiency scorecard and maps depicting agricultural activity throughout the County. Information on area specific food production is particularly useful. The study builds and strengthens partnerships between the County of Hawaii and the University of Hawaii at Hilo and deepens the relationship between planning and agricultural land management as more than 150 people were interviewed in the process. The development of key metrics related to production and consumption is useful and many of the concepts, tools, and findings are transferable to other communities. The inclusion of a list of 100 things to do also can be built upon. The study provides a good foundation for future action affecting agriculture in Hawaii.
Innovation in Sustaining Places Award Recognizes examples of truly innovative best practices for sustaining places. Submissions should show specific examples of how sustainability practices are being used in how places are planned, designed, built, used, and maintained at all scales and how place-based strategies are integrated in the broader discussion of sustainability. Areas of specific interest include energy use and efficiency, green infrastructure, resource conservation, transportation choices and impacts, compact development, density, diversity, revitalization, employment opportunities, and population impacts.	Ho`ea Agricultural Park Master Plan Receipient: Ho`okuleana, LLC	The APA Awards Jury felt the plan incorporates innovative concepts in agricultural park planning, especially in terms of the layout and design of the facility which includes the reuse of resources and farming best practices. They found the plan transferable to other facilities in the County. The careful, systematic review of relevant state and local policies as well as plans for the area helps to facilitate implementation of this innovative project. The inclusion of specific management strategies and actions to support the project mission and goals also helps to increase project success. The research on Hawaiian values as well as coverage of topics such as permaculture, public health and local economic development makes this plan comprehensive, ambitious and worthy of recognition.

2011 Awards Program

The APA Hawai`i Chapter is pleased to announce the results of the 2011 awards program.

Award	Project	Jury Comments
Outstanding Planning Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.	Kamakana Villages at Keahuolu Client: Forest City Hawaii Kona, LLC; Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Nominee: Group 70 International	The jury noted this plan was a very comprehensive effort in citizen participation and development of all of the essential project elements necessary for master planning a functional community. The compact, mixed-use design incorporates sustainability throughout the transit oriented design and pedestrian-friendly features. The project is designed to meet LEED-ND criteria. The use of planning workshops to involve key stakeholders with in-progress sessions with the public proved to be very effective. The project exemplifies sustainable development concepts for possible emulation by other neighborhood focused projects. The collaboration exhibited between the developer (Forest City) and HHFDC serves as an excellent example for how private-public partnerships can benefit the community.
Best Practices in Sustainability This award recognizes innovative plans, programs, tools, or related efforts that demonstrate advancement in planners’ efforts to address the serious consequences of development and everyday living on the environment.	Wailani Streetscape and Green Infrastructure Client: Grove Farm Company Nominee: PBR Hawaii; Kodani & Associates	The jury noted that this project took advantage of the opportunity to develop modified design standards specific to this project. The concepts and standards proposed address urban development while maintaining the rural character by keeping energy conservation, pedestrian friendliness, appearance and function at the forefront. The jury also noted that the project reduces potable water use for irrigation and the amount of storm water runoff with bioswales and underground catchment chambers. The project also went through an extensive community and public input process as part of the land use entitlement reviews. Other sustainable features include reduced utility requirements and reduced impacts to natural resources. Pedestrian and bike-friendly features will encourage mobility and independence for all age groups.
Environment/Preservation Recognizes planning work done to nurture, perpetuate, or enhance the environment or the preservation of an area’s historic, and/or cultural resources.	Royal Footsteps Along The Kona Coast Corridor Management Plan Client: Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Inc. Nominee: Ho`okuleana LLC	The jury noted that this Corridor Management Plan presents a highly appropriate and effective way to address the many sensitive stakeholder issues relating to preserving and managing the scenic, historic and cultural resources along the seven mile stretch of Ali`i Drive. Also noteworthy was the extensive collaboration between stakeholders (residents, businesses and government) that led to consensus building and overall buy-in on the project. The report is very well written and illustrated with maps, photos (both ground and aerial) that provide a strong sense of the historic/cultural value of the location and emphasizes the scenic values of the byway. The report provided a very comprehensive cultural and visual context. It included several components of supporting processes such as meetings and technical analysis such as traffic and safety hazard analysis as appendices.
Environment/Preservation Recognizes planning work done to nurture, perpetuate, or enhance the environment or the preservation of an area’s historic, and/or cultural resources.	Lawai Kai Special Subzone Master Plan and Management Plan Client: National Tropical Botanical Garden Nominee: National Tropical Botanical Garden	The jury noted that although the focus of this project was the Lawai Bay, its overall approach was to develop a holistic and community-based process to balance resource preservation and public enjoyment of the many natural and cultural resources located in the Lawai ahupuaa. Given that public access to Lawai Bay by land is already limited and the area is becoming more and more developed, it and NTBG’s Allerton Garden are being increasingly threatened with over-usage. This plan spells out what should be a highly effective tool—a Conservation District Special Subzone—for managing the use of critical environmental and natural resources while providing for an appropriate level of public access. The process of involving some 23 diverse stakeholders over three years in the preparation of this plan also represented an exemplary effort at establishing a level of community buy-in that will be key to its effective implementation.
Community Based Planning Recognizes a citizen-based and initiated planning effort that establishes and enhances a sense of awareness of a community’s character, values, and aspirations.	Hilo Bayfront Trails Master Plan Client: County of Hawaii Department of Research adn Development Nominee: HHF Planners	The jury noted that implementation of a network of bicycle and pedestrian trails is important to Hilo citizens and other Big Island residents. Addressing the many issues and needs of a bay front trail system requires an immense amount of input from a multitude of diverse stakeholders. This report could serve as a model for others to emulate in terms of local citizen and other stakeholder involvement. The plan contained effective use of photographs and sketches in the report to capture the workshop results. The plan included three public meetings over a one-year period with input from participants compiled, submitted to the advisory committee and presented in the report. The effort considered other existing plans such as the Hawaii Long Range Land Transportation Plan and the Beach Park Master Plans. The plan also provides for future recreational destinations beyond the immediate project boundary and is consistent with Federal, State and County development requirements.

2010 Awards Program

The APA Hawai`i Chapter is pleased to announce the results of the 2010 awards program.

Award	Project	Jury Comments
Outstanding Planning Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.	Kailua Park Master Plan Client: County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation Nominee: Kimura International	The jury found this plan an excellent example of solid planning principles and processes which resulted in an outstanding plan with a strong sense of ownership by the Kona community. The meaningful involvement of stakeholders was extensive and broad-based. The jury noted the creative use of existing features such as the runway to be innovative and resourceful. The plan was assembled in an easy to use, easy to understand way to ensure broad support. This plan is a great example of outstanding planning.
Outstanding Planning Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.	Lihue Town Core Urban Design Plan Client: County of Kauai Planning Department Nominee: PBR Hawaii	The jury found this a very comprehensive and detailed set of design requirements and guidelines for the central core of Lihue town. The plan seeks to make the area pedestrian and bicycle friendly through a series of interconnected walkways and bike paths, shared interior parking lots, minimal building setbacks from adjacent streets, and attractive and appropriate landscaping. It was noted the plan was adopted by ordinance, which is indicative of the plan’s support at the County Council level. The document, which incorporates Lihue’s history, was well organized with excellent graphics to illustrate the requirements and guidelines.
Best Practices in Sustainability This award recognizes innovative plans, programs, tools, or related efforts that demonstrate advancement in planners’ efforts to address the serious consequences of development and everyday living on the environment.	Kaupuni Village Client: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Nominee: Group 70 International	The jury found the plan to be an outstanding example of integrating a wide variety of sustainable concepts and programs into an 18-unit neighborhood designed to meet LEED Platinum specifications. The plan contains many sustainable features contributing to the energy efficiency of the homes, including net-zero energy use, water conservation, “green” features and fixtures, onsite agriculture and aquaculture plots, social interaction and support measures, and recycling. It was noted that HECO and DHHL have committed to a formal partnership to work together on new energy efficiency programs for the project. It also contains metrics which can be monitored. Careful monitoring and assessment make it possible to derive lessons for future projects.
Environment/Preservation Recognizes planning work done to nurture, perpetuate, or enhance the environment or the preservation of an area’s historic, and/or cultural resources.	Aina Mauna Legacy Program Client: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Nominee: Ho`okuleana LLC	The jury found this plan to be an extremely ambitious effort with concrete implementation objectives to achieve the overall vision. It contained detailed recommendations for massive reforestation of lands, the development of a self-contained socially, economically and environmentally sustainable rural community for DHHL residents, and the protection and preservation of culturally and naturally significant areas and sites. The endorsements by many were a testament to the quality of the plan.
Community Based Planning Recognizes a citizen-based and initiated planning effort that establishes and enhances a sense of awareness of a community’s character, values, and aspirations.	Anahola Town Center Plan Client: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Nominee: PBR Hawaii	The jury found the intensive efforts to engage the community throughout the entire process impressive and well-done. The result of these community based planning efforts for the Anahola Town Center interested and excited community members, solidifying their sense of ownership of the plan. Many of their ideas were incorporated and formed the basis of the plan. These processes brought together what otherwise could have been fractionalized groups to support the plan and aid in its adoption by DHHL.