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“We need a new Hawai‘i Plan—which is the impulse at the heart of efforts such as Hawai‘i 2050.”

George Ariyoshi
Governor 1974 to 1986

Hawaii Business Magazine, November 2006
Hawai‘i 2050 FAQ's
What is Hawai‘i 2050?
Hawaii 2050 is a community planning process that will guide future policy decisions for a desirable and sustainable environment, community, and economy. The plan also seeks to improve the quality of life in Hawaii for future generations. The Hawaii 2050 plan will be based on the core values, hopes, and priorities of Hawaii’s residents. Through a community planning process, the plan will be gathered and shared beginning in Fall 2006.

How did Hawai‘i 2050 begin?
The 2005 Legislature created Hawaii 2050 and the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force to review the current state planning process and create a sustainability plan.

Read Act 8, SSLH 2005 for more on the beginnings of Hawaii 2050.

What are the goals of Hawai‘i 2050?
The goals and objectives of Hawaii 2050 are to:
  • Create a new state planning process that will:
    (1) guide the decisions of our policymakers, our communities, and individuals to create a sustainable Hawaii, and
    (2) reflect the collective values, priorities, and aspirations of residents throughout the State about the kind of Hawaii we want;
  • Engage and involve as many residents as possible in an open and meaningful discussion about Hawaii’s preferred future; and
  • Establish a mechanism to ensure that our unique islands and way of life are maintained and sustained for current and future generations to enjoy.


Does the Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan replace the Hawai‘i State Plan?
In December 2005, the Hawai`i 2050 Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of the Hawai`i State Plan and the state’s comprehensive planning process. The Task Force concluded that the existing State Plan (Hawai`i Revised Statutes Chapter 226) provided a strong vision and guide for Hawaii’s future over three decades ago, but is outdated and needs review. The Hawai`i 2050 Plan does not replace the Hawai`i State Plan per se, but provides a long-range planning mechanism which will complement Hawaii’s existing planning laws and processes. The integration and implementation of the Hawai`i 2050 Plan is yet to be determined, and will be developed over the course of the next 18 months.

What is the relationship between the Hawai`i 2050 Plan and the respective county planning processes?
Each of the counties has their own community planning processes. The Task Force recognizes the significance of these processes, and seeks to find ways to ensure that the Hawai`i 2050 Plan complements county jurisdiction responsibilities and governance. The inter-relationship between Hawai`i 2050 and the county plans will be developed over the course of next 18 months.

What makes the Hawai`i 2050 Plan different from other government plans that “sit on the shelf”?
The Task Force has placed significant emphasis on the need to provide “teeth” to the Hawai`i 2050 Sustainability Plan. In addition to the plan being visionary and aspirational, Hawai`i 2050 will be practical and action-oriented. Mechanisms to measure progress toward a sustainable Hawai`i will be considered, including the development of benchmarks and measures to implement planned sustainability goals and objectives.

How can I participate?
A kickoff event to launch Hawaii 2050 will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at the Dole Ballrooms in Honolulu. See what the future holds and experience life in 2050 as we begin to discuss critical choices and trade-offs that must be made to create a vibrant and preferred Hawaii.

In the Fall of 2006, large and small community gatherings will be held throughout the state to design a shared vision for the Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan. These meetings can be held in schools, community centers, churches, offices, and can be organized by anyone interested in having a say in this process.

Who is behind the Hawai‘i 2050 effort?
The legislation that created Hawaii 2050 established a 25-member task force to guide the effort. The State Auditor has administrative oversight over the project and is responsible for submitting the plan to the Legislature. The Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, a private, nonprofit research and public policy institute, and a team from the University of Hawaii, provide technical assistance to the Auditor and task force.

Ultimately, the plan will be shaped with the help and input of concerned Hawaii citizens who share their thoughts with the task force.

When will the Hawai‘i 2050 Sustainability Plan be completed?
The plan will be submitted to the Legislature in December 2007 and will be reviewed and discussed during the 2008 legislative session.