City and County of Honolulu News Releases

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OAHU GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED   (Mon., November 21, 2011) — The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting has released the results of a community survey on the Oahu General Plan Update.               The Department conducted the online survey from June 13, 2011 to September 1, 2011 to gather public comments on the issues being considered for the General Plan Update. The issues include economic health, regional population and growth, agriculture, affordable housing, and sustainability.               A total of 2,413 people took part in the survey and 1,942, or 80.5 percent, completed the entire survey. Although not a scientific survey or a representative sample of Oahu's population, the responses are significant because they were made by individuals who voluntarily took the time to participate.               Among the survey's results, a large majority (75 percent) said the opportunity to enjoy Oahu's natural areas was one of the characteristics they valued most about living on the island. Nearly 50 percent said the local culture and values, followed by a strong sense of community (35.8 percent) were the characteristics that made Oahu unique. (Respondents were allowed to pick three characteristics, which is why the percentage total exceeded 100 percent.)               The respondents also listed the Top 5 issues they felt needed to be addressed in the General Plan. They are: Traffic and congestion; protecting agricultural land and increasing agricultural production; protecting the environment; homelessness and availability of housing; and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.               The Department continues to seek input on the General Plan Update. Residents can submit comments through the Department's website, www.honoluludpp.org. The results of the community survey also are available at this website.               The deadline to submit a comment is November 30, 2011.   -30-   Media Contact: DPP Public Information Officer Curtis Lum at (808) 768-8284.