Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 223 — Quality Growth Policy

Division 1. Government — Title 13. Planning and Economic Development

Hawaii Revised Statutes as published by the Hawaii State Legislature (files updated 1/5/2026 7:14 PM).

Division 1 Government

Title 13 Planning and Economic Development

Chapter 223 Quality Growth Policy

§223-1 Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development of a policy for the State of Hawaii to halt urban sprawl with its attendant need for costly urban services, to preserve and conserve open space areas, to enhance and protect the environment of Hawaii, and to uplift the quality of life for all its citizens and to provide for implementation of such policy.

[L 1972, c 45, §1]

§223-2 Quality growth policy

The office of planning and sustainable development shall develop a quality growth policy based upon the following considerations:

(1) An examination of the environmental impact of proposed urban development;

(2) The relationship between short-term and long-term environmental quality;

(3) Any irretrievable commitment of resources through urban development; and

(4) Alternatives available to minimize adverse environmental effects as balanced against economic development of the State.

The quality growth policy shall include a comprehensive policy framework for directing growth and land use and shall identify State growth objectives and specific operational constraints to further such objectives.

[L 1972, c 45, §2; am L 1993, c 213, §2; am L 1996, c 299, §3; am L 2021, c 153, §8]

§223-3 Diversification of economic development and population growth

The office of planning and sustainable development shall develop a strategic plan as part of its quality growth policy. The plan shall develop recommendations on dispersing economic development and population growth to prevent overpopulation or overdevelopment of any one county within the State.

[L 1993, c 213, §1; am L 1996, c 299, §3; am L 2021, c 153, §8]