Golf course development in Hawaii I: Impacts and Policy Recommendations

Hawaii State Office of Planning

Senate Concurrent resolution #192, 1991, requested the study of golf course development and recommendations for a policy on compensatory fees to mitigate negative impacts of golf courses. Many of the concerns from both opponents and supporters of golf courses refelct the real problem symbolized by golf ccurse development: growth management. Under current law,golf and many other land uses can be placed in any of our land use districts by special permit. Much of the controversy over golf courses stems from the fact that the Hawai'i regulatory scheme does not meet one or more of its basic objectives in the eyse of many sectors of the community. The reports recommendations for regulating golf course development are based in part on the proposed changes to Chapter 205, HRS, as outlined in Senate Bill 1342, 1991. Once district boundaries are rationalized, golf courses should be restricted to the Urban District, and by special use permit only if consistent with the purposes of the Agricultural and Open Districts, or a special subzone in the Conservation District. Any landowner should expect to pass two screens in order to develop a golf course. The first is a "go/no go" based on the projects compatibility with State Land Use District Classifications; County Planning, zoning and ordinances, and physical resources, such as aquifers, watersheds, wetlands, critical habitats. The second screen would consist of any appropriate conditions for the site.