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Special Management Area (SMA)

The Hawaii CZM Program is a broad management framework incorporating regulatory authorities of state and county agencies to provide greater coordination of existing laws. County governments play a crucial role in implementing the Hawaii CZM Program by regulating development in geographically designated Special Management Areas (SMA). Through their respective SMA permit systems, the Counties assess and regulate development proposals in the SMA for compliance with the CZM objectives and policies and SMA guidelines set forth in Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).

Background

The SMA permit is a management tool to assure that permitted uses and activities that are defined as developments in the SMA are designed and carried out in compliance with the CZM objectives and policies and SMA guidelines. It is independently implemented by each of the four counties according to their own ordinances and rules. The SMA Permit system in each County regulates development within a geographically defined SMA extending from the shoreline inland. Within each county, SMA boundaries may range from about 100 yards to several miles inland from the shoreline.

In some areas, the SMA extends several miles inland to cover areas in which coastal resources are likely to be directly affected by development activities, such as Kawainui Marsh on Oahu and Waipio Valley on the Big Island. The Counties may amend their boundaries to achieve the CZM objectives and policies. Amendments removing areas from an SMA are subject to state review for compliance with the coastal law.

No development can occur in the SMA unless the appropriate agency first issues an approval. Development is defined to include most uses, activities and operations on land and in the water. For more information, please consult with the appropriate County planning departments.

Participant's Guide to the SMA Permit (9.58 MB)

County Contacts

Detailed information regarding filing requirements for proposals should be directed to the County Planning Department in which the activity will occur.

County of Hawaii
Planning Department
SMA Permits 808-961-8288

County of Maui
Planning Department
SMA Permits 808-270-7735

County of Kauai
Planning Department
808-241-6677

City & County of Honolulu
Department of Planning & Permitting
SMA Permits 808-768-8014

Community Development Districts

Since 1990, the State Office of Planning (OP) has also been designated the SMA authority regulating development in limited areas under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Community Development Authority. The OP has the administrative authority to process SMA and Shoreline Setback reviews for development within a Community Development District (CDD) for which a Community Development Plan has been developed and approved in accordance with Section 206E-5, HRS. The two designated CDDs are Kakaako (within urban Honolulu ) and Kalaeloa (at Barbers Point) Oahu. Coordination with the OP, Coastal Zone Management Program for all proposed development within the Special Management Area of the CDDs is required.

No development can occur in the Kakaako or Kalaeloa SMA unless the OP, Coastal Zone Management Program first issues an approval. Development is defined to include most uses, activities and operations on land and in the water.

For proposals within the SMA districts of Kakaako or Kalaeloa, utilize the following:

CZM Contact

Detailed information regarding filing requirements and instructions for proposals within Kakaako and Kalaeloa are available. Contact Shichao Li at 808-587-2841 or sli@dbedt.hawaii.gov for more information.


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Last Modified: Tue, 26 May 2009 15:54:53 -1000
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