STATE PROMOTES HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Aug 14 - Emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to community design, Lt. Governor Aiona met with planners and developers last week about opportunities and challenges in Hawai`i for designing healthier communities.

"We can make Hawai`i healthier by creating more communities that encourage physical activity and connection among neighbors," said Lt. Governor Aiona.

The event, sponsored by the Department of Health as part of the Healthy Hawai`i Initiative, was based on a national movement toward building communities that enable residents to get around without a car.

National studies show a link between rising obesity rates and a growing number of communities that require the use of a car.

As a result, the Lt. Governor called on the group to help transform Hawai`i communities into places where physical activities such as cycling and walking are integral features.

"Walkable communities and complete streets would allow opportunities for increased physical activity," said Lt. Governor Aiona. "Incorporating that type of smart growth would make our state a healthier place to live."