2012 Chapter Awards

and noted the preparation of twelve working papers on various aspects of tsunami science, hazard mitigation, and disaster resilience. They also cite the identification of appropriate developable lands which take account of slope, landslide risk, and potential for flooding as an especially useful part of the project. They commended the project as it helps to raise awareness and increase knowledge of the threats and hazards associated with tsunamis in Samoa and in the region.

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF

In a press release at the time of Mary Alice’ most recent appointment, the Governor noted that “Ms. Evans brings institutional insight to our dynamic team at DBEDT. Her experience is valuable as we move forward towards encouraging more public and private partnerships with government.” Aside from all her accolades and demonstrated talents throughout the years, we at the APA Hawai’i Chapter value Mary Alice most for her personal warmth, commitment, professionalism, intelligence and passion for good planning in Hawai‘i. Congratulations, Mary Alice!

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF

The APA Awards Jury recognizes that this plan demonstrates persuasively how significant improvement to water quality in Ko‘olaupoko’s watersheds and the receiving waters of Kāne‘ohe, Kailua and Waimānalo Bays can be achieved by the cumulative effect of numerous small, cost-effective projects at sites distributed throughout the region. First, it identified a clear purpose and set of achievable goals to improve water quality. Second, it employed an effective screening process to identify priorities and candidate sites for retrofitting low-impact design (LID) stormwater management approaches. Third, it illustrated, in before-and-after scenarios and budgets for each of the selected sites, how these LID projects would not only be relatively simple and inexpensive to implement and maintain, but also improve the appearance of the sites. Last, and perhaps most important, the plan is impressive because it was initiated and prepared by a non-profit organization that was supported by significant volunteer effort, community involvement and mostly private sources of funding. The scope of the plan could well be expanded over the years, building on initial successes with small projects. It serves as a good model for other urban watersheds throughout Hawai‘i.

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF

The APA Awards Jury selected this study for recognition since it provides important baseline data for measuring food production and consumption and agricultural activity as a basis for monitoring food self-sufficiency in Hawai‘i County. They noted this as an important effort given national and local concerns regarding agriculture, food safety and security, sustainability, and the effects of climate and environmental change. They found the work innovative, including the creation of a self-sufficiency scorecard and maps depicting agricultural activity throughout the County. Information on area specific food production is particularly useful. The study builds and strengthens partnerships between the County of Hawai‘i and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and deepens the relationship between planning and agricultural land management as more than 150 people were interviewed in the process. The development of key metrics related to production and consumption is useful and many of the concepts, tools, and findings are transferable to other communities. The inclusion of a list of 100 things to do also can be built upon. The study provides a good foundation for future action affecting agriculture in Hawai‘i.

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF

The research on Hawaiian values as well as coverage of topics such as permaculture, public health and local economic development makes this plan comprehensive, ambitious and worthy of recognition.

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF

Both the final master plan and the process by which the plan was developed exemplify excellence in planning, and illustrate a collaborative effort between the County of Kaua‘i and an engaged citizenry. The APA Awards Jury felt compelling justification for recognizing this project because of this partnership, which not only increases support for the project, but also increases the chances of implementation. They also found the project’s site plan exemplifies many of the desired traits of new residential projects, including good circulation within the project and the larger community, varied housing products, accommodations for different types of households, and on-site recreational amenities. It also includes a focal point that underscores a sense of place and promotes neighborhood sociability.

For full award text: Download Award Board PDF