PUBLIC NOTICE
PLANNING DIRECTOR
COUNTY OF HAWAII
PROPOSED SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA (SMA) MAP AMENDMENT FOR THE KAPOHO AND POHOIKI AREAS OF LOWER PUNA DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Director has initiated an amendment to the Special Management Area (SMA) map for a portion of Lower Puna pursuant to Planning Commission Rule 9-23.
The proposed amendment would reduce the area within the SMA generally between Kapoho and Pohoiki to reflect coastline changes caused by the 2018 Kilauea Lower East Rift Zone eruption. Lava flows created new land seaward of the former shoreline, leaving portions of the existing SMA boundary approximately 0.5 to 0.75 miles inland from the current shoreline.
The Director’s review began on September 14, 2026, and is expected to be completed by November 6, 2026. The proposed amendment will then be submitted to the Windward Planning Commission for consideration.
Proposed maps and related materials are available at: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=159844&dbid=1&repo=PublicDocuments&cr=1 and during office hours at the following Planning Department offices:
Hilo: Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.
Kailua-Kona: West Hawaii Civic Center,
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740.
Written comments may be submitted to either office or by email to planning@hawaiicounty.gov. Comments received during the Director’s review will be considered before the proposed amendment is submitted to the Windward Planning Commission.

Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider
and Employer

JEFFREY W. DARROW
PLANNING DIRECTOR
(HTH/WHT1542172 10/30/26)