Hawaii Office of Planning and Sustainable Development

Planning in Hawaii has a long and significant history. It can be traced to the late 1700’s when Kamehameha I decided to unite the Hawaiian islands. He assessed his resources, devised strategies, and waged a successful military campaign.

Concerned about the development of Hawaii after World War II, the territorial legislature mandated in 1945 the preparation of a master plan for the physical development of the territory. The plan addressed transportation, agriculture, parks, recreation, water supply development, flood control, land use, forest reservations, and other interests.

In 1961, Hawaii enacted the nation’s first land use law, and in 1979 the first state plan law. Hawaii is acknowledged nationally and internationally as a pioneer and leader in land use and state planning.