Each year, the APA Hawai`i Chapter recognizes significant contributions to the planning profession and to the advancement of planning issues and awareness in our communities.

The annual awards are given to recognize individuals, communities, private organizations, public agencies, and professional planning and design firms whose work exemplifies the planning profession’s highest goals and ideals. The awards program further serves to raise public awareness of the benefits of good planning by highlighting significant contributions that planning practitioners and professionals make to the State of Hawaii.

The APA Hawai`i Chapter is pleased to announce the following winners of the 2009 awards competition.

Outstanding Planning
Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.

Judges' Comments
"This was as solid plan using conventional methodologies and processes. It included transferable elements. It was of professional quality with excellent presentation. It was noted to have an excellent relationship between the master plan and the EIS. The substance of the plan was excellent. Components such as inter-connected streets, 1000’ shoreline setback and system of parks and open space resulted in visionary process for sustainable communities. The plan included a good analysis of constraints and opportunities. Resulting recommendations effectively address issues identified."

Outstanding Planning
Recognizes a project, process, or program that exemplifies excellence in planning.

Kona Community Development Plan
Client: County of Hawaii Planning Department
Nominee: Wilson Okamoto,

Judges' Comments
"This was a report of excellent quality, well presented with efficient and effective use of graphics.  The training of volunteers to assist with the outreach efforts was particularly innovative.  Use of guidance documents was also particularly effective.  The plan was well organized with high quality printing and presentation.  Plan was comprehensive in that it included a level of specificity required to ensure success.  Community involvement was evident throughout the entire process.  The establishment of an implementation committee was an excellent example of innovation."

Best Practices in Sustainability
This award recognizes innovative plans, programs, tools, or related efforts that demonstrate advancement in planners’ efforts to address the serious consequences of development and everyday living on the environment.

Waipahu Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plan
Client: City & County of Honolulu DPP
Nominee: Van Meter Williams Pollack

Judges' Comments
"This plan was very well done and professionally presented.  It was highly rated in terms of transferability and implementation.  The public participation and partnership processes were exemplary and integral to the development of a good plan.  The plan was recognized for its integration of transit-oriented development and sustainability."

Environment/Preservation
Recognizes planning work done to nurture, perpetuate, or enhance the environment or the preservation of an area’s historic, and/or cultural resources.

Master Plan for the Reuse and Revitalization of the Old Maui High School
Client: Old Maui High School
Nominee:  Chris Hart & Partners, Inc.

Judges' Comments
"This plan was an impressive example of adaptive reuse of a significant historical site.  The use of a collaborative focus group was an excellent example of community based planning principles.  The plan was high quality, thorough and well-written.  The use of plans, sketches, photos and renderings was very well done which resulted in a very professional product.  Its format and content was well thought out and easy to follow.  Plan initiatives were closely tied to local legislation which helps ensure success.  Plan implementation was comprehensive and well-detailed."

Community Advocacy Planning
Recognizes a project, group, or individual that demonstrates a commitment to advocacy planning in support of society’s less fortunate members.

Building a Community Based Playground – Creating Keiki Pride
Client: Mayor Wright Tenants Association
Nominee: UH Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Judges' Comments
"The plan was an excellent example of community advocacy. It was well written and included a detailed project implementation plan. The jury noted the evolution of the students and community and the transformation that occurred throughout the duration of the process. The plan provides the ability to respond in a flexible manner to what is possible. It was professionally presented with a good use of photos."

Community Based Planning
Recognizes a citizen-based and initiated planning effort that establishes and enhances a sense of awareness of a community’s character, values, and aspirations.

Waimanalo Youth and Family Collaborative Center Plan
Client: Waimanalo Youth and Family Collaborative Center
Nominee: UH Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Judges' Comments
"This plan included the innovative approach of involving youth and family participation over a two-day retreat, as well as over 250 individual interviews over a two year process. The processes and methodologies were very transferable and could be applied to other projects of this nature. It was well presented with great graphics. It was very comprehensive with exemplary quality, descriptions and cultural aspects."