Announcements

Panel to discuss urgent need for urban planning

World Habitat Day will be observed from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday Oct. 5 at a free public forum, “Planning our Urban Future,” at the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s School of Architecture Auditorium.

With over half of the world’s population living in urban areas set to increase dramatically during the next generation, this year’s forum focuses on the urgent need to improve urban planning. The urban agenda is becoming a global priority as major challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and economic instability impact communities everywhere.

This public forum will explore how Hawaii’s unique island values can redefine a new planning framework. There will be a panel discussion featuring leaders in sustainability, Hawaiian culture, community activism, globalization, and resource development, including:

  • James Koshiba, Executive Director, Kanu Hawaii

  • Matt Hamabata, Executive Director, The Kohala Center

  • Alex de Roode, Executive Director, Sustainable Living Institute of Maui

  • Gregory C. Chun, Vice President, The Keauhou - Kahalu'u Education Group, The Kamehameha Schools

  • Clark Llewellyn, Dean, UHM School of Architecture

  • Michael Douglass, Director, UHM Globalization Research Center; and former Chair, UHM Department of Urban and Regional Planning

  • Allen Clark, Senior Research Fellow, East West Center; Founder of The International Institute for Resource Development

The moderator will be Tom Dinell, Emeritus Professor, Urban & Regional Planning. The featured presentation will be “Secure Tenure: A Story from the field” by Habitat for Humanity.

Co-sponsors include U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; East-West Center; American Planning Association, Hawaii Chapter; ULI Hawaii; Habitat for Humanity Leeward Oahu; and University of Hawaii at Manoa: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Architecture, Sea Grant College Program, and Center for Smart Building and Community Design.

For more information, contact Ramona Mullahey, (808) 522-8185 ext. 249 or ramona.mullahey@hud.gov.