LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance is beginning work on the third edition of “Measuring What Matters for Kaua‘i: Community Indicators Report,” and has received $10,000 from the SW Wilcox Trust toward its publication. The report is issued every
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance is beginning work on the third edition of “Measuring What Matters for Kaua‘i: Community Indicators Report,” and has received $10,000 from the SW Wilcox Trust toward its publication.
The report is issued every two years, and the next edition will be available this summer.
Indicators track data over time related to important community issues and provide a snapshot of how a community is doing. Kaua‘i is one of over 200 communities around the country creating indicator reports to measure progress and help identify trends as an area develops, grows and changes.
“The audience for Kaua‘i’s Community Indicators Report is anyone making policy, program and budget decisions about our island’s future, from government leaders to nonprofits to businesses,” said Diane Zachary, KPAA president and CEO. “The report is particularly valuable for all elected officials who need to familiarize themselves with the needs on our island to assist in planning, policy setting and budget development.”
The Kaua‘i data identifies trends related to quality of life, sustainability and resiliency and the report offers suggested actions that can be taken to move in more positive directions.
The 2008 report included 57 indicators that reflect the values and vision included in the Kaua‘i General Plan 2000. It focuses on seven areas important to the island’s future: economic and business climate, public education, neighborhood and community health and well-being, civic engagement, natural environment, land use and rural character, and cultures and arts.
To update the report, representatives from agriculture, business, economic development, planning, transportation, housing, parks, environment, visitor industry, water, public safety, public utilities, health, education, culture and workforce sectors will be invited to participate on KPAA’s Community Indicators Advisory Committee.
Grants from the County of Kaua‘i and Grove Farm Foundation also support this effort, in recognition of the important role government and the private sector plays in charting the future direction of the island.
KPAA is a nonprofit membership organization that brings together diverse individuals and groups for collaborative planning and action. Serving as a neutral facilitator, KPAA provides a forum for nonprofit and community based groups, government agencies, business associations, businesses and individuals working together to achieve effective, long-lasting solutions to issues confronting our island.
Earlier reports, which were released in 2007 and 2009, are available on KPAA’s website at www.kauainetwork.org. For more information, contact KPAA at 632-2005 or e-mail kpaa@kauainetwork.org.
