Lihue will get help from national architects in mapping out a plan for sustainability, thanks to the AIA's Sustainable Design Assessment Team (via interiordesign).

Citing local "ignorance or denial about the large context issues of global warming, peak oil and the risks and realities of global interdependence", good buddy Pat Griffin is guiding the Lihue Business Association in this effort to "integrate sustainability principles into the planning process."

One of 10 American cities chosen for the third year of this great program, Lihue has been grappling with creating a "Town Core Urban Design Plan" since 2003, and needs more help.

Together with Diane Zachary-- whose KPAA floated this proposal-- Griffin and local architect Palmer Hafdahl and others worked tirelessly to get Lihue this honor.

The LBA/KPAA committee will gear up later this year to work with the team of national experts and other local stakeholders.

According to Griffin, Lihue hopes to "create a template for an innovative and dynamic sustainable community planning process and effective ways of involving citizens in building a sustainable future".

For the record, the last Development Plan for Lihue was adopted 30 years ago, when Lihue still had plantations and the mall was the current County Offices.

Now a series of initiatives is underway to shape Lihue as the "heart of Kauai", including LBA's "Lihue Tomorrow" program, the County's Civic Center Plan, as well as the "Town Core Urban Design Plan" currently under review the Planning Dept.

Can't happen soon enough...says here.