Public Affairs & Advocacy
OUR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Since our branch formation in 1948, the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle has been pursuing its vision for Kailua, through improvement projects and advocacy efforts that enhance the livability of Kailua for residents and improve the environment for local businesses and visitors. Thanks to these efforts, residents and businesses in Kailua, and the general public, enjoy the benefits of tree-lined streets, public parks, schools, and open space with quality shade trees and a biodiversity of plantings, streets relatively free of sign clutter, and beach parks free of commercial activity.
Our dedicated LKOC members have actively spearheaded advocacy efforts:
- We endeavor to protect, preserve, and restore the Kawainui/Hamakua Marsh.
- We support projects that help improve the quality of life in Hawai'i's communities.
- We are active in government relations, serving on numerous boards and task forces.
- We promote adherence to State and County statutes regarding illegal outdoor advertising signage in our communities.
- We foster outreach programs to educate the next generation of stewards of our landscape.
- We advocate for responsible land use policies that protect our environment and natural beauty.
LKOC in particular was instrumental in:
- Changing the zoning code to limit the height of buildings in Kailua to 45 feet.
- Establishing an agreement with the City to restrict commercial activities and tour buses at Kalama and Kailua Beach Parks.
- Protecting and preserving Kawainui Marsh as a Ramsar "Wetland of International Importance", the formation of the "Kawainui Heritage Foundation", and efforts to include Kawainui on the "National Register of Historic Places".
- Stopping development on the slopes of Mount Olomana
We have been, and continue to be, actively engaged in the planning process for the responsible development of Kailua as a residential community. We continue to work with state and local authorities, as well as private individuals and corporations, to improve the quality, livability and sustainability of Kailua.
Our mission and vision is to ‘Keep Kailua clean, green, and beautiful’, and we have continued to pursue it with passion and dedication.
Please visit our History of LKOC, Beautification Projects, Tree Preservation, Kawainui Marsh, and Signs pages to read more about our work to protect, preserve, and enhance our community.
To join us in these efforts, please visit our Join the Circle page.
To see a list of some of our LKOC Public Policy Positions over the past 2 decades, click on the file link below.
| lkoc_public_policy_positions.pdf |