Since the end of World War II, communities across the country have followed a pattern of growth and development that has moved people out of urban centers into bucolic suburban areas. While many considered this "getting one's own piece of paradise," it also meant putting more miles between homes, stores, and jobs—making people dependent on automobiles.
After more than 60 years, many have come to realize that these conventional patterns of growth and development can result in traffic and pollution. This is particularly troublesome for coastal communities where runoff from more roads degrades water quality, and increased traffic impacts air and water and is considered a significant source of carbon emissions contributing to climate change.
In the cover story of this edition of Coastal Services, we focus on how the University of Hawaii Sea Grant program is helping to create a more comprehensive approach to regional planning throughout the Hawaiian Islands using smart growth principles.
In addition to the lessons learned in Hawaii, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Services Center offers training and tools that can help coastal resource managers change how community planning and development is done.
The Coastal Community Planning and Development training course developed by NOAA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and state coastal resource management agencies provides managers with the background, examples, and strategies to support alternative development efforts. For more information on this introductory, two-day course, point your browser to www.csc.noaa.gov/training/ccpd.html.
One of the most challenging aspects of changing planning and development strategies is incorporating peoples' experiences, culture, and understanding of issues.
Introduction to Stakeholder Participation, the second in a series of Center publications developed to help coastal managers use social science tools, presents guidance on effectively incorporating stakeholder involvement. To view the publication or other Center social science tools, go to www.csc.noaa.gov/cms/human_dimensions/focus_socialsci.html.
We hope you find the articles in this edition interesting and informative. As always, we'd love to hear your feedback.
-- Margaret A. Davidson
