Waipā Master Site Plan Update

Waipā is an intact ahupuaʻa owned by Kamehameha Schools and stewarded by the Waipā Foundation, a community-based non-profit organization whose mission is “to restore Waipā’s vibrant natural systems and resources; inspire healthy, thriving communities connected to their resources; and lead by example.” Townscape has been fortunate to be able to assist the Waipā Foundation with their long-range planning needs for the past two decades. A Master Site Plan and Development Program developed in 2004 identified the facilities and infrastructure needed to support the Foundation’s growing ʻāina-based educational programs and agricultural land uses. This plan was used to share Waipā’s vision with community, regulators, and funders, allowing it to secure a long-term lease from Kamehameha Schools and gain support and approvals for a new multipurpose building, certified kitchen, and hale imu.

In 2022, Townscape assisted Waipā with updating its Master Site Plan to reflect its growth, changing needs, and evolving environmental conditions. Through the planning process, Waipā Foundation staff identified needed facilities and prioritized seven program uses: Staff Housing, Community Complex, Keiki Zone, Equipment Maintenance, Makai Programming, Agricultural Support, and Market Support. The updated plan identifies priority facilities, longer range goals, and a phasing plan. Townscape is continuing to assist the Waipā Foundation with implementing their first priority facilities.