HAWAII WORLD HABITAT DAY CELEBRATION
Public Forum to Focus on Hawaii Values, Contribution

HONOLULU - This year, the United States will play host to World Habitat Day, an annual international event
sponsored by the United Nations General Assembly to promote innovations in affordable housing and sustainable
urban development. The U.S. is hosting the global celebration for the first time ever with several events planned in Washington, DC, across the country, and throughout the world.

In Hawaii, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will host World Habitat Day 2009 with a free
public forum on the future of global planning. Hawaii will host a panel forum on Monday, October 5, at the University of Hawaii - School of Architecture Auditorium from 7:00 pm. - 9:00 p.m.

"This year's theme, Planning our Urban Future, is an opportunity to bring attention to some of the most promising urban planning ideas being explored across the globe," said Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "It is an opportunity to create a platform for international partnership that helps make socially, environmentally and economically sustainable urban communities a reality for all of us."

Hawaii's moderated public forum will explore whether Hawaii's unique island values can redefine a new planning framework and reframe the opportunities of a rapidly urbanizing world. Our expert panel will include some innovative and experienced leaders in sustainability, Hawaiian cultural traditions, ground-up activism, globalization and
resource development.

Some of topics examined will be: the interconnections between place and people and whether culture can be integrated into a development policy; whether a culturally-derived planning framework can be brought to scale for application in other developed and developing countries. Can such a planning model create more sustainable, livable and equitable communities? Or, are the globalization forces impacting cities too overwhelming to permit culturally sensitive approach from taking hold? What are the tradeoffs?

Panelists include James Koshiba, Executive Director, Kanu Hawaii; Matt Hamabata, Executive Director, The Kohala Center; Alex de Roode, Executive Director, Sustainable Living Institute of Maui; Gregory C. Chun, Vice President, Keauhou-Kahalu'u Education Group (Kamehameha Schools); Clark Llewellyn, Dean, UHM School of Architecture; Michael Douglass, Director, UHM Globalization Research Center and former Chair of UHM Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Allen Clark, Senior Research Fellow, East-West Center and founder of The International Institute
for Resource Development; and Emeritus Professor Tom Dinell, UHM Urban and Regional Planning, moderator.

Caroline H. Krewson, Deputy Regional Director for Region IX of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will officially welcome participants to the forum.

The forum will take place at the University of Hawaii - School of Architecture Auditorium on October 5 from
7:00 pm. - 9:00 p.m. (University Parking is $5.00.) Local partners include the University of Hawaii, East-West
Center, Urban Land Institute Hawaii, American Planning Association - Hawaii Chapter and Habitat for Humanity
Leeward Oahu.

###

If you require an auxiliary aid (sign language interpreter, material in an alternative format, etc.) or an
accommodation due to disability please contact HUD Honolulu Field Office at (808) 522-8175.