Research for Planning, Permitting & Entitlements

John M. Knox & Associates, Inc. has prepared numerous socio-economic assessments of specific projects for Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and other permit entitlement documents – including extensive expert-witness testimony to State and county planning decision makers. We have also assisted State and county governments with planning-related assessments and forecasts at regional or statewide levels.

Economic Impact Assessments

We assess the impacts of a given intervention, policy, program, project, activity or event on the economic environment of a given area. The analysis we provide measures the economic impact in terms of changes in economic growth (output or value added) and associated changes in jobs (employment), population, and income (wages).

Social Impact Assessments

We provide concrete analyses of intended and unintended social consequences (both positive and negative) of planned interventions such as policy amendments; development, improvement or termination of specific programs; and changes due to planning projects. Tools include surveys, community interviews, and case studies.

Stakeholder Outreach and Facilitation

Involving the public in the planning process can be critical to achieving desired outcomes or reaching previously set goals. Using positive, solution-driven techniques ranging from simple meetings and interviews to more complex group processes, we work to create best outcomes that meet stakeholder objectives and foster understanding.

Selected Recent Examples

  • 2010 Social Impact of proposed Hilton Hawaiian Village “Master Plan Improvements” (including new timeshare towers and retail expansion).
  • 2009-10 Economic Impact of proposed redevelopment of Princess Ka‘iulani and Moana Surfrider properties in Waikīkī.
  • 2008-09 Economic and Socio-Cultural Impacts of proposed relocation of Guam military buildup (actions by U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam).
  • 2007-09 Economic Impacts of proposed new Mauna Kea telescope
  • 2007-08 Economic Impacts of proposed Sheraton Kaua‘i redevelopment and Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort timeshare development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
  • 2006 Social Impact of Kona Kai Ola (proposed mixed-use visitor and resident commercial expansion of the marina at Honokōhau Harbor in West Hawai’i). Prepared for Jacoby Development, Inc.
  • 2002-2004 Socio-Cultural & Public Input Component, Sustainable Tourism Study. Prepared for the Hawai’i State Department of Business, Economic Development, & Tourism. This highly visible and complex project included:
    • Detailed analyses of changing tourism trends;
    • Public input/output – via website and repeated public meetings on all islands, over two years;
    • Measuring the impacts on the Native Hawaiian population – Coordinating the Native Hawaiian Advisory Group in analyzing impacts on the indigenous population and recommending actions.
    • Measuring the impacts on the General Population – Historical analysis of socio-cultural issues in Hawai’i, as well as a statistical analysis of selected issues (e.g., tourism and crime; tourism and housing);
    • Statewide resident survey on attitudes toward tourism and growth.
    • Specific policy proposals developed in conjunction with ongoing Study Group, and broader policy proposals addressing creation of a Sustainable Tourism System in Hawai’i.