Next Steps

Community Engagement and Data Collection Plan

Outreach Strategy

Online Surveys

Community input will be collected primarily through Google Forms, ensuring broad accessibility and convenience for participants. This digital method will maximize participation by allowing responses from any location.

Printed Surveys

To include residents without internet access or those who prefer paper, printed surveys will also be distributed. These will be available at the Community Open House, where participants can provide in-person feedback and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Communication Channels

Digital Outreach

Project information will be disseminated through:

• Social media posts

• News releases

• Text message campaigns

• Targeted email distribution

This strategy will ensure widespread awareness across diverse audiences.

Traditional Outreach

Complementary methods will include:

• Local radio announcements

• Flyers placed in community spaces

• Direct, peer-to-peer conversations

Together, these channels will strengthen engagement with residents who may not actively use digital platforms.

Community Open House

The Community Open House will provide a direct forum for dialogue. Attendees will:

• Learn about the Mala Lāʻau Project

• Ask questions and voice concerns

• Contribute feedback in a welcoming, face-to-face setting

This event will play a pivotal role in fostering trust and building consensus.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The project will benefit from strong partnerships. In previous projects, these included the Built Environment Task Force, County of Kauaʻi Parks and Recreation, Long-Range Planning Division, and the Office of Economic Opportunity.

• Support outreach efforts

• Assist with planning and logistics

These collaborations will ensure a positive and inclusive environment for all participants.

Anticipated Participation

We anticipate engagement from at least 100 survey participants, representing a diverse cross-section of the community:

• Frequent park users

• Families

• Residents and visitors passionate about gardening, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship

This diversity will ensure the project reflects a wide range of community perspectives and priorities.

Methods

Data Collection

The survey will integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches:

• Quantitative Data will identify common trends and community-wide priorities.

• Qualitative Responses will provide deeper insights into individual hopes, concerns, and ideas.

Data Analysis

To ensure rigor and transparency:

• Duplicate responses will be excluded.

• Patterns of potential bias will be noted.

• Results will be analyzed for recurring themes and priorities.

This approach will guarantee accurate representation of community voices and provide actionable insights to guide the project.

Support Threshold

To move forward, the project will require at least 70% support from directly impacted community members. Research demonstrates that:

• 70–80% support reflects effective communication, aligned goals, and strong trust in leadership.

• 80%+ support fosters shared momentum, collaboration, and smoother project implementation with reduced risk of setbacks.