(BIVN) – After nine years of work, the Ka’u Community Development Plan is in the verge of adoption.

The plan went before the Hawaii County Council Planning Committee Tuesday. The document will help the rural community manage growth, acting as a guide for development.

One of the hotly debated topics is Policy 28, establishing a district-wide, quarter mile shoreline setback in regards to any future development.

There is still some debate as to whether or not the CDP will have the force of law. County officials tried to address some of the concerns in a presentation made to council members during the meeting held in Kona.

Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela even advised the councilmembers to enter into executive session on the matter, which they did.

The council committee took a cautious approach to their vote, putting it aside for further legal review before making a recommendation.