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Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 3 the subject property are classified as "Unique Agricultural Land" by the ALISH system. "Unique Agricultural Land" are lands that have the special combination of soil, quality, location, growing season and moisture supply and which is used to produce sustained high quality and/or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to modern farming methods. The recordation of deed restrictions for individual lot owners to file a conservation plan with the Kona Soil and Water Conservation District will encourage agricultural activities or the presentation of the lands within the proposed subdivision in a manner consistent with the "Orchard" designation by the General Plan LUPAG Map and "Unique Agricultural Land" designation by the ALISH system. The requested FA-3a zoning is consistent with [he recommendation of the Kona Regional Plan. The proposed subdivision of 3 acre lots would be compatible with the rural character of lands located within the lower elevations of Kaloko Mauka Subdivision which are zoned A-3a and A-Sa. The applicant has agreed to impose restrictive covenants requiring the filing of a conservation plan with the Soil and Water Conservation District as well as restricting the construction of second dwelling units on each subdivided lots. The smaller 3 acre lot sizes will also provide additional opportunities for residents who wish to pursue limited agricultural activities, but are no[ able to commit to the financial or labor demands placed on them by the larger 20-acre parcels. Lands located within the lower regions of Kaloko Mauka Subdivision are predominantly zoned A-3a. Recent zoning classifications have been approved for 5-acre parcels at the 2,900 foot elevation and 10-acre parcels at the 3,000 foot elevation. The subject property is surrounded by A- 3a and 20 acre zoned lands. Therefore, a favorable recommendation of this change of zone request will be consistent with the surrounding land use pattern already established within this portion of Kaloko Mauka Subdivision. The subject property is located at the 2,200 foot elevation. The Alala Recovery Plan, prepared in an effort to preserve the habitat of the critically endangered Alala, recommends that portions of Kaloko Mauka Subdivision above the 3,200 foot elevation be designated as "essential habitat" for the Alala. Approval of the requested change of zone will not alter the existing land use conditions within Kaloko Mauka Subdivision. Whether a parcel has an Agricultural zoning with a minimum lot size of 3 or 20 acres, uses permitted within the Agricultural District will allow for a variety of agricultural activities to be conducted on the property. Therefore, favorable consideration of this request will also complement the goals, policies and standards of the Land Use and Agricultural Elements of the General Plan previously cited above.