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Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman <br />and Members of the County Council <br />Page 5 <br />This proposed development is consistent with the Land Use and Economic <br />Element of the General Plan in that the proposed request will provide additional and <br />expanded agricultural opportunities for the residents of the area as well as the entire <br />island, in keeping with the course of action for Ka'u that states, "the County shall assist <br />the further development of agriculture in the area." The applicant proposes to subdivide <br />the project area to create smaller agricultural lots to support small, family-oriented farms. <br />The applicant believes that the proposed lots would enable local residents to own and <br />farm their own land, and thus become more economically self-sufficient. <br />The proposed Agricultural Project District and subdivision into 17 lots ranging in <br />size from five acres and larger would be compatible with the agricultural/rural character <br />of the surrounding lands in the area and provide opportunities for agricultural activities <br />on lands that are well suited for agricultural pursuits. The subject site and surrounding <br />area has been converted from sugar cane to macadamia nut and eucalyptus tree farms and <br />there are a variety of farm crops covering over ten acres. The proposed agricultural <br />community will provide for the establishment of farm dwellings and protective covenants <br />for the maintenance of necessary accessory uses to support agricultural operations. <br />Lands surrounding the site are zoned Agricultural (A -20a) and in various <br />agricultural uses. A variety of agricultural crops are near the site, including macadamia <br />nuts, eucalyptus trees and various truck crops. Thus, the proposed development would <br />not be incongruous with the emerging diversified agricultural land use pattern of the area. <br />There are residences in the town of Pahala, approximately .6 miles from the site. The <br />Agricultural Project District will result in maintaining the existing uses and the integrity <br />of the Ka'u area while providing opportunities for residential uses. The proposed <br />agricultural/residential community would be an extension of the existing surrounding <br />agricultural community. <br />There are no electric lines in this area. The applicant currently uses solar with <br />diesel generator backup. Communications will be via cellular phone. From the <br />comments received from agencies, various improvements would be required for the <br />development of this project. Therefore, conditions will be included to assure that these <br />services and infrastructure are provided in a timely manner to accommodate the uses <br />proposed in this Agricultural Project District. With the requirement that the applicant <br />provide these essential services and infrastructure, the granting of this change of zone <br />would not unreasonably burden the public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewer, <br />water, drainage improvements and police and fire protection to accommodate the <br />development of this project. <br />