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Communication No. 964 <br /> <br /> Bill 309 <br /> <br /> Page 5 of 15 <br /> The Committee unanimously approved the proposed amendment to LUPAG Map "E-2". (Ayes: <br /> Arakaki, Higa, Hoffmann, Holschuh, Ikeda, Isbell, Jacobson, Pilago, Safarik). <br /> "E-4" Open to Urban Expansion (Kohanaiki/Kealakehe/Honokohau) <br /> Committee Chair Pilago spoke against proposal as it was premature since an application has not <br /> been brought before the council. He urged members to vote no. Council Member Jacobson <br /> concurred. Director Yuen raised the issue of the Council-initiated resolution that included a <br /> Resort component and noted at this time the curcent Urban designation conforms to DHHL while <br /> the rest is Open. The amendment would allow some urban uses around the harbor (dry stack <br /> storage, hazbor improvements, commercial azeas, restaurants, retail outlets, souveniers, fishing <br /> geaz, etc.), and that the difference between this amendment and the Council initiated Resolution is <br /> this amendment does not include a Resort designation. Mr. Yuen noted that all commercial <br /> activity currently operating at the harbor have been operating in an area designated Open. <br /> Director Yuen explained that Urban designation is different from Resort. He noted that a resort <br /> would be a major economic growth generator because additional hotel rooms create a multiplier <br /> effect requiring additional employees who need social amenities for the workforce, while not <br /> increasing the flow of money into the community. In response to Committee Vice Chair <br /> Hoffmann's question why the Director feels Urban designation would not affect quality of life <br /> issues, Mr. Yuen stated that it is at rezoning that impacts are addressed and conditions imposed <br /> relating to infrastructure contributions. Mr. Hoffmann stated he believes postponing or deferring <br /> this matter as was done earlier for Map Change "A-1" and "A-2", until the Kona CDP is <br /> completed, would be consistent. <br /> The Committee approved the proposed amendment to LUPAG Map change "E-4". (Ayes: <br /> Arakaki, Higa, Holschuh, Ikeda, Isbell, Safazik. Noes: Hoffmann, Jacobson, Pilago). <br /> "E-6" Extensive Ag. and Orchards to Important Ag. Lands (Keauhou -Hokulia Area) <br /> "E-7" Orchards and Important Ag. Lands to Extensive Ag. (Keauhou -Hokulia Area) <br /> "E-8" Important Ag. Lands to Extensive Ag. <br /> In answer to Committee Chair Pilago's question why the coffee belt azea was changed from the <br /> 700-foot elevation to the 1,000-ft elevation, Director Yuen stated that this area needed something <br /> done because the current General Plan zig-zags with no consistency between one azea and <br /> another. Mr. Yuen stated based on public testimony, coffee is usually not farmed at this elevation <br /> because it was found not successful. Chair Pilago urged a no vote to preserve the Important Ag <br /> Lands inventory and also to be consistent with the Farm Bureau recommendation and the <br /> Resolution establishing the 700-foot elevation. <br /> Mr. William Paris, a member of the Farm Bureau stated that historically, a number of farmers did <br /> try to farm at the 700-foot elevation and below and they went flat broke during drought season. <br /> Mr. Pazis stated unless you bring water down to that level, subdivide your property into 5-acre <br /> parcel and provide roads, it is impossible to successfully farm at that level. Director Yuen stated <br /> a lot of farmers in the area and at that elevation failed at farming cotton, coffee, <br /> PC REPORT NO. 104 <br /> <br />