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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> f <br /> <br /> ® wind energy facilities may be compatible with the stated purpose of the Open district. <br /> The council further recognizes its mandate to enact zoning ordinances which carry out the <br /> <br /> provisions of the General Plan, the urgency for developing clean, renewable energy production in <br /> light of the county's energy vulnerability and global climate change, and the Waikoloa Village <br /> <br /> Association's desire to develop a wind energy facility on its property. <br /> Under current law, wind energy is permitted in the State Land Use Agricultural district, <br /> <br /> and is allowed without a Special Permit or Use Permit where the property is also in a County <br /> agricultural zoned district. There is currently no way to allow wind turbines, however, where the <br /> <br /> agricultural property is in an Open zone. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> <br /> The Planning Director supports Resolution No. 235 07 and recommends an amendment to <br /> <br /> Chapter 25, article 5, division 16, section 25-5-162(b), Hawaii County Code (2005 Edition, as <br /> amended) to allow wind energy facilities in the Open zoned district. The Director basically <br /> <br /> concurs with the council but recommends that wind energy facilities be located in the Open <br /> district only with a Use Permit, and within the State Land Use Agricultural district. (Refer to <br /> <br /> proposed changes in Exhibit 2) The Zoning Code should support wind energy in proper <br /> locations. Wind turbines are a great source of renewable energy, but they can have negative <br /> <br /> visual and noise impacts, and in some places, affect birds. The Use Permit gives the proper level <br /> of scrutiny in Open zones, which were typically established to provide open space or to protect <br /> <br /> ecologically sensitive areas. Open zones in the State Land Use Urban district in Hawaii County <br /> are mostly in resort areas, often golf courses, and are not suitable for wind turbines, so the <br /> <br /> recommendation is to limit the Use Permit to Open zones in the State Land Use Agricultural <br /> district. The largest such area is surrounding Waikoloa Village. <br /> <br /> The Planning Director recommends that the Planning Commission send a favorable <br /> recommendation on the draft bill to the Hawaii County Council. The accompanying draft bill to <br /> <br /> amend Chapter 25 is provided for your consideration. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> -2- <br />