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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0826.000 1996-1998 ~V OIM - William G. Davis Stephen K. Yamashiro Managing Director Mayor Henry Cho •~R,orNr~p Deputy Managing Director (gauutV of clufunit 25 Aupuru Street, Room 215 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 • (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 329-5226 • Fax(808)326-5663 April 24, 1998 r, Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members: State Land Use Boundary Amendment Application (SLU 97-4) Request: Agricultural to Rural Change of Zone Application (REZ 97-20) Request: A-5a to RA-.5a Applicant: Robert S. Nackowski Tax MaI2 Key: 7-5-10:Portion of 4 As required by Chapter 4, Sec. 5-4.3(C), Hawaii County Charter, transmitted herewith for the County Council's consideration and action is the Planning Commission's letter and enclosures regarding the above-referenced applications. ce ly, Stephen K. Yamashiro Mayor LNackc)OLMAY Enclosures cc: Planning Commission SLU 97-4/REZ 97-20 6,11-5 0,31 Wa3_r c,ac, Dtr. F'.1e A,)___ 7~jh_&_ 1117-_ axzi. rr~ce_APR ?_g 1998.-.__ w'Y OF Stephen K. Yamashiro i. Mayor ~FF'OFMF+ dIIlY2t ? II (7-- PLANNING COMMISSION 25 Aupuni Stt , Room 109 • Hilo, Hawaii %720-4252 (808) %1-8288 Fox (808) %1-%15 APR 2 4 1998 Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members: State Land Use Boundary Amendment Application (SLU 97-4) Request: Agricultural to Rural Change of Zone Application (REZ 97-20) Request: A-5a to RA-.5a Applicant: Robert S. Nackowski Tax Man Key: 7-5-10:Portion of 4 The Planning Commission, after a duly held public hearing on April 17, 1998, voted to recommend for your approval the proposed legislative bills for a State Land Use Boundary Amendment from an Agricultural to Rural district and a Change of Zone by changing the district classification from Agricultural (A-5a) to Residential/Agricultural (RA-.5a) for approximately 14.989 acres of land. The project site is located on the west (makai) side of Hienaloli-Kahului Road, approximately 1,500 feet north of its intersection with Hualalai Road and adjacent and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision, Puaa 2nd, North Kona, Hawaii. The Commission concurs with the following Planning Director's reasons for recommending favorable consideration of the requests: State Land Use Boundary Amendment The approval of the reclassification from the State Land Use Agricultural to the Rural District will not be violative of Section 205-2, Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, nor will it be inconsistent with the Land Use Commission Rules, the County General Plan and the Hawaii State Plan. According to the Hawaii Land Use Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 2 Commission Rules, the following three standards shall apply when determining an area for the Rural district boundaries: (1) Areas consisting of small farms; provided that the areas need not be included in this district if their inclusion will alter the general characteristics of the areas; (2) Activities or uses as characterized by low-density residential lots of not less than one-half acre and a density of not more than one single-family dwelling, per one-half acre in areas where "city-like" concentration of people, structures, streets, and urban level of services are absent, and where small farms are intermixed with the low-density residential lots; and (3) Generally, parcels of land not more than five acres; provided it may include other parcels of land which are surrounded by, or contiguous to this district, and are not suited to low-density residential uses for small farm or agricultural uses. The surrounding area consists of a mixture or single-family residences and vacant lots. The zoning pattern in the vicinity is a mixture of Agricultural -1 acre (A-la) to the east, Agricultural - 5 acres (A-5a) and Single Family Residential (RS-15) immediately adjacent to the north and south, respectively. The subject parcel is situated adjacent to and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision which consists of 50 15,000 square foot lots. This subdivision is in the State Land Use Urban District and the County's Single Family Residential-15,000 square foot (RS-15) zoned district. Kailua View Estates and Kona Heights Subdivisions are located further to the north and zoned RS-15. Lands further to the west on the makai side of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway are zoned Multiple Family Residential (RM-4). Section 15-15-27 of the Hawaii Land Use Commission Rules determines the Permissible uses within the Rural district. This states: "(a) Permissible uses within the rural district shall include the following activities: (1) All uses permitted under section 15-15-25 relating to agricultural uses and those uses that are compatible within the agricultural district; (2) Low-density residential uses with a minimum lot size of one-half acre. The commission for good cause may allow one lot of less than one-half acre, but not less than 18,500 square feet, or an equivalent residential density, provided all other lots in the subdivision have the minimum lot size of one-half acre. A petition for variance may be processed under the special permit procedure pursuant to subchapter 12. This exception shall apply to lots of record existing prior to January 1, 1977, and of not more than two acres. There shall be no more than one single-family dwelling per one-half acre, except as may be provided for in this section." Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 3 The proposed Rural boundary amendment request is compatible with the statutory definition for low-density residential uses with a minimum lot size of one-half acre. The applicant has stated that the requested size (1/2 acre) would provide a needed buffer and transition between the agricultural and urban uses. It is also possible to have some limited backyard gardening type of agricultural activities that are not too reliant on extensive soil - like fruit trees and ornamental plants. The applicant's intention is to subdivide the 14.989 acres of land into residential-agricultural lots. However, Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, does not authorize residential dwellings as a permissible use in the Agricultural District unless the dwelling is related to an agricultural activity or is a "farm dwelling." Farm dwelling is defined in Section 205-4.5(a)(4), HRS, as "a single family dwelling located on and used in conjunction with a farm, including clusters of single-family farm dwellings permitted within agricultural parks developed by the State, or where agricultural activity provides income to the family occupying the dwelling." Thus, the requested boundary amendment would be in the direction of fulfilling the permissible uses of the rural designation. The proposed Rural boundary amendment would conform to the following goals and policies of the General Plan: LAND USE * Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County. * Zone urban- and rural- types of uses in areas with ease of access to community services and employment centers and with adequate public utilities and facilities. * Promote and encourage the rehabilitation and use of urban and rural areas which are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities. * Allocate appropriate requested zoning in accordance with the existing or projected needs of neighborhood, community, region and County. * The county shall encourage the development and maintenance of communities meeting the needs of its residents in balance with the physical and social environment. Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 4 HOUSING * Attain safe, sanitary, and livable housing for the residents of the County of Hawaii. * Attain a diversity of socio-economic housing mix throughout the different parts of the County. * Maintain a housing supply which allows a variety of choice. * Develop better places to live in Hawaii County by creating viable communities with decent housing and suitable living environments for our people. * Improve and maintain the quality and affordability of the existing housing stock. * Seek sufficient production of new affordable rental and fee-simple housing in the County in a variety of sizes to satisfactorily accommodate the needs and desires of families and individuals. * Ensure that housing is available to all persons regardless of age, sex, marital status, ethnic background, and income. * The County shall encourage a volume of construction and rehabilitation of housing sufficient to meet growth needs and correct existing deficiencies. * The County shall protect residential property values from depreciating influences. SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL * To maximize choices of single-family residential lots and/or housing for residents of the County. * To ensure compatible uses within and adjacent to single-family residential zoned areas. * To provide single-family residential areas conveniently located to public and private services, shopping, other community activities and convenient access to employment centers. Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 5 * The County shall incorporate reasonable flexibility in codes and ordinances to achieve a diversity of socio- economic housing mix and to permit aesthetic balance between single-family residential structures and open spaces. * Rural-style residential-agricultural developments, such as new small scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities, shall be encouraged in appropriate locations. * The County shall review and amend if necessary land use ordinances and codes to include considerations for rural-style residential subdivisions in appropriate locations. Standards and criteria for the establishment of these areas shall be developed. The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map component of the General Plan is a representation of the document's goals, policies, standards and courses of action. It is also a graphic depiction of the physical relationship between the various land uses. The LUPAG Map establishes the basic urban and non-urban form for areas within the County. The proposed Rural boundary request also conforms to the LUPAG Map which designates the area for Urban Expansion. The Urban Expansion designation allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not been determined. Future improvement and development objections of the General Plan are directed toward making urban and rural centers more efficient, livable, and safe. Growth should be encouraged in terms of renewing older areas or as extensions of existing ones. This request would encourage agricultural and residential uses and create an extension of adjacent urban land uses. This request would allow a rural development, a single family residence, and subsistence and backyard gardening type of agricultural activities. Based on the above findings, including the General Plan's goals and policies, the granting of the Rural boundary amendment would complement and implement the General Plan. All utilities and services are available to the property which are essential to accommodate rural development. Access to the subject property is provided by Hienaloli-Kahului Road, a two-lane County roadway, which has a pavement width of 20 feet within a 40-50 feet right-of-way. Water can be provided by an existing 8-inch County waterline which is situated along Hienaloli-Kahului Road and approximately 400 feet from the subject property. The Department of Water Supply has indicated that water for the 15 lots is available to the subject property. Electrical service is available Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 6 to the property from Hawaii Electric Light Co. Inc., and telephone service is available from GTE Hawaiian Tel. The property has no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be properly rectified or which would render the land unusable. The Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates most of the property outside of the 500-year flood plain (Zone X). There is a portion that is designated Zone AE, areas within the 100 year flood. This area is a part of the Waiaha Drainageway. The applicant will work to secure the necessary approvals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Public Works for the required drainage improvements within the boundaries of the project site. The Waiaha Drainageway will not significantly affect the proposed subdivision. While the subject property is within the State Land Use Agricultural and County's Agricultural zoned districts, it is not currently being used for active agricultural purposes. The State of Hawaii ALISH Map does not classify the subject property in any category. The Land Use Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating for the soils in the area is "E" or Very Poor. The surrounding properties are in the County's Agricultural -1 acre (A-la), Agricultural - 5 acres (A-5a) and Single Family Residential (RS-15) and State Land Use Urban district. Furthermore, a Rural classification would complement the existing and future residential land use patterns of the surrounding properties in view of the surrounding properties and permissible uses. Finally, it should be noted that the reclassification action would also conform to the following goals, objectives and/or policies articulated in the Hawaii State Plan relating to Socio-cultural advancement - Housing objectives and policies: (a) Planning for the State's socio-cultural advancement with regard to housing shall be directed towards achievement of the following objectives: (1) Greater opportunities for Hawaii's people to secure reasonably priced, safe, sanitary, livable homes located in suitable environments that satisfactorily accommodate the needs and desires of families and individuals. (2) The orderly development of residential areas sensitive to community needs and other land uses. Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 7 (b) To achieve the housing objectives, it shall be the policy of this state to: (1) Effectively accommodate the housing needs of Hawaii's people. (2) Stimulate and promote feasible approaches that increase housing choices for low-income, moderate-income and gap-group households. (3) Increase home ownership and rental opportunities and choices in terms of quality, location, cost, densities, style, and size of housing. (5) Promote design and location of housing developments taking into account the physical setting, accessibility to public facilities and services, and other concerns of existing communities and surrounding areas. (6) Foster a variety of lifestyles traditional to Hawaii through the design and maintenance of neighborhoods that reflect the cultures and values of the community. Based on the above, the approval of the State Land Use Boundary Amendment to the Rural District complements the State Land Use District Regulations and is supportive of the State of Hawaii Plan and the County of Hawaii General Plan. Change of Zone In order to consider an area for any type of zoning designation, the applicable goals, policies and standards of the General Plan must be adequately addressed. It is only through such a comprehensive policy analysis approach that evaluations and decisions can be made to better time and stage developments to achieve growth determined by the General Plan and related planning documents. The implications of these evaluations and decisions must be also considered as they may have an impact on similar areas in the County. The Change of Zone request from Agricultural-5 acres (A-5a) to Residential-Agricultural-.5 acre (RA-.5a) zoned district will conform to the following goals, policies and standards of the General Plan Land Use, Economic, and Single Family Residential Elements: Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 8 LAND USE * Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping with the social, cultural and physical environments of the County. * Zoning request shall be reviewed with respect to General Plan designation, district goals, regional plans, State Land Use District, compatibility with adjacent zone uses, availability of public services and utilities, access, and public need. * The compatibility of agricultural and non-agricultural uses should be carefully reviewed and where appropriate, buffers required. * Rural-style residential-agricultural developments, such as new small-scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities, shall be encouraged in appropriate locations. * Protect and encourage the intensive utilization of the County's important agricultural lands. * The County shall encourage the development and maintenance of communities meeting the needs of its residents in balance with the physical and social environment. * Agricultural land shall be used as one form of open space or green belt. ECONOMIC * Economic development and improvement shall be in balance with the physical and social environments of the island of Hawaii. * The County of Hawaii shall strive for diversity and stability in its economic system. * The County shall provide an economic environment which allows new, expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the County's natural and social environment. Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 9 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL * To maximize choices of single-family residential lots and/or housing for residents of the County. * To ensure compatible uses within and adjacent to single-family residential zoned areas. * To provide single-family residential areas conveniently located to public and private services, shopping, other community activities and convenient access to employment centers. * The County shall incorporate reasonable flexibility in codes and ordinances to achieve a diversity of socio- economic housing mix and to permit aesthetic balance between single-family residential structures and open spaces. * Rural-style residential-agricultural developments, such as new small scale rural communities or extensions of existing rural communities, shall be encouraged in appropriate locations. * The County shall review and amend if necessary land use ordinances and codes to include considerations for rural-style residential subdivisions in appropriate locations. Standards and criteria for the establishment of these areas shall be developed. While the potential for intensive and/or extensive agricultural uses may exist, the project site is comprised of soils classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, as Waiaha series, extremely stony silt loam. This soil consists of well-drained silt loams that formed in volcanic ash. These soils are nearly level to moderately steep and most area are extremely stony. They are on uplands at an elevation ranging from near sea level to 1,000 feet. The surface layer is very dark brown extremely stony silt loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil is dark brown very stony silt loam bedrock. The substratum is pahoehoe lava bedrock. The surface layer is slightly acid. The subsoil is neutral to mildly alkaline. Permeability is rapid, runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is slight. This type of soil is typically used for pasture. Soils within the subject property have been classified as "E" (Very Poor) for agricultural productivity by the Land Study Bureau's Detailed Land Classification System. Finally, soils within the subject property are "Unclassified" by the ALISH system. The Kona Regional Plan designates the area as Residential (RES-4). This Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 10 designation suggests residential uses, up to four (4) units per acre. The requested RA-.5a zoning is consistent with the recommendation of the Kona Regional Plan. The proposed subdivision of .5 acre lots would be compatible with the urban character of lands surrounding the property. The surrounding area consists of a mixture or single-family residences and vacant lots. The zoning pattern in the vicinity is a mixture of Agricultural -1 acre (A-la) to the east, Agricultural - 5 acres (A-5a) and Single Family Residential (RS-15) immediately adjacent to the north and south, respectively. The subject parcel is situated adjacent to and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision which consists of 50 - 15,000 square foot lots. This subdivision is in the State Land Use Urban District and the County's Single Family Residential- 15,000 square foot (RS-15) zoned district. Kailua View Estates and Kona Heights Subdivisions are located further to the north and zoned RS-15. Lands further to the west on the makai side of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway are zoned Multiple Family Residential (RM-4). 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 Kailua-Kona. Access to the project site is provided by Hienaloli-Kahului Road, a two-lane County roadway, which has a pavement width of 20 feet within a 40-50 feet right-of-way. The Department of Public Works has expressed the need for improvements to Hienaloli-Kahului Road. The need for such improvements is essential since similar changes of zone may occur throughout the area and the creation of additional homesites places additional traffic burdens on the roadway. Water for the proposed subdivision development will be provided by the County's existing 8-inch waterline which is located along Hienaloli-Kahului Road, approximately 400 feet from the subject property. Wastewater generated by the proposed development will be disposed of utilizing an individual wastewater disposal system for each lot meeting the requirements of the Department of Health. All other essential utilities and services are or will be made available to support the proposed development. An archaeological inventory survey was conducted in October 1997 by William Barrera Jr. The study concluded that "The three sites that were recorded all date from modern ranching activities, and are of significance only for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sufficient data recovery, and any adverse impacts posed by the development of the property have therefore been mitigated." Thus, the proposed action will not have any effect on significant historic sites. Should any historical sites be encountered within the subject property during any Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 11 land alteration activities, the applicant shall cease said activities and contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Historic Preservation Division (DLNR-HPD). Based on the above findings, approval of the Change of Zone request from Agricultural-5 acres (A-5a) to Residential - Agricultural-.5 acre (RA-.5a) zoned district would result in an appropriate land use pattern that will further the public necessity and convenience and the general welfare. For your favorable consideration, amendments to the SLU Boundaries Map, H-7 for the County of Hawaii, and Section 25-8-3, the North Kona Zone Map, of the County Zoning Code are transmitted. We are enclosing copies of the applications, a copy of the staff background and additional correspondence from the applicant for your information. Sincerely, Kevin M. Balog, Chairman Planning Commission LNacko0l. PC Enclosures cc: Mr. Sidney Fuke Mr. Robert Nackowski Department of Public Works Department of Water Supply West Hawaii Office Department of Land & Natural Resources Kazu Hayashida, Director/DOT-Highways, Honolulu 1 Y COUNCIL COPY DO NOT REMOVE APPLICATIONS FOR STATE LAND USE (AGRICULTURE TO RURAL) AND COUNTY REZONING (A-5A TO RA-.5a) APPLICANT - ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI PUAA 2nd, NORTH KONA,HAWAII TMK: (3) 7-5-10: Por. 4 December 1997 ATTACH. C-826 (B-234 & 235) COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATION FOR STATE LAND USE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT (15 ACRES OR LESS) APPLICANT: Robert S. Nackowski APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa, HI 96725 TELEPHONE: (BUS) (808) 329-2675 (HOME) LANDOWNER: ~J'44A Koski Enterprises, Inc. LANDOWNER'S SIGNATURE: President TAX MAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: por 4 LAND AREA: 14.989 acres CURRENT STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION: Agriculture REQUESTED STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION: Rural THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: A. Non-refundable filing and processing fee of two hundred dollars. B. Original and fifteen copies of: 1. Application form. 2. Location map. 3. Preliminary site plan, drawn to scale, with all existing and proposed structures and improvements shown thereon. 4. Reasons for the requested change and written description of the property and proposed development, including but not limited to: a. The extent to which the proposed reclassification conforms to the applicable goals, policies, standards, and courses of action of the General Plan and implementing ordinances, plans and documents; and b. The extent to which the proposed reclassification conforms to the applicable district standards. C. A minimum 2-foot by 3-foot presentation map requested under B.3, above. 0400q PD 2/26/87 APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICANT, Robert S. Nackowski 1APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: DATE:12/30/97 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa, HI 96725 LIST APPLICANT'S INTEREST IF NOT OWNER President/Sec-Treasurer of Company that owns property LIST PRINCIPAL(S) INCLUDING NAMES OF MAIN OFFICERS Robert S. Nackowski, President and Sec/Treasurer TELEPHONE-BUSINESS:(808) 329-2675 RESIDENCE: REQUEST: Agriculture A-Sa TO Residential-A (RA-.5a Existing zoning Propose zoning TAX MAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: por 4 AREA OF PROPERTY OR AFFECTED AREA(S) TO BE REZONED: 14.989 acres LANDOWNER(S): Koski Enterprises, Inc. OWNER'S SIGNATURE (see SIU Amendm DATE: (May be by etter) AGENT: Sidney Fuke ADDRESS: 100 Pauahi Street Suite 912 Hilo, HI 96720 TELEPHONE-BUSINESS; (808) 969-1522 RESIDENCE: Please indicate to whom original correspondence and copies should be sent. ORIGINAL Sidney Fuke COPIES Rnharr S Nackowsk; (See Instructions in Ba ATTACHMENT Resicenriai Rezoning PLANNING DEPARTMENT COUNTY OF HAWAII APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE I. If your request is approved, co you intend to suocivioe the suoject land in acccrcance with the approved' change or zonn yes if yes, please answer the rest of question 1 and then to question 3. a. How many acres of the requester area do you inteno to suociviee? 14+ acres c. Into wnat lot sizes'? 1/2 to 1 acre If your request is approved, approximately now long after the date of approval do you expect to suomit your subdivision plans to the Planning Department for preliminary approval? immediately d. Do you intend to build houses on the newly createc no lots? If yes, please answer the following questions: On how many of those lots? At what approximate price range? House Lots Total Approximately how long, after approval of the subdivision, would the first house oe available for occupancy? If you intend to subdivide, please suomit a preliminary schematic subdivision plan together with your change of zone application form. 2. if you have no firm plans or suoeivicing the suuject arcs, ee you intend to: a. Sell Or lease the land t0 someone nnu nas CLrTI Plans? d. Sell or lease the lane to someone Yro naa tentative plans? C. Sell or lease the lane to someone who Has no plans? d. Keep it? e. other (please state) f. If you intend to do either a, t, or c, please alacorate on the Kind of plans the other party nas. Please, also, include in your answer approximateiy now soon after approvai of your rezoning cc you expect to transfar the suoject lane to another party. 3. cc you think that your request and your further plans for the land will alleviate the local Housing situation? yes How? By providing residential-sized lots on the market, it should help increase the supply of available lots in this area; in turn, it could have an impact on the price of lots ...and ultimately, housing. 4. Are there any buildings on the subject area? no If so, what kind? What do you intend to do with those buildings if your request is approved? -2- 5. Is cne suoject land currently being used for any agricultural accivitity? yes if so, please list one KLnds of products grown and on now many square feet or acres of land per ,product. It is used for limited cattle grazing. There is no intensive or active agricultural use of the property. 6. To your nnowledge, nas tnere been any flooding arc/or No drainage problem an one suoject area? If so, please describe the problem. It should be noted,however, that the north end has been determined to be within Zone AE. Please see planning report for further discussion on this issue. 7. Do you thinx that the roads leading to one suoject area needs improvement? No if so, what kind? Is the road adequate for the proposed traffic volume or load? Yes 8. what sort of governmental assistance and/or improvements do you feel will oe needed in the suoject area when developed? yes No a. Schools x b. Rcacs x c. Sewer x d. Drainage x e. Police Protection x -3- yes NO f. Fire Protection x x g. Recreationai Facilities x n. Pubic Utilities i. Other x For those checked "yes," please elaeorate what type or <incs of improvements and/or assistance are needec. Signature: Accress: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa,HI 96725 Teiephone: (808) 329-2675 Date: Dec. 30, 1997 -4- 5337A/50A I `l ~,9,i COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT STATE LAND USE and COUNTY REZONING REQUEST ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI TAX MAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: POR. 4 PUAA 2nd, NORTH KONA, HAWAII I. INTRODUCTION The applicant, Robert S. Nackowski, is requesting a 14.989 acre portion of a 56.902 acre parcel to be reclassified into the Rural District and subsequently rezoned from Agriculture (A-5a) to Residential-Agri culture (RA-.5a) in Puaa 2nd, North Kona, Hawaii. (See Figure 1) The property is located on the makai side of the Hienaloli- Kahului Road, about 1,500 feet north of the Road's intersection with Hualalai Road. If approved, the applicant intends to subdivide the 14+ acre portion into 15 residential-agri culture lots ranging in size from 1/2 acre to 1+ acre. The balance of the parcel consisting of 42+ acres would continue to be used by the applicant for cattle grazing. IT. PROJECT LOCATION The project area is located at the eastern end of the 56+ acre parcel that extends from Kuakini Highway to the Hienaloli-Kahului Road in North Kona, Hawaii. More specifically, it is located on the makai side of the Hienaloli-Kahului Road, immediately adjacent and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision (See Figure 2). The site is approximately 1,000 feet north of the intersection of Hienaloli-Kahului Road and Hualalai Road. This intersection is approximately one mile from the intersection of Hualalai Road and the Kuakini Highway (Highway 11). Although the parcel consists of 56+ acres, the requested zoning covers only 14+ acres. HI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. Project Concept and Components The previous landowner intended to subdivide the entire parcel into ten (10) 5+ acre lots. A subdivision application was filed (File No. 89-142). Since then, tentative subdivision approval has been granted and construction plans have been prepared and subsequently approved by the County in 1994. The subdivision is still pending with the County. 1 KEY ~ t~:KAUAI x~c.:.Cxal KAHCCLAWZ UPCLC PC Z9? C?AHA .NTH CU" VAL:.Z' KG LA A*~:c vALL:~ ' ~ ~ vac ^NCX:.A ~..:VA:.'<LaH ' nAI:Tr' KA.LA S G U ii H I II UPAHC E3CE PUAxO / Q 7 / 31'-c Say :KZAHO:.: I L G &a:.C SUBJECT SITE - - \ • ' xAPaH xEU:A :APT. CCCx G,c:7A P U N A 4r _cA e LAPAVA C i J 3AWAi2 ~ Gu`70ES NATIONAL PARK K A U 1 c ( MAP L.-DISTRICT BOUNDARIES KZLOLZ" ,n ISLAND OF HAWAII NORTH 01:345 1C Scala of Hiies - - - - Oiszricn BC=darzes Hawaii Volcaaoen Nac'1 Park Bcu dar:as GENERAL LOCATION MAP FIGURE 1 N - - - - . %30 335 ao o.a of as O Y. - 5" ' a-,"' ob ~ way. a a~ n au oeun i _ e a DIEM°`~ A S. S N ' ~ - I Iw r I~Aeo SI i Z Q¢Q a`~'~~j~vl ~Z eeoea 15. POro PL AKllonnna - Q Y O w xl a a ~ r ~ ~ s yen ~ a ~ ~ Qo xeaie e~ f + a s w SUBJECT SITE--" K~l, PI ~ l ' QO Ko I~u 51 ~N ~ l~ HNI~ I ' K e~- I. ~ i rv ~ J U ~ Ke,uxvxu 1 5 ~ O ~KV°k I'4 - - Nye c ! t riu vi Q n 1 Q t ..:f~~c~ yfiy` 1~Q t W" ~ I Ka rru.a. k ao G~ dS0°`~M Y n tnl ~ rr~ A ,mow r. ~s aµaa ~ u', a i Warm vl~~ 2` \ Q a Y.~o c n ti- Yw piety nft llna pl w ~ ,~F i~ O'v x ~~~Fm m SEE PFOE 21 ~~r Y n va Y Maw if ~p~~'Gk- - _ ~~q~ " ~ K F II SL ~ Al X24 ~ ~ \ vri.Fil vlEe d _ _ / A A u 1LJ \ weio;, HIff~Lq~ ST w ~ .~\e,wwo. J Y ~ I `s xa w o Iy ~a or ~ c-. z n°` J.- ` t ~ V " ozq mx i r~ 'F ~y y 8d F«h ~s !l tilX e~. 'ma••... Q Y _ 11 ;oxe si. a G ,3 ea K1,11 PIII a \ u y~ dd ~ y ~Kam.A,.ia a rz v~ u ~e wiva } z~~ SPECIFIC LOCATION MAP FIGURE 2 The applicant recently acquired the property and examined alternative uses for this site. While the 5+ acre lot subdivision represents an option, the applicant believes that creating some 1/2 acre to l+ acre lots in this area would better serve the community's housing and land needs. As such, the applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into t 5 residential-agri cultural lots. These lots would range in size between 1/2 acre to over 1 acre (Figure 3). The remaining 42+ acre lot would be retained by the applicant, who intends to continue the cattle grazing activity. Access to the larger parcel would also be through the proposed subdivision road. Although the main road would be built to County dedicable standards, it would be kept private and maintained by the respective lot owners. It is understood that the subdivision plan submitted herein may change prior to receipt of final subdivision approval to accommodate County subdivision requirements, appropriate conditions of approval, and marketing demands. B. Project Timetable and Cost The applicant hopes to secure the necessary State Land Use and County rezoning approvals as soon as possible and begin the subdivision and development process immediately thereafter. Tentatively, plans call for having the lots on the market by the end of 1998 or early 1999. The estimated cost of the improvements is estimated at $1 million. IV. INSTITUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS A. State Land Use The subject area is designated Agriculture. To effectuate this project, a 14+ acre portion is being requested to be reclassified into the Rural district. The balance of the property would still be left in the Agriculture district. Based on the size of the requested area, no State Land Use Commission action is required. The County of Hawaii can process both the boundary reclassification and zoning requests. B. County General Plan The County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map designates the site Extensive Agriculture with the Urban Expansion overlay. 2 r r r i I I i o; ~ 1 1 Zm N O ~ I v I O ~ v l -Ti - - 1 ~Cilo n 1 - y l y I i c p CJ Z 4 •1 1~S? onh pbli< T> 'r G D ~ b tv `'l G7 r ~ ' - "~av------- - - verve- r X ter,-- 4 - CJ ci j ~ z o cn z r v N w i The Extensive Agriculture designation refers to pasturage and range lands. This site also has the Urban Expansion overlay. This overlay allows for a mix of high density, medium, and low density uses. Based on the requested Residential-Agriculture zoning, the project would be consistent with the General Plan and no amendments would be required. C. Draft Kona Regional Plan This plan attempts to further define the General Plan and serves as a guide for decision-makers. It was adopted by the Planning Commission in 1984. It has not, however, been adopted by the County Council. The Land Use Concept map of this plan identifies a Res-4 designation for this area. This designation suggests residential uses, up to four (4) units per acre. The requested RA-,5 zoning would be consistent with this designation. D. County Zoning The County zoning of the subject area was Unplanned, which allowed for a minimum of 5-acre lots. With the adoption of the new Zoning Code and the subsequent elimination of the Unplanned category, the site de facto, became zoned Agriculture (A-5a). If approved, the site would be subdivided in a manner meeting with both the Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Further, all uses and standards consistent with the requested RA-.5a zone would be adhered to. E. Other Permitting Considerations The site is not located within the County Special Management Area (SMA). As such, no SMA Use Permit would be required. However, as noted earlier, other permits would still be required. These would be of the "ministerial" variety, such as Subdivision Approval, Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit, and the like. V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS A. General Description The elevation of the site ranges approximately between six hundred fifty (650) to seven hundred (700) feet above mean sea level. 3 The mean annual rainfall in this area ranges between 50 and 75 inches. The wetter months tend to occur between October through April. The mean annual temperature is about seventy five (75) degrees Fahrenheit, with the warmer months during the summer. Because the site is situated on the leeward side of the island, wind tend to be light and variable. Slight easterly winds occur during the day, while westerly or mountain winds are prevalent during the evenings. The entire parcel is generally rectangular in shape, and likewise, the project area is generally rectangular. However, it has a wider frontage at the Heinaloli-Kahului Road end (738 feet) than at the bottom of the project site (654 feet). Its length is approximately 1,200+ feet The site is vacant of any structures. It is presently being used for cattle grazing B. Soils and Topography The topography of the site slopes slightly in a mauka (east) to makai (west) direction. There is a gradual 10 to 15 percent slope from the Hienaloli- Kahului Road to the end of the project area. The US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Soil Survcy Report classifies the soil to be of the Waiaha series, specifically, the Waiaha extremely stony silt loam (WHC). This series is characterized by very dark brown stony/soil. Permeability is rapid, runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard slight. The subsoil is neutral to mildly alkaline. This type of soil was typically used for cattle grazing. The Land Study Bureau Overall Master Productivity Rating for the subject area is Class "E" or poor. This suggests the site does not have good productivity potential for agricultural crops. It is of the Waiaha Soil Series, with shallow soil. The soil texture is medium, the color is dark brown; and the parent material is volcanic ash. It is well drained, and because it is rocky with frequent outcrops of pahoehoe, it is not suited for machine tillability. The State of Hawaii's Agricultural Lands Of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) maps does not classify this site as being either "prime, unique, or other" agricultural land. C. Natural Hazards 4 { 1. Drainage The US Corps of Engineers' Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates most of the project site to be located in Zone X, areas outside the 500-year flood plain. However, there is a portion that is designated AE, areas within the 100 year flood. This is a part of the Waiaha Drainageway. In conjunction with the existing 5-acre subdivision plan, construction plans were prepared and subsequently approved by the County. The approved plans reflect a drainage easement that begins near the northern, mauka boundary of the subject parcel and eventually bisecting the parcel. (See Figure 4). The applicant's consulting engineer is now working with the County Department of Public Works to relocate this easement to run along the northern boundary of the entire parcel. It should be noted, however, that within the project area (14+ acres), the drainageway does not significantly affect the proposed lots. As such, drainage systems can be developed at the time of subdivision review to address the AE designation of the FIRM map. 2. Tsunami Hazard As the site is located over L6 miles from the ocean, it is located outside of the Civil Defense's Tsunami Evacuation Zone. 3. Volcanic and Earthquake Hazards The United States Geological Survey (USGS) classifies the area as Lava Flow Hazard Zone 4, on a scale of ascending risk 9 to 1. The populated area of Kailua-Kona also fall in this category, while the City of Hilo is classified Zone 3. There is very little that can be done to mitigate this situation and reflects an ongoing threat to all residents and businesses in these areas. The entire island of Hawaii falls within Earthquake Zone 3, according to the County Building Code. As such, certain structural requirements will be needed and taken during the building permit process to address this seismic hazard. 5 N`P Pe ZO ~I II ~1 II r° o In .SUBJECT SITE - I III s 1. I = M~ou~ z I I ; HULA HAI Est ! •~f F~ 731 svs, SI ~ -7 1 ~Ab vlI i ITY MAP SCALE =7000' -y j N~ti O_I, I ~ Eli - li hl P I: Vii N I r DRAINAGE EASEMENT PLAN FIGURE 4 D. Flora/Fauna Although there were no professional surveys conducted of the floral or faunal resources of the site, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found within the subject site. The site has already been cleared by bulldozers in the past. Further, the site has been and continues to be used for cattle grazing. A visual inspection of the site, however, notes that the undergrowth overwhelmingly consists of grass, with occasional patches of lantana (Lantana camara) and Christmas Berry (Schinus terebinthifolius. Mango and monkeypod trees were also observed. Thus, floral impacts should be minimal. E. Historic/Archaeological Resources In October of 1997, an archaeological inventory survey was conducted of the subject area by William Barrera, Jr. (See Appendix A). The study noted that the only things observed were features related to cattle ranching. This was due in part to the possible destruction of historical features by bulldozing prior to 1964. The report thus concluded that "The three sites that were recorded all date from modern ranching activities, and are of significance only for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sufficient data recovery, and any adverse impacts posed by the development of the property have therefore been mitigated. Nonetheless, during the course of developing the subdivision, should any unanticipated archaeological features or sites be uncovered, work will cease and the applicant will immediately notify the Planning Department. F. Water and Coastal Resources The subject site is located well over 1.6 miles from the coastline. As such, coastal impacts resulting from discharge of wastewater systems from the site should not be significant. Further, being a non-coastal property, no coastal access will be affected. As the wastewater from the project will be serviced by sewer system meeting with the approval of the Department of Health, septic tank or related system meeting with the approval of said agency will be done by the respective 6 property owners at the time of issuance of a building permit for the proposed lots. G. Noise, Air Quality, and Dust The Hienaloli-Kahului Road will serve as the major thoroughfare in this area. This Road connects to the HualaW Road, which in turn connects to the Kuakini Highway about a mile away. The existing ambient traffic level in this area is quite low. As such, the corresponding noise level is quite low. With the completion of this project, the noise level is not anticipated to increase significantly. There will, however, be short term noise impacts associated with the construction of the infrastructure for the proposed subdivision. Contractors will be required to comply with appropriate noise and related mitigation measures of the State Department of Health. The proposed development should not generate any direct air unlit impacts. The only discernible air quality impact could be associated with the vehicular traffic to and from the site. While there will be an impact to the ambient air quality, the impact should not be significant. With higher EPA standards for automobile air emissions, the air quality impact should thus hopefully not be significant. As such, with the exception of construction dust in the beginning, long term dust generated by the project should be minimal. Construction dust, however, like construction noise will have to comply with the State Department of Health's regulations. H. Scenic and Visual Considerations In the Natural Beauty element of the General Plan, there are sites or areas listed as being a scenic resource. The subject site is not listed as a scenic site. However, there were a few examples cited within the Keaau area. These included the royal palms fronting Keaau School and the views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from major roadways. The proposed development would not have any visual impacts on those and other listed scenic resources in the area. The site is located makai of the Keaau by-pass, and as such, will not affect any of the views to the two mountains. 7 VI. SOCIAL AND RELATED CONSIDERATIONS A. Surrounding Land Uses The mixture of land uses in this area suggests an area in transition. The transition is from cattle grazing to a variety of residential and rural subdivisions. Adjacent and to the south of the project area, there is the Hualalai Colony Subdivision. The top portion of this subdivision consists of 1/2-acre sized lots, while the lower end has lots that approximate 15,000+ square feet in size. There are two (2) subdivisions mauka of the project area with lots that average 1-acre in size. Further north is the Kailua View Estates Subdivision, with lots averaging 15,000+ square feet. Given the above, the mixture of uses suggests an area in transition, and the proposed development would not be incongruous with the emerging residential pattern. B. Economic Impacts The requested zoning would have some measure of economic impact, as it would make fee simple lots available to individuals wishing to live in this part of Kona. In turn, it would minimize the pressure to utilize more important agricultural properties along the Coffee Belt, and thereby impacting an important industry. Further, there will be some short-term construction activity. And this, could help with the area's economy. C. A2riculturalImpacts The site has not been used for intensive agricultural activity. It has been used essentially for cattle grazing. While this use could continue, it may not be a productive use of the land, given the emerging residential pattern in the area. More importantly, the land has not been classified as being important from an agricultural resource perspective under the various soil classification systems. It is classified as "E" or very poor by the Land Study Bureau and not even classified under the ALISH system. Because of the site's location (middle-North Kona) and elevation (600-700 feet), it represents a fairly attractive area for residential projects. As such, it 9 could reduce pressures for the development or non-agricultural use of the better agricultural lands in and around Holualoa and the rest of the Coffee Belt. In so doing, it would indirectly be helping or furthering the agricultural objectives of the County. VII. INFRASTRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS A. Road Access to the project would be via the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. This County road has a right-of-way of forty (40) feet to fifty (50) feet, particularly between the subject site and the Road's intersection with the Hualalai Road. The pavement width is also twenty (20) or more feet, which meets with the County's requirement. Much of these improvements and the securing of the additional rights-of-way were done in conjunction with the development of other properties in the area. Within the project itself, the roads will be constructed to County dedicable standards, although it will be kept private. The improvements will be done in conjunction with the subdivision approval process. B. Water There is an 8-inch County water line fronting the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. According to discussions with the Department of Water Supply, water for the proposed 15 lot (plus the 41+ acre remnant lot) subdivision would be available from this line. It is also the applicant's understanding that should there be further development of the makai 41+ acre lot, then, additional water improvements (such as reservoir and pressure pumps) may be needed. C. Wastewater There is no County wastewater system in this area. As such, a septic tank system meeting with the approval of the Department of Health will be allowed. This will be done by the respective lot owners at the time of actual construction of the residences. D. Solid Waste Solid waste will be handled through a commercial haulers or the individual homeowners into authorized landfill sites or transfer stations.. With the 9 requested RA zoning, the potential for uses with toxic or related chemical waste would be minimal, if at all. E. Other Government Services As this area is already part of the North Kona urban area, it is already being serviced. No extension of government services would be required. The Fire Stations are located both at Keauhou and Kailua, approximately two (2) miles away. The Police Station is located at Kealakehe, approximately three (3) miles from the subject site Elementary schools are available at Holualoa, Kealakehe, or Kahakai. Intermediate and High Schools would be available at Kealakehe, approximately five (5) miles away. County parks are available in Kailua, Keauhou, and Kealakehe. As such, the project should not result in the extension of any government services. Further, the required public facilities are located reasonably proximate to the subject site. F. Other Utilities All other utilities such as telephone, cable, and electrical services, are available to the site. VIII. IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE ANALYSIS A. Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Environment and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity If the requests were denied, the short term use of the site would probably be an undeveloped tract of land and used for cattle grazing. There could also be the possibility of continuing with the 5-acre lot subdivision. In that event, the tots would be large residentially-oriented lots. Given the transitional nature of the area, the retention. of the Agriculture (A- 5a) zoning may not result in the best development of the site. There would be large lots, which - because of its resource characteristics - may not be capable of supporting intensive agricultural activities. At the same time, pressures could occur on the conversion of lands currently being used for more intensive agricultural activities in the mauka Holualoa area. 10 r f Given those conditions, it may be more prudent from a land use perspective to more effectively utilize the project site to satisfy a rural/residential lot demand than to subdivide them into large lots. The projected use could indirectly help retard the pressures for the unnecessary conversion of good agricultural lands for residential activities. B. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources The subject site is already disturbed. As such, the project should not result in an irreversible commitment of natural or archaeological resources. C. Mitigative Measures The applicant intends to provide the required on-site infrastructure in conjunction with the subdivision process. At the same time, the drainage issue will be mitigated, as plans meeting with the requirements of the County would have to be implemented. Should unanticipated archaeological finds be discovered during the construction of the project, work will stop (as is required by the State and County) and clearance secured before work will resume. As the site is presently vacant, no person or businesses would be dislocated. D. Alternatives to the Proposed Project 1. No Project Under this status quo alternative, the site will either remain in its present condition or be developed into a 5-acre lot subdivision. This alternative would result in short-term construction impacts (noise, dust, traffic) resulting from the renovations and parking improvements. Additional vehicular traffic, although not significant, resulting from the ultimate uses within the site would also be present. The site, however, would not be utilized to its fullest potential, given the mixture of land uses in this area. 2. Alternative Residential Density Under this alternative, the applicant could seek a RS-15 or RS-10 zoning. This would be generally compatible with the land use goals of I1 the Draft Kona Regional Plan, and it would not require a General Plan amendment. However, there may be a need for extensive water improvements to accommodate the additional density. Nonetheless, the applicant could elect to develop the property in phases, and make the improvements as density requires it. Such an approach, however, may not be compatible with the existing 1/2 acre to I-acre developments in the general area. 3. Evaluation of Alternatives The project's impacts to the area's social and physical infrastructure would not appear to be pronounced. Certain mitigative measures, particularly on-site drainage, will be taken to address any possible impacts associated by the development of this project. Further, the project would be consistent with the land use objectives sought to be accomplished by the County General Plan LUPAG map. In view of the aforementioned, it would appear that none of the alternatives would be more prudent and beneficial than the requested RA-.5a alternative. IX. REGULATORY ANALYSIS A. General Plan LUPAG Map The General Plan provides for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaii. It provides direction for balanced growth in the County. The LUPAG map designates the site Extensive Agriculture, with an Urban Expansion overlay. These designations allow the requested RA-.5a zoning. It should be noted that a density of 4 units per acre (or RS-10) could have been considered. As such, the project would be significantly less than what could be allowed and is thus consistent or supportive of the LUPAG map. B. General Plan Polices The requested zoning would be consistent with the goals, policies, and standards of the General Plan document. For one, it would provide short-term economic opportunities largely through the construction of the subdivision. Some limited longer-term opportunities 12 could be created, largely in the area of maintenance of the private roads and landscaping. The project should also add revenues to the County and State coffers. The project intends to be energy conscious through the use and/or encouragement of solar energy and design features to take advantage of wind patterns. Maintaining and improving the quality of the environment is important to the success of this project. The General Plan identifies five (5) areas of environmental concerns - air pollution, water quality, soil pollution, solid waste disposal, and noise pollution. As proposed, the project would not be violative of any of those objectives. Aside from vehicular transmission, air pollution associated with the project should be negligible. Cesspools would not be used, and instead a septic system or other alternative individual wastewater system meeting with the State Department of Health will be used to address potential groundwater and coastal water concerns. If required, a solid waste management plan could be prepared and implemented. The project will also not be a noisy one, as residents would come to this area to enjoy its tranquillity. Any noise- generating facility - such as air conditioners - would be carefully placed to minimize their noise impacts. Although a portion of the project area is designated as a floodway (Zone AE) on the FIRM maps, it does not affect the development and/or use of the site. Further, in conjunction with the subdivision review process, a drainage system will be developed and implemented to address these concerns. This system will be designed in a manner to protect the property as well as to minimize the volume of surface runoff generated by this development. The site does have historic sites. However, as it has been bulldozed, the remaining sites are of recent vintage - sites associated with the cattle grazing of the site. Nonetheless, work will cease if unanticipated archaeological remains are discovered during the construction of the project, and work will resume only after proper clearances from the State and/or County have been received. Being previously intensively used, the prospects of the site serving as a habitat for rare or endangered plant or animal life appear remote. The project will create additional houselots. It should help to diversity the type of houselots in the region, while reducing pressures for the premature 13 i conversion of the area's better agricultural lands. In so doing, it would implement the housing element of the General Plan. The Plan also emphasizes that developments be mindful of an area's natural beauty. In this situation, the project will be designed in a manner so as to have it blend as much as possible with the existing terrain. As the project site is more than 1.6 miles from the ocean, the usual coastal resources concern is not pronounced. There will be interference with shoreline access. Then, too, through the use of septic system, impacts to the coastal water will be minimized. There will be little impact to public facilities. The wastewater system will be private. The water system will be developed in a manner meeting with the requirements of the Department of Water Supply. Vehicular access to the site is already fully improved. Schools and other public facilities are also located proximate to the site, most of them being less than three (3) miles away. Finally, in terms of Land Use, the project would be consistent with the LUPAG map. It would also be generally compatible with the surrounding area. There are I-acre lots mauka of the site; 1/2 acre to the south; 15,000+ square foot lots further south and part of the Hualalai Colony Estates subdivision, and the Kailua View Estates Subdivision with its 15,000+ square foot lots further north. C. Zoning and Subdivision The designated zoning of the site is "Unplanned." However, as the recently- adopted Zoning Code eliminated that designation, the de facto zoning of the site has been determined to be Agriculture (A-5a). This would suggest one unit for every five acres of land, and tentative subdivision approval for such a project has already been approved. However, if the requests are approved, the applicant intends to abandon the 5- acre lot subdivision and proceed with the creation of fifteen (15) 1/2 and l+ acre lots. The balance would be retained by the applicant, who would continue the cattle grazing activity. The requirements of the zoning and subdivision codes would be complied, including use and related development standards. 14 s D. State Land Use Rural Standards As the requested area covers less than fifteen (15) acres, the request can be processed by the County. Pursuant to the Planning Commission Rule No. 13, the request must meet certain standards. These standards and their justification follow: 1. Conformity to the General Plan The project's relationship and conformity are demonstrated in sections IX A and B above. 2. Relationship to State Land Use Rural District Standards It should be noted that this site could fit the criteria or standards for either the Rural or Urban district. However, given the requested lot size (1/2 acre) and the transitional nature of this location (with the mauka area more agricultural and the lower area more urban), the preferred and requested designation is Rural. a. Small Farms While there are no small farms in the immediate vicinity, there are such farms further mauka in the general area of Holualoa. However, this area represents a suitable transitional area between the agricultural communities along the old Mamalahoa Highway and the more urban communities fronting Kuakini Highway. As such, from a land use and density perspective, the requested size (1/2 acre) would provide a needed buffer and transition between the agricultural and urban areas. b. Characterized by Low-Density Residential Lots Lots in this immediate area are typically one-acre to 1-acre in size. The only exceptions would be the second phase of the Hualalai Colony subdivision and the Kailua View Estates Subdivision where there are 15,000+ square foot lots. The Kailua View Estates Subdivision is not immediately adjacent to this project, and access is principally taken off of the Kuakini Highway and not the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. 15 While the project area is proximate to urban type of services, there are really no "city-like" concentrations of people, structures, and so forth immediately adjacent to the site. C. Surrounded by Similar Designations The surrounding designations are either urban or agriculture. As such, this area represents an area in transition. Nonetheless, it would be possible to have some limited backyard agricultural activity, particularly those that are not too reliant on extensive soil - like fruit trees and ornamental plants. More than the classification itself, the surrounding and emerging uses in this vicinity would make the requested project a compatible one. 16 s s APPENDIX A s c Puaa, North Kona, Hawaii Island: Archaeological Inventory Survey TMK (3) 7-5-10: Por. 4 October 1997 Prepared for Robert Mackosky By William Barrera, Jr S INTRODUCTION An intense c archacolovic l site inventors surve} was conducted on approximateh 15 acres at Puaa_ Noah Kona. Ha\~au Island (TMK (3) 7-~)-10: Por- 4).The project area is Iocated at the cast end of a 56 acre parcel that c\iends from Kuakini HighHav to the Hienaloli-Kahului Road, which forms the cast boundarn of the sun c\ area- It lies approximateh 1.6 miles from the ocean at an elevation of between 600 and 700 fcci LL h,IN1 0 5 ~C 10 MLLES }JONOKAA L'A f~AIH/-L - MAUNA KEA S 746 X Ku,HOLe Project Area HI LU BAY I CAPE KUMJKAH x KEALAKEI; JA MAUNA LOA _ HAL E675 _ uue,.n r.a. V SLNTH POINT Figure 1. Hawaii Island, Showing Location of Project Area PAGE I 1 4 a v3Ca6ilua o Mee~Ma iw~. °.A wa ~ fir' Y` com ~ . J ~ l _ ^a a _ y Lanfake`&p,~„~ o y - A~ wr er ) mlo* M ks W,_.nS w c TaPks ;w"s e_oo V~HiPoie OP.D U L t y Fanv,lNV B~~' - v~Figure 3. Portion of USGS Kailua Quadrangle, Showing Location of Project Area e...... 3T -A A .>o t I / 7 4 4 \ se.o~z cT << ,q rP. 4 3 l ,r. , T Figure 2. Portion of Tax Map (3) 7-5-10, Showing Location of Project Area PAGE 2 PROJECT AREA ENVIRONMENT Tl1e project area consists of pahochoe bedrock sloping gently to the west. Annual precipitation is between 50 and 75 inches I Amrstrong IQ R3 63]. Undergrowth consists overwhelmingly of grasses that stand to a height of eight feet- ith occasional small patches of Lantana [Lantana camara]. The property is dotted kith occasional Christntasbcrn [Schinus terehinthifolius], mango [Mangifera indica]. opiuma IPnhecellohnnn dnh c and monkcvpod [Samonea roman] trees. The vegetation pattern suggests that bulldozing has occurred. and inspection of an A.D.1964 aerial photograph indicates that this took place prior to that ccar METHODOLOGY The fieldN%ork ~\as completed by one person in fiN e days in September and October of 1997. Sun,e} s%\ cops spaced at a distance of approximatel} 15 meters were conducted, and the area around the bases of the trees that had not been bulldozed were inspected to see if any sites beneath them had also been spared. Only three sites N\ ere found- These w ere recorded- photographed and mapped using tape and compass to measure distance and bearing- No excavations were conducted. U nU MID METERS a 0 100 200 300 FEET n. Figure 4. Map of Project Area, Showing Location of Sites RESULTS Based on precious findings at this elevation in North Kona. it was expected that there would be extensiNe remains of the Iona Field S% stem. NNhich includes rock mounds. k7twivi. cross-walls. permanent and PAGE 3. f tomporan habitation sites and graves. However. the virtual IN complete bulldozing of the propert} pnor to A D,1004 remoN cd am such remains. What was left were a complex of features related to cattle ranching. as follows. HRHP 21278 This is a stone rctnnmg w all measuring 1.50 by 18.0 meters and standing to a height of 13 meter. It is built against a hillside to an angle formed by ajog in a ranch wall, thereby forming a terraced enclosed area measuring I I S b} 19 0 meters, A small enclosure measuring 8.60 by 8.90 meters is situated on the opposite side of the ranch w all. Cultural remains present include wooden planks, round galvanized nails. Sheets of cormgatcd iron roofing and concrete post footings. This location is indicated on the USGS Kailua Quadrangle as a water tank. and it was no doubt associated w ith cattle ranchin-, pursuits. The date of publication of the map indicates that the feature was in use at Icast as late as A D 19x4 HRHP 21279 This is a three-sided stone structure situated on a bedrock outcrop at the end of a historic ranch wall. The stricture measures 4.80 b\ 6.80 meters. and stands to a height of as much as 1.6 meter. The side walls are 0 90 meter in w idth. the back or connecting wall is 1.20 meter wide. The walls are constructed of pahochoc blocks measuring for the most part about 0.40 meter in length. although a few measure as much as 1.0 meter in lerwth The interior is paved with flat pahoehoe slabs measuring up to 0.50 meter in I cngth. The lack of prehistoric ruddcn and artifacts, and the massive nature of its construction compared to its oNerall size indicate that the structure was probably an animal pen associated with cattle ranching on the parcel. HRHP 21280 This number has been applied to the complex of stone walls located in the project area. These functioned piimarih as lit cstock control devices- with the ones on the north and south sides having the additional function of margin the ahupua'a boundaries. Thee are all similar and follow the same pattern of do masons construction, tN picalh measuring about 0.90 meter in width and height. This varies from place to place- dcpcndmg upon the local ground and slope conditions, and any individual wall may attain a height of 1 20 or I iO meter in places SIGNIFICANCE 1 htfortunatch . all trace. of arc prehistoric or early historic activity on the parcel were destroyed b}' bulldozing prior to AD 1064. The three sites that were recorded all date from modem ranching activities. and are of significance onh for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sutficicm data recoven_ and am adverse impacts posed by the development of the properiv have therefore bccn mitigated- PAGE 4. 3 Bibliography Armstrong. R \A'nmid, 198" Alht, of Hum (m University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu. y ,z PAGE i. y BNac ko01. e=\rhy-04\07\98 COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND REPORT ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI STATE LAND USE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT APPLICATION (SLU 974) CHANGE OF ZONE. APPLICATION (REZ 97-20) ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI has submitted applications for a State Land Use Boundary Amendment from an Agricultural to Rural District and a Change of Zone by changing the district classification from Agricultural (A-5a) to Residential/Agricultural (RA-.5a) for approximately 14.989 acres of land. The project site is located on the west (makai) side of Hienaloli-Kahului Road, approximately 1,500 feet north of the its intersection with Hualalai Road and adjacent and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision, Puaa 2nd, North Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-5-10: Portion of 4. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Land Ownership: Koski Enterprises, Inc. is the fee owner of the subject property. PROPOSED DEVEL.OPMFNT 2. Request: The applicant is requesting the land use changes to allow the development of 15 lots ranging in size from half acre to one acre on 14.989 acres of a 56.902 acre parcel. The remaining 42.9, acres would be retained by the applicant in the agricultural zoned district and continued to be used for cattle grazing. Access to the larger lot would be through the proposed subdivision road. 3. Preliminary subdivision plan: The previous landowner intended to subdivide the entire parcel into ten (10) 5+ acre lots. Subdivision Application No. 89-142 received tentative subdivision approval, and construction plans were prepared and approved by the County in 1994. The subdivision application is pending final subdivision approval. 4. Objectives: "The applicant recently acquired the property and examined alternative uses for this site. While the 5+ acre lot subdivision represents an option, the applicant believes that creating some 1/2 acre to 1+ acre lots in this area would better serve the community's housing and land needs. "As such, the applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into 15 residential- agricultural lots. These lots would range in size between 1/2 acre to over 1 acre (Figure 3). The remaining 42+ acre lot would be retained by the applicant, who intends to continue the cattle grazing activity. Access to the larger parcel would also be through the proposed subdivision road. "Although the main road would be built to County dedicable standards, it would be kept private and maintained by the respective lot owners. It is understood that the subdivision plan submitted herein may change prior to receipt of final subdivision approval to accommodate County subdivision requirements, appropriate conditions of approval, and marketing demands." 5. Supportive Information: The applicant has submitted the following in support of the request: (See Exhibit A - Excerpts from State Land Use Boundary Amendment and Change of Zone Applications dated December 30, 1997) STATE & COUNTY PLANS 6. SLUC: Agricultural. 7. General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map: The project site is designated as Urban Expansion, which allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not been determined. 8. General Plan Consistency: Economic, Housing, Land Use Residential Elements goals, policies and courses of action for North Kona. 9. Hawaii State Plan Consistency: Economy, Population, Physical Environment, Land and Air Quality, Water, Facility Systems for Solid and Liquid Wastes, Socio-Cultural Advancement (Housing) objectives and policies. 10. County Zoning: The property is currently zoned Agricultural - 5 acres (A-5a). 11. Kona Regional Plan: Residential (RES-4). This designation suggests residential uses, up to four (4) units per acre. -2- 12. SMA: The subject property is not situated within the Special Management Area boundary. DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT PROPERTY AND SURROUNDING AREA 13. Property: The entire parcel is a rectangular shaped lot. The site is vacant of any structures and is presently used for cattle grazing. 14. U.S.D.A. Soil Type: The soils within the project area are classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, as Waiaha series, extremely stony silt loam. This soil consists of well-drained silt loams that formed in volcanic ash. These soils are nearly level to moderately steep and most area are extremely stony. They are on uplands at an elevation ranging from near sea level to 1,000 feet. The surface layer is very dark brown extremely stony silt loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil is dark brown very stony silt loam bedrock. The substratum is pahoehoe lava bedrock. The surface layer is slightly acid. The subsoil is neutral to mildly alkaline. Permeability is rapid, runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard slight. This type of soil is typically used for pasture. 15. ALISH: The property is "Unclassified" on the State Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) Map. 16. Land Study Bureau's Detailed Land Classification System: Soils within the subject property are classified as "E" or Very Poor for agricultural productivity. 17. Fauna\ Flora Resources: No professional surveys for fauna or flora were conducted on the parcel. However, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered faunal or floral resources are likely to be found on the site. The site has been cleared by bulldozers in the past and has been and continues to be used for cattle grazing. A visual inspection of the site notes the undergrowth consists of grass, with patches of lantana and christmas berry. Mango and monkeypod trees were also observed. Floral impacts should be minimal. 18. Archaeological Resources: The property was grubbed and bulldozed in 1964. An archaeological inventory survey was conducted in October 1997 by William Barrera Jr. The study concluded that "The three sites that were recorded all date from modem -3- ranching activities, and are of significance only for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sufficient data recovery, and any adverse impacts posed by the development of the property have therefore been mitigated." Thus, the proposed action will not have any effect on significant historic sites. 19. FIRM: The Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates the most of the property outside of the 500-year flood plain (Zone X). A portion of the property which is a part of the Waiaha Drainageway is designated Zone AE, areas within the 100-year flood. 20. Surrounding Zoning/Land Uses: The surrounding area consists of a mixture or single-family residences and vacant lots. The zoning pattern in the vicinity is a mixture of Agricultural -1 acre (A-la) to the east, Agricultural - 5 acres (A-5a) and Single Family Residential (RS-15) immediately adjacent to the north and south, respectively. The subject parcel is situated adjacent to and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision which consists of 50 - 15,000 square foot lots. This subdivision is in the State Land Use Urban District and the County's Single Family Residential-15,000 square foot (RS-15) zoned district. Kailua View Estates and Kona Heights Subdivisions are located further to the north and zoned RS-15. Lands further to the west on the makai side of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway are zoned Multiple Family Residential (RM-4). PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES 21. Access: Access to the project site is provided by Hienaloli-Kahului Road, a two-lane County roadway, which has a pavement width of 20 feet within a 40-50 feet right-of- way. 22. Water: There is an existing 8-inch County waterline along Hienaloli-Kahului Road, approximately 400 feet from the property. 23. Wastewater: There is no municipal sewer system in the area. Any wastewater disposal system would be required to meet the requirements of the Department of Health. 24. Utilities: Electrical and telephone services will be made available to the property. -4- k AGENCIES' COMMENTS 25. Police Department (January 22, 1998 Memo): "We have reviewed the above-referenced applications for a State Land Use Boundary Amendment and a Change of Zone and do not believe the requests will negatively impact traffic safety or police services in the area." 26. Real Property Tax Office (January 21, 1997 Memo): "The above referenced has received a preferential agricultural use assessment for over ten years. As such, it is subject to a rollback tax plus penalty in the event of a zoning change from agricultural to urban or ag to rural or a subdivision into parcel sizes of five acres or less." 27. Department of Health (January 14, 1998 Memo): "Underground Injection Systems (Ph. 586-4258) which receive wastewater or storm run-offs from the proposed development need to address the requirements of Chapter 23, Hawaii State Department of Health Administrative Rules, Title 11, 'Underground Injection Control.' "The subject lots are located in a Non-Critical Wastewater Disposal Area where cesspools are allowed under the current rules. However, no new cesspools will be allowed to be constructed within a 100-yr. Flood plan (sic). 28. Department of Land and Natural Resources (January 21, 1998 Memo): "We have no comments." 29. State Department of Transportation-Hawaii District (March 31, 1998 Memo): "No additional storm discharge shall be allowed onto the State's right-of--way." 30. Department of Public Works: (See Exhibit B - March 18, 1998 Memo) 31. Department of Water Supply: (See Exhibit C - January 20, 1998 Memo) 32. Fire Department: (See Exhibit D - January 16, 1998 Memo) 33. Land Use Commission: (See Exhibit E - January 23, 1998 Letter) 34. State Department of Transportation-Honolulu: (See Exhibit F - April 6, 1998 Letter) 35. Applicant's Responses to agencies comments: (See Exhibit G - February 2 and 27, 1998 Letters) -5- AGENCIES- NO RESPONSE 36. HELCO and Department of Agriculture PUBLIC COMMENTS 37. The Department has not received any objections from the general public or adjacent landowners on the subject applications. -6- 0 COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATION FOR STATE LAND USE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT (15 ACRES OR LESS) APPLICANT: Robert S. Nackowski APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa, HI 96725 TELEPHONE: (BUS)_ (808) 329-2675 (HOME) 9 LANDOWNER 4i Z/Ij Koski Enterprises, Inc. LANDOWNER'S SIGNATURE: President TAX MAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: por 4 LAND AREA: 14.989 acres CURRENT STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION: Agriculture REQUESTED STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION: Rural THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: A. Non-refundable filing and processing fee of two hundred dollars. B. Original and fifteen copies of: 1. Application form. 2. Location map. 3. Preliminary site plan, drawn to scale, with all existing and proposed structures and improvements shown thereon. 4. Reasons for the requested change and written description of the property and proposed development, including but not limited to: a. The extent to which the proposed reclassification conforms to the applicable goals, policies, standards, and courses of action of the General Plan and implementing ordinances, plans and documents; and b. The extent to which the proposed reclassification conforms to the applicable district standards. C. A minimum 2-foot by 3- footQ=t,~tion map requested under B.3, above. Ell 1, V tLNr 0400q PD 2/25/87 APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT PPLICANT: Robert S. Nackowski PPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: DATE:12/30/97 ,DD RESS: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa, HI 96725 LIST APPLICANT'S INTEREST IF NOT OWNER President/Sec-Treasurer of Company that owns property LIST PRINCIPAL(S) INCLUDING NAMES OF MAIN OFFICERS Robert S. Nackowski, President and Sec/Treasurer TELEPHONE-BUSINESS:(808) 329-2675 RESIDENCE: REQUEST: Agriculture (A-5a) TO Residential-Ag (RA-.5a) (Existing zoning) (Proposea zoning) TAX MAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: por 4 AREA OF PROPERTY OR AFFECTED AREA(S) TO BE REZONED: 14.989 acres LANDOWNER(S): Koski Enterprises, Inc. OWNER'S SIGNATURE (see SLU Amen DATE: (May be ""9"y ster) AGENT: Sidney Fuke ADDRESS: 100 Pauahi Street Suitp 7,17 Hilo, HI 96720 TELEPHONE-BUSINESS: (808) 969-1522 RESIDENCE: Please indicate to whom original correspondence and copies should be sent. ORIGINAL Sidney Fuke COPIES gnhprr S Nacknwski (See Inst-uc_crs in Ba A7TACHME., 17 Resicent_,i =~eroninc PLANNING DEPARTMENT COUNTY OF HAWAII APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE 1. if your request is approvec, co you intend to suocivice the sudject iano in accordance with the approved cnange of zone? yes if yes, please answer the --as: of question 1 and then to question 3. a. How many acres of the requested area do you intend to suocivice? 14+ acres d. Into wnat lot sizes? 1/2 to 1 acre c. If your request is approved, approximately now long after the date of approval do you expect to suamit your subdivision plans to the Planning Department for preliminary approval? immediately d. Oo you intend to build houses on the newly created no lJts? If yes, please answer the following questions: On how many of those lots? At what approximate price range? House Lots Total Approximately now long, after approval of the subdivision, would the first house oe availaole for occupancy? If you intend to subdivide, please suomit a preliminary schematic subdivision plan together with your change of zone application form. 2. If you lave no firm r_;sns 7i sUdd'_vio_nC~ G"le suU~eo_ cc you intent to: a. seil or i.ease the land cc someone Nno .-,as 'irm plans? b. Sell or lease :ne 1anc to someone Nno nas tentative plans? C. Sell or lease the land to someone Nno nas no clans" d. Keec it? e. Otner (piease state) f. if you intend to do eiCher a, b, or c, clease eiaeerate on the Kind of plans the other party nas. Please, also, include in your answer approximateiy now soon after aoprovai of your rezoning do you expect to transfer the suoject land to anotner party. 3. Do you Chink that your request and your further plans for vie land Nill alleviate the local housing situation? yes How? By providing residential-sized lots on the market, it should help increase the supply of available lots in this area; in turn, it could have an impact on the price of lots ...and ultimately, housing. 4. Are tnere any buildings on the suojecC area? no If so, wnat kind? what do you intend to do with tnose buildings if your request is approved? -2- J. Is suoject land Oeing USec fCr any 3ci1CU1tUr31 dCC;vltlty? yes so, piease list Cne <:ncs of products groin and on now many square feet or acres of land per product. It is used for limited cattle grazing. There is no intensive or active agricultural use of the property. o. To your knowledge, nas tnere peen any floooing anc/or No crainace proolem on the suoject area? If so, piease cescrioe the proolem. It should be noted,however, =hat the north end has been determined to be within Zone AE. Please see planning report for further discussion on this issue. 7. Do you tninK that the roads leading to the suoject area needs improvement? No if so, what kind? Is the road adecuat for the proposed traffic volume Yes or load? 8. what sort of governmental assistance and/or improve..ents do you feel will oe needed in the suoject area when developed? Yes No a. Schools x p. Roads x c. Sewer x d. Drainage x e. Police Protection x -3- Y es No f. Fire Protection x g. Recreationai Facilities x x n. Puolic utilities i. Other x For those cnecxed "yes," pi°_ase aiaoorate wnat Cype or <inus of imorovements and/or assistance are neeeee. Signature: Actress: P.O. Box 599 Holualoa,HI 96725 Teiepnone: (808) 329-2675 Date: Dec. 30, 1997 -4- COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT STATE LAND USE and COUNTY REZONING REQUEST ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI TAX hIAP KEY: (3) 7-5-10: POP. 4 PUAA 2nd, NORTH KONA, HAWAII I. INTRODUCTION The applicant, Robert S. Nackowski, is requesting a 14.989 acre portion of a 56.902 acre parcel to be reclassified into the Rural District and subsequently rezoned from Agriculture (A-5a) to Residential-Agriculture (RA-.5a) in Puaa 2nd, North Kona, Hawaii. (See Figure 1) The property is located on the makai side of the Hienaloh- Kahului Road, about 1,500 feet north of the Road's intersection with HualaW Road. If approved, the applicant intends to subdivide the 14+ acre portion into 15 residential-agriculture lots ranging in size from 1/2 acre to 1+ acre. The balance of the parcel consisting of 42+ acres would continue to be used by the applicant for cattle grazing. II. PROJECT LOCATION The project area is located at the eastern end of the 56+ acre parcel that extends from Kuakini Highway to the Hienaloli-Kahului Road in North Kona, Hawaii. More specifically, it is located on the makai side of the Hienaloli-Kahului Road, immediately adjacent and north of the Hualalai Colony Subdivision (See Figure 2). The site is approximately 1,000 feet north of the intersection of Hienaloli-Kahului Road and Hualalai Road. This intersection is approximately one mile from the intersection of Hualalai Road and the Kuakini Highway (Highway 11). Although the parcel consists of 56+ acres, the requested zoning covers only 14+ acres. III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. Proiect Concept and Components The previous landowner intended to subdivide the entire parcel into ten (10) 5+ acre lots. A subdivision application was filed (File No. 89-142). Since then, tentative subdivision approval has been granted and construction plans have been prepared and subsequently approved by the County in 1994. The subdivision is still pending with the County. 1 1 w ` :C:.fiCC:J.w-c U?CL:: PO L:IT 7 iAWA-,H.. KG~A 1 1'71 A'=``_O 'JAL_S i 1 _NCKAA v:NA::aE WAi:.tr- KkLA I / •UPAHCMICE S OUIH PUA%C avAESCC~IL 0 H _ A BAY j 0 V I H 3110 Say SALL:: :~ACHa SUBJECTSITE XUA __cR c ~ Z J~~' .•_r'•6'S... o I HAUaz. ~ vaES • • avA :IA~~C7.1L PARR /f < A U f PAHAZ.A 1 MAP j.--QISTRICT BOUNDARIES nzL_LL' 'v, ' ISLAND OF HAWAII NORTH r."T- 0 1-145 IQ Scala Ce Miles 0-se.-et 3auada_--es HaYa-- Volcanoes NAZI! Park datutGU-as GENERAL LOCATION MAP FIGURE I X30NI33S I - ~ I s a.p I ~ 3'.• OW 2 a O ~ ?m a V LL a Y J~ ' a p.. 3. i . O........ - < YJ' Q V - ILu__ : : ? r• a° 44 ~ s~ £3 r° Qnx:nl 1~. .x.. Y N W G =i~ n, Ems. n. Y-- 111 _ aI_w ".fl.xw Md. '...wnl /~•^ur W SUBJECT SITE J 2 M.w 4x••a ' W =U s 1 x.'I.•nulul ww n a.w•°•"w• « ~ i n ~~FV ~"A ".n L g:...... . _ _ . - nu. T. _ O (Y / Yw T.ut I II .Jw f4.•-- G S SEE PAGE 21 g Y'"° . - _ _ • 1,4"' A 1 Klll~~ - 1r_ 4 ` a . ; ~i Nlq EST 'T- " Y ~ ~ i r w.nxn}~~,~ w°. gr. WO - *do XW 0, sll F - ~ i v .\1; f yM44- Pell ~ I SF IC lF 4r.lf tl. ~.w Off.°~ < (,I . i,P~~L [~i~s~ II. 141: 4~1 ~ry tf~ • ~4 •~'y' ) ^ti~Y ~ I A'l r:l~ t]]\py1 yi', < NpNp I '1 I•L r'~<i~rq r.... I. 1f /b1A"i ~ aT t. uxa ww0 " %{4ft;~t~t.1 (µ~~>.y~ - f ,:.1 X11 n~f G"! Y r..rnf• Fao .I +-W/.p S.a tFk.'c~d71+A A m r .•I.~~ ~ i 11 IPt fv' ~L I• u 1•"Ts'R~ 1{f2. 1 p V". .rb i• ? SPECIFIC LOCATION MAP FTrTTRF The applicant recently acquired the property and examined alternative uses for this site. While the 5+ acre lot subdivision represents an option, the applicant believes that creating some 1/2 acre to 1+ acre lots in this area would better serve the community's housing and land needs. As such, the applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into 15 residential-agricultural lots. These lots would range in size between 1/2 acre to over 1 acre (Figure 3). The remaining 42+ acre lot would be retained by the applicant, who intends to continue the cattle grazing activity. Access to the larger parcel would also be through the proposed subdivision road. Although the main road would be built to County dedicable standards, it would be kept private and maintained by the respective lot owners. It is understood that the subdivision plan submitted herein may change prior to receipt of final subdivision approval to accommodate County subdivision requirements, appropriate conditions of approval, and marketing demands. B. Proiect Timetable and Cost The applicant hopes to secure the necessary State Land Use and County rezoning approvals as soon as possible and begin the subdivision and development process immediately thereafter. Tentatively, plans call for having the lots on the market by the end of 1998 or early 1999. The estimated cost of the improvements is estimated at S 1 million. IV. INSTITUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS A. State Land Use The subject area is designated Agriculture. To effectuate this project, a 14+ acre portion is being requested to be reclassified into the Rural district. The balance of the property would still be left in the Agriculture district. Based on the size of the requested area, no State Land Use Commission action is required. The County of Hawaii can process both the boundary reclassification and zoning requests. B. County General Plan The County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map designates the site Extensive Agriculture with the Urban Expansion overlay. 2 ~I U d1 d' w--'__w. z Ino~ •'u..-.os I I 5 O O j „ I 1 y l~, l u o O a e w10Y~ 6 Z~•1. O Q ~ I. 1 a r I I I I .3 • 1 ` =_1 O 1 _ _ _ X03 ~^Q II ~Y2V r I "..I pl-~Y " o z r. 1 mzo . j c rl: I 2~j r I F7 ~Z4 I 'a 1 R '.`I r 1 =9 Y • i I I " tie The Extensive Agriculture designation refers to pasturage and range lands. This site also has the Urban Expansion overlay. This overlay allows for a mix of high density, medium, and low density uses. Based on the requested Residential-Agriculture zoning, the project would be consistent with the General Plan and no amendments would be required. C. Draft Kona Regional Plan This plan attempts to further define the General Plan and serves as a wide for decision-makers. It was adopted by the Planning Commission in 1984. It has not, however, been adopted by the County Council. The Land Use Concept map of this plan identifies a Res-4 designation for this area. This designation suggests residential uses, up to four (4) units per acre. The requested RA-.5 zoning would be consistent with this designation. D. County Zoning The County zoning of the subject area was Unplanned, which allowed for a minimum of 5-acre lots. With the adoption of the new Zoning Code and the subsequent elimination of the Unplanned category, the site de facto, became zoned Agriculture (A-5a). If approved, the site would be subdivided in a manner meeting with both the Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Further, all uses and standards consistent with the requested RA-.5a zone would be adhered to. E. Other Permitting Considerations The site is not located within the County Special Management Area (SMA). As such, no SMA Use Permit would be required. However, as noted earlier, other permits would still be required. These would be of the "ministerial" variety, such as Subdivision Approval, Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit, and the like. V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS A. General Description The elevation of the site ranges approximately between six hundred fifty (650) to seven hundred (700) feet above mean sea level. 3 o < The mean annual rainfall in this area ranges between 50 and 75 inches. The wetter months tend to occur between October through April. The mean annual temperature is about seventy five (75) degrees Fahrenheit, with the warmer months during the summer. Because the site is situated on the leeward side of the island, wind tend to be light and variable. Slight easterly winds occur during the day, while westerly or mountain winds are prevalent during the evenings. The entire parcel is generally rectangular in shape, and likewise, the project area is generally rectangular. However, it has a wider frontage at the Heinaloli-Kahului Road end (738 feet) than at the bottom of the project site (654 feet). Its length is approximately 1,200+ feet The site is vacant of any structures. It is presently being used for cattle gazing B. Soils and Topoeraphv The topography of the site slopes slightly in a mauka (east) to makai (west) direction. There is a gradual 10 to 15 percent slope from the Hienaloli- Kahului Road to the end of the project area. The US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service Soil Survey Report classifies the soil to be of the Waiaha series, specifically, the Waiaha extremely stony silt loam (WHC). This series is characterized by very dark brown stony/soil. Permeability is rapid, runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard slight. The subsoil is neutral to mildly alkaline. This type of soil was typically used for cattle grazing. The Land Study Bureau Overall Master Productivity Rating for the subject area is Class "E" or poor. This suggests the site does not have good productivity potential for agricultural crops. It is of the Waiaha Soil Series, with shallow soil. The soil texture is medium, the color is dark brown; and the parent material is volcanic ash. It is well drained, and because it is rocky with frequent outcrops of pahoehoe, it is not suited for machine tillability. The State of Hawaii's Agricultural Lands Of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) traps does not classify this site as being either "prime, unique, or other" agricultural land. C. Natural Hazards 4 1. Drainaoe The US Corps of Engineers' Flood Insurance Rate Mao (FIRM) designates most of the project site to be located in Zone X, areas outside the 500-year flood plain. However, there is a portion that is designated AE, areas within the 100 year flood. This is a part of the Waiaha Drainageway. In conjunction with the existing 5-acre subdivision plan, construction plans were prepared and subsequently approved by the County. The approved plans reflect a drainage easement that begins near the northern, mauka boundary of the subject parcel and eventually bisecting the parcel. (See Figure 4). The applicant's consulting engineer is now working with the County Department of Public Works to relocate this easement to run along the northern boundary of the entire parcel. It should be noted, however, that within the project area (14+ acres), the drainageway does not significantly affect the proposed lots. As such, drainage systems can be developed at the time of subdivision review to address the AE designation of the FIRM map. 2. Tsunami Hazard As the site is located over 1.6 miles from the ocean, it is located outside of the Civil Defense's Tsunami Evacuation Zone. 3. Volcanic and Earthquake Hazards The United States Geological Survey (USGS) classifies the area as Lava Flow Hazard Zone 4, on a scale of ascending risk 9 to 1. The populated area of Kailua-Kona also fall in this category, while the City of Hilo is classified Zone 3. There is very little that can be done to mitigate this situation and reflects an ongoing threat to all residents and businesses in these areas. The entire island of Hawaii falls within Earthquake Zone 3, according to the County Building Code. As such, certain structural requirements will be needed and taken during the building permit process to address this seismic hazard. 5 Vµ~P t0~ -IIEVAW~'.-^AHw~~~ In ~ I ~i 1 I SUBJECT SITE w Y ;I NUU NAI E!'/ / l~ r ' I ~ TrP~~ / J Clr_ I J I p ~AYI/(pl Q I Y I J / ~~~7 / 1 fo n ~ -J *0~ VICINIT" MAP / M NBC ~A N r~2sy" 3 I •u• li'~ s ~t) ill ' ~ i h ''r vn N_ In ,T I~ - i I z1 DRAINAGE EASEMENT PLAN FIGURE 4 D. Flora/Fauna Although there were no professional surveys conducted of the floral or faunal resources of the site, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found within the subject site. The site has already been cleared by bulldozers in the past. Further, the site has been and continues to be used for cattle grazing. A visual inspection of the site, however, notes that the undergrowth overwhelmingly consists of grass, with occasional patches of lantana (Lantana Camara) and Christmas Berry (Schimrs terebinthifolius. Mango and monkeypod trees were also observed. Thus, floral impacts should be minimal. E. Historic/Archaeological Resources In October of 1997, an archaeological inventory survey was conducted of the subject area by William Barrera, Jr. (See Appendix A). The study noted that the only things observed were features related to cattle ranching. This was due in part to the possible destruction of historical features by bulldozing prior to 1964. The report thus concluded that "The three sites that were recorded all date from modem ranching activities, and are of significance only for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sufficient data recovery, and any adverse impacts posed by the development of the property have therefore been mitigated. Nonetheless, during the course of developing the subdivision, should any unanticipated archaeological features or sites be uncovered, work will cease and the applicant will immediately notify the Planning Department. F. Water and Coastal Resources The subject site is located well over 1.6 miles from the coastline. As such, coastal impacts resulting from discharge of wastewater systems from the site should not be significant. Further, being a non-coastal property, no coastal access will be affected. As the wastewater from the project will be serviced by sewer system meeting with the approval of the Department of Health, septic tank or related system meeting with the approval of said agency will be done by the respective 6 property owners at the time of issuance of a building permit for the proposed lots. G. Noise, Air Quality. and Dust The Hienaloli-Kahului Road will serve as the major thoroughfare in this area. This Road connects to the Hualalai Road, which in turn connects to the Kuakini Highway about a mile away. The existing ambient traffic level in this area is quite low. As such, the corresponding noise level is quite low. With the completion of this project, the noise level is not anticipated to increase significantly. There will, however, be short term noise impacts associated with the construction of the infrastructure for the proposed subdivision. Contractors will be required to comply with appropriate noise and related mitigation measures of the State Department of Health. The proposed development should not generate any direct air uali impacts. The only discernible air quality impact could be associated with the vehicular traffic to and from the site. While there will be an impact to the ambient air quality, the impact should not be significant. With higher EPA standards for automobile air emissions, the air quality impact should thus hopefully not be significant. As such, with the exception of construction dust in the beginning, long term dust generated by the project should be minimal. Construction dust, however, like construction noise will have to comply with the State Department of Health's regulations. H. Scenic and Visual Considerations In the Natural Beauty element of the General Plan, there are sites or areas listed as being a scenic resource. The subject site is not listed as a scenic site. However, there were a few examples cited within the Keaau area. These included the royal palms fronting Keaau School and the views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from major roadways. The proposed development would not have any visual impacts on those and other listed scenic resources in the area. The site is located makai of the Keaau by-pass, and as such, will not affect any of the views to the two mountains. 7 VI. SOCIAL AND RELATED CONSIDERATIONS A. Surrounding Land Uses The mixture of land uses in this area suggests an area in transition. The transition is from cattle grazing to a variety of residential and rural subdivisions. Adjacent and to the south of the project area, there is the Hualalai Colony Subdivision. The top portion of this subdivision consists of 1/2-acre sized lots, while the lower end has lots that approximate 15,000+ square feet in size. There are two (2) subdivisions mauka of the project area with lots that average 1-acre in size. Further north is the Kailua View Estates Subdivision, with lots averaging 15,000+ square feet. Given the above, the mixture of uses suggests an area in transition, and the proposed development would not be incongruous with the emerging residential pattern. B. Economic Impacts The requested zoning would have some measure of economic impact, as it would make fee simple lots available to individuals wishing to live in this part of Kona. In turn, it would minimize the pressure to utilize more important agricultural properties along the Coffee Belt, and thereby impacting an important industry. Further, there will be some short-term c-)nstruction activity. And this, could help with the area's economy. C. Agricultural Impacts The site has not been used for intensive agricultural activity. It has been used essentially for cattle grazing. While this use could continue, it may not be a productive use of the land, given the emerging residential pattern in the area. More importantly, the land has not been classified as being important from an agricultural resource perspective under the various soil classification systems. It is classified as "E" or very poor by the Land Study Bureau and not even classified under the ALISH system. Because of the site's location (middle-North Kona) and elevation (600-700 feet), it represents a fairly attractive area for residential projects. As such, it 8 could reduce pressures for the development or non-agricultural use of the better agricultural lands in and around Holualoa and the rest of the Coffee Belt. In so doing, it would indirectly be helping or furthering the agricultural objectives of the County. M INFRASTRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS A. Road Access to the project would be via the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. This County road has a right-of-way of forty (40) feet to fifty (50) feet, particularly between the subject site and the Road's intersection with the HuaWai Road. The pavement width is also twenty (20) or more feet, which meets with the County's requirement. Much of these improvements and the securing of the additional rights-of-way were done in conjunction with the development of other properties in the area. Within the project itself, the roads will be constructed to County dedicable standards, although it will be kept private. The improvements will be done in conjunction with the subdivision approval process. B. Water There is an 8-inch County water line fronting the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. According to discussions with the Department of Water Supply, water for the proposed 15 lot (plus the 41+ acre remnant lot) subdivision would be available from this fine. It is also the applicant's understanding that should there be further development of the makai 41+ acre lot, then, additional water improvements (such as reservoir and pressure pumps) may be needed. C. Wastewater There is no County wastewater system in this area. As such, a septic tank system meeting with the approval of the Department of Health will be allowed. This will be done by the respective lot owners at the time of actual construction of the residences. D. Solid Waste Solid waste will be handled through a commercial haulers or the individual homeowners into authorized landfill sites or transfer stations.. With the 9 requested RA zoning, the potential for uses with tonic or related chemical waste would be minimal, if at all. E. Other Government Services As this area is already part of the North Kona urban area, it is already being serviced. No extension of government services would be required. The Fire Stations are located both at Keauhou and Kailua, approximately two (2) miles away. The Police Station is located at Kealakehe, approximately three (3) miles from the subject site Elementary schools are available at Holualoa, Kealakehe, or Kahakai. Intermediate and Nigh Schools would be available at Kealakehe, approximately five (5) miles away. County parks are available in Kailua, Keauhou, and Kealakehe. As such, the project should not result in the extension of any government services. Further, the required public facilities are located reasonably proximate to the subject site. F. Other Utilities All other utilities such as telephone, cable, and electrical services, are available to the site. VIII. IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE ANALYSIS A. Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of Environment and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity If the requests were denied, the short term use of the site would probably be an undeveloped tract of land and used for cattle grazing. There could also be the possibility of continuing with the 5-acre lot subdivision. In that event, the lots would be large residentially-oriented lots. Given the transitional nature of the area, the retention of the Agriculture (A- 5a) zoning may not result in the best development of the site. There would be large lots, which - because of its resource characteristics - may not be capable of supporting intensive agricultural activities. At the same time, pressures could occur on the conversion of lands currently being used for more intensive agricultural activities in the mauka Holualoa area. 10 Given those conditions, it may be more prudent from a land use perspective to more effectively utilize the project site to satisfy a ruraVresidential lot demand than to subdivide them into large lots. The projected use could indirectly help retard the pressures for the unnecessary conversion of good agricultural lands for residential activities. B. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources The subject site is already disturbed. As such, the project should not result in an irreversible commitment of natural or archaeological resources. C. Mitigative Measures The applicant intends to provide the required on-site infrastructure in conjunction with the subdivision process. At the same time, the drainage issue will be mitigated, as plans meeting with the requirements of the County would have to be implemented. Should unanticipated archaeological finds be discovered during the construction of the project, work will stop (as is required by the State and County) and clearance secured before work will resume. As the site is presently vacant, no person or businesses would be dislocated. D. Alternatives to the Proposed Project 1. No Proiect Under this status quo alternative, the site will either remain in its present condition or be developed into a 5-acre lot subdivision. This alternative would result in short-term construction impacts (noise, dust, traffic) resulting from the renovations and parking improvements. Additional vehicular traffic, although not significant, resulting from the ultimate uses within the site would also be present. The site, however, would not be utilized to its fullest potential, given the mixture of land uses in this area. 2. Alternative Residential Density Under this alternative, the applicant could seek a RS-15 or RS-10 zoning. This would be generally compatible with the land use goals of 11 the Draft Kona Regional Plan, and it would not require a General Plan amendment. However, there may be a need for extensive water improvements to accommodate the additional density. Nonetheless, the applicant could elect to develop the property in phases, and make the improvements as density requires it. Such an approach, however, may not be compatible with the existing 1/2 acre to I-acre developments in the general area. 3. Evaluation of Alternatives The project's impacts to the area's social and physical infrastructure would not appear to be pronounced. Certain mitigative measures, particularly on-site drainage, will be taken to address any possible impacts associated by the development of this project. Further, the project would be consistent with the land use objectives sought to be accomplished by the County General Plan LUPAG map. In view of the aforementioned, it would appear that none of the alternatives would be more prudent and beneficial than the requested RA-.5a alternative. IX. REGULATORY ANALYSIS A. General Plan LUPAG May The General Plan provides for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaii. It provides direction for balanced growth in the County. The LUPAG map designates the site Extensive Agriculture, with an Urban Expansion overlay. These designations allow the requested RA-.5a zoning, It should be noted that a density of 4 units per acre (or RS-10) could have been considered. As such, the project would be significantly less than what could be allowed and is thus consistent or supportive of the LUPAG map. B. General Plan Polices The requested zoning would be consistent with the goals, policies, and standards of the General Plan document. For one, it would provide short-term economic opportunities largely through the construction of the subdivision. Some limited longer-term opportunities 12 could be created, largely in the area of maintenance of the private roads and landscaping. The project should also add revenues to the County and State coffers. The project intends to be energy conscious through the use and/or encouragement of solar energy and design features to take advantage of wind patterns. Maintaining and improving the quality of the environment is important to the success of this project. The General Plan identifies five (5) areas of environmental concerns - air pollution, water quality, soil pollution, solid waste disposal, and noise pollution. As proposed, the project would not be violative of any of those objectives. Aside from vehicular transmission, air pollution associated with the project should be negligible. Cesspools would not be used, and instead a septic system or other alternative individual wastewater system meeting with the State Department of Health will be used to address potential groundwater and coastal water concerns. If required, a solid waste management plan could be prepared and implemented. The project will also not be a noisy one, as residents would come to this area to enjoy its tranquillity. Any noise- generating facility - such as air conditioners - would be carefully placed to minimize their noise impacts. Although a portion of the project area is designated as a floodway (Zone AE) on the FIRM maps, it does not affect the development and/or use of the site. Further, in conjunction with the subdivision review process, a drainage system will be developed and implemented to address these concerns. This system will be designed in a manner to protect the property as well as to minimize the volume of surface runoff generated by this development. The site does have historic sites. However, as it has been bulldozed, the remaining sites are of recent vintage - sites associated with the cattle grazing of the site. Nonetheless, work will cease if unanticipated archaeological remains are discovered during the construction of the project; and work will resume only after proper clearances from the State and/or County have been received. Being previously intensively used, the prospects of the site serving as a habitat for rare or endangered plant or animal life appear remote. The project will create additional houselots. It should help to diversity the type of houselots in the region, while reducing pressures for the premature 13 conversion of the area's better agricultural lands. In so doing, it would implement the housing element of the General Plan. The Plan also emphasizes that developments be mindful of an area's natural beauty. In this situation, the project will be designed in a manner so as to have it blend as much as possible with the existing terrain. As the project site is more than 1.6 miles from the ocean, the usual coastal resources concern is not pronounced. There will be interference with shoreline access. Then, too, through the use of septic system, impacts to the coastal water will be minimized. There will be little impact to public facilities. The wastewater system will be private. The water system will be developed in a manner meeting with the requirements of the Department of Water Supply. Vehicular access to the site is already fully improved. Schools and other public facilities are also located proximate to the site, most of them being less than three (3) miles away. Finally, in terms of Land Use, the project would be consistent with the LUPAG map. It would also be generally compatible with the surrounding area. There are 1-acre lots mauka of the site, 1/2 acre to the south; 15,000+ square foot lots further south and part of the Hualalai Colony Estates subdivision; and the Kailua View Estates Subdivision with its 15,000+ square foot lots further north. C. Zoninz and Subdivision The designated zoning of the site is "Unplanned." However, as the recently- adopted Zoning Code eliminated that designation, the de facto zoning of the site has been determined to be Agriculture (A-5a). This would suggest one unit for every five acres of land, and tentative subdivision approval for such a project has already been approved. However, if the requests are approved, the applicant intends to abandon the 5- acre lot subdivision and proceed with the creation of fifteen (15) 1/2 and I+ acre lots. The balance would be retained by the applicant, who would continue the cattle grazing activity. The requirements of the zoning and subdivision codes would be complied, including use and related development standards. 14 D. State Land Use Rural Standards As the requested area covers less than fifteen (15) acres, the request can be processed by the County. Pursuant to the Planning Commission Rule No. 13, the request must meet certain standards. These standards and their justification follow: 1. Conformitv to the General Plan The project's relationship and conformity are demonstrated in sections IX A and B above. 2. Relationship to State Land Use Rural District Standards It should be noted that this site could fit the criteria or standards for either the Rural or Urban district. However, given the requested lot size (112 acre) and the transitional nature of this location (with the mauka area more agricultural and the lower area more urban), the preferred and requested designation is Rural. a. Small Farms While there are no small farms in the immediate vicinity, there are such farms further mauka in the general area of Holualoa. However, this area represents a suitable transitional area between the agricultural communities along the old Mamalahoa Highway and the more urban communities fronting Kuakini Highway. As such, from a land use and density perspective, the requested size (112 acre) would provide a needed buffer and transition between the agricultural and urban areas. b. Characterized by Low-Density Residential Lots Lots in this immediate area are typically one-acre to 1-acre in size. The only exceptions would be the second phase of the HuaWai Colony subdivision and the Kailua View Estates Subdivision where there are 15,000+ square foot lots. The Kailua View Estates Subdivision is not immediately adjacent to this project, and access is principally taken off of the Kuakini Highway and not the Hienaloli-Kahului Road. 15 J While the project area is proximate to urban type of services, there are really no "city-like" concentrations of people, structures, and so forth immediately adjacent to the site. C. Surrounded by Similar Designations The surrounding designations are either urban or agriculture. As such, this area represents an area in transition. Nonetheless, it would be possible to have some limited backyard agricultural activity, particularly those that are not too reliant on extensive soil - like fruit trees and ornamental plants. More than the classification itself, the surrounding and emerging uses in this vicinity would make the requested project a compatible one. 16 APPENDIX Puaa, North Kona, Hawaii Island: Archaeological Inventory Survey TMK (3) 7-5-10: Por. 4 October 1997 Prepared for Robert Mackosky By William Barrera. Jr. INTRODUCTION An mwnsi\ c archacoknncal site inventor' survev was conducted on approximateh. 13 acres at Puaa. North Kona. Ha\\ all Island (TMK: (3) 7-i-10: Por. 4).The project area is located at the east end of a 56 acre parcel that c.xtcnds from Kuakini Highway to the Hienaloh-Kahului Road. which forms the east boundan of the sun c.\ area. It lies approximateh 1.6 miles from the ocean at an elevation of between 600 and 700 feet iI'C,LU FAINT 0 5 i0 10 YIIES NONOKAA KA'AAwAE - - ~ BA i uY ~ MAUNA KEA iI f 7 796 'EAHOLE Project Area HILO BAY DINT A KUTAUKAHI v KEALAKEKUA MAUNA LOA J BAY 17.679 aw-rn.. •1 SOUTH POINT Figure 1. Hawaii Island, Showing Location of Project Area PAGE I ,P i, , •`b TIC b % V'rr K t~~ ilua ~ 1 III :v. 'w uc 1 . •'•~~a Lanlake'Yu Cem E I j A a "Y> r 1 ~ Q ~ -3 -i 4G one. Ray'\ 4F., r 1 1\ ~ :A i : . ,t- i~ =f Q U wr IS. Puked \ ` Wr 1 A r E!1 ~61H. T^w ` L y 4, / ~J \ Pau . c K A V ay` lJOo R'aia -H'1 _ W'd 'P Kahului, Figure 3. Portion of USGS Kailua Quadrangle, Showing Location of Project Area !C;_ g I //i~~ n a......• aa.,..,... 3T -A liI _ X56 6A _ \ / 744 s:.ees •a /•r. i 17 sr Figure 2. Portion of Tax Map (3) 7-5-10, Showing Location of Project Area PAGE 2. PROJECT AREA ENVERONMENT The project area consists of pahoehoe bedrock sloping gently to the west. Annual precipitation is between iti and 75 inches [Annstrong 1983: 63]. Undergrowth consists overwhelmingh' of grasses that stand to a height of eight feet. with occasional small patches of lantana [Lantana comara]. The propem is dotted with occasional Christntasbem [.Schinus terebinthifolius], mango [Mangifera indica]. opiuma [PithecelluhmIn dulrc I and monkeypod [Samanea samon] trees. The vegetation pattern suggests that bulldozing has occurred. and inspection of an A.D.1964 aerial photograph indicates that this took place prior to that year. METHODOLOGY The fieldwork was completed b\ one person in five days in September and October of 1997. Survey sweeps spaced at a distance of approximately 15 meters were conducted. and the area around the bases of the trees that had not been bulldozed were inspected to see if any sites beneath them had also been spared. Only three sites were found. These were recorded. photographed and mapped using tape and compass to measure distance and bearing. No excavations were conducted. U DU I Do METERS 0 100 200 300 FEET 1 i ;r e i _ Figure 4. Map of Project Area, Showing Location of Sites RESULTS Based on previous findings at this elevation in North Kona. it was expected that there would be extensive remains of the Konn Field System. which includes rock mounds. kuaiw•i, cross-walls. permanent and PAGE 3. 3 winporan habitation sites and graves, However. Elie yirtuall' complete bulldozing of the properr priorto A. D. 1964 rcnhol ed cml such remains What was left here a complex of features related to cattle ranching. as folio\\s HRHP 21278 This is a stone retaining ball measuring 1.50 by 18.0 meters and standing to a height of 1.3 meter. It is built against a hillside in an angle formed by a jog in a ranch wall, thereby forming a terraced enclosed area measuring I I i bl 18.0 meters. A small enclosure measuring 8.60 by 8.90 meters is situated on the opposite side of the ranch 33 all. Cultural remains present include wooden planks. round galvanized nails, sheets of cornu_•atcd iron roofing and concrete post footings. This location is indicated on the USGS Kailua Quadrangle as a water tank. and it was no doubt associated 3% ith cattle ranching pursuits. The date of publication of the map indicates that the feature was in use at Icast as late as AD 1954 HRHP 21279 This is a three-sided stone structure situated on a bedrock outcrop at the end of a historic ranch wall. The structure measures 4.80 bh 6.80 meters. and stands to a height of as much as 1.6 meter. The side walls are 0.90 meter in width. the back or connecting wall is 1.20 meter wide. The walls are constructed of pahoehoe blocks nhcasuring for the most part about 0.40 meter in length, although a few measure as much as LO meter in length. Thc interior is paved with flat pahoehoe slabs measuring up to 0.50 meter in length. The lack of prehistoric midden and artifacts, and the massive nature of its construction compared to its overall size indicate that the structure was probabl' an animal pen associated with cattle ranching on the parcel. HRHP 21280 This number has been applied to the complex of stone walls located in the project area. These functioned primarily as In estoc6 control devices. with the ones on the north and south sides having the additional function of marking the ahupua'a boundaries. They are all similar and follow the same pattern ofdrv masons' constnction. t%picall measuring about 0.90 meter in width and height. This varies from place to place. depending upon the local ground and slope conditions. and anv individual wall may attain a height of 1.20 or 1.50 meter in places. SIGNIFICANCE Unfortunatcll . all traces of anv prehistoric or earl' historic activity on the parcel were destroyed b}' bulldozing prior to A. D 1964 The three sites that were recorded all date from modem ranching activities. and are of significance only for their information content relating to those activities. The present recording constitutes sufficient data recovery. and any adverse impacts posed by the development of the propcttm hays therefore been mitigated. PAGE: 4. 1 Bibliomphv Amutrong. R Warwick 19833 Ado,. nJ Mm uti. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu. V PAGES. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS COUNTY OF HAWAII HILO, HAWAII DATE March 18, 1998 Memorandum To Planning Director FROM D pa ent of Public Works Engineering Division SUBJECT: Change of Zone Application (REZ 97-20) State Land Use Boundary Amendment (SLU 97-4) Applicant: Robert S. Nackowski Location: Puaa 2ntl, North Kona HI TMK: 7-5-10:04 We have reviewed the subject application and offer the following comments: it in 1. Building shall conform to all requirements of code and statutes pertaining to building construction. Drainage 2. All development generated runoff shall be disposed of on site and shall not be directed toward any adjacent properties. 3. Applicant shall be informed that if drywells are included in the subject improvements, an Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit must be applied for from the Department of Health, State of Hawaii. 4. A drainage study should be prepared and a drainage system should be installed meeting with the approval of DPW. 5. All grading and grubbing activities shall comply with Chapter 10 of the Hawaii County Code. EXHIBI? Memo to Planning Director March 18, 1998 Page 2 Roadways 6. Roadway frontage equal to half the difference between 50' and the existing ROW width should be dedicated to the County per the General Plan. 7. Roadway connections to the adjoining parcels should be provided meeting with the approval of DPW. These roads should be open to public traffic. It is DPW policy on large subdivisions to recommend that functioning interconnections be made to adjoining parcels. 8. In the interests of pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the applicant should provide a paved shoulder alongside Heinaloli-Kahului Road. Pavement transitions, striping, drainage improvements, and relocation of utilities may be required. 9. All roadways within the proposed development should follow the guidelines incorporated in the Hawaii Statewide Uniform Design Manual for Streets and Highways and A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. These roadways should also meet the requirements of DPW. If you have any questions please contact Thomas Pack in our Kona office at 327-3530. TWP:sIs cc: Engineering - Hilo Engineering - Kona Planning - Kona e\ urt~ o` DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY COUNTY OF HAWAII 25 AUPUNI STREET HILO, HAWAII 96720 TELEPHONE (808) 961-8660 FAX (808) 961-8657 January 20. 1998 TO: Planning Department FROM: Milton D. Pavao, Manager SUBJECT: STATE LAND USE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT APPLICATION 97-004 REQUEST: AGRICULTURAL TO RURAL CHANGE OF ZONE APPLICATION NO. 97-020 REQUEST: A-5a TO RA-.5a APPLICANT - ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI TAX MAP KEY 7-5-010:PORTION OF 004 We have reviewed the subject applications for the proposed development and have the following comments. Water can be made available from the end of an existing 8-inch waterline along the Hienaloli-Kahului Road, approximately 400 feet from the property. Pursuant to the Department's "Water Commitment Guidelines Policy," a copy of which is being forwarded to you, a water commitment may be issued. Based on the fifteen (15) add'tional units requested in the proposed lb-unit development, the required water commitment deposit is $2.250.00. Remittance of the $2.250.00 is requested as soon as possible so that a water commitment may be formally issued. The commitment will be in writing with specific conditions and effective dates stated. Please keep in mind that this letter shall not be construed as a water commitment. In other words, unless a water commitment is officially effected, water availability is subject to change depending on the water situation. For your information, should the subject applications be approved and a formal subdivision application be executed, final approval will be subject to the following requirements: 1. Construct necessary water system improvements. which shall include, but not be limited to: EXHIBIT nir - Planning Department Page 2 January 20, 1998 a. approximately 400 feet of 8-inch waterline must be extended from the end of the existing 8-inch waterline along Hienaloli-Kahului Road to the property, b. onsite water mains capable of delivering water at adequate pressure and volume under peak-flow and fire-flow conditions: minimum diameter of mains shall be 6 inches. C. service laterals that will accommodate a 5/8-inch meter to each lot. and d. fire hydrants spaced not more than 600 feet apart and within 300 feet of the front of each lot. Submit construction plans and design calculations prepared by a professional engineer, registered in the State of Hawaii. for review and approval. 2. Remit the prevailing facilities charge and capital assessment fee, which are subject to change, of $51.118.00 and $7.500.00, respectively. They are due and payable upon completion of the installation of the water system improvements and prior to final subdivision approval. 3. Convey the water system improvements along with the necessary easements to the Water Commission. County of Hawaii. Should there be any questions, you can contact our Water Resources and Planning Branch at 961-8660. Mil PnD. Vva 'P E. Manager WA:gms Att. copy - Mr. Robert S. Nackowski err er Nelson M. Tsuji Stephen K. Yamashiro Fire Chit/ hta~n' ; Edward Bumat t Otpury Fire Chit KJ 7UUfV III Cf1fUZ1ii FIRE DEPARTMENT 777 Kilauea Avenue - Mall Lane - Hilo, Hawaii 967204239 (808) 961-8297 - Fax (80B) 961-82% January 16, 1998 To: Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director From: Nelson M. Tsuji, Fire Chief SUBJECT: STATE LAND USE BOUNDARY AMENDMENT APPLICATION (97-4) REQUEST: AGRICULTURAL TO RURAL CHANGE OF ZONE APPLICATION (REZ 97-20) REQUEST: A-5a TO RA-.5a APPLICANT: ROBERT S. NACKOWSKI TAX MAP KEY: 7-5-10: POR 4 The Fire Department's requirements as stated in the Fire Code are: "Fire Apparatus Access Roads "Sec. 10.207. (a) General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section. 11(b) Where Required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be required for every building hereafter constructed when any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 150 feet from fire department vehicle access as measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building. "EXCEPTIONS: 1. When buildings are completely protected with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system, the provisions of this section may be modified. 112. When access roadways cannot be installed due to topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, the chief may require additional fire protection as specified in Section 10.301 (b). EXH1B1T D ' To: Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director Page 2 January 16, 1998 "3. When there are not more than two Group R, Division 3 or Group M Occupancies, the requirements of this section may be modified, provided, in the opinion of the chief, fire-fighting or rescue operations would not be impaired. "More than one fire apparatus road may be required when it is determined by the chief that access by a single road may be impaired by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access. "For high-piled combustible storage, see Section 81.109. "(c) Width. The unobstructed width of a fire apparatus access road shall meet the requirements of the appropriate county jurisdiction. "(d) Vertical Clearance. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. "EXCEPTION: Upon approval vertical clearance may be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance. "(e) Permissible Modifications. Vertical clearances or widths required by this section may be increased when, in the opinion of the chief, vertical clearances or widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access. "(f) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all- weather driving capabilities." (20 tons) "(g) Turning Radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be as approved by the chief." (45 feet) "(h) Turnarounds. All dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus. To: Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director Page 3 January 16, 1998 "(i) Bridges. When a bridge is required to be used as access under this section, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable sections of the Building Code and using designed live loading sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. "(j) Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed the maximum approved by the chief." (15%) "(k) Obstruction. The required width of any fire apparatus access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this section shall be maintained at all times. 11(1) Signs. When required by the fire chief, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof or both." "INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE-PROTECTION, LIFE-SAFETY SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES "Installation "Sec. 10.301. (a) Type Required. The chief shall designate the type and number of fire appliances to be installed and maintained in and upon all buildings and premises in the jurisdiction other than private dwellings. This shall be done according to the relative severity of probable fire, including the rapidity with which it may spread. Such appliances shall be of a type suitable fur the probable class of fire associated with such building or premises and shall have approval of the chief. "(b) Special Hazards. In occupancies of an especially hazardous nature or where special hazards exist in addition to the normal hazard of the occupancy, or where access for fire apparatus is unduly difficult, additional safeguards may be required consisting of additional fire appliance units, more than one type of appliance, or special systems suitable for the protection of the hazard involved. Such devices or appliances may consist of automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler or water spray systems, standpipe and hose, fixed or portable fire extinguishers, suitable asbestos To: Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director Page 4 January 16, 1998 blankets, breathing apparatus, manual or automatic covers, carbon dioxide, foam, halogenated and dry chemical or other special fire-extinguishing systems. Where such systems are installed, they shall be in accordance with the applicable Uniform Fire Code Standards or standards of the National Fire Protection Association when Uniform Fire Code Standards do not apply- 11 (c) Water Supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all premises upon which buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed, in accordance with the respective county water requirements. There shall be provided, when required by the chief, on-site fire hydrants and mains capable of supplying the required fire flow. "Water supply may consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required fire flow. "The location, number and type of fire hydrants connected to a water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall be protected as set forth by the respective county water requirements. All hydrants shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by roadways meeting the requirements of Section 10.207. "(d) Fire Hydrant Markers. When required by the chief, hydrant locations shall be identified by the installation of reflective markers. "(e) Timing of Installation. When fire protection facilities are to be installed by the developer, such facilities including all surface access roads shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction. When alternate methods of protection, as approved by the chief, are provided, the above may be modified or waived. "(f) All fire alarm systems, fire hydrant systems, fire extinguishing systems (including automatic sprinklers), Class I, II, III (combination standpipe system) and combined systems, basement inlet pipes, and other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of the fire department as to installation and location and shall To: Virginia Goldstein, Planning Director Page 5 January 16, 1998 be subject to periodic tests as required herein. Plans and specifications shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to installation." NELSON 14 T W Fire Chief NNT/mo ~ K \2 Yb %r ~l~~ f BENJAMIN J. CAYETANO I+ ESTNER UEDA GOVERNOR 3-I ~rs' EXECUnVE OFFICER STATE OF HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM LAND USE COMMISSION P.O. Box 2359 Honolulu. HI 96804-2359 Telephone: 808.587.3822 Fax: 808-587.3827 January 23, 1998 Ms. Virginia Goldstein Planning Director County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 109 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Goldstein: Subject: State Land Use Boundary Amendment Application (SLU 97-4), for Robert S. Nackowski, Puaa 2nd, North Kona, Hawaii, TMK 7-5-10: Dor. 4 We have reviewed the subject application transmitted by your memorandum dated January 14, 1998, and confirm that the subject parcel, as represented on the location map, is located within the State Land Use Agricultural District. We note that the subject parcel is immediately north of the petition area in LUC Docket No. A81-505/Colony Associates, which involved the reclassification of approximately 39.459 acres of land from the Agricultural District to the Urban District for condominium dwellings and recreational amenities, subject to three condi'-ions (Decision and Order dated March 2, 1982). We have no further comments to offer at this time. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the subject application. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me or Bert Saruwatari of our office at 587-3822. Sincerely, ESTHER UEDA Executive Officer EU:th EXHIBIT BENJAMIN J. CAYETANO ' t c, 4 KAZU HAYS- GOVERNOR ,ea• i DIPEC-:a BRIAN D:P EC--05 BRIAN K.:!I\'A> x GLENN M. CK.%!Z al STATE OF HAWAII IN REPLY RE==;; = DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 869 PUNCHBOWL STREET HWY-PS HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813.5097 2.8680 APR - 6 1998 Ms. Virginia Goldstein Director Planning Departrnent County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 109 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Ms. Goldstein: Subject: State Land Use District Boundary Amendment 97-4, Agriculture to Rural and Change of Zone Agriculture A-5a to Residential-Agriculture RA-.5a, Robert S. Nackowski, North Kona, TMK: 7-5-10: por. 4 Thank you for requesting our review of the proposed land use amendment and change of zone. The proposed land use amendment and change of zone is not anticipated to have a significant impact on our State highway facilities. However, the landowner should be informed that: I. No direct access from his subdivision to the State highway will be allowed. 2. A setback along the highway frontage of his lower lot should be provided for future widening of our highway. 3. No additional storm water is allowed to enter our highway right-of-way. Drainage improvements may be required if our drainage structures are adversely affected. 4. Plans must be submitted for any work done within our highway rights-of-way. Very truly yours, 4VX74~/ KAZU HAYASHIDA Director of Transportation EXHIBIT SldneyFuke, Planning Consultant 4C 100 Pauahi Street, SuRe 212 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Planning' Variance - Zoning Telephone: (We) 969.1522 -Fax: (909) 969-7996 - %6dwision land Use Pemrh Enwonmeninl Reporh I February 2, 1998 Ms. Virginia Goldstein, Director Planning Department COUNTY OF HAWAII 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Ms. Goldstein: Subject: Rezoning (REZ 97-20) and SLU (SLU 97-4) Requests Robert Nackowski, Tax Map Key: 7-5-10: Portion of 4 Thank you for sending me comments from the Departments of Health, Fire, and Real Property Tax Office regarding the subject matter. Please be informed that the requirements of the State Department of Health relative to construction mitigations, wastewater, and underground injection control systems will be complied with in conjunction with the permitting and development phases of this project. It should be noted also that since this project will be a subdivision development, the wastewater requirements will ultimately be deferred to the respective lot owners. The Fire Department's requirements relative to access standards and fire protective measures will be taken in conjunction with the subdivision review and development process. Finally, the applicant is aware of the rollback tax requirement and the associated consequences behind the subdivision of lots less than five acres in size. Should you have further agency comments or questions on this application, please feel free to contact me again. Thank you very much. nFerely, ~ Si~~J M. FUKE IDN Planning Consultant cc Mr. Nelson Tsuji, County Fire Department Mr. Aaron Ueno, State Department of Health Mr. John Totten, Real Property Tax Office Mr. Robert Nackowski EXHIBIT 6(.X340 SidneyFUke, Planning Consultant 100 Pauahl Street, Suite 212 a Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Planning • Vanance • Zoning Telephone: (808) 969.1522 a Fax: (808) 969-7996 ' Subdnrision Land Use Permits Environmental Reporh February 27, 1998 Ms. Virginia Goldstein, Director Planning Department COUNTY OF HAWAII 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Ms. Goldstein: SUBJECT: State Land Use (SLU 97-4) and County Zoning (REZ 97-20) Robert Nackowski, TMK: 7-5-10: Por 4 This letter is in response to agency comments on the subject matter. We note that the State Land Use Commission offered no comments that required direct response. We were pleased that they noted that subject site is adjacent to a property that was reclassified into the Urban District in 1982. This fact further supports the contiguous land use principle. Likewise, we were pleased that the Police Department concurred with the applicant's planning report that the requests will not generate significantly adverse impacts to police services and traffic safety. The Department of Water Supply stated that water for this 16-lot project can be made available from the existing 8-inch line along Heinaloli-Kahului Road. It is our understanding that water commitment fees are usually required 90-days after the effective date of the change of zone. Please be assured that, if the zoning is approved, the applicant intends to fulfill this requirement within the stipulated period. The on- and off-site water construction improvements will be made in conjunction with the subdivision approval process. We trust the foregoing adequately responded to the comments to date. If not or if there are further comments or questions from your office, please feel free to contact me. Thank you very much. VV S V%~ Planning Consultant cc Department of Water Supply Robert Nackowski w/ enclosure SidneyFuke, Plan consultant Mae 100 Pauahi Street, Suite 212 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Planning' Variance Zoning Telephone: (808) 969-1522 • Pax: (808) 969.7996 Subdivision, Land Use Permits Environmental Reports April 10, 1998 Ms. Virginia Goldstein, Director v Planning Department COUNTY OF HAWAII 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Dear Ms. Goldstein: Subject: State Land Use (SLU 97-4) and County Rezoning (REZ 97-20) Requests, Robert Nackowski, TMK: 7-5-10: portion of 4 Thank you very much for sending me comments from the State Department of Transportation (the District and Main office) regarding the subject matter. Although the subject site abuts the Kuakini Highway, the area of the proposed development does not. As such, we concur with the State's comments that the project should not have a significant impact on the State highway facilities. Nonetheless, we would like to note: 1. That portion of the site that abuts Kuakini Highway has a "permitted access " This is clearly reflected on the existing tax maps. 2. The on-site drainage system to be designed by the applicant's consulting engineer will have to be reviewed and approved by the appropriate government agencies. It is understood that the drainage system must take care of the additional storm water generated by the project on site. 3. The issue of the additional setback along Kuakini Highway can be addressed when said area is being developed. We trust that the foregoing adequately address the concerns raised by said agencies. If not or if there are further comments on this matter, please feel free to contact me. Thank you very much. %cerel%L Planning Consultant cc DOT - Honolulu Office and District Office Mr. Robert Nackowski