REP PC 090 05/04/2004 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Communication 561 Bill 249 Page 2 The approval of the Change of Zone request is consistent with the Economic Element of Hawaii County General Plan and is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) based on the following: The LUPAG Designation for the property is Intensive Agricultural and Extensive Agriculture. These designations identify sugar, orchard, diversified crops, and pasturage and range lands. Surrounding properties are zoned Agricultural 20-acre (A-20a). The Agricultural Project District designation provides a flexible and creative planning approach for developments within the agricultural zoned district. It will allow for flexibility in location, lot variations, encourage mixed agricultural-residential uses and provide economic agricultural opportunities for residents. The subject proposal will also be compatible with the agricultural and rural lifestyle in the area. • The property is classified by the State of Hawaii ALISH Map as Prime Agricultural Land and Other Important Agricultural Lands. The Soil productivity rating for the soils in the area is "B" or "Good" and "C" or "Fair". The subject requests will allow for continued agricultural use of the land. • There are no known historic, cultural, archeological features or endangered species or fauna on the parcel. • The Change of Zone request is not contrary to Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to Coastal Zone Management Areas, as the subject property is located five miles from the shoreline and not located in the management area. • The subject property is located outside of the 500-year flood plain. • The request will not result in a substantial adverse impact upon the surrounding area or community. 8. Requisite of the Planning Director's favorable recommendation for the Change of Zone request is approximately twenty conditions contained in Bill No. 249 that outline specific infrastructure improvements and project district requirements for the subject parcel. At today's meeting, Planning Director Chris Yuen and Sidney Fuke, representative of the applicant, and Ellis Hester, the applicant, fielded questions about the proposed rezoning action and the Project District. Mr. Ellis explained that he would retain property to continue his own farming operation. Your Committee also received public testimony in relation to this Change of Zone request. During discussion, members of this Committee inquired about possible flooding in the area and public access to the road during emergencies. Mr. Ellis explained that near the property is a gulch where rain waters run and that the road could be used by the public during emergency situations. Mr. Yuen agreed to draft language allowing use of the road during emergencies. Members of this Committee also shared that they had visited and/or inspected this parcel and the surrounding area recently.