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Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 8 be a reasonable expansion of residential uses that already exist in the area. Also as shown on the General Plan, growth and expansion of Keaau Town toward Kurtistown is reflected with the redesignation of surrounding Orchards lands to Urban Expansion. These changes were made during the General Plan 1989 review to facilitate growth in this area. As evident by the County's action during the 1989 General Plan Comprehensive Review, there is a need for additional lands to accommodate present and future urban activities for the Puna District. This proposed request is to allow for a mutual self-help housing development which is allowable under the Low Density Urban designation. Zoning and uses in the vicinity include RS-10, RS-20 and in residential use. The area under consideration is consistent with the urban form established for this section of the Puna District as depicted on the LUPAG Map. The Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) Maps designate the subject area as "Prime Lands." However, the Land Use Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating for soils of the subject lands is "C" or Fair. The site was previously used for sugar cane and has remained fallow for approximately 20 years. There is no active agricultural activity occurring on the subject property. Therefore, the reclassification of approximately 7.084 acres from an Agricultural (A-la) to a Single Family Residential (RS-10) zoned district will not be detrimental to the reduction of agricultural lands in the County of Hawaii. From a land use perspective, the approval of this request, reflects a natural movement and expansion of urban development within this particular area of Kurtistown. The proposed request will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare nor cause substantial adverse impact to the community's character or surrounding properties. The subject property is located in Kurtistown, where there is existing residential and commercial activity. To the north, south and east of the property are RS-10 and RS-20 zoned lands with residential uses. Rezoning of the subject property from A-20a to A-la was approved in 1992 by the County Council, allows for subdivision of the property into approximately 40 lots and the development of farm dwellings. This rezoning request for a 7.084-acre portion of the 45.945-acre parcel would allow for further expansion of activities and uses that are already permitted and ongoing within this vicinity. The remainder of the approximately 38 acres will remain within the State Land Use Agricultural District as Agricultural (A-la) zoned lands. Therefore, the development of the proposed self-help residences will complement the existing permitted uses in the area. Traffic impacts from the development will be mitigated by improvements to the Hawaii Belt/South Road intersection as well as South Road. Additionally, the applicant shall abide by all applicable State and County air quality and noise level control standards during the pre-construction and construction phases of the project. The granting of the proposed request will not adversely affect similar or related existing uses within the surrounding area, community or region. The request is to change the classification from an Agricultural (A-la) to Single Family Residential (RS-10) zoned district in order to allow for the proposed self-help housing development. The applicant intends to develop 20 affordable housing units. Through the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation, residents will be provided financing and construction assistance that will provide home ownership opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them. The proposed development is located