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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING <br /> DATE: November 5, 1998 Re: C-1038/Resolution No. 342-98 <br /> PLACE: Councilroom <br /> TIME: 1:52 p.m. <br /> Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Resolution No. 342-98, transmitted by <br /> Council Member Joe Reynolds per Communication No. 1038, dated October 16, 1998, regarding <br /> the "Kona Coffee Belt", reports as follows: <br /> Resolution No. 342-98 requests that the Planning Director conduct a feasibility study within 120 <br /> days from the date of the resolution's adoption. It also specifies that once the study is completed, <br /> the Council would conduct a public hearing in Kona, and that the hearing's findings would then <br /> be incorporated into the General Plan update. <br /> Mr. Reynolds explained that he would like the specific area described in the first paragraph of <br /> Resolution No. 342-98 to be known as the "Kona Coffee Belt" in order to retain this area for the <br /> exclusive use of orchards and coffee production. Because Hawaii has some of the most unique <br /> coffee farm lands, and Kona is known for its "Kona coffee", we should preserve this area as part <br /> of our heritage while trying to preserve its culture, history and rural lifestyles. <br /> Your Committee recommended to amend the resolution by deleting the "Now Therefore, Be It <br /> Resolved" paragraph, and that the heading "Be it Further Resolved" also be deleted and replaced <br /> with the "Now Therefore, Be it Resolved." <br /> Your Committee further recommended that the above mentioned paragraph be amended so it <br /> does not restrict the "Kona Coffee Belt" to orchards and coffee production, but that it be open to <br /> all types of agriculture and be denoted as a special agricultural district. <br /> Your Committee then asked a Planning Department staff member about the feasibility of the <br /> study, and Your Committee was told that he does not know who would be able to conduct the <br /> study since they are understaffed and have other assignments to complete. It was also noted that <br /> <br /> because they are currently in the process of updating the General Plan, there would not be <br /> sufficient time to work on the study. Your Committee then agreed with the suggestion to bypass <br /> the study and incorporate the "Kona Coffee Belt" into the General Plan, and all references to the <br /> study were deleted from the resolution. <br /> PC-157 <br /> <br />