COM 0493.000 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 2 The project site, consisting of two parcels, has been developed into the Virgil A. Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden (aka Pua Mau Place) which was approved by Special Permit No. 969 for five acres of the subject property on June 12, 1997. The permit also allowed the construction and operation of a small gift shop located immediately off Ala Kahua Drive. The botanical garden was established in 1974 by the applicant to specialize in ever-blooming woody plants. Its stated mission is to promote awareness of, and conduct research on, the uses of flowering plants in a Hawaiian and environment for ornamental, agricultural, and bio-regional purposes. The garden currently features a maze planted with varieties of plants as well as outdoor sculptures. The Change of Zone request from A-20a to FA-3a will conform to, among others, the Land Use, Agricultural and Economic elements of the General Plan. 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 proposed request will conform to the Land Use element of the General Plan to designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix in keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County. The request also conforms to the Land Use - Agricultural policy of the General Plan which states, "encourage, where appropriate, the establishment of a visitor-related uses and facilities that directly promote the agriculture industry." The requested change of zone conforms to the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map. The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map component of the General Plan is a representation of the document's goals and policies to guide the coordinated growth and development of the County. It reflects a graphic depiction of the physical relationship among the various land uses. The LUPAG Map establishes the basic urban and non-urban form for areas within the County. The subject area is designated Extensive Agricultural. The applicant's request will not diminish the agricultural uses on the property and will remain consistent with the General Plan's designation for this area. Surrounding parcels to the north are zoned A-3a, and parcels to the east are zoned A-20a. Lands to the south are zoned A-40a, and lands to the west are zoned A-la (Kohala By the Sea) and A-3a (Kohala Estates). To the northwest across Ala Kahua Drive is a property zoned FA-3a under Ordinance No. 05 64.