COM 0557.000 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 2 shrimp as a rare, threatened, or endangered species. The plan also calls for the County to implement an enhanced shoreline setback of 1,000 feet along as much of Kona's coastline as possible. Approval of the subject amendment would facilitate this policy as some of the lands currently designated as "Urban Expansion" are less than 1,000 feet from the shoreline. CDP Policy LU -2 regarding urban area growth management recognizes that the current LUPAG Urban Area is larger than what is needed to accommodate the future growth and recommends growth within the Kona Urban Area occur in a pattern.of compact villages at densities to support public transit. The amendment area is located within the Kona Urban Area but is not located near one of the sites identified for future development as a regional or neighborhood compact village thus the current "Urban Expansion" LUPAG Map designation is not appropriate in this area. The amendment area is also located adjacent to the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park which possesses many significant cultural resources and unique natural resources, such as coral reefs and anchialine ponds, which have the potential of being adversely affected by water quality degradation from nearby urbanization. For these reasons the Planning Director has determined that returning the LUPAG map to its 2005 layout by changing the land use designation from "Urban Expansion" to "Open" will assure the coordinated development of the area, and protection of the significant natural and cultural resources in the amendment area and on surrounding lands will maintain the general welfare and prosperity of the people of Hawaii island. Therefore, based on the information cited above and consideration of public comments, the Planning Director recommends that the Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions send a favorable recommendation to the Hawaii County Council for the amendment to Map 11 of the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map of the County of Hawaii General Plan. We have enclosed the Planning Department's Background & Recommendation Report, draft bill, and a transcript of the hearing for your information. Sincerely, Rodney 7Panning abe, Chairman Leeward Commission WDinitiatedamendlupagmap I I Enclosures cc: Planning Department -Kona Lincoln Ashida, Esq.