RES 342 Draft 01 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~:, .. . . .":C::--./-'_. . .:,.:,' COUNTY OF HAW~lr. ...STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. 3+2 .8 RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE J(ONA COFFEE BELT IN THE COUNTYQF HAWAII., " WHEREAS, the famed Kona Coffee Belt, a strip 'of land in Kona along the Mamalahoa Highway approximately two miles wide running almost parallel to the coast between the 700 and 2000 foot elevations between and immediately adjacent to the Palani and Puuhonau junctions, is known for its prime growing conditions and rich volcanic soils which produce one of the world's most sought-after coffee; and "i WHEREAS, the Konacoffee industry continues to have a positive and substantial effect on the County's economy by providing coffee farmers, the Konabusinesscommunity, and the surrounding commUllities with a long-term sustainable economic base; 'and WHEREAS, the Kona Coffee Belt lands, which are designated by the State as "Unique Agricultural Lands" on its Agricultural Lands ofImportance to the State of Hawaii Map, have also successfully cultivated macadamia nuts, exotic flowers, avocados, vegetables and fruits; and . WHEREAS, factors such as the cost 'of agricultural lands, soils and topography which . present certain limitations formechanized farming, land ownership characterized by a few large landholders, and urbanization pressures, have made it difficult for the Kona COIIll11unity to ' ..' . 1_ '," . ..... .' " ". ".', . ' " .~. perpetuate the production of coffeewiihi~ the KonaCoffee !;lelt lands, while trying to; preserve its culture, history and rural lifestyles; and . WHEREAS, the re~ommended laAdu~eaCiion of the General Plan of the County of Hawaii states that " the County shall protect important agricultural lands within the Kona Coffee Belt" and, through zoning, the County should be able .to~chi~ve the goal ,of the General Plan which is to protect and maintain important agricultural lands Within the Gounty';ofHawaii from urban encroachment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that all state and county agencies haviJIg jurisdiction overall of these Kona Coffee Belt lands shall continue to keep its land use designation in agriculture, especially for coffee' - . production, and shall discourage any future application proposing to urbanize such lands. BElT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Director is requested to conduct the necessary feasibility study within 120, days from the date of adoption of this resolution, in order for the CoUncil to schedule a public hearing(s) on the study in Kona, and the findings may be incorporated into the General Plan update to specifically designate the KonaCoffee Belt lands as a special agricultural district used exclusively for orchards and coffee production.. .