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sprawl. Thus, the subject amendment is consistent with the specific General Plan-Land Use- <br /> Course of Action below: <br /> General Plan: Puna Commercial <br /> 14.3.5.1.2 Courses of Action <br /> (b) Expanded commercial services to meet the needs of population growth in the <br /> Puna district shall be encouraged in Kea'au. <br /> Broadly, the Medium Density Urban amendment would align with the General Plan goals <br /> and/or policies of encouraging the concentration of commercial uses within and surrounding a <br /> central core area; providing for suitable living environments that accommodate the physical, <br /> social and economic needs of the island residents; encouraging flexibility in the design of <br /> residential sites,buildings and related facilities to achieve a diversity of socio-economic housing <br /> mix and innovative means of meeting the market requirements; maximizing choices of single- <br /> family residential lots and/or housing for residents of the County; promoting and encouraging the <br /> rehabilitation and use of urban areas that are serviced by basic community facilities and utilities; <br /> and increasing rental opportunities and choices in terms of quality, cost, amenity, style and size <br /> of housing. <br /> With the expansion of commercial services in and around Kea'au Village, employment <br /> will be added for Puna residents,including those living in Kurtistown and Mountain View. <br /> Together with a more diverse residential market in Kea'au Village,the need to drive to Hilo <br /> should be lessened. <br /> Community Participation and Input. The Puna CDP acknowledges that a master plan for <br /> the Kea'au Regional Town Center has been developed with community participation by the <br /> principal landowner, W.H. Shipman. <br /> As stated previously, a proposed General Plan Amendment to Urban Expansion Area <br /> received public review and comment. Based upon further analysis and the community input <br /> received, it has been determined that an Amendment to Medium Density Urban is appropriate. <br /> The proposed General Plan Amendment to Medium Density Urban was discussed at a <br /> Puna CDP Action Committee meeting held on January 13, 2015, and two Planning Depaitment <br /> Workshops held on February 11 and 12, 2015 at the Kea'au Community Center and the West <br /> Hawai`i Civic Center, respectively. Meetings before the Leeward/Windward Planning <br /> -13- <br />