COM 0398.000 2014-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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would sustain itself. In the meantime,the expanding public and private schools,post office, DOE district complex, library, shopping center, different medical facilities and restaurants have the effect of attracting complementary services within the Village. The proposed Medium Density Urban would provide flexibility to allow corresponding services contemplated by the Puna CDP to build and operate with the appropriate zoning. With regards to potential concern about removing the GP IAL from the agricultural inventory and the impact of urban uses on farms, the Puna CDP formed its Regional Town Center boundaries in which the IAL lands exist. The CDP concept here acknowledges a need to trade-off limited IAL areas for the purpose of directing more intensive agricultural uses away from the Regional Town Center. The Department is initiating the proposed GP Amendment after evaluating the Puna CDP and the General Plan being mindful of the evolving and unknown impacts of the lava flow. The existing GP Low Density and IAL designations have the effect of limiting options within Kea'au Village at a time when public comments point to the burgeoning growth felt at the shopping center and on the roads. Kea'au Village is a major link to the rural communities in Puna and Kau, and managing its growth is crucial to the well-being of the people who live in and travel through these districts. The proposed GP amendment seeks to provide opportunities for providing housing opportunities with service oriented and commercial uses that can be implemented to accommodate these needs. This action implements the CDP goal of reducing exposure to high risk from natural hazards. While it has been said that the proposed GP amendment will benefit the major landowner in Kea'au—W. H. Shipman, the purpose of the proposed amendment will facilitate measures to satisfy an overwhelming public necessity and demand. Failure to act would impede fulfillment of satisfying the stated goals of the Puna CDP, which are intended to benefit the people who reside, work, learn,travel through and play in Kea'au. CONCLUSION In summary, the proposed General Plan amendment from Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Lands to Medium Density Urban implements the Puna CDP and the General Plan towards a more efficient and environmentally-sustainable land use pattern for the community and region. -15-