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Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman <br /> and Members of the County Council <br /> <br /> Page 4 <br /> o The County of Hawaii shall strive for diversification of its economy by <br /> strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors. <br /> The Kona Regional Plan adopted by the Planning Commission in 1984 is intended <br /> to provide short and middle range implementation strategies for the goals, policies and <br /> land use pattern presented in the General Plan. The Kona Regional Plan and its Zone <br /> Guide Map, adopted over 10 years ago, suggested low density residential uses for the <br /> project site. The property is situated in proximity to residential subdivisions such as <br /> Kona Palisades. Therefore, the approval of the subject request would be consistent <br /> with the policy direction established by the General Plan. <br /> The proposed Rural boundary request also conforms to the LUPAG Map which <br /> designates the area as Orchards. Orchards is defined as "those agricultural lands which <br /> though rocky in character and content support productive macadamia nuts, papaya, <br /> citrus, and other similar agricultural products." This request would allow a rural <br /> development, a Single Family Residence and subsistence and backyard gardening type <br /> of agricultural activities. The area under consideration is consistent with the rural form <br /> established for this section of the North Kona District as depicted on the LUPAG Map. <br /> Based on the above findings, including the General Plan's goals and policies, the <br /> granting of the rural boundary amendment would complement and implement the <br /> General Plan. <br /> All utilities and services are available to the property which are essential to <br /> accommodate rural development. Access to the subject property is off the Old Kona <br /> Belt Road which has aright-of-way width of 40 feet with approximately 12-14 feet <br /> wide pavement and 2-3 foot wide shoulders on both sides of the road. Water is <br /> provided by a 6-inch county water line which fronts the project site. The Department <br /> of Water Supply has indicated that water service is available to the subject property for <br /> less than six lots. Electrical service is available to the property from Hawaii Electric <br /> Light Co. Inc., and telephone service is available from GTE Hawaiian Tel. <br /> The property has no severe geological or topographical problems which cannot be <br /> properly rectified or which would render the land unusable. The U.S. Corps of <br /> Engineers Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) designates the property outside of the <br /> 500-year flood plain (Zone X). <br /> While the subject property is within the State Land Use Agricultural and County's <br /> Agricultural zoned districts, it is not currently being used for active agricultural <br /> purposes. The State of Hawaii ALISH Map does not classify the subject property in <br /> any category. The Land Use Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating for <br /> <br />