COM 0615.000 2014-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dru Kanuha, Council Chair and Members of the County Council Page 3 The subject property and surrounding area south of Makalika Street to just south of Lama Street between the highway and Railroad Avenue are unique in that they are zoned Agricultural by the County but are in the State Land Use Urban district. Although these lands can be productive for agriculture they are planned to be developed over time with more urban uses due to their close proximity to Hilo town and utilities and services. The property is not considered important agricultural land as it is classified as existing urban development on the ALISH Map and by the Land Study Bureau, which determines productivity ratings of agricultural lands. The front portion of the property is improved with a dwelling and an `ohana dwelling. The property contains numerous fruit trees including avocado, lychee, and citrus. Land uses in the area are a mix of residential and agricultural uses, particularly orchards. Surrounding properties are similarly zoned A-3a with approximately 3 acre sized lots that are developed with dwellings. The proposed change of zone would complement the existing and predominately rural residential land uses in the surrounding area and is consistent with the General Plan designation for the area. As areas that were once used for agriculture become more rural and urban in character there is a greater potential for conflicts and nuisance complaints arising from residences being located next to farms and other agricultural operations. State law requires that for boundary amendments to the Rural or Urban districts where the lands are adjacent or contiguous to existing lands within the Agricultural district shall include notification to owners and prospective buyers that farming operations are protected from nuisance complaints under the Hawaii Right to Farm Act. The lands just north of Makalika Street are situated in the State Land Use Agricultural district, while lands south of Makalika Street are in the Urban district. Thus, conditions of approval will be included to protect the agricultural activities on the adjacent property to the north from nuisance complaints. All utilities and services are available to the site. Access to the property is from Makalika Street, which is a County road with a 20-foot wide pavement with grass shoulders within a 50-foot wide right-of-way. County water can be made available to the property via an existing 12-inch waterline within Makalika Street for the proposed lot. The property is currently served by one 5/8-inch water meter and the applicant has recently secured a water commitment for a second 5/8-inch water meter for the proposed lot. The Department of Water Supply recommends installation of a fire hydrant. As there is no municipal sewer system in the area, wastewater will be disposed of into individual wastewater systems meeting the standards and requirements of the State Department of Health. Solid waste will be disposed of by commercial haulers or the homeowner into the