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EXHIBIT A <br /> r , , <br /> r 'a <br /> F EI <br /> The Land Use section of the Kona CDP serves as policy guide for County decisions regarding physical <br /> development. It establishes a [physibal-]suagested framework for future growth by identifying the County's <br /> major policies concerning the type and location of future development in order to meet the goals and <br /> objectives of the Kona CDP. <br /> 4.2.1 Existing Conditions <br /> The County of Hawaii General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) controls long-term land <br /> use pattern in this County. Figure 4-4 shows the LUPAG designations for the Kona area. Figure 4-5 <br /> simplifies the LUPAG map to show the areas designated for urban development (High Density Urban, <br /> Medium Density Urban, Low Density Urban, Industrial, Resort Node, Resort, and University), urban <br /> expansion, rural, and open areas (Important Agricultural, Extensive Agricultural, Orchards, Conservation, <br /> and Open). <br /> The zoning designation is a more detailed control of land use. The zoning and LUPAG should be <br /> consistent. For example, for the LUPAG High Density Urban designation, consistent zoning designations <br /> include commercial (CG-commercial general, CV-commercial village), multi-family residential (RM), or <br /> mixed-use (RCX). Figure 4-6 shows the areas zoned for urban development. The areas on the LUPAG <br /> that are designated for urban development or urban expansion (as shown in Figure 4-6), but not currently <br /> zoned for urban development, are potential areas for rezoning. <br /> Comparing the LUPAG and zoning maps, the amount of potential land available for rezoning far exceeds <br /> the amount of land needed to accommodate future growth projections. This excess could encourage a low- <br /> density sprawling growth pattern. In fact, this has been the past trend. Kona experienced a significant <br /> increase in land development from the mid-1990's to the present. The rate of land consumption exceeded <br /> the rate of housing production. In the period between 1995 and 2005, the amount of developed land <br /> increased by 3,582 acres at a rate of over 350 acres annually. Developed land increased at a rate of 9% <br /> annually, while population increased at a rate of 2.4% annually, and housing units increased at a rate of <br /> 5.5% annually. Land in Kona is being developed at a rate that is nearly 4 times population growth and <br /> almost 2 times housing unit growth. <br /> These land use trends are helping to define Kona's land use policies and strategies; <br /> ■ Competing Values for Coastal Land. As a limited and valuable resource in Kona, policies need <br /> to balance competing opportunities for environmental protection, economic development, and <br /> public open space. <br /> ■ Affordable Housing. The quality of the neighborhoods, and housing stock within them, are key <br /> indicators of a high quality of life. The insufficient and aging housing stock, and increasing <br /> demands for alternative housing types, will continue to be important trends influencing policies. <br /> ■ Mixed-Use Developments. There is a growing demand for development that is mixed-use, well- <br /> designed, walkable, and higher density. These developments are an important opportunity for <br /> redevelopment, infill, and new developments in strategic areas. <br /> ■ Public-Private Partnership. The lack of public infrastructure, coupled with the desire to maintain <br /> healthy neighborhoods and business areas, support the need for the County to work with the <br /> 16 <br />