PD BACKGROUND RPT (SPP 20-214) - Laserfiche WebLink

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under the State Land Use District Agriculture, the nature of the area is more accurately described as rural. Thus, an elder care facility serving the local community would be a suitable use of the land which otherwise would be unlikely to be successfully used for agriculture due to its poor soil quality. 4F The proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use. By allowing the applicant to establish this business, the needs of the local community will be better served. As the soil quality of the land is poor, and the parcel is largely developed, it is unlikely that the property would be successfully used for intensive agriculture. However, some small-scale gardening is planned for the residents. Further, all the existing structures are planned to be renovated and brought to current code, while leaving the overall character of the property unchanged. Thus, the proposed use would utilize the land to its highest and best use, thereby meeting the criteria of this section. 4G The proposed use will not be contrary to the goals, polices, and standards of the General Plan and other applicable documents such as the Hilo Community Development Plan. The General Plan states under Economic goals 2.2 (a), "Provide residents with the opportunity to improve their quality of life through economic development that enhances the county's natural and social environments", and 2.2 (b) "Economic development and improvements shall be in balance with the physical, social, and cultural environments of the Island of Hawaii". In addition, it states under 2.2 (e) Economic Goals, "Strive for an economic climate that provides its residents an opportunity for choice of occupation'. Further, in section 9.3 (b) Encourage the construction of specially designed facilities or communities for elderly persons needing institutional care and small home care units for active elderly persons, and 9.3 (m) Accommodate the housing requirements of special need groups including the elderly, handicapped, homeless and those residents in rural areas. The proposed request clearly meets the goals of the GP outlined above. The proposed clinic will provide an opportunity for the land-owners to establish a business that serves the community and creates employment opportunities for residents. The request is not contrary to the goals of the Hilo Community Development Plan The request is not for a change of zone allowing many different possible uses. The conditions of the Special Permit will limit the