PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (SPP-21-228)

Home

Currently each of the two existing buildings are served by an individual wastewater system (IWS) capable of handling 2,500 gallons of wastewater per day. Since the subject property is not served by the County sewer system, the applicant proposes the construction of another IWS for the proposed third building. Wastewater calculations for the proposed use were prepared by an engineering firm contracted by the applicant. According to these calculations, the anticipated water demand for, and wastewater generation from, the proposed use is 6,560 gallons per day, below the DOH maximum of 7,667 gallons per day for the parcel. (D)Unusual conditions,trends,and needs have arisen since district boundaries and regulations were established. In the 1960's and 1970's, the State's agricultural district boundaries and regulations were established and subsequently amended pursuant to HRS Chapter 205. The State Land Use Commission was created in 1961, and interim regulations and temporary district boundaries became effective in August of 1964. The property and surrounding areas are designated for agricultural uses by both State and County land use laws. Through the issuance of a Special Permit, a community may establish various non-agricultural services that may not be available or allowed by zoning. Since district boundaries were established in the 1960's,the population of the Puna District has grown substantially and the establishment of community services, such as schools,has not been able to keep pace with this growth. The State Land Use Commission has not designated new urban lands where these community services can be established,therefore, a Special Permit is the only way to provide these much-needed services to the community. (E) The land upon which the proposed use is sought is unsuited for the uses permitted within the district. The proposed use is situated on lands whose soils are classified as "E" or"Very Poor" for agricultural productivity by the Land Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating. The Department of Agriculture's ALISH map does not classify the subject property as having any agricultural importance. In this case, the land is unsuited for agricultural activities and yet is classified for such uses. The existing -7-