PD RECOMMENDATION (AMEND SPP 1247/PL-SPP-2021-000001)

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(F) The requested amendments to the existing use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use. The essential character of the land in this area is rural and agricultural. The property has been used for over 18 years by the applicant for the business, therefore providing for a time extension to secure and finalize building permits will not substantially alter the essential character of the land. (G) The requested amendments to the existing use will not be contrary to the General Plan and South Kohala Community Development Plan (CDP). The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map component of the General Plan is a representation of the document's goals and policies to guide the coordinated growth and development of the County. It reflects a graphic depiction of the physical relationship among the various land uses. The LUPAG Map establishes the basic urban and non- urban form for areas within the County. The property is located in an area identified as Important Agricultural Land in the LUPAG Map. Important Agricultural Lands are those with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other factors. Ideally, the applicant's business would be more appropriate in a commercial or industrial zoned area. However, the applicant's business has been operating with a series of Special Permits for the past 18 years and the current request does not alter the extent of the business operation. The requested amendments to the existing use is not contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to coastal zone management program. The property is located over 5 miles from the shoreline and is outside of the Special Management Area. There is no designated public access to the shoreline or mountain areas that traverses the property. Thus, the proposed use will not adversely impact any recreational resources, including access to and along the shoreline, scenic and open space nor visual resources, coastal ecosystems, and marine and coastal resources. Further, the property will not be affected by any coastal hazards or beach erosion. Therefore, the proposed use is not contrary to the objectives of Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes. -7-