PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2021-000004)

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or upper level. Floor plans of the existing and renovated barn are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8. In addition, the property contains animal pens, a round pen riding ring, fenced pastures, and numerous trees and landscaping dotting the site (Figure 1). Topography Elevations across the property range from approximately 2,877 feet to 2,952 feet above mean sea level. The northwestern portion of the project site containing Pu'u Maile features the steepest slopes at 30 percent. Surrounding topography to the south and southwest exhibit a relatively flat ground surface. The central portion of the property features the gentlest slopes at one percent.The two-story house is situated near the highest elevation at 2,915 feet above mean sea level. The topographic survey is provided in Figure 9. Soils The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) Soil Survey for the Island of Hawai'i classifies the soil on the property as Kikoni medial very fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, Kikoni medial silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, and Honokaa highly organic hydrous silty clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes (Figure 10). The Kikoni soil series is characterized by deep, well drained soils that formed in basic volcanic ash overlying 'a'a lava. Runoff is slow and permeability is moderately rapid. The mean annual rainfall is about 40 inches and the mean annual air temperature is about 65 degrees F. Kikoni soils are used mainly for pasture. The Honokaa soil series is characterized by deep, well drained soils that formed in basic volcanic ash. Runoff is low to high and permeability is rapid. The mean annual rainfall is about 125 inches and the mean annual temperature is about 66 degrees F. Honokaa soils are used for tree plantations and pasture (NRCS, 1973). Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawai'i The State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawai'i (ALISH) system rates agricultural land as "Prime," "Unique," or "Other." The entire property is classified as Prime. Prime land is best suited for the the production of food, feed, forage and fiber crops.The land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops economically when treated and managed, including water management, according to modern farming methods (State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, 2008). The proposed cultural academy and retreat is consistent with this designation as the Applicant proposes no new development, and activities with the 'opio will focus on caring for the animals, nurturing the land, and nature-based experiences. Fruit trees, vegetables, and lei plants will also be planted to support the hands-on activities. Land Study Bureau Detailed Land Classification The Land Study Bureau (LSB) of the University of Hawai'i produced the Detailed Agricultural Land Productivity Ratings for non-urbanized lands on the islands of Hawai'i, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, O'ahu, and Kaua'i from 1965 through 1972. The LSB classification system groups land into homogenous units called Land Types, describes their condition and environment, delineates the areas on aerial photo base maps, rates the lands on their overall quality(productivity) in relation to other lands, and appraises their performance under selected alternative agricultural crops. 3