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

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This series of reports were produced with the intention of developing a land inventory and productivity evaluation based on statewide "standards"of crop yields and levels of management. It uses a five-class productivity rating system, which indicates the degree of overall suitability of the land for agricultural use, using the letters A, B, C, D, and E, where A represents the highest class of productivity and E represents the lowest class of productivity (State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, 1956).The soils of the property are classified as LSB ranking B. Similar to the ALISH, the proposed cultural academy and retreat is consistent with this designation as the Applicant proposes no new development, and activities with '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. Impacts on soil productivity are not expected. C. STATE AND COUNTY PLANS AFFECTING THE SUBJECT REQUEST The proposed Special Permit is consistent with and implements applicable State and County plans and land use policies as discussed below. State Land Use District As shown in Figure 11, the property is located within the State Land Use Agricultural District as established in Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205. The proposed cultural academy and retreat is consistent with the Agricultural District as the program fits well into the existing ranch house, barn, and pastures and will help reconnect'opio to nature and teach them about the rural agricultural lifestyle while nurturing their spirit and minds through hands-on experiences. It also meets the criteria for a Special Permit as discussed in more detail in Section 4 below. General Plan The County's General Plan (GP) is the long-range policy document for development on the island of Hawaii. It was adopted by ordinance in November 2008. The County is currently working on an update of the GP but the property's current designation on the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) is Important Agricultural Land (ial) (Figure 12).The land use patterns are designed to be "broad" and "flexible," and "intended to guide the direction and quality of future development in a coordinated and rational matter" (County of Hawai'i, Planning Department, 2005). The Important Agricultural Land designation is one of three agricultural designations in the LUPAG in addition to Orchard and Extensive Agriculture and represents lands "with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate,topography, or other factors" (County of Hawai'i, Planning Department, 2005). The proposed cultural academy and retreat is consistent with this designation as the Applicant proposes to maintain and use the existing facilities for the academy and retreat and help the 'opio build relationships with nature and focus on healing through the serenity that the property already offers. No new development is proposed at the property. Special Management Area The property is not within the Special Management Area (SMA). 4