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the Fire Department to determine any other fire protection requirements or alternatives. <br /> Conditions reflecting these requirements will be added to this approval. <br /> According to the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, the property <br /> is situated within an area designated as Flood Zone X and Zone AO on the Flood <br /> Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)by FEMA. Zone X is an area of minimal flood hazard <br /> located outside the 500-year flood plain. Zone AO is the special flood hazard area that <br /> corresponds to the areas of one-hundred-year shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on <br /> sloping terrain)where average depths are between one and three feet. <br /> All essential utilities and services are available to the site. Based on the discussion <br /> above, the proposed use will not unreasonably burden public agencies to provide roads <br /> and streets, sewers, water, drainage, school improvements, or police and fire protection. <br /> Unusual conditions,trends, and needs have arisen since district boundaries <br /> and regulations were established. Since the State Land Use district boundaries were <br /> established in the 1960's, demand has increased for retreat and wellness facilities that <br /> offer overnight accommodations in a peaceful, more remote environment than can be <br /> found in resort venues. The proposed use would meet this demand by providing a safe <br /> and nurturing environment for youth and their families to connect with nature and gain <br /> improved wellbeing and health. <br /> The proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential <br /> character of the land. The proposed request of a cultural academy and retreat facility <br /> will include outdoor, nature-based activities on the subject property, such as planting of <br /> fruit trees and lei plants, to connect youth the land, in addition to indoor activities and <br /> programs within the footprint of the existing ranch house and barn. Through nature-based <br /> programming connecting youth to animals, the land, and creative expression through arts, <br /> youth will better understand their inherent potential and mana. Experiential learning will <br /> teach the youth about farming and agriculture, which will in turn support farming in the <br /> surrounding area. The character of the surrounding lands is predominantly <br /> rural/agricultural in nature, with scattered farm dwellings. Therefore, the proposed <br /> request will not substantially change the essential character of the land. <br /> -5- <br />