PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2021-000005)

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2.2 Goals (a) Provide residents with opportunities to improve their quality of life through economic development that enhances the County's natural and social environments. (b) Economic development and improvement shall be in balance with the physical, social, and cultural environments of the island ofHawai`i. (c) Strive for diversity and stability in the economic system. (d) Provide an economic environment that allows new, expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the County's cultural, natural and social environment. (e) Strive for an economic climate that provides its residents an opportunity for choice of occupation. (f} Strive for diversification of the economy by strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors. (g) Strive for full employment. 14.1.2 Goals (a) Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and mix and in keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County. 14.1.3 Policies (a) Encourage the development and maintenance of communities meeting the needs of its residents in balance with the physical and social environment. Discussion: Approval of the requested Special Permit would be in line with the aforementioned economic and land use goals and policies of the General Plan by providing a self-storage facility and mailing service. The current closest self- storage and mailing services to this parcel are roughly 7.5 miles north or 4.5 miles south in Keaau and Pahoa respectively. Puna Community Development Plan The Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) attempts to further define the General Plan and serves as a guide for decision-makers. The proposed change of zone request is conducive to the following goals, objectives, and policies outlined in the PCDP: 3.1.1 Goals (a) Puna retains a rural character while it protects its native and cultural resources. (b) The quality of life improves, and economic opportunity expands for Puna's residents 8