PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-000011)

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As previously stated, the applicant has leased a 5-acre portion of Lot 7 for the proposed action. The subject portion is in the northwestern corner of the larger Property. This 5- acre portion is mainly comprised of overgrown sugar cane, guinea grass, desmodium vine and other non-native shrubs and grasses. It is currently vacant of any structures. Other types of vegetation in the surrounding area include cook pine, eucalyptus, and macadamia nut. Current access onto the larger 21.80-acre parcel is located approximately 400-feet to the east of the intersection of North Road and Center Road. A gravel driveway approximately 100 feet in length and 20 feet in width will serve the proposed use. It will be located roughly 160 feet to the east of the Center Road and North Road intersection. 3C. Institutional Considerations State Land Use The subject site is designated State Land Use Agriculture, and the special permit area will consist of 0.5-acres of land. Based on the size of the project area, no State Land Use Commission action is required. The County of Hawaii can process the special permit request. Hawaii Revised Statutes §205-6 allows County Planning Commissions to permit certain unusual and reasonable uses within the Agricultural and Rural districts other than those for which the district is classified. The unusual and reasonable use of the land will be further described in the appropriate section below. Special Management Area The subject property is approximately 8 miles inland from the coast and outside the designated Special Management Area (SMA). County Zoning and General Plan The County zoning of the subject is Agricultural 20-acre (A-20a). The County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) map designates the parcel as Important Agricultural Lands. Relative to this designation, the General Plan allows consideration for a"Special Permit" on agricultural land where the requested use meets certain criteria as outlined in Section 4 of the permit application and chapter 205 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes as amended. The Hawaii County General Plan serves as a guide for decision-makers in land use matters. The proposed project is conducive to the General Plan's guidelines as it conforms to the following goals, policies, and standards of the General Plan: 12