PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-000012)

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G. GROUNDS FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL PERMIT(Planning Department Rule Section 6-7) The Planning Commission shall not approve a Special Permit unless it is found that the proposed use: 1. Is an unusual and reasonable use of land situated within the Agricultural or Rural District, whichever the case may be. In recognizing that lands within Agricultural districts might not be best suited for agricultural activities and yet classified as such, and in recognition that certain types of uses might not be strictly agricultural in nature, yet reasonable in such districts, the Legislature has provided for the Special Permit process to allow certain unusual and reasonable uses within the Agricultural district. Based on the poor soil conditions within the Project Site for agricultural activities, the Applicant finds that the proposed quarry and stockpile operation is considered an unusual and reasonable use of agricultural land in this location within the State Land Use Agricultural District. 2. Would promote the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. The State Land Use Law and Regulations are intended to preserve, protect and encourage the development of lands for those uses to which they are best suited in the interest of the public welfare of the people of the State of Hawai'i. In the case of the Agricultural District, the intent is to preserve or keep lands of high agricultural potential in agricultural use. Soils within the Project Site are identified as being of the Papai series which are mostly covered in woodland, with some small areas used for pasture, orchards, and truck crops. The Natural Resources Conservation Service classifies it as a class Vlls soil, meaning it has very severe limitations for use for cultivation, and is therefore only useful as pastureland, wildlife or woodland. Soils are classified as "E" or "Very Poor" soil by the Land Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating. The Project Site and surrounding area within this particular section of Hilo has seen a number of industrial-type activities and quarries established over the decades. The very poor agricultural potential of lands within the Project Site and surrounding area has lent itself to supporting a number of various intensive and noxious County-operated waste processing and recreational activities. While soil quality for agricultural purposes is very poor, the Project Site and surrounding lands have become a proven and reliable resource for blue rock that is so essential to the island's construction industry. Therefore, the issuance of a Special Permit to allow the establishment of a quarry and stockpile operation will not displace any existing agricultural activity or diminish the agricultural potential of the Project Site. Therefore, the proposed use will not adversely affect the preservation and agricultural use of the County's prime agricultural lands, and is not contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by the State Land Use Law and Regulations. 17 Page