05-27-2022 Applicant Response to PD Recommendation Report

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Page 2 of 2 RE: PL-SPP-2022-000010 WPC hearing date 2 June 2022 Issues sited in the background recommendation of the planning department Although these issues won't impact the special use of the parcel we wanted to share some insight. Regarding neighboring parcels right to farm. We wholeheartedly support effort to do grazing of animals, or whatever farming operations neighbors choose to do in accordance with the "Right to Farm." We have the right to farm as well and are hopeful there is a clear understanding of the laws in place which protects all right to farm. This can be realized with developing safe pastures for containing all farming/grazing operations to their parcels. As a matter of information not relating to the special permit,we want to take this time to share with the commission that the statement,"high agricultural yields without the intensive application of modern farming methods and technologies due to certain physical constraints such as soil composition, slope, machine tillability and climate.", is true, however more and more folks are doing traditional bio intensive planting practices. These give an amazingly good yield while building healthy living soil in areas which normally would not be useable. These planting techniques can use land unsuited for grazing or cultivation via composting, raised beds and terracing techniques. The mulch the County is creating is an implementable resource for this. We might not want to write off these lands for ag quite yet. And let's remember the honeybees who harvest from trees! As far as grazing practices in our community, we do agree that they are not suited for grazing in most areas without the use of heavy equipment to level the parcels. This can impact water run off if done without mindful plan ning.Aggregate must then be brought in for the safety of animals and establishment of grasses. It is unfortunate that all to often bovine, which are herd animals are seen singly tied up on these unsuitable overgrown parcels. We are aware of at least one who walked off a flat area and hung itself. These lands are all to often being given ag tax exemptions when in fact the parcels have not been prepared for safe/humane grazing or usability. As more and more residential applications are realized in our community, ag use, when done properly is encouraged. We need sustainable food production wherever it can be done. We will also need more levels of services nestled in community. Again mahalo for the favorable recommendation. We look forward to answering any additional questions and/or addressing the publics concerns relating to the special permit at the planning commission hearing 2 June at 09:00. Sincerely, Stephanie Bath (for Roy and Stephanie Bath-applicants)