PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-017)

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Further, Section 5.2.1 of the CDP focuses on the land use entitlement process as it relates to regional town centers and community village centers states that "Future zone changes and State land use boundary amendments for the regional town centers and community village centers at Kea'au, Pahoa, and Hawaiian Paradise Park shall be consistent with the LUPAG map designations of the General Plan." (Emphasis added). No commercial zoning has been established for any of the existing commercial uses and community services anywhere within the Orchidland Estates Subdivision. All existing and soon -to -be established commercial uses and community services have been established through the issuance of Special Permits. While this section of the PCDP speaks to zoning entitlements, it is fair to say that the issuance of a Special Permit to allow for the continued warehouse operations on the Project Site is consistent with its designation for Medium Density Urban uses by the General Plan LUPAG map. Given the above, this request is being evaluated against the articulated goals and objectives of the Managing Growth theme. The request would be consistent with the following Goals of the PCDP: • Improves the quality of life and expands economic opportunity for Puna's residents. • Reduces the exposure to high risk from natural hazard situations. • Makes services and community facilities more accessible in village/town centers. In that regard, the proposed project is intended to be supportive of the needs of the community. Having the warehouse and distribution facility immediately adjacent to its existing retail outlet on the adjoining property provides the ability to concentrate Commercial -supporting facilities within an area that is designated as a Neighborhood Village Center by the PCDP. Hence, the project's location would not necessarily foster urban commercial sprawl. 101 Page