PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SPP-2022-000013)

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keep pace with this growth. The State Land Use Commission has not designated new urban lands where these community services can be established, therefore, a Special Permit is the only way to provide these much -needed services to the community. (E) The land upon which the proposed use is sought is unsuited for the uses permitted within the district. The proposed use is situated on lands whose soils are classified as "E" or "Very Poor" for agricultural productivity by the Land Study Bureau's Overall Master Productivity Rating. The Department of Agriculture's ALISH map does not classify the subject property as having any agricultural importance. In this case, the land is unsuited for agricultural activities and yet is classified for such uses. The existing uses of the area include only pasture or grazing and as such no lands of high agricultural potential will be removed with the approval of this request. (F) The use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of farms, single- family residences, a commercial center (Orchidland Estates Convenience Center), a church and vacant undeveloped parcel. The proposed use will fit into the character of the area as there are nearby community and commerical uses. (G) The request will not be contrary to the General Plan and official Community Development Plan and other documents such as Design Plans. The County of Hawai`i's General Plan is the policy document for the long range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaii. One of the purposes of the General Plan is to guide the pattern of future development in this County based on long-term goals. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map designates the property and proposed Special Permit area as Rural. This category includes existing subdivisions in the State Land Use Agricultural and Rural districts that have a significant residential component. These subdivisions may contain small farms, wooded areas, open fields as well as residences. Allowable uses within these areas, with appropriate zoning, may include commercial facilities that serve the residential and agricultural uses in the area, and community and public facilities. As the use can be considered a public facility that serves the community in the area, the request will not be contrary to the LUPAG Map designation [$I