2008-06-20 Planning Commission Minutes

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Department of Public Works, they seem to agree that Paniolo Avenue would be a preferred access. He also mentioned that the applicant believes the proposed use is appropriate considering the fact that there have been Use Permits for similar uses in the immediate area. In response to Commissioner Bowman’s inquiry, he said that the frontage on Paniolo Avenue where the buildings would be situated is relatively flat, and that there is a significant drop toward Lahilahi Street, which would be problematic if the access were to be from Lahilahi Street. Director Yuen confirmed that the proposed conditions are worded in such a way that access from Paniolo Avenue is permitted as long as the Department of Public Works approves it. There was no one from the public wishing to testify on this agenda item. It was moved by Commissioner Domingo and seconded by Commissioner Bowman that the application be approved based on the Planning Director’s recommendation and proposed conditions. A roll call vote was taken and motion carried with five ayes (Domingo, Bowman, Ogata, Woodward and Rho) and four absent and excused (Alameda, Iwashita, Siracusa and Watanabe). SPP 08-000051 The Commission took this item up at 10:20 a.m. with DR. JOSEPH ALBAN four people from the public in attendance. AND DEEPA ALBAN KAINALIU, SOUTH KONA APPLICANTS: DR. JOSEPH ALBAN AND DEEPA ALBAN (SPP 08-000051) Special Permit to allow the establishment of educational agricultural tours and an accessory retail gift shop/café within a portion of an existing coffee processing facility on two acres of a 10-acre parcel of land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The project site is located between the 113 and 114-mile markers makai of the Mamalahoa Highway, and west of the Kona Lanakila Church, Kainaliu, North Kona, Hawaii, TMK: 7-9-7:72. Mr. Darrow oriented the Commission and public regarding the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, summarized the request, and noted that the Planning Director recommended approval of the application with conditions. The applicants, Joseph Alban and Deepa Alban, and their attorney, Steven Lim, were in attendance. Mr. Lim stated that the applicants agree with the Planning Department’s proposed conditions for approval. Ms. Alban spoke about their patented trellis method to grow coffee. In response to Commissioner Domingo’s inquiry, she expounded on the advantages of the method, mentioning more even ripening of the coffee cherries, additional support to the coffee trees, easier picking, and more coffee bean production per area. Commissioner Bowman asked about the Hawaiian themed gifts that are to be sold at their gift shop; Ms. Alban said that they try to support local artists and farmers, and especially hope to give the opportunity to kupunas to mingle with visitors and share their talents and crafts. Commissioner Domingo expressed his concern in general as more farmers are considering this ag-tourism concept, and said that he would like to see some method established by the Planning Department to ensure that certain criteria, such as traffic, water availability, noise and other 2