PD Background Report (PL-SPP-2022-000025)

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encroachment. All proposed temporary improvements would have little to no impact to future agricultural uses. Furthermore, the proposed land use will have negligible impacts to scenic resources due to the remoteness of the site and significant screening of the property provided by roadside windbreaks. Therefore, the proposed action does not appear to be contrary to the Ka`u Community Development Plan's objectives and policies due to the uniqueness of the radio quiet site, the temporary nature of the project and very limited impact to the agricultural potential the site currently holds. 4.8 Coordinate Regional Economic Development Community Action 21: Coordinate regional, cross-sectoral economic development strategies. Need.As Kau continues to grapple with recovery from the phase out of plantation-era economics, it is becoming increasingly clear that long-term systems of transformation and recovery are required to build a more resilient and sustainable economy. Ideally, these systems would support and link each sector of opportunity agriculture, renewable energy, ecosystem services, health and wellness, education and research, visitor, and retail. These systems should also coordinate complimentary economic development strategies enhancing regional identity, building local industry clusters, connecting to anchor institutions, advancing innovation, building business and workforce capacity, democratizing ownership, and diversifying investment. These systems could also combine the necessary facilities and infrastructure with a network ofcomprehensive services that bring technical,financial, and educational support to ensure that new and existing enterprises have the greatest chance for lasting success. Immediate Next Steps: • Facilitate the development of local industry clusters build on the competitive advantages of like-minded businesses that benefit from co- location and partnerships to achieve economies ofscale o Focus initially on high potential sectors (agriculture, renewable energy, health and wellness, research and education, and the visitor industry) o Facilitate collaborations that fuel innovation Discussion: The proposed project is a unique opportunity that would support a diversified economy, would enhance education, regional identity, and build local identity. The proposed use would be on Extensive Agriculture designated land according to the LUPAG map and thus would not take away from Important Agricultural Lands. The primary use of the parcel and surrounding area would continue to be in ranching. Further, the ALISH designation for the site is unclassified and the Land Study Bureau classifies the soil as "C" or moderate agricultural productivity. The temporary proposed use would allow an opportunity to advance education and research, with little to no impact to agricultural land. 18