2005-04-01 Planning Commission Minutes

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SPP 04-020The Commission took this item up at 10:15 a.m. with YARROW SMITHapproximately 35 people from the public in attendance. AND MARTHA HOLMAN-SMITH KAPOHO, PUNA APPLICANTS: YARROWSMITH AND MARTHA HOLMAN-SMITH (SPP 04-020) Special Permit to allow the operation of a fruit stand on 4.996 acres of land situated in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The property is located along the east side of the Kaimu-Kapoho Road (Highway 137), approximately 600 feet south of the Highway 137 and Kapoho Beach Lots Road intersection, Vacationland Hawaii Subdivision, Unit II, Kapoho, Puna, Hawaii, TMK: 1-4- 72:33. Mr. Hayashi oriented the Commission and public of the subject and surrounding properties on the location map and site plan, summarized the request and noted the Planning Director recommended approval of the application with conditions. In response to Commissioner Siracusas inquiry, Director Yuen said he felt the State Land Uses January 10, 2005 letter was not really one of objection but one of requesting additional information, which the Planning Department has provided. In response to Commissioner Iwashitas inquiry, Mr. Hayashi indicated on the presentation map the location of the existing and proposed access to the facility. The applicant, Yarrow Smith, stated he did receive the Planning Departments Background Report and Recommendation. He said that access to the facility is through an existing 28-foot widedrivewaywhichhasadoublegate,withalargeparkingareaofftotheleftofthe warehouse. He added that there is another gated access on the property but that it will not be utilized. Regarding Commissioner Siracusas concern of ensuring that the local farmers are being helped and that there be no importing of produce from outside the State, Mr. Smith said his main objective is to accommodate the needs of the local farmers to provide an outlet to sell their produce in this area. Commissioner Graham questioned whether the Director could foresee any kind of road issues that may come up in 5 or 10 years if this becomes a highly popular place, which the Commission should consider at this time. Mr. Yuen said it would be difficult for the Commission to limit the number of visitors in this situation, noting the Commission has approved permits that limit the number of visitors to a facility, but they were not drop-in situations but people who were booked in advance to come. Mr. Yuen said the Commission could limit the square footage involved. Mr. Smith said he would have no problem to limiting the square footage to perhaps 10,000 square feet as long as it did not limit his ability to raise produce on the property as the land is zoned Agriculture, to which the Director said this limitation would strictly be the area occupied by the fruitstand, sales and parking areas. Mr. Hayashi noted that the Commission could also just limit it to the size of the existing 1800 square foot warehouse, to which Mr. Smith said he 2