PD Background Report (PL-SPP-2022-000031)

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The proposed action will involve the construction of improvements in a rural/urban setting. Accordingly, there is a potential visual impact to the area's scenic and open space resources from the Volcano Highway and Keaau Bypass. However, relative to the height of the proposed battling, brewery, and other structures, they would be comparable to a residential dwelling (i.e., less than 35 feet tall). As the proposed lots are large (2+ acres), the visual obstruction, if any, should be minimal. At the same time, beyond the site, the view is relatively flat with no direct ocean or mountain views. Thus any visual impact to the near or off shore waters as well as to slopes of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa would be absent. Relative to the Coastal Ecosystems, impacts should be negligible, if at all, as the site is located well over three (3) miles from the ocean. Notwithstanding the distance, the nature of the project and the construction of septic wastewater systems are such that potential coastal ecosystem impacts would usually not be found. Although the proposed action will not result in creating more active agricultural use of the land, it will still have economic use. The existing water bottling plant and soon to be developed water bottling, micro- brewery and other planned components of this project will provide employment to area residents. As such, there will be economic uses of the property. Because of its distance from the shoreline, the site should not be subject to coastal hazards. Relative to the managing development objective, this function is more applicable to the "authority" or approving agencies. However, it is noted that the request would operate and be constructed within the scope of the Zoning Code. The subject site is zoned FA-2a, and the requested use through the Special Permit and design/parameters (parking, height, setback, etc.) would be consistent with said zoning. In that regard, the project would be consistent with this policy. Finally, in terms of the public participation objective, this is generally a public agency function. This is achieved through the Marine and Coastal Zone Management Advisory Group (MACZMAG) and the public hearing process required pursuant to the Planning Commission's Rules on this application. Notices of this application will be sent by the applicant to surrounding 13