PD Recommendation Report (PL-SPP-2023-000031)

Home

northerly extension of an area along Railroad Avenue which is designated Industrial on the LUPAG Map. The Puna Community Development Plan (CDP)was adopted in 2008 and the permit is situated just outside the boundaries of the Kea`au Regional Town Center as designated by the CDP, which is located just to the south and west of the subject properties. Despite the preceding, the subject Special Permit was granted in 1993 and has been amended for additional time four times (in 2003, 2009, 2013, and 2018) since the CDP was adopted. Thus, this time extension request continues to be consistent with the Puna CDP. Finally, conditions of approval would require the applicant construct all improvements consistent with the prevailing Zoning Code standards such as setback, height,parking, and landscaping. Granting of the time extension would not be contrary to the original reasons for the granting of the permit. The land on which the proposed use is located is unsuited for agricultural uses. Soils within the property are classified as "Other Important Agricultural Land" according to the ALISH map and"D" or"Poor" by the Land Study Bureau for agricultural productivity. While soils within the project site are fairly suitable for agricultural uses, the property is not currently being utilized for intensive agricultural purposes. A water bottling facility has been established on approximately seven acres of the original 14.5-acre site with the balance subdivided into three 2-acre lots. Therefore, it is anticipated that the granting of additional time to establish the permitted uses on the remainder of the original 14.5-acre project site will not adversely impact the agricultural land inventory within the County of Hawaii and the request is not contrary to the intent and purpose of the State Land Use Law. The proposed use will not have any significant adverse effects on surrounding properties. Other existing industrial uses are located in the immediate vicinity of the project site, including processing facilities for papaya,pickled vegetables, fruit and macadamia nut as well as a HELCO substation. Given the use of similar industrial-type uses within the area, it is not anticipated that the proposed use will generate any adverse impacts to surrounding properties. 4