PD Background Report BWA LLC (PL-SPP-2023-033)

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PLANNING COMMIySSION OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI-I STATE OF HAWAI'I l her"y cc,Pity that lids a c. Irue cepy from the Records of the Planting Commission, County of Custodian of Records,Plomdnq Gttttttssbn Application of WORLD BOTANICAL SPP 04-005 County of Howaii GARDENS, INC. for a special permit on a oate=- �� 8 �005 + parcel situated at Kamaee, North Hilo, FINDINGS OF FACT; CONCLUSIONS Hawaii, TMK: 3-1-1 Portion of 15. OF LAW; AND DECISION AND ORDER Hearing Dates: June 4, 2004,July 2, 2004, and May 12, 2005 FINDINGS OF FACT. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW.AND DECISION AND ORDER I. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. WORLD BOTANICAL GARDENS,INC. (hereinafter, "Applicant") submitted an application for a Special Permit to construct a visitor center,parking lot and related improvements on approximately 154,010 square feet(3.53 acres) of land situated in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The site is part of the existing World Botanical Gardens situated on the north side of Leopolino Road between Highway 19 and the Old Mamalahoa Highway in Kamaee,North Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 3-1-1: Por. 15. 2. Background and Request: 1n 1995,World Botanical Gardens opened for tourism a botanical garden that encompassed the site as well as adjacent lands totaling approximately 300 acres. Currently,visitors obtain information and maps, small souvenirs and canned juices at a 200-square foot wood frame shed constructed in 1996. The existing parking area consists of approximately 4,500-square feet of hard packed, well-drained gravel capable of accommodating up to 20 cars at a time. 3. The applicant proposes to construct a visitor center,parking lot and related improvements on a portion of a 26.27-acre property. The 7,000-square foot two-story air conditioned visitor center and 20,000-square foot parking lot will encompass approximately 3.5 acres within th,e 26.27-acre property. The actual building site proposed will be approximately 4,000 square feet,with 20,000 square feet for the parking lot. See, Exhibit"A" and exhibits 9 and 10 thereto (Exhibit references herein are to exhibits to the Background Report on record). The visitor center will provide education and orientation, as well as generate revenue for the World Botanical Gardens through sales of fresh fruit smoothies, health beverages, supplements and other food items. Maps and literature, retail nursery items, memorabilia,gifts, and sundries will be available for purchase at the visitor center. 4. The short term goal of the applicant is to increase its visitor count from current levels of approximately 80 visitors each day (40 cars)to approximately 150 visitors daily. The construction of the visitor center and associated improvements will allow tour buses on the site. EXHIBIT III IV