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

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The applicant estimates approximately 5 tour buses of 50 visitors each per day on the site. In the long term, an average of 1,200 visitors will be accommodated on the site. 5. Currently, there are 3 full time and 2 part-time employees. After construction of the visitor center, it is estimated that a total of 12 employees will be hired. Current hours of operation are 9 am. to 5 p.m. daily,including weekends. These hours will remain the same after construction of the visitor center. World Botanical Gardens Inc. is the landowner of the property. (See Exhibit A-Special Permit application) 6. STATE AND COUNTY PLANS: A. State Land Use District: Agricultural. B. GP LUPAG Map: Intensive Agricultural. C. County Zoning: Agricultural 20-acres (A-20a). D. Chapter 205A,HRS, Coastal Zone Management Program: The entire state of Hawaii lies within the Coastal Zone Management Area. The intent of the Coastal Zone Management Program is to guide and regulate public and private uses in the coastal zone management area with respect to recreational resources,historic resources,scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, economic uses, coastal hazards, managing development,public participation, and beach protection. E. Special Management Area(SMA): The Special Management Area is a part of the Coastal Zone Management Program and regulated by the County. A small portion of the property not part of the project area is located within the Special Management Area. 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY AND SURROUNDING AREA A. Subject Property: The property is the site of the existing World Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1995. The site is an approximately 26.27-acre property located in the Umauma area approximately 16 miles from Hilo. Umauma Falls is located near the northern border of the project site. There is a 200-square foot wood frame shed or shelter constructed in 1996 (which has not yet received final inspection per Building Permit records)on the property. There are also two "porta-potties" on the site. The Old Government Road runs along the mauka boundary of the property, and Leopolino Road borders the property to its south/southeastern boundary. B. Surrounding Zoning/Land Uses: Surrounding properties are zoned A- 20a and are fallow and abandoned cane fields,pasture, or cultivated diversified agricultural crops such as ginger or sweet potato. According to the applicant, there is a dwelling near the property. Building Permit records indicate that a permit for an "efficiency dwelling' and storage building were opened in 2003 and 2002 respectively, -2-