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

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d. Unusual conditions, trends, and needs have arisen since the district boundaries and regulations were established; e. The land upon which the proposed use is sought is unsuited for the uses permitted within the district; f. The proposed use will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and the present use; and g. The request will not be contrary to the General Plan and official Community Development Plan and other documents such as Design Plans. 2. In addition to the guidelines detailed above,the Planning Commission must also find that the proposed use: a. Is an unusual and reasonable use of land situated within the Agricultural or Rural District, whichever the case may be; and b. Would promote the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205,Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. The granting of this Application for Special Permit, with certain restrictions and limitations, meet the criteria set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2. 3. The granting of this request would promote the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205,Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. The State Land Use Law and Regulations are intended to preserve,protect and encourage the development of lands for those uses to which they are best suited in the interest of the public welfare of the people of the State of Hawaii. In the case of the Agricultural District, the intent is to preserve or keep lands of high agricultural potential in agricultural use. 4. The proposed facility will be directly accessory to and in support of the existing botanical garden, which is a permissible agricultural use in the state land use agricultural district. The proposed facility will occupy approximately 3.5 acres of a parcel approximately 26.27-acres in size. 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 the 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. 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. 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 .7-