PD Recommendation Report (PL-REZ-2023-041)

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former `O`okala Mill site, comprising in excess of 40 acres of General Industrial (MG-la) zoned lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) soil survey identifies soils on the property as `O`okala Mill medial silty clay loam, with 0 to 35 percent slopes. The Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawai`i(ALISH)map indicates most of the property is identified as "Prime Agricultural Land" and the Land Study Bureaus Detailed Land Classification System largely identifies soils of the property as "B" or"Very Good" soils for agricultural productivity. The applicant currently uses the property as a small orchard and cattle grazing. The change of zone request will keep the property in the Agricultural zoning district and will allow for the creation of additional lots through subdivision. In recognizing these good soil quality ratings for agricultural production, the Hamakua Community Development Plan (HCDP) designates the subject property as Important Agricultural Land outside of the Urban Growth Boundary area and outside any designated Rural areas. According to the HCDP, Agricultural areas outside the Urban Growth Boundary and outside designated Rural area should be preserved for agricultural uses, open space, scenic viewsheds, and natural beauty. Development and use of properties in the Agricultural area shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries,renewable energy,open area recreational uses,and community facilities, unless otherwise permitted by law. The proposed A-5a zoning will allow for the continued use of the properties for agricultural purposes,thus the change of zone meets the intent of the HCDP. All utilities and services are available to the site. The subject property is currently accessed via a series of 40-foot wide access and utility easements between Old Mamalahoa Highway and the subject property. Old Mamalahoa Highway, which is a County owned and maintained roadway has an approximate varying pavement width of 20 feet within an existing 50-foot right-of-way will provide primary access to the project site area through `O`okala village. From Old Mamalahoa Highway, secondary access to the subject property will be provided by a series of 50-foot wide private agricultural- standard roadways which were previously used as cane haul roads. These former cane -3-