PD Background Report (PL-SPP-2023-000040)

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operations related to the heliport. In. September 1997, the heliport operator engaged an acoustical and electronic engineering firm to prepare a Noise Exposure Map for the Waikoloa Heliport. This map demonstrates that there are no noise sensitive uses within the contours affected by the heliport. Lands surrounding the project site are currently vacant, with no imminent proposal for its development into uses which could conflict with the continued use of the heliport. However, it is recognized that surrounding lands are targeted for urban development,which could be severely impacted by the heliport. The amendment to limit the life of Special Permit No. 538 to a period of ten years would provide the Planning Commission with the opportunity to re-assess Special Permit No. 538 to ensure that development of lands within the immediate area will not be adversely affected by the continued use of the heliport. Restrictions regarding the maximum number of flights per day, hours of operation, general maintenance activities and test flights are included as conditions of approval to ensure that the scope of heliport operations as represented to the Planning Commission and the Planning Department remain consistent with the findings of the recommendation. An annual monitoring report will continue to be required to document complaints which may be received by the applicant. The desired use will not unreasonably burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage, police and fire protection. Access, water, wastewater disposal facilities and other essential facilities and services are already available to the project site. Continued use of the project site as a heliport will not place additional burdens upon public agencies to provide these services. Unusual conditions, trends and needs have arisen since the district boundaries and regulations were established. During the 1980's and throughout the 1990's, the helicopter tour industry experienced a gain in popularity. The North Kohala area became one of the major attractions for the tourist and helicopter industries. As the demand for helicopter tours increased, so did the need for heliports. Heliports may be permitted on lands located within the State Land Use Urban District through the issuance of a Use Permit by the Planning Commission. However, the establishment of heliports within Urban Districts usually conflicts directly with other noise sensitive urban uses, such as residential, commercial and resort developments. Agricultural lands provide, for the most part, the large acreage and remote locations required to provide a buffer from the noise generated by such facilities. Therefore, by allowing the establishment of heliports within agricultural lands, the potential for conflicts with urban uses are subsequently minimized. Continued use of the heliport for a period of ten years will not substantially alter or change the essential character of the land and its present use. The existing heliport facilities have been in operation since 1990 and as an airfield from 1984 through 1990. Extending the life of Special Permit No. 538 will not change the character of the project site or its surrounding area from its current established theme as a transportation facility. Endangered species of flora and fauna are not anticipated within the project site due to its soils being made up of barren A'a lava. For similar reasons, significant archaeological sites are not anticipated to be located within the project site. The continued use of the heliport is not contrary to the General Plan. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG) Map designates lands surrounding the project site and on both sides of Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway and Waikoloa Road as an Urban Expansion Area. This designation allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low -2-