PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-USE-2023-000020)

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silhouette is less visible than a stealth pole mimicking a tree. The applicant further states that stealth tree poles do not weather well in Hawai `i making them an eyesore within a short period of time. Lastly, the subject property is not listed as an area of natural beauty in the General Plan. Based on the preceding, the request is consistent with the general purpose of the zoned district, the intent and purpose of the Zoning Code and the County of Hawaii General Plan. The granting of the proposed use shall not be materially detrimental to the public welfare nor cause substantial, adverse impact to the community's character or to surrounding properties. Surrounding properties, which range in size from about 1 acre to 6 acres, are predominantly zoned Agricultural-1 acre (A -la) with one zoned Agricultural-3 acres (A-3a) and another zoned Village Commercial-40,000 square feet (CV-40). There are many vacant properties surrounding the subject property with others being used for churches, dwellings, and agriculture. The nearest residence is located approximately 220 feet southwest of the proposed tower location on an adjacent property. As previously mentioned, the applicant proposes to mitigate visual impacts on neighboring properties by painting the tower a color to blend with the surrounding area. No exterior lighting is proposed on the tower and only security lighting, meeting with the County's lighting ordinance, will be mounted near the ground equipment, which given the distance from the nearest dwelling, site vegetation, and topography of the area, should not negatively impact the surrounding community. Additionally, the applicant states that noise impacts will be minimal, as the facility operates virtually noise -free beyond 100 feet from the project area and traffic to the project will be consistent with routine maintenance and repair activities performed once a month by a service technician. As of the date of this writing, two public comments have been received by the Planning Department, one which supports the project based on the area's need for improved cellular coverage, and another which opposes the project based on health concerns. -5-