.PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SMA-2023-000043)

Home

The proposed development is consistent with the County General Plan, Hamakua Community Development Plan (HCDP), Zoning Code, and other applicable ordinances. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) for the County of Hawai`i is a policy document expressing the broad goals and policies for the long-range development of the Island of Hawai'i. The General Plan (GP) was adopted by ordinance in 1989 and revised in 2005. As described previously, the project site and surrounding area is zoned Agricultural 40-acre (A-40a) by the County, and as presented by the applicants, the proposed project and activities are consistent with the land use pattern stated in the General Plan which is important agricultural lands and open zoned lands. Staff notes that the State is required to protect and preserve ial lands to promote diversified agriculture and increase agricultural self-sufficiency. This project is designed to promote both aspects of ial, by creating a diverse agricultural farm (both plant and animal farming practices, as well as utilizing local resources such as a well for irrigation which will not put a burden on the County's water resources. The significance of this project type is highlighted in the HCDP under the Land Use Community Objective 2 which states: protect and restore viable agriculture lands and resources, and to protect and enhance viewplanes and open spaces that exemplify Hamakua's rural character. The General Plan also lists the County's goals for Hamakua, and more specifically ial lands to "protect and encourage the intensive and extensive utilization of the County's important agricultural lands. With regards to public access, the General Plan indicates that"appropriate public access to and along the shoreline shall be ensured as a condition of SMA exemptions and Permits". As presented, the applicants will maintain the exiting level of access in this area by ensuring the lateral shoreline access path remains available to fishermen and local residents. The project area is adequately served with essential services such as water, electricity, and telephone. Wastewater will be directed to IWS built for each of the residential structures, and stormwater will be managed on site via approved drainage and other supporting structures and not to be directed towards the shoreline or coastal areas. As such the proposed development is consistent with the County General Plan, Zoning Code, and Hamakua Community Development Plan. -6-