PD Recommendation Report Ackerman Ranch (PL-SPP-2023-056)

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all land work, construct the gravel driveway/parking lot and construct the pavilion. The estimated cost of the proposed improvements is $50,000. The applicant expects to have 2-3 maintenance workers responsible for upkeep of the event space. The grounds for approving a Special Permit are based on Rule 6-7 in the Planning Commission Rules. It states that the Planning Commission shall not approve a Special Permit unless it is found 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) the proposed use would promote the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. The proposed use is an unusual and reasonable use of land situated within the Agricultural District that would not be contrary to the effectiveness and objectives of Chapter 205,Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. In recognizing that lands within agricultural districts might not be best suited for agricultural activities and yet classified as such, and in recognition that certain types of uses might not be strictly agricultural in nature, yet reasonable in such districts, the legislature has provided for the Special Permit process to allow certain unusual and reasonable uses within the Agricultural district. The request is unusual in that the proposed uses are not strictly agricultural in nature and would allow the applicant to hold special events on their ranch. However, the proposed uses are reasonable in that they would only use a small portion (2%) of the larger land area with a small development footprint to host occasional special events to diversify their income stream to help offset the costs of running a ranch. The remainder of the land area will continue to be used for ranching. Therefore, it is reasonable that this use be allowed in the Agricultural district. In addition to the above listed criteria, the Planning Commission shall also consider the following criteria listed under Section 6-3(b)(5) (A)through (G) of its rules of practice and procedure: (A) Such uses shall not be contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by the Land Use Law and Regulations. The State Land Use Law and Regulations are intended to preserve, protect, and encourage the development of lands for 3