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

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■ Economic development and improvements shall be in balance with the physical, social and cultural environments of the island of Hawaii. ■ Provide an economic environment which allows new, expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the County's cultural, natural and social environment. ■ Encourage the development of a visitor industry that is consistent with the social, physical and economic goals of the residents of the County. While the Kona Community Development Plan (KCDP) is generally silent on the use of Special Permits, the proposed use is also consistent with the following KCDP economic policy related to agriculture: ■ Explore and provide opportunities to support, promote or enhance Kona's agricultural industries. Based on the preceding, the proposed use will not be contrary to the General Plan, KCDP nor the Zoning Code. The request is not contrary to Chapter 205A,Hawaii Revised Statues, relating to Coastal Zone Management. The property is located approximately one mile away from the nearest shoreline and will not be impacted by coastal hazards or affect beach erosion, coastal ecosystems, and marine resources. Additionally, it is not located in the Special Management Area and there is no record of a designated public access to the shoreline or mountain areas that traverses the property. Based on the preceding, the proposed use is not contrary to the objectives of Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes relating to Coastal Zone Management. The request will not have a significant adverse impact to traditional and customary Hawaiian Rights. In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PAST" and "Ka Pa`akai O Ka Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights must be addressed in terms of the cultural, historical, and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site. Investigation of valued resources: The subject parcels (including the entirety of the permit area)were previously owned by the former developers of the Hokdli`a development but were subsequently returned to Ackerman Ranch ownership in 2015. 9