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

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14.1.3 Policies (f) Encourage the development and maintenance of communities meeting the needs of its residents in balance with the physical and social environment 14.2.2 Goals (a) Identify,protect and maintain important agriculture lands on the island of Hawaii. (b) Preserve the agricultural character of the island. (c) Preserve and enhance opportunities for the expansion of Hawaii's Agricultural Industry. 14.2.3 Policies (a) Implement new approaches to preserve important agricultural land. (r) Encourage, where appropriate, the establishment of visitor-related uses and facilities that directly promote the agriculture industry. (a) Encourage other compatible economic uses that complement existing agricultural and pastoral activities. Approval of the requested Special Permit would be in line with the aforementioned economic, natural beauty, recreation and land use goals and policies of the General Plan by utilizing a relatively small portion of the larger ranch to provide an event venue for tourists and residents alike to gather to celebrate special occasions or hold charity events. The applicant plans to make minimal improvements to the properties to create appropriate access, parking and event lawn and pavilion space. The remainder of the parcels will continue to be used for ranching. In so doing, the project aims to support and enhance the ranch operations by diversifying its use through the utilization of a small portion of the properties as an event space in a manner that will have minimal impact to the land. Kona Community Development Plan The Kona Community Development Plan (KCDP) attempts to further define the General Plan and serves as a guide for decision-makers. The KCDP designates the subject parcel as outside of the Kona Urban Area. The proposed Special Permit request is conducive to the following goals, objectives and policies outlined in the KCDP developed and adopted by the County Council on September 25, 2008, as Ordinance No. 08 131, as amended by Ordinance 19-091 effective September 18, 2019: Policy ECON-2.1:Explore and provide opportunities to support,promote or enhance Kona's agricultural industries. 15