PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SMA-2024-000054)

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(A) That the development will not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect, except as such adverse effect is minimized to the extent practicable and clearly outweighed by the public health, safety, or other compelling public interests. Such adverse effects shall include, but not be limited to, the potential cumulative impact of individual developments, each one of which taken in itself might not have a substantial adverse effect, and the elimination of planning options; (B) That the development is consistent with the objectives,policies, and special management area guidelines enacted by the legislature; and (C) That the development is consistent with the county general plan and zoning. Such a finding of consistency does not preclude concurrent processing where a general plan or zoning may also be required. Discussion: The Project is not expected to have any significant adverse impact to environmental resources. It is consistent with the objectives, policies and SMA guidelines, as well as the General Plan and County zoning. The surrounding area has both low and high density residential development. Allowing two more single family dwellings in this area will not have a high impact either individually or cumulatively. Even if all the other similarly sized parcels in the area were developed the same way the density would remain low and is more seriously impacted by nearby housing on smaller lots that were subdivided and developed long ago. (1) General Plan states: The population in North Hilo has been declining for more than 50 years. Residents of North Hilo, especially the young, continue to leave the area because of the lack of employment opportunities. Agriculture shows the greatest potential for growth. Discussion: While this development proposal is for housing the owners do plan to farm the land. Orchards will be planted at the least. (2) General Plan states as a goal under Environmental Quality: Define the most desirable use of land within the County that achieves an ecological balance providing residents and visitors the quality of life and an environment in which the natural resources of the island are viable and sustainable. Discussion: Subject parcel already has a single family residence in bad condition and a garage that are right on the road. Allowing development as proposed will increase the quality of the area by removing the old buildings and replacing them with buildings which will be well off the road. (3) General Plan states :The community of Laupahoehoe has not experienced any extreme flood flows. Discussion: This parcel is not flood prone and impacts no other parcel as any flooding will go into the ocean. (4) General Plan states: Most historic sites of North and South Hilo have been either destroyed by agriculture, urban growth, and natural changes in landforms. Those sites that have been protected should remain as the area grows. Other sites, particularly historic buildings, should be the focus of these districts. These buildings, although not of ancient vintage, reflect the historic growth of the area. 6