PD BACKGROUND REPORT PL-SPP-2023-000051

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Land whose designation as important agricultural lands is consistent with general, development, and community plans of the county. Land that contributes to maintaining a critical land mass important to agricultural operating productivity. Land with or near support infrastructure conducive to agricultural productivity, such as transportation to markets, water, or power.." Notwithstanding the Important Agriculture Land and Rural designation, the proposed maximum 1-room B&B will not result in the reduction of any currently cultivated land. As such, the requested Special Use Permit would not be inconsistent with the General Plan LUPAG designation, and no amendments would be required. The requested use should not detract from the parcel's potential agricultural uses, as the site has been fully improved. Any undeveloped area is intended to be further developed into landscaping and/or fruit bearing trees to support the B&B. With or without the requested use, the amount of cultivatable area should remain the same. Furthermore, the requested B&B use could add to the guests' interest in Native Hawaiian plants and other local agricultural crops, and thus indirectly help foster the interest and growth in the coffee and related agriculture industry. In that regard, the requested use would fulfill the General Plan's agriculture objective. The request would also not be contrary to the goals, policies, and standards of the General Plan and Community Development Plan. In addition to the above, all applicable requirements of the Zoning Code and/or other permits can and will be complied with. Relative to the proposed maximum 1- room B& B, it is already allowed in the County Agriculture Zone, subject to it meeting with the criteria outlined in the Code. This project will adhere to all of those criteria, such as not exceeding the maximum number of one (1) bedrooms; not having more than two (2) guests; and having the owner and/ or operator live on the premise. The site is not within the Special Management Area ( SMA). As such, a SMA Permit would not be required. It should also be noted that the Tourism Strategic Plan prepared by the Hawaii Tourism Authority in 1999 recommended that the State look into Tourism niche market opportunities. Two ( 2) of these-although somewhat overlapping-are Agri-Tourism and Edu-Tourism. Agri- Tourism is travel for education with an agricultural emphasis. Edu-Tourism is along that line with an emphasis on education and training in Hawaii' s unique natural and multi-cultural environment. Our overall program completely reflects this effort. This is an especially important marketing component to Asian countries, particularly Japan, where there is a strong agrarian base. C. Impacts to Surrounding Properties