Waipi'o Lookout Draft Environmental Assessment

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V OF k�F Harry Kim Christopher J.Yuen Mayor Director 'qi�pF•;,,�� Brad Kurokawa,ASLA LEER®AP Deputy Director PLANNING DEPARTMENT 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720-3043 (808)961-8288 • FAX(808)961-8742 November 22, 2006 Mr.Ron Terry Geometrician Associates,LLC ri% 4, Box 9575 Keaau, Hawaii 96749 Dear Mr. Terry: SUBJET: Environmental Assessment for Proposed County Purchase of Property Near Waipi o Lookout,Hamakua,Island of Hawaii Tax Map Key: 4-8-004:006 We are in receipt of your letter, dated October 11,2006,requesting comments from the Planning Department regarding your preparation of a Draft Environmental Assessment for the referenced proposal by the County of Hawaii to purchase the subject property for use as a headquarters for programs to safeguard the unique resources of Waipi`o Valley. Uses under consideration by the County include a ranger station,public parking, and a site for distributing safety, cultural and historical information for visitors and residents. The subject 1.804-acre parcel is zoned Agricultural (A-40a)by the County of Hawaii and is situated in the State Land Use Agricultural district. The property is not in the Special Management Area. According the General Plan's Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map, the property is designated as important agricultural land. The anticipated uses proposed for the subject property are described in §25-5-72(c)(13),Hawaii County Code(HCC), as public uses and structures, other than those necessary for agricultural practices, as provided under section 25-4-11, HCC,which require that a Special Permit is obtained if the building site is in the State Land Use Agricultural district. In addition, §25-4-11, HCC,requires Plan Approval by the Planning Director prior to commencing such use. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.