2012-48 SPP 12-143 Paradise Helicopters

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Paradise Helicopters Special Permit Application SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION Applicant: Paradise Helicopters Request: Helicopter Landing Area in the Agricultural District Tax Map Key: 1-1-114:022 Royal Gardens Subdivision, Puna, Hawaii INTRODUCTION The owner of the subject property, TMK-.- (3) 1-1-114:022, is Jackie Ray Thompson. The applicant is Rob Payesko, Director of Business Development for Paradise Helicopters. The subject property, a 1.003 acre parcel, is located on the north side of Plumeria Street in the Royal Gardens subdivision, a large subdivision of one-acre lots in the Puna District. The subdivision has been inundated by lava flows from Kilauea and is, for the most part, uninhabited. Mr. Thompson's home is the only occupied home within two miles in any direction. The steep terrain of the kipuka in which Mr. Thompson's house is located is surrounded by lava and offers views of the coastline below. Coupled with the usually sunny and breezy weather, the site offers a scenic experience for visitors. Paradise Helicopters has used the subject property as a landing area gin the past., but was notified by Hawaii County Civil Defense that a Special Pennit is required for such a use to continue. The use of the subject property as a landing area has been discontinued until 11 0 0 this matter is considered y e Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission. Principals from Paradise Helicopters and their agents met with the Planning Director and members of her staff in March, 2011, to review the proposed use and to clarify procedural matters. Dr. Ron Terry, Geometrician Associates, LLC, has conducted a site visit and prepared an environmental review. His observations and conclusions are included in this application.