2015-4 Keaau GP Amend - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

During the comprehensive review and with the adoption of the revised General Plan in 2005, changes to the Kea`au Village area were few, although continuing to recognize Kea`au as one of several urban and rural centers within the Puna District, along with Pahoa, Kurtistown, Mt. View, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland Estates and Volcano. With Hilo as the major commercial center on the east side of the island, Keaau is identified as a secondary commercial center that is encouraged to expand to meet the growing commercial needs for the Puna District. In 2008, adoption of the Puna CDP provided guidance in growth management, transportation, and the preservation of and respect for natural, historic, and cultural features. The subject amendment would further the goals and objectives of the Puna CDP and the General Plan by assuring the coordinated development of the County and the general welfare and prosperity of its people. The General Plan LUPAG Map has not been updated since the adoption of the Puna CDP. Accordingly, the Planning Director is seeking an amendment to LUPAG Map 14 for Kea`au Village from Low Density Urban and Important Agricultural Lands to Urban Expansion Area. Low Density Urban uses are defined as residential, with ancillary community and public uses, and neighborhood and convenience -type commercial uses with an overall residential density up to six units per acre. Important Agricultural Lands are those with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields because of soil type, climate, topography, or other factors. For purposes of this General Plan amendment, a description of the LUPAG Map designation Urban Expansion Area follows together with the corresponding zoning districts that are typically found within Urban Expansion Area: The Urban Expansion Area designation allows for a mix of high density, medium density, low density, industrial, industrial- commercial and/or open designations in areas where new settlements may be desirable, but where the specific settlement pattern and mix of uses have not yet been determined. [RS, RD, RM, RCX, CN, CV, MCX, MG, PD, O] Within the proposed General Plan amendment area A -1, current land uses include offices, homes, a church, agriculture, portions of the Kea`au Middle School, senior housing, and vacant land. Within General Plan amendment A -2, current land uses include Kea`au Elementary and High Schools, a few homes, some agriculture, and vacant land. 3-