Chapter II Planners Guide for Agency Review

Home

Policy 23: To preserve the agricultural character of Hamakua and to reinforce existing protections, the official Hamakua CDP Land Use Guide Map designates agricultural lands in the Hamakua Planning Area to be preserved for agriculture and open space. Development and construction in "ImportantAgricultural Land" and "Extensive Agriculture" areas shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities unless otherwise permitted by law. For more information on permitted uses in State Agricultural District and County Agricultural Zone see HRS sections 205-2 and 205-4.5, and HCC section 25-2-60 for information on use permits in the Agricultural Zone. Policy 24: When considering applications to consolidate and resubdivide pre-existing lots of record, the Director of Planning shall endeavor to keep the lot sizes consistent with the minimum lot size, and only permit lots less than one acre in the State Land Use Agriculture District and the County of Hawai'i Agricultural District if the applicant clearly demonstrates that an unreasonable economic hardship cannot otherwise be prevented or land utilization is improved relative to the objectives and policies of the CDP. (HRS 205-5(b); (GP 14.2.3(s)). Policy 25: The Planning Commission shall include in any Special Permit approval (or recommendation for approval to the State Land Use Commission) appropriate performance conditions to achieve CDP objectives and implement CDP policies. (HRS 205-6(c) and Planning Commission Rules 6-3(a)(5)(G), 6-7, & 6-8). Policy 26: Educate landowners interested in subdividing agricultural lands on the option to subdivide as a farm subdivision pursuant to Hawai'i County Code section 23-112. Policy 118: In order to provide a means for local agricultural producers to market their products, the County shall interpret HRS 205 liberally to allow the establishment and continued operations of open farmers' markets and road -side stands in the State Land Use Agricultural district without a Special Permit. If the project qualifies for Plan Approval, a market management plan containing provisions for adequate on-site parking, on-site and off-site traffic management, and adequate sanitation facilities must be approved by the Planning Department prior to the operation of the open farmers market. 4.2 Coastal Resources & the Special Management Area Policy 2: New urban development shall be located away from coastal areas and the Special management Area. This is reflected in the location of "Low Density Urban" (LDU) areas on the official Land Use Guide Map. Policy 8: In new, previously zoned Residential subdivisions in coastal areas, subdivisions shall be encouraged to develop as Cluster Plan Developments (C.P.D.) pursuant HCC Section 25-6-20, or Clustered Rural Subdivisions. Policy 18: Development in the SMA, including subdivision, shall only be approved if it is first found that it will not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect. (HRS 205A-22(3) & 205A-26(2) (A)) Pursuant to Planning Commission (PC) Rule 9-10(b)(5) & (11), and in order for the Planning Director to accurately evaluate whether the proposed action will have a substantial adverse effect, pursuant to PC Rule 9- H5m5kua CDP Land Use Planner's Guide 10