HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0426.000 2004-2006 Ja~Y O• Nq~'
Harry Kim "~4 Christopher J. Yuen
Mayor Dirccfor
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Roy R. Takemoto
Depury Dirccfor
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
l01 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720.3043
(808)961-8288 Fax(808)961-8742
August 24, 2005
Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairman
and Members of the County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairman Higa and Members of the County Council:
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 25 (Zouiug Code)
Agricultural Tourism
Submitted for your consideration and action is Bill No., to specifically address the
permissibility of agricultural tourism and its impacts in the various zoning districts.
The purpose of this bill is to allow, by Plan Approval (PA), agricultural tourism up to a
certain scale as an accessory use to the agricultural activities and/or agricultural products
processing in the A, FA, [A, RA, and APD zoning districts. For agricultural tourism
activities in these zoning districts that exceed the limits allowed by the bill, a Special
Permit or a Use Permit would be required depending on the State Land Use designation
for the subject property.
This bill also clearly establishes the permissibility of agricultural tourism in the various
commercial and industrial zoning districts. Plan Approval is already a requirement for
certain changes in use and any enlargement of existing facilities in these districts.
The Planning Commission approved this bill in principle on April 22, 2005. However,
the Planning Director has made some minor changes to the bill after it was heard by the
Planning Commission.
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Hawaii County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Ref. Late
Honorable Stacy Higa, Chairman
and Members of the County Council
Page 2
August 24, 2005
First, Section 25-4-15 was amended to clarify that agricultural tourism is allowed as an
accessory in commercial and industrial districts and is not subject to the limitations
provided in Section 25-4-15(d). Plan Approval will be required in these districts since it
is a general requirement in those districts.
The language in Section 25-2-75(2) was also amended to simply require the subject
property to have an existing legal access to a public highway, and driveways that meet
applicable county or state standards.
Finally, Section 25-4-15(d) (9) has been amended to broaden the exemption for annual
events that promote an agricultural industry or agricultural area.
Should you have questions regarding this matter, please contact me at 961-8288.
Sincerely, _
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C RISTOPHER J~. 1'iJFil<I
PLANNING DIRECTOR
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P.\ WP60\PC\pcc2005d\zgtaurism-doc
Enclosures
cc: Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Esq.