HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 342 Draft 01 1996-1998
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COUNTY OF HAW~lr. ...STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION NO. 3+2 .8
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE J(ONA COFFEE BELT IN THE COUNTYQF HAWAII.,
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WHEREAS, the famed Kona Coffee Belt, a strip 'of land in Kona along the Mamalahoa
Highway approximately two miles wide running almost parallel to the coast between the 700 and
2000 foot elevations between and immediately adjacent to the Palani and Puuhonau junctions, is
known for its prime growing conditions and rich volcanic soils which produce one of the world's
most sought-after coffee; and
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WHEREAS, the Konacoffee industry continues to have a positive and substantial effect
on the County's economy by providing coffee farmers, the Konabusinesscommunity, and the
surrounding commUllities with a long-term sustainable economic base; 'and
WHEREAS, the Kona Coffee Belt lands, which are designated by the State as "Unique
Agricultural Lands" on its Agricultural Lands ofImportance to the State of Hawaii Map, have
also successfully cultivated macadamia nuts, exotic flowers, avocados, vegetables and fruits; and .
WHEREAS, factors such as the cost 'of agricultural lands, soils and topography which
. present certain limitations formechanized farming, land ownership characterized by a few large
landholders, and urbanization pressures, have made it difficult for the Kona COIIll11unity to '
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perpetuate the production of coffeewiihi~ the KonaCoffee !;lelt lands, while trying to; preserve
its culture, history and rural lifestyles; and .
WHEREAS, the re~ommended laAdu~eaCiion of the General Plan of the County of
Hawaii states that " the County shall protect important agricultural lands within the Kona Coffee
Belt" and, through zoning, the County should be able .to~chi~ve the goal ,of the General Plan
which is to protect and maintain important agricultural lands Within the Gounty';ofHawaii from
urban encroachment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF
HAWAII that all state and county agencies haviJIg jurisdiction overall of these Kona Coffee Belt
lands shall continue to keep its land use designation in agriculture, especially for coffee' - .
production, and shall discourage any future application proposing to urbanize such lands.
BElT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Director is requested to conduct the
necessary feasibility study within 120, days from the date of adoption of this resolution, in order
for the CoUncil to schedule a public hearing(s) on the study in Kona, and the findings may be
incorporated into the General Plan update to specifically designate the KonaCoffee Belt lands as
a special agricultural district used exclusively for orchards and coffee production.. .
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BE IT FURTHER RESOL,VED thatthe Clerk of the County of Hawaii transmit copies of
this resolution, to the Hawaii Congressional Delegation; the Governor of Hawaii; the' State
President of the Senate; the State Speaker of the HoUse; Cllah,nan oithe Board of Agriculture;
Director of the State Department of Business, Econolllic Development and Tourism; Chairman
of the State Land Use Commis~ion; the Mayor of Hawaii County; Hawaii County Planning
Director; Director of Research and Development; and the Hawaii County Planning Commission.
DATED: flUo, Hawaii, this
day of
1998.
ROLL CALL VOTE
AYES NOES ABS
COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawaii
Hilo,Hawaii
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I hereby certify that the, foregoing RES.oLUTION wasbY the'
vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the
County of Hawaii on '
ATTEST:
EX
Reference
C-I038/PC
14.2cr81
COUNTY CLERK
CHAIRMAN & PRESIDING OFFICER
RESOLUTION NO.