HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #2 PD BACKGROUND REPORT (SPP 20-213)BDrakeChurch5.10.2020
COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT
BACKGROUND REPORT
LOIS MARGARET DRAKE AND ROBERT JACOBSON
SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION (SPP 20-000213)
LOIS MARGARET DRAKE AND ROBERT JACOBSON are requesting a Special Permit to
recognize and legitimize the current uses by the Unitarian Universalists of Puna(UUOP), as well
as establishing the future uses for this property. The 1.0-acre subject parcel is located at 15-1791
14th Avenue, about 1,000 feet southeast of the 14th Avenue-Paradise Drive intersection,
Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kea'au, Puna, Hawai`i, TMK: (3) 1-5-048:197.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
1.Request: The applicant has submitted a Special Permit application to change the use of
the subject property and existing structure from single-family residential to a multi-use
Church facility to be located on the subject parcel. The applicants intend to convert the
existing structure to accommodate a number of uses, including,but not limited to: Church
Services, community gatherings, an outreach center, fellowship events, and other
community support services. The site would also host a commercial kitchen for meal
preparation for the congregation and other events that service the public as well as the
construction of a large chapel (approximately 40-feet by 100-feet) that will be sized
appropriately to accommodate and increased membership. Estimated costs for the initial
phase of the building (conversion of the single-family residence to a Church) are
20,000. The future costs of the new Chapel are estimated to be between $150,000-
250,000. The facility is planned to be licensed as required to accommodate on-site meal
service and educational programs and is included as part of the proposed Church facility
Special Permit request. (Planning Department Exhibit 1 — Special Permit
Application)
2.Days/Hours of Operation: Based on the proposed future planned uses for the subject
parcel, the following is a guide to the hours of daily operation, proposed events and
gatherings. It should be noted that special events may occur on an annual basis and have
unique hours of operation.
Sunday Service: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM;
Afternoon meetings: 12 NOON to 5:00 PM weekdays;
Holiday gatherings: (typically) 12 NOON to 6:00 PM (note: rare holiday events
may run as late as 9:30 PM);
Weekend Events (e.g., Art Events): Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00
PM;
Weddings and other large events in new Chapel (if approved): 8:00 AM to 8:00
PM;
Religious education(if rooms available): 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily;
Other educational uses (current and future): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM per event;
Volunteers and parishioners can be expected to be on premises daily from 8:00
AM to 6:00 PM as part of the property management.
3.Number of Employees: There are no employees for the Church Facility, only volunteers
and Parishioners. Daily maintenance of the grounds and facility is anticipated to be 2 to 8
persons daily.
4.Daily Visitation: The applicant anticipates anywhere from 10 to 75 visitors to the
property depending on the event. The following list provides an approximation of number
of attendees for particular events:
Religious educational: up to 25 persons per class;
Church services: 10 to 30 persons;
Weddings, artistic and cultural events, large church events: up to 75 persons;
Ground and site maintenance volunteers: 2 to 8 persons daily;
Community education programs: 10 to 50 persons per event;
Community counseling services: 8 to 12 persons daily.
5.Overnight Accommodation: The applicant has stated that as part of the Church facility
function overnight accommodations will occur during the following situations:
During Emergency Proclamations in the State of Hawaii to aid displaced
community members;
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Women and Children who are victims of Domestic Violence; and
Visiting ministers and Church delegates.
6.Reason for the Request: The applicant states the primary objective is to legitimize the
use of the existing single-family residence to accommodate the Unitarian Universalists of
Puna (UUOP) Church facility. The goal of the Church facility is to provide for a wide
range of community needs such as religious opportunities, counseling, education,
outreach, safe meeting areas, and disaster recovery support.
7.Landowner: Lois Margaret Drake.
STATE AND COUNTY PLANS
8.State Land Use District: Agricultural
9.General Plan Designation: Rural
10. County Zoning: Agricultural 1-acre(A-1a).
11. Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP): The Puna CDP was adopted by the
Hawaii County Council, Ordinance 08 116, on September 10, 2008. The subject
property is not located within the proposed Hawaiian Paradise Park Regional Town
Center area, which is identified along Kaloli Drive between 22nd and 28th Avenues within
the Puna CDP.
12. Special Management Area (SMA): The property is not situated within the Special
Management Area(SMA).
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND SURROUNDING AREAS
13. Subject Property: The subject property is 1.0 acres in size and is rectangular in shape
and is relatively level. The subject property is located at 15-1791 14th Avenue, about
1,000 feet southeast of the 14th Avenue-Paradise Drive intersection, in the lower half of
the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. There is one (1) existing single-family
residential structure that includes a three (3) bedroom, two (2) bath main living areas and
an attached building with a full bathroom and kitchenette. The current use of the parcel is
residential (providing housing for local farmers displaced by lava inundation) with some
Church services and community meetings also being held on site.
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14. Surrounding Zoning/Land Uses: This property is located within the lower portion of
the Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) Subdivision. All properties surrounding the subject
parcel are similarly zoned Agricultural 1-acre(A-1a).
15. Land Study Bureau Soil Rating: "E"or"Very Poor" for agricultural use.
16. USDA Soil Survey Report: Soils on the subject property are classified the soil type as
rLV" or "Lava Flows, A'a" which consists of rough broken lava with no significant soil
cover.
17. Agricultural Lands of Significance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) Map:
Unclassified.
18. Flood Zone: The Flood Insurance Rate map (FIRM) designates the subject parcel to be
within Zone X—or areas ofminimal flood hazard.
19. Flora/Fauna Resources: Although there was no professional survey conducted for floral
and faunal resources, the applicant believes that there are no rare or endangered floral or
faunal resources likely to be found on the subject parcel. Based on site photos, there
appears to be no native, threatened, or endangered vegetation on the subject property. The
site has been recently graded and is denuded of any vegetation. The surrounding
vegetation includes primarily non-native species such as albezia, guava, and wild orchids
as well as some native Uluhe fern and Ohia; however, none of the species listed are
considered endangered or threatened. In addition, introduced avian species (i.e., dove,
Japanese white-eye, myna) are common in this area, as are domesticated animals such as
cats, and dogs.
20. Archaeological/Historical Resources: No commissioned archeological survey of the
site has been made as the developed nature of the property makes new archeological finds
unlikely. The applicant is willing to implement the standard condition related to
inadvertent finds and discoveries; Staff notes the State Historic Preservation Division
SHPD) Ch. 6E review documents for the proposed project were submitted to the SHPD
intake on March 13, 2020 and has not received a response as of the date of this writing.
21. Cultural Resources: The subject site is not adjacent and/or proximate to the shoreline, as
such, fishing and/or coastal access gathering is not conducted on the parcel. It is not
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known if the subject parcel, or immediate area have ever been used for the gathering or
other historic uses by native Hawaiians. However, it would appear every unlikely that the
site would provide resources as it is within a developed community. The applicant also
states that there are no known archeological features or sites on the subject parcel.
22. Public Access: There is no known public access to the mountains or the shoreline that
runs through the property.
23. Traffic Impacts: The proposed project is located on 14th Avenue in HPP, approximately
1,000 feet southeast of the 14th Avenue-Paradise Drive intersection. Traffic in this area is
generally low and made up primarily of residents. The proposed use could generate an
increase in traffic to the subject site, depending on the type of service, meeting or event.
The applicant has provided an estimate of the potential number of persons visiting the site
for particular events as presented above. Only one agency (State Office of Planning)
suggested a Traffic Impact study or similar document may be required due to the number
of proposed events and uses.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICES
24. Access: The subject parcel is accessed via 14th Avenue, which is privately owned
unimproved roadway typical for HPP. Vehicles will have an ingress and egress to the
property from 14th Avenue via a spilt access driveway on the property. The proposed
project includes the creation of dedicated parking stall areas as well as the required ADA
compliant parking stalls for the facility. Paving is expected when the HPP Road
Corporation does planned paving to this area. Because of the limited impact of traffic
generated by this project, no Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) was created or
required.
25. Water: There is a 25,000-gallon storage tank for fire-fighting purposes and residential
use. The applicants will be required to comply with the requirements of the Department
of Health for public water uses and the certified kitchen, and the Fire Department for fire
flow requirements.
26. Wastewater: Currently, there is no municipal wastewater system serving the subject
property and is currently served by cesspools. Upgrades to the wastewater systems on the
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property will be designated by a licensed engineer in the State of Hawaii meeting
Department of Health requirements to accommodate the Church facility and increased
use.
27. Essential Utilities and Services: Electric, internet, and telephone currently serve the
subject parcel. Solid waste will be handled by commercial haulers who will dispose of
the refuse at the county landfill. Currently, organic matter is composted onsite and small
amounts of trash are disposed of along with congregants' trash being hauled to the
transfer station.
AGENCIES' COMMENTS
28. Office of Planning: (Planning Department Exhibit 2-April 24,2020 letter)
29. Department of Health: (Planning Department Exhibit 3-April 23, 2020 Memo)
30. Department of Water Supply (Planning Department Exhibit 4 - March 25, 2020
Memo)
31. Department of Public Works - Engineering: (Planning Department Exhibit 5 -
March 11,2020 Memo)
AGENCIES -NO COMMENTS/CONCERNS
32. Department of Public Works-Building Division, Police Department, Department of
Environmental Management,Department of Finance-Real Property Tax Office.
AGENCIES -NO RESPONSE
33. Fire Department, Land Use Commission, Department of Agriculture, Department
of Land and Natural Resources-Land Division and State Historic Preservation
Division, DLNR
PUBLIC COMMENTS
34. As of the date of this writing, the Planning Department has not received any written
comments or objections from the general public or adjacent landowners about the
subject application.
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SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
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To: Michael Yee, Director
Planning Department
COUNTY OF HAWAI ' I t9 t71 r'7
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101 Pauahi Street
Hilo, Hawai' i 96720
Subject: Special Use Permit Application Unitarian Universalists of Puna
UUOP) ,
PO Box 900
Kurtistown, HI 96760 Box 900 808-966-8831
Lois Margaret Drake, Owner
Kea' au, Puna, HI, TMK: 3-1-5-48-197, Address: 151791 14h
Avenue, Keaau, Hawaii 96749 4
Aloha Mr. Yee,a
Please find enclosed for your review and processing the subject
Special Use Permit application. This request is to allow the deve opznenn
of a Church Complex, on 1 acre of land in Hawaiian Paradise Park. '-
The submittal includes the following:
a. Original and twenty (20) copies of the completed application with a
report outlining the reasons for the request. The required location and
site plans are included in the report; and
b. A list of the names, addresses and tax map key of all owners of
property within five hundred (500) feet of the perimeter boundary of the
subject property, a 2 ' x 3 ' sized map/plan, and the filing fee of $500 .
The site doesn' t have any significant historic properties impact.
This is due to the entire site having been previously graded when the
existing house and septic system were installed.
We trust that you deem this application complete for processing. In
the meantime, however, should you have any questions about this matter,
please feel free to contact me. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lois Margaret Drake, owner of property, email: <mdrake@netdoor.com>
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Robert Jacobso , Treasurer UUOP, email: jacobson.puna@gmail . com
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APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT
REQUEST: PROPOSED CHURCH COMPLEX APPLICANTS: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF
PUNA AND OWNER LOIS MARGARET DRAKE
Hawaiian Paradise Park KEA'AU, PUNA, HAWAI ' I TAX MAP KEY: 3-1-5-48-197
Prepared By: Robert Jacobson Current UUOP Treasurer) and Members of the
Unitarian Universalists of Puna (UUOP) Phone: 808-966-8831 email:
jacobson.puna@gmail. com
SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
COUNTY OF HAWAII PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Margaret Drake/Member UUOP
LIST APPLICANT' S INTEREST IF NOT OWNER: Unitarian Universalists Of Puna
UUOP) , a religious non-profit, have been renting the subject property
from a church member, the owner, Lois Margaret Drake. The plan is that
the UUOP will continue to rent it until Lois Margaret Drake may choose to
transfer her title to the UUOP.
TELEPHONE: (Bus. ) 808-966-4582 Robert Jacobson Home) 808-966-8831
REQUEST: Legitimize use of a three-bedroom house with two full bathrooms
and an attached building with a full bathroom and kitchenette for use as a
church chapel, and as a multi-purpose building. Provide adequate zoning to
allow future expansion and uses to promote UUOP goals and growth. Proposed
future building to accommodate projected uses such as:
A. Continued Sunday meetings, religious education and other regularly
scheduled church and public meetings and holidays.
B. Weddings, receptions, funerals, children' s' summer programs, youth
groups, adult retreat, camping, community educational workshops and forums
kids and adults) musical events, performance events both indoor and
outdoor, public meetings, teaching events, lectures, community support
groups, music and entertainment events, workshops, auditions, rehearsals,
yoga, hula, dances of universal peace, baby luaus, birthday celebrations,
graduation parties and retirement parties.
C. Housing for visitors to the church
D. We can use the facility to assist and provide emergency response
resources to the public and emergency personnel during emergencies such as
storms, earthquakes, fires and lava flows .
E. Growing tree crops and vegetables, community gardens
F. Daycare/preschool & elementary and secondary education space
G. Possible B&B operation in house
H. Potential to establish a community forest program and exotic species
control program to control the invasive albezia trees, enhance the
environment and to promote learning opportunities
I . Rental Opportunities for low-income residents
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t t
J. building a commercial kitchen to accommodate: feeding people in
emergencies, catering events at the facility, feeding homeless, producing
products from the kitchen for church fundraising, and possibly renting the
kitchen to small businesses or non-profits .
K. Farmer' s Market space
L. Professional Service Rentals : For a few months, we were renting to a
counselor who was seeing patients. Renting space to allopathic and
alternative health care workers (block nursing, massage, other types of
body work)
M. Internet cafe
N. Community Benefits
0. Elementary and secondary education space would be available for the DOE
in emergencies, (when the lava was coming, HAAS considered renting the
chapel for use as classroom) . Renting a commercial kitchen to small
businesses would promote the local economy.
P. This site could be part of the emergency providers' community
facilities in case of emergencies.
Q. Inexpensive rental space is available for non-profit and community
events/meetings
R. Along with many other entities in the state, UUOP is affiliated with
the Blue Zones Project. This project focuses on the goals of healthy
living, longevity and community health. Our community health is being
improved through participation in this program.
S. To bring more UU tourists to visit Puna to experience our environment
and help our local businesses .
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Addendum
Detailed written description of the proposed uses, a statement of objectives and
reasons for the request, including proposed hours of operation and number of
employees/clientele.
Our objectives for this application are to recognize and legitimize the current uses by
the Unitarian Universalists of Puna (UUOP), as well as to apply for the proposed
future uses and plant facilities for this property and religious organization. UUOP
hopes to grow our congregation with this property and reach out to the community as
part of our commitment to service.
1. Current uses now include a three bedroom house currently provided free of to a
family whose farm was inundated by lava this year. It is connected by a
breezeway to a smaller building we refer to as the chapel. The chapel is used
every Sunday morning from about 9AM until about 1PM. We conduct our
services without amplification. Often a piano or violin and singing are part of our
services. We have from 10-30 people that attend on a regular basis.The chapel is
also used one afternoon a week by a women's group that is mostly discussions
and socializing that has 5-10 attendees. We often have potluck gathering on a
monthly basis as part of our services and have gatherings on holidays such as
Thanksgiving or other religious observances. 10-30 people can be expected at
these events that are usually timed from noon to 5PM. Sometimes our Christmas
celebrations or Annual Fellowship dinners run as late as 9PM with about 10-30
people in attendance. Once a year we host the Artists in the Park Art Show for
two days attracting about 75 people during the course of each day. We have
always had adequate parking for all events we have conducted or hosted. We
have no employees. We also provide quiet natural areas to reflect or appreciate
natural beauty, memorial trees, and fruit trees. We have hosted community forums,
political debates and served as meeting space for community organizations.
2. Proposed future planned uses for the physical plant (from immediate existing
uses to up to 10 years depending on growth of congregation and community
needs include:
A) Bringing the house and chapel structures and parking fully into
compliance with ADA requirements.
B) Construct a large chapel (40'x100') appropriate for an increased
membership in our church, weddings, artistic and cultural events, musical
events, public events. Hours 8AM-8PM for up to 75 people
C) Construct rooms for use as religious educational activities. Use
on Sunday 9AM-1PM with up to 25 children
D) Restrooms to serve the needs of the building users, homeless
shower programs and emergency relief and response
E) Commercial cooking facilities to serve meals for the
congregation, for events at the facility, to cook for fundraising and sales, and
for emergency response for the community catering events at the facility,feeding
homeless,SALES OF PRODUCTS FROM THE kitchen and LOT for church fundraising,
renting kitchen to small businesses. Use 8AM-8PM and open during civil
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emergencies with up to six people working in the kitchen.
F) Enlarged water storage capacity, as congregation's needs
increase. Currently 25,000 gallons storage is our capacity.
G) Infrastructure to respond to community needs and natural disasters
Commercial kitchen,4-6 stall unisex showering area (peace camp, homeless,
emergency use by community,firefighters, etc.). Number of users is dependent on
emergency situations. We can use the facility to assist and provide emergency
response resources to the public and emergency personnel during emergencies such
as storms,earthquakes, fires and lava flows.
H) GROWING TREE CROPS AND VEGETABLES, community gardens 2-8
people working 2 days a week 8AM-6PM
I) Renting space to daycare/preschool&elementary and secondary,
8AM-5PM, 15-30 children (using current facilities more potential after new
building in place
J) Parking arrangements for 25-40 cars (to meet permit requirements)
K) Community education programs 8AM-8PM 10-50 people.
L) Rental Opportunities
a) Professional Service Rentals: For a few months,we were renting to
counselors who were serving lava evacuation clients. 9AM-5PM about
8-12 people a day.
b) Renting to alternative health care workers (massage, other types of body work)
M) COMMUNITY FOREST, COMMUNITY EXOTIC SPECIES PROGRAM test
demonstration site 5-15 workers once a week 8AM-6PM.
3. Community Benefits
A) elementary and secondary education(when the lava was coming, HAAS considered
renting the chapel for use as classroom)
B) renting kitchen to small businesses would promote local small busines1
C) Emergency facilities in case of disasters for victims and relief workers
D) Inexpensive space for non-profit and community events/meetings
E) UUOP is affiliated with the Blue Zones Project. This project focuses on the goals of
healthy living, longevity and community health.
F) Providing emergency housing for lava inundation victims, shelter during natural
disasters.
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TAX MAP KEY: 3-1-5-48-197
AREA OF PROPERTY/AREA OF REQUEST One Acre
SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION Lois Margaret Drake/Unitarian Universalists of
Puna (UUOP) PUNA, HAWAI ' I
TAX MAP KEY: 3-1-5-48-197
I . INTRODUCTION
The applicants, Lois Margaret Drake/Unitarian Universalists of Puna
UUOP) , are requesting a Special Permit to legitimize use of a three-
bedroom house with two full bathrooms and an attached building with a full
bathroom and kitchenette for use as a church chapel, and as a multi-
purpose building. The site is located in the lower half of HPP near Pahoa.
This project is situated on one parcel consisting of 1 acre and identified
by TMK: 3-1-5-48-197 .
II . PROJECT LOCATION
As noted earlier, the subject site is located in the lower half of HPP
near Pahoa. The general character of this area is rural residential and
pastoral. There are homes and nurseries in the vicinity and within the
surrounding subdivisions. The principal urban centers are the towns of
Keaau, approximately 7 . 5 miles to the northwest, and Pahoa approximately
5. 5 miles to the southeast.
III . PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. Project Components
The lower Puna area is increasingly becoming a bedroom and retirement
community. Services have not kept pace with this growth. To address this
unmet need, the applicants wish to legitimize the existing use of this
property and to establish the future possible uses through this process.
B. Relative to vehicular access, the plan proposes to have its primary
ingress and egress off 14th Avenue.
C. Project Timetable and Cost
The applicants hope to continue to use the property as a church and rental
home, finalize their plans, and begin construction hopefully within six
6) months after securing all required construction permits . The
construction timetable is estimated at 10-18 months, with a planned
completion of current buildings by fall of 2020 . The future church
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sanctuary would be built in five to ten years when the congregation grows
and raises money for the projected building. The estimated construction
cost associated with the initial phase of the project (upgrading
structures to meet ADA requirements, installing signage and other aspects
is estimated to cost $20, 000. Later costs of new building are estimated
at $150, 000-250, 000.
IV. INSTITUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. State Land Use
The State Land Use designation of the subject property is Agriculture. As
such, a Special Permit is required to authorize the requested uses. The
County Windward Planning Commission is authorized to make this decision,
as the subject site is less than fifteen acres.
B. County General Plan
The County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide
LUPAG) map designates HPP as Rural. The Rural designation includes
existing subdivisions in the State Land Use Agricultural and Rural
districts that have a significant residential component. Typical lot
sizes are one acre".
The request would also be consistent with the General Plan goals, policies
and objective. Specifically, the more pertinent ones include:
Economic Element Goals:
Provide residents with opportunities to improve their quality of
life.
Economic development and improvement shall be in balance with the
physical and social environments of the island of Hawaii.
The County of Hawaii shall strive for diversity and stability in its
economic system.
The County shall provide an economic environment which allows new,
expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the
County' s natural and social environment.
Policies:
The County shall provide an economic environment which allows new,
expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the
County' s natural and social environment.
The County shall strive for an economic climate which provides its
residents an opportunity for choice of occupation.
The County shall strive for diversification of its economy by
strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors.
The County shall encourage the development of a visitor industry
which is consistent with the social, physical, and economic goals of the
residents of the County.
Land Use Element (Public Uses)
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Goals
Provide for developments that maximize convenience to its users .
Provide developments that complement the overall pattern of
transportation and land usage within the island' s regions, communities,
and neighborhoods .
Policies
Facilities shall be developed in areas adequately served by necessary
services, such as water, utilities, sewers, and transportation systems.
Should such services not be available, the development of more intensive
uses should be in concert with a localized program of public and private
capital improvements to meet the expected increased needs.
Distribution of uses shall be such as to best meet the demands of
neighborhood, community and regional needs .
The development of church facilities should be designed to fit into
the locale with minimum intrusion while providing the desired services.
Appropriate infrastructure and design controls shall be incorporated into
the review of such developments
Standards
Developments shall be located in areas adequately served by
transportation, utilities, and amenities.
Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be provided.
Development shall maintain or improve the quality of the present
environment through the consideration of visual, access, landscaping, and
other design elements in their development.
Discussion
As the residential areas of Puna continue to grow, there will be a need to
accommodate the various communities ' needs. Having opportunities for being
closer to the heart of the lower Puna district area should help reduce
traffic congestion for congregants and facility users.
The subject site, in addition to attempting to meet this need, also
fulfills other policies and standards articulated in the General Plan. The
site is already and will be serviced by adequate infrastructure. Fire
protective services are available within two miles of the site. A
wastewater system meeting with the standards of the State Department of
Health is already in place. This development should not require additional
public services .
The site does not have any on-site developmental constraints. The land is
relatively level, and there are no flood (Zone X) or other hazardous
condition that would render the site a developmental problem and pose a
burden to public agencies. Further, given the non-noxious type of uses
anticipated to be situated here, pollution would be minimal, if at all.
As the land has been cleared, the prospects of the site serving as a
habitat for rare or endangered plant or animal life appear remote. Most of
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the subject area is devoid of vegetation. Then, too, while there may be a
potential for some endemic birds to visit this area, the development of
this site would not remove a critical habitat. At the same time, there
are alternative areas that would be more suitable for any habitats.
Likewise, due to the developed physical nature of this site, it is very
unlikely that there may be any archaeological features left on the site.
In the event there are some inadvertent archaeological finds, work will
stop and the State DLNR and County Planning Department will be consulted
before further activities occur within the affected area.
The use is also compatible with the surrounding area. For the most part,
properties adjacent to the subject site are vacant.
Landscaping will also be provided to help mitigate potential visual
impacts of the project. As such, while the location of the requested area
is proximate to residential areas, appropriate mitigation measures can and
will be taken.
Finally, all structures built on the site will comply with the standards
outlined in the Zoning Code, such as parking, loading zone, setback,
height, etc.
C. Puna Community Development Plan ("CDP")
Section 15 . 1 of the County General Plan called for the development and
eventual County Council adoption of CDPs. The General Plan states that the
CDP "will translate the broad General Plan statements to specific actions
as they apply to specific geographical areas. " The General Plan also notes
that should the CDP require a General Plan amendment, it could be
considered concurrent with the adoption of the CDP. However, "If there is
a direct conflict between the Community Development Plan and the General
Plan, the General Plan shall be controlling. "
Pursuant to the above, the Puna CDP was developed and adopted by the
Hawai ' i County Council on August 27, 2008 . It became effective on
September 10, 2008 as Ordinance No. 08 116.
In addition to the map, the CDP established three (3) major principles:
Malama I Ka'Aina which "establishes how the contextual natural,
historic and cultural features of Puna should be preserved. "
Growth Management which "addresses how the future pattern of human
settlement and land use should be shaped to respect that context and
support the desired quality of life for Puna' s residents. "
7
In considering land use applications, the CDP does not mandate
consideration of only those sites that fall exactly within designated
regional, community, or neighborhood centers . The designated areas are to
be used as guides, thus enabling land use applications to be considered in
a much broader policy context .
This request is being evaluated against the articulated goals and
objectives of the Managing Growth theme. The request would be consistent
with the following Goals of the CDP:
Improves the quality of life and expands economic opportunity for
Puna' s residents.
Reduces the exposure to high risk from natural hazard situations.
Makes services and community facilities more accessible
In that regard, the proposed project is intended to be supportive of the
needs of the community, although given its location, it would have some
quasi-regional function. Having the project situated in this area would
not create urban commercial sprawl.
Additionally, the project would provide interactive opportunities for
Puna ' s residents . This project would yield a much-needed public meeting
facility in this area. This site would be a convenient location not only
not for the congregation but also for the community in general.
2. Agriculture and Economic Development
The CDP identifies the following:
Goals
Increase opportunities for diversified agriculture
Preserve lands for agricultural use
Increase local market share of Puna agricultural products
Objectives
Discourage urban growth and further subdivision on lands that have
been identified as having agricultural value.
The subject site, while zoned Agriculture, has not been used for active
agricultural purposes in the recent past.
Therefore, the proposed project should not have any adverse impact on
agriculture. It could actually be indirectly supportive of it through the
provision of services to that industry.
3. Social Services and Housing
9
As this is partially a housing project, this section is really applicable.
The three-bedroom house is currently occupied by two families whose
properties were covered with lava. The project would also help provide a
public place to distribute or service needy community members. As a
church dedicated to public service, social services and helping the poor
are part of our mission.
4 . Public Safety and Sanitation Services
The subject site is located in an area where police protection, electric
service, telephone and cell coverage are available. Public cost to
provide infrastructure would thus be minimal. The project already has a
Hawaii DOH approved septic wastewater system that we could enlarge (if
needed) to comply with the Hawaii Department of Health' s standards.
5. Parks and Recreation
This section is not applicable, as the project would have no direct
impacts on parks. Nonetheless, there are existing park facilities in the
villages of Kea'au and Pahoa. A new County park is planned in HPP. The
site is not listed for any future trails or park related uses. We also
provide quiet natural areas to reflect or appreciate natural beauty,
memorial trees, and fruit trees.
Because the church grounds are pleasant, church picnics are held on site,
reducing a need for more park services.
6. Energy Sustainability
The applicant intends to utilize solar and photovoltaic system to help
with some of its power needs in the future when funding is available.
Other means to reduce dependency on the conventional fuel source is being
explored. New structures would be constructed and placed in a manner so as
to take advantage of wind and sun patterns for both heating and cooling.
The third theme is Transportation. This theme identifies, as it pertains
to the subject request, the following goals and objectives:
Goals
Reduce percentage of residents who commute outside of Puna
Objectives
Provide more services within Puna
Provide opportunities in Puna in order to reduce long commuting
times .
It also identifies five (5) elements . The project ' s relationship to these
elements follows.
1 . Traffic Demand Management
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The project ' s location would helps reduce the flow of both church members
as well as building users from traveling outside of the district.
The applicants also intend to encourage their church members as well as
building users to consider car-pooling to the extent feasible. We
currently provide a wireless hotspot to our members, building users and
residential tenants.
2 . Mass Transit
Bus stops are needed for all residents in this area along Paradise Drive.
Our congregation has supported local bus services to all residents of Puna
and island-wide.
3. Roadway Network
Likewise, the objectives and policies of this element are not directly
pertinent to the project. It is located on private roads that are steadily
being improved with our mandatory road dues.
4 . Highways
Access to the project from Paradise Drive and 14th Avenue is maintained by
the HPP Road Corporation. The other objectives are not directly
applicable to the project.
5. Non-Motorized Travel and Scenic Byways
The subject site is not part of any proposed non-motorized travel area,
such as a bikeway. There are also no known trails within the subject
site.
In summary, it is conceded that the subject site is not specifically
identified for any particular land use on the Center map of the CDP. At
the same time, the CDP does not contain any mandatory language (such as
shall") that prohibits consideration of the requested use in this area.
For example, the term "should" is used when the three themes are
described. Then, too, the recent amendments to the CDP suggest that the
land use pattern map be used as a guide.
The requested Special Permit request would be generally consistent with
and implement the applicable goals and objectives of the COP.
D. Special Management Area
The subject site is not situated within the County Special Management Area
SMA) . However, as the entire island falls within the SMA, a general
discussion of this project ' s relationship with the SMA objectives follows.
1. Recreational Resources
The proposed improvements should not have any adverse impact to the
recreational resources of the area. The property is not a coastal
property, and there are intervening properties between the project site
11
and the ocean. There is also no known access to the shoreline from this
site.
2 . Historic and Cultural Resources
As the area of the proposed improvements has been largely cleared, the
prospects of finding any archaeological features in the area of the
proposed improvements appear remote.
However, should there be any inadvertent finds during the development of
this project, work will immediately cease until clearance from the County
Planning Department is secured.
Relative to cultural resources, the site of the requested area has been
cleared. The applicants also note that there have been no reported
observations of any native Hawaiians gathering plants within or proximate
to the subject site. As such, it would appear very unlikely that the site
would serve such purpose today and/or in the future.
In sum, given the disturbed nature of the area of the proposed
improvements, it can be reasonably concluded that this project would have
no significant adverse impact relating to native Hawaiian cultural and
historical resources and/or practices that cannot be otherwise mitigated. .
3. Scenic and Open Space Resources
As noted earlier, the coastal view plane is not visible from the project
in the area of the proposed improvements. This is due in large part to the
distance between the proposed site and the shoreline. As such, this
project should not adversely impact any scenic coastal resources.
4 . Coastal Ecosystem
The proposed improvements should not generate any adverse impacts to the
area ' s coastal ecosystem. The site is situated over two miles from the
shoreline, and any direct interaction between the proposed improvements
and the water should be negligible. Furthermore, the project ' s wastewater
is disposed of in a State Department of Health approved septic system.
5. Economic Uses
The project itself should have some significant direct economic impacts,
due to the short-term and long-term jobs this project could potentially
generate. The short-term jobs would be principally in the construction
industry. The long-term employment would come in the form of employees of
the church and long-term maintenance of the project.
6. Coastal Hazards
The site is designated "X" on the Flood Insurance Rate map. The site also
falls outside of the Civil Defense Tsunami Evacuation Zone.
As the site is not located adjacent to the shoreline and over 2 miles
away, normal winter storm waters should not be an issue for this project.
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Based on the foregoing, it is concluded that the proposed improvements are
consistent with the objectives, policies and guidelines of the Special
Management Area Rules and Regulations . Specifically:
A. The proposed project will not have any substantial, adverse
environmental or ecological effect. Any effect that may result will be
minimized to the extent practicable and is clearly outweighed by public
health, safety and welfare, and other compelling public interest.
Further, it will not generate any adverse effects by themselves or in
conjunction with other individual developments, the potential cumulative
impacts of which would result in a substantial adverse environmental or
ecological effect and the elimination of planning options. Appropriate
mitigation measures will be taken to address any potential adverse impacts
of this project;
B. The proposed activities, as discussed earlier, are consistent with
the objectives, policies, and guidelines of the SMA Rules and Regulations;
and
C. The proposed activities are consistent with the County General Plan
and County Zoning Code.
D. County Zoning
The County zoning designation of the site is Agricultural (A-1a) . The
minimum lot size for this zoning district is 1 acre.
Should the request be approved, all of the required standards outlined in
the Zoning Code for projects of this nature will be complied with. These
include setbacks, parking, landscaping, and so forth.
E. Other Permitting Considerations
If the Special Permit is approved, other permits are still required. These
include Building Permit, and others. Then, too, other permits and/or data
may be required to comply with any conditions of approval of the Special
Permit.
V. INFRASTRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS
A. Water
There is a 25, 000-gallon storage tank for fire-fighting purposes and
residential use. An approved fire department water standard will need to
be installed from the water tank.
B. Wastewater
The applicants have an approved septic system designed and constructed in
accordance with the requirements of the State Department of Health. If
13
that is not sufficient and/or an alternative system is deemed necessary by
the State, it will be constructed.
C. Drainage:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency' s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
designates the project site to be located in Zone "X"-areas outside the
500-year flood plain. There are no drainage ways through the site.
Accordingly, the site should not be subject to flooding.
D. Roadway
The site is located on 14th Avenue between Paradise Drive and Maku'u Drive
on an unpaved road.
Paving is expected when the HPP Road Corporation does planned paving to
this area. Because of the rural nature of the area, limited use of this
road and the small impact of this project, no Traffic Impact Analysis
Report (TIAR) will be needed.
E. Public Protective Services
Police and fire protective services are within serviceable distances and
are currently available to the site. The police station is located in
Keaau, approximately 7 miles away. There are fire stations both in Keaau
and Pahoa, as well as the HFD station on Paradise Drive less than two
miles away. We will install a fire standard connected to our 25, 000 gallon
water tank for firefighting uses .
F. Solid Waste
Solid waste will be handled by commercial haulers who will dispose of the
refuse at the county landfill. We currently compost all organic wastes on
the property and haul the minimal trash to the transfer station in Kea'au.
A Solid Waste Management Plan will be prepared to help address ways to
accommodate and reduce the project ' s construction and operational waste.
Currently, organic matter is composted onsite and small amounts of trash
are disposed of along with congregants' trash being hauled to the transfer
station.
G. Other Utilities
Electrical, high-speed internet and telephone lines currently serve the
project structures.
VI . ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. General Description
The subject site is located within the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision.
The towns of Pahoa and Keaau are about 5 and 7 miles away, respectively.
At approximately the 120-foot elevation level, the site is located more
than 2 miles from the ocean. The average annual rainfall is 140 inches.
The average annual temperature ranges between 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit,
14
with occasional higher and lower ranges during certain periods such as
summer or winter months.
The prevailing wind patterns in the area are often light and variable,
dominated by trade winds (easterly) during the day and westerly or
mountain winds during the evenings.
The subject 1 acre site is shaped in a rectangle, with the shortest side
135 feet) fronting 14th Avenue.
The site of the proposed improvements is relatively level with 14th
Avenue. The topography of the site is fairly level with some sloping
somewhat in the mauka direction.
B. Soils
The Land Study Bureau' s Detailed Land Classification System classifies the
site E-306 or "Very Poor" from an agricultural resource perspective. This
represents the "Almost bare pahoehoe" soil series . This type of soil
series is characterized by very little or no soil material. Its parent
material is pahoehoe and its color is brown to black. It is also
moderately drained and very poorly suited for machine tillability. The
erosion hazard is moderate.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Services, Soil
Survey Report classifies the soil as "rLV' or "Lave Flows, A' a", which is
a miscellaneous land type. This type of soil series is rough and broken
lava with practically no soil covering. It is generally bare of
vegetation, except for mosses lichens, ferns, and a few small ohia trees .
The site is not classified on the State Department of Agriculture' s
Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH) map.
Given the land characteristics of this site described above, plus its
abundance in this general area, the commitment of 1 acre of land should
not create any significant impact to the agricultural resources of this
area or the County.
C. Flora and Fauna
Although there were no professional surveys conducted of the floral or
faunal resources of the site, the applicants do not believe that rare or
endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found within the
subject site.
The site has already been recently graded and is denuded of any
vegetation. Thus, floral impacts should be minimal . The surrounding
vegetation includes albezia, guava, wild orchids, Uluhe ferns, and ohia.
None of these are identified as being endangered.
15
The site is not known to be a habitat for any rare or endangered animal
life. Further, the disturbed and rural nature of the surrounding areas
would make it less likely to find endangered animal life in the area.
Accordingly, it does not appear that the proposed project would have any
significant negative impact, if at all, on the floral and fauna resources
in the area.
D. Archaeological Resources
As noted earlier, the site has been entirely cleared of all vegetation. As
such, the archaeological resources of this site appear to be non-existent.
We will obtain a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) letter from the
State of Hawaii Historic Preservation Division.
Nonetheless, should there be inadvertent discoveries during the
construction of this project, work will stop and contacts with the County
Planning Department and State Historic Preservation Division will be made.
E. Valued Cultural Resources
The recent Hawaii State Supreme Court ' s "PASH" and "Ka Pa' akai
0 Ka 'Aina" decisions require decision-makers to consider a project' s
impact on native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights . Specifically,
there must be a discussion of the cultural, historical, and natural
resources and associated traditional and customary practices of this site
and the impact of this project to these resources and practices.
In this situation, the subject site is not adjacent and/or proximate to
the shoreline. As such, fishing and coastal access is not an issue.
Furthermore, as noted earlier, the requested area has been entirely
cleared of its native vegetation in the past. Prior to the land clearing,
neither the applicants nor the landowner have received any reported
observations of the site being used in the recent past by any native
Hawaiians for gathering of plants within or proximate to the subject site.
Accordingly, it would appear very unlikely that the site would serve such
purpose today and/or in the future.
Given the above, it can be reasonably concluded that this site would have
no significant adverse impact relating to native Hawaiian cultural and
historical resources and/or practices which cannot be reasonably
mitigated. However we are prepared to give access to Hawaiians for native
gathering rights and rights of worship.
F. Volcanic and Earthquake Hazards
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) designates the area Lava Flow
Hazard Zone 3, on a scale of ascending risk 9 to 1 . This risk is
comparable to the City of Hilo and Kailua-Kona.
The Building Code identifies the entire island of Hawaii in Earthquake
Zone 4 and contains certain structural requirements to address the
16
relative seismic hazards. All required structures and improvements will
be designed to reflect this standard.
G. Other
During the construction of this project, there will be construction noise.
Contractors will be required to comply with and observe the State
Department of Health' s noise standards. When completed, there will also be
noise associated with traffic and the operation of the complex.
Mitigation such as landscaping and limiting hours of operation to 10: 00
p.m. can be taken.
The air quality in this area is mostly affected by emissions from natural,
agricultural, and/or vehicular sources . The dominant factor for the past
several years has been the infrequent volcanic haze (vog) resulting from
the eruption at Kilauea. Vehicular traffic to and from the site should
also have an impact, but those vehicles now must comply with the higher
emission standards of the State Department of
Health and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) .
The proposed complex will generate some visual impacts. However, all of
the structures will be less than 35 feet in height. The height would be
equal to or less than most of the structures in this area.
The requested project should cause neither significant short-term nor
long-term noise, air quality, nor visual impacts.
VII. PLANNING AND LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS
A. Surrounding Land Uses
The subject site is located in a residential rural area. There are fairly
large nursery warehouse structures on the opposite or north side of 14th
Avenue, as well as a retail nursery operation. There are also scattered
residences in the general vicinity of the proposed site.
The subject site, as well as the balance of the lots in the HPP
Subdivision, are zoned A-la. The properties north, as well as south of
Auli ' i Drive are zoned A-la. In spite of those zoning designations, the
lots average 1 acre in size.
B. Agricultural Impacts
As discussed in section VI-B (Soils) , the site is not characterized as
important from an agricultural resources standpoint. Furthermore, although
it does have agricultural potential (as evidenced by the nursery located
across the Highway) , this type of soil is rather abundant in this area.
Then, too, the proposed uses should not necessarily induce other
neighboring properties to engage in similar activities or other non-
agricultural activity.
Thus, there should be little, if any, adverse agricultural impacts .
17
C. Economic Impacts
The project itself should have some significant direct economic impacts,
due to the short-term and long-term jobs this project could potentially
generate. The short-term jobs would be principally in the construction
industry. The long-term employment would come in the form of employees of
the church as it grows the congregation.
VIII. JUSTIFICATIONS FOR SPECIAL PERMIT REQUEST
In determining whether the requested use is an "unusual and reasonable
use" and thus should be permitted within the Agricultural District,
certain guidelines are used. These guidelines and their relationship to
the requested use follow.
A. Relationship to Land Use Law and Objectives
The subject request will not be contrary to the Land Use Commission
Rules (HAR, Title 15, Chapter 15) , Planning Commission Rules (Rule
6) , or Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which purposes are
to preserve, protect and encourage the development of lands in the
State for their best uses in the interest of the public welfare, and
protect, conserve, and rationally develop the State' s urban,
agricultural, and conservation lands using a coordinated and balanced
approach.
In this situation, the subject site ' s soil resource is Class E or very
poor, a resource that is not agriculturally important. Additionally,
although this type of soil does yield some measure of agricultural
potential, the requested use does not involve a substantial area. It
covers 1 acre. Then, too, this type of soil classification is prevalent in
this area. It is also noted that this site is not classified as important,
prime, or unique under the State' s ALISH system.
At the same time, the requested uses would provide important services to
some of the residents in the area. These services come in the form of a
nearby location for worship, access to a good meeting room, and other
possible uses. As such, relinquishing some poor agricultural land for uses
that have a broad public benefit, including the agricultural community, is
a reasonable one.
B. Relationship to General Plan and Other Planning Requirements
1 . General Plan
The requested uses would be consistent with the policies and objectives of
the General Plan. The County General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation
18
Guide (LUPAG) map designates the subject property Rural. The Rural
designation refers to "existing subdivisions in the State Land Use
Agricultural and Rural districts
that have a significant residential component. "
Notwithstanding the above, because this is a Special Permit and not a zone
change request, an amendment to the General Plan would not be required to
effectuate this action.
The request would also be consistent with certain goals, policies, and
standards of the General Plan:
ECONOMIC ELEMENT Goals
Provide residents with opportunities to improve their quality of life;
The County shall provide an economic environment which allows new,
expanded, or improved economic opportunities that are compatible with the
County' s natural and social environment
The County shall strive for diversification of its economy by
strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors
Policies
Designate and allocate land uses in appropriate proportions and in
keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the County
LAND USE ELEMENT Goals
o Designate and allocate land use in appropriate proportions and mix
and in keeping with the social, cultural, and physical environments of the
County
o Protect and encourage the intensive utilization of the County' s
important agricultural lands
Policies:
o The County shall encourage the development and maintenance of
communities meeting the needs of its residents in balance with the
physical and social environment
o Protect and encourage the intensive utilization of the
County' s limited prime agricultural lands.
Land Use Element (Commercial) Goals
Provide for commercial developments that maximize convenience to its
users.
Provide commercial developments that complement the overall pattern
of transportation and land usage within the island' s regions, communities,
and neighborhoods .
Policies
19
Commercial facilities shall be developed in areas adequately served
by necessary services, such as water, utilities, sewers, and
transportation systems . Should such services not be available, the
development of more intensive uses should be in concert with a localized
program of public and private capital improvements to meet the expected
increased needs.
Distribution of commercial areas shall be such as to best meet the
demands of neighborhood, community and regional needs.
The development of commercial facilities should be designed to fit
into the locale with minimum intrusion while providing the desired
services. Appropriate infrastructure and design controls shall be
incorporated into the review of such developments
Standards
Commercial developments shall be located in areas adequately served
by transportation, utilities, and amenities. Commercial developments shall
provide for adequate internal circulation among commercial facilities in
the area.
Off-street parking and loading facilities shall be provided.
Commercial development shall maintain or improve the quality of the
present environment through the consideration of visual, access,
landscaping, and other design elements in their development.
Preference shall be given to commercial lands with a reasonably level
topography.
NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT
Goals and Policies
Protect and preserve forest, water, natural, and scientific resources
and open areas.
Ensure that alterations to existing landforms and vegetation, except
crops, and construction of structures cause minimum adverse effect to
water resources, and scenic and recreational amenities and minimum danger
of floods, landslides, erosion, siltation, or failure in the event of
earthquake.
The County of Hawaii should require users of natural resources
to conduct their activities in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse
effects on the environment .
Discussion
1 . The subject and adjacent properties are designated Rural on the
General Plan LUPAG map.
If approved, the project would provide an opportunity where worship,
religious education for parishioners' children, facilities for public
meetings, goods and services could be provided to communities within the
region. The project would minimize trips outside of the area to have
basic needs fulfilled. Our congregation is now sheltering a family whose
farm was covered by lava this year as part of our commitment to public
20
service. In that sense, this project would provide certain "unusual and
reasonable use" for the community in a manner that does not significantly
affect the social and physical environment of the area.
Its location is ideal to service the many residential subdivisions in this
area, as well as capture some of the congregation that lives outside of
HPP, such as Orchidland, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Pahoa, Hawaiian
Beach/Shore, Nanawale, and other Puna residential subdivisions.
Relatedly, all required infrastructures are there or, if not, will be
provided by the applicant without taxing government ' s resources.
Further, the site does not have on-site developmental constraints, and the
natural resource impact should not be significant. The site is designated
X" on the FIRM map. It has already been cleared and does not have any
significant landforms worthy of preservation or that would create a hazard
for development. The site is relatively level.
Then, too, there are no known archaeological or cultural features
associated with the site. Furthermore, if there were inadvertent
archaeological features found on the site, work will stop and the State
DLNR and County Planning Department will be consulted before further
activities occur within the affected area.
All structures will be built to comply with the Zoning Code standards,
such as parking, setback, height, landscaping, and so forth.
The project provides a source of employment for area residents. Child-
care, religious education, lawn care, and other maintenance must all be
done. This allows more residents to live within their community rather
than commuting to places like Keaau, Pahoa, and especially Hilo.
Dust control attenuation measures will be exercised during the
construction phase of this project. When completed, the landscaping
should also help minimize dust pollution, as well as provide some visual
relief from the improvements to this site.
2 . Puna Community Development Plan
The other significant document is the Puna Community Development Plan.
The recent amendments to the CDP suggest that the land use pattern map be
used as a guide and not be considered a mandate. What became more
important was the request ' s relationship to the articulated themes and
policies of the CDP.
From that perspective, it is concluded that the requested Special Permit
request would be generally consistent with and implement the applicable
goals and objectives of the CDP. For a more detailed discussion of this
matter, please refer to Chapter IV-C.
21
C. Impacts to Surrounding Properties
While zoned for at least one dwelling per lot, the lots immediately
surrounding the proposed project are vacant. The existing background
ambient noise level in this area is wind, foliage, birds, and the like.
Appropriate landscaping will be done to minimize both potential visual and
noise impacts to surrounding properties.
Accesses to the project would also be away from existing or potential
driveways of the adjoining properties .
There will also be short-term noise impacts during the construction phase.
To mitigate this impact, the development of this project (particularly the
site work) , work will be limited to daylight hours and on weekdays.
Contractors will also be required to comply with established State
Department of Health guidelines and standards relating to noise and
emission controls.
The proposed development should not generate any direct air quality
impacts . As the project itself is not expected to have uses that generate
adverse air pollutants, the only discernible air quality impact would be
associated with vehicular traffic to and from the site. While the added
traffic will have an impact to the ambient air quality, the impact should
not be significant. This is due in part to the higher EPA standards for
vehicular air emissions and the prevailing tradewinds.
D. Infrastructure and Government Services Impacts
The applicants will provide all of the required infrastructure
improvements.
In the event police and other public safety services are needed, the
project will not increase the servicing requirement. These agencies
already service the surrounding communities, which includes the subject
site. As such, the project should not result in an extension of these
services .
E. Suitability of the Site
The site is suitable for the requested uses. As noted earlier, the site
has already been cleared, and there are no topographic or other
environmental, archaeological, or cultural constraints that would render
the site unfeasible for the requested uses. All of the basic
infrastructure is or can be made available to the site by the applicants .
Further, as noted above, the site is convenient for the surrounding
communities . These communities function essentially as a combination of
retirement and bedroom communities. As bedroom communities, there is
considerable commuting to Hilo. This project thereby accommodates the
needs of area residents .
F. Altering Character of land
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Any development of this site will transform the character of the land.
However, this transformation will not involve the creation of a new
landform such as a quarry. It would be more a visual one with the
placement of structures on the site. This would be no different from a
dwelling or nursery warehouse on any other parcels in the area.
To minimize the visual impact, landscaping will be implemented within and
surrounding the subject site. Structures will also be kept below
35 feet, less than the maximum limit of 45 feet for this zone.
G. Unusual Conditions or Trends
When the State Land Use District boundaries were established in this area,
the growth was not anticipated. However, over the past 30 years, and
particularly within the last five, the growth has been unmatched in the
County. According to the County of Hawai ' i Data Book 2000, the population
of the Puna District grew from 11, 751 to 31, 335, or nearly 300% . By 2010,
population had increased to 45, 326, or about 44% from 2000 . There are
still thousands of vacant lots in this District, which when compared to
other areas in the County, are more affordable. As such, one can only
expect that this area will continue to grow.
This is a trend that was not envisioned or known when the State Land Use
Law and regulations were first established in the late 1960 ' s and early
1970 ' s.
Nonetheless, as this growth occurs, there will continue to be a need to
provide more services close to these communities .
Based upon the foregoing, it is concluded that the project is a
reasonable" use of the subject site and would promote the effectiveness
and objectives of Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
23
Property Owners of Lots Adjacent Within 500 Feet of Boundaries
of
Parcel 15048197, as of 9/13/2018
1. Ahuna, Laura Rose Lindbergh Lindbergh, Julia Mary, Bell,
Norma
HC2, Box 6233
Kea'au, HI 96749
150481550]
2 . Bobul, Anatolii
13-3475 Pahoa-Kalapana Rd
Pahoa, HI 96778-7935
150481580]
3. Bowers, James Vernon Bowers, Kandy Kay
HC 2 Box 6301
Kea'au, HI 96749-8302
150481940]
4 . Carey, Richard Paul
12421 Salmon River Road
San Diego, CA 92129-3546
150262030]
5 . D & G Ventures LTD Vitarius, Robert Louis
3285 Redwood Blvd
Avon Lake, OH 44012
150482080]
6. Enoka Properties, Inc.
1239 Oihana St.
Hilo, HI 96720-3256
150481470]
7 . Farar, Henry Clark
2724 Dotsonville Rd
Clarksville , TN 37042
150482460]
8 . Flugger, Winifred Lea
P.O. Box 1159
Forestville, CA 95436
150481480]
9. Fox, Camron Wallace Fox, Penny Marie
HC 2 Box 6825
Kea ' au, HI 96749-9312
150482480]
10. Heitman, Daniel Steven
HC 1Box 5146
Kea ' au, HI 96749-9510
150482000]
11 . Huber, Hans Trust
P.O. Box 1580
Kihei, HI 96753-1580
150482060]
12 . Kanemaru Trust c/o Kanemaru, Arthur/Hisayo
1924 W 154th St
Gardena, CA 90249-4212
150481540]
13 . Kikuchi, Bert Mitsuru
3337 Cricklewood St .
Torrance, CA 90505
150481960]
14 . Napoleon, Allen Ho' oulu
45-1026 Kumau Pl 3C
Kaneohe, HI 96744-3365
150482470]
15 . Newman, Jeffrey B. Tr Newman, Emi M Tr
HC 3 Box 11023
Kea' au, HI 96749-9205
150262600]
150262610]
150482010]
150482020]
150482030]
150482040]
150482050]
150482490]
150482500]
16. Olson, Eric Matthew
59-776 Kamehameha Hwy.
Haleiwa, HI 96712
150482450]
17 . Ortiz, Nava, Jame •Bloom-Ortiz, Jasmin Malia
722 Kaulele Place
Hilo, HI 96720-6022
150481950]
18) Ritter, Alfred G.
2200 SE Alsea Way
Waldport, OR 97394-9700
150481490]
19) Roach, John Robert Trimble, Patricia Ann
HC2 Box 6958
Kea ' au, HI 96749-8301
150481460]
20) Sanekane, Warren Masao Sanekane, Lois Kilohana
P.O. Box 2145
Pahoa, HI 96778-2145
150481450]
21 . Tanabe, Michael J. Tanabe, Nina Ann
1681 Oneawa Place
Hilo, HI 96720-5591
150481980]
22 . Tanaka, Edwin K. Trust Tanaka, Grace S. Trust
475 Ohukea St
Hilo, HI 96720-6015
150481560]
23. Thomas, Timilia
HC 2 Box 6219
Kea' au, HI 96749-9304
150482440]
24 . Tobien, Wilma
298 Channel Ridge Drive
Saltspring Island, BC V8K 1G6
CANADA
150481990]
25. Varize, Natasha Kahealani Kiyono
P.O. Box 7413
Hilo, HI 96720-8944
150481570]
26. Weidman, Mark Arthur Weidman, Amy Elizabeth
7563 Lockhaven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
150481510]
150481520]
27 . Rice, Bernard L. Rice, Virginia W.
900 Ashland Falls Drive
Monroe, GA 30656-6302
150481530]
28 . Hallen, Walter R. Hallen, Kinga R.
N 73 W36338 S Shore Dr
OCONOMOWOC, WI 53066-1140
150481440]
29. MURRAY, GEORGE FMARY L
PO BOX6483
KENT, WA 98064-6483
150481500]
30 . RITTER, ALFRED G
2200 SE ALSEA WAY
WALDPORT, OR 97394-9700
150481490]
31 . STANLEY, JOHN PATRICK III, STANLEY, HELEN ELIZABETH
PO BOX 6602
HILO, HI 96720-8931
150262040
32 . PARADISE HUI HANALIKE
SR - ROADWAY (3) 1-5-023:25
33 . HUBER, HANS TRST
PO BOX 1580
KIHEI HI 96753 (3) 1-5-048 : 207,
34 . DRAKE, LOIS MARGARET
PO BOX 821
VOLCANO HI 96785 0821 (3) 1-5-048 : 197,
35.NAYDENOV,ALEXANDR, YEVGENIY
2292GLADYSLNNE
MOSES LAKE WA 98837 7611 (3) 1-5-048 : 193,
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INDEX OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR LOIS MARGARET DRAKE SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
1) SIGNED APPLICATION PAGE 1
2) SUMMARY OF PROJECT PAGES 2-3
3) COMPLETED DETAILED APPLICATION PAGES 4-23
4) PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN 500' OF PROJECT PARCEL 5 PAGES
5) MAPS/SATELITE PHOTO/PHOTO FROM STREET 4 PAGES
6) 2'X3' DETAILED SITE PLAN SATELITE PHOTO 1 2'X3' MAP AND 20 COPIES
7) INDEX 1 PAGE
ZE O c ryqP :95g 9
y el. OFFICE OF PLANNING
s. STATE OF HAWAII
a
235 South Beretania Street,6th Floor,Honolulu,Hawaii 96813 Telephone: 808)587-2846
Mailing Address: P.O.Box 2359,Honolulu,Hawaii 96804 Fax: 8081 587-2824
Web: http://pianning.hawaii.gov/
DTS20200408032MA
April 24, 2020
CON PLANNING DEPT
Mr. Michael Yee APR 30 2020 AH10: 6
Director PFFD BY Email
Planning Department
County of Hawaii
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Attn: Jessica Andrews
Dear Mr. Yee:
Subject: Special Permit Application SPP20-000213
Applicant: Lois Margaret Drake and Robert Peter Jacobson
Request:To Legitimize the Conversion of an Existing Three-(3)-Bedroom, Two-
2)-Bath Dwelling to be Used as a Church Multi-Purpose Building and
Chapel
Tax Map Key: 1-5-048: 197
Land Area: 1 Acre
Thank you for the opportunity to review the subject application for a Special Permit for
an after the fact conversion of a three-bedroom two bath dwelling into a church and multi-
purpose building, and to allow future expansion and construction of a new 4,000-square foot
church, multi-purpose building, rooms for religious educational activities, restroom facilities.
commercial kitchen, and accessory uses.
Currently, the applicant is using the existing dwelling unit as a residence to house a
family displaced earlier by lava flows. The small attached structure to the dwelling is currently
used as a chapel. The applicant uses the chapel structure every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Approximately 10-30 people attend those services. Once a month the Sunday activities are
extended to 5 pm. There are also special services or events, such as the Artists in the Park Art
show, Christmas celebrations or Annual Fellowship dinners that are held intermittently and
attract larger numbers of people.
The applicant is proposing to establish within a ten-year period of time, a new 4,000-
square foot church building with a 75-person capacity in order to hold services, weddings,
artistic and cultural events, musical and other public events. The applicant also proposes to
Planning Dept,
Exhibit 2- 1 3 2 7 2 5
Mr. Michael Yee
April 24, 2020
Page 2
construct additional rooms for religious education with a capacity of 25 persons. Also proposed
on site are restrooms and showers, a commercial cooking facility to serve meals for the church
use, and also to produce other products and sales of products from this kitchen. Accessory uses
are proposed, such as parking for 25-40 cars, a possible expansion of the existing 25,000-gallon
water storage capacity, and if needed expansion of the existing septic tank. The applicant also
proposes to rent the rooms/classrooms to daycare through secondary school providers, and to
rent the commercial kitchen to small businesses. The applicant may also utilize or allow the
buildings and kitchen to be utilized for emergency events, and/or for professional service
providers, such as health care and other types of counselors. Crops and vegetables will also be
grown and cultivated on the site.
The Office of Planning (OP) has the following comments and concerns:
1. The proposed church is located within the Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna, Island of
Hawaii, on a 1-acre parcel. Within the County of Hawaii General plan. the parcel is
designated as Rural and the zoning as Agricultural A-la. The State Land Use District is
Agricultural. The Land Study Bureau maps indicate that the land is within E or
considered to have very poor soils. The parcel is not located within the Special
Management Area Use map.
2. Page 13. V. Infrastructure Considerations. Water. According to the document, a 25,000-
gallon storage tank is on the property and provides water for fire-fighting purposes and
residential use. We note that the storage tank will need to be brought up to the Fire
Department standards.
3. Page 13. Wastewater. According to the document, there is a septic system that currently
meets the State Department of Health regulations. However, the application should
include information on the current capacity of the septic system and whether it will meet
the future requirements.
4. Page 14. Roadway. The site is located on a private unpaved road, and furthermore, a
Traffic Impact Analysis Report(TIAR) was not included. Since the proposal is to
establish a large church and a variety of other accessory uses, there may be significant
traffic impacts on surrounding uses which should be considered.
5. Page 15-16. Environmental Considerations. Flora and Fauna, Archaeological and
Valued Cultural Resources. The applicant indicates that this site has been graded, cleared
and used for dwelling and church uses. The site is also not located along the shoreline
and is cleared of native vegetation. Thus, the application indicates that there should not
be any impacts on native species or cultural resources.
Mr. Michael Yee
April 24, 2020
Page 3
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Special Permit. If you have any questions or
comments, please email Lorene Maki of our Land Use Division at Lorene.k.maki.r%hawaii.g_ov
Mahalo,
Morj AEJQs
Mary Alice Evans
Director
DAVID Y.IGE o'_hq> BRUCE S.ANDERSON PhD.GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
f'
J '9 9•• DIRECTOR OF HEALTH
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CCII PLANNING DEPT
P.O.BOX 916
HILO,HAWAII 96721-0916 REC
p
1i; f ELI E ED
MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 23, 2020
TO: Mr. Michael Yee
Planning Director, County of Hawaii
FROM: Eric Hond
District Environmental Health Program Chief
SUBJECT: Special Permit Application (SPP-20-000213)
Applicant: Lois Margaret Drake and Robert Peter Jacobson
Request:To Legitimize the Conversion of an Existing Three (3) Bedroom,
Two (2)Bath Dwelling to be Used as a Church Multi-Purpose
Building and Chapel
TMK: 1-5-048:197
The applicant would need to meet the requirements of our Department of Health Air Pollution
Rules, Chapter 60.1, Title 11, State of Hawaii for fugitive dust control. If there is need to discuss
these requirements, please contact our Clean Air Branch staff at Ph. 933-0401.
Dispensing site locations and food preparation areas would need to meet the requirements of
Chapter 50, Food Safety Code. The applicant may call Ph. 933-0917 to discuss the content of
this communication.
The Department of Health's Safe Drinking Water Branch authority on drinking water quality is
based on the definition of a"public water system." Federal and state regulations define a public
water system as a system that serves 25 or more individuals at least 60 days per year or has at 4.:least 15 service connections. All public water system owners and operators are required to mcomplywithHawaiiAdministrativeRules, Chapter 11-20 (HAR 11-20), and titled "Rules 6\Relating to Public Water Systems". All public water systems are regulated by the Department of
Health and shall be in compliance with the Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 20. c __
Recommend the subdivision lots be connected to an existing public water system. c
C
Concerns on water quality for lead, copper, algae and microbiological and chemical acontaminationsinprivatewatersystemshaveidentifiedtheneedforselfmonitoring. The LL1
Department of Health does not support the use of these private rain catchment systems for
drinking purposes since the quality may not meet potable water standards.
32644
air Michael Yee
April 23, 2020
Page 2 of 6
All new public water systems are required to demonstrate and meet minimum capacity
X requirements prior to their establishment, per HAR 11-20-29.5, titled "Capacity Demonstration
and Evaluation." This requirement involves demonstration that the system will have satisfactory
technical, managerial and financial capacity to enable the system to comply with safe drinking
water standards and requirements.
Projects that propose development of new sources of potable water serving or proposed to serve
a public water system must comply with the terms of HAR 11-20-29. This section requires that
all new public water system sources be approved by the Director of Health (Director) prior to its
use. Such approval is based primarily upon the submission of a satisfactory engineering report
which addresses the requirements specified in HAR 11-20-29.
The engineering report must identify all potential sources of contamination and evaluate
alternative control measures which could be implemented to reduce or eliminate the potential for
contamination, including treatment of the water source. In addition, water quality analyses for
all regulated contaminants, performed by a laboratory certified by the State Laboratories
Division of the State of Hawaii, must be submitted as part of the report to demonstrate
compliance with all drinking water standards. Additional parameters may be required by the
Director for this submittal or additional tests required upon his or her review of the information
submitted.
All sources of public water system sources must undergo a source water assessment which will
delineate a source water protection area. This process is preliminary to the creation of a source
water protection plan for that source and activities which will take place to protect the source of
drinking water.
Projects proposing to develop new public water systems or proposing substantial modifications
to existing public water systems must receive construction plans approval by the Director prior to
construction of the proposed system or modification in accordance with HAR 11-20-30, titled
New and Modified Public Water Systems". These projects include treatment, storage and
distribution systems of public water systems. The approval authority for projects owned and
operated by a County Board or Department of Water or Water Supply has been delegated to
them.
All public water systems must be operated by certified distribution system and water treatment
plant operators as defined by HAR 11-25 titled, "Rules Pertaining to Certification of Public
Water System Operators".
All projects which propose the use of dual water systems or the use of a non-potable water
system in proximity to an existing potable water system to meet irrigation or other needs must be
carefully design and operate these systems to prevent the cross-connection of these systems and
prevent the possibility of backflow of water from the non-potable system to the potable system.
The two (2) systems must be clearly labeled and physically separated by air gaps or reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention devices to avoid contaminating the potable water supply.
In addition backflow devices must be tested periodically to assure their proper operation.
Further, all non-potable spigots and irrigated areas should be clearly labeled with warning signs
to prevent the inadvertent consumption on non-potable water. Compliance with HAR Chapter
11-2,1, titled Cross-Connection and Backflow Control is also required.
Michael Yee
April 23, 2020
Page 3 of 6
All projects which propose the establishment of a potentially contaminating activity (as
identified in the Hawaii Source Water Assessment Plan) within the source water protection area
of an existing source of water for a public water supply should address this potential and
activities that will be implemented to prevent or reduce the potential for contamination of the
drinking water source.
For further information concerning the application of capacity, new source approval, operator
certification, source water assessment, backflow/cross-connection prevention or other public
water system programs, please contact the SDWB at 586-4258.
The Department of Health (DOH), Clean Water Branch (CWB), acknowledges receipt of the
subject document on March 20, 2020. The CWB has reviewed the limited information contained
in the subject document and offers the following comments:
Permit Issuance
Any project and its potential impacts to State waters must meet the State's:
1) Antidegradation policy, which requires that the existing uses and the level
of water quality necessary to protect the existing uses of the receiving
State water be maintained and protected;
2) Designated uses, as determined by the classification of the receiving State
waters; and
3) Water quality criteria [Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 11-54],
A Section 401 Water quality Certification (WQC) is required if your
project/activity:
Requires a federal permit, license, certificate, approval, registration, or
Statutory exemption; and
May result in a discharge into State waters. The term "discharge" is
defined in Clean Water Act, Subsections 502(16), 502(12), and 502(6).
Examples of"discharge" include, but are not limited to, allowing the
following pollutants to enter State waters from the surface or in-water:
solid waste, rock/sand/dirt, heat, sewage, construction debris, any
underwater work, chemicals, fugitive dust/spray/paint, agricultural wastes,
biological materials,industrial wastes, concrete/sealant/epoxy, and
washing/cleaning effluent.
Determine if your project/activity requires a federal permit, license, certificate,
approval, registration, or statutory exemption by contacting the appropriate
federal agencies (e.g. Department of the Army (DA), U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (COE), Pacific Ocean Division Honolulu District Office (POH)Tel:
808-835-4303; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tel: 415-947-8021;
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Tel: 866-208-3372; U.S. Coast Guard
Office of Bridge Programs Tel: 202-372-1511).
To request a Section 401 WQC, you must complete and submit the Section 401
Michael Yee
April 23, 2020
Page 4 of 6
WQC application. This application is available on the e-Permitting Portal website
located at: tltthsaielia-cloud.doli l} ti
Please see HAR, chapter 11-54 for the State' Water Quality Standards and for
more information on the Section 401 WQC. HAR, Chapter 11-54 is available on
the CWB website at: htip /lhc__l tt 11iv.,
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage is
required for:
Storm water associated with construction activities for land disturbances of
one (1) acre or more. Land disturbance includes, but is not limited to,
clearing, grading, grubbing, excavation, demolition, uprooting of vegetation,
equipment staging, and storage areas.
Storm water associated with industrial activities for facilities with Standard
Industrial Classification Codes regulated in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(i) through
ix) and (xi).
Storm water and certain non-storm water from a small Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System.
Discharges of water pollutants into State surface waters. Examples of these
discharges include, but are not limited to, cooling water,hydrotesting waters,
dewatering effluent, and process wastewater.
Discharges from the application of pesticides (including pesticides,
herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and various other substances to control
pest) to State waters.
An application for an NPDES individual permit must be submitted at least 180
calendar days before the commencement of the discharge or start of construction
activities. To request and NPDES individual permit, you must complete and
submit the NPDES individual permit application. This application is available on
the e-Permitting Portal website located at:
ftp./ cha-cL ld.doi1Juv, ii. ,v. .t)C ill!(!.
A Notice of Intent (NOI) for coverage under a specific NPDES general permit
must be submitted at least 30 calendar days before the commencement of the
discharge or start of construction activities. To request NPDES general permit
coverage, you must complete and submit the NOI. The NOI is available on the
e-Permitting Portal website located at:
l'lI 1ti:rctlt c.l)Iltl,d(tll t1it x31 jl _ti11t!.
Please see HAR, Chapter 11-55 for more information on the NPDES individual
permit and NPDES general permits. The specific NPDES general permits
located in HAR, Chapter 11-55, Appendices B through M. HAR, Chapter 11-55
and HAR, Chapter 11-55, Appendices B through M are available on the CWB
website at: l?Pt :f ric tiltil.ba h;.
Michael Yee
April 23, 2020
Page 5 of 6
According to State law, all discharges related to the project construction or
operation activities, whether or not NPDES permit coverage and/or Section 401
WQC are required, must comply with the State's Water Quality Standards.
Monitoring
Effluent discharge and/or receiving water monitoring may be required as
conditions of Section 401 Water Quality Certifications and NPDES General and
Individual permits.
Enforcement
Noncompliance with water quality requirements contained in HAR, Chapter 11-54
and/or permitting requirements specified in HAR, Chapter 11-55 may be subject
to penalties of$25,000 per day per violation.
Violations of Hawaii Revised Statutes 342D and 342E may elicit administrative,
civil and criminal penalties for such violations.
Polluted Runoff Control
Manage projects identified in watershed-based plans that reduce polluted runoff
and educate the public about nonpoint source pollution. Projects are selected
through an annual request for proposals. Funding is provided by the EPA
through the Clean Water Act. For more information on projects and funding
opportunities, please visit: v. Lv u.iv !Iti '11'pc,1(lltCM Iz E]f
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Joanne Seto, Supervisor of the Engineering
Section, CWB, at (808) 586-4309.
Construction activities must comply with the provisions of Hawaii Administrative Rules,
Chapter 11-46, "Community Noise Control."
1. The contractor must obtain a noise permit if the noise levels from the construction
activities are expected to exceed the allowable levels of the rules.
2. Construction equipment and on-site vehicles requiring an exhaust of gas or air
must be equipped with mufflers.
3. The contractor must comply with the requirements pertaining to construction
activities as specified in the rules and the conditions issued with the permit.
Should there be any questions on this matter, please contact the Department of Health at 933-
0917.
Michael Yee
April 23, 2020
Page 6 of 6
The wastewater system is inadequate for the proposed project. Have your engineer submit to
DOH Wastewater Branch plans to upgrade current cesspool to a septic system.
We recommend that you review all of the Standard Comments on our website:
flim://13,t\ iroilmentaLici, -plaru<<nnf/landu etlatidu,e.hi nnl. Any comments
specifically applicable to this project should be adhered to.
The same website also features a Healthy Community Design Smart Growth Checklist
Checklist) created by Built Environment Working Group (BEWG) of the Hawaii State
Department of Health. The BEWG recommends that state and county planning departments,
developers, planners, engineers and other interested parties apply the healthy built environment
principles in the Checklist whenever they plan or review new developments or redevelopments
projects. We also ask you to share this list with others to increase community awareness on
healthy community design.
F yvATEkS-4R ,.........GAA..
19 19
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY • COUNTY OF HAWAII
345 KEKUANAC`A STREET, SUITE 20 • HILO, HAWAII 96720FRAIL'+-.
TELEPHONE (808)961-8050 • FAX (808)961-8657
March 25, 2020
In(7t1
MAR3
TO: Mr. Michael Yee, Director i: 2020
Planning Department
FROM: Keith K. Okamoto, Manager—Chief Engineer
SUBJECT: Special Permit Application (SPP 20-000213)
Applicant—Lois Margaret Drake and Robert Peter Jacobson
Request—To Legitimize the Conversion of an Existing Three (3)-Bedroom,Two
2)-Bath Dwelling to be Used as a Church Multi-Purpose Building and Chapel
Tax Map Key 1-5-048:197
We have reviewed the subject application and have the following comments and conditions.
Please be informed that the subject property is not within the service limits of the Department's
existing water system facilities.
Therefore, the Department's existing water system facilities cannot support the proposed bed and
breakfast at this time. Extensive improvements and additions, which may include, but not be limited
to, source, storage, booster pumps, transmission, and distribution facilities, would be required.
Should there be any questions, please contact Mr. Troy Samura of our Water Resources and PlanningBranchat961-8070, extension 255.
Sincerely yours,
Viiikt/INVItiS61
Keith K. Okamoto, P.E.
Manager—Chief Engineer
TS:dfg
copy—Ms. Lois Margaret Drake and Mr. Robert Peter Jacobson Planning Dept.
Exhibit
Water, Our f Most cPrecious Resource. . . Ra Waij4 2{ane. . . 13 2 2 6 5
The Department of Water Supply is an Equal Opportunity provider and employer.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
COUNTY OF HAWAII
HILO, HAWAII
DATE: March 11, 2020
Neateittaftdaftt
rw
N
TO: Michael Yee, Planning Director
FROM: Department of Public Works, Engineering Division
1
SUBJECT: SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION (SPP 20-000213)
Applicant: Lois Margaret Drake and Robert Peter Jacobson 11
Request: To Legitimize the Conversion of an Existing Three (3)-
Bedroom, Two (2)-Bath Dwelling to be Used as a Church
Multi-Purpose Building and Chapel
TMK: 1-5-048:197
We have reviewed the subject application forwarded by your memo dated March 6, 2020,
and provide the following comments:
1. All earthwork activity, including grading, grubbing and stockpiling, shall conform
to Chapter 10, Erosion and Sedimentary Control, of the Hawaii County Code.
2. All development-generated runoff shall be disposed of on site and not directed
toward any adjacent properties. A drainage plan may be required by the Plan
Approval process in accordance with Section 25-2-72(3) of the Hawaii CountyCode.
3. The subject parcel is in an area designated as Zone X on the Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Zone X is
an area determined to be outside the 500-year floodplain.
Questions may be referred to Bryce Harada at 961-8042.
Planning Dept.
Exhibit S-
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer 132003