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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-05 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan MinutesPage 1 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL GENERAL PLAN MEETING COUNTY OF HAWAI‘I MINUTES DECEMBER 5, 2024 A video recording is made part of these minutes, which can be viewed on the YouTube County of Hawai‘i Planning Department channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/9V--5XL6dE4?si=c_AMC1uB65yCF6MG Timestamps are provided for reference in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. In the event the video recording becomes unavailable at the abovementioned URL address, the public can contact the Planning Department for assistance. The Windward Planning Commission met in a Special General Plan Continued meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5:01 p.m., in the County of Hawai‘i, Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, with Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III presiding. This meeting was streamed live on YouTube. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Daniele III (Vice and Interim Chairman), Lauren Balog, Wayne De Luz, Chantel Perrin, and Gordon Takaki. ALSO PRESENT: Suzanna Tiapula, Esq. (Counsel to the Commission), Jean Campbell, Esq. (Counsel to the Planning Department), Jeffrey Darrow (Acting Planning Director), and Planning Department staff. Nine members of the public were in the audience. A quorum was present. Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III called the meeting to order and introduced the Commissioners. Staff introductions were made. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 0:33] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III asked each Commissioner to confirm they had reviewed all materials, including written public testimony related to the applications being reviewed today. Each Commissioner verbally confirmed they had done so. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:16] INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 3:08] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III explained that this meeting allows public comments on the County of Hawaiʻi General Plan 2045 and for the Commission to review and provide recommendations to the County Council. The Commission will hold meetings through March 2025, with each meeting including staff presentation, public testimony, and Commission discussions. For instance, today’s focus is the “Sustainable Development and Resilient Page 2 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes Communities” section within Land Use. At its November 4, 2024, meeting, the Commission made a motion to provide a favorable recommendation to the County Council on the draft Plan. The motion to the County Council will remain open until the final meeting, allowing commissioners to propose changes by adding, removing, or revising language through subsidiary motions. At the final meeting, the Commission will review all amendments and vote on the main motion to finalize its recommendation to the County Council. The draft Plan and agenda are available on the County of Hawaiʻi Planning Commission website. At 5:08 p.m. with approximately thirteen public members in the audience, April Surprenant and Janice Hata, Planning Department staff gave the staff presentation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:22] [SEE EXHIBIT A – PowerPoint Presentation 12-5-24] Acting Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow requested the Planning Department staff to show the slide comparing conservation and agriculture changes to urban areas again. He mentioned it was shown during the session and thought it would help people understand the scale of urban areas in comparison. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 41:43] April Surprenant explained that the comparison is challenging due to the different scales of the two charts. She noted that urban areas on the island make up only about 1% to 3% of the total land. Referring to the PowerPoint “Urban & Rural Use” slide, she pointed out that all urban and rural areas combined would compress into a small beige square on the PowerPoint “Agriculture & Open Space” slide. She stated this square represents about approximately 2% of the island’s total land, with the remaining area in the agriculture and conservation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 42:33] STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS At 5:47 p.m. the Commission took up this item with approximately thirteen public members present in the Council Chambers. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 43:51] Seven individuals provided testimony in-person: 1. David DeCleene [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 45:05] 2. Bryan Revell [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 48:37 3. Michelle Melendez [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 50:43] 4. Michael Johnsen [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 54:16] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III told the testifier, you mentioned infrastructure for farmers. He then asked for an example, saying, are you referring to things like the absence of slaughterhouses, egg farms, or other facilities that used to exist here? Are you talking about packing plants, radiation plants, or other infrastructure that farmers need to move food throughout the community? [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 57:39] The testifier, Michael Johnson, responded, “yes”. He stated where it starts is understanding what land use if for and on the Hāmākua Coast, there are only two areas zoned industrial where equipment can be set up. He also stated it would be great to have lychee processing equipment here as they have it in China and all over Asia, where they can easily process fruits like lychee and longans. He mentioned we also have people in this area who contract farmers to grow fruit, Page 3 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes but there’s no place to process it and we just need that infrastructure. The funding is available to build the factory, I guess you could say, and that’s basically what I’m talking about. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 8:15] Acting Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow stated, I think you were here last time when we had our meeting. I mentioned the opportunities available to farmers, including ag-tourism, and I encouraged you to stop by our office so we could provide more information. Additionally, there are also agricultural-based commercial operations, which are a permitted use in all State Land Use agricultural districts. He stated again, if you stop by our office, we can provide details on that and said ag processing facilities are also a permitted use in all agricultural districts. These facilities are typically allowed without plan approval, and even the larger ones only require a simple plan approval. So, he went on to say there are opportunities available for farmers to pursue these uses on ag land. SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 59:17] In-person testimony resumed: 5. Kevin Hill [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:01:00] 6. Kalei Kailikini [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:05:29] 7. Fran Copp [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:09:16] Five individuals provided testimony on Zoom at 6:15 p.m. 1. April Lee [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:13:29] 2. Marion Geruschat [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:19:52] 3. Noah Walin [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:24:12] 4. Patrick Wake [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:26:06] 5. Juhl Rayne [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:28:16] DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI GENERAL PLAN 2045 Discussion on the County of Hawaiʻi General Plan 2045, Final Recommended Draft dated July 2024, transmitted by the Planning Director. The General Plan is the primary policy document for the long-range comprehensive development of the island of Hawaiʻi. Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III opened the floor allowing the Commissioners to ask questions of the Planning Department staff. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:34:28] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III began questioning the Planning staff, noting that much of tonight’s testimony focused on climate change, which appears to be a major topic. He mentioned it is prominent in the plan and a significant concern for many people, then asked what research was done on the issue. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:35:08] In response April Surprenant of the Planning Department responded that she would need to review their resources for that section. She noted that Bethany Morrison, who attended the last meeting is their expert in this area. She explained that the department referenced information from the State, HRS, and various local organizations focused on climate change, energy efficiency, and island resilience. Page 4 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes She also highlighted the Climate Action Plan, developed as part of the General Plan process, which incorporated extensive research, outreach, and data. She emphasized the significant effort and research involved. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:36:30] Acting Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow addressed Planning Department staff member April Surprenant to discuss concerns raised by testifiers. He noted that many people are unaware of the extensive work behind the plan, including resources on climate change and significant public input gathered over the plan's nine-year process. He asked staff to highlight areas on the website where the public can access this information. He mentioned that tonight’s topic is Land Use, as the plan is being addressed section by section and noted that while Climate Change was discussed at the last meeting, it remains a prominent issue, drawing more interest than Land Use this evening. He stated that rainwater catchment was another topic raised, and his review of the draft General Plan revealed seven references to it. He believes the testifier was concerned about Action 26.f, which he recited as stating: “Collaborate with the DOH to develop standards and/or guidelines for the construction and use of rainwater catchment systems to minimize the intrusion of any chemical and microbiological contaminants.” He clarified that he did not find anything in the plan restricting rainwater catchment; instead, the plan supports and promotes it. Planning staff member April Surprenant agreed and clarified that the policy originates from 2005, along with the HAR Rules that govern the Department of Health (DOH). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:37:45] Commissioner Chantel Perrin addressed concerns raised by testifiers, including a request to pause the General Plan to revise the Hilo Community Development Plan (CDP). She asked Planning staff to clarify the process order, specifically whether the General Plan is completed first and the Hilo CDP follows as an offspring, or if it happens the other way around. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:40:57] Planning staff member April Surprenant explained that the 2005 General Plan authorized and initiated the process for creating Community Development Plans (CDPs). Over the years, various CDPs have been developed, but there is no formal CDP for South Hilo. She clarified that the department followed the General Plan's comprehensive review process outlined in Section 16.1, which mandates starting the review within 10 years of the last plan's adoption (February 2005). As a result, the process began in February 2015. At that time, the Hāmākua and Ka‘ū CDPs were already underway but not yet completed; they have since been finalized. April Surprenant emphasized that the goal was to integrate the existing CDPs and related work into the General Plan. Once the General Plan is adopted, the department plans to revisit and update the CDPs to address current needs and revise them for each region accordingly. Regarding South Hilo, she acknowledged the absence of a formal CDP but highlighted other unique plans for Hilo that other regions lack. These include the detailed “zone map” which specifies right-of-way widths for every road in Hilo, as well as the Envision Hilo Plan and the Hilo Multi-Modal Plan. She noted that additional community meetings were held as part of the planning process. She acknowledged that people often learn about these efforts at different stages but emphasized the department's extensive efforts to engage the community and publicize meetings. These efforts included radio announcements, newspaper notices, multiple public notices, social media updates, outreach to community groups, and other forms of communication Page 5 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes to ensure the public was informed about meetings and workshops. She explained that they use a listserv, an email group service, to send updates and notices about new information or community meetings to those who sign up. For the General Plan, they utilized all available listservs across County departments to distribute notices. While they strive to spread information as widely as possible, they acknowledge there are limitations and gaps in the process. They conducted outreach with neighborhoods, civic organizations, and schools, particularly in Hilo. Recognizing the absence of a current or recent community development plan for Hilo, additional efforts were made to engage the South Hilo area. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:41:36] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III called a recess at 6:49 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:46:32] and the meeting was reconvened at 7:04 p.m. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP begins at 2:03:37 with In-person Public Testimony] An additional individual provided in-person testimony: 8. Megan Isaac [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:03:49] An additional individual provided testimony via Zoom: 6. Sarahlee Kittons [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:07:38] The Commission resumed discussion and deliberations and open the floor to ask questions of the Planning staff. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:12:38] Planning Staff member April Surprenant addressed public concerns regarding the County’s approach to property acquisition, clarifying that laws ensure “taking” property without just compensation is prohibited. She emphasized that land purchases require willing landowners and highlighted the Public Open Space Commission (PONC) as a key example. The PONC facilitates applications from communities for land conservation, as seen in North Kohala, where coastal lands have been preserved for public access and historic resource protection through ownership by the County, State, or land trusts. She clarified that references in the General Plan to the County having a list of lands are often misunderstood and explained that community and area development plans frequently identify properties for potential acquisition based on community interest. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:13:25] She addressed Michael’s testimony about farmers’ resources and infrastructure, noting that the plan supports farmers, including small farmers, and emphasizes critical infrastructure like water, which is essential for agricultural production. She highlighted that some agricultural operations require significant water resources, which the plan acknowledges and supports. She also clarified that while Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) was mentioned, the plan and the County do not intend to dictate or restrict individuals’ vehicle usage. Instead, the focus is on minimizing fossil fuel use in the County’s fleet, promoting multimodal transportation, and improving mass transit options to provide affordable alternatives for residents who might struggle with fuel costs. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:15:58] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III noted the discussions on the drawbacks of electric vehicles and pointed out that hydrogen, although mentioned, was not widely discussed. He Page 6 of 6 Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting December 5, 2024, Minutes highlighted that existing infrastructure could support hydrogen distribution without needing extensive new development. He inquired whether the County had acquired hydrogen buses. Planning staff member April Surprenant responded that, to her knowledge, the County has at least one hydrogen bus. However, she noted that hydrogen infrastructure is limited. She clarified that the plan mentions hydrogen as an opportunity to explore rather than a mandate, emphasizing its feasibility as an option. She added that she was unsure if the hydrogen bus was operational and suggested checking with Mass Transit for confirmation. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:17:37] Vice and Interim Chairman Louis Daniele III shared an example from his previous job, where there was hydro plant was exploring the use of an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen in collaboration with Blue Planet. He noted that this approach could utilize natural resources for hydrogen production and suggested that it could be developed into a more robust option for the County. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:17:04] There were no further questions of the Planning staff nor discussions amongst the Commission. MOTION FOR CONTINUNANCE [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:20:42] Commissioner Chantel Perrin moved, and Commissioner Lauren Balog seconded, to continue the hearing on the Draft General Plan at the next Windward Planning Commission’s Special Meeting. Before initiating the roll call vote, Planning Program Manager Maija Jackson restated the motion and announced that the regular Windward Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 2, 2025, as well as the special General Plan meetings scheduled for this day and January 3, 2025, were canceled. She further clarified that the next General Plan meeting will be held on February 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., followed by the regular meeting at 1:00 p.m. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion carried with five ayes (Perrin, Balog, De Luz, Takaki, and Daniele),and no noes. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:22:06] This hearing item ended at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador Secretary ATTEST: Louis Daniele III, Chairman Windward Planning Commission Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador (Feb 9, 2025 16:14 HST) Melissa Dacayanan-Salvador o0is Daniele (Feb 10, 2025 0ц:54 HST) 2oXis Daniele /// County of Hawaiʻi General Plan Comprehensive Review Windward Planning Commission Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities: Land Use December 5, 2024 (EXHIBIT A) Authority of the General Plan •The GP is the primary policy document for county agencies, planning commissions, elected officials, landowners, developers, and citizens to guide land use policy decisions for Hawaiʻi Island. •The GP relies on further implementation actions, such as zoning and budget ordinances, to move the County in the direction of our goals. •The GP does not change previously existing subdivisions or zoning. US Constitution Federal State Zoning Enabling Act (1926) Federal Standard City Planning Enabling Act (1928) Hawaiʻi State Constitution Hawaiʻi County Charter §3-15 HRS §226: State Planning Act (1978) County General Plan Purpose of the General Plan Planning Tool •Guides all development patterns •Directs future opportunities •Determines public investments Sustainability Strategy •Presents a vision for the future •Addresses the layers of healthy, livable communities The General Plan “shall set forth the [County] Council’s long-range policy for the comprehensive physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural well-being of the county.” What Have We Been Doing? 2015 – Initiated GP Comp. Review 2019 – Initial Public Review of Draft Policies 2023 – Draft GP 2045 Public Review July 29, 2024 – Release of Final Recommended Draft GP 2045 PROJECT TIMELINE •2015 Initiated GP Comp. Review •2016 Initial Public Outreach for Comments •2017 New Kim Administration Update •2018 Kīlauea Eruption & Hurricane Lane Recovery •2019 Public Review Draft Policies •2020 County-wide Response to COVID •2021 New Roth Administration Update •2022 Policy & Document Preparation •2023 Public Review Draft GP 2045 •July 2024 Public Review Final Recommended Draft GP 2045 OUTREACH/UPDATE TIMELINE •2015 Council GP Initiation Conversation ACs, Agencies •2016 ACs, Stakeholder & Technical Workshops, Agencies •2017 Council Update Individually ACs, Mayor’s Cabinet, Public Forums, Agencies •2018 ACs, Agencies •2019 Council Presentation ACs, Public Workshops, Community Groups, Agencies, Large Landowners •2020 & 2021 ACs, Agencies •2022 Council Update/Conversation ACs, Agencies, Mayor’s Cabinet •2023 Council Update Individually ACs, Agencies, Cabinet, Public Workshops, Community Groups •2024 Final Public Workshops & Transmit to PC Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities Chapters Elements Introduction Purpose, Authority, & History Planning Process Sustainability Principles & Practices Planning System & Framework Grounded Vision & Goals Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship Native Habitats Watersheds Biocultural Stewardship Cultural & Historic Assets Natural Beauty (Scenic Character) Adapting to Climate Change for Island-Wide Health Mitigation Adaptation Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities Land Use Transportation Access & Mobility Public Utilities Public Facilities & Services Housing For All Integrated Systems Thriving, Diversified, and Regenerative Economy Agriculture & Food Systems Visitor Industry Implementation Planning System Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Monitoring & Evaluation Pl a n C h a p t e r s & S e c t i o n s Land Use •GP Land Use Designations •Urban Growth Areas •Rural •Agriculture Future Land Use Purpose and Authority General Plan Land Use is a broad, flexible design intended to guide the direction and quality of future developments in a coordinated and rational manner. The General Plan Land Use Map is a graphic expression of the policies intended to be forward-looking long-range guides subject to a) existing zoning; and b) the State Land Use District. The General Plan is not retroactive, meaning it does not change existing subdivisions or zoning. GP Land Use Designations •Industrial: Create distinction between heavier uses and those that are light/service and may be more compatible with commercial uses as a transition. •Agriculture: Eliminate confusion with SLU Important Agriculture Land. Added Natural to bridge agriculture and open spaces. •Open: Create distinction between active living/sports uses vs. lands to be left in a more natural state like lava fields or mauka forests. 2005 GP LUPAG (existing)2024 Draft GPLU (proposed) High Density Urban High Density Urban Medium Density Urban Medium Density Urban Low Density Urban Low Density Urban Urban Expansion Urban Expansion Industrial Light Industrial ----Heavy Industrial University University Resort Resort Resort Node ---- Rural Rural Important Agriculture Land Productive Agriculture Extensive Agriculture Extensive Agriculture ----Natural Orchard ---- Open Recreation Pond ---- Conservation Conservation Objectives Obj 9: Maintain community character and land use compatibility. Obj 10: Increase the integration of natural systems planning. Obj 11: Increase equitable planning and decision-making processes. Obj 12: Reduce the threat to life and property from natural hazards and disasters. Obj 13: Increase the use of Smart Growth principles to focus development within designated urban centers. Obj 14: Maximize the use of Rural designated lands to preserve rural character and lifestyle. Obj 15: Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands. Land Use Goal Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Urban Growth Areas (Sec 4.1.4) Rural (Sec 4.1.5) Agriculture (Sec 4.1.6) Land Use Policies & Actions Example 1 – General Land Use Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Policy 12.7: Incorporate hazard mitigation strategies into policies and planning decisions using the most conservative models in delineating hazard areas. •The intention of this policy is to establish the overarching goal of integrating hazard mitigation strategies into planning processes. It emphasizes precaution and safety in decision-making. Objective 12: Reduce the threat to life and property from natural hazards and disasters. Action 12.e: Review and amend land use policies to reduce risk from hazards including but not limited to floodplains, high surf, tsunami, landslides, erosion, wildfires, and high-risk volcanic hazard areas. •This action is an application of the policy by directing a review and amendment of land use policies to address risks associated with a range of hazards. It focuses on aligning land use practices with the hazard mitigation framework outlined in the policy. Land Use Policies & Actions Example 2 – Urban Growth Areas Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Commercial Policy 13.24: Discourage strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the Urban Growth Areas (UGAs). •This policy aims to focus development within UGAs to make efficient use of existing infrastructure and services. The policy also protects rural character, enhances traffic safety, and ensures commercial growth aligns with long-term land use goals. Objective 13: Increase the use of Smart Growth principles to focus development within designated urban centers. Industrial Policy 13.38: Mitigate impacts of industrial development on surrounding uses by requiring landscaping, trees, open spaces, buffer zones, and other appropriate conditions. •This policy aims to ensure that industrial development is compatible with its surroundings, thus promoting responsible development. Resort Policy 13.42: Promote and prioritize the rehabilitation and the optimum utilization of resort areas that are presently serviced by basic facilities and utilities before allowing new resorts. •This policy aims to maximize existing investments by ensuring resort areas with existing infrastructure are rehabilitated and utilized to its full potential. The policy intention is also to protect open spaces and natural areas by limiting the development of new resort areas. Key Policies (pages 87-89): Land Use Policies & Actions Example 2 – Urban Growth Areas cont. Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Objective 13: Increase the use of Smart Growth principles to focus development within designated urban centers. These actions are intended to: •Modernize land use regulations to encourage mixed-use development •Prioritize community-focused design, walkability, and vibrant public spaces •Enable diverse housing options to accommodate different income levels and lifestyles •Align block sizes with the intended use and identity of neighborhoods •Foster sustainability and economic diversification Actions (page 90): Land Use Policies & Actions Example 3 – Rural Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Policy 14.5: Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations with heritage, agriculture, wellness, or similar themes in rural areas and near points of interest. •This policy encourages small-scale visitor accommodations that provide unique experiences aligned with rural and agricultural settings. By supporting accommodations in rural areas near points of interest, the policy aims to create visitor opportunities that are compatible with the area’s character and contribute to the local economy without overburdening infrastructure or detracting from the rural appeal of Hawaiʻi Island. Objective 14: Maximize the use of Rural designated lands to preserve rural character and lifestyle. Action 14.a: Amend the Zoning Code definition and requirements for Lodges and reconcile similarities and inconsistencies with the special permit provisions for Retreats. Clearly articulate in the Code the zoning districts appropriate for Lodges. •This action provides a regulatory approach to implementing the policy by refining definitions and requirements for small-scale accommodations. By amending the Code for clarity, the County can reduce ambiguity and make it easier for people to establish these types of accommodations in suitable locations. This clarity also ensures that accommodations adhere to rural zoning requirements and that developments remain compatible with rural and agricultural surroundings. Land Use Policies & Actions Example 4 – Agriculture Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Policy 15.1: Development in Productive Agriculture and Extensive Agriculture areas should include agricultural uses, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, compatible renewable energy, open area recreational uses, community facilities, and compatible agriculture worker housing. •This policy outlines the vision for allowing development in agricultural areas that directly supports and enhances agricultural activities and related economic uses. By specifying compatible uses, the policy aims to ensure that development serves agricultural purposes, preserves open space, and promotes economic activities that support agriculture. Objective 15: Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands. Action 15.a: Amend the Zoning Code to develop standards for permitting certified incubators or commercial kitchens in Rural or Agricultural districts. •This action provides an application of the policy by proposing amendments to the Zoning Code to permit certified facilities that directly support agriculture by providing infrastructure for value-added production, such as food processing, that enhances the economic viability of agricultural activity. Land Use Policies & Actions Example 5 – Agriculture Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Policy 15.7: Encourage and aid the agricultural industry in continuing to provide agriculture worker housing. •This policy emphasizes the importance of encouraging and assisting the agricultural industry in providing housing for agricultural workers. It recognizes that adequate housing is critical to sustaining a robust and productive agricultural workforce. Objective 15: Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands. Action 15.d: Amend the County Code to allow agriculture worker housing to be permitted where the employee’s primary occupation is working on a specific farm but where the housing and the farm are not on the same parcel. •This action proposes a code amendment that offers flexibility that would address practical challenges, such as land availability or zoning restrictions, while ensuring workers have access to housing near their place of employment. Land Use Policies & Actions Example 6 – Open Space Goal: Strategically apply progressive land use strategies incorporating indigenous and contemporary knowledge and place-based practices to direct and manage growth for the health and safety of our communities. Policy 9.3: Zoning, subdivision, and other applicable ordinances shall provide for and protect open space areas. •This policy establishes a general requirement that land use regulations prioritize and safeguard open space areas, ensuring these areas are preserved as an integral part of community planning. Objective 9: Maintain community character and land use compatibility. Action 9.b: Create village plans for unique urban areas that include considerations for urban design, aesthetic quality, and the protection of amenities in adjacent areas through landscaping, open space, and buffer areas. •This action builds on the policy by specifying how open spaces can be protected and integrated throughout the planning process (e.g., development of village plans). Urban & Rural Uses •CDPs & Master Plans •Create transition between different densities •Public comments throughout process •SLU, 2005 GP, zoning •Access to infrastructure •Rural as transition between Urban and Agriculture Table 19: General Plan Land Use Designations and Maps (page 84) Urban & Rural Uses North Kona 2005 2024 •Increase of Cons & Natural •Urban Exp designated to more specific urban uses •HDU to MDU to LDU to Rural North Kona South Hilo 2005 2024 South Hilo Agriculture & Natural •Productive Ag – name change (IAL) •Orchard (2005) – added to Productive Ag •Natural – added for passive use •UHH Agriculture Land Use Baseline (2015 & 2020) Final Recommended Draft General Plan, page 85 Recreation & Conservation •Recreation – active recreational parks, golf courses, and shoreline setbacks not in SLU conservation. •Conservation – forests & water reserves, lands in active conservation, and SLU conservation. •Pond (2005) – added to Conservation Final Recommended Draft General Plan, page 85 Agriculture & Open Space Land Use Conclusions •Decision-Making Process •The GP focuses on guiding collective land use and development decisions rather than imposing restrictions on individual actions. •Urban & Rural Uses •CDPs & Master Plans, SLU, 2005 GP, Zoning •Create transition between different densities •Access to infrastructure Public Outreach &Input a t E v e r y S t a g e •Agriculture & Natural Uses •UHH Agricultural Baseline crops & pasture data, historic lava flows, federal & state-owned lands from Hawaiʻi County assessor data •Recreation & Conservation Uses •Parks in SLU conservation are noted as GPLU conservation •Active parks with active use areas are noted as recreation •Public lands not in active use are noted as natural or conservation (e.g., PONC properties) For More Information Planning Website – Overall Process Interactive Draft & Maps https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/comp https://cohplanning.konveio.com/final-recommended-draft-general-plan-2045?document=1 Next Steps Tentative WPC Hearing Dates: Thu, January 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - Cancelled Fri, January 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - Cancelled Thu, February 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Fri, February 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Mon, March 10, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Tues, March 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Wed, March 12, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Information for Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings for Review of General Plan 2045 at: https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/about- us/boards-committees/planning-commission-applications or by calling 808-961-8288. Review the plan section by section. Next is Sustainable Development & Resilient Communities: Land Use (cont.) MAHALO County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department