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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2024-08 Kaʻū GP PoliciesPage 1 of 9 General Plan Policy Rationale Kaʻū CDP Related Excerpts The policies outlined in this document are derived from the General Plan Policy Rationale linked here: General Plan Policy Rationale Collaborative Biocultural Stewardship Objective 4 The historic integrity, character, scenic assets, and open space of our communities are protected, restored, and treated as unique assets with significant social and economic value and managed in perpetuity. Policies 4.11 Identify outstanding natural or cultural features, such as water courses, flne groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures, on subdivision preliminary plat maps. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 12: Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, flne groves of trees, heiaus, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) Land Use Objective 9 Maintain community character and land use compatibility. Policies 9.1 The development of commercial facilities should be designed to refiect the character of the community while providing desired services and mitigating impacts on the surrounding environment. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 73: The development of commercial facilities should be designed to flt into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns shall be incorporated into the review of such developments. (GP 14.3.3(f)) 9.2 In those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision code are inconsistent with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, variances or Planned Unit Developments (PUD) that maintain consistent village/town character should be encouraged. Communication No. 2024-08 Page 2 of 9 Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 72: In the “Low Density Urban” (LDU) and “Medium Density Urban” Land Use Policy Map categories, in those cases where provisions of the zoning and subdivision codes are inconsistent with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, variances or PUDs that maintain consistent village/town character should be encouraged. 9.6 In the review of discretionary permits, consider land use compatibility to ensure proximate compatible and complementary uses and appropriate mitigation measures. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 10: The Director of Planning shall offer a favorable recommendation to the Planning Commissions, subject to appropriate conditions, only for those proposed zoning code amendments that would further the intent and ensure consistency with the objectives and policies of the Ka‘ū CDP. (HCC 25-2-42(c)(1) and 25-2-44) Objective 10 Increase the integration of natural systems planning. Policies 10.2 During discretionary permit applications, the Planning Director may require a pedestrian, equestrian, and/or bicycle path when it is possible and safe to connect to existing or future open space, drainage, or active living corridors. Ka‘ū Community Development Plan Policy 84: Where a subdivision is traversed by a natural water course, drainage way, channel, or stream, the Planning Director should require a pedestrian, equestrian, and/or bicycle path when the opportunity exists to connect to existing or future drainage or trail corridors. (HCC 23-30) 10.4 Identify outstanding natural or cultural features, such as water courses, flne groves of trees, heiau, and historical sites and structures on subdivision preliminary plat maps. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 12: Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, flne groves of trees, heiaus, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) Objective 11 Increase equitable planning and decision-making processes. Policies 11.2 Ensure affordable housing requirements that meet the demand created by the development 2005 General Plan 2.4.9.2 Kaʻū Courses of Action: Page 3 of 9 (a) Balance development with the social and physical environment of the area. Provisions for orderly development, housing, and pollution controls shall be implemented. (c) Recognize the natural beauty of the area as a major economic and social asset. Protect this resource through appropriate review processes when development is proposed. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 6: The development of visitor accommodations and any resort development should complement the character of the area; protect the environment and natural beauty; respect existing lifestyles, cultural practices, and cultural resources; provide shoreline public access; and provide affordable housing to meet demand created by the development. (GP 2.4.9.2(a & c), 9.3(g), 14.7.2(c), 14.7.3(i), 14.7.5.9.2(a)) Objective 12 Reduce the threat to life and property from natural hazards and disasters. Policies 12.8 Encourage the development and implementation of Community Wildflre Protection Plans, Firewise Community Certiflcation, and public education programs for communities with high wildflre risk. Ka‘ū Community Development Plan Policy 119: Implement the Ka‘ū Community Wildflre Protection Plan Objective 13 Increase the use of Smart Growth principles to focus development within designated urban centers. Policies 13.2 Prioritize increase in density, rehabilitation, and redevelopment within existing zoned urban areas already served by basic infrastructure, or close to such areas. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 1: Rehabilitate and develop within existing zoned urban areas already served by basic infrastructure, or close to such areas, instead of scattered development. (GP 14.1.3(b) and 14.1.3(j)) Commercial 13.19 Encourage the concentration of commercial uses within and surrounding a central core area adequately served by transportation, utilities, and other essential infrastructure. 2005 General Plan 14.3.5.9.2 Kaʻū Courses of Action: Page 4 of 9 (a) Centralization of commercial activity in the communities of Pahala, Naalehu and Ocean View and the area of the Volcanoes National Park shall be encouraged. ( b) Do not allow strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the designated urban areas. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 2: Concentrate commercial uses within and surrounding central core areas in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View and do not allow strip or spot commercial development outside of the designated urban areas. (GP 14.3.3 (e), 14.3.5.9.2 (a, b)) 13.20 Infrastructure and design elements shall be incorporated into the review of commercial developments. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 73: The development of commercial facilities should be designed to flt into the locale with minimal intrusion while providing the desired services. Appropriate infrastructure and design concerns shall be incorporated into the review of such developments. (GP 14.3.3(f)) 13.24 Discourage strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the UGAs. 2005 General Plan 14.3.5.9.2 Ka‘ū Courses of Action (b): Do not allow strip or spot commercial development on the highway outside of the designated urban areas. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 2: Concentrate commercial uses within and surrounding central core areas in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View and do not allow strip or spot commercial development outside of the designated urban areas. (GP 14.3.3(e), 14.3.5.9.2(a, b)) Resort 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. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 5: Rehabilitate and optimize the utilization of designated resort areas that are presently serviced by basic facilities and utilities and before new resorts are allowed in undeveloped coastal areas. (GP 14.7.3(b & c)) 2019 Draft General Plan Policy 547: Prioritize the rehabilitation and utilization of designated resort areas that are presently serviced by basic facilities and utilities before allowing new resorts in undeveloped coastal areas. [Rationale: Based on General Plan Policy 14.7.3 (c) and Ka‘ū CDP Policy 5.] 13.44 The development or designation of new resort areas should complement the character of the area; protect the environment and natural beauty; respect existing lifestyles, cultural practices, and cultural resources; and provide shoreline public access Page 5 of 9 2005 General Plan 2.4.9.2 Ka‘ū Courses of Action (a): Balance development with the social and physical environment of the area. Provisions for orderly development, housing, and pollution controls shall be implemented. 2005 General Plan 2.4.9.2 Ka‘ū Courses of Action (c): Recognize the natural beauty of the area as a major economic and social asset. Protect this resource through appropriate review processes when development is proposed. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 6: The development of visitor accommodations and any resort development should complement the character of the area; protect the environment and natural beauty; respect existing lifestyles, cultural practices, and cultural resources; provide shoreline public access; and provide affordable housing to meet demand created by the development. (GP 2.4.9.2(a & c), 9.3(g), 14.7.2(c), 14.7.3(i), 14.7.5.9.2(a)) 13.48 Retreat Resort uses may be permitted outside UGAs through Special Permits only when there is a clear community beneflt or consistent with County, State, and Federal sustainability objectives. 2005 General Plan 14.7.5.9.2 Ka‘ū Courses of Action (b): Encourage the development of small family or "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 149: Encourage the development of small family or “bed and breakfast” type visitor accommodations. (GP 14.7.5.9.2(b)) Objective 14 Maximize the use of Rural designated lands to preserve rural character and lifestyle. Policies 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. 2005 General Plan 14.7.5.9.2 Kaʻū Courses of Action (b): Encourage the development of small family or "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations Objective 15 Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands. Policies 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. Page 6 of 9 Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 38: To reinforce existing protections, the offlcial Ka‘ū CDP Land Use Policy Map designates agricultural lands in Ka‘ū as areas to be preserved for agriculture and open space. Development and construction in “Important Agricultural Land” and “Extensive Agriculture” areas shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities unless otherwise permitted by law. 15.5 Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations that directly promote the agriculture industry, health and wellness industry directly related to agriculture, or are near points of interest that support agriculture. 2005 General Plan 14.7.5.9.2 (b) Kaʻū Courses of Action (b): Encourage the development of small family or "bed and breakfast" type visitor accommodations. 15.8 Encourage the use of agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Community Action 3: Encourage the use of agriculture, ranch, and forestry land preservation programs. Transportation Access and Mobility Objective 20 Achieve a transportation system that employs all modes of transportation at a community scale. Policies 20.1 Encourage the application of the County of Hawaiʻi Street Design Manual when necessary to preserve the character of an area while maintaining a pedestrian and bicycle friendly design and desired landscaping solutions Ka‘ū Community Development Plan: Policy 74: As appropriate to maintain community character while also accommodating drainage, walkability, maintenance, and other site-speciflc needs when improving existing roads in Pāhala, Nā’ālehu, and Wai‘ōhinu, retain the current road design, including pavement width and lack of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. Policy 75: As appropriate to maintain community character while also accommodating drainage, walkability, maintenance, and other site-speciflc needs, new roads (both public and private) in the Ka’ū CDP planning area may be constructed without curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. (HCC 23-41, 86, 87, & 91) Policy 77: Adopt and implement street design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, fiexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an Page 7 of 9 area, including pavement width, unpaved shoulders/swales, rock walls, lighting, and landscaping featuring native plants. (GP 13.2.3(l); North Kohala CDP Strategy 4.8) 20.2 In planning, designing, and constructing new roadways or modernizing improvements, transportation agencies should balance the conservation of the area’s natural, historic, and scenic qualities with transportation safety objectives for trafflc speed, safety, and trafflc calming. Ka‘ū Community Development Plan: Policy 74: As appropriate to maintain community character while also accommodating drainage, walkability, maintenance, and other site‐speciflc needs when improving existing roads in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Wai‘ōhinu, retain the current road design, including pavement width and lack of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. Policy 75: As appropriate to maintain community character while also accommodating drainage, walkability, maintenance, and other site‐speciflc needs, new roads (both public and private) in the Ka‘ū CDP planning area may be constructed without curbs, gutters, sidewalks, or paved shoulders and swales. (HCC 23‐41, 86, 87, & 91) Policy 77: Adopt and implement street design standards that accommodate, where appropriate, fiexibility in the design of streets to preserve the rural character of an area, including pavement width, unpaved shoulders/swales, rock walls, lighting, and landscaping featuring native plants. (GP 13.2.3(l); North Kohala CDP Strategy 4.8) Objective 21 Incorporate green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff. Policies 21.2 Prioritize roadway drainage improvements in fiood-prone areas. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 95: Install culverts and construct drainage channels and other related improvements as necessary to prevent fiooding of roadways and other areas. (GP 13.2.5.9.2(b)) Objective 23 Adequately maintain public transportation systems. Policies 23.4 Design new bridges and bridge improvements to accommodate and not negatively impede identifled scenic resources. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 12: Outstanding natural or cultural features, such as scenic spots, water courses, flne groves of trees, heiaus, and historical sites and structures, shall be preserved during subdivision. (HCC 23-26) Page 8 of 9 Public Utilities Objective 26 Increase the protection of existing and potential sources of drinking water. Policies 26.6 Encourage the design of large development projects (200+ units) in the North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, and Kaʻū Districts to be as water neutral as reasonably possible through water conservation, recharge, and reuse measures to reduce the water footprint. Objective 29 Strive towards energy self-sufficiency. Policies 29.3 The County shall remove barriers to energy systems that improve independence and resiliency, such as microgrids, combined heat and power (CHP), backup generation and storage, and other decentralized electricity systems. Kaʻū Community Development Plan: Policy 142: Encourage the development of alternate energy resources, providing they complement existing agricultural uses and preserve ecologically and culturally signiflcant areas. (General Plan 3.3 (a, b, e, k, l), 14.2.3(u)) Community-Based Collaborative Action 6.4.5 Action 25: Develop local, renewable, distributed energy networks. Objective 32 Protect the health and well-being of residents and visitors. Policies Emergency Facilities and Communication Systems 32.29 Partner with government, private and nonproflt agencies, communities, and other stakeholders to assess and plan for alternative routes and possible relocation of coastal roads. Kaʻū Community Development Plan 5.4.1 Objective 8: Establish a rural transportation network, including roadway alternatives to Highway 11, a regional trail system, and an interconnected transit system. Visitor Industry Objective 48 Page 9 of 9 Support the visitor industry investment in its connection with communities, the ʻāina, and our historic and multicultural heritage. Policies 48.1 Continue to monitor and adopt trends and standards for regenerative tourism. Ka‘ū Community Development Plan Policy 146: Encourage the development of a visitor industry that is in harmony with the character of the area and environmental and social goals of residents. (GP 2.3(c), 14.7.5.9.2(a)) 48.3 Prioritize the maintenance of County properties and establish appropriate protocols for the protection of wahi pana. Kaʻū Community Development Plan Policy 90: Implement protocols for receiving community input at meetings in Ka‘ū during capital project siting and design. Consult with and solicit input from community members with generational knowledge to minimize the impact of proposed changes to the use of land on cultural practices, cultural sites, and culturally signiflcant areas, including burials. 49.1 Integrate ‘āina- and place-based values into Hawaiʻi Island’s identity. Ka‘ū Community Development Plan Community Action 28: Develop a regional hoʻokipa network – a placebased approach to community tourism.