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MotanicalWorldAmendSPP.mp 02-17-2023 <br /> COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PLANNING DEPARTMENT <br /> BACKGROUND REPORT <br /> BWA LLC DBA BOTANICAL WORLD ADVENTURES <br /> AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL PERMIT NO. 04-005 (PL-SPP-2023-000033) <br /> BWA LLC DBA BOTANICAL WORLD ADVENTURES is requesting an amendment to <br /> Condition No. 2 of Special Permit No. 04-005 for a 5-year extension to complete construction. <br /> Special Permit No. 04-005 was approved in 2005 to allow a visitor center,parking lot and related <br /> improvements on approximately 3.53 acres of land situated within the State Land Use <br /> Agricultural District. The project site is part of the existing Botanical World Adventures situated <br /> on the north side of Leopolino Road between Highway 19 and the Old Mamalahoa Highway, <br /> Kamae`e, North Hilo, Hawaii, TMK: 3-1-001:015 (por.). <br /> APPLICANT'S REQUEST <br /> 1. Request: The applicant is requesting an amendment to Special Permit No. 04-005, <br /> which was originally approved to allow the construction of a visitor's center,parking lot, <br /> and related improvements on approximately 3.53 acres of land to support the applicant's <br /> botanical garden operation. The applicant is requesting a 5-year time extension to <br /> Condition No. 2 in order to complete construction of the proposed visitor's center and <br /> related improvements. The condition currently states the following: <br /> "Construction of the proposed development shall be completed within five years <br /> from the effective date of this amended permit. Prior to construction, the applicant, <br /> successors or assigns shall secure Final Plan Approval for the proposed development <br /> from the Planning Director in accordance with Section 25-2-70, Chapter 25 (Zoning <br /> Code), Hawai`i County Code. Plans shall identify all existing and/or proposed structures, <br /> paved driveway access and parking stalls associated with the proposed development. <br /> Landscaping shall also be indicated on the plans for the purpose of mitigating any <br /> adverse noise or visual impacts to adjacent properties in accordance with the <br /> requirements of Planning Department's Rule No. 17 (Landscaping Requirements). " <br /> 2. Reason for the Request: According to the applicant, the combined effects of <br /> simultaneous hurricane events, the Puna lava flow and the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in <br /> a noticeable decline in visitors, affecting the applicant's cash flow and plans for <br /> 1 <br />