PD Recommendation Report (PL-SMA-2023-000029)

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BSchmitzSMA-5/11/23 COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION DENNIS SCHMITZ SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA USE PERMIT APPLICATION (PL-SMA-2023-000029) Upon careful review of the applicant's request against the guidelines for granting of a Special Management Area Use Permit, the Planning Director recommends that this request to allow for the development of a four (4) lot agricultural subdivision and subsequent development of farm dwellings on 20.027 acres of land situated within the Special Management Area (SMA) be approved by the Planning Commission. Since this recommendation is made without the benefit of public testimony, the Director reserves the right to modify and/or alter this recommendation based upon additional information presented at the public hearing. This approval recommendation is based on the following: The applicant requests a Special Management Area Use Permit to allow for the development of a four (4)-lot agricultural subdivision on 20.027 acres of land in preparation for the future development of individual building sites that may accomodate a farm dwelling or other structures or uses associated with A-5a zoning, located on the makai (seaward) side of Old Mamalahoa Highway within the Special Management Area (SMA). If the requested land use entitlement changes are approved, the applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into four (4) lots, consisting of 5.027 acres and 5.00 acres in size. The subject property has been used for cattle grazing and a small orchard for the past 20 years. In order to continue and expand the grazing, orchard and crop activities the applicant is requesting to subdivide the property to allow for more intense farming by the individual family members. According to the applicant, a subdivision application would be filed within a year from approval of the concurrent application for a Change of Zone. The applicant anticipates having the property subdivided within 3 years at a cost of around $200,000. The grounds for approving development within the Special Management Area are based on HRS, Chapter 205A-26(2) (Special Management Area guidelines) and Rule 9- 1