PD Recommendation Report New Hope-Waikoloa (PL-SPP-2023-042)

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RNewHopeWaikoloaSPP.7.24.2023 COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION NEW HOPE WAIKOLOA SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION PL-SPP-2023-000042 Upon review of the request against the guidelines under Rule 6 of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedures for granting a Special Permit, the Planning Director is recommending that this request to allow the construction of a church and related uses be approved by the Planning Commission. Since this recommendation is made without the benefit of public testimony, the Planning 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 findings: The applicant is requesting a Special Permit to construct and establish a Church and related uses on a 5.012-acre portion of a larger 2,153-acre parcel of land situated in the State Land Use Agricultural District. The proposed single-story, approximately 7,000-square foot building will accommodate a 2,100-square foot sanctuary and three classrooms ranging in size from 382 to 833 square feet. The remainder of the building will be used for offices, a media room, restrooms, storage, and a nursing room. In addition to regular church services, the applicant proposes to use the church facility for occasional weddings, memorials, and other gatherings. An outdoor play area will be located adjacent to the structure and landscaping will provide a buffer between the church facility and Waikoloa Road. The applicant currently maintains an office and conducts services in a space at the Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center, held on Sunday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. According to the application, an increase in membership has necessitated planning for a larger facility. The applicant is in the process of purchasing the subject property, selected for its proximity to Waikoloa Village, where most members reside, as well as its accessibility for members from Waimea. According to the application, Sunday services will begin at 9:30 am and end around 12:00 noon, during which time the congregation size will eventually reach 200 -1-