AC-PD 2015-3 rec on REZ 14-000185

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William P. Kenoi Duane Kanuha MayorDirector Bobby Command Deputy Director County of Hawai‘i PLANNING DEPARTMENT PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE  Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  Phone (808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742 MEMORANDUM Date: January 13, 2015 To: Duane Kanuha, Planning Director From: Patti Pinto, Puna CDP Action Committee Chair Subject: Change of Zone Application (REZ 14-000185) Applicant: Harry and Sandra Freitas Request: A-20a to A-5a Tax Map Key: 1-8-005:133 At our January 13, 2015 meeting the Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan considered the subject application for a change of zone (REZ 14-000185) from agricultural 20 acres (A-20a) to agricultural 5 acres (A-5a) by Harry and Sandra Freitas for a proposed six (6) lot family subdivision. We would like to offer the following comment on the request: We find the change of zone request to be consistent with the Puna Community Development Plan Section 3.2 on Agriculture and Economic Development.  Many areas formerly in sugar cane production and highly suitable for diversified crops are not available for small farming operations. With a minimum lot size of five (5) acres, considered a threshold between agriculture (A) zoning and family agricultural (FA) zoning (Hawaiʻi County Code, Section 25-5-60), we believe that the proposed change of zone and six (6) lot family subdivision will enhance the agricultural use of the acreage for family related agriculture purposes. This further provides economic opportunity for Upper Puna through the possibility of commercial agriculture activity. Thank you for extending the opportunity to comment on this Change of Zone application. Sincerely, Patti Pinto Chair, PCDP Action Committee Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer