PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SPP-2021-000004)

Home

RLT.SPP-2021-000004.jma 11-29-21 COUNTY OF HAWAI`I PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION LILI`UOKALANI TRUST SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION (PL-SPP-2021-000004) 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 a cultural academy and retreat facility within an existing ranch house and barn and related improvements,including overnight accommodations,programmed activities and special events 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 findings: The applicant is requesting a Special Permit to establish a cultural academy and retreat facility, called LT Ranch. The proposed use will occur throughout the subject property, including within an existing 3,476-square foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom ranch house and an existing 2,700-square foot barn. According to the applicant, LT Ranch will offer small group sessions for four to eight participants at a time. Two to four staff members will also be on site, including at least two staff members during any overnight stay. Activities are estimated to range from half-day sessions to three-week overnight retreats, depending on the program. Program hours are anticipated to be from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Day programs would end earlier at 5:00 PM. Quiet hours for any overnight stays will be from 8:00 PM until 7:00 AM. Capacity is limited to eight students regardless of session duration. The applicant will use the existing two-story ranch house to board the participants during overnight stays and provide staff office and workspace. The existing barn will include maker spaces, a workshop, and other support spaces for storage and equipment for cultural, art, and agricultural activities including ceramics, woodworking, crafting, and leather making. The applicant also intends to add sleeping accommodations for visiting staff in the barn. The remaining site will remain open with fenced pastures, a riding ring, a horse barn, goat barn, and pig pen. Fruit trees and lei