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resources. A baseline marine environmental assessment and impact analysis for the nearshore area fronting the project site was conducted in 2020 to determine, 1) existing conditions, and 2)the contribution of groundwater to the marine environment(see Appendix 7 in the application). The study provided the following conclusions related to groundwater inputs and potential nearshore impacts. Water chemistry of the open coastal water samples included all of the specific constituents listed by the State Department of Health (DOH) for the West Coast of the Island of Hawaii which has specific water quality standards. Samples were also taken from brackish water wells that supply irrigation water to the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The amounts and patterns of dissolved inorganic and total nutrients indicate a groundwater input to the ocean, producing a zone of mixing such that the nearshore water is a mix of ocean and groundwater. A hydrographic mixing model was used to indicate the relative contributions of nutrients from natural groundwater and land-based (i.e., fertilizer use) sources. The study indicated that while there was a consistent input of Nitrate (NO3) to the ocean at Honoka`ope and Waialua Bays, none was noted at `Anaeho`omalu Bay. The presence of nitrates in ocean water have been documented at many areas downslope of resort areas, a likely result of fertilizer leaching into the groundwater system. Surveys of marine communities in each of the three bays reveal a well-developed coral community in `Anaeho`omalu and Honoka`ope Bays which may indicate that any nutrients that may occur in groundwater flowing to the shoreline is either rapidly mixed with ocean water, or is confined to a low-salinity lens, such that there were no notable impacts to benthic biotic communities. In Waialua Bay there is a reduction in salinity that the applicant attributes to the physical structure of the bay which has led to a lack of corals in this area. The applicant believes that the proposed project will equate to a reduction in nutrients reaching nearshore waters due in part to decreasing the size of the golf course, and the increased use of R-I treated water for irrigation which will reduce the direct input of fertilizers for the golf course. The applicant has stated that the implementation of"prudent BMPs" should minimize any noticeable alteration of the physical, chemical, or biotic process within the adjacent marine waters. BMPs for Kumu Hou include the use of drywells or seepage pits -18-