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Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair <br />and Members of the County Council <br />County of Hawaii <br />March 19, 2025 <br />Page 7 <br />Investigation of valued resources: No formal archaeological or cultural studies <br />were conducted on the subject property because the subject property has a history <br />of development and use as the Nani Mau Gardens and, more recently, as a charter <br />school, which has significantly altered its original condition. A report entitled, "A <br />Biological Survey of 5-acre portion of TMK (3) 2-2-048: 013 South Hilo District, <br />Island of Hawai `i " was conducted in June 2024 by Ron Terry, Ph.D., of <br />Geometrician Associates. This report covered the property designated for KOKL <br />Public Charter School. <br />The valued cultural historical, and natural resources found in the rezoning area: <br />No known archeological or historical features exist on the subject property nor is <br />the property listed as a historic site on the State or National Register of Historic <br />Places. <br />Given the site's prior development history as the Nani. Mau Gardens and its <br />current use as a charter school, no known ongoing Native Hawaiian traditional <br />and customary practices have been identified within the project area. <br />Additionally, the lack of designated public access limits traditional gathering or <br />subsistence activities that might typically occur on undeveloped lands. <br />The biological survey identified 132 plant species, with only four native species <br />present (moa, hapu`u fern, mamaki, and pycreus sedge). None are rare or <br />endangered. The fauna observed on -site were all non-native, though endangered <br />Hawaiian hawks have been observed in the broader area. Other potential visitors <br />include Hawaiian hoary bats and nene, but no nesting habitat was found. <br />Possible adverse effect or impairment of valued resources: Native plants and/or <br />endangered species are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed development due to the <br />already impacted property and the fact that no further land alteration or development are <br />proposed at this time. A letter from the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) <br />dated January 11, 2006, determined that no historic properties would likely be affected by <br />the existing or proposed uses of the site, however, a condition of approval will be <br />included to protect subsurface historic resources, should they be found. <br />Feasible actions to protect native Hawaiian rights: To the extent to which <br />traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights are exercised, the proposed <br />action will not affect traditional Hawaiian rights; therefore, no action is necessary <br />to protect these <br />Lastly, this recommendation is made with the understanding that the applicants <br />remain responsible for complying with all other applicable governmental requirements in <br />connection with the proposed use, prior to its commencement or establishment upon the <br />subject property. Additional governmental requirements may include the issuance of <br />