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Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairman <br />and Members of the County Council <br />Page 10 <br />productivity by the Land Study Bureau. Therefore, the requested change of zone will not <br />have any significant adverse impact on the agricultural resources of the County. <br />The applicant makes reference to a 1998 survey conducted by Philip Bruner on a <br />parcel located approximately 600 feet to the south of the project site. The faunal study of <br />this site concluded that fauna consisted largely of introduced bird species. Other <br />mammals observed included the Indian mongoose, cats, dogs, rats and pigs. The study <br />found no evidence of any endemic or endangered species of fauna within the studied site. <br />The endangered Pueo and 'Io may occassionally forage or roost on the studied site. <br />The applicant makes reference to a 1998 botanical survey on a property located <br />approximately 600 feet to the south of the project site. According to this survey, floral <br />resources within the studied site consisted of guinea grass with stands of koa haole and <br />scattered kiawe trees. He also identified a total of 70 plant species, of which six (6) were <br />native. Two of these were considered possibly indigenous and the remaining four (4) <br />found to be indigenous. According to Figure 13 of the applicant's archaeological <br />inventory survey, the majority of the subject property is either landscaped or previously <br />bulldozed. Given the substantially improved nature of the project site, the presence of <br />endangered floral species is unlikely. Compliance with the landscaping rules of the <br />Planning Department (Rule No. 17) is required of commercial developments and uses <br />seeking Final Plan Approval. Rule No. 17 does encourage the use of native plants in <br />landscaping to promote ecological and cultural values. <br />An archaeological inventory survey of the subject property was conducted by <br />Haun and Associates on February 2, 2001. The survey identified three (3) sites; a historic <br />wall, petroglyph and a complex of 26 agricultural features possibly associated within the <br />Kona Field System. The study assessed all three sites as solely significant for its ability <br />to yield information important for research on prehistory and history. The study <br />concluded that mapping, written descriptions, photography and test excavation at these <br />sites have documented them adequately and that no further work or preservation is <br />recommended. As recommended by the Planning Commission, this favorable <br />recommendation will require the applicant to provide for the signage of archaeological <br />features within the project site as may be deemed appropriate by the Department of Land <br />and Natural Resources -Historic Preservation Division. <br />Impacts associated with commercial development within this section of North <br />Kona such as historical, visual, traffic, and drainage concerns have been assessed and will <br />be mitigated through conditions of approval. Therefore, the request would not <br />unreasonably burden the public agencies to provide roads and streets, water, drainage, <br />police and fire protection. <br />