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45. Puus -North Kohala °There are I3 puus in the North Kohala district whose resources merit placing them in the Conservation District. They are Puu Kehoni, Puu Ufa, Puu Mauro, Puu Hue, Puu Kehena, Puu Lahikiola, Puu Lepo, Puu Aiea, Waiakanonula, Ahunoa, Fuu Iki, Puu Uau, and Puu Pili. The proposed reclassification of the Puus in North Kohala from the Agricultural District to the Conservation District meets the criteria for Conservation Districts contained in Section 205-2(e), HRS: Conservation _m districts shall include areas necessary for protecting watersheds and water sources; preserving scenic areas; conserving indigenous or endemic plants and wildlife, including those which are threatened or endangered; preventing floods and soil erosion; open space areas whose existing openness, natural condition, or present use, if retained, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding communities, or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural resources . The proposed reclassification will impact favorably the following areas of statewide concern set forth under Section 205-17, HRS, Preservation or maintenance of important natural systems or habitats; and Maintenance of valued cultural, historical, or natural resources. The proposed land use district boundary amendment meets the following standards for determining Conservation District boundaries contained in the Hawaii Administrative Rules: Section 15-15-20(4) The area includes lands necessary for the conservation, preservation, and enhancement of scenic sites and sites of unique physiographic or ecologic significance . Section 15-15-20(5) The area includes lands necessary for providing and conserving natural ecosystems of endemic plants and wildlife; for forestry . Section IS-15-20(7) The area includes lands with topography, soils, climate, or other related environmental factors that may not be normally adaptable or presently needed for urban, rural, or agricultural use . The area has been identified as having low, medium and high concentrations a` of plant taxa listed or under review for endangered or threatened status, according to the Threatened and Endan Bred Plant Fire Ma , DLNR. Due to the puus' volcanic composition, foliage coverage an shape, there is Tittle surface runoff and they act as water recharge areas by channeling water directly to the underground aquifer. The proposed reclassification conforms to the objectives and policies of the Hawaii State Plan for the physical environment, Section 22b-11, 12 and 13, HRS, including but not limited to, seeking effective protection of Hawaii's unique and fragile environmental resources, encouraging the protection of rare or endangered plant and animal species and habitats native to Hawaii, exercising an overall conservation ethic in the use of -331-