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Stacy Higa, Chairman <br /> <br /> and Members of the County Council <br /> <br /> Page 5 <br /> the shoreline or mountain areas, scenic and open space preserves, coastal ecosystems, <br /> marine resources or other natural and environmental resources in the project area. Thus, <br /> the proposed request and use of the property will not adversely impact those resources. <br /> The surrounding areas have been improved with commercial developments, and it is not <br /> anticipated that endangered or threatened candidate species of flora or fauna are located <br /> within the property. The project azea has not been identified as containing any significant <br /> botanical or biological habitat. <br /> An informal biological survey was conducted in September, 2003. On this <br /> property, as is typical of the region, the vegetation is almost completely alien. Only one <br /> common indigenous pant, 'uhaloa (Waltheria indica) was found on the site. No <br /> systematic faunal survey was conducted. The alien vegetation and urban surroundings <br /> provide habitat for a number of alien bird species such as the Yellow-Billed Cardinal <br /> (Paroaria capitata), Common Myna (Acridotheres trisiis), Japanese White-eye <br /> (Zoaterops japonicus), and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Mongooses, feral <br /> cats, rats and mice inhabit the property. According to the applicant, it is highly unlikely <br /> that any native forest birds, seabirds or migratory birds (especially those with threatened <br /> or endangered status) would find the site a suitable habitat or be affected by activities that <br /> occur on the parcel. The Hawaiian Hawk or'Io and the Hawaiian Owl or Pueo, possibly <br /> make some use of the area. The endangered Hawaiian Hoary Bat may also be present in <br /> the general area. According to the applicant, no rare, threatened or endangered species as <br /> listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appear to be present on the parcel, nor are <br /> there unique or valuable wildlife habitats. No impact on native species or habitat is <br /> expected. <br /> There is no evidence of any traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights <br /> being practiced on the site, nor existence of any known valued cultural, historical or <br /> native resources in the area. There are no identified recreational resources, historic <br /> resources, public access to the shoreline or mountain areas, scenic and open space <br /> preserves, coastal ecosystems, marine resources or other natural and envirorunental <br /> resources in the area. The property is not proximate to the shoreline and will not be <br /> impacted by coastal hazard and beach erosion. No scenic or open space resources to the <br /> shoreline or coastal view plane or coastal ecosystem will be negatively impacted by the <br /> proposed action. <br /> In view of the recent Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa'akai O <br /> Ka'Aina "decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights <br /> must be addressed. These rights must be addressed in teens of the cultural, historical, <br /> and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site. <br /> <br />