COM 0687.000 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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botanical resources important to Hawaiian practitioners including a significant regenerating lama forest containing important native tress and plants land forms and view planes of geographic features important in this portion of the Kekaha region While the archaeological study by Dr. Robert Rechtman and the Cultural Impact Assessment by Maria Orr found that no traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights were exercised on the property, the consultants suggested specific measures for protection and management of these resources. The applicant agrees with the consultants' suggestion that the resources should be protected and managed. Valuable cave areas and certain view planes will be managed under an Integrated Natural Cultural Resources Management Plan (INCRMP) as part of this project. According to the applicant, the INCRMP will be a framework which protects and provides access to important cultural places and natural resources at the project site and will address preservation, mitigation, management and stewardship measures for the resources at the site. Implementation of the plan is intended to protect and manage the important cultural places and practices. The applicant will initially maintain the INCRMP but will subsequently be maintained by the Palamanui Master Association. A cultural advisory committee consisting of Native Hawaiians, kupuna and other cultural practitioners, will meet with the applicant twice a year or more frequently, if warranted. The North Kona Dryland Forest Working Group which includes natural resource experts, will be consulted regarding preservation efforts of the Dryland Forest Preserve. A biological assessment of the lava tubes in the project area was conducted by Hawaii Biological Survey and completed in December 2003. Five lava tube segments contained significant biological and cultural resources deserving protective management. The assessment recommended the development of a resource management plan to address mitigation measures to minimize the impacts upon the cave ecosystems. 34. Public Access: There is no record of a public access to the mountain or shoreline areas that traverses the property. The applicant states that "Native Hawaiians will be allowed to remove a limited amount of timber from Palamanui for personal, non-commercial use. -9-