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eieele~i IY IiYi _ - parcel contains steep slopes and large drainages. Soil from imported fill and site grading could easily be washed into gulches and washed downstream onto the reef. Fine sediments can smother coral and cause long term ecosystem effects. Fine sediments from land-based activities have caused reef degradation throughout the State of Hawaii including this watershed. Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC parcel will reduce the chance of damage to reefs from sedimentation. 5. Contaminants from septic systems would most likely be transported by groundwater and I or stream flow to nearshore areas causing degradation to marine ecosystems. i\$uch of West Hawaii's coastline is known for high vohime5 of submarine groundwater discharge. Groundwater and stream flow act as conduits for leach field contaminants including nutrients and household toxins (cleaners, pharmaceuticals, etc). Corals and reef organisms are known to be sensitive to elevated nutrients and household toxins. Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC parcel will reduce the chance of impacts to reefs from these compounds. 6. Construction of residences on the Kohala LLC Parcel would increase impermeable surfaces near the coastline and, therefore, increase the risk that storm runoff camins contaminants runs onto drainages and nearshore ecosystems. Storm runoff could include fertilizers and pesticides used in landscaping, soil, motor oil, and asphalt compounds. Corals and reef organisms are know to be sensitive to these contaminants. 7. Reef ecosystems have significant cultural, economic, and aesthetic value for many people in Hawaii. The long-term trends of coral reef degradation in the State of Hawaii along with the rapid development of West Hawaii's coastal zone necessitate caution with any project that is proposed close to the shoreline. Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC parcel will reduce the chance of unpisas to reefs from sedimentation, elevated mJtrients, and anthropogenic toxins. Friedlander, A., G. Aeby. E. Brown, A Clark. S. Coles. Dollar. C. Hurm, P. Jokicl, J. Smith, B. Walsh, 1. Williams. W. Wiltse. 2005. The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Main Hareaiian Islands. Pages 222- 269. is Waddell, editor. The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States 1o05. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 11. NOAANCCOS Center for Coasm: Monitoring and Assessments Biogeography Team, Silver Spring, MD. Page 2 of 3 2