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The proposed used does not include the construction of any buildings or facilities, only alow- key, gravel-surfaced roadway. Describe how the existing physical and environmental aspects of the land, such as natural beauty and open space characteristics, will be preserved or improved upon. The project corridor passes through a dense kiawe forest, and this portion of the corridor will not be visible away from the project site. The southern portion of the project corridor passes through an open lava field. This portion of the project will be consistent in color with its surroundings. Section 3.1.4 of the accompanying Environmental Assessment discusses impacts upon scenic resources. If applicable, describe how subdivision of land will not be utilized to increase the intensity of land uses in the Conservation District. Creation of the easement for the emergency access road may require subdivision, but the project would not increase the intensity of land use in the Conservation District because the roadway would only be used in an emergency. Describe how the proposed land use will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. The proposed use would provide an emergency evacuation roadway that could potentially be of substantial benefit to the public health, safety, and welfare, in the event of a natural disaster that would precipitate its use. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Articles IX and XII of the State Constitution, other state laws, and the courts of the State require government agencies to promote and preserve cultural beliefs, practices, and resources of native Hawaiians and other ethnic groups. The Department of Health (DOH), Chapter 343, also requires an Environmental Assessment (EA) of cultural resources in determining the significance of a proposed project. If applicable, please provide the identity and scope of "valued cultural, historical and natural resources" in which traditional and customary native Hawaiian rights are exercised in the area. As part of the Environmental Assessment (Section 3.2.2) an effort was made to obtain information about any potential traditional cultural properties and associated practices in and around the project corridor. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the South Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club were contacted but had no information relative to the existence of traditional cultural properties in the immediate vicinity of the current project area; nor did they provide any information indicating current use of the area for traditional and customary practices. Similarly, consultation with neighboring landowners and information from the community association did not indicate any resources or activities occurring in the affected area. In the broader area, shoreline uses including fishing, gathering, and surfing are culturally important ongoing activities. These activities do not occur in or near the project corridor and would not be affected by the project. Another important activity is viewing the petroglyphs that are accessed by the Conservation District Use Application, Puako Emergency Road 7