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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Pete Hoffmann, Chairman <br /> and Members of the County Council <br /> Page 7 <br /> <br /> will not impact the preservation sites. A protective buffer (fence) will be established <br /> around the sites. A study titled Cultural Impact Study/Assessment, Laipala Heights, <br /> Kapalaalaea Ahupuaa, District of North Kona, Hawaii Island was prepared by <br /> Kaimipono Consulting Services LLC in December, 2006 (Appendix Q. The study <br /> concluded that "while evidence of ancient or traditional cultural practices still exists on <br /> the project lands, there does not appear to be any evidence of any ongoing traditional <br /> cultural practices, except perhaps fishing, which, while not directly impacted by the <br /> project, may indirectly impact this resource." <br /> <br /> Vegetation at the site is characterized by koa haole scrub land. A Survey of <br /> Botanical, Avian and Terrestrial mammalian Species for the proposed Laipala Heights <br /> Subdivision, North Kona District, Island of Hawaii prepared by Rana Productions in <br /> 2006 identified 36 plant species of which two were indigenous. No hoary bats were <br /> detected during the field survey. The avian survey identified 224 birds of fourteen <br /> different non-native species. There were no species of flora or fauna currently listed as <br /> endangered, threatened or proposed for listing under either the State or Federal <br /> endangered species programs. <br /> <br /> In view of the 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 terms of the cultural, historical, <br /> and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site. <br /> <br /> Investigation of valued resources: The applicant has submitted the following <br /> studies from which the Planning Commission can determine the valued natural, cultural <br /> and historical resources in the project area. <br /> <br /> • A Survey of Botanical, Avian and Terrestrial mammalian Species for the proposed <br /> Laipala Heights Subdivision, North Kona District, Island of Hawaii prepared by Rana <br /> Productions in 2006 <br /> <br /> • Archaeological Inventory Survey, TMK. 7-7-08: 121, Land of Kapalaalaea 2, <br /> North Kona District, Island of Hawaii prepared by Haun and Associates in January, <br /> 2006 <br />