COM 0664.038 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MALAMA I KA `AINA b. Amend the grubbing and grading ordinance and/or the zoning code to protect native species, geological and historic features outside of the BRBZ by preventing pin -to -pin lot grading, clearing and grading encroachments onto adjacent lots and water diversions into adjoining properties. The new regulations should provide standards for the preservation of native vegetation, review and public notice procedures for grading permits, and penalties for violations. Refer to Chapter 5 for implementation guidelines related to this action. c. Establish an Office of County Ecologist within the Planning Department to administer the new regulatory provisions and foster partnerships to provide public education and technical support for forest conservation, such as: - Assisting other County agencies such as Department of Public Works and Department of Parks and Recreation in their programs and facility planning and maintenance as they relate to native species habitat preservation; - Engaging in collaborative relationships with Federal and State agencies, educational institutions and non - profit organizations that conduct research or administer programs for the protection of native species habitat and the abatement of invasive species; and - Launching and sustaining a public education and outreach program to enlist community support and involvement in forest protection and to raise awareness of invasive species and practices that threaten the native forest. d. Provide indirect County support for native vegetation preservation via land conservation trusts by offering real property tax reductions for conservation easements and contributing County land, where appropriate, to a trust for native habitat management. e. Reduce the minimum lot size to qualify for the native forest preservation tax reduction and allow it in any zoning district. Enrollment of a lot in this program is voluntary, but it is binding and permanent, and attached to effective measures to prevent significant clearing or other adverse alterations of the forest cover. f. Encourage the County and the State to investigate and implement alternatives to the use of herbicides for weed control on public properties. 2.3 AQUIFERS, COASTAL WATERS AND STORMWATER The fresh water basal lens underlying Puna floats or flows on sea water and has been measured to reach up to 30 feet above sea level and has an estimated lens thickness of up to 1,200 feet. The aquifer, due to the porosity of the substrate and the extensive forested watershed, is believed to contain huge flows of high quality ground water even at very low elevations. The most extensive centralized water service area in Puna is the County's [OIa -a] `Ola`a- Mountain View system, composed of eleven service areas extending along the Highway 11 from the former Puna Sugar Company mill to the [Oa'a] `Ola`a Reservation Lots, and along Highway 130 to Kaloli Drive. The County also maintains smaller water systems serving the Pahoa and Kalapana areas. The Hawaiian Beaches subdivision is served by a private system installed by the developer. However, nearly all residents, including farmers, in other inhabited areas that are not presently serviced by water systems depend upon catchment systems to supply their water needs, including fire- fighting. 2 -8