COM 0764.000 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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i which are considered indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. No threatened or endangered plants species were observed on the subject parcel, and no plant critical habitat is present on the property or within the vicinity of the project site. The mammalian fauna of the project area is comprised mainly of introduced species, including small Indian mongooses, feral cats, roof rats, Norway rats, European house mice, and possibly Polynesian rats. None of the species observed are of any conservation concerns, and all are deleterious either to the environment or to native species found in Hawaii. Almost all of the birds seen on the site were wide-ranging aliens such as common mynas, cardinals, ? finches, and zebra doves. Other than the common shorebird `ulili and kolea (which were observed at the shoreline) no indigenous avian species were identified during the survey. No critical habitat for terrestrial fauna is present-in the area, but some endangered species may overfly this and all other areas of the island, including the Hawaiian petrel and band- i rumped storm-petrel; however it is noted these species are known to nest at elevations well above 5,000 feet, nowhere near the project site. The only native Hawaiian land mammal, the Hawaiian hoary bat, may also occur in the area as it has been observed in almost all parts of the Island of Hawai'i. 22. Biota (Marine): Overall, the biotic composition of the coral reef communities conforms to the typical zonation pattern that is well documented for the West Hawai'i area. Most of the shoreline throughout the property is composed of wave cut vertical basaltic cliffs several meters high that extend below the waterline forming the "intertidal zone". The remaining areas of shoreline are composed of small beaches covered with boulders and rounded rocks. At these areas, the boulders continue through the nearshore area. Observations made indicate that the nearshore boulders are essentially devoid of macrobenthos, most likely due to the high energy environment of the nearshore area. In areas where boulders do not occur, the reef zone nearest to the shoreline consists of submerged basaltic spurs and outcrops that are colonized primarily by the branching coral species, Pocillopara meandr^ina. Beginning at approximately 35 feet from the shoreline cliffs, the bottom is-composed of a basalt platform that extends from the depths of about 15 feet to about 30 feet. The nearshore reef platform is nearly completely covered with growth of living corals. Communities of reef fish in this area are typical of West Hawai'i 7