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species, with only a few observed large fish species. Excessive sedimentation was <br /> determined to be a concern for this area; however, studies indicate that the main culprit <br /> for excessive sedimentation is overgrazing by cattle, and ungulates on typically dry lands <br /> located mauka of the project parcel. When combined with non-native landscapes, <br /> sediment discharges to the ocean following periodic severe rainfall events can be <br /> substantial. The studies also indicate the vast majority of sediment found in gulches on <br /> the Kohala Shoreline property originates in the gulch drainage basins mauka of Akoni <br /> Pule Highway, not within the subject property. Regardless of the adaptability of coral <br /> communities to local sedimentation, there is a need to avoid any increase in the <br /> sedimentation coming from the subject property, and as such the project has been <br /> designed to include features to substantially reduce property-related sedimentation. <br /> 23. Historical/ Cultural Resources: A cultural impact assessment (CIA) report of the <br /> subject property was prepared by ASM Affiliates, Inc. for the proposed action. Extensive <br /> consultation with Native Hawaiian agencies, individuals, and organizations occurred <br /> throughout the research for a previous Draft EA in 2015. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, <br /> a local Hawaiian Homelands group, and the Hawaiian Civic Club were consulted by <br /> letter; response letters did not indicate any specific resources or practices of concern. As <br /> part of the current CIA, project representatives met with the North Kohala Community <br /> Access Group who represent many of the Native Hawaiian community's concerns with <br /> respect to access rights. Concerns raised centered on the protection of trails, traditional <br /> sites, burial sites, as well as perpetuation of access to the property for traditional and <br /> customary practices to ensure traditional coastal activities will not be impacted. A site <br /> visit with community leaders and cultural practitioners in February 2019 was conducted <br /> to determine potential impacts of the development on cultural practices. Attendees were <br /> i <br /> encouraged by the overall limited space for future development, and that the extreme <br /> coastal portion of the project property would be preserved. The property owner is <br /> committed to continued consultation with any Kohala cultural community group with <br /> i <br /> respect to the long-term protection and care of the project sites cultural landscape. In <br /> 3 <br /> addition to natural resources that are important in cultural practice, the property supports <br /> burials and archeological features that have cultural significance. The applicant's agent <br /> 8 <br />