PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SMA-2021-000002)

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subject area. Finally, a Biological Survey report dated May 2021 by Geometrician Associates, LLC that included results of field surveys conducted in May 2020 and November 2020 for the entirety of the project area was submitted with the application. The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the rezoning The most recent draft AIS identified 14 sites with a total of 418 features, 13 complexes with two (2) to 240 component features within"Area B" of the Kumu Hou project area. No sites were found in"Area A". The Native Hawaiian Traditional and Customary Practices Assessment found that given the distance from the shoreline, there would be no impacts to shoreline fishing and gathering. The assessment recommended the submission of an AIS to SHPD, further consultation with agencies to agree on significance and mitigation, and an assessment of the project by a hydrogeology expert to assess groundwater and aquifers in this region. These recommendations were complied with during development of the subject application. The biological survey report found that there are no designated or proposed critical habitats for endangered plant or animal species located within the project area. Two (2) federally listed, threatened and endangered avian species (nene and ae`o) and four(4) species of concern (auku`u, `akekeke, `ulili and kolea)were identified within the project area and although not detected during the survey, it is possible that small numbers of the endangered endemic Hawaiian Petrel,the endangered band romped storm petrel, and the threatened Newell's shearwater birds fly over the area between summer and fall. Finally, Hawaiian hoary bats are assumed to be present and have been detected in kiawe forests of West Hawaii as well as the endangered Blackburn sphinx moth which has also been found at various locations throughout West Hawaii. Possible adverse effect or impairment of valued resources and feasible actions to protect native Hawaiian rights: While the proposed project may have some effect on valued resources in the area,the proposed conditions of approval of this permit should minimize impacts and protect native Hawaiian rights. Native vegetation may be destroyed by ground alteration and construction activities, however,there is no evidence that the flora in the area is particularly desired or -12-