PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SPP-2021-000004)

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have deep cultural importance for Native Hawaiians, and they are important areas for Native Hawaiians to pursue traditional cultural practices. Allowing access to the pu`u is important for these traditional cultural practices." According to the applicant, the proposed use is consistent with the vision for Waimea Town and strong sense of place as the applicant will be maintaining the existing ranch house, farm and barn structures, and the open space as pasture. No new construction is proposed on Pu`u Maile and the proposed cultural academy and retreat will provide hands-on activities, which connect `opio to nature and the land, consistent with the SKCDP vision of preserving the small farms and ranches in Waimea. The proposed use is not contrary to the objectives sought to be accomplished by Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to coastal zone management program. Given the fact that the property has been developed with an existing ranch house and barn and with agricultural use, it is unlikely that any archaeological features and threatened species of plant or animal are present on the property. There is no designated public access to the ocean or mountain areas over the property. It is adjacent to existing residential and agricultural lands. The property is not located within the Special Management Area. Therefore, the proposed use will not adversely impact any recreational resources, including access to and along the shoreline, scenic and open space nor visual resources, coastal ecosystems, and marine and coastal resources. Further, the property will not be affected by coastal hazards or beach erosion. The request will not have a significant adverse impact to traditional and customary Hawaiian Rights. In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and"Ka Pa`akai O Ka Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights must be addressed in terms of the cultural, historical, and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW),provided comments to address the impact of the proposed project on endangered or threatened flora and fauna, specifically the Hawaiian Hawk (Io), the Blackburn Sphinx Moth, Hawaiian hoary bats, Hawaiian goose (Nene), and seabirds. Additionally, DOFAW provided comments regarding the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death -7-