PD Recommendation Report (PL-SMA-2021-000007)

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specific land uses for the subject parcel, the proposed residence does align with certain priorities of the natural and cultural resources, and community infrastructure sections, such as: protecting coastal areas from development, protecting and preserving coastal view planes, preserving historic resources, ensuring appropriate public access is retained or bolstered, and concentrating future development in an existing subdivision. The development will to the extent feasible, reasonably protect native Hawaiian rights if they are found to exist. In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa'akai O Ka'Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian rights, such as 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. Investigation of valued resources: In preparation for the proposed project the applicant conducted an Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS), a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA), a Coastal Erosion Study, a Biological Survey, and a Visual Impact Assessment (all conducted in 2020) in order to investigate the full breadth of the project area's valued resources. The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the area: The Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS), conducted in support of the proposed project, determined that two (2) sites are situated on the subject parcel, one previously recorded site (Site 50-10-26- 24212) and one newly recorded site (Site 50-10-26-31238) were identified and documented. Site 24212 is a portion of the Hilo Railroad-Hawaii Consolidated Railway bed, a portion of which extends near the western boundary of the parcel. Site 31238 is a section of a cut earthen ditch situated along the southeastern edge of Malamalamaiki Gulch near the northern boundary of the project area. This ditch is the former location of a permanent flume built by the Honomu Sugar Company. Based on the extent and location of the proposed project,no adverse effects to historic sites would occur. A path to the top of a shoreline point accessed only by a series of now-defunct ladders but formerly used for shoreline fishing will be maintained. No valuable cultural resources and practices such as shoreline access,fishing,gathering,hunting, or access to ceremonial sites would be adversely affected in any way. -9-