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

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Chapter 11-200.1-13, Hawai'i Administrative Rules, outlines those factors agencies must consider when determining whether an Action has significant effects: (a) In considering the significance of potential environmental effects, agencies shall consider and evaluate the sum of effects of the proposed action on the quality of the environment. (b) In determining whether an action may have a significant effect on the environment, the agency shall consider every phase of a proposed action, the expected impacts, and the proposed mitigation measures. In most instances, an action shall be determined to have a significant effect on the environment if it may: 1. Irrevocably commit a natural, cultural, or historic resource. No valuable natural or cultural resource would be committed or lost. Several common native plants are present, especially near the cliffs where there will be no disturbance other than removal of invasive trees. No native ecosystems or valuable flora or fauna would be adversely affected. An archaeological inventory survey determined that two sites that lack physical integrity but are associated with former sugarcane cultivation were found. 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. 2. Curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment. No restriction of beneficial uses would occur by residential use on this lot. 3. Conflict with the State's environmental policies or long-term environmental goals established by law. The State's long-term environmental policies are set forth in Chapter 344, HRS. The broad goals of this policy are to conserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life. The project is environmentally benign and minor, and it is thus consistent with all elements of the State's long-term environmental policies. 4. Have a substantial adverse effect on the economic welfare, social welfare, or cultural practices of the community and State. The project would not have any substantial effect on the economic or social welfare of the Big Island community or the State of Hawai'i. 5. Have a substantial adverse effect on public health. The project would not affect public health and safety in any way. Wastewater will be disposed of in conformance with State Department of Health regulations. 6. Involve adverse secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities. The small scale of the proposed project would not produce any major secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities. 7. Involve a substantial degradation of environmental quality. The project is minor and environmentally benign, and thus it would not contribute to environmental degradation. 8. Be individually limited but cumulatively have substantial adverse effect upon the environment or involves a commitment for larger actions. The adverse effects of building a single-family residence are limited to very minor and temporary disturbance to traffic, air quality, noise, and visual quality during construction. This area is fairly isolated from sensitive receptors. There are no traffic issues associated with the highway access point,which provides for only a handful of lightly visited properties that generate only negligible traffic. There are no substantial government or private projects in construction or planning in the area, and no accumulation of adverse construction effects would be expected. Other than the precautions for preventing adverse effects during construction listed above, no special mitigation measures should be required to counteract the small adverse cumulative effect. 9. Have a substantial adverse effect on a rare, threatened, or endangered species, or its habitat. The site has been surveyed for threatened and endangered plants, and none are present. Other than Hawaiian