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

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could have on coastal access and gathering of near-shore and pelagic marine species. As expressed by the consulted parties, accessing the cliffs to gather marine resources from the eastern point of the property has been taking place for at least the past five generations, and that this practice has always been a fundamental part of their lifestyle. 21. Scenic and Open Space Resources: Several locations in Rural South Hilo offer drivers on Highway 19 long, sweeping, horizon views of the sea. Because of the topography of the sea-cliffs, actual shoreline views are rare and found mainly at lookouts in Wainaku and Laupdhoahoe and on some of the bridges. The subject property is at about Mile Marker (MM) 12.7. On the highway approaching the property between MM 12.5 and MM 14 there are no sweeping views, as the combination of topography, distance and vegetation allow drivers only minimal views of the sea. The shoreline itself is not visible between Honoli`i Gulch and Kolekole Gulch, at MM 14.2. On the highway fronting the subject parcel there are no ocean views on the approaches from the south or north. From the highway and the sea, views of the interior—where all construction would occur— are almost completely blocked by trees and/or topography. 22. Public Access: The house site is being set back 130-feet from the top of pali and will not restrict any shoreline uses such as fishing or water sports. Access to the shoreline is difficult and hazardous because of steep cliffs and a set of now dilapidated ladders and ropes, however, the project accommodates users who have traditionally set ropes and ladders to access the area for fishing. While the ladders have deteriorated, and fisherman only rarely rappel down the cliffs, local fishermen wish to preserve this access. To facilitate lateral pedestrian access to and along the top of the pali fronting the property and to the "Ladders" fishing site, the applicant is proposing two (2) pedestrian coastal access corridors (collectively the "coastal access corridor"), as described below: 1) A 6-foot wide mauka—makai corridor along the southeastern boundary of the property, roughly 500 feet in length along the common property boundary with TMK: (3) 2-8-012:029; and 2) A 10-foot-wide lateral corridor along the eastern boundary of the Property out to the point at the "Ladders"fishing site, approximately 323 feet in length. -6-