PD Background Report (PL-SPP-2022-000025)

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14. U.S.D.A. Soil Type: Most of the subject property is classified as Akihi-Alapai complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes, while a small portion at the southeast corner is classified as Udifluvents-Kuanene complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes. 15. Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH): The majority of the 2.0-acre permit area (approximately 90%) is unclassified, while a small portion at the northwest corner is designated"Prime Agricultural Land." 16. Land Study Bureau Soil Rating: The majority of the 2.0-acre permit area (approximately 90%) is classified as "C" or"Moderate Productivity" soil, while a small portion at the northwest corner is classified as `B" or"High Productivity" soil. 17. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): The property is located entirely within Zone "X", which is an area determined by FEMA to be outside of the 500-year flood plain. 18. Flora/Fauna Resources: Although there was no professional survey of the floral and faunal resources of this site, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found on the subject property. According to the applicant, most of the site is comprised of guinea grass and desmodium vine. The surrounding area is made up of cook pine, eucalyptus, macadamia nut, cypress and other non-native shrubs and grasses. A small portion of the Ka`u Forest Reserve is located roughly 2 miles to the west of the subject property. The applicant reports there are endemic, listed species that may occur in this area, including the `Akiapola`au, Hawaii Creeper, Hawaii `Akepa, and the formerly endangered `Io or Hawaiian Hawk. Other endemic forest birds in the area include I`iwi, Oma`o, and Hawaii `Elepaio, `Apapane and `Amakihi. The Pueo or Hawaiian owl and Nene or Hawaiian Goose may also utilize resources of the forest. Additionally, the applicant reports that the Hawaiian Petrel, an endangered and endemic seabird, has been known to transit the area while commuting to nesting areas higher on Mauna Loa, and it is possible that some may nest along the top margin of the Ka`u forest. According to comments provided by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, Hawaiian Goose, and the Hawaiian Hawk all may occur in the project vicinity. DOFAW provided measures to reduce the project's impact on these listed -4-