PD Background Report (PL-SMA-2022-000023)

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2. Historic Resources: This shoreline area has no known historic resources. The area of development proposed shows no evidence of historic properties. The site is not used for gathering, ceremonial or other cultural purposes by native Hawaiians, and therefore there appears to be no potential for cultural impact. Cultural practices in the area include fishing in the shoreline area makai of the subject property. These practices would not be constrained by the construction of the new residence. Protecting archeological and cultural resources is an important aspect of the SMA guidelines. As noted in Section I, Archeological Resources and Section K, Cultural Resources, there is no anticipated impact upon these resources. 3. Scenic and Open Space Resources: The guidelines contained in Rule 9 of the Hawai'i County Planning Commission Rules (which govern the SMA) express the intent to minimize development that would "substantially interfere with or detract from the line of sight toward the sea from the State Highway nearest the coast or from other scenic areas identified in the General Plan." The proposed project site is not visible from the vantage point of the public way. Currently, the view from Paradise Ala Kai Dr. is completely blocked by the wooded nature of the property. If anything, the clearing of invasive trees will open up the view from the public way. The proposed project will not impact scenic or open space resources. The proposed use of a single-family residence is consistent with all other homes along this section of shoreline. 4. Coastal Ecosystems: Due to the nature of most vacant lots in HPP, and this lot in particular, invasive plants have choked out native plants to a large degree. The owners vow to remedy this situation and protect existing native plants while planting native foliage. This will be discussed in detail in Section J, Flora and Fauna Resources. Otherwise,the design of the residence and the conditions of construction permits would minimize impacts to coastal resources. All mandated setbacks and government regulations related to runoff and nearshore waters will be adhered to. No threatened or endangered animal or plant species are present. No adverse impact to flora, fauna, or ecosystems would be expected to result from the proposed development or any activities associated with it. 5. Economic Uses: The proposed residence would have very little impact on the greater socioeconomic environment. The proposed action is in keeping with its zoning by the County. This economic impact would be minor, given the context of this area of HPP. As noted in other areas of the document, it will be economically beneficial for lots to be built out in HPP, rather than retaining these lots for investment or other uses. 6. Coastal Hazards: Since this project is contained within the bounds of Zone X on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (See Exhibit G), the only true hazard is falling off the rock cliff. Little can be done to mitigate this hazard. The development of this vacant lot will not result in the loss of valuable resources or impinge upon the public access to the shoreline. In fact, public access along the shoreline will be further encouraged as development of long-time vacant lots proceed. The mostly level old lava Page 6 Attachment to SMA Major Use Permit Application of Kerr/Gleason,TMK: (3) 1-S-OS8 : OS3 6