PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-REZ-2022-000035)

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tall-stature,more or less closed-canopy `ohi`a forest with a well-developed sub canopy of hapu`u tree ferns and other native tree species and shrubs. The hapu`u form a dense tree fern canopy throughout the parcel. There is an abundance of `ie`ie on the ground and climbing on the `ohi`a trees. Other native understory species in more noticeable quantities include ho`awa, ma`maki, pilo, kawa`u, kanawao, kolea, olomea, maile, and ala`ala` wai nui. The plant community type is healthy native forest with a few alien plant species, most notably banana poka and lemi wai. Common guava and waiawi are present in a few mature trees and few seedlings. Alien species are continually managed to reduce the negative impact on the native trees in conjunction with the Forest Management Plan. Common native Hawaiian birds inhabiting the subject parcel include the amakihi, apapane, and `elepaio. The formerly federally endangered Hawaiian Hawk inhabits the general Kaloko mauka area. The Hawaiian Forest Bird Recovery Plan (1983) identified the upper slopes of Hualalai above the 3000-foot elevation contour as `essential habitat' for the endangered `akepa and Hawaiian creeper. The federally endangered Hawaiian hoary bat is widely distributed on the island of Hawaii and has been frequently observed in the Kaloko mauka area where it can be assumed to be a resident species. Alien animals in the Kaloko mauka area include a variety of introduced birds including mynah, Chinese thrush, and pheasants. Alien mammals include feral pig, feral cat, mongoose and both brown and black rats. 20. Archaeological/Historic/Cultural Resources: No Archaeological and cultural study was conducted of the property as the subject property has been previously impacted by ground-disturbing activities associated with residential development and no further ground disturbance is proposed. The property is located within the boundaries of a pre- contact age upland agricultural system known as the Kona Field System, which is listed in the State Inventory of Historic Places. The area was the subject of a reconnaissance survey and test excavations in 1970 and 1971 by Hu`ehu`e Ranch, the developers of the Kaloko Mauka Subdivision. In addition, the National Park Service published a report in 1991 entitled, "An Ahupua`a Study: The 1971 Archaeological Work at Kaloko Ahupua`a, North Kona." This study also identified remains of an agricultural field system up to the 3,500-foot elevation at certain locations. According to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources - State Historic Preservation Division -4-