PD Recommendation Report (PL-SMA-2022-024)

Home

In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A-26(2)(A), the proposed development will not have any significant adverse environmental or ecological effect, except as such adverse effect is minimized to the extent practicable and clearly outweighed by public health, safety, or compelling public interest. In considering the significance of potential environmental effects,the Director shall consider the sum of those effects that adversely affect the quality of the environment and shall evaluate the overall and cumulative effects of the action on the Special Management Area. Such adverse effects shall include, but not be limited to, the potential cumulative impact of individual developments, each one of which taken in itself might not have a substantial adverse effect and eliminate planning options. The proposed single-family residence is a replacement of a dwelling that has been on the property for over 60 years. Demolishing the existing dwelling provides the applicant the ability to rebuild the home outside the current 40-foot shoreline setback area in what could be considered a minor implementation of managed retreat which is an acceptable planning practice for coastal development on small parcels. The existing dwelling was built within 20 feet of the shoreline due to its age and construction prior to SMA law and as such does not follow current law regarding the proper siting of shoreline development. The property is bounded on the shoreline by a legal seawall confirmed to be intact and unaltered since it was reconstructed (legally) in 2012. The property is bounded by a large wooden fence to the south and the County owned and maintained pedestrian shoreline access path directly north of the subject parcel. Based on the above factors the proposed project will not significantly alter or impact coastal resources nor impact access to and along the shoreline. The subject parcel has been used for over 60 years as a residential property within a well-established residential community therefore the land has been altered by historic land disturbance common to residential development. The property has also been fully landscaped for decades; therefore, it is not anticipated that any rare or endangered floral or faunal species would be found on the parcel, nor would any be affected by the proposed project. A home on this property would have no adverse effect on natural beauty and scenic view planes since it is a replacement of a similar structure that has been existing for decades and is within a community of similar developmental character and use. Based on the small 3