PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-PDI-2022-000004)

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February 13, 2020 Page 4 Ord. No. 98-63 does not preclude the landowner from constructing multiple farm dwellings in the A-8000a, A-255a and A-200a zoning (assuming the landowner could secure Planning Director approval). Without the restrictive 2011 Conservation Easement in place (which the State of Hawaii inspects on a regular (no less than annual) basis and can enforce directly), Ord. No. 98-63 could also be amended with favorable political will, at any time, to allow for more intensive uses within the A-8000a, A-255a, and A-200a zoned areas. However, the 2011 Conservation Easement has established a large tract of open space in perpetuity, while ensuring the forest ecosystem will be improved and protected, but also allowing more sustainable forest activities to occur, including properly managed and sustainable timber harvesting, passive recreational use, and increased research opportunities and educational pursuits. KHR also commissioned the preparation of the "Hawaii Forest Stewardship Management Plan", which was ultimately superseded by "Hawaii Multi -Resource Forestry Management Plan", to guide future activities and management within the 9,017.97-acre 2011 Conservation Easement (the "Management Plan"). The Management Plan, which was extensively reviewed and was approved by the DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife and SFSAC on August 7, 2013, incorporates the vision and provides the necessary framework to manage the property and restore the forestlands to an ecologically sound, native flora -dominated forest. The Management Plan specifically describes the practice and methods to implement and enhance ecosystem conservation efforts, reforestation, weed and pest management, fire management, timber production, livestock management, and scientific, educational, and recreational uses, in addition to management of sensitive historical features. A few of the important components of the Management Plan (between years 2013 and 2023) provides that 2011 would implement the following: 1. Forest Reforestation. Approximately 75% of the 2011 Conservation Easement is considered forested by the standards established by the DLNR. The Management Plan proposes that approximately 500 acres would be reforested during the life of the Management Plan. Reforestation efforts focus on maintaining and enhancing high quality forest areas through removal of livestock and reduction of invasive species. The native tree cover will also be increased with new plantings and encouragement of natural growth from existing seed banks. Reforestation and the implementation of the management practices described in the Management Plan will also help to enhance the understory and overstory vegetation cover, which as a result, is expected to even further mitigate the already limited flooding potential to areas downslope of the 2011 Conservation Easement, and improve water recharge of the underground aquifers. 2. Management of all existing infrastructure, including roads, water, and fences. Maintaining and improving the existing roadway infrastructure will not only support overall management operations within the Conservation Easement, but it will also help to facilitate access for emergency and wildfire protection. 4838-4873-1016.6.065938-00001