PD Recommendation Report (PL-SMA-2022-000025)

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In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A-26(2)(A), the proposed development will not have any substantial 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 project did not meet the criteria in State law for the requirement of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. While one of the subject parcels is located along the shoreline, no work is proposed within the shoreline setback area and as such no HRS 205A trigger was identified. In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A, the proposed development is consistent with the objectives and policies as provided by Chapter 205A, HRS, and Special Management Area guidelines contained in Rule No. 9 of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure. The purpose of Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Special Management Area Rules and Regulations of the County of Hawaii, is to preserve,protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone areas. Therefore, special controls on development within an area along the shoreline are necessary to avoid permanent loss of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options. The objectives and policies of Chapter 205A,HRS include,but are not limited to,the protection of coastal recreational resources, historic resources, scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, marine resources, beaches, and controlling development in coastal hazard areas. Coastal Recreational Resources: Recreational activities on the subject parcels include fishing and sightseeing from Ale`ale`a Point which are accessed via an existing pedestrian public access trail from Parcel 002 to the shoreline on Parcel 001. There are no -3-