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

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Investigation of valued resources: A draft Archeological Inventory Survey (AIS) of the subject parcels was completed in January, 2023 which was submitted to the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) for review under Ch. 6E-42. SHPD requested that the identification and treatment of potential architectural historic properties be addressed separately in a Reconnaissance Level Survey (RLS). The applicant has completed the RLS and it was submitted to SHPD for review and acceptance. The applicant is currently working to complete the SHPD review and will implement all recommendations prior to development of the property. The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the area: One previously identified archaeological site (Site 950-10-35-21133), the Hilo Sugar Company Wainaku Sugar Mill facilities,was documented during the AIS study. Site 950-10-35-21133 consisted of 16 early Historic era to Modern era sugar mill features. The features were remnant portions of several building foundations, a renovated warehouse building, a railroad tunnel,two segments of seawall, a mill yard, and a reinforced concrete flume trestle. Natural resources located on the subject parcel include the pedestrian public access path to the Ale`ale`a Point for fishing and sightseeing; the proposed project aims to record this easement/access in perpetuity and is currently in the process of recording the easement with the State Bureau of Conveyances (BOC). Possible adverse effects or impairment of valued resources: There is no evidence that the flora in the area is particularly desired or used for cultural practices, however, Hawaiian fishing rights along the shoreline will not be affected by this project since the existing access will be maintained and kept in perpetuity as a permanent pedestrian easement. There may be short term impacts from the construction activities for the development as well as the new proposed uses, however best management practices will be in place to mitigate these short-term impacts. Feasible actions to protect native Hawaiian rights: The proposed development will not restrict access to,and the use of natural resources at the shoreline as the subject property will maintain the existing fishing access. A condition of approval has also been added to protect any unidentified cultural, historical, and natural resources in the event any are encountered during construction. To the extent that traditional and customary native -8-