PD Background Report (PL-USE-2022-000006)

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the subject property are being used for churches, dwellings, and agriculture. The closest residence is located approximately 200 feet northeast of the center of the proposed tower. 16. Flood Zone: Zone "X", which is determined to be an area of minimal flood hazard. 17. Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH): Unclassified. 18. Land Study Bureau's Detailed Land Classification System: "E" or "Very Poor' soils. 19. U.S.D.A. Soil Survey: Puuikaaka-Lava flows complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes. 20. Flora and Fauna Resources: According to Starr Environmental 2017, the vegetation is primarily trees and bushes, christmas berry, individual silver oak trees, strawberry guava, patches of sisal, grass, and other exotic vines and weeds. 21. Archaeological/Historic/Cultural Resources: Cultural resources review, field inspection, and consultation with native Hawaiian organizations was completed in an Archaeological Inventory Survey by Scientific Consultant Services and included in a report dated July 11, 2022. The report indicated that a 0.5-mile radius surrounding the area of potential effects (APE) was examined to identify potential visual impacts to historic properties based on the stipulations in the FCC Programmatic Agreement. The examination found that there are four sites that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and/or on the Hawai'i Register of Historic Places. The sites include three churches and the ruins of a fourth church. The report also indicates that there are historic properties documented within a 0.25-mile radius of the proposed facility site. Site 50-10-28-31352 is documented in the AIS and consists of an agricultural complex comprised of five features (3 terraces and 2 rock mounds). However, there were no historic subsurface remains identified after completing a single test unit and 3 stratigraphic trenches. Site 50-10-28-31352 was interpreted as a late pre -Contact to early post -Contact era agricultural site. It was assessed as significant under Criterion d, pursuant to HAR § 13-284-6, and as adequately documented. Thus, no further archaeological work was recommended, and the site was assessed as not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Lastly, by letter dated February 28, 2023, the Department of Land and Natural Resources -State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and State Historic Preservation Officer's (SHPO) concurred that no historic properties will be affected by the proposed project. 2