PD Background Report New Hope-Waikoloa (PL-SPP-2023-042)

Home

Residential Agricultural-1 acre (RA-la). Most surrounding parcels consist primarily of vacant land, or are used for pasture lands, with the existing Waikoloa Stables located approximately 1,000 feet to the west of the proposed permit area. 14. USDA Soil Survey Report: Soils in this area are classified as Hapuna-Waikui-Lalamilo complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes. 15. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM): Zone"X," an area determined to be outside the 500-year floodplain. 16. Land Study Bureau's Overall Productivity Rating: "E" or Very Poor. 17. Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH): Most of the parcel and entirety of the permit area are undesignated by the ALISH. 18. Flora and Fauna Resources: No professional floral or faunal survey was conducted for the permit area, however given the findings of the Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) conducted in 2007 for the Waikoloa Highlands project across Waikoloa Road, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered faunal resources are likely to be found in the permit area. Likewise, the applicant points to the historical use of the subject property for cattle grazing in stating that impacts on floral resources will be minimal. Existing faunal resources on the property include bird species such as the Black Francolin, Sky Lark, African Silverbill, Spotted Dove, Japanese White-Eye, House Finch, and Common Myna, in addition to domestic cats and dogs, rats, mongoose, goats and feral pigs. Existing floral resources on the property consist of low grass with scattered Kiawe, Koa Haole and Ilima. None of the existing floral or faunal resources are listed as endangered or threatened. 19. Archaeological Resources: An Archeological Assessment was prepared for the permit area, dated April 2023, which reports that"No archeological sites or features were identified within the project area" and that"the absence of archeological sites within the parcel is likely attributable to the rugged and and conditions within the area." The report concludes that further archeological work is not recommended based on the survey results. Additionally, a request for comments was submitted to the SHPD by the Planning Department, however we have yet to receive a response at the date of this writing. 20. Valued Cultural Resources: According to the applicant, there are no known traditional 3