PD Recommendation Report Kamehameha Schools (PL-SPP-2023-037)

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The request will not have a significant adverse impact to traditional and customary Hawaiian Rights. In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa`akai O Ka Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights must be addressed in terms of the cultural, historical, and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site. Investigation of valued resources: The applicant submitted an Archaeological Field Inspection (AFI) from ASM Affiliates, which covered the entirety of the permit area. Additionally, the applicant submitted a Botanical Survey and Vertebrate Fauna Assessment from Geometrician Associates, LLC, which also covered the entire permit area. The valued cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the special permit area: According to the AFI, the permit area is located at the southern end of the of a vast cultural landscape that has been termed archaeologically as "the Kona Field System", a 140- square mile landscape of dry-land agricultural fields developed by native Hawaiians who lived in the Kona district. The permit area is within the `apa`a zone, approximately 1,099 feet to 1,131 feet above sea level, conducive for growing taro, sweet potato, sugar cane, and ti. However,previous ground disturbance and development in the permit area has removed any trace of this agricultural system. The AFI found one (1)potential historic artifact on-site consisting of a 50-meter portion of a rock wall that was constructed in the early to mid-20th century. According to the applicant, the rock wall remnant will remain intact within the permit area and will not be affected by the proposed project. Consequently, the AFI found that since most of the Area has been previously disturbed and developed, there are"no historic properties affected." The Flora/Fauna survey determined that while there were some native species of flora found within the permit area, none were considered threatened or endangered. Furthermore, no threatened or endangered faunal species were observed on-site. Thus, the survey concluded that due to the developed nature of the site and its proximity to Mamalahoa Highway, the presence of threatened or endangered species is unlikely. -10-