PD Recommendation Report COH-Parks & Rec (PL-SMA-2023-031)

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property is located within Flood Zone AE with a base flood elevation of 7 feet and Flood Zone VE (coastal high hazard area) is located in the northwestern portion of the property with a base flood elevation of 10 feet. The proposed action has been designed to minimize construction in the VE Flood Zone while accomplishing the key goal of providing accessible facilities. The footprint of the existing pavilion will be relocated outside of the VE Flood Zone and into the X Flood Zone thus minimizing impacts from flooding. The applicant has considered the risk of sea level rise (SLR) and determined that given the long-time scenario and uncertainty associated with the risk, it is still prudent to undertake this project. The public benefits outweigh a no action alternative which could lead to losing critical functionality at a heavily used public recreation site. As such, the proposed development will not create a substantial adverse effect on the surrounding areas. Although the County Department of Parks and Recreation is steadily improving the accessibility of its facilities through individual projects,they are scattered around the island and would not tend to produce adverse cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the proposed project is not related to other activities in the region in such a way as to produce adverse cumulative effects or involve a commitment of larger actions. Because of the limited scale of development and planned mitigation, impacts to any terrestrial biological, beach, ocean and aquative resources can be avoided through adherence to Best Management Practices (BMPs). The project site is an existing landscaped park in heavy use with an existing pavilion requiring extensive maintenance and replacements that is required by a legal settlement to become ADA-accessible. In review of the application for the upgrades and improvements to the existing Miloli`i Beach Park, the project use would be consistent with SMA guidelines as it would benefit and not adversely affect public access to a heavily used recreational resource, as well as improving access to historic, scenic and open space resources. The proposed project will expand recreational use for disabled users of the park ensuring that shoreline uses such as fishing, surfing, and other water-dependent activities are allowed in an equitable manner. In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A-26, the proposed development is consistent with the objectives and policies as provided by Chapter 205A-26, HRS, and Special Management Area guidelines contained in Rule No. 9 of 4