PD Background Report Ching (PL-REZ-2023-044)

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As no on-site infrastructure —such as a new road or water line — is anticipated, there should be no added level of impervious surface that should require the installation of drywells to contain surface or project generated water. While unlikely, if there are any existing or potential drainage ways, they will be designated on the final subdivision plat maps. As such, any potential flooding of the site will be addressed during the subdivision review and approval process. 2. Tsunami Hazard As the site is located over six (6) miles from the ocean, it is located outside of the Civil Defense's Tsunami Evacuation Zone. 3. Volcanic and Earthquake Hazards The United States Geological Survey classifies this area to be within Lava Flow Hazard Zone 8, on a scale of ascending risk, 9 to 1. The risk is thus relatively low in this area. This is compared to the City of Hilo where it has been classified as Zone 3. There is very little that can be done to mitigate this situation and reflects an ongoing threat to all residents and businesses. The entire island of Hawaii falls within Earthquake Zone 4, according to the County Building Code. As such, the Applicants understand and accept that there may be added structural requirements to address this seismic hazard for any new improvements. D. Flora/Fauna Although there were no professional surveys conducted of the floral or faunal resources of the site, the Applicants do not believe that rare or endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found within the subject site. The site has already been used for cattle grazing in the recent past. As such, for the most part, the flora of the site is dominated by kikuya grass. However, over time, at least three (3) acres were cultivated in various fruit trees - such as orange, lime, lemon, and tangerine —as well as coffee, avocado, and peach trees. There are scatterings of cypress, Sugi and Norfolk pine, Robusta Eucalyptus, and ohia and koa trees throughout the site. 7