PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SMA-2023-000034)

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These historical uses strongly suggest that the subject property has been highly modified by agricultural and transportation uses.Therefore, archaeological resources are not likely to be present on the subject property, and any archaeological resources formerly present would have been removed by these past uses. Furthermore, no historic properties are present that would be impacted by the proposed project. I. Anticipated impacts of the proposed development on the following in relationship to the objectives and policies as contained in Chapter 205A, HRS and the SMA Guidelines a) Recreational Resources The proposed project would not affect recreational resources in any way, which might limit activities associated with shoreline access in this area. Other than agricultural use, we know of no other past uses of this land. Where the property abuts the Pacific Ocean and Hakalau Bay, the vertical slope of the shoreline Pali and steep slope of the Hakalau Gulch Pali as it transitions to the side of the gulch makes any past shoreline access highly improbable. Hakalau Park, lying on the other side of Hakalua Bay, provides shoreline access and a recreation area for the public. b) Historic Resources Excepting the concrete structure previously mentioned and discussed below,the area of development proposed shows no evidence of historic properties.The subject property is not used for gathering, ceremonial, or other cultural purposes by Native Hawaiians, therefore there appears to be no potential for cultural impact to culturally valued resources or cultural practices. Protecting archaeological and cultural resources is an important aspect of the SMA guidelines, and the proposed project is conformant with these guidelines. The three concrete walls that formed a structure used to stage sugar cane being loaded on to the flume is an old mill related structure and may possibly be considered historic.The use of this structure to support the Agricultural Storage facility is consistent with its previous use and will be done in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Division. Other than this structure, we do not believe there are any historic structures at the site. c) Scenic and Open Space Resources The guidelines contained in Rule 9 of the Hawaii County Planning Commission Rules, which pertain to the SMA, express the intent to minimize development that would, "substantially interfere with or detract from the line of sight toward the sea from the State Highway nearest the coast or from other scenic areas identified in the General Plan." The subject property is not visible from any public thoroughfares.The access road itself is a private road and not a public thoroughfare.The parcel lies makai of the Hawaii Belt Hwy at the north end of the Hakalau bridge. To connect the Hawaii Belt Highway to the north end of the Hakalau bridge, a substantial road cut was made in the landscape. Because of this elevation change, the property is not visible from the highway.There are no scenic views and consequently there no impact on scenic views as a result of the development.Therefore, the proposed project would not impact scenic or open space resources.The proposed use is consistent with 9