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

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thoroughfare. The parcel lies makai of the Hawai'i Belt Hwy at the north end of the Hakalau bridge. To connect the Hawai'i 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. 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 Hakalau Bay,provides shoreline access and a recreation area for the public. 21. Coastal Hazards: The property is located within Flood Zone X, outside of the 500-year flood area, and is not located within the tsunami inundation zone. Since the subject property is located a minimum of 170 feet above mean sea level. The Pali of the adjacent property experienced catastrophic sloughing in 2015. Sometime in 2018, the Pali on the subject parcel also experienced sloughing to a much lesser degree. According to recent findings in a report prepared by the US Geological Survey, in conjunction with the University of Hawai'i, the most"aggressive" episodic sloughing over an extended period is forecast to be 8-inches per year (8-in/yr.). To mitigate this risk, the applicant is proposing to place the Primary Farm Dwelling 160' from the Pali edge. Based on current projections,if aggressive sloughing were to continue, it would take 240 years to reach the dwelling. Additionally, the applicant is proposing to sow vetiver grass in the 3/4 acre area adjacent to the vertical Pali which should help stabilize the entire area and produce livestock feed in the process. Lastly, the applicant plans to selectively prune the Hau at the Pali edge which may serve to strengthen the Hau, promoting root and stem vigor to help stabilize and preserve the Pali. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICES 22. Access: The site is accessed from a private portion of the Old Mamalahoa Hwy, running makai and parallel to Hwy 19. 23. Water: No municipal water service is provided to the property. The proposed project includes constructing an on-site water well for potable water uses as well as for irrigation. -5-