PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SMA-2023-000040)

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with single-family dwellings. These properties range in size from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 square feet. The newly proposed dwelling and associated improvements will be designed and constructed in a manner that is in keeping with the neighborhood. Lastly, the proposed development is consistent with the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP). The PCDP was developed under the framework of the February 2005 County of Hawaii General Plan and was adopted in 2008 via Ordinance No. 08-116 by the Hawaii County Planning Commission. The requested project aligns with the following goals of the PCDP; reducing risk of coastal development from flooding and erosion; expanding economic opportunities for Puna's residents; and retaining the rural character while preserving natural and cultural resources. The development will to the extent feasible, reasonably protect native Hawaiian rights if they are found to exist.In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa'akai O Ka'Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian rights, such as 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: Based on the long development history of the subject parcel is highly unlikely that any historic sites would be found on the property. In conformance with review criteria the project was submitted to the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) for a HRS, Ch. 6E-42 review in which SHPD determined that no historic properties would be affected by a portion of the proposed project (Well). SHPD did not response to a request for additional reviewing which assumes they reviewed the entire site for development when a response was provided. Since the project area has been previously disturbed by grading for the existing subdivision and is currently overgrown with non-native vegetation it is assumed that no historic properties would be affected by the proposed project. The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the area: The applicant notes that the subject parcel is located adjacent to an established public shoreline access trail and no changes to access or use are proposed or anticipated. It is not known whether the subject site or immediately surrounding area was ever used for the gathering of plants by native Hawaiians. Given the residential development of the area, it would -6-