2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Nohea Ka'awa Members of SMA2023-046 Working Group Opposition Testimony

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fish market,retail space, and restaurant is located within a 1/4 mile from the coastline,in an area with no existing infrastructure. Additionally, the Ka`u CDP recommends that any coastal commercial activities be coastal dependent activities, which retail and a restaurant are not. b. The coastal set-backs need to be re-evaluated and a certified shoreline survey must be conducted. Ka`u is experiencing higher and more frequent king tides and storm surges than ever before. To site structures near the shoreline and near documented flood hazards without an understanding of the risks from storm surge and known changes to the extent of the black sand beach would be irresponsible. We urge the commissioners to understand the need for a re- evaluation of the current high-tide or high water mark along this coastal section. In 2023, king tides coupled with storm surge brought the ocean to meet the anchialine pool at Kawaihuokauila. Additionally, we urge that a certified shoreline survey be completed to address not only the expiration of the previous survey (see below) but also relative to the 8,000 sq ft building described above. https:Hdlnr.hawaii.gov/ld/files/2013/07/Ch 13-222-Amend-Compil-Stand-Rev l.pdf c. An updated EA and EIS should be completed, in addition to updating setbacks and conducting a certified shoreline survey. The last EIS was completed in 1988, 36 years ago. Only supplemental cultural fauna and floral surveys have been updated.A DEIS was completed in 2006 and both EIS are outdated. Proposed Sea Mountain project elements that triggered the 2006 EIS review include the following: 1) a proposed upgrade or replacement of the existing wastewater treatment facility that would increase its capacity to serve over fifty additional residential units, 2) proposed project utilities and easements across and within State and/or County roadways and real property interests, and 3) potential use of land in the Conservation District and Shoreline Setback Area around Nmole Cove. Additionally, the law states: "All exemptions under the classes in this section are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of planned successive actions in the same place, over time, is significant, or when an action that is normally insignificant in its impact on the environment may be significant in a particularly sensitive environment." Section 11-200-8 (b), HAR a.) Demolition and restoration of former restaurant building in disrepair would require EIS. The building is over 50 years old and is contaminated by lead, arsenic and is unfenced and highly hazardous. The historic and hazardous conditions will require multiple agency permits. Special handling in accordance with State Department of Health Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch Office of Solid Waste Management regulations will be required. b.) Waste Water Treatment Plant(WWTP) expansion for more units: Triggers EIS if Wastewater treatment unit, except for an individual wastewater system or unit serving fewer than fifty single-family dwellings or the equivalent; c.) Significant changes: (all of the following are referenced in the citation below)