.PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SMA-2023-000043)

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invasive species to establish the farm and residential development. Staff notes that the most sensitive areas are the coastal portion of the project site, and the applicants propose to construct a fence 40-feet inland from the top of pali which represents the shoreline. This area is also within the State Land Use (SLU) Conservation District, and as such any work in that area will require a permit or approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) prior to land use actions. The project is utilizing the designated zoning of the site, and as such will be in-line with the existing entitlements related to zoning and appropriate land uses, as well as establishing a residential component to minimize further impacts to the site and surrounding area by the lack of management and upkeep. The proposed project, as designed, will not generate any adverse effects that cannot be mitigated with proper Best Management Practices (BMP), or are lands that are already impacted by previous land work including significant grading and grubbing from years of sugar cane farming. Staff believes that the past poor management of the area has led to a decline in natural resources, and this project aims to repair some of the damage while setting up the project site into a more comprehensive management regime. In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A, the proposed development is consistent with the objectives and policies as provided by Chapter 205A, HRS, and Special Management Area guidelines contained in Rule No. 9 of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure. The purpose of Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Special Management Area Rules and Regulations of the County of Hawaii, is to preserve, protect, and where possible, to restore the natural resources of the coastal zone areas. Therefore, special controls on development within an area along the shoreline are necessary to avoid permanent loss of valuable resources and the foreclosure of management options. The objectives and policies of Chapter 205A, HRS include, but are not limited to, the protection of coastal recreational resources, historic resources, scenic and open space resources, coastal ecosystems, marine resources, beaches, and controlling development in coastal hazard areas. -3-