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

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As shown on Exhibit 17,there are no endangered species' critical habitats located near the Site or surrounding area(Honoka`a). As shown on Exhibit 9, there are also no wetlands or streams on the Site that would attract waterbirds. Archaeological and Historical Resources -Haun& Associates conducted an archaeological inventory survey (AIS) of the 14.574-acre TMK: (3) 4-5- 002:016 and the 15.591-acre TMK: (3) 4-5-002:080. Parcel 016 is situated in Papa`anui Ahupua`a, and Parcel 080 is located in both Haina and Papa`anui Ahupua`a, in the Hamakua District on the Island of Hawaii. The AIS is attached as Exhibit 18. The objective of the archaeological inventory survey is to satisfy current historic preservation regulatory review inventory requirements of the Department of Land and Natural Resources-State Historic Preservation Division (DLNR-SHPD), as contained within Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13, DLNR, Subtitle 13, Chapters 276 and 284, State Historic Preservation Rules. In a letter dated October 23, 2023, DLNR- SHPD stated that they have reviewed and concur with the findings of the AIS (refer to letter included at the end of Exhibit 18). The AIS identified four sites with a total of eight features (Exhibit 19). The sites consist of an historic road(Site 50-10-08-31348), a complex of five terraces interpreted as historic agricultural features (Site 50-10-08-31349), a terrace interpreted as an historic/modern temporary encampment(Site 50-10- 08-31350), and a livestock control wall (Site 50-10-08-31351). The sites possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials,workmanship, feeling, and association. They are assessed as significant under Criterion"d" and have yielded information important for understanding historic habitation, transportation, agriculture, and ranching activity in the area. According to the AIS (Exhibit 18), "No traditional Hawaiian sites were identified in the project area. This is not unexpected because of the extensive mechanized cultivation of sugar cane that would have destroyed most evidence of the traditional use of the area." The documentation of Site 31348, 31349, 31350, and 31351 adequately documents them and no further work or preservation is recommended. As shown on Exhibit 20,the AIS also documented evidence of the modern cultural use of the project area("Modern 1", "Modern 2", and"Modern 3"). This consists of three clusters of modern features located in the seaward portion of the parcel, consisting of mounds and terraces potentially used as sitting areas, fire pits, fishing pole holders and a concentration of mortared bricks, likely created and used by local fisherman. In the event of discovery of any unidentified sites or remains, such as artifacts, shell,bone or charcoal deposits,human burials,rock or coral alignments, pavings or walls, all work in the immediate area shall cease. The Planning 7