PD Background Report (PL-REZ-2023-000055)

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previously rezoned to Agricultural (A-3a & A-5a) and Family Agricultural (FA-3a & FA-5a) zoning and have been subdivided into lot sizes ranging from 3 to 5 acres. Land uses in the surrounding area are primarily low-density residential uses with a few lots maintaining small pasture areas. 16. Agricultural Lands of Importance to the State of Hawaii (ALISH): The subject property is classified as Other Important Agricultural Land. 17. Land Study Bureau's Detailed Land Classification System: The soil condition within the subject property is classified as Class E soil. Class E soil is considered very poor for agricultural productivity. 18. U.S.D.A. Soil Survey: Puna series consisting of moderately deep, well drained soils that formed in organic material mixed with minor amounts of basic volcanic ash in A`a lava. Slopes range from 2 to 40 percent. 19. FEMA FIRM MAP: The subject parcel is in an area designated as flood zone X on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Zone "X" is an area determined to be outside the 500-year floodplain. 20. Flora/Fauna Resources: No professional flora or faunal surveys were conducted of the subject property; however, the applicant conducted a review of information associated with similar rezonings in the general area which did not disclose any habitats associated with protected species of plants or animals, thus they do not believe that any endangered flora or faunal resources are likely to be located within the property. The subject property is heavily forested with native trees and shrubs such as `Ohi`a, tree fern, other native trees and shrubs, and non-native vegetation. Wildlife at the property, as witnessed in records of other nearby properties, consists of turkeys, hawks, Chinese pheasants, and other forest birds. Vegetative cover is a mixture of native and non-native species. According to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources—Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the Hoary Bat or `Ope`ape`a, the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth, the Hawaiian Goose or Nene, and the Hawaiian Hawk or `Io could potentially occur in the vicinity of the project area. Furthermore, the applicant cited recommended mitigation measures for possible impacts on the Hoary Bat and `Io as well as the steps to minimize the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death (ROD) and have represented that they will apply those as necessary during the development of the property. -4-