PD Recommendation Report Leese (PL-REZ-2023-055)

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rezoned to lot sizes less than 20 acres, without a corresponding reduction in density on contiguous lands. In Kaloko Mauka, the Council found that the concerns could be mitigated by specific rezoning conditions which would require that at least 80 % of the property be kept in forest cover, in the area above 3,000 feet in elevation (Resolution No. 58-97). One of the conditions included in Resolution No. 58-97 was to restrict the number of dwellings to one per lot. The Planning Director recommends a restriction against a second dwelling on each lot to minimize the density of development in the native forest, similar to a condition included with other past rezones in the subdivision. Conditions of approval will be included to meet the forest cover and density requirements of the resolutions mentioned above. 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. The Hawaiian Forest Bird Recovery Plan (1983) identified the upper slopes of Hualalai, above the 3,000-foot elevation, as "essential habitat" for the endangered `akepa and Hawaiian creeper. These bird species feed on `ohi`a lehua and koa. The proposed -3-