PD Background Report Ackerman Ranch (PL-SPP-2023-056)

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• In the event of the inadvertent discovery of human skeletal remains project activities will be halted, SHPD will be notified, and the procedures of HAR 13-300-40 will be followed to ensure appropriate treatment. 3G. Floral and Faunal Resources Although there was no professional survey conducted of the floral and faunal resources of the site, the applicant does not believe that rare or endangered floral or faunal resources are likely to be found within or proximate to the subject site as this area has been grazed extensively for many years. Vegetation in the area is mostly dominated by non-native plants, predominantly Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), haole koa(Leucaena leucocephala), and kiawe (Prosopis pallida). Hence, the floral impacts, if at all, should be minimal. In addition, introduced bird species (such as dove, Japanese White-eye, house finch, myna) are common in this area. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs, goats and chickens and other animals like rats and feral pigs may also be present in the area. These are all common and not endangered. There are no known threatened or endangered species or critical habitat on the subject site. As such, it is unlikely that the development of the subject property would cause any adverse faunal impacts. 3H. Valued Cultural Resources In view of the recent Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa'akai O Ka'Aina"decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian gathering and fishing rights must be addressed. Specifically, there must be a discussion of the cultural, historical, and natural resources and associated traditional and customary practices of this site. In this situation, the subject site is not adjacent and/or proximate to the shoreline. As such, fishing and/or coastal access is not an issue. It is not known whether the subject property or immediate surrounding area have ever been used for the gathering of plants by native Hawaiians. However, given the extensive grazing of the property, it would appear very unlikely that the site would serve such purpose today and/or in the recent past. As mentioned above, prior archaeological studies conducted within the project area in conjunction with the Hokuli`a Subdivision found archaeological sites within the vicinity of the project area. The site is a permanent habitation/livestock control complex (Site 24105). All sites have been property documented and appropriate mitigations will be implemented as outlined above to ensure that the project does not impact any historical resources. Based on the above, it does not appear that the project would have any potential adverse impact relating to the cultural and historical resources of this area. 20