PD RECOMMENDATION REPORT (PL-SMA-2022-000018)

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Director shall consider the sum of those effects that adversely affect the quality of the environment and shall evaluate the overall and cumulative effects of the action on the Special Management Area. Such adverse effects shall include, but not be limited to, the potential cumulative impact of individual developments, each one of which taken in itself might not have a substantial adverse effect and eliminate planning options. The proposed addition of 20 guest rooms is situated within an area of the property that has largely been developed for existing retreat uses and does not trigger the need for an environmental review pursuant to HRS, Chapter 343 (Environmental Impact Statements). Furthermore, there are no unique or sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands, anchialine ponds, etc. on or nearby the property that would be adversely affected by the development. Finally, no construction is proposed beyond the existing permit area, which is located approximately 100 feet mauka of the shoreline cliff, thus the proposed development is not expected to have a substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect upon the SMA. The proposed development is consistent with the objectives and policies as provided by Chapter 205A-26, 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 ecosystem, marine resources, beaches, and controlling development in coastal hazard areas. The proposed construction of 20 additional guest rooms and related improvements is consistent with the objectives and policies of the Coastal Zone Management Program (Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes) including: -3-