PD Recommendation Report Black Sand Beach (PL-SMA-2023-046)

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project does represent a significant impact on the area, and coastal resources, however, the project aims to improve the resources and mitigate impacts to this area. Facility management is necessary to ensure the continued protection of environmental, cultural, and historical resources. Staff notes that the most sensitive area, those that have not been heavily impacted by previous land use activities, is the coastal portion of the project area. The applicant intends to place a large portion of the coastal area into a preserve or other protection status to maintain those resources at the shoreline. The project is utilizing the designated zoning of the site, and as such will be in-line with the existing entitlements related to zoning and appropriate land uses, as well as re-constructing and repairing existing structures and infrastructure to minimize further impacts to the site and surrounding area. The proposed project, as designed, will not generate any adverse effects that cannot be mitigated with proper Best Management Practices (BMP), or are lands that are already impacted by previous land work including significant grading and grubbing. The applicant intends to implement appropriate mitigation in relation to viewplanes, pedestrian access, and community character to ensure the varied and large site is viable for both the existing community, and visitors to the area. Staff believes that the past poor management of the area has led to a decline of natural resources, and this project aims to repair some of the damage while setting up the project site and surrounding area into a more comprehensive management regime. In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A, the proposed development is consistent with the objectives and policies as provided by Chapter 205A, 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 -3-