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

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seeds that are found throughout the project area. One of the most significant cultural resources of the Punalu'u area is the ocean, bays, coves, and coastal areas within the project area as well as beyond the project site boundaries. From the Volcano area to South Point, Punalu`u is the only viable/accessible beach for the residents from Pahala to Na`alehu and as such maintaining continued access to the beach, ocean, and coastal area is important to this region. As stated in the 2006 CIA, the entire Punalu`u area (Punalu`u, Ninole, Hama, Wailau and Hilea) still has an abundance of cultural resources in spite of prior plantation and resort activities simply because the people of this area continue to practice these cultural traditions. Despite the vegetation overgrowth and dilapidated former resort structures, the area continues to be utilized by locals and visitors alike. The proposed development will likely impact some cultural resources during and after construction, such as sub-surface structures, midden, artifacts, or unmarked reburials. This could be mitigated with a cultural monitor and archaeologist present for any subsurface activity as well as surface activity. Preservation and Burial Treatment plans are recommended to properly care for identified archaeological features recommended for preservation. In addition, the CIA Update recommended that mitigation should include a walk-through of kupuna/cultural practitioners, Kuleana landowners, the archaeologist, and the development planners to record all the burial areas that are not recorded in the archaeology report or SMA application. An advisory group made up of primarily kupuna knowledgeable of the area, Kuleana owners and other Punalu`u landowners, could be formed to advise planners of cultural protocol, sensitive areas, and cultural resources (burials, medicine, food and craft plants, and other cultural resources). Before any future construction is started an additional Burial Treatment Plan for inadvertent burials or re- burials is recommended that includes cultural protocols (i.e. re-wrapping `iwi kupuna, ceremony, etc.) as well as State and County regulations. Any construction ground activity will include the requirement to have a cultural and archeological monitor on-site during all ground disturbing activities. Scenic and Open Space Resources: The beauty of the project site is very well known, which is why residents refer to this area as the "piko" of Ka`u. All repair and -6-