PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-SMA-2024-000054)

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Potential Impacts As a result of the unpredictability of a tsunami, the actual impacts cannot be estimated beyond the fact that large tsunami waves can cause considerable damage. The ability of a structure to survive the destructive force of a tsunami is dependent upon a number of factors, including the following: the size of the wave, the number of waves, the type of structure impacted, the structure's distance from the water's edge, the topography of the impacted area, and the amount of debris suspended in the waves impacting the structure. Proposed Mitigation The Applicant is well aware of the potential tsunami hazard. Evacuation routes for the area have been developed by the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency ("Civil Defense") and the Applicant is aware of them. A tsunami warning siren system is presently in place as a means of informing area residents and businesses of an impending threat. The warning system is linked to the Statewide Civil Defense System and is activated directly by Civil Defense. Volcanic & Earthquake Hazards Existing Conditions The United States Geologic Survey ("USGS") classifies the area as Lava Flow Hazard Zone 8, on a scale of ascending risk, 9 being the lowest risk and 1 being the highest. The entire Island of Hawaii is within Earthquake Zone 3. Potential Impacts The potential impacts of lava flow inundation include structures and improvements covered by lava or destroyed by fire, disruption of built infrastructure, alteration of the terrain and loss of life. This property is not in a high risk area. In Hawaii, the loss of life due directly to lava flow inundation is extremely rare due to the fact that there is usually adequate warning of an impending threat to allow the evacuation of the area. The Uniform Building Code designates the entire Island of Hawaii in Zone 3 and contains certain structural requirements to address the relative seismic hazards. However, during a major earthquake of 7+ on the Richter scale, significant property damage may occur. Proposed Mitigation As in the case of tsunamis, due to the uncertainty of volcanic events, the most practical mitigative measure is the provision of an early warning system that will warn area residents and businesses of an impending threat. Regarding a seismic event, adherence to the structural requirements of the Uniform Building Code is the best possible mitigation to prevent property damage or loss of life. The Proposed Carport will be built to withstand seismic events per 2006 IBC. C. PROBABLE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT The eyesore of the old house very near the road and the old shed that is literally in the roadway will be removed. The environment will be altered by the addition of new buildings. D. ANY PROBABLE ADVERSE, UNAVOIDABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The Applicant has not identified any adverse, unavoidable environmental effects. 17