PD Recommendation Report (SMA 21-000078)

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The entire project site is located at 25-30 feet elevation above sea level, and within the FEMA-FIRM flood zone "X", which is for areas outside the 500-year floodplain. The applicant will be required to comply with appropriate flood zone requirements outlined in County Code (i.e., Chapter 27, Floodplain Management). As such, the proposed development will not create a substantial adverse effect on any environmentally sensitive areas,public sites, or natural resources. The development of a six (6) unit condominium adjacent to hotels, single-, and multi-family dwellings and other condominiums would not tend to produce adverse cumulative impacts as site development would be contained within the parcel. Noise, air, and other impacts will be minimal and typically occur during development and construction activities. The addition of six (6) new dwellings may increase traffic incrementally, however traffic impacts would most likely be minimal. Furthermore, the proposed project is not related to other developments or building sites in the region in such a way as to produce adverse cumulative effects or involve a commitment of larger actions. Although no professional floral and faunal survey of the site was completed, the urban and highly altered nature of the surrounding area makes the presence of rare or sensitive flora and fauna unlikely. Site vegetation consists primarily of haole koa scrub and various non-native grasses and vines. Because of this, along with limiting development to the subject parcel only, no impacts to any terrestrial biological resources would occur, and impacts to the ocean and the aquatic resources they support will be avoided. No historic sites are present, and there will be no adverse impacts to cultural resources or practices, which benefit from a public access trail located adjacent to the subject parcel. In review of the SMA guidelines as listed under HRS 205A-26(2) (B) above, 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, -4-