PD Recommendation Report (SMA 21-000078)

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be directed to an "Urban Area" (UA) as defined in the Kona Land Use Map". It further states that "growth would be directed to compact villages located along proposed transit routes or to inf ll areas within, or adjacent to, existing development". A similar objective of the KCDP aims to identify areas where higher intensity growth areas should occur and areas where the rural character and open space along the shoreline should be preserved. As this project is within the Kona Urban Area and is providing six (d) residential dwellings adjacent to a developed subdivision and the fully developed Ala Ka La condominium makai of the project site, the requested use would not be contrary to the goals of the Kona CDP. This project appears to be consistent with the policies of existing recreation with the continued use of the public shoreline access and wastewater, as the proposed development will be connected to the County wastewater system such that no individual wastewater system will be required. The proposed development will not have a significant adverse impact to traditional and customary Hawaiian rights: In view of the Hawaii State Supreme Court's "PASH" and "Ka Pa'akai Q Ka Aina" decisions, the issue relative to native Hawaiian rights, such as gathering and fishing rights, must be addressed. These rights must be addressed in terms of the cultural, historical, and natural resources and the associated traditional and customary practices of the site: Investigation of valued resources: The applicant stated it is not known whether the subject or immediate surrounding area was ever used for the gathering of plants by native Hawaiians. Based on the long history of disturbance and development impacts from surrounding projects (i.e., Ali'i Drive) it would appear unlikely that the site would serve such purpose. An Archeological Field Inspection (AFI) report was completed for the subject parcel which found no evidence of historic or cultural resources requiring preservation. This determination was confirmed by the SHPD by letter, stating "no historic properties will be affected"by the proposed project. The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the permit area: The primary valuable cultural and natural resource in this area is the coastal area, and the public shoreline access trail that is adjacent to the subject parcel. The existing access trail -8-