2024-11-1 Chuck Flaherty Testimony GP 2045 2 of 2

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Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project Visual Impact Assessment Techniques As documented in this report, visual impact assessment should be preceded by documenting the scenic resources to be protected. Thereafter, criteria and/or guidelines should be developed to help the assessor evaluate how, and to what extent, a scenic resource is being degraded by a proposed action. Once a standardized process is in place, visual impact assessment methods should be deployed to document project induced impacts. The visual impact assessment techniques most commonly used to document scenic resource impacts include: 1. Line-of-sight analysis. A graphic line between two points on a surface that shows where along the line the view is being obstructed. This analysis can be performed using ARC GIS. 2. Story poles. The temporary placement of a mock structure or poles at the height and massing of a structure to simulate the impact of the structure on scenic resources. 3. Computer simulation. The use of computers to simulate pre- and post-project conditions by creating a computerized model of the height, scale and architectural character of a structure together with the existing natural and built environment surrounding it. 4. Photomontage. Creating a composite photograph by incorporating elements from two or more photographs into a new image. Image editing software is often used and the process is These techniques are elaborated upon through their application in the following visual impact assessment case studies: Canyon Oaks Story Poles The City of Calabasas, California, requires projects to conduct a story pole analysis if they are located within its Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone, or if they are requesting height variances. The purpose of installing story poles is to assess the visual impact of the project (See: Appendix D, Canyon Oaks Story Poles). Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page | 22