Laserfiche WebLink
Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project <br /> • Spatial dominance. The degree to which an activity dominates the <br /> landscape composition or dominates landform, water, or sky backdrop as <br /> viewed from a scenic resource. <br /> The rule states that "an application may be denied if the activity will have an <br /> unreasonable impact on the visual quality of a protected natural resources as viewed <br /> from a scenic resource even if the activity has no practical alternative and the applicant <br /> has minimized the proposed alteration and its impacts through mitigation." <br /> Program Elements <br /> Major program elements include: <br /> • Application Submission/Content Requirements. The Applicant must <br /> describe the location of the activity and provide an inventory of scenic <br /> resources within the viewshed. This is accomplished by having the <br /> Applicant complete the MDEP Visual Evaluation Field Survey Checklist. <br /> • Visual Impact Assessments. If deemed necessary by the Department, <br /> the Applicant may be required to have a qualified design professional <br /> prepare a visual impact assessment to document the impact of the project. <br /> The assessment must illustrate the proposed changes to the environment <br /> and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. The assessment must <br /> include a narrative of the project, discussion of the significance of the <br /> impacts, level of use and viewer expectations, and mitigation measures <br /> incorporated into the design. The rule notes that line-of-sight profiles are <br /> one acceptable means for documenting impacts. It is also noted that <br /> photo simulations and computer generated graphics may be required for <br /> more sensitive landscapes. <br /> • Mitigation. In reviewing an Application, the Department is to consider if <br /> the project is compatible with its surroundings, and if mitigation has been <br /> incorporated to reduce the project's scenic resource impacts. Design <br /> strategies promulgated in the rules include: <br /> ■ Planning and siting. Locate structures in a way on the site to limit <br /> the structure's adverse impacts within the viewshed. <br /> ■ Design. Applicants should utilize screening, buffers, earthen <br /> berms, camouflage, low profile, downsizing, non-standard <br /> Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page 120 <br />