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Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project <br /> materials, lighting, and alternative technologies to minimize <br /> impacts. <br /> ■ Offsets. If scenic resource impacts are unavoidable, applicants <br /> may propose "offset" improvements within the viewshed that would <br /> enhance the scenic resource in other ways. An offset may be <br /> developing a scenic overlook to provide greater access to the <br /> scenic resource. <br /> • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Evaluating Impacts. The <br /> Department's Bureau of Land and Water enacted standards to assist staff <br /> in evaluating scenic and aesthetic use impacts. The guidelines require <br /> that staff be trained in the use of a visual impact assessment (VIA) form <br /> (Appendix C) and Visual Impact Assessment Matrix (VIM) (Appendix C). <br /> The VIA form assesses the project's compatibility with various elements of <br /> the landscape using descriptive indicators and a ratings scoring. The VIM <br /> form determines the significance of the visual impact and appropriate <br /> mitigation in response to the severity of the impact. <br /> Applicability to Hawaii County <br /> Maine's Department of Environmental Management has adopted rules to implement <br /> State policy to protect the scenic quality found in its rivers, streams, mountains and <br /> other environmental resources. The rules establish an application process, submission <br /> requirements, appropriate mitigation strategies and guidelines and standards for <br /> evaluating scenic resource impacts. The Department's rules may serve as a helpful <br /> model for Hawaii County as it develops a program to address the County's scenic <br /> resource protection objectives. <br /> F <br /> . a <br /> Hawaii County is blessed with rural landscapes of a diversity of colors and textures. <br /> Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page 21 <br />