2024-11-21 Moku Loa Hawaii Island Sierra Club Testimony (2)

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Hawaii County Scenic Resources Inventory and Mapping Project In addition, The Sill, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Report (Appendix F), provides criteria that may be applicable for assessing visual impacts. The visual impact assessment techniques documented in this report, including: computer simulations, photomontages and constructing story poles, should be required of Applicants when it is expected that their project will produce adverse scenic resource impacts. 3. Develop Scenic Corridor Management Plan(s) for specific corridors identified through steps 1 .13 and 1 .C. Prepare and process the Management Plan(s) in accordance with Hawaii County Code §25-6-60. 3.A Scenic Corridor Management Plan(s) should include permit conditions, such as design guidelines, landscaping, screening, or structural setbacks from major thoroughfares and highways, to mitigate any visual impacts from development. 3.B Prepare Urban Design and Scenic Resource Protection Guidelines. Design guidelines are needed to help both Applicant's and staff identify best practice mitigation for minimizing scenic resource impacts. Design guidelines should address the following: • Building density, scale, setbacks, height, separation, placement/orientation, colors, and materials; • Landscape planting; and • Topography The guidelines should demonstrate the application of mitigation to projects of the type to be expected within the unique landscape character districts found within the County. 4. Staff and Planning Commission Training. Institutionalize a scenic resources management and protection training program. As described in this report, all development within Maui County's SMA is subject to a determination of consistency with the SMA's scenic resource objectives and policies. Unfortunately, there is very little guidance provided to help distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable impacts, when a visual impact Scenic Resource Protection Programs and Strategies Page 130