Waipi'o Lookout Draft Environmental Assessment

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PART 5: FINDINGS AND REASONS Chapter 11-200-12,Hawaii Administrative Rules,outlines those factors agencies must consider when determining whether an Action has significant effects: 1. The proposed project will not involve an irrevocable commitment or loss or destruction of any natural or cultural resources. No valuable natural or cultural resources would be committed or lost by the project,which only involves County acquisition of a property for public use. The action will provide the possibility for preservation of a scenic resources and will assist in protecting Waipi`o Valley, an important natural and cultural resource. 2. The proposed project will not curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment. The proposed project expands and in no way curtails beneficial uses of the environment. 3. The proposed project will not conflict with the State's long-term environmental policies. The State's long-term environmental policies are set forth in Chapter 344, HRS. The broad goals of this policy are to conserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life. The project is minor, environmentally beneficial, and fulfills aspects of these policies calling for an improved social environment. It is thus consistent with all elements of the State's long- term environmental policies. 4. The proposed project will not substantially affect the economic or social welfare of the community or State. The project will benefit the social welfare of the community and State by allowing for use of the property for public benefit. 5. The proposed project does not substantially affect public health in any detrimental way. The proposed project will allow potential benefit to public health. 5. The proposed project will not involve substantial secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities. No secondary effects are expected to result from the proposed action,which only involves acquisition of a property intended for public use'-and would not induce in-migration or affect public facilities. 7. The proposed project will not involve a substantial degradation of environmental quality. The project is minor and environmentally benign, and would thus not contribute to environmental degradation. The action will allow future use of the Rice Property to improve environmental quality. 8. The proposed project will not substantially affect any rare, threatened or endangered species offlora or fauna or habitat. The Rice Property supports overwhelmingly alien vegetation. Impacts to rare,threatened or endangered species of flora or fauna will not occur. 9. The proposed project is not one which is individually limited but cumulatively may have considerable effect upon the environment or involves a commitment for larger actions. The . project is not related to other activities in the region in such a way as to produce adverse cumulative effects or involve a commitment for larger actions. 10. The proposed project will not detrimentally affect air or water quality or ambient noise levels. Due to the character of the project no adverse effects on these resources would occur. 20 Environmental Assessment, Hawai`i County Purchase of Rice Property at Waipi`o Lookout