HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0998.014 2006-2008P/couNCa
2000 SEP 10 F~~ 9 33
Elizabeth C. Marraek, JfS ~CL!I`d ~ r `~r ''' :t^. ^dl
Waimea, HI96743
Planning Department
101 Pauahi St., Suite 3
Kilo, HI 96720-3043
September 9, 2008
Rc: Support for(13i11237 = Rewnfog 1'MK (3) 5-9-1:8 (owned by Kohala LLC) to Ag-
15 acres
I . In the interest of the marine areas downslope and offshore of the Kohala LLC Parcel,
1 want to support the County Council's action to downzone TMK (3) 5-9-1:8 to Ag 15
acres.
2. My background and professional experience that is relevant to commenting on this
proposed projeM include:
• Masters of Science in Marine Ecology, Moss Landing Marine Latroratories,
California State University
• Bachelors of Science in Geology, Williams College
• Conducted numerous research projects on coral reefs, groundwater, and water qualitg~
on the West Hawaii Coast in conjunction with academic institutions and state and
federal agencies since 1992.
• Raised on the $ig Island and used the Kohala Coast for ocean recreation for 38 years.
3. The nearahore marine environment fionting Honokoa Gulch has hi:norically been a
healthy coral reef ecosystem. Until several years ago, volcanic pavement and clear, clean
water supported healthy coral cover and abundant fish and invertebrate coromunities. Thr,
threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydar) was commonly seen in the area as well. In
2006, heavy rains washed large amounts of unconsolidated sediments down Honokoa and
nearby gulches causing large amounts of sediment to be deposited on the reef ecosystem.
Surveys before and after Hre event by Department of Aquatic Resources show
widespread, potentially irreversible damage to the reef. Reef systems will have much
less chance of recovery if negative impacts continue. Minimizing future development
immediately onshore would be best for the reef.
4. The constmction of residences on dre Kohala LLC parcel will create the potential risk
for unconsolidated sediment to be washed (again) onm the nearshore environment. The
parcel contains steep slopes and lazge drainages. Sail from imported full and site grading
Pace ] of3
Comm. No.`_
Ref. Table Gt~u1
Ref. Date 2008
could easily be washed into gulches and washed downstream onto tht: reef. Fine
sediments can smother coral and cause long tens ecosystem effects. Fine sediments from
land-based activities have caused reef degradation throughout the State of Hawaii
including this watershed. Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC'.
parcel will reduce the chance of damage to reefs from sedimentation.
5. Contaminants from septic systems would most likely be transported by groundwater
and / or stream flow to nearshore areas causing degradation to marine: ecosystems. Much
of West Hawaii's coastline is Irnown for high volumes of submarine ]groundwater
discharge. Groundwater and stream flow act as woduits for leach field contaminants
including nutrients and household toxins (cleaners, pharmaceuticals, etc). Corals and reef
organisms are (mown to be sensitive to elevated nutrients and household toxins.
Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC parcel will reduce the
chance of impacts to reefs from these compounds.
6. Construainn of residences on the Kohala LLC Parcel would increase impermeable
surfaces near the coastline and, therefore, increase the risk that storm runoff canying
contaminams runs onto drainages and nearshore ecosystems. Storm nmoff could include
fertilizers and pesticides used in landscaping, soil, motor oil, and asphalt compounds.
Corals and reef organisms are know to be sensitive to these contaminants.
7. Reef ecosystems have significant cultural, economic, and aesthetic value for many
people in Hawaii. The long-temt trends of coral reef degradation in ttte State of Hawaii'
along with the rapid development of West Hawaii's coastal zone necessitate caution with
any project that is proposed close to the shoreline. Reducing the number of homes
constructed on the Kohala LLC parcel will reduce the chance of impatcts to reefs from
sedimentation, elevated nutrients, and anthropogenic toxins.
~ Friedlander, A. , G. Aeby, E. Brown, A. Clerk, S. Coles, 6. IMllay C. Humor, P..fokiel, J. Smith, B.
Walsh, I. Williams. W. Wiltsc. 2005. Thc State of Core) Rcef Ecosystems of the Main Hawaiian Islands.
Pages 222- 269. in !. Waddell, editor. The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific
Freely Associated States: 2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS l 1. NOAA/NCCOS Crnter
for Coartal Monitoring and ASSeSament's Biogeography Team. Silver Spring, MD.
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Sincerely,
~~X-~ U1~ `~~~~ ~
Elizabbth C. Manack L .....
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