HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0998.021 2006-2008w...lr_.I. .. f...
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Elizabeth C. Marracli; MS
Waimea, HI96743 .. ~%[~~ ~. "'' ' . .; r r.. -, ~:,
Planning Department '..C11_i(V'' ~. ` , '- i;a, ~'r~,l:.t~l
101 Pauahi St., Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720-3043
September 9, 2008
Re: Support for Bill Z37 - Xtezonlag TMK (3) 5-9-1:8 (owned by Knlhela I.I,C) to Ag
15 acre
1. Ln the interest of the marine areas downslope and offshore of the K:ohala LLC Parcel,
l want to support the County Council's action to dowozone TMIC. (3) 5~9-1:8 to Ag 15
acres.
2. My background and professional experience that is relevant to commenting on this
proposed project include:
• Masters of Science in Marine Ecology, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories,
California State University
• Bachelors of Science in Geology, Williams College
• Conducted numerous research projects on coral reefs, groundwater, and water quality
on the West Hawaii Coast in conjunction with academic institutions and state and
federal agencies since 1992. _
• Raised on the Big Island and used the Kohala Coast for ocean rec~~eation for 38 years.
3. The nearshore marine environment fronting Nonokoa Gutch has historically been a
healthy corgi reef ecosystem. Until several years ago, volcanic pavement and clear, clean
water supported healthy coral cover and abundant fish and invertebrate communities. The
threatened green sea turtle (Chelosria mydas) wss commonly seen in the area as well. In
2006, heavy rains washed large amounts of unconsolidated sediments down Nonokoa and
nearby gulches causing large amounts of sediment to be deposited on the reef ecosystem.
Surveys before and after the event by Department of Aquatic Resources show
widespread, potentially irneversible damage to the reef. Reef sys~ens will have much
less chance of recovery if negative impacts continue. Minimizing future development
immediately onshore would be base for the reef.
4. The construction of residences on the Kohala LLC parcel will create the potential risk
for unconsolidated sediment to be washed (again) onto the nearsbiore environment. The
parcel contains steep slopes and large drainages. Soil from imported fill and site grading
Pane 1 of 3 l ~ $ • Z~ 1
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Ref. Date P _ 4 zU08
could easily be washed into gulches and washed downstream onto the: reef. Fine
sediments can smother coral and cause long term ecosystem e#fects. 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 fiom 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 known for high volumes of submarine nroundwater
discharge. Groundwater and stream flow act as conduits far Leach field contaminants
including nuMents and household toxins (cleaners, pharmaceuticals, etc). Corals and reef
organisms are known to be sensitive to elevated nutrients and household toxins.
Reducing the number of homes constructed on the Kohala LLC parce:I will reduce the
chance of impacts to reefs from these compounds.
6. Construecion of residences on the Kohala LLC Parcel would ineretase impermeable
surfaces near the coastline and, therefore, increase the risk that stnrrn runoff carrying
contaminants runs onto drainages and nearshore exosystems. Storm runoff could include
fertilizers and pesticides used in landscaping, soil, motor oil, and asphah compounds.
Corals and reef organisms are know to be sensitive to these contaminants.
7. Reef ecosystems have significant cultural, economic, and aes-thetie value for many
people in Hawaii. The long-term trends of corn! reef degradation ia>< the State of Hawaii'
along with the rapid development of West Iawaii's coastal zone necr_ssitate 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 imp~tets to reefs from
sedimentation, elevated nutrients, and anthropogenic toxins.
~ Friedlander, A. , G. Aeby, E. Brown, A. Clark, S. Co)es, S. dollar, C. Hunter, P. Jokiel, J. 3mrth, B.
Walsh. I. wiiliams, W. Wiitse. 2005. The State of Coral Beef Ecosystems of the Maiut I; fawaiian Islands.
Pages 222- 269. in J. Waddell, editor. The State of Coca! Reef Ecosystems of the Unued Staus end Pacific
Freely Associated States: 2005. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 1 S. NOAA/NCCOS Ccnlet
for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Team. Silver Spring, h1D.
pace 2 of 3
Siecerely,
Eliza C. Matrack _._.~
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