Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0217.000 1998-2000 OOJNtY Oi Ngw1 ~yl,~,.: William G. Davis Stephen K. Yamas}IiCO Managing Director Mnyor - Henry Cho •+QE OF~Ni~T Deputy Managing Director ~nixix~g n£ ~ttfutcii 25 Aupuui Street, ROOM 215 Fiilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808)961-8211 Fax (808)961-6553 - KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)329-5226 Fax (808)326-5663 March 24, 1999 The Honorable James Y. Arakaki, Chairperson and Members of the Council of the County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Chairperson Arakaki: Subject: Informational Document for the Proposed Issuance of a Lease/License to Harvest Cook Pine, etc. from and to Re-Plant Cook Pine on County Owned Lands situate at Waikoekoe, Hamakua, Hawaii Taa Map Key: 3rd/4-8-03:05 (Portion) The Director of Finance, subject to authorization from the Council of the County of Hawaii, is proposing to issue a lease/license for the harvest of Cook Pine (Araucania columnaris) and various eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus spp.) from and to re-plant Cook Pine on a 40.00 acre portion of Taa Map Key: 3rd/4-8-03:05 situate at Waikoekoe, Hamakua, Hawaii. Details of the proposed harvesting and re-planting are outlined in the informational document under Section 2.9, Project Description. Your review of the enclosed draft informational document is appreciated. We would appreciate receiving any comments the Council may have by Aoril 9. 1999. Should there be any questions on this matter, please feel free to call on Executive Assistant Glenn Y. Taguchi at 961-8503. Sincerely, PHEN IQ~ AMASHIRO Mayor ll Comm• No. Enclosure D ~ L F71e No. Ref. To: FL Ref. Date ~ 2 5 ~ OFFICE OF THE MAYOR COUNTY OF HAWAII INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENT ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF A LEASE/LICENSE TO HARVEST COOK PINE, ETC. FROM AND TO RE-PLANT COOK PINE ON COUNTY-OWNED LANDS SITUATE AT WAIKOEKOE, HAMAKUA, HAWAII TAX MAP KEY: 3RD/4-8-03:05 (PORTION) C r-r /Fc TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TITLE PAGE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS/LIST OF MAPS 2- 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 4- 5 1.1 Introduction of Proposed Action 1.2 Proposing Agency 1.3 Accepting Authority 1.4 Distribution List Federal State of Hawaii County of Hawaii Other Interested Parties 2.0 PROPOSED ACTION 5- 8 2.1 Ownership 2.2 Location 2.3 Uses Project Site Surrounding Properties 2.4 Project Description Prior Uses Statement of Need Sustainable Forest Harvesting Plan Replanting 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 9-12 3.1 Physical Characteristics Climate Topography Soils Flora and Fauna Air Quality and Noise Water Resources 3.2 Natural Hazards Flood Hazard Tsunami Hazard Volcano Hazard 3.3 Social and Cultural Ceded Lands Historic Resources Visual Impact Page 3.4 Infrastructure and Public Service Requirements Roads Water Services Wastewater Services Electrical and Telephone Services Drainage Systems Emergency Services Other Public Services 4.0 LAND USE PLANS AND POLICIES 12-15 4.1 Hawaii State Planning Act 4.2 State Land Use Commission 4.3 The General Plan-County of Hawaii 4.4 Zoning Code of the County of Hawaii 4.5 Coastal Zone Management 4.6 Special Management Area 4.7 Hawaii Redevelopment Agency 5.0 OTHER PERMITS, APPROVALS. ETC. 15-16 6.0 SUMMARY OF PROBABLE IMPACTS 16 AND MITIGATION MEASURES 7.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 16-17 7.1 No Action 7.2 Alternative Site or Plan 8.0 DETERMINATION 17-18 LIST OF MAPS Map 1, Island of Hawaii Map 2, Tax Map -Zone 4 - Hamakua Map 3, Tax Map -Section 3`d/4-8 Map 4, Tax Map -Plat 3`'/4-8-03 Map 5, Project Site APPENDICES Appendix A: References Appendix B: Application 3 PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF A LEASE OR A LICENSE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction of Proposed Action The County of Hawaii, through its Director of Finance, subject to authorization by the Council of the County of Hawaii, pursuant to the applicable sections of Chapter 2, Article 19, Real Property Disposition, Hawaii County Code, is proposing to issue a lease or a license for the harvest of Cook Pine (Araucaria columnaris) and various Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus Spp.) from a 40.0 acre portion of Tax Map Key: 3`d/4-8-03:05 situate at Waikoekoe, Hamakua, Hawaii. The lease or license will require that the lessee/licensee, among other things, replant the premises with Cook Pine seedlings for each tree harvested regardless of tree species harvested. Further, the harvesting of Koa (Acacia Koa) and other native tree species is prohibited under this license. The proposed use is viewed as a continuing agricultural use and, thus, is not subject to further Chapter 343, HRS review. However, because of the strong community interest in the disposition of the former Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc. lands now owned by the County of Hawaii, a document has been prepared for informational purposes. 1.2 Proposing Agency Department of Finance County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 118 Hilo, HI 96720 1.3 Accepting Authority Office of the Mayor County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 1.4 Distribution List Federal U.S. Army Engineer Division, Pacific Ocean U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Resources Conservation Service State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture DBEDT-Office of Planning 4 Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Department of Health Office of Hawaiian Affairs DLNR-Division of Forestry and Wildlife DLNR-State Historic Preservation Division DLNR-Land Division DLNR-Commission on Water Resource Management County of Hawaii Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency Planning Department Department of Public Works Department of Research and Development Department of Water Supply Hawaii County Fire Department Hawaii County Police Department Other Interested Parties County Council of the County of Hawaii Hamakua Farm Bureau Hamakua Business Council Kamehameha Schools/Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate HFIA-(Hawaii Forest Industry Association) HLLA-(Hawaii Loggers & Lumbermen's Association) Hawaiian Civic Club of Hamakua Other community groups and interested individuals 2.0 PROPOSED ACTION 2.1 Ownership The subject property, identified as Tax Map Key: 3rd/4-8-03:05, situate at Waikoekoe, Hamakua, Hawaii, is former Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc., lands now owned by the County of Hawaii. 2.2 Location The subject property, being 660.80 acres, more or less, is a portion of the ahupuaa of Waikoekoe in the District of Hamakua. The nearest urban area is the village of Kukuihaele. The dominant landmark in the area is Waipio Valley, located to the northwest of the subject property. 2.3 Uses Project Site. The project site is a timber stand of approximately 40.0 acres in size. The proposed project site is unencumbered. 5 Surrounding Properties. The proposed project site is at the northeast corner of the subject property. The property directly to the north is owned by the Kamehameha Schools/Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate. The property directly east of the proposed project site is owned by the State of Hawaii and is a part of the Hamakua Forest Reserve. 2.4 Project Description Prior Uses. The subject property was acquired from Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc. Prior to this acquisition, the subject property and surrounding lands were used for sugarcane production and timber harvesting. Statement of Need. Today, there exists a demand for Cook Pine which is not currently being addressed. The limited supply to the market place is being supplied by arborist and tree trimmers. This supply, however, falls far short of the market demand. With the issuance of a lease or a license, the lessee/licensee is proposing to implement a Sustainable Forest Project on a 40.0 acre timber stand within the subject property. Under such a plan, timber resources would become readily available to meet market demand, providing woodworkers, bowl turners, artisans and other users a constant and consistent supply. Additionally, a sustainable forest project would insure a future supply of this resource. Sustainable Forest. Sustainable Forestry is management that uses and enhances the productive capacity of the land and its resources while conserving the integrity of the forest's ecological processes. In regard to forest plantations, it means the production of wood commodity that does not reduce the capacity of the lands to support successive or continuous yields with no long-term degradation of water quality and soil fertility. It should produce, over time, stable or increasing quantities and qualities of both commodity and non-commodity forest outputs, with recognition of the fluctuations of the market cycles. Primary effort would be directed towards balancing resource use with resource production or growth. This can be achieved by implementing the applicable sections of the Best Management Practices as developed by the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife. These would include, among others, 1. adhering to strict harvesting procedures, 2. replanting all harvested areas, 3. fertilizing to ensure seedling survival and growth, 4. the control of weeds and noxious plants. Harvesting Plan. All harvesting activities will be conducted according to a timber harvesting plan. 6 1. Access Roads. The timber stand is serviced by the Old Mud Lane. From this road two former cane haul roads led directly to the project site. Prior to any harvesting activities, the two former cane haul roads will be graded and improved. One road leads from the Old Mud Lane to the lower boundary of the project site. Permission to use this road would have to be secured from the Kamehameha Schools/Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate. The other road leads from the Old Mud Lane to the upper boundary of the project site. This road is on County lands. These two roads would be subsequently maintained by the lessee/licensee. Both roads have a thick rock base, so minimal or no damage would occur during regular use. 2. Equipment. The maximum amount of equipment needed at any one time during harvesting/planting operations would be one pick- uptruck, one light logging truck, one tractor/skidder, one end loader and smaller equipment such as chainsaws and tools. For the most part, just the log truck, used for hauling the logs to a permanent processing facility, and the end loader, used to load the logs onto the truck, would be required at the project site. 3. Felling. Trees would be felled by professionals using chain saws. No tree would be felled onto adjacent properties or into streambeds or gulches. Felled trees would then be bucked into log lengths and limbed. Limbs and other debris will be lopped down to a length of no more than 30 inches. Extreme care will be taken at all times to prevent damage to the trees and injury to the workers. 4. Skidding. Skid trails will be laid out to minimize soil disturbance and will not come within 50 feet of any streambed. If a crossing is needed, it will be placed at a site that will prevent any stream damage. Any stream disturbance will be corrected. Logging slash will be scattered. Water bars and run-off channels will be constructed along skid trails to prevent soil erosion from any water buildup. 5. Landing sites. Two primary landing sites would be required during harvesting/planting operations. One would be located at the northeast corner of the project site. The other along the upper south boundary of the project site. Logs would be skidded to these sites and then loaded onto a logging truck to be transported to a permanent processing facility. Planting operations would be directed from these sites. 6. Volume. Initial volume from the project site would be minimal. Only enough trees to satisfy current demand will be harvested. Approximately 1,000 B.F. of Eucalyptus and 2,000 B.F. of Cook Pine would be harvested per month. Two men working for 2 days 7 would be able to perform this task. Eventually, monthly volume of Cook Pine would average between 8,000-10,000 B.F. Eucalyptus would be harvested at whatever volume could be absorbed in the market. All harvested areas would be replanted with Cook Pine seedlings 7. Noise, dust and fire control. The project site is located in a relatively high rainfall zone where fire and dust occur only during extreme drought conditions. However, fire and dust preventative plans will be developed and implemented. Equipment will have mufflers and spark arrestors, and fire extinguishers and shovels will be available at the project site. The project site and surrounding area will be free from dust nuisance. Workers will at all times exercise sound judgment when working with or around fire. Replanting. 1. Seedlings. Seeds will be gathered from Cook Pine trees growing within the project site. Only healthy trees showing excellent growth potential will be selected for their seeds. Seedlings will be grown under greenhouse conditions and a sufficient inventory maintained at all times. 2. Site preparation. All harvesting will proceed in a systematic manner. When an area of approximately''/: acre has been harvested, preparation for replanting would proceed. Logging slash and other debris will be scattered. All competing vegetation would be removed or mechanically crushed. Herbicides may be used to kill grass along planting lines. When herbicides are applied, all Federal and State rules and regulations will be followed to protect the worker and the environment. 3. Planting and stand improvement. Surface soil along planting lines will be loosened and exposed to aid planting operations. During and after planting, commercial fertilizer applications will be manually applied as needed. Weeds will be controlled to reduce seedling mortality and competition. As young trees mature, side branch pruning may be required to maximize potential wood value. The only noxious or invasive weed that could create a serious threat is the strawberry guava (Psidium cattelianum). This specie is scattered throughout the area as single plants and does not seem to pose a threat. Trees within the site would be monitored for evidence of insect damage or disease. If problems arise, qualified entomologists or plant pathologists will be consulted to identify the problem and develop a solution to control or minimize the damage. 8 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Physical Characteristics Climate. The annual rainfall, as reported in the County of Hawaii's Data Book, for Honokaa was 79.61 and 77.54 inches for 1995 and 1996, respectively. The annual rainfall recorded in the 1990's for Kukuihaele ranged from a low of 59.72 inches to a high of 76.15 inches. Topography. The subject property has a slight slope to moderate slope. The elevation ranges between 1,650 to 2,400 feet above mean sea level according to the U.S. Geological Survey Map. The proposed project site (timber stand) is located between the 1,650 and 1,920 foot elevations. Soils. As described in the Soil Survey of the Island of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, the subject property contains various soils from the Honokaa Series. Generally, the Honokaa Series consists of well drained silty clay loams that formed in volcanic ash. These are gently sloping to steep soils on uplands at an elevation ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Honokaa soils were used mostly for sugar cane. Other uses included pasture and woodland with small areas used for truck crops and orchards. The specific Honokaa Series contained on the subject property are identified as Honokaa silty clay loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes (HTD), Honokaa silty clay loam, low elevation, 10 to 20 percent slopes (HsD) and Honokaa silty clay loam, low elevation, 20 to 35 percent slopes (HsE). HTD soil is found low on the windward side of Mauna Kea. In a representative profile, the surface layer is dark brown silty clay loam about 6 inches thick. The subsoil also is a silty clay loam. It is dark brown, very dark brown, and very dark grayish brown and is about 59 inches thick. HTD soil is medium acid to slightly acid throughout the profile. HTD soil dehydrates irreversibly into fine gravel size aggregates. HsD soil is similar to HTD soil, except that it occurs at a lower elevation where the soil temperature is warmer. HsD was used principally for sugar cane. Small areas are used for pasture and macadamia nuts. HsE soil is also similar to HTD soil, except that it is steep and occurs at a lower elevation where the soil temperature is warmer. Runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate. HsE was also used principally for sugar cane with small areas developed for pasture and macadamia nuts. Flora and Fauna. The subject area has been mechanically altered and cleared. The proposed project site was subsequently planted with several species of exotic trees. Eucalyptus species were planted on approximately 20.0 acres, more or less, and include Robusta (Eucalyptus Robusta), Lemon gum (Eucalyptus Citriodora) and Tallowwood 9 (Eucalyptus Microcorys). Cook Pine (Araucaria columnaris) was planted on approximately 20.0 acres, more or less, of the remaining area of the proposed project site. Other tree species within the timber stand include Banyan (Ficus religiosa), Paper Bark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Ironwood (Casuarina equisefolia) and Strawberry guava (Psidium cattelianum). Ground cover includes California grass (Brachiaria mutica), yellow ginger (Hedychium flavescens), thimbleberry (Robus rosafolious) and small ferns and mosses. No native tree species were found within the timber stand. The project site is not a habitat, nesting area or flight path for any known threatened or endangered wildlife. Air Quality and Noise. There will be a certain amount of noise associated with the harvesting of the timber stand. This potential impact should be mitigated by requiring that the harvesting activities comply with the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 46, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health titled "Community Noise Control." The rules require, among other things, that the lessee/licensee shall obtain a noise permit if the noise levels from the harvesting activities are expected to exceed the allowable levels of the rules, and that harvesting equipment and on-site vehicles requiring an exhaust of gas or air shall be equipped with mufflers. Air quality may also be impacted during the on-going timber harvest. The licensee shall be required to develop and implement a dust control plan. Water Resources. The subject property is underlain by basal groundwater. There are no surface water resources in close proximity to the subject property 3.2 Natural Hazards Flood Hazard. The project site is designated Zone X on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) which means the site is outside the 500 year flood plain. Tsunami Hazard. The project site is outside of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Tsunami Evacuation Zone. Volcano Hazard. The project site is classified as Lava Flow Hazard 8 by the U.S. Geological Survey. 3.3 Social and Cultural Issues Ceded Lands. The subject properties are non-ceded lands. 10 Historic Resources. The proposed project site has been mechanically altered and cleared for the cultivation of sugar cane and the planting of trees. Any archaeological features would have been destroyed in the course of land alteration. The timber stand is about 40.0 acres, more or less, in size and was originally planted with trees during the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The project site, along with many other sites, was set aside for tree planting by the then Hawaii Sugar Planters Association. This timber stand was allowed to grow unhindered until 1968 when the Robusta (Eucalyptus robusta) specie was harvested. This specie has since regenerated through coppice regrowth. There are no historic or culturally significant sites adjacent to the project site which are listed on the National and/or Hawaii Register of Historic Sites. Visual Impact. The project site is located about 3 miles from the nearest dwelling. The timber stand is not visible except from the Old Mud Lane. However, since harvesting and replanting would proceed at a slow pace, the visual plane of the area would not be affected. 3.4 Infrastructure and Public Services Requirements Roads. The subject property is serviced by the Old Mud Lane. Access to the proposed project site from the Old Mud Lane would be from two former cane haul roads. The former cane haul roads would be maintained by the lessee/licensee. Water Services. The Department of Water Supply does not provide water service to the proposed project site. However, the timber harvesting operations does not anticipate the need for domestic water service. Wastewater Services. The proposed project site will not require wastewater services. Electrical and Telephone Services. Electrical and telephone services are not available to the proposed project site. The lessee/licensee shall provide cell phones and portable electric generators, if needed. Drainage System. No increase in runoff attributed to the harvesting and replanting operations is anticipated. However, water bars and runoff channels will be constructed directing any runoff to natural drainage areas. Emergency Services. If required, fire, emergency medical and police personnel are stationed in Honokaa. 11 Other Public Services. The proposed project should not impact other public services. 4.0 LAND USE PLANS AND POLICIES 4.1 Hawaii State Planning Act The applicable portions of Sections 226-6 and 226-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, as they relate to the subject timber harvesting and replanting project reads as follows: 226-6 Objectives and policies for the economy in general. (a) Planning for the State's economy in general shall be directed toward achievements of the following objectives: Increased and diversified employment opportunities to achieve full employment, increased income and job choice, and improved living standards for Hawaii's people. A steadily growing and diversified economic base that is not overly dependent on a few industries, and includes the development and expansion of industries on the neighbor islands. (b) To achieve the general economic objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to: Expand existing markets and penetrate new markets for Hawaii's products and services. Foster greater cooperation and coordination between the government and private sectors in developing Hawaii's employment and economic growth opportunities. Stimulate the development and expansion of economic activities which will benefit areas with substantial or expected employment problems. Encourage businesses that have favorable financial multiplier effects within Hawaii's economy. 226-7 Objectives and policies for the economy -agriculture. (a) Planning for the State's economy with regard to agriculture shall be directed towards achievement of the following objectives: An agriculture industry that continues to constitute a dynamic and essential component of Hawaii's strategic, economic, and social well-being. 12 (b) To achieve the agriculture objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to: Encourage agriculture by making best use of natural resources. Expand Hawaii's agricultural base by promoting growth and development of flowers, tropical fruits and plants, livestock, feed grains, forestry, food crops, aquaculture, and other potential enterprises. Facilitate the transition of agricultural lands in economically nonfeasible agricultural production to economically viable agricultural uses. The proposed project will convert a formerly non-productive area within a former sugar cane field into a sustainable forestry project to provide wood turners and artisans with sufficient turning stock to meet the demands for high quality bowls, vessels and platters. 4.2 State Land Use Commission The project site is zoned agricultural by the State Land Use Commission. The cultivation, harvesting and replanting of trees is a permitted use within the agricultural district. 4.3 The General Plan-County of Hawaii The County of Hawaii's General Plan is the policy document for the long- range comprehensive development of the County of Hawaii. The General Plan provides the direction for the future growth of the County. It brings into focus the relationship between residents and their pursuits and institutions, offering policy statements which embody the expressed goals for present and future generations. The Hawaii County Charter mandates that the General Plan contain the following: "A statement of development objectives, standards and principles with respect to the most desirable use of land within the county for residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial, industrial and other purposes which shall be consistent with proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites; the most desirable density of population in the several parts of the county; a system of principal thoroughfare, highways, streets, public access to the shorelines, and other open space; the general locations, relocations and improvements of public buildings, the general location and extent of public utilities and terminals, whether public or privately owned, for water, 13 sewers, light, power, transit, and other purposes; the extent and location of public housing projects; adequate drainage facilities and control; air pollution; and such other matter as may, in the council's judgment, be beneficial to the social, economic, and governmental conditions and trends and shall be designed to assure the coordinated development of the county and to promote the general welfare and prosperity of its people." The General Plan provides "for the long range comprehensive physical development of the County and the statements of development objectives, standards and principles with respect to the most desirable use of land within the County..." Among others, the General Plan lists the following goals and policies: 1. The County of Hawaii shall strive for diversity and stability in its economic system. 2. The County of Hawaii shall provide an economic environment which allows new, expanded or improved opportunities that are compatible with the County's natural and social environment. 3. The County of Hawaii shall strive for an economic climate which provides its residents an opportunity for choice of occupation. 4. The County of Hawaii shall strive for diversification of its economy by strengthening existing industries and attracting new endeavors. 5. The County shall ensure that development of important agricultural land shall be primarily for commercial agricultural use purposes. The General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide Map (LUPAG) designates the project site as Intensive Agriculture. In the Hamakua area, sugar cane cultivation was the predominant crop on intensive agriculture designated lands. Orchard, diversified agriculture and horticulture were other uses for such designated lands. 4.4 Zoning Code of the County of Hawaii The subject property is zoned Agriculture-40 acre (A-40a) according to the Zoning Code. The cultivation, harvesting and replanting of trees is a permitted use within the agricultural district. 4.5 Coastal Zone Management Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, titled Coastal Zone Management, provides the following definitions: 14 "Coastal zone management area means all lands of the State and the area extending seaward from the shoreline to the limit of the State's police power and management authority, including the United States territorial sea;" and "Coastal zone management program means the comprehensive statement in words, maps, or the permanent media of communication, prepared, approved for submission, and amended by the State and approved by the United States government pursuant to Public Law No. 92-583, as amended, and the federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto, which describes objectives, policies, laws, standards, and procedures to guide and regulate public and private uses in the coastal zone management area......." Since all lands of the State is subject to Chapter 205A, the proposed project shall comply with the objectives and policies of the coastal zone management program. The project site is anon-coastal site. The proposed project conforms to the policy that those "developments which are not coastal dependent to locate in inland areas." 4.6 Special Management Areas The proposed project site is outside the boundaries of the special management area as delineated by the Planning Commission of the County of Hawaii. 4.7 Hawaii Redevelopment Agency The project site is not within an area under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Redevelopment Agency. 5.0 OTHER PERMITS. APPROVALS. ETC. The following permits, approvals, etc., will be required as part of this proposed project: Federal Government The lessee/licensee shall become a cooperator within the Hamakua Soil and Water Conservation District as administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture (NRCS). All plans for grubbing, grading, trail construction, erosion control, etc., shall be processed through NRCS and adopted by the Hamakua SWCD. 15 State of Hawaii The lessee/licensee for the proposed project shall comply with the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 46, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health titled Community Noise Control. County of Hawaii The disposition of a lease or license pursuant to the applicable sections of the Hawaii County Code requires the authorization of the Council of the County of Hawaii. 6.0 SUMMARY OF PROBABLE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Harvesting To mitigate any noise generated during the harvesting of trees, the lessee/licensee shall comply with the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 46, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health titled Community Noise Control. To mitigate any impact to air quality during the harvesting of trees, grubbing, site preparation for replanting, etc., the licensee shall be required to develop and implement a dust control plan. To mitigate any potential erosion problems, water bars and runoff channels will be constructed along skid trails. To mitigate the potential of fire, a fire prevention plan will be developed and implemented. The plan shall include requirements that equipment will have spark arrestors and that fire extinguishers and shovels will be available at the project site. 7.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 7.1 No Action If no action is taken, the County of Hawaii may lose the opportunity to develop a sustainable forest program that provides a consistent supply of Cook Pine turning stock for the wood turners and artisans of the Big Island. 7.2 Alternative Site or Plan The County of Hawaii has been unable to identify any other sites that contains a mature timber stand of Cook Pine (Araucania columnaris). An alternative project would be to lease unencumbered county owned lands for the purpose of developing a small sustainable forest project. The 16 lessee would clear the site and plant the appropriate tree seedlings. However, with no mature trees available, there will be a substantial growth period required till the trees are of sufficient diameter to meet the needs of wood turners and artisans. The up front cost prior to any harvest of suitable tree stock would make this alternative plan economically unfeasible. 8.0 DETERMINATION The technical and environmental issues, their potential impacts and significance as they relate to the proposed issuance of a lease or license have been discussed in this informational document. It is anticipated that the proposed project which is a continuation of an agricultural use, will not significantly impact the environment. This determination is based on the significant criteria listed in Section 11-200-12, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health titled Environmental Impact Statement Rules which are discussed below: 1. The proposed project will not involve an adverse irrevocable commitment to loss or destruction of any natural or cultural resource. One of the goals of this proposed sustainable forest project is to balance the resource use with the resource production or growth. 2. The proposed project will not adversely curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment. 3. The proposed project will not adversely conflict with the State's long-term environmental policies or goals and guidelines s expressed in Chapter 344, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended. 4. The proposed project will not substantially adversely affect the economic or social welfare of the community or state. 5. The proposed project will not substantially adversely affect public health. 6. The proposed project will not involve substantial secondary impacts such as population changes or effects on public facilities. 7. The proposed project will not involve a substantial degradation of environmental quality. 8. The proposed project will not have cumulative impacts or involve a commitment for larger actions. 9. The proposed project will not detrimentally affect air or water quality or ambient noise levels. The proposed project will generate a certain amount of noise and dust during the construction phase. 17 These impacts can be mitigated by requiring the lessee/licensee to develop appropriate plans and to comply with applicable governing rules and regulations. 10. The proposed project will not substantially affect any rare, threatened, or endangered species, or its habitat. 11. The proposed project is not being located in an environmentally sensitive area such as a flood plain, tsunami zone, beach, etc. 12. The proposed project will not substantially adversely affect scenic vistas and viewplanes identified in any county or state plans or studies. 13. The propose project will not require substantial energy consumption. 18 MAPS { ~ b N o 10 ? 1 I p ~ s.w~~ai~ .~w a.. Uln rwnw Hawaiian ~ ^i ~ a ; ~ f;c ~ ~o,,„„ Islands 9 .~m.a.asw. ~ urtr _ ~.,'t- ~4.~usla duo i ~e.. E ~ '.7,'' ~I.~,. ~ KIpf1AHAFIF 11agW C~~~ B ~ _ `{'i ~ow~r ~ ~ NCI 8 ~~~`11j~1WA -..(fiJ ~ 0 Oltu q C aai.r~r ~ .w.19~ I~ti~.a i,_,..-~ ~ ~o. bV D ~~~F~ ~a.w ~w.~ai.~ny~~ pp~ Bwo rvMt `r gyn.. r,xr o., X.~.~L~r'[ ~ F ~.ntir D ° -T•... ~ ~:j +w...~r. a..s 7MwW y~ M ~ [AURRFHU~~19 IW M ~ O ~ MI^l~W1UW ~ ~°p' E ~ w~ww ,tee'".. a""',n ' G - wuwo~ i~ltrrm G .e. Iv donor ~ rvr . _ [ XI v ~~at ~".'P~-`~ err -w. ~7^ «W W se I I MOYIYG ati rMUllrl y ti rw a, ~a ~...w ` ~W ~.I.ea. isi - ei a.~amw ti r.Y NbY1 ~ .n.msn ~ r ~:e.~~ rJu4v. ti~ I vpeµp ftdl b K ` paee.a.. Eri°'~ mov. x II c ) cVMw~ ..ra y~ P 4, ~1rx~ f ~ y~/1 L w L .wow. ' /ram a wi a d^~.•, yIY~ . .w. ~rwrnw ~C~: 11~1~ rww w;r ' ~yrti a /1~ ~ ~ ~ ~.l ~ ~ HAWAII ;,rr,,.. o ' ' THE BIG ISLAND N ' xMn HFC .S.I rs.M nr.r. Lwr.q N ~ ra n..~ j' b O Sw ROir JV qy.+em 'M II MeliW.iNM =a0eYrl W'el't N~ww. •.w ro.. t' 4+/+I~los rwuu s WNOIY ~ i~r~ ~ anv weer p ».Y "`W" -r~n,nm awnorriru O by ~ QC $E[CELS4 M4i dI O lOW ROtl ftlILNH]I110E5 S ~5 •1.~ ~ ~.,...a s~ P ti~ ~.~~e.,..,,d. _ _ I 2 3 4 5 6 7 B 9 10 71 12 Map 1...ISLAND OF HAWAII V 1 O l~ ~YIC z v } i r s ~ i I ~\'¢l ~'y~J ;i ail a~ I~'ja~~:i r 1J]•~0er ...~lNf r. ~ y~ ~ 7 ; ~ t \ f' M ~ I.r~~- 1~ J1 ~ ~ ~~~;~~y~~ a T I..f ~ ' ~ tI ~ ~ V Y / n < < i J ynT a' ~,h. 0 . • O „ ' ~a, o . o ~ _ ~ Y ~ W „ Boa I 4i J E:4 Y i ~ ' ~ i J ` ~O ~ I O QJ / "Y e ~ o Y ~ ~ ~ n i o _2 ~ ~ ~ Y I v a 4. 2 \ ~ I' r ~ I ~F ~ / o ~ ~ 06 ~ ~ a ~ J ~ ~ " i~ ~ ,y ~ ~ +1AP 3 ~ jsY~'~ ~e~ I~~~~~_ < ~ : :S- 1 ~ ~ ~ - rlh I ~ ~ C r r ~ ~ ~ 1.... ~l • / ~ ~ + 1 ` t ~ ~ ~ i ~ ply i ! ~ I ~1 ~ ~ p r-~ ~a~ _y ~ y r ~l ~o I ~ ~ ~ I ~~tif l~ ~ ~ ~ eY ~ A a s g l ~ ~e ~t ~ / ! ~ i Y ~ f i v I r~P KUP I \ N f ' t. I I ~ `~i. .I < < l ~ ~ i ~ ) y i v I/ ~ W ; Y 5 ~ rid O Y 8 r' cv i. E ^ \ ` / ~ o I ~ \ ~F i c~nh:`hc, MAP 4 ~~n~°~ t °W WaM ~ ~ iM 9n / 1Y)~ d I ~ 'J)<. b N N r ' ~ •~1i7~ or r)n ri t, o Y yv~r '~P M~l~ N ` -JY rt ~ _ 0 art j~i• W F ~a• a x ~ ' 4 W ~ ~ 3 , r• A 4: M~ ~o No~ 1 t 7\'~ \ ~ ~ r d o r • W ~ . r G f,( ~ cam. ~ 9 ; ` ~ M ¢t'1 i ~ ~ a' E i ~ ~ 1 a ~ i ~1 ~ ~ t i b ~ ~ '\l u d 2 -i., . 1~ ~ v ~~nr ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .a.. r~~G % ~ ~ £ ( ,~~i pr~T 03 ( o J yam. /X ~ ~ G6C~8 awe ~~`:~~ti 2a 1 t~...~f Y `~yNr .,4 O ffano.6~a t"5w~e~ Cam. 4 r7 a.: / O isoo.re~~ y : o i y+ ~ e q ~ f ~ ~ ~ ~ r / ~ r / v 0 ~ ~ Y ~ y 4~~ = ~ T g k ,s, nr a .~c u c a / MAP S...PROJECT SITE APPENDIX A: REFERENCES REFERENCES 1. Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, titled Environmental Impact Statement. 2. Environmental Impact Statement Rules, Title 11, Chapter 200, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health. 3. Data Book 1997, County of Hawaii, Department of Research and Development. 4. United States Geological Survey (USGS) map, Kukuihaele quadrangle. 5. Soil Survey of the Island of Hawaii, State of Hawaii. 1973, United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station. 6. In Gardens of Hawaii by Marie C. Neal, 1965. 7. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Map. 8. United States Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Hawaii Volcano Observatory map as published in the Data Book 1997, County of Hawaii, Department of Research and Development. 9. Community Noise Control, Title 11, Chapter 46, Hawaii Administrative Rules of the Department of Health. 10. Sections 226-6 and 226-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, titled Hawaii State Planning Act. 11. Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, titled Land Use Commission. 12. The General Plan, Hawaii County 1989. 13. Chapter 25, Hawaii County Code, titled Zoning, as amended by Ordinance No. 96 160. 14. Chapter 205A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as amended, titled Coastal Zone Management. 15. Best Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality in Hawaii, State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, June 1998. APPENDIX B: APPLICATION ~f ,Inc. G1a•ycr Steve Yamashlro 12('!98 County of Ha•aaii 25 A u p u n l Street Hilo, HI. 9672© Dear ~.1r. Yamashlro. lYlnklcr ;"/ood Prcdudts, Inc. is interested In acquiring^.rok tint. timber that the County of Hawan owns, in the vacinity of Kuk uihale, Hawaii (Tax !.laps Key 4- 08-0.', parcel 5). The timber .^.tand i^. loratrd bCTweCn the 1840 and 1^,^fl foot elevaticns, bounded by G7ud Lane on the North and Keaa, Hamakua State Forest Aescrvc on the South. This parcel of land (approximately 40 acre.^.) contain^ Cook Pine and a variety of Eucalyptus Species. 1"linklcr 5:ond Prdducts, Inc. is interested in :long i~rm (40 yCara) pt:n tr. har•?est and plant Cook Pine trees from this parcel of County land. l"!e are interestc? m a continous rotation Cook Plne, l"!e hclir.•?% that :II pcr,pfr. concerned ~•rill benefit from a long term plan as ire ~rould make Cook Pine avauabtc under a sustainCd (mature) yield bass; to the Ideal indll.^,tr•y. IT long term plans are not feasable at this time, we are Interested in and hour. Immedlatc needs fdr Codtc Plnc trees. t"llnkter t"loud Products, Inc. prnpdac? to pay the County of Hawaii ~4fl0.fl0 P.1BF (Based on International i(4" log rule) for royaltica fcr ,^.dok Pinc trees cut as •,~e need them. l"JC mitiall•y h:vc ncr.d- for abcut 2 trees per month at a si:.e of 2©" a diameter breast height. I estimate that th CrC '.~dutd bC bM:: CCn ;flfl :nd Aflfl board feet of log soak .n Cadh ..^.da; Pine tree harvested. There are trees m the stand that have as much as 2,0©© e~ cr ::cdr.. I am •.ruling t0 negotiair. ::hatCVCr license and dr contrnrt tha I ncCded tc adgUlre this timber. Please call if you have any questions. Si~~nc/ere~ly, Edward t"!In'k/IEr, President