HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 Waikaumalo Stream Bridge CRC Comment Letter_DRAFT C. Kimo Alameda,Ph.D. •cos`'`• �� Ass.
"� Matthew Clark, Chair
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Desmon Haumea, Vice Chair
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Nicole Lui
Janet Six
County of Hawaii Aaron Spielman
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Aupuni Center • 101Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
Date
Andrew Hirano, Project Manager
Highways Design Branch
State of Hawai'i Department of Transportation
601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 688
Kapolei, Hawai'i 96707
Andrew.j.hirano@hawaii.gov
Dear Andrew Hirano:
SUBJECT: National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 Consultation for
Waikaumalo Stream Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Location: Pua'akuloa Kapena and Piha Kahuku Ahupua'a
TMK(s): (3) 3-2-002:999 ROW, 3-2-002:029 (por) and 3-2-002:032 (por)
At its public meeting held on October 8, 2025,the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) reviewed
the Waikaumalo Stream Rehabilitation Project pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA), including consultation with Native Hawaiian Organizations and
potential consulting parties. Below is a summary of the Commission's comments and
recommendations.
• The CRC strongly recommends conducting a survey or field inspection on both the project
site and the area of potential effect (APE). Commissioners cautioned against proceeding
with the project without proper studies, noting that a lack of documentation or literature
of the area does not imply the absence of significant natural or cultural resources.
• Commissioners noted that the presence of coconut trees,freshwater, and a possible nearby
lo'i (taro patch) strongly suggest that the area may have historically supported sustainable
living practices.
• The Commission emphasized the importance of place names, which often reflect the
historical and cultural significance of the area. Further research into the names of the
ahupua'a (land division) was recommended.
www.planning.hawaiicountv.gov Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning(ahawaiieounty.gov
Andrew Hirano, Project Manager
State of Hawai'i, Dept. of Transportation
Page 2
Date
• The area was inhabited by Filipino and Chinese communities during the plantation era,
many of whom later relocated to Kea'au and Honoka'a.The CRC recommends reaching out
to these former residents or their descendants for additional historical insight.
• Due to the availability of water and proximity to gulches and valleys, this site may provide
ideal habitat conditions for species such as the 'ope'ape'a (Hawaiian Hoary Bat) and other
coastal birds. The CRC requests careful assessment of potential impacts on these species
during project development.
• The proposed APE should consider the possibility of remediation efforts, particularly in
relation to lead contamination.
• The CRC conveyed its desire to remain a consulting party throughout the Section 106
process as the project progresses.
Commission members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to offer comments early in the
planning phase and look forward to continued collaboration.
Mahalo,
Matthew Clark, Chair
Cultural Resources Commission
cc: Cultural Resources Commission Members
Scott King, WSP (Scott.King1@wsp.com)
Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director
Jessica Puff, State Historic Preservation Division Administrator(Jessica.puff@hawaii.gov)
Maile McClellan (Malie.McClellan@wsp.com)
Isabella McRae (Isabella.McRae@wsp.com)
Randall Urasaki (Randall.Urasaki@wsp.com)