HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-23 PL-CRC-2025-000040 Section 106 CRC Comment Letter ird OF
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07• •�+,• Matthew Clark, Chair
Mayor -' 44. Desmon Haumea,Vice Chair
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Aupuni Center • 101Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
December 23, 2025
Evan Kimoto, HDOT Project Manager
State of Hawaii Department of Transportation
601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 688
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
Email: evan.kimoto@hawaii.gov
Dear Evan Kimoto:
SUBJECT: National Historic Preservation Act (NH PA) Section 106 Consultation for
Kolekole Stream Bridge Rehabilitation Project (PL-CRC-2025-000040)
(HWY-DS 2.21186)
Location: Wailea and Honomu, Kuhua Ahupua'a, Hilo Moku, Hawaii
TMK(s): (3) 2-9-003:999; 2-8-015:999; 2-8-015:015 (por.)
At its public meeting held on December 10, 2025, the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC)
reviewed the Kolekole Stream Bridge 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.
• Concerns were voiced about lead contamination in the area and Commissioners
encouraged post-construction soil sampling and analysis, and post-rehabilitation or
mitigation if contamination is discovered.
• Commissioners requested that anyone working on the project be cognizant of possible
`opala (litter) in the stream resulting from the construction.
• The Commission supported the removal of the previously identified contaminated soil
mound located within the area. Concerns were expressed as frequent rainfall experienced
in East Hawaii results in soil runoff into the stream and the ocean, which may lead to
contamination of plants and fish consumed by humans and animals.
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov
Evan Kimoto, HDOT Project Manager
State of Hawaii Dept. of Transportation
Page 2
December 23, 2025
• Commissioners noted that the Area of Potential Effect does not encompass the full extent
of the wai (water), kahawai (streams), forest, coastline, and broader landscape;
components that constitute archaeological sites. It was requested that thoughtful
consideration be given to these elements throughout the project duration.
• Commissioners requested traffic patterns and travel time be considered, given the
anticipated commuter impacts during construction, especially due to the cumulative
effects of other bridge rehabilitation projects along the Hamakua Coast.
• Despite the lack of physical archaeological sites, historically, ancient Hawaiians lived and
traveled based on weather conditions and frequently settled in locations near wai or in
kipuka (clearing or land opening with vegetation) containing food and materials for
shelter. The absence of tangible, observable artifacts is not a definitive indicator that an
area was not once inhabited.
• Consultation with members of the public who use the space, the fishermen and gatherers
of the ho'i'o (native fern) for example, is encouraged as it will help inform the impacts
from this project.
• The CRC would like to remain a consulting party throughout the Section 106 process as
the project progresses.
Appreciation was expressed for the opportunity to offer comments, and the CRC looks forward
to continued collaboration.
Mahalo,
MaWzew R Cai'*
Matthew R Clark(Dec 29,2025 08:20:42 HST)
Matthew Clark, Chair
Cultural Resources Commission
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V:\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\Cultural_Resources_Commission\Projects\Section 106 Kolekole Stream Bridge(PL-CRC-2025-
000040)\2025-12-23 PL-CRC-2025-000040 CRC Comment Letter.doc
cc: Cultural Resources Commission Members
Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director
Scott King, WSP (Scott.Kingl@wsp.com)
Jessica Puff, State Historic Preservation Division Administrator(Jessica.puff@hawaii.gov)
Randall Urasaki (Randall.Urasaki@wsp.com)
Lean Teodro (Lean.Teodoro@wsp.com)
Ethan Lau (Ethan.Lau@wsp.com)