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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOR-16-107525 ?i116 SEP 1 A(1 11 08 September 10,2016 i'Lr1111Ni•;i C •'. i��-1ENT COUNTY OF HAWAII PO Box 199 Hakalau, HI 96710 Brad Kurokawa,Chair Hamakua CDP Steering Committee c/o Hawaii County Planning Department Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 Hilo, HI 96720 RE: Hakalau Point Mr.Kurokawa and Members of the Hamakau CDP Steering Committee: Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to final revisions of the Hamakua CDP.I am Susan Forbes and have lived in Hakalau Plantation Village for the past five years.Currently, I serve as the President of the Hakalau Point Preservation Association. My husband and I created and maintain the website www.hakalauhome.com which focuses on the history,the present day activities and future development of the area that used to be Hakalau Plantation,from Ninole to Kolekole.Basically,we've spent a lot of time researching the history,the people,and the culture of Hakalau Plantation. I respect the parameters within which CDP refinements need to be made,and understand that the CDP is the vehicle for the community voice to shape future planning decisions.Of the options presented to you in the Document 4, under#3 d of the Review Packet,Option 2 is preferred because it affords a large area of Open space,consistent with the historic significance of the property,although I would prefer that both parcels be designated Open space.The Open space designation is also consistent with Community Objectives#4 and#5 in the CDP draft: • Objective 4: Protect and nurture Hamakua's social and cultural diversity and heritage assets,including sacred places, historic sites and buildings,and distinctive plantation towns. • Objective 5: Direct future settlement patterns that are sustainable and connected. Honor Hamakua's historic and cultural assets by concentrating new development in existing,walkable, mixed-use town centers while limiting rural sprawl. I want to add to John Kaye's testimony,the official testimony for the Hakalau Point Preservation Association,to provide more information on the historical significance of the site in support of the Open Designation,and provide the timeline for Hakalau Point since 2001 when C. Brewer put lands up for sale. 107525 Historical significance Hakalau Point is part of the Hakalau Historic District recorded in the State Inventory of Historic Places in 1973(SIHP 50-10-16-7392) The Hakalau Plantation was established after the enactment of the Reciprocity Treaty,which allowed Hawaii's sugar to enter the United States duty free.The 9,000 acre(at that time) plantation was established by Claus Spreckels in 1878,with William Irwin&Company as agents. Spreckels was the major figures in the sugar industry in Hawaii during the nineteenth century. By 1890,the plantation's mill,located on the shore at the base of a two hundred foot bluff, produced five thousand tons of sugar a year.The plantation's maximum production was 26,509 in 1944,following the 1943 merger of the neighboring Wailea Milling Company into Hakalau Plantation.Hakalau continued in operation until 1962,when C.Brewer closed the mill and merged the plantation into Pepeekeo Sugar Company.The mill was dismantled and all that remains along the shore are the concrete foundations. Most all the plantation's operations buildings also have been removed,and little remains of Hakalau town,with the poorly maintained former theater serving as the post office. So,what remains of historical significance?As summarized in Attachment A, Hakalau Point was considered significant under multiple Criteria included in the rules governing procedures for the historic preservation review, Hawaii Administrative Rules(HAR), 13-284: The Hakalau Plantation warehouses(on parcel#79)are deemed significant under Criteria A and C. Criterion A: Associated with events that have made an important contribution to the broad patterns of our history Criterion C: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period,or method of construction;represents the work of a master;or possesses high artistic value The Japanese/Korean Cemetery(on parcel#81)is deemed significant under Criteria D possibly E. Criterion D: Yields,or is likely to yield,information important for research on pre-history or history Criterion E: Has important value to the native Hawaiian people or to another ethnic group of the state due to associations with cultural practices once carried out,or still carried out,at the property or due to associations with traditional beliefs,events or oral accounts—these associations being important to the group's history and cultural identity Not included in the Rosendahl 2009 report to DLNR was definitive evidence of Hawaiian history before the days of the sugar plantation.Nevertheless there is an historical account of the Battle of Hakalau.This is included here as Attachment B. The Open Designation is consistent with the historic significance of this site in terms of the sugar industry,immigrant history associated with the plantation,and Hawaiian history. Timeline from 2001 to Present Over the past 16 years,significant real estate and attempted development activity related to Hakalau Point have transpired.What kinds of decisions are we going to make about the legacy of the lands of Hakalau Point? • 2001: C. Brewer put its sugar cane properties on the market • 2003: Mauna Kea Agribusiness sold parcel#81 to Jeremiah Henderson • 2004: Parcel#79 sold by Henderson to Alderson • 2004: Parcel#81 sold by Henderson to Shropshire • 2005: Part of parcel#79 sold by Alderson to McDougal • 2005: Hawaii County General Plan adopted designating broad open space for Hakalau Point.See Attachment C, LUPAG map included in the 2005 General Plan • 2006: Parcel#79 sold by Alderson et al to Shropshire • 2008: Wailea/Hakalau community meetings regarding Hakalau Point:We want a park. • 2009—present: Hamakua CDP developed with key community input supporting preservation,discouraging cliff-side development • 2013: Rezoning and SMA Applications submitted featuring 15 cliff-side residential lots on parcel#81 and to subdivision of parcel#79 into two industrial lots(MG20)— withdrawn • 2013: Theresa Donham,Archaeology Branch Chief,Historic Preservation Division, DLNR,states in a 12/5/13 letter to Duane Kanuaha:"In summary,significant historic properties are present within this project area and there is a potential for these sites to be adversely affected if development of the area proceeds." See Attachment A. • 2014: Data Recovery Plan for Japanese/Korean Cemetery on parcel#81 accepted by DLNR with the requirement that data recovery be implemented to determine whether remains still exist on the site.Data recovery has not been carried out as required.See Attachment D,letter from DLNR regarding data recovery, 7/18/14. • 2014: Final Removal Action Report issued related to the arsenic contamination on Hakalau Point.To date,the required actions have not been implemented. • 2015: SMA Use Permit Assessment Application submitted related to the use of one plantation warehouse on parcel#79 as a brewery by Mehana and requesting exemption from SMA Major process—returned as incomplete • 2015: Suggestion Form submitted(by Susan Forbes)to the County's Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission(PONC)re:County acquisition of Hakalau Point for creation of public historic park. • 2016: County Council adopted resolution(April)to enable negotiations with landowner to purchase Hakalau Point(parcels#79 and#81).The landowner needs to be a willing seller. • 2016: Rezoning and SMA Applications submitted(April),included 11 cliff-side residential lots on parcel#81 and added 2 new warehouses on parcel#79— withdrawn(July) • 2016: Nearly 600 petitions signed(May-June)supporting County acquisition,creation of public historical park and opposing industrial/commercial/residential development of Hakalau Point • 2016: SMA Use Permit Assessment Application submitted(August)to develop microbrewery,distillery,watchmen's quarters,catering establishment and requesting exemption from SMA Major process—still in process Throughout this period,community sentiment has been the desire to maintain the Open space of Hakalau Point as a park and to honor the history of those who created the social and cultural heritage that we enjoy in Hakalau today.The Open designation best reflects the community sentiment. Thank you for this opportunity to support Hakalau Point. Aloha 4i2A( 6- •:tJ Susan Forbes Attachments: A. Letter from Theresa K. Donham,Archaeology Branch Chief, Historic Preservation Division, DLNR to Planning Director Duane Kanuha,regarding 2013 Rezoning and SMA Use Permit Application for Parcels#79 and#81, Hakalau Point,dated 12/5/2013. B. Testimony from Kehaulani Lum for the PONC site visit to Hakalau Point C. LUPAG map for Hakalau Point included in the 2005 General Plan D. Letter from Theresa K. Donham,Archaeology Branch Chief, Historic Preservation Division, DLNR,to Scientific Consulting Services, Inc.regarding Historic Preservation Review, Revised Data Recovery Plan for parcel#81 Attachment A WILLIAM rl MIA.JR. aANDO<1N NEIL ABERCROMBIE <<G P~I4 NNt11r IAMINu runwAl nstAal: OOIDINOR WNAMAR .( r\93(1• i t1alYLL411N1N•MIA NMI IK}11ANM111 11i A,`p�i.✓y' ESIHER KIA•AINA mien nIrr juid ah0 � '-••• ; WILLIAM M.TAM IRnnl 111A1t11111•v.Anl NNIUAi AMI1 AlIATIC -NEPAV♦AItN y ! A•(,=y..y.f N1111W 1Ml1NN1'ANtlN � nNNK(AN VA111 A tlA■IKAi LAN 1111S (1MN2Y1ANDRIll(1M(11 tAN1R HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION � w1A111N AM)R10 NRA1 tN111K1]RhT DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES pRISIRl RIVIIVANIMIIR oN I1nni11CM1411vAniN 1:NIrl,Av11YJWn1147N t1 NlASMN U1411 601 Kamokila Boulevard,Suite 555 AIAITM TAA, December 5,2013 Kapolei•H[96806 Mr.Duane Kanuha,Planning Director LOG NO:2013.6237 County of Hawaii Planning Department DOC NO: 1312TDOI 101 Pauahi Street,Suite 3 Archaeology Hilo,Hawaii 96720 ATTN:Jeff Darrow(idarrow@co.hawaii.hi.us) Dear Mr.Kanuha: SUBJECT: Chapter 6E-42 Historic Preservation Review- SMA Use Permit(SMA 13-000055)and Change of Zoning(REZ 13-000170)Applications To Allow a IS-Lot Subdivision within a 9-Acre Project Area at Hakalau Bay Hakalau Ahupua`a,South Hilo District,Island of Hawaii TMK(3)2-9-002:079 and 081 Thank you for the opportunity to review this special management area use permit application and change of zone application, both received by our office on November 7,2013.The permits includes a proposed rezoning of the subjcct properties from MG-5 (General Industry 5.0 ac. Minimum)to Residential RS-15 (5,000 SF minimum lot size)and MG-20(20,000 SF minimum lot size).Once rezoning is approved,the aforementioned TMK parcels will be subdivided into fifteen(15)parcels.Thirteen(13)will be sold for residential use and two(2)will be retained for industrial use for sale or lease.The subject parcels total 9 acres;2 acres will be zoned MG-5 and the remaining will be zoned as MG-20. The project area is within the boundaries of the previously identified Hakalau Historical District(SIHP 50-10-16-7392),which was recorded in the State Inventory of Historic Places(SIHP)in 1973. Our records indicate that an archaeological inventory survey(AIS)was conducted for 8.7 acres of the 9-acre project area(Rosendahl 2009),and a report of findings with recommendations was reviewed and accepted by SHPD in 2010(Log No.2009.4136 Doc.No. 1001MD08).The AIS identified two historic properties within the project area: structural remains of the Hakalau Plantation(SIHP 50-10-16-26591),and the location of a former plantation era Japanese/Korean cemetery(SIHP 50-10-16-29592).These historic properties are discussed below: Hakalau Plantation The Rosendahl 2009 report prepared for this project recommended that the remnants of Hakalau Plantation(Site 26591)be assessed as significant under multiple Hawaii Administrative Rule(HAR) 13-284-6 Criteria,due to the large role sugarcane industry played in the history of Hawaii (Criterion A), because the warehouses represent a temporally distinctive and exemplary method of construction(Criterion C),and because the warehouses and other remains contain information important in the understanding of history(Criterion D). SHPD concurred with this significance assessment(Log No. 2009.4136 Doc.No. 1001MD08).The two remaining intact structures at this site were recommended for preservation with interpretive development. SHPD concurred with this recommendation because the two buildings are significant under multiple criteria and because they are located within the Hakalau Historic District, which currently contains relatively few visual manifestations of the former mill complex that ceased operations in 1967.The AIS report indicates that a plan detailing interpretive preservation and/or renovation of the structures would be submitted to SHPD"at a later date". The SMA and REZ applications for this subdivision indicate that,"prior to any improvements or changes to the structures,their existing conditions will be fully described and an archival photo record provided the State Historic Preservation Office."The applicant also indicates that"The hope is the buildings will remain in place and find some useful purpose." The proposed treatment for these buildings as stated in the application documents does not • constitute a preservation plan.We therefore request that a preservation plan be prepared pursuant to HAR§13-277 and submitted to SHPD for review and approval prior to approval of the SMA permit for this project. Duane Kanuha December 5.2013 Page 2 Japanese/Korean Cemetery The Rosendahl 2009 report indicates that burials were removed from Site 26592 in the early 1970s and reinterred at Homelani Memorial Park.A former Homelani Memorial Park employee who was present during this activity was interviewed by PHRI staff; they report that "Mr. Kutsunai also stated that, perhaps not all the graves were disinterred."He also stated that the headstones were buried on site in the excavated graves,and the burials were removed with a backhoe.It is therefore likely that both intact burials and disturbed human remains are still present at this site. The AIS report recommends that Site 26592 is significant under Criterion D and potentially under Criterion E,pending the findings of additional work at the site.Data recovery was recommended in order to identify the presence or absence of additional human remains at the site.SHPD concurred with this recommendation in 2010 (Log No.2009.4136 Doc.No. 1001 MD08).As stated in the 2009 report:"The landowner has agreed not to develop the former Japanese/Korean cemetery area makai of the former stables until subsurface data recovery excavations, approved by SHPD,are conducted(page 24)."Our records indicate that we have not received a data recovery plan to address the agreed-upon mitigation for this site.The proposed subdivision map shows that this cemetery area composes well over half of a proposed residential lot. If in situ burial(s) are discovered at this site during data recovery work,they will be considered previously identified and procedures as outlined in HAR§13-300-31 will be followed. If identified burial(s)are non-Hawaiian,the Department of Land and Natural Resources shall review a burial treatment plan and determine the disposition of the burial(s). If the identified burial(s)are Native Hawaiian, the Hawaii Island Burial Council shall review a burial treatment plan and determine the disposition of the burial(s). The REZ application for this project states that,"There are no known burials left on the property but caution should be displayed in any future soil disruption in the area in the event that not all of the prior burials have been removed." This statement is not consistent with previously agreed upon mitigation procedures.We request that a data recovery plan that outlines proposed work to confirm the presence or absence of human remains at this site be prepared pursuant to HAR§13-278 and submitted to SHPD for review and approval prior to the approval of the SMA permit. The results of this field work are critical in determining potential future uses of the affected subdivision lot. If undisturbed burials are present,their disposition should be determined prior to initiation of any ground alteration and prior to subdivision approval. Hakalau Landing SHPD requests clarification of the ownership/jurisdictional status of Hakalau Landing. Exhibit A of the REZ application depicts this site partially within the boundaries of the proposed project;however,it was not included in the archaeological inventory survey. Recommendations In summary,significant historic properties are present within this project area and there is a potential for these sites to be adversely affected if development of the area proceeds. We recommend that the SMA permit for the development of this subdivision be deferred until the applicant has submitted plans for agreed upon mitigation measures at Sites 29591 and 29592,and the plans have been approved by SHPD.These include a preservation plan for Site 29591 and a data recovery plan for Site 29592. We also recommend that the data recovery plan be implemented prior to the initiation of any ground disturbing activities and prior to approval of the subdivision plat map. We also request clarification of the status of Hakalau Landing and any additional historic properties that are located along the cliff or at the base of the shoreline cliff,within what is identified as the project area. Please contact me at (808) 933-7653 or theresa.k.donham@a,hawaii.gov if you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter. Aloha, Theresa K.Donham Archaeology Branch Chief cc: Dylan Shropshire(dylanna alohagreen.com) Attachment B September 8,2015 TO:Commissioners of the Hawai'i County Public Access,Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission FROM:Kehaulani Lum Aloha! Mahalo nui loa for this opportunity to present my concerns regarding the cultural and historically important lands of Hakalau Point My name is Kehaulani Lum,and I am a lineal descendant of Kapou,the son of a Konohiki of Hakalau-nui and recipient of a Mahele grant in Wailea,which our'ohana stewards today. I wholeheartedly support your consideration of this opportunity to improve public access,open space and cultural,historic and natural resource preservation. Hakalau-nui carries the name of a ruling chief,who was the kaulana nui (administrator of land) of the area and a revered'olohe,a master fighter. The'olohe of this area were renown for their prowess,and the ancient spiritual art of lua,from self-defense to healing,was practiced and taught here. In the Mahele,the lands encompassing Hakalau-nui,Hilo Paliku,were given by the King to Mikahela Kekau'onohi,the granddaughter of King Kamehameha. She held them until her death,when her estate entered into probate and was ultimately ordered by the Court to be sold,rather than to be retained by her heir. Hakalau-nui, thus,slipped away from their ancient purposes and entered into the holdings of foreign commerce. Along with the lands went the memories of a significant ancient battle which took place on these very shores between King Kamehameha's armies and the warriors of Kahekili of Mau'i. It is widely known today that Kamehameha,who thereupon confirmed the prophecy that he would be a great warrior king,lifted the historic Naha Stone,which sits outside of the Hilo Public Library. Less is known,however,of the circumstances that precipitated his act The Reverend Stephen L.Desha,who published a series on Kamehameha Paiea and his great warrior,Kekuhaupi'o,in his weekly Hawaiian language newspaper Ka Hoku o Hawaii,wonderfully captured the story in the 1920s. Desha writes: "After the passage of seven anahulu periods during which time Kamehameha arranged his battle divisions,he asked Kekuhaupi o to accompany him to Hilo Paliku...Chief Kamehameha's great canoe was prepared and he took his warriors with him,a very wise act,because during this journey they were attacked by some Maui people. This was a great canoe which Kamehameha had prepared,and it carried almost two hundred men on one double canoe. There were also some swift sailing canoes,each canoe being able to carry fifty men with ease. Kamehameha and his warriors left Kohala,followed by Kekuhaupi'o and some warrior chiefs of Kohala. They sailed easily to land at Hakalau where Kamehameha and Kekuhaupi'o and their people were entertained by Chiefess Keakealani of Hilo; Princess Likoa;and Kahipa,the daughter of Chief K anekoa of Hamakua.She was living at Hakalau with her female hoahanau in those days.This visit by High Chief Kamehameha was a cause for joyous entertainment by these high chiefesses of Hilo and Hamakua... When Kamehameha arrived with his people at Hakalau,Kahahawai was staying in the upland forest of Hakalau,making a canoe for his lord,Kahekili of Maui. With him at that time was Kaihe,the"black[tattoo] of Kahekili,"one of Kahekili's very great favorites,who was a famous warrior against Kahekili's men." Desha depicts in great detail the great battle which ensued here between Kamehameha's army and the warriors of Kahekili,revealing that it was the seminal event which led to the young chief being called to test his strength,and lineage,on the Naha stone. "On hearing of Kamehameha's victory in this battle with the Maui people,Chief Keawemauhili sighed,and said:"This is perhaps the bravery which shall achieve the conquest of these islands." This victorious fight led other chiefs to announce to Keawemauhili,"Indeed,your words at the time of this young chiefs birth were really correct,that this was the appropriate time to pinch the tip of the mulberry. Now at this time,the branch is hardened,and the tip of the mulberry cannot be pinched off. Alas for us in the future. Perhaps the bitter fruits of the actions of this young chief will come,for here in the dust of morning[youth]that one's extraordinary deeds are already apparent." Like Kamehameha's later battle at Nu'uanu Pali,which helped seal his victory on the island of O'ahu,his battle at Hakalau-nui was a pivotal moment in his ascension and led to his greatest achievement,the establishing of peace,through the unification of the islands of Hawaii. Here is the historic story of Hakalau-nui which I believe truly makes this space extremely worthy of protection. Mahalo nui loa for your sincere consideration. Aloha,Kehaulani Lum a Attachment C mmY x>a 4v / m m ` ia0 Vile[ Ilk 3 h U ca <Z N ez• 0 a v i .a QJ o= v o • ¢ lt CV GJ r O C7 i RS ac j Acld CC r r o A S C e3 tC a x o O y• = Ci m ? $ v c o y a. 3 V? o CU g ' o 0 I N eZ• J J -714 WILLIAM All:. .R41/ NEIL ABE E GOVERNOR OF HAWAII t4;'117. tS "dUKNOWAR"MALOTIAB NAOO9F? 47T Attachment D -',A7 a } RBB K.SOW 1.. 1, - EMT DEPUTY I d"//� j WILUAMM.TAM / ' _ MARY DIRECTOR-WATER AQUATIC RES UOATING DOCEAN RFCR EA TION • 1N .� U OFCONVEYANCES COM ILSCRINRNON WATER RPiQWCI:MANAGEMENT ENT ' COMRAVATRW ANDCOASTA,E"NM CONAVATKIN ANDINI RIWO (:N((1RCT]R:NI HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION LNYAND WI on4300 DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ILLSN�RIRTNKYTME�_CEAN"VAAHON KAHORAW E EIAND RESERVE COMMRON N LAND 601 KAMOKILA BOULEVARD,ROOM 555 STATE PARKS July 18,2014 KAPOLEI,HAWAII 96707 Glenn Escott do Robert Spear,Ph.D. LOG NO:2014.02701 Scientific Consulting Services Inc. DOC NO: I407SN07 711 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 975 Archaeology Honolulu,HI 96813 Dear Dr.Spear SUBJECT: Chapter 6E-42 Historic Preservation Review- Revised Archaeological Data Recovery Plan,Former Hakalau Plantation I__ Hakalau Nui Ahupua'a,South Hilo District,Island of Hawaii TMK(31 2-9-002:081 Thank you for the opportunity to review the revised draft plan titled A Data Recovery Plan for Site 50-10-16-26592 Located on Lands of the Former Hakalau Plantation, Hakalau Nui Ahupua'a, South Hilo District, Island of Hawaii TM K(3)2-9-002:081, G.Escott,June 2014.This document was received by our office on June 3,2014. We apologize for the delayed review and thank you for your patience. The data recovery plan (DRP) outlines mitigation fieldwork for Site 26592 as recommended in the accepted archaeological inventory survey(AIS)for this property(Rosendahl, Inc.2009). The AIS report indicates that Site _ 26592 was assessed as significant under Criterion D only, with the possibility of Criterion E, pending results of future data recovery.Information provided in the CIA for the project area indicates that the graves at this cemetery -- were disinterred and that the only remaining remnant of the cemetery visible on the surface was a displaced grave marker (Maly 2009).The data recovery work at Site 26592 was recommended to "clearly define the former cenietely and to demonstrate that there are no remaining cemetery burials present".Based on information found in the Rosendahl Inc.2009 report,it was noted by our office that grave markers were buried on site and that the burials were removed using a backhoe, indicating the likely presence of grave markers and disturbed human skeletal remains at the site(Log 2013.6237,Doc 1312TD01). SHPD reviewed a previous draft of this plan and requested revisions prior to final acceptance(Log No.2014.00376 Doc. No. 1402SNTD22). We believe that the revisions are acceptable and provide reasonable research goals and appropriate methodology to accomplish the plan's goals.We believe that this plan meets the requirements of Hawaii Administrative Rule 13-278-3 and is accepted by SHPD.Please send one hardcopy of the document,clearly marked FINAL,along with a copy of this review letter and a text-searchable PDF version on CD to the Kapolei SHPD office,attention SHPD Library. We look forward to reviewing a data recovery report that details the findings of these planned excavations. Please contact Sean Naleimaile at(808)933-7651or Sean.P.Naleimaile;nFHav<aii.uov if you have any questions or concerns regarding this letter. Aloha, / / -- Theresa K.Donham Archaeology Branch Chief 1 cc. Kauanoe Hoomanawanui,Burial Sites Specialist(Kauanoe.M.Hoomanawanuiihawaii.gov)