FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
US DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
PERMIT APPLICATION
WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
Waikoloa, South Kohaia District, Island of Hawai'i
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Honolulu District
September 1985
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FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION
(RLE NO. PODCO-O I8I2-SD)
I WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
WAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT, ISLAND OF HAWAI'I, STATE OF HAWAI'I
PREPARED BY:
U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT
HONOLULU
SEPTEMBER 1985
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FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. PODCO-O I8I2-SD
I WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
WAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT, ISLAND OF HAWAfM, STATE OF HA WAI'
(a) This ;is a Final Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, for U.S. Department of the Army permit appli-
cation PODCO-O I8I2-SD. In the permit application, Transcontinental Development
Co. and Atpac Land Co. request authorization under Section 10, River and Harbor Act
of 1899, as amended, and the Section 404, Clean Water Act, as amended, to excavate a
recreational lagoon and to fill anchialine ponds on portions of the Waikoioa Peach
Resort. The work would be performed in conjunction with their plans to develop a
major resort destination complex at WaiJ
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY
CHAPTER I: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION . .
CHAPTER II: ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION .
I. Regional Background
Alternatives Considered
Development Alternatives . . . .
XI
2.
2.2
3.
Alternatives Within the Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers and the
Capability of the Applicants
3.1
3.1.1
Issue the Department of the Army Permit for the Proposed Action.
The Proposed Action
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
3.
•
•
•
m
•
•
•
•
•
.t
.i
,i
*•
.2
.:
•*«
.4
£
* —
.6
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7
.8
.9
>
>.l
>.2
!.3
!.4
!.5
!
\-
Lagoon
Pond Avoidance, Preservation and Management
Pond Filling
Building Footings
Hotel/Resort
Public Access
Coastal Trail
Historic Sites
State;and County Permit Requirements . . .
Issue a DA Permit for a Modified Action
Alternative I - Addition of 2.5 Acres of Ponds ....
Alternative 2 - Separate Pond Preservation Areas . . .
Alternative 3 - Large Pond Preservation Area ....
Alternative 4 - Lower Density Alternative
Alternative 5 - Applicant's Proposal Without the Lagoon
Lagoon Flushing Alternatives
Off-Site Pond Preservation
Anchialine Pond Creation and Restoration
Deny the Permit
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
Alternatives Within the Capability of the Applicant, but Outside the
Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers
Reducing or Eliminating the Fill by Using Pile-Supported Structures
Alternative Configurations
Alternative Development Sites Outside the WBP.
2-1
7-4
2-6
7-7
?-7
2-7
2-7
2-13
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-15
7-19
2-19
7-19
2-2!
2-2!
7-2!
7-25
2-75
2-25
7-27
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-29
2-29
in
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
3.2.3.1
3.2.3.2
Other Islands Within the State of Hawai'i
Areas on the West Hawaii Coast ...
2-30
2-3!
3.2.4
4.
No Action-Alternative 2-32
Foreseeable Alternatives Beyond the Capabilities of the Applicants, but
Within the Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers
Reasonably Foreseeable Alternatives Beyond the Capability of the .
Applicants and Outside the Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers . . .
6. Environmentally Preferred A Iternative.
CHAPTER III: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT.
I. Project Location
2. Topographic and Geological Features .
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
Visual Elements. . . .
Topography and Geology
Soils
Drainage
Coastal Features
Oceanographic Characteristics
Tide and Currents
Storm Waves . .
Tsunamis ...
Climate
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.
7.
7.1
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
Wind . . .
Rainfall . .
Temperature
Air Quality
Vegetation and Wildlife
Vegetation
Wildlife .
Birds . .
Mammals
2-33
2-33
2-33
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-2
3-?
3-5
3-5
?-5
3-7
3-7
3-7
3-11
3-II
3-11
3-11
3-13
3-13
3-16
3-16
3~I6
IV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
8.
Page
Aquatic Resources 3-]9
8.1 Waiulua fyjy 3_!9
8.2 Coastal Water Quality !!!!!!!!! 3^20
8.3 Anchialine Ponds ! ! ! ! * 3-20
8.3.1 Overview 3-20
8.3.2 Distribution !!!! 3-2!
8.3.3 Pond Ecology ! ! ! 3-23
8.3.3.1 Hydrology 3-23
8.3.3.2 Water Quality ! ! ! ! 3-25
8.3.3.3 Aging ....
8.3.3.4 Pond Diversity !!!!!!!!.*!! 3-26
8.3.3.5 Anchialine Pond Organisms '. '.'.'. 3-">Q
8.3.4 Endangered Species Status . 3-43
8.3.5 Future Trends '.'.'.'.' ?-43
9. Historical and Cultural Resources 3.45
10. Socio-Economic Characteristics 3-46
10.1 Existing Economic Activity — Hawai'i Island and South Kohala .... 3-46
10.2 County Land Use Plans and Controls 3_48
10.2.1 Overview 3 48
10.2.2 The Waikoloa Project !!•!!!!!! 3-49
10.3 Community Profile 3 49
10.3.1 Population 3 49
10.3.2 Labor Force and Employment. ... •? cc
In *3 o it- •••••••••••... j—.J3
U.j.3 Housing, 3 57
10.3.4 Public Services and Facilities !.'!!.".'."!.".*.' 3^0
10.3.4.1 Schools and Libraries ...... -3 /-n
10.3.4.2 Health Care Facilities . I'Tn
10.3.4.3 Recreational Facilities r>Tf
10.3.4.4 Protective Services .........!!!!!! | i ] | | ] 3l63
10.3.4.5 Transportation Facilities. ... * ?"<•?
10.3.4.6 Solid Waste Disposal. ... •\ ,,,
10.3.4.7 Water Supply ."!!!!!!!!.*!!!!.' 3-64
10.3.4.8 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System .' •?"/:«;
10.3.4.9 Electrical Power .*!!.*!.".'.' 3^6
10.3.4.10 Telecommunications ''' ~
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
CHAPTER IV: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
I. Introduction
2. Topographic and Oceanographic Alterations. .
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
The Lagoon •
The Lagoon Related to Tsunami and Storm Wave Hazards.
Filling Related to Tsunami Hazards
4-1
4-1
4-1
4-1
4-2
4-7
Anchialine Ponds *-3
Reduction in Number, Water Surface Area, and Diversity
Reduction in Anchialine Pond Organisms
Spread of Exotic Fish
Consequence of Fill on Anchialine Pond Water Quality
Consequence of Fill on Groundwater
Lagoon Construction and Operation Consequences on Anchialine Ponds
Consequences of Other Resort Construction and Operation Activities
on Anchialine Ponds
4-3
4-5
4-7
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-12
Coastal Water Quality and Marine Resources 4-13
Lagoon Construction Consequences on Water Quality and Marine
Resources . .
Lagoon Operation Consequences on Coastal Water Resource . .
Potential Effects on Marine Animals . .
Historical and Cultural Properties ....
Impacts on Vegetation, Birds, and Wildlife
Vegetation
Birds and Wildlife
Threatened and Endangered Species
4-13
4-14
4-16
4-17
4-17
4-17
4-18
4-18
7. Socio-Economic Impacts 4-18
7.1
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.3
7.3.1
7.3.2
Introduction
Employment and Population Impacts
Construction Period
Operational Period
4-18
4-20
4-20
4-70
Housing Impacts 4-21
Construction Period
Operational Period
4-21
4-21
VI
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
7.4 Other.Economic Impacts 4_22
7.5 Social Effects and Concerns 4-22
7.5.1
7.5.2
7.5.3
7.5.4
7.5.4.1
7.5.4.2
7.5.4.3
Effects on Family Structure and Stability 4_22
Crime Impacts 4-23
Effects on Social Structure ....!!.* 4-24
Mitigation Measures 4-25
Housing 4-25
Maximizing Employment Benefits for Longtime Residents '.'.'.'. 4-25
Other Steps 4-26
8.
8.1
8.2
9.
9.1
9.
9.
9.
9.
9.
9.
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
Impacts on Recreational Resources and Activity 4_27
Within the:Waikoloa Beach Resort 4_27
Outside the Waikoloa Beach Resort !!!!.* 4-28
Impacts on Public Services and Facilities . . 4_28
The Proposed Action „ *.• 4_2g
Transportation 4-28
Potable Water -. !!!!!!!! 4-29
Wastewdter Treatment and Disposal ', ] 4.29
Solid Waste Disposal ....!!!! 4-30
Electrical Power and Telecommunications Facilities '. 4-30
Public Services \ \ 4_30
9.2 Alternatives f 431
10. Air Quality Impacts 4_3I
II. Noise Impacts ^ 4_?2
CHAPTER V: LIST OF PREPARERS OF FINAL EIS 5.]
CHAPTER VI: PLBLIC INVOLVEMENT 6_j
I. Public Notices and the Scoping Process. g_l
2. Coordination with Government Agencies 6_ I
2.1 Endangered Species 6 !
2.1.1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 6_l
2.1.2. National Marine Fisheries Service !!!!!!! 6-2
VII
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
2.2 Historic Preservation 6-2
3. Public Hearing 6-3
4. Draft Environmental Impact Statement . 6-3
CHAPTERVII: REFERENCES 7-!
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Applicants Practicable Alternative Analysis A-1
Appendix B: Tentative Anchialine Pond Preservation Management Plan. . . R-!
Appendix C: Assessment of the Conditions and Future of Anchialine Pond
Resources of the Hawaiian Islands C-l
Appendix D: List of Public.Notice Recipients and Copies of Notices of
Intent and Public Notices n-l
Appendix E: Correspondence Related to Public Notices F.-I
Appendix F: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 Coordination F-!
Appendix G: National Marine Fisheries Service Section 7 Coordination ... G- !
Appendix H: Historic Coordination H-l
Appendix I: Public Hearing Notice and Record I-1
Appendix J: List of DEIS Recipients J-l
Appendix K: DEIS Letters Received and Comments and Responses K- I
Appendix L: Coastal Zone Management Consistency Determination .... L-l
VIII
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Descrijp t i o n
Chapter II
II-1 Kohala and North Kona Region 2-2
11-2 Waikolog Beach Resort Development Plan 2-3
11-3 Location of Anchialine Ponds within the Waikoloa Beach Resort. . . 2-5
II-4 Proposed Lagoon Configuration 2-8
11-5 Cross-Sections Through Proposed Lagoon, Shoreline Berm and Beach. 2-9
11-6 Applicant's Proposal 2-10
11-7 Cross-Section Through Proposed Pond Preservation Area 2-1 I
11-8 Detailed Cross-Sections of Proposed Shoreline Berm and Temporary
Rock Filter Berm . 2-12
11-9 Proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel Site Plan 2-16
II-10 Relationship of Proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel to
Existing Ponds . 2-17
II-11 Location of Public Beach Access - Waikoloa Beach Resort 2-18
11-12 Historic Trail Construction, Waiulua Bay Area 2-20
11-13 Alternative I - 15-Acre Pond Preserve 2-22
11-14 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 2 - Separated Pond Preservation
Areas 2-73
11-15 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 3 - Large Pond Preservation Area . 2-24
11-16 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 4 - Minimal Fill ......... 2-26
Chapter III
111-I Existing Site Conditions 3_3
111-2 Bathymetry of Waiulua Bay and.Nearshore Waters 3_6
III-3 Flood Insurance Rate Map 3_9
III-4 Rainfall Map 3_IO
III-5 Frequency Distribution of Wind Direction '.'.'. 3-12
1II-6 Vegetation Map „ 3-17
III-7 Distribution of Anchialine Ponds 3_22
IH-8 Salinity Contours of Groundwater as Determined by Anchialine Pond
Measurements 3-24
1II-9 Distribution of Vegetated and Unvegetated Ponds at the Waikoloa *
Beach Resort 3-27
111-10 Distribution of Open and Closed Ponds at the Waikoloa Beach Resort! 3-28
HI-1 I Known Distribution of Hypogeal Shrimp in Hawaii 3-40
III-12 Distribution of 'Opae'ula and Metabetaeus Lohena at the Waikoloa
Beach Resort 3-41
111-13 Districts of Hawaii Island '.'.'. 3-47
III-14 Waikoloa Lands and the South Kohala Region ! ! ! ! 3-50
111-15 Existing Boning - Waikoloa Beach Resort 3_5I
111-16 Recreational Facilities in Kohala/N. Kona Region 3_59
1V-1
Chapter IV
Expected Post-Construction Changes in Groundwater Salinity. . .
4-11
IX
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LIST OF TABLES
Table
Description
Chapter II
II-1 Expected Footing Depths 2-15
II-2 Comparison of Alternatives 2-34
Chapter III
III-1 Selected Projections of Deep-Water Storm Waves: Waikoloa Beach
Resort 3-8
IIJ-2 Plant Species Checklist: Waikoloa Beach Resort 3-14
III-3 List of Aquatic Species Found in Open Ponds on the West Hawaii
Coast 3-30
1II-4 Comparison of Pond Biota Surveys for the Waikoloa Beach Resort . . 3-32
III-5 Summary of Change in Four Native and Two Exotic Aquatic Species
Found in Kona Coast Anchialine Ponds Located Between Lahui-
pua'a and Kailua-Kona: 1972-1985 3-34
111-6 Summary of Anchialine Ponds Surveyed by Oceanic Institute, 1985. . 3-35
IH-7 Summary of Change in Organism Occurrence in Exceptional and
Significant Anchialine Ponds Identified by Maciolek and Brock
H974), from Lahuipua'a to Kailua-Kona 3-36
111-8 Some Rare and Unique Anchialine Pond Organisms . 3-38
III-9 Hypogeal Shrimp in Hawaiian Anchialine Ponds 3-39
III-10 Species Classified as Category 2 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service . 3-43
III-11 Principal Communities of Kohala ^-52
111-12 Principal Communities of North Kona and Hamakua 3-53
HI-13 1970 & 1980 Census Data on Population & Demographics, by Area . . 3-54
III-14 1970 & 1980 Census Data on Labor Force Characteristics 3-56
III-15 Percent Unemployment in Urban Areas: 1980 3-58
111-16 Estimates of Unemployed Since 1980 3-58
111-17 Census Data on Housing Stock: 1970 and 1980 3-59
Chapter IV
1V-1 Coastal Areas Mot Filled By Alternative 4-?
1V-2 Comparison of Anchialine Pond Number and Habitat Losses . ..... 4-3
1V-3 Estimate of Anchialine Pond Loss in Relation to the State-Wide
Resource 4-4
IV-4 Comparison of Pond Diversity 4-5
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SUMMARY
3.
This is a Final Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District for U.S. Department of the Army permit
application, File Number PODCO-0 1812. In the permit application, Transconti-
nental Development Co. and Atpac Land Co., the applicants, have requested
authorization under Section 10, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404,
Clean Water Act, as amended, to excavate a 5-acre recreational lagoon at the
head of Waiulua Bay and to fill anchialine ponds on portions of the Waikoloa
Beach Resort (WBR) properties. The work would be performed in conjunction
with their plans to construct three, luxury resort hotels and a luxury resort
condominium, as part of a major resort destination complex. A 12-acre
anchialine pond preservation area would be created as part of the proposed
action, and the preserve would be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Purpose land Need for the Proposed Action
The applicants have stated that their proposed action would allow the construc-
tion of a major resort destination complex consistent with State and County land
use plans for Waikoloa, and that their proposed development is part of the
overall development that has already occurred at Waikoloa. They have further
asserted that the proposed development would fulfill a publicly recognized need
for more employment opportunities and increased economic activity on the
island of Hawaii and would increase the range and number of recreational
facilities available to residents of the island of Hawaii.
Beneficial and Adverse Impacts of the Proposed Action
a. Beneficial Impacts.
(!) The proposed resort development would increase employment oppor-
tunities and economic activity on the island of Hawaii, in conjunction
with adjacent resort developments, at a time when the decline in
Hawaii's sugar industry threatens to undermine the County's
economic base. The proposed development would provide immediate
and long-term employment based on tourism, and would increase in
housing development and leisure recreational opportunities. Public
access to the shoreline, low income/worker housing and public parks
would also be provided in accordance with County of Hawaii
approvals. Historic site preservation and restoration would be
provided, and archaeological data recovery would be implemented for
any sites destroyed by the development. A Hawaiian coastal trail
would be reconstructed.
(2) The proposed lagoon would provide a safe water recreation area and
the proposed fill would provide tsunami flood protection for
structures built in the tsunami inundation hazard zone. Funding for
management of a proposed Anchialine Pond Preservation Area would
allow scientific investigations of the anchialine pond resource and
would protect the remaining resource from human disturbance.
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b. Adverse Impacts.
(I) The proposed action would fill about 70% of the anchialine ponds at
the WBR. The remaining unfilled ponds would be protected in a
managed, Anchiaiine Pond Preservation Area. This loss represents a
20% reduction in the number of anchialine ponds in the State of
Hawaii. Some archaeological sites would be destroyed after archae-
ological data recovery. Groundwater flow and leakage near the
coastline would be altered, but no adverse impact on the remaining
anchialine pond biota is expected. The existing vegetation would be
replaced by landscaped vegetation. The rugged lava fields and open
space would be visually replaced by the development. No endangered
or threatened species, potable water supplies, commercial and
recreational fishing resources are affected by the loss of anchialine
ponds.
(2) The proposed development would increase demands on water and
power resources and infrastructure. Social conflicts and loss of
traditional values could result from increased tourism and a change
from an agricultural based economy to a service economy. A rise in
crime is expected to occur with tourism and population increase.
Although the proposed development would result in economic benefits
to the County of Hawaii, economic diversification is needed for a
balanced County economy.
4. Summary of Major Conclusions and Issues
a. The proposed action and 5 alternatives are evaluated in this Final EIS. The
proposed action and Alternatives I, 2, 3 and 5 involve the loss and
preservation of anchialine ponds, and differ in the amount of anchialine
ponds preserved at WBR. The proposed action and Alternatives 2 and 5
preserve 12 acres of ponds. Alternative I preserves about 14.5 acres.
Alternative 3 preserves about 39 acres. Alternative 4 involves filling only
a few ponds, and some development could occur. The Permit Denial
Alternative and the No-Action Alternative could preserve all the ponds at
the WBR.
b. However, all the preserved or unfilled ponds face the threat of degradation
of habitat and loss of the unique anchialine pond organisms due to the
human introduction of exotic fish into the anchialine ponds. Similarly, all
the preserved or unfilled ponds face the probability of degradation due to
human development around the ponds that can occur outside the jurisdic-
tion of the Corps. Thus, the preferred environmental alternative allows
some development while preserving, protecting and managing the greatest
number of anchialine ponds in the area.
5. Areas of Controversy
a. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IX, in review of
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) expressed. its opinion
that the DEIS did not adequately assess significant impacts to the
anchialine ponds, did not consider the rare and endangered status of the
species, did not assess the State-wide loss of anchialine ponds, did not
XII
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assess alternatives subject to Section 404, CWA, and did not adequately
explain the proposed development. EPA further indicated that it believed
that the proposed action potentially violated Section 404, CWA.
b. The Corps of Engineers has considered EPA's opinions and concerns in
development of the FEIS. A detailed response to EPA's opinions and
concerns is provided in Appendix K. Several meetings were held between
the Corps, EPA and the applicants to clarify EPA interpretation of Section
404 requirements. In a further attempt to resolve EPA's concerns, the
Corps of Engineers invited EPA to participate in the preparation of the
FEIS. A staff member of EPA, Region IX, was present at the Honolulu
District Office during the initial stages of FEIS preparation.
6. Issues t6 be Resolved
.a. The development of a Memorandum of Agreement for the protection of
historic and archaeological sites with the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation would be completed prior to a decision on the Department of
thje Army permit.
b. The Anchialine Pond Management Plan and funding for the plan would be
completed prior to a decision on the Department of the Army permit.
c. The Corps Section 404(b)(I), Clean Water Act, analysis would be completed
prior to a decision on the Department of the Army permit.
xiii
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CHAPTER I
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION
(a) The applicants, Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac Land Co
propose to construct three luxury resort hotels and a luxury resort condominium on
port.ons of the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The Waikoloa Beach Resort is a major-resort
zoned area at iWaikoloa, South Kohala District, Island of Hawaii. The applicants'
proposed development Involves about 130 acres of the coastal portion of the Walkoloa
Beach Resort properties, and is intended to provide a resort destination in South
Kohala in conformance with the existing County of Hawaii General Plan and land use
zoning.
7«n« ^ A Jhc:Pr0?nt and economic opportunities on the
nr H^ T the SCl ne °f the SU9Gr Jndustry threatens the island's economy!
The proposed resort would also increase the range and number of recreational
fac.lit.es available to residents of Hawaii and serve as a major tourist destination
/*/
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CHAPTER II
ALTERNATIVES INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
I. REGIONAL BACKGROUND
(a) The South Kohala coastal area is recognized in the State of Hawai'i and
Hawai'i County land use plans as a desirable location for large-scale resort develop-
ment (see Figure II-1). The Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Keahole Airport, Kawaihae
Harbor, and the|Lalamilo Water System are the major Federal, State and County
investments in infrastructure that were made to support anticipated development in
the region. In conjunction with these government-sponsored and constructed projects,
1 private landowners have developed several large resort complexes and water systems
in the region. Aggregate private expenditures to date for the resorts are estimated to
have exceeded $IOO-million (Belt, Collins & Associates, 1985).
(b) Plans for the 31,000-acre Waikoloa project were first announced by Poise
Cascade in the Ipte 1960s. In 1968 the State Land Use Commission granted Urban
designation for approximately 500 acres of land bordering 'Anaeho'omaiu and Waiulua
Bays to allow development of the first phase of the Waikoloa Beach Resort (M'BP). In
1971, the County of Hawai'i designated the WBR as a "Major Resort" in its aeneral
plan, and initial County zoning for the resort was granted by the County Council. In
1977 County Ordinance No. 265 adjusted zoning to match revised parcel boundaries. A
Special Management Area Use Permit for J-he entire resort makai (seaward) of the
King's Trail was also issued in 1977. Development plans for the shoreline portions of
the WBR have subsequently been revised and necessary changes in County zoning
obtained (see Figure II-2).
(c) The present County of Hawaii Land Use Plans for the WBR provide for the
ultimate development of approximately 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,400 single- and multi-
family residential units. However, the 543-room Sheraton Royal Waikofoa Hotel is the
only hotel constructed thus far. Ground-breaking for the first increment of "The
Shores at Waikoloa" condominium project occurred in mid-1984, and initial occupancy
is scheduled for 1985. This leaves slightly over 2,200 additional hotel rooms and about
3,300 resort residential units still to be constructed within the WBP under approved
land use plans.
(d) Mixohaline, landlocked ponds are a unique geological feature along the
West Coast of Hawaii; the term "anchialine" has been coined and used to describe
them (Holthius, 1977). The ponds provide a habitat for a distinctive and unique
assemblage of organisms, including rare shrimp species. The most striking elements of
the ponds are the red-pigmented shrimp, 'opae'ula fHalocaridina rubra) and the orange-
rust colored algal mat (Schizothrix sp.). In April 1974, Maciolek and Brock published
the first biological baseline survey of these ponds. The survey, administered in part by
the County of Hawaii Planning Department, surveyed about 318 ponds in five County
Districts, including South Kohala. Eight areas of "exceptional" and 4 areas of
"significant" natural geological and biological quality were identified. One of the
exceptional areas was the 'Anaeho'omalu-Waiulua bay area at waf|
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.'Upolu Airport
Mahukona Harborr
0 2
.-". (*oj-th irriles
MAUNA KEA BEACH RESORT
Puako /i
^Waimea-Kohala1,
Airport
MAUNA LANI RESORT
itfAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT^>.
CSv. 4 e'rttS^&K? ^ , "4"'
KONA VILLAGE RESORTA
Honokohau. ." '••?
Small Boat Harbor:?
Kailua-KonaM
KEAUHOU RESORT
Figure 11-1. Kohala and North. Kona Region
2-2
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Future Golf Course
500 1000
Irrigation Pond
Limit of
Corps Permit Area
Fishpond
Future Golf Course
Future Golf Course1
Future Golf Course
MF 28 Z
Hyatt Regency
Waikoloa
Hotel
Hotel 12
'•• ' L Ku'uali'i Fishpond)"
Kahapapa Fishpond
"Anaeho'omalu Bay
MF 13
Figure 11-2 Waikoloa Beach Resort Development Plan
2-3
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(e) A detailed site inventory of Waikoloa (Oceanic Institute, 1977 and 1984),
identified approximately 215 anchialine ponds within the WBR (see Figure 11-3). The
ponds are near the shoreline and extend from Waiulua Bay to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. The
survey indicated that the 'Anaeho'omalu-Waiulua Bay area of the WBR remains the
largest, single concentration of anchialine ponds on the Kona coast, as well as the
State of Hawaii. The anchialine ponds continue to contain representative anchialine
communities, but the occurence of the marine fish has diminished and the rare eel has
not been found (Oceanic Institute, 1984).
(f) In 1985, the Oceanic Institute, in response to a request from the Corps of
Engineers, surveyed 311 ponds between Lahuipuaa and Kailua-Kona to determine the
condition of the anchialine pond resource. About 57% of the areas surveyed showed a
decrease in shrimp species and an increase in the spread of exotic fish. Of the 3
exceptional areas within the survey area identified by Maciolek and Brock in 1974,
only one, the 'Anaeho'omalu-Waiulua Bay area, did not contain exotic fish. The
remaining exceptional areas had declines in the distribution of the shrimp species and
an increase in the presence of exotic fish.
(g) Kahapapa and Ku'uali'i fishponds are at the head of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay;
they lie within an area zoned "open" by the County of Hawaii that also encompasses
approximately 15 anchialine ponds. As part of the open-space zoning, an archaeologi-
cal site near the ponds was restored, and a trail with interpretive signs was
constructed. All the anchialine ponds and the two fishponds on the WBP, as well as in
the shoreline area, are under the Corps of Engineers' regulatory jurisdiction.
2. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
(a) In September 1984, Transcontinental Development Co. submitted a Depart-
ment of the Army permit application requesting authorization to excavate and fill
more than 80 anchialine ponds within a 60+ acre site at the WBR for the purpose of
constructing a 1,250-room luxury resort hotel (the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel).
The proposal did not provide for avoidance of any anchialine ponds within the hotel
site or mitigation for those losses. Therefore, the Corps did not accept the permit for
processing immediately. Rather, it engaged in the preliminary steps described below
to reach the point where an application which gave consideration to those factors was
submitted.
(b) Following discussions between the applicant, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and the Corps of Engineers to explore ways to avoid or mitigate anchialine pond loss
on the property, the Transcontinental Development Co. revised the Hyatt plans,
reconfiguring the parking lot, tennis courts and health spa in an effort to avoid ponds
on the Hyatt Hotel site. As efforts to avoid filling ponds continued, Transcontinental
Development Co. indicated that the successful development of the WBR would depend
upon utilization of other WBR lands containing anchialine ponds. Accordingly, the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers recommended that Transcontinental Development Co. revise
its permit application to consider of all the anchialine ponds on the WBP. The Corps
of Engineers believed that broadening the scope of the permit application would
provide a better means to evaluate comprehensively the anchialine pond resources at
WBR, rather than by piecemeal evaluations of ponds on a permit-by-permit basis. The
Corps of Engineers' basic objective was to assure that long-term management and
maintenance of anchialine ponds at Waikoloa was considered together with other
competing demands for the resource.
2-4
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ro
to Queen Ka'ahmanu Hwy
Legend!
Boundaries of Developed Parcels
Golf Course
Anchialine Pond (with reference no.)
Figure 11-3 Location of Anchialine Ponds within the Walkoloa Beach Resort
-------
(c) In January 1985 Transcontinental Development Co. revised and broadened
the scope of the permit application and included a 12-acre anchialine-pond-preserva-
tlon are?. The revised permit application is described bek>w. Inasmuch as some of the
land covered by the revised permit application is owned by Atpac Land Co., Atpac
Land Co. became a joint applicant with Transcontinental Development Co.
12. DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES
Within the properties under Corps jurisdiction, the applicant has developed
specific site plans for the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel, and has County zoning
approvals for a condominium and two hotels (see Figure II-2). Since the Corps of
Engineers was evaluating long-term management of the anchialine pond resources, the
principal issue considered by the Corps of Engineers in developing alternatives was
compliance with regulatory requirements, focusing on avoidance, and anchialine pond
preservation and protection. Based on present County "major resort" land use zoning
for the area, the Corps did not believe it was significant whether the applicant built a
specific hotel, condominium or other facility on the ponds, because any resort/residen-
tial facility, if constructed directly on the ponds would result in the destruction or loss
of the ponds. Thus, for the purposes of the NEPA process, the alternatives considered
by the Corps of Engineers dealt principally with the management of the pond resource,
such as pond preserves or refuges, resource management, monitoring, reducing adverse
impacts and maintaining the pond resource. To the Corps, pond preservation results in
architectural and construction constraints that modify facility location, reduce fill or
reduce the number of amenities, such as tennis courts or parking spaces. Thus, for the
purposes of the NEPA process, the Corps of Engineers addressed a range of alternative
reconfigurations that resulted in identifying a number of ponds to be preserved or
protected, limiting the number of facilities or hotel units that could be built on the
ponds. The range of alternatives included:
(I) Issuance of the permit as requested by the applicant;
(2) Issuance of a permit with modifications to the applicants' proposed project;
(3) Denial of the permit; and
(4) No Action.
In this context, denial of the permit and no-action would prevent the applicants from
filling or excavating any anchialine ponds. Issuance of the permit as oriainally
requested would fill all anchialine ponds at Waikoloa Beach Resort, and issuance of a
permit for the proposed project or with modifications to the proposed project would
fill some ponds. These alternatives, and several variations of them, have been
examined in great detail by the applicant as part of the Clean Water Act, Section
404(b) process regarding practicability of alternatives. While the ultimate purpose of
the 404 practicable alternatives analysis differs from that of the NFPA alternatives
discussion, both analyses shed light on the alternatives which may be available for
development. Both analyses have been considered by the Corps in its preparation and
review of environmental documentation. Therefore, it may be useful to refer to the
practicable alternatives discussion found in Appendix A in order to augment the
information contained within the body of the EIS.
3.1
2-6
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3. ^TERNATiyES WITHIN TT-g JURISDJPlpN OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
AND THE CAPABILITY OF THE APPLICANTS
3.1 ISSUE THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT FOR THE PROPOSED
ACTION
3.1.1 The Proposed Action
The permit application requests Department of the Army authorization to:
o Excavate a 5-acre lagoon adjacent to Waiulua Bay under Section 10, Rivers
and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA) (Figure 11-4) and Section 404. Clean Water
Act (CWA);
o Construct, operate and maintain structures and a beach in the lagoon under
Section 10, RHA and Section 404, CWA (Figure H-4 and Figure 11-5);
o Maintain a 12-acre Anchialine Pond Area (Preservation area in Figure 11-6)
and implement a plan to manage and monitor the preserve;
o Fill all remaining anchialine ponds on the WBR properties under Section
404, CWA (Figure H-6), except those ponds located within the proposed
"pond preservation area" or those at the head of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. (The
ponds at the head of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay are not the subject of the permit
application.)
3.1.1.1 Lagoon
(a) The lagoon would be constructed using explosives. Bulldozers with rippers
and cranes would remove the lava basalt. The work may take three months to
complete. Prior to blasting bulldozers would roll over the excavation area, essentially
leveling the area, filling depressions with volcanic basalt material to create a dry work
area. The blast holes would be drilled and loaded with explosives; the use of the fill
helps to direct the blast force into the basalt rock, moving and breaking the rock and
reducing blast shock wave transmission through water into Waiulua Bay. Individual
charges would be limited to no more than 400 pounds of explosives. A temporary berm
constructed across the mouth of inner Waiulua Bay to control turbidity would also
reduce shock wave transmission into Waiulua Bay. (See Figure II-8 for typical
temporary berm section.)
(b) Blasting would be performed under the following conditions (to be included
in the DA permit) to protect threatened sea turtles and endangered marine mammals:
(I) A natural or man-made berm shall separate the blast area from Waiu|ua
Bay or the open ocean during blasting and excavation.
(2) All ponds in the blast area shall be filled before commencing blasting.
(3) No blasting shall be performed if endangered species or major marine
mammals are within view from the shoreline.
(4) A surveillance for threatened sea turtles and endangered marine mammals
shall be performed by helicopter during the first three days of blasting to
insure that the bay and ocean areas to a depth of 5 fathoms are clear of
threatened sea turtles and endangered or major marine mammals.
2-7
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r
00
Finished
Section: SM f Iflur*
Resort Walkwtyi
Figure 11-4 Proposed Lagoon Configuration
-------
^[ .1?-«*1» IW<*«» •>
SECtlOM THKU FBOL DOCK ffi DEBI? B°.RK TOWEK.
See Figure II-9 for
Location of Cross-Sections
Typlcil Section «t Lagoon Edge
SUB WORK - OVERALL -SITE SECTIONS
Figure 11-5 Cross-Sections through Proposed Lagoon, Shoreline Berm, and Beach
-------
t-"
o
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa
Hotel Site
Resort
"< «•»"«,«•,
Legend:
«»M Permit Area Boundary .
L-Ll-J Existing Preservation Area
CirUn Proposed Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
Parcel Boundaries
Existing Anchialine Ponds
(see figure 11-7 for
cross-sections A,B AC)
Note: Compiled from maps In reports of Blenfang
(1977) and Conquest (1984 a I b), which Here .
based on uncontrolled aerial photos flown
by R. H. Towlll Corp. (October 29, 1974).
The proposed pond preservation easements
Here surveyed by Engineers Surveyors Hawaii
In January and February 1935. Aerial photo
flovn by R. H Ton111 Corp. on March J6, 196?
helped locate ponds outside of the easements.
The ponds Here not ground surveyed.
Figure 11-6 Applicant's Proposal
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ASLOPE
. PRESERVATION AREA BUFFER ZONE
PROPERTY
LINE
CHAIN
LINK
FENCE
SLOPE
•EXISTING GRADE
GRAVELLY
FILL MATERIAL
(NO TOP SOIL/
LANDSCAPE)
VARIES
TOE OF FILL
SETBACK
MINIMUM OP 5'
FROM POND EDGE.
-PHYSICAL EDGE OF POND/
PRESERVATION AREA
BOUNDARY
,-ANCHIALINE POND TO
REMAIN UNDISTURBED
•EXISTING GRADE
TYPICAL SECTION AT EDGE OF POND PRESERVATION AREA
-PLANNED ROAD
ELMO't
L—EDGE OF ROW
eo-
/EDGEOFRQ.^
U EXISTING^
1ROAD
I EL? IS1!.
CROSS SECTION "B"
(FIGURE IL-G)
o ao go so IPO iso eoo
SCALE IN FEET
Figure 11-7 Cross-Sections through Proposed Pond Preservation Area
-------
Filler Fabric
MSL
•Existing Ground..Varies
-ROCK FILTER
-exsrNG anouNO
TVFICAL
DeTA.lt_
ON HM*D SUWCE
SECTIONS
M3T ID SCALC
Figure 11-8 Detailed Cross-Sections of Proposed Shoreline Berm
and Temporary Rock Filter Berm
2-12
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(5) National Marine Fisheries Service personnel shall be permitted to monitor
blasting operations from suitable platforms to assist in surveying for sea
turtles and marine mammals that may be in the project vicinity.
(c) Approximately 40,000 cubic yards of basalt rock would be excavated to
form the lagoon. The excavated material would be used to fill other ponds on low-
lying coastal areas around the lagoon. Any material removed from State land in
Waiulua Bay would be handled, stored or disposed of in accordance to conditions
required by the State of Hawaii.
(d) The lagoon would have an average depth of approximately four feet and a
surface area of approximately 5 acres (see Figure 11-4). Its maximum depth would be
approximately six feet below mean sea level. The mouth of the lagoon would be a
shallow basalt shelf rather than a channel to avoid any tidal currents that could be
hazardous to swimmers. The applicants have proposed to level or clear the sill as part
of the lagoon excavation.
(e) In order to maintain water clarity and minimize stagnation or algal blooms,
the applicants propose to pump 5.6 million gallons per day (4000 gallons per minute) of
seawater into the lagoon. The seawater would be obtained from a well located near
the shoreline at the head of the lagoon (see Figure fI-4). The well would have a total
depth of 80-100 feet. The well was sited to avoid impacts to the proposed pond
preservation area, and to ensure the availability of seawater.
(f) Improvements in the lagoon would include a sand beach, swimming area for
resort guests, footbridges, shoreline improvements and other recreational/resort
structures (Figures 11-4 and M-5). Approximately 2,000 cubic yards of natural sand
would be used to create a beach in the lagoon. Since the lagoon is an artificial basin
and is not subject to significant wave action or erosive water currents, maintenance of
the beach would be minimal and no significant loss of sand is anticipated. Any sand
that might be lost from the beach would be trapped in the lagoon.
(g) The lagoon excavation would convert about 17 tidal ponds, having a total
water surface area of about 3.5 acres into a 5-acre tidal lagoon having an average
depth' of 4 feet. ' y
(h) A revetted berm would be constructed on the existing shoreline above the
mean high water level along the seaward side of the lagoon, this man-made berm
would shelter the lagoon from storm waves that occasionally overtop the existing
shoreline. The revetted berm, which would be designed to withstand storm waves and
tsunamis; would range in height from 8 to 18 feet above mean sea level. Space would
remain at the foot of the berm for pedestrian movement along the shoreline. A
landscaped and lighted pathway would be provided along the top of the berm (see
Figure 11-5).
3.1.1.2 Pond Avoidance, Preservation and Management
(a) The applicants propose to create a 12-acre Anchialine Pond Preservation
Area within the Waikoloa Beach Resort (see Figure 11-6 and the cross-sections in
Figure 11-7). When added to the existing 16.3-acre open space area around the
Anaeno'omalu Bay fishponds (which is not the subject of this permit application), this
newanchialme pond preservation area would bring the total pond preservation area
with.n the WBR to over 28 acres. The proposed 12-acre pond preservation area
contains approximately 63 ponds having a total water surface area of about 3.4 acres
2-13
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(b) A buffer zone would be maintained around the pond preservation area to
insulate the ponds from development and resort activities. No major above-grade
structures would be constructed within the buffer zone or along the shoreline seaward
of the preservation area. However, walkways, shaded rest stops, and landscaping with
a predominance of native vegetation may be developed within the buffer zone.
(c) The areas surrounding the pond preservation area would be graded to
prevent stormwater from flowing directly into it. Curbing or other means would be
used to convey stormwater runoff from paved areas away from the ponds. The storm-
water would be disposed of on lands adjacent to the pond preservation area, or into
injection wells sufficiently removed from the ponds to avoid harmful contamination ot
the groundwater flow entering the ponds. Petrochemicals or other potentially hazard-
ous materials would not be stored immediately adjacent to the pond preservation area.
Features, such as lined containment dikes around fuel storage tanks and center sloping
fueling areas would be incorporated into the design of fuel structures to minimize the
possibility of accidental chemical spills flowing into the ponds or off the spill site.
(d) The pond preservation area is intended to provide a continued pond habitat
for anchialine pond organisms, and to allow educational, research and public informa-
tional use of the ponds. Water guality and the status of anchialine pond biota would he
periodically monitored to detect changes in pond health. The management and opera-
tion of the pond preservation area would be funded by the applicants and managed by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the applicants in perpetuity. The details of the
tentative management plan are provided in Appendix B.
3.1.13 Pond Riling
(a) Anchialine ponds within the WBR that are outside the designated preserva-
tion area and not within the area to be excavated for the lagoon would be filled;
approximately 12,000 cubic yards of volcanic basalt rock would be used as fil
material. A bulldozer would roll over the area, leveling the ground, pushing material
from high spots into the low spots, essentially filling the ponds.
(b) Additional lava basalt fill obtained from surrounding grading, lagoon
excavation and an upland quarry would be used to raise the elevation of coastal areas.
On the Hyatt site the minimum finished grade would be approximately 8 feet above
mean sea level; this is the base flood elevation of the 100-year coastal flood (tsunami)
for that area as specified in the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM.) (Federal Emergency
Management Agency, May 3, 1982) and the County Flood Control Ordinance. In the
case of the WBR shoreline, the highest base flood elevation shown on the FIRM map is
approximately 8 feet above mean sea level.
(c) The lava basalt fill is exempt from chemical, biological, and physical
evaluation and testing under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Section 404(b)(l)
guidelines (40 CFR 230.60), because (I) the fill site is adjacent to the extraction site
and is composed of the same materials and (2) the fill material is not suspected of
being a carrier of contaminants and is sufficiently removed from sources of pollutants.
3.1.1.4 Building Footings
Before constructing the proposed Deer Park Tower, Health Spa, Tennis Stadium
and Lobby area, the underlying ground would be probed and any detected voids would
be filled with grout. Filling the voids reduces the possibility that the building may
settle. Probing could be done using a tractor mounted drill. Areas found to contain
2-14
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voids would be filled with grout. For extremely large voids, the void would be exposed
and backfilled with lava basalt rock (12" diameter or less) depending upon the size of
the void. Table II-1 provides footing depths for the major structural components of
the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel. The condominium and other two hotel structures
would probably use similar footing construction methods.
Table II-1
Expected Footing Depths
Structure
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel:
Deer Park Tower
Health Facility
Tennis Stadium
Restaurant/Lobby Complex
Other Sites:
Condominium
Hotels
Depth of Excavation
-15 feet below sea level
-5 feet below sea level
• 11 feet below sea level
-7 to -9 feet below sea level
15 feet below sea level
15 feet below sea level
3. LI.5 Hotel/Resort
(a) The Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel facilities that would be constructed
partly or wholly atop filled anchialine ponds include the Deer Park Tower, a health
spa, tennis courts, restaurants, a shopping village, automobile parking, and the hotel's
main lobby, meeting areas and ballroom. Figure 11-9 provides an illustration of the
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel site plan. Figure 11-10 shows the approximate relation-
ship of the building footings of the proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel to the
existing ponds.
(b) Site-specific development plans have not been developed for the condomin-
ium or two hotels within the Corps permit area. Because the parcels are zoned for
hotel and condominium use by the County of Hawaii, the Corps believes that the
condominium and hotels would eventually be developed in accordance with designated
land uses shown on Figure H-2. The roadways and infrastructure necessary to support
the uses are largely in place to support the addition of the condominium and two
hotels. Under the proposed action, the applicant proposes to fill all anchialine ponds
located on the condominium and two hotel sites.
3.1.1.6 Public Access
In accordance with County of Hawaii requirements, public access to the shore-
line would be provided along an easement adjacent to each of the development sites.
The locations of these easements are shown on Figure 11-11. Public parking and the
number of parking stalls for the public access areas would be provided close to the
head of each path near the resort entrance road, subject to the approval of the County
of Hawaii, Planning Department.
2-15
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N3
t-"
CT*
opo»«d I
AnchlallM Pond
Preservation /
' /-
Main
Banquet Lobby
Facilities
Deer
Tower
Swan La
Tower
(SEE FIGURE 11-7 FOR
CROSS-SECTIONS At TO A7)
o
p|
fit;
pi
jll
ii
I!
ii
<§
o
1
•>_
u
z
UJ
U
UJ
H
h-
1
I
I *
§ 1
e8 |
lS '
s f
iii
|ij
§c|
11
Figure 11-9 Proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel Site Plan
-------
ro
! Proposed
Pond .:
Preservation
Aw
Entranc* Road
A Parking
Lobby, Mooting Room*
•nd Main R*tt«ur«nt
Transportation
Corridor
Swimming
Pool
Raataurant
Existing Ponds
Approximate Location of Major Facilities
Parcel Boundary
Preservation Easement Boundary
Note: Grading of areas around major Facilities
will also be required.
Figure 11-10 Relationship of Proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel to Existing Ponds
-------
Roadway PatcelR-6
1209ac
to Hauna Lanl/Resort
to Ktholo
Legend;
Beoch Access
StxxeKne Troll
o aoo 40o vn MO
NORTH SCALE W FEET
Figure 11-11 Location of Public Beach Access - Walkoloa Beach Resort
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3.1.1.7 Coastal Trail
Public use of the existing shoreline trail would not be obstructed by the develop-
ment under provisions of the County of Hawaii, Special Management Area permit. A
portion of the Wqiulua Bay settlement site trail would be reconstructed (see Historic
Sites below), and public walkways would be provided across the entire seaward front of
the development.
3.1.1.8 Historic Sites
(a) In response to a request from the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO),
the applicants propose to preserve the archaeological features within the "Kaniku Settle-
ment Group" and the "Nawahine Settlement Group", two previously identified complexes
along the coastline north of the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel site.
(b) The applicants plan to reconstruct the Hawaiian coastal foot-trail in the
smooth stepping-stone style of Hawaiian trail construction as required by the County of
Hawaii. In conjunction with this reconstruction, the applicants also plan to reconstruct
three archaeological sites in the Waiulua Bay Settlement site, as requested by the Corps
of Engineers (Figure 11-12).
(c) On the condominium and other two hotel sites, the applicants, the State
Historic Preservation Officer and the Corps have agreed to implementing any archaeo-
logical data recovery plan. However, the plan would not be implemented until after the
applicants have first considered architectural designs that might preserve, enhance or
restore some of the archaeological sites. Once specific construction plans are devel-
oped, the applicants would notify the Corps and the State Historic Preservation Officer
that they intend to execute the Data Recovery Plan. The Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation was asked to develop of a Memorandum of Agreement. The archaeological
sites were determined to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic
Places because the sites contained scientific data that could contribute to knowledge of
Hawaiian history. The archaeological sites at the Hyatt Hotel site were not determined
to be eligible because the scientific information was previously removed by archaeologi-
cal data recovery and salvage.
3.1.1.9 State and County Permit Requirements
(a) The issuance of a Department of the Army (DA) permit would not negate or
satisfy the applicants' need to obtain the necessary State of Hawai'i and County of
Hawai'i permits and approvals. Thus far, the applicants have obtained a change in
County Zoning, a Planned Unit Development permit, a shoreline setback variance, a
Special Management Area permit, and some of the building permits. The applicants must
satisfy the County's rezoning condition to provide adequate, affordable employee
housing.
(b) A Federal Coastal Zone Management consistency statement is needed from
the State of Hawaii, Department of Planning and Economic Development, prior to the
issuance of a DA permit. The DA permit also contains a provision that all necessary
State and County permits be obtained by the applicants prior to the start of construc-
tion.
(c) To construct the outer portion of the proposed lagoon, as well as to build the
two pedestrian bridges that would cross the lagoon, a Conservation District Use Permit
from the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources would be required.
2-19
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10
to
o
RECONSTRUCTED
ARCHAEOLOQICA
FLAGSTONE
PATH
RECONSTRUCTED
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
SHORELINE
ALIGNMENT
RECONSTRUCTED
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Figure 11-12 Historic Trail Construction, Waiulua Bay Area
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(d) Based on a Corps inquiry, the State Department of Health does not require
a permit for the discharge of groundwater into the fagoon as part of the applicants
flushing design. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Voter
and Land Development indicated that a permit was required for the pumpinq of
groundwater as part of the applicants' flushing design.
3. 1 .2 Issue a DA Permit for a Modified Action
3. 1.2. 1 Alternative I - Addition of 2.5 Acres of Ponds
(a) This alternative was suggested for consideration during the public hearing
and the public review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Under this
alternative, discharge of fill would be prohibited in an additional 2.5 acres of land
containing 12 ponds. This area would be added to the 12-acre pond preservation area
proposed by the applicants (Figure II- 1 3). The ponds are relatively unvegetated and
geologically interesting, containing the orange-rust algal mats and the 'opae'ula. By
comparison, the ponds in the pond preservation area are heavily vegetated while
containing both the algal mat and opaeula. The additional ponds are also situated in
collapsed lava tubes and fissures. One of the ponds has an arch and cave and is
considered geologically interesting in comparison to the preservation ponds that are on
flatter, older pahoehoe with less vertical relief.
*• «lternative avoids filling 74 ponds in comparison with the proposed
action that avoids filling 62 ponds. The alternative also reduces the amount of land
available for condominium development from 17.7 acres to 15.2 acres. The alternative
does not impact the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel plan or the other two hotel sites.
Public access and historic preservation remain unchanged. While the elements of the
pond preservation management plan remain unchanged from the proposed action, the
additional ponds would not be filled, but could be included in landscaping as part of the
condominium parcel.
3.1.2.2 Alternative 2 - Separate Pond Preservation Areas
Alternative 2 consists of two separate pond preservation areas, rather than one
area as proposed by the applicants (Figure II- 14). The alternative encompasses the
same amount of land as the applicants proposed preservation area 02 acres), but
includes 55 ponds rather -than 62 ponds in the proposed action. The total water surface
actfon ( iLlr P+h" E ab°i? 3'8 uCI2S ?n c°mParfson to ^e 3.4 acres in the proposed
action. Under this alternative, the Hyatt Regency wafko|oa Hotel site would have to
relocate or redesign the parking, tennis courts, luau area and health spa. Provisions
hiSt°!;iC Preservatlon' shoreline access and public parking for
«olly unchanged
3. 1 .2.3 Alternative 3 - Large Pond Preservation Area
ment nn o f" Raure H-|5> thfs alternative would include the establish-
ment of an anchialine pond preservation area nearly 39 acres in size. The preservation
™ TahnS °PP?»dmateIy l22 P°nd* h°vmg a total water surface area of about £
acres. I he pond preservation management elements would be similar to those
wTthin'the e°xn±e nT* QCt!°n- ^ archaeol°9fc°' *tes -°u«d E Preservld
within the expanded pond preservation area. No change would occur in the preserve
1C£ th6 "™ahl™ and Kanl! and the restoration* the Waiulua Bay settlement
sites or the data recovery on the hotel sites.
2-21
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N)
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa
Hotel Site
Legend:
~-—-. Permit Area Boundary
i.E-1.-*1 Existing Preservation Area
C_J'_l3 Proposed Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
Parcel Boundaries
Crir? Existing Anchialine Ponds
emptied from maps In reports of Blenfing
(1977) and Conquest (1984 a t b), which were
based on uneontroHeJ ttr(t\ photos floxn
by R. H. Tonlll Corp. (October 29. 1974). .
The proposed pond preservitlon easements
wer« surveyed by Engineers Surveyors HamI!
In January and February 1985. Aerial photo
flown by R. H Toxlll Corp. on March 26, 1982
helped locate ponds outside of the easements.
The ponds xere not ground surveyed.
Figure 11-13 Alternative 1 - 15-acre Pond Preserve
-------
Legend
•••»• Permit Area Boundary
-J—.li Existing Preservation Area
-»—""j
..»«j Proposed Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
Parcel Boundaries
Existing Anchialine Ponds
roo naps In reports of Blenfang
(1977) and Conquest (1984 a I b), uhlch Here
based on uncontrolled aerial photos flown
by R. M. ToKlll Corp. (October 29. 1974).
The proposed pond preservation easements
«re surveyed by Engineers Surveyors Hanall
In January and February 1985. Aerial photo
floxn by R. H Toxin Corp. on March 26, 1982
helped locate ponds outside of the easements.
The ponds were not ground surveyed.
Figure 11-14 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 2 - Separated Pond Preservation Areas
-------
Legend:
«.«_ Permit Area Boundary
[L..L.I] Existing Preservation Area
CL...-4..J Proposed Anchlallne Pond Preservation Area
——— Parcel Boundaries
Existing Anchlallne Ponds
Note: Compiled fro* «aps In reports of Blenfang
(1977) jnd Conquest (I9B4 l I b), »hlch were
bated on uncontrolled lerUl photos flonn
by ft. M. Toxllt Corp. (October 29. 1974).
The proposed pond preservation easements
Here surveyed by Engineers Surveyors Him 11
In January and February 1985. Aerial photo
flow) by R. N Towlll Corp. on March 26, 1982
helped locate ponds outside of the easements.
The ponds Here not ground surveyed.
Figure 11-15 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 3 - Large Pond Preservation Area
-------
(b) As compared to the plan proposed by the applicants, the site intended for
the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel would be substantially smaller. There would be no
room for the Deer Park Tower, the southern-most and smallest of the three Hyatt
hotel towers. Also, the hotel parking area would have to be reduced in size or
relocated, fewer tennis courts could be built, and the health spa facilities would have
to be redesigned and/or relocated. The lagoon would be reduced in size and the
restaurant would be eliminated. The last 500 feet of the existing entrance road would
be abandoned. Development of the two hotels sites on lots 10 and 12 could proceed
without significant change in land area, but the condominium would be eliminated.
3. 1 .2.4 Alternative 4 - Lower Density Alternative
(a) Under this alternative the applicants would build a lower density resort
similar to Kona Village, concentrating their construction in areas between the ponds
(Hgure H-16). This alternative would require a major change in land use zoning
eliminating the proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel, and the condominium. One
hotel site would remain unchanged, but the other would have a reduced land area.
A (b\ rT,h'f 5ltern,atfve Is similar to Alternative 3, but increases the number of
ponds not filled from 122 to 194. Historic site preservation and public access similar
to Alternative 3 would be applicable. The nature of the proposed management plan
would probably change because the large preservation area may influence arrange-
ments for research and funding, particularly when the majority of the WBP ponds are
not filled. Management of human activities in and around the pond to prevent the
introduction of exotic fish, waste and trash would continue to be essential elements of
the management plan.
3. 1 .2.5 Alternative 5 - Applicant's Proposal Without the Lagoon
• tr- (a) ,7^IS alternat?ve Fs virtually identical to the applicants proposal as depicted
m higure M-4, except that permission to excavate the proposed recreational lagoon
would be denied. This would mean that an estimated 17 additional ponds with a total
water surface area of about two acres would not be excavated. Many of the features
of the applicants proposed resort complex related to the lagoon, such as boat docks,
waterside restaurants, swimming area and beach, etc., would not be constructed.
(b) The applicants have indicated that the absence of a swimming laqoon and
beach would greatly handicap their efforts to create a viable resort hotel on the site
proposed for the Hyatt. Waiuiua Bay does not have a broad sandy beach comparable to
that found at 'Anaeho'omalu Bay to the south. The shoreline is rocky, and recreational
swimming in coastal waters by visitors, unaccustomed to such an environment, could
be both unattractive and hazardous.
3-I-3 Lagoon Flushing Alternatives
it ia)u. The aPP|?cants Preliminary lagoon circulation scheme featured two shallow
nil-r^ ?* ***?* °J thf ***** structures- Their potential impacts on the pond
preservat.on area required relocating and redesign of the circulation system. The
applicants est.mated that approximately 5.6 million gallons of lagoon water would
need to be exchanged da. ly in order to maintain water quality and "to minimize alaal
blooms F.ltration and treatment of that amount of water for recirculation was found
to be too expensive. Deepening the opening to middle bay would probably result in
out of lltl C * th0t VF <>? hazardous to swimmers. Thus, pumpinq water into or
out of the lagoon was considered by the applicants to be a better approach
2-25
-------
N)
CTi
Hyatt Regency Hatkoloa
Hotel Site
Legend:
_...-. Permit Area Boundary
rn.Il"".] Existing Preservation Area
C'^TH Proposed Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
—..— Parcel Boundartes
Existing Anchialine Ponds
Compiled fro* naps In reports of Blenfang
(1977) and Conquest (1984 a I b), «htch were
based on uncontrolled aerial photos flowi
byR. H. ToHlll Corp. (October 29, 1974).
The proposed pond preservation easements
were surveyed by Engineers Surveyors Hawaii
In January and February 1985. Aerial photo
Mown by R. H Toxin Corp. on March 26. 1982
helped locate ponds outside of the easements.
The ponds were not ground surveyed.
Figure 11-16 Conceptual Plan for Alternative 4 - Minimal Fill
-------
(b) Pumping water out of the lagoon into a disposal well would allow water
from the middle bay to be drawn into the lagoon through its mouth. Concern for the
maintenance reliability of. the air lift pump and acid treatment of the water caused
the applicants to chose the proposed method of water exchange. (The applicants
indicate that acid treatment of water is necessary for successful injection well
operations.) Whether or not the geological porosity of the area could accomodate the
discharge of seawater into the injection well at the rate of 4000 gallons per minute is
also questionable. At the Natural Energy Laboratory injecting waste water into the
ground at 800 gallons per minute was fourid to be a reasonable rate without flooding
the well.
3.1.4 Off-Site Pond Preservation
(a) This alternative considers allowing the applicants to fill all the ponds at
Waikoloa and requiring the applicants to purchase other lands containing anchialine
ponds to create an "off-site" pond preservation area. This alternative requires that
another area with similar anchialine ponds be available and capable of being purchased
by the applicant at reasonable cost. Based on the Maciolek and Brock (1974) and Corps
(1985) surveys, the only areas containing large clusters of ponds are located in West
Hawaii at 'Opae'ula-Makalawena, Kohanaiki and Aimakapa-Honokohau. 'Opae'ula-
Makalawena and Aimakapa-Honokohau are presently degraded due to the presence of
exotic fish throughout the pond systems. Thus, extensive fish eradication efforts
would be required to remove the fish and possibly restock the ponds with opaeula.
While Brock (1985) and the Corps believe that fish eradication and natural recoloniza-
tion is feasible, actual field tests have not been conducted to determine if fish
eradication is feasible, practical, and capable of long-term success. Preliminary tests
indicate that mechanical efforts, electro-shocking, netting, and trapping are time-
consuming and reach a point where other methods would have to be tried to totally
eradicate the fish from the ponds. Since most of the degraded ponds are on private
lands, further tests were not possible due to the lack of landowner permission to
conduct the tests. Use of fish poisons may be possible provided the poisons do not kill
the anchialine pond organisms in the water table and can be neutralized before
entering coastal waters.
(b) Aimakapa-Honokohau and Kohanaiki pond are beina filled with trash from
human recreational activities in the area. However, the Kohanaiki area is presently
cleaner than Aimakapa-Honokohau. Although Kohanaiki has nearly the same number
of ponds as Waikoloa, the ponds are smaller and shallower than the Waikoloa ponds and
contain exotic fish. Human refuse in and around Kohanaik? ponds could he cleaned and
future human activity in the area could be regulated at a cost and an inconvenience to
fisherman and surfing activities in the area. Again, the success of removing fish has
not been tested.
(c) Under this alternative the applicants would be required to purchase the
off-site ponds prior to the issuance of a permit, and would be required to provide funds
for restoring and cleaning the ponds and for a pond management program. The
applicants probably could not purchase the land at a reasonable cost as long as the
prospective seller knows that the applicant's proposed project cannot proceed without
purchasing the seller's land. Thus, the alternative is considered unfeasible at the
present time due to inherent problems, i.e., lack of a fair market, uncertainty of the
success of removing fish, and lack of a suitable replacement area.
2-27
-------
3.1.5 Anchialine Pond Creation and Restoration
Based on
field tests and observation of previously disl Curbed or -eas,
excavated in previously filled and graded areas were colonized by 'opae'ula with 10-14
SSrcorDS of Engineers, 1985). Based on these limited observat.ons, anch.alme pond
S&S?Sd%SS3S» may be possible and may possibly be used to replace or restore
filled ponds as long as the shrimp are in the water table.
3.1.6 Deny the Permit
This alternative prevents the applicants from constructing the developmenl -as
proposed, and essentially forces them to undertake alternatives outs.de the !^'sd,ct,on
of the Corps of Engineers. The applicants can also cons.der do.ng nothmg, the no-
action alternative.
ALTERNATIVES WITHIN THE CAPABILITY OF THE APPLICANT, BUT
OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
or
3 2
Under these alternatives, the applicants could proceed with the
without a DA permit. The applicants would have to modify their plans to
avoid filling oTexcavating any anchialine ponds and proceed without « D
the Army permit, i.e., reducing fill by use of piles, avo.d.ng ponds, or siting the
Inland from the ponds.
3.2.1 Reducing or Eliminating the Fill by Using Pile-Supported Structures
(a) Since the applicants proposed to fill the low lying areas in order to comply
with the County of Hawaii codes for construction in a flood hazard area, this alterna-
tive considers the use of pile-supported structures to reduce or el.mmate the f.!l
activity reducing the number of ponds lost to the development.
(I) One design could be similar to hotel designs in Hilo, where the ground floor
is used for non-habitable functions, such as restaurants, meeting or conte r-
ence rooms. The design could then possibly limit the number of ponds filled
by the development to the footprint of the buildings, as well as the laaoon,
roadways, walkways, and recreational amenities the could be built at ground
level. Potential flood damages and the frequency of damages is expected to
be more than the proposed action, because the proposed action provides
flood protection for the 100-year tsunami inundation event. The alternative
would subject ground level structures and amenities to wave damage and
flooding from less severe and more frequent storm waves, as well as
tsunamis.
(2) Another design could mount the buildings on piles, such that the building
would appear to stand on stilts. The concentration of ponds in the^ area
means that piles may have to be driven into some ponds possibly resulting in
their loss due to construction activities associated with driving piles. Since
2-28
-------
construction is not a clean affair, rubbish, concrete, wood, paint, debris of
all sorts would probably fall into adjacent ponds, and construction easements
would also require equipment operations in adjacent ponds. Parking areas,
lagoon, tennis courts, roadways and walkways would be constructed at
ground level requiring the filling of other ponds increasing the number of
ponds loss to development. Pile-supported structures would also shade
directly the ponds covered by the structure, and possibly block the sun and
wind from adjacent ponds. Shading would reduce the amount of algae
growth in the ponds. Blocking or altering wind patterns could influence
water mixing and dissolved oxygen concentrations in the ponds. These
factors could reduce the amount of algae available as a food source for the
'opae'ula and may reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the ponds, possibly
degrading the pond ecosystem.
(3) Another design could also combine parking, hotel rooms and amenities, i.e.,
tennis courts, restaurants, conference rooms, into one structure. One
possible configuration is placing parking on the ground level, hotel rooms on
the next and tennis courts and swimming pools at the top of the buildings.
Such a design would increase the building heights in excess of allowable
County of Hawaii building height restrictions. Pond loss would occur within
and immediately adjacent to the building footprints, including the roadways,
accessways and walkways and other amenities associated with a resort
development.
(4) Piles are also difficult to drive into lava. Rock density, porosity and hard-
ness are factors affecting use of piles versus another method of providing
foundation support.
(b) In summary, pile structures may not be feasible in recent lavas with high
voids. Pile-designed structures would not significantly reduce the number of ponds loss,
unless the applicant reduces the size of the development, i.e., the density, number of
room, and the types of facilities, or reconfigures the proposed development layout.
3.2.2 Alternative Configurations
Additional alternative configurations were considered in detail by the applicants
as part of the Clean Water Act, Section 404fl>Kl) practicable alternatives analysis.
While the ultimate purpose of the Section 404 practicable alternatives analysis differs
from that of the NEPA alternatives discussion, both analyses shed light on the alterna-
tives which may be available for development. As mentioned previously, .the practica-
ble alternatives analysis is found in Appendix A.
*
3-2-3 Alternative Development Sites Outside the WBR
The applicants own 31,000 acres of land at Waikoloa. The WBP Development
began in the late 1960's under Boise Cascade. The applicants purchased the land in 1978
and developed an extensive infrastructure with the expectation that development would
proceed as allowed in State and County land use plans. The applicants indicated that
they do not wish to abandon their investment in the WBR and develop their resort else-
where on the Big Island. Further the applicants have indicated that the development
plans and marketing approaches of the Keauhou Resort, the Mauna Lani Resort or the
Mauna Kea Resort are not consistent or compatible with their objectives, and that it is
unreasonable to expect them to undertake the action at another resort. However, as
part of the NEPA process the Corps of Engineers has reviewed the following off-site
development alternatives with respect to the resort development trends in Hawai'i.
2-29
-------
3.2L3.1 Other Islands Within the State of Hawai'i
(a) A review of resort development trends and elements of successful resort
developments in Hawai'i shows that the successful development of a large-scale,
luxury resort in Hawaii depends upon the presence of certain attributes, among which
are:
o infrastructure to support the development, i.e., airport to handle direct
mainland flights, highways to move travelers, sufficient water and power,
o diverse attractions, such as landscapes, activities, challenging areas and
recreational opportunities, expensive and inexpensive entertainment areas
and lodgings in order to attract and entertain visitors*' For example, Mau?
has the scenery and sunrise at Haleakala, the road to Hana, the rugged road
around East Maui and West Maui, the whaling town of Lahaina and the
luxury resorts at Kaanapali; on Oahu one finds the concentrated hotel mass
around world-famous Waikiki Beach, physical attractions such as the Blow
Hole, Waimea Falls Park, and Sacred Falls, and cultural centers of various
Pacific Island and Asian ethnic groups.
o location in a sunny area - normally the leeward side of the islands.
o location along an attractive, exciting coast preferably with white sand
beaches.
o large land areas with single landowner rather than public lands, land areas
with many small landholdings or previously developed areas. This is
desirable so that the development deals with one landowner, can acquire
spinoff profits from sales of adjoining properties, and maintain the
character of the area as a luxury resort.
(b) Of the major Hawaiian Islands, the islands of Kaua'i, Oahu, Maui, and
Hawaii all have the infrastructure to support large luxury resort developments.
Individual island potential can be summarized as follows:
Lana'i - insufficient land mass and geographic diversity to support larae, luxury
resort; insufficient infrastructure.
Moloka? - same as above.
Kaua'i - insufficient land area available at this time for large-scale, luxury
resort; Poipu area is saturated and other potential leeward coastal areas are
public beaches.
Oahu - only available leeward coast site is W'aianae coast; residents oppose
development there and racial tensions exist. Coastal properties are small
holdings and much of the beach areas are public.
Mau? - leeward coast is saturated with resort development; water is critical item
in areas south of Makena.
Hawai1? - leeward coast consists of large tracts of open lava fields and pocket
beaches often held by single landowners. Large open tracts of land provide flexi-
bility in development design; Hawai'i has greater land mass than other islands
2-30
-------
and more climatic, scenic and activity diversity. Rather than saturate area,
presence of other world class hotels (Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Kona Village)
compliments proposed development and increases visitor attraction.
(c) Since the 1970's, the State Department of Plannina and Economic Develop-
ment has recognized large-scale, luxury resort developments were focusing attention on
the outer islands, particularly on the leeward coast of Hawai'i. Resort growth in Hawaii
has developed a trend that filled Kauai and Maui, and Keahou, Hawaii. In recognition of
the impending development of the West Hawaii coast, the State and Federal govern-
ments have invested in water, harbor, highway and airport infrastructure to support and
encourage anticipated growth in West Hawai'i. In 1972, the State analyzed the impacts
of tourism on West Hawaii ?n order to assist in long-term planning for the development
of the region. In this plan, they recognized the need for a "critical mass", amenities
and infrastructure, that would be centered around the resort to accomodate visitors and
residents and would permit the greatest return of capital to the developer, as well as
the community. They also recognized the "spillover" effects that would benefit the
developer, as well as the community. They further recognized that development would
result in impacts to the community, and stressed the need to center development
around the resort rather than have the resort sprawl along the coastline.
3.2.3.2 Areas on the West Hawaii Coast
(a) In addition to the WBR, there are three other areas on Hawai'i Island
designated for development of major, destination resort facilities. These are the Mauna
Lani Resort, the .Mauna Kea Resort and the Keahou Resort. The latter is located in the
U/RR D D'st[lct ?f ?he island, while the other two are in South Kohala north of the
WBK. Resort hotels in Hilo and elsewhere on the island have had extremely low
occupancy rates in recent years. Hilo's relatively wet weather and the emergence of
alternat.ve resort destinations on the drier, West Hawaii coast, most likely contribute
to the low occupancy rate in Hilo.
KI ..*? feauhou Resort. The Keauhou Resort is situated around Keauhou Bay in the
North Kona District, about five miles south of the village of Kailua-Kona. The area has
been the scene of ongoing resort development since the early 1970s. The applicants
anrnrt^Sihera f^^l ctmttorlstlcs which make this North Kona location less
attractive than sites m South Kohala. First, the Keauhou Resort is situated on
moderately sloping land with a rocky shoreline; it lacks a sandy beach such as is found
h h °ft ^ the c?nffaucratf°n of ^e coastline is such that creation of an
cc^™Sa? exPenf ve- Second, there are no coastal parcels of sufficient
i+ ^ ,,e ° Pr°jeCt *uch as the Proposed WBP. The Keauhou Resort area
substantially more rainfall than does the South Kohala coastal reaion, and
afternoons are often overcast, with freguent light rains. req.on, ann
. (c) MQUnQ Kea Resor* Area. The Mauna Kea Resort (MKP) is the oldest of the
major resorr projects in South Kohala. The world famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was
constructed there in the mid 1960s, and 40 condominiums (the VHI«foS 65 sinde!
WBR^JTd±nItedFa!rWT N°rth °nd S°Uth) were ^seguently developed. Likete
WBR, it .s designated as a "major resort" on the Hawai'i County General Plan UAL
Inc., the owner, recent!y received State Land Use Commission approval for a 350-room
Ka'ahum^nu Sif "^V^ r^T^ "^ ™«™™^ on both sidSof
Kaahumanu Highway. The plans call for construction of a luxury hotel that tans
SmiIar t° *at °f the exIstFna M<*™ Ke° Beach Hotel. The UALmoSeSj
wJE th* V^"' SUper-'UXUry ™rl
-------
(d) Mauna Lani Resort. The Mauna Lani Resort is located immediately north
of the applicants' property and has zoning approval for approximately 3,000 hotel
rooms and 3,200 resort residential units. Presently, only the 350-room luxury Mauna
Lani Bay Hotel and 80 luxury resort condominium apartment units have been
completed. The applicants feel that the remaining hotel sites within the Mauna Lani
Resort are too small to accommodate their development plans unless the hotel sites
were consolidated. If consolidation were possible, two sites might be large enough for
a project the size of that proposed for the WBR. The first area surrounds Pauoa Bay
and also contains some anchialine ponds along the shoreline. The second area borders
Honoka'ope Bay. It has not yet been designated for Urban use by the State Land Use
Commission, although a re-districting request is being processed at the present time.
Ce) The applicants have indicated that it requires many years (a minimum of 3
to 6 years) to obtain the necessary State and County land use designations, permits,
and approvals for a major resort. The design and construction of major resort facili-
ties typically adds at least four more years to the process, so that the earliest the first
units in a new project could be in operation is 1992. In view of the time delay and the
great uncertainty of obtaining approvals to develop an entirely new resort, particularly
in view of the large amount of their own land already zoned for resort use, consider-
ation of an alternate resort location is not a viable alternative to the proposed action.
3.2.4 No Action Alternative
(a) Under this alternative the applicants abandon their project and no other
private or government interest undertakes the proposed project or any other project.
Under this alternative all the ponds at Waikoloa would not be filled or excavated.
(b) Based on Corps field observations and surveys of the anchialine ponds by
Oceanic Institute H985) and Brock (1985), the threat of exotic fish introduced into the
anchialine ponds is high and that the continued existence of the anchialine ponds as a
habitat for the endemic Hawaiian fauna depends upon regulating and controlling human
activities. Thus, under the no action alternative, the Corps foresees the continued
degradation of anchialine ponds as a result of the human introduction of exotic fish, a
factor that cart occur at any time in any of the anchialine ponds. Since a source of
exotic fish presently exists at Waikoloa in the irrigation water, holding ponds and
exotic fish was introduced into one anchialine pond in the golf course, the threat of
exotic fish appearing in the remaining Waikbloa anchialine ponds is considered
extremely high.
(c) The Corps does not know of any regulatory agency that can prevent or
regulate the introduction of exotic fish into the anchialine ecosystem. While some
anchialine ponds are protected by their inclusion in State Natural Area Reserves and
Parks, the management of the majority of the anchialine pond resource is lacking.
Secondly, there are no guarantees that ponds in the Natural Area Reserves or Parks
could not also be degraded by the introduction of exotic fish.
(d) In comparison to filling, which eliminates the anchialine pond as a water
body, as well as the pond organisms, exotic fish eliminates only the presence of the
pond organisms. With the introduction of exotic fish, the shrimp fauna would
disappear from the ponds together with some mollusks, particularly the hapawai
(Theodoxus sp.). Changes in the algal community would also occur. These changes are
would eliminate the unique anchialine pond character, reducing the presence of the
unique shrimp species and creating more exotic fishponds.
2-32
-------
(e) Even when exotic fish are in the ponds, some of the hypogeal shrimp, those
that can exist underground in the subterranean water table, would continue to exist
where the fish cannot "reach" them. This factor suggests that restoration of the
anchialine pond ecosystem may be possible by eradicating the exotic fish and allowina
natural recolonization or transplanting anchialine pond organisms. Fish eradication
field tests are not presently substantial to ascertain whether or not fish eradication as
a pond restoration method, is practical, feasible or successful over the long-term
However, causal observations have indicated that filled ponds may be restored by man,
and previously disturbed ponds can reestablished naturally within a six-year period
4.
GINfctRS
ALTERNATIVES BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES
WHH1NTHE
THE
This category is intended to explore the possibility of the Corps of Engineers
accomplishing the objectives of the applicants' proposal. Presently, the Corps of
Engineers has no authority or program which could accomplish the same purposes or
objectives as those which would be met by the applicants' proposal. .
EYOND THE CAPABILITY OF
JUMbblCIIONoF
K -A 11 altern.ative is lntended to explore the availability of any other interest
besides the applicants or the Corps of Engineers that miaht accomplish the same
wh,! M* ? ! uC°rpS knowledae> no other agent, public or private, is available
who could achieve the same purposes as the action proposed by the applicants.
ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
environmentally preferred alternative allows some development
the 6St
-------
Table ll-2t Comparison of Alternatives
Resource
Resort Facilities:
Zoned and Existing at WBR:
Existing Hotel
Zoned Hotel
Existing Residential
Zoned Residential
Hyatt Area:
Hotel
Residential
Remainder of WBR:
Hotel
Residential
Deny Permit
543
3000
0
3400
0
0
1000
3300
No Action
543
3000
0
3400
0
0
1000
3000
Proposed
Action
543
3000
0
3400
2150
200
850
3100-3200
Alternative Alternative
1 2
543
3000
0
3400
2150
850
543
3000
0
3400
2150
200
300
3200
Alternative
3
543
3000
0
3400
800
0
500
3200
Alternative
4
543
3000
0
3400
0
0
>500
0
Alternative
5
543
3000
0
3400
2150
200
300
3200
^ Direct Employment (in Average No. of Persons Employed);
00
*" Construction:
Hyatt
Later
Resort Operation:
Hyatt
Later
Operational Total
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
700
240
1900
1600
3500
700
1900
1600
3500
700
240
1900
1600
3500
"500
-'ISO
"1300
~IOOO
2300
0
>I50
0
>IOOO
1000
650
240
1900
1600
3500
Personal Income Generated by Construction Expenditures: County/Other Hawol'i (In millions of dollars):
Hyatt Hotel
Other Projects
Total
None
None
None
Personal Income Generated by Visitor Expenditures:
Hyatt Hotel
Other Projects
None
None
None
None
None
County/Other
None
None
46/39
38/32
84/71
State (in millions
46/39
38/32
46/39
>84/7l
of dollars/year):
46/39
Same as
Proposed
Project
Same as
Proposed
Project
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
None
None
Slightly Less
Than Proposed
Project
Slightly Less
Than Proposed
Project
Total
None
None
84/71
>84/71
-------
Table 11-2: Comparison of Alternatives (continued)
U>
Oi
Resource
Deny Permit
No Action
Proposed
Action
Alternative
1
Alternative
Tax Revenues From Operation (In million dollars/year)
County
State
Utility Demand;
Highway Improvements
Potable Water Supply
Est.Use(lnMGD)
Wostewater Treatment Facilities;
Wastewater Generated (MGD)
Expansion Required?
Solid Waste Generated
Decrease
Decrease
Decrease
Decrease
None Needed None Needed
0.66
0.15
No
3,000
Ibs/day
0.66
0.15
No
3,000
Ibs/day
Increase by
$3 million
Increase by
$14 million
Queen Krfahu-
monu Highway
Increase by
1.2 MGD
0.95
Yes
13,500
Ibs/day
Increase by
$3 million
Increase by
> $14 million
Queen Kcfahu-
manu Highway
Increase by
1.2 MGD
>0.95
Yes
>I3,500
Ibs/day
Approx. Same
as Proposed
Project
Approx. Same
as Proposed
Project
Same as
Proposed
Action
Increase by
1.2 MGD
Same as
Proposed
Project
13,500
Ibs/day
Alternative
3
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
Same as
Proposed
Action
Increase by
0.5 MGD
0.38
Possibly
5,000
Ibs/day
Alternative
A
*f
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
Substantially
Less Than
Proposed
Project
None Needed
Less than
Altern. 3
0.38
Possibly
5,000
Ibs/day
Alternative
Slightly Less
Than Proposed
Project
Slightly Less
Than Proposed
Project
Some as
Proposed
Action
Increase by
1.2 MGD
Same as
Proposed
Project
13,500
Ibs/day
Topographic Changes
Lagoon;
Quantity Excavated
Blasting Required?
Amount of Fill Required for
Total Project
Anchialine ponds
% available
Total water surface area (acres)
Ponds lost (number/%)
Total water surface area (acres/%)
None
None
None
"|2.2
0/0%
0/0%
None
None
None
198
12.2
0/0%
0/0%
40, 000 c.y.
Yes
200, 000 c.y.
62
3.4
136/69%
8.8/72%
40, 000 c.y.
Yes
200, 000 c.y.
72
3.9
126/64%
8.3/68%
40, 000 c.y.
Yes
200,000 c.y.
55
3.8
143/72%
8.4/69%
40,000 c.y.
Yes
200,000 c.y.
122
6.6
76/38%
5.6/46%
None
None
None
194
4/2%
0.2/2%
None
None
240,000 c.y,
77
5.4
119/60%
6.8/56%
-------
Table 11-2: Comparison of Alternatives (contlnoed)
Resource
Preservation Area Size (Acres)
Estimated revenue loss from
land in the preservation area
($ million) with Hyatt In place
Interference with groundwater
' flow
Fill material contamination
of ground ond marine waters
Change in Coastal Ground-
water Quality by resort and
uplond uses
hJ
1
00
ON
Amount of existing vegetation
unaffected by development
Birds/Wildlife Change
Deny Permit
None
None
None
None
Probable
Small
Increase in
Nutrient
Levels
All
No Change
From Present
No Action
None
None
None
None
Probable
Small
Increase in
Nutrient
Levels
All
No .Change
From Present
Proposed
Action
12 acres
$12 million
Deflection
None
Probable
Slightly
Greater
Increase in
Nutrient Levels
Than Deny
Permit
Alternative
12 acres
Decrease in
herons ond
migratory
waterbirds;
increase In
exotic birds
Alternative
1
14 acres
$14 million
Deflection
None
Same as
Proposed
Action
14 acres
Decrease In
herons ond
migratory
waterbirds;
Increase in
exotic birds
Alternative
?
12 acres
$12 million
Deflection
None
Some as
Proposed
Action
12 acres
Decrease in
herons ond
migratory
waterbirds;
increase in
exotic birds
Alternative
3
39 acres
$39 million
Deflection
None
Less Increase
Than Proposed
Action
39 acres
Decrease in
herons ond
migratory
waterbirds;
increase In
exotic birds
Alternative
57 acres
$57 million
Possible
Deflection
None
Less Increase
Than Proposed
Action
57 acres
No change in
herons; human
activities
affect migra-
tory birds;
slight
increase in
exotic birds
Alternative
17 acres
$17 million
Possible
None
Same as
Proposed
Action
17 acres
Decrease In
herons ond
migratory
waterbirds;
increase in
exotic birds
Threatened and Endangered
Species Present in Regions
Hawaiian stilt, hoary bat,
green sea turtle, humpback
whale
Historic Properties
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect.
No Effect
No Effect
Waiulua Bay;
Nawahine;
Kaniku
Settlements
Burials
Waiulua Bay;
Nawahine;
Kaniku
Settlements
Arsaehoomaiu
Burials
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
Restored
Preserved
Preserved
Salvaged
-------
CHAPTER II!
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
I. PROJECT LOCATION
(a) The Waikoloa Beach Resort (WBR) is located in the South Kohala District
of the Island of Hawai'i along the northern boundary of the North Kona District (see
Figure II-I). The Mauna Lani Resort is just to the north. Most of the land along the
WBR's southern edge is owned by the State of Hawai'i, but Richard Smart owns a
10-acre shoreline parcel.
(b) The project area encompasses almost all of the parcels containing shoreline
and anchialine ponds within the WBP from the head of Waiulua Pay south to 'Ariaeho'o-
malu Bay. This involves approximately one-half of the resort's total shoreline acreage
(see Figures 11-2 and 11-3). The project area does not include the preservation parcel
containing Kahapapa and Ku'uali'i fishponds which are located in back of the sandy
beach at 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. The fishponds and anchialine ponds in this parcel are also
within DA regulatory jurisdiction, but.no development or other action requiring a DA
permit is proposed for this fishpond area.
2. TOPOGRAPHIC AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
2.1 VISUAL ELEMENTS
(a) Open space characterizes much of the Waikoloa Beach Resort. A large
portion of the inland acreage consists of grassed areas that are part of the Waikoloa
Beach Resort golf course. The project area consists of the land near the coast
composed largely of rugged and jumbled, brown/black pahoehoe lava interspersed with
sparse vegetation. The dominant visual elements along this portion of the coast are
the lava, clusters of kiawe trees, seascape, open waters of Waiulua Bay, and the coral
cobble beach berm (see Figure III-1). The coastal parcel to the south of the project
area is a preservation area containing Kahapapa and Ku'uali'i fishponds, a white sandy
beach curving around 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, and a number of anchialine ponds. The
northern portion of the Waikoloa Beach Resort is on the Kaniku lava flow; its rough
'a'a lava surface is unrelieved by any vegetation except where the WBR golf course has
been developed.
(b) The golf clubhouse, the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel complex, the paved
and unpaved roads, the graded areas, and the golf course are the only man-made
elements present. The slopes and peaks of the Kohala Mountains, Hualalai, Mauna
Kea, and Mauna Log are the principal background features. During very clear
weather, Haleakala on Maui can be seen on the horizon.
2.2 TOPOGRAPHY AMD GEOLOGY
(a) The project area extends from the northern side of Waiulua Ray south to
'Anaeho'omalu Bay encompassing at least two prehistoric lava flows that probably
resulted from eruptions of Mauna Loa volcano. The oldest of these is composed of
pahoehoe lava covering^ the entire Waikoloa Beach Resort. The younger Kaniku lava
flow is composed of 'a'a lava and lies on top of the pahoehoe from the head of Waiulua
Bay northwards.
3-1
-------
(b) The surface of the Kaniku flow ranges in elevation from 20 to 40 feet
above mean sea level, forming an escarpment along the northern side of Waiulua Bay.
The pahoehoe flow ranges in elevation from 0 to 10 feet above sea level. Depressions,
fissures, cracks, and collapsed lava tubes in the pahoehoe flow extend below sea level_,
forming ponds and tide pools throughout the WBR coastal area south of the Kaniku
flow. Groundwater passing through the porous volcanic lavas discharges into the ocean
all along the shoreline of the WBR, as it does elsewhere along the West Hawai'i
coastline. The groundwater discharge mixing with the ocean water in the below-sea-
level depressions inland of the shoreline has produced the distinctive anchialine pond
habitat. Waiulua Bay is an area of conspicuous groundwater discharge. Previous
investigators (Cox, et al., 1969; Fisher et aU, 1969; Key et a[., 1971; and Young etal.,
1977) estimated theUischarge there to be on the order ofTto 4 million gallons per day
per mile of coastline. Belt, Collins & Associates (1985) estimated groundwater
discharge at Waiulua Bay at 0.5 mgd for purposes of lagoon flushing design. Recharge
occurs over an extensive upland area stretching miles inland on the rainy slopes of
Mauna Kea.
(c) On an earthquake risk zone scale of I to 4, the entire Island of Hawai'i is
classified as Risk Zone 3. While most earthquakes that affect the island are associa-
ted with swelling and deflation of the volcanoes, the most damaging earthquakes have
been the result of crustal block movements under or near the southern part of the
island. At its epicenter, the areat earthquake of 1868 was estimated to have had a
magnitude of 7.25-7.75, and probably intensities in the 7 to 8 range at the WBR. The
most intense, the 1951 earthquake, is estimated to have had an intensity of about 5 at
the WBR (Macdonald and Abbott, 1970). The 1975 earthquake probably had an
intensity of 5 at WBR (Environmental Center, see Appendix K). Its location on the
flank of Mauna Loa places the WBR in "Overall Volcanic Risk Zone F" frisk increases
from A through F) as defined by Mullineaux and Peterson (1974), but Dames and Moore
(December 1969) concluded that the risk of damage from new lava flows within the
next 100 years is remote.
23 SOILS
The Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (SCS) has
identified and mapped three different soil and land types within the project area: 'a'a
lava flows (mapped as rLV), pahoehoe lava flows (rLW), and Beach (BH). Little or no
soil covering exists, and all three land types are mapped as a miscellaneous land type
in capability class VIII — soils and land forms with limitations that preclude their use
for commercial plants. None of the three land types are identified as important
agricultural land (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Decem-
ber 1973).
2.4 DRAINAGE
The WBR is at the seaward end of a large drainage basin whose upper reaches
(Mauna Kea) receive substantially more rainfall than the WBR, and intermittent flows
undoubtedly occur in upland areas. However, this water infiltrates into the porous
lava well before reaching the shoreline, and there is no evidence of significant surface
runoff within the project area. As a result, there are no well-defined drainageways at
WBR.
3-2
-------
,,
^Vr'A'W *^C
^ - ^'f"x-
i' *,»i/«M.::s.>f.«-* J.
'
•?,• J.fe'iife^l T«-«?!.!#
K?ffe?H
-------
-------
3. COASTAL FEATURES
(a) Most of the shoreline of the project area consists of exposed basaltic lava
backed by a low, storm-tossed, coral cobble beach berm. The shoreline along the
Kaniku lava flow is a sea cliff averaging about 20 feet ?n height. At 'Anaeho'omalu
Bay, a wide sand beach has formed, possibly contributing to the creation of the two
large fishponds (Kahapapa and Ku'uali'i) (Figure IM-2).
(b) ^ Waiulua Bay is an embayment with an area of less than 15.acres. The bay
can be divided into three distinct zones — inner, middle, and outer, the inner bay is
essentially a low-lying area in the pahoehoe lava that is flooded during high tide. At
low tide, a large portion of the lava substrate of the inner bay is exposed, with the
remaining areas submerged in the form of ponds. During high tide, this entire zone is
covered with water ranging from I to 3 feet in depth, so that it forms one large water
body.
(c) The middle bay extends from the inner bay approximately 500 feet seaward
to a submerged lava basalt ridge and emergent rocks that separate it from the outer
bay. The average depth of the water in the middle bay is less than five feet, and the
bottom consists primarily of smooth basalt rock. Small pockets of calcareous sand can
be found on the bottom. Basalt cobbles cover the submerged ridge where the water
depth ranges from three to four feet during low tide. The emergent rocks and the
submerged ridge reduce wave action in the middle and inner zones of the bay.
(d) The outer zone of the bay begins at the basalt ridge and extends seaward.
The water depth in this zone is generally 12 feet or less, and the bottom consists
primarily of basalt shelves, scattered basalt cobbles, and pockets of calcareous sand.
4. OCEANOGRAPH1C CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 TIDE AND CURRENTS
(a) The tidal range along the coast is small (generally about 2 feet in a day),
with a mean tide level of 0.8 feet above mean lower low water. Tidal fluctuations are
usually semidiurnal, the higher of the two tides averaging I.I feet above mean sea
level. The highest tide is about 3.5 feet above mean lower low level. The maximum
tidal range is about 4.5 feet.
(b) The Hawaiian Archipelago lies within the geostrophic east-to-west current
coinciding with the northeast tradewind drift. Within the islands, however, particular-
ly near shore, this current is weak (Mann, 1968; U.S. Department of Commerce,
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 1974). Along the leeward
coast of the Big Island, the current on a rising tide is typically to the north and tends
to move in towards the coast. Nearshore, a representative rising-tide current velocity
is 0.4 knots (Mann, 1968). This current generally produces clockwise eddies in bays
along the coast, such as at 'Anaeho'omalu. On a falling tide, the nearshore current
usually reverses, weakens (to about O.I to 0.2 knot), and produces counter-clockwise
eddies within the bays. Because the flood tide currents are stronger, the resulting net
current drift is northward along the coastline of the WBR (Boise Cascade Home and
Land Corp., 1976:187).
(c) Currents in the inner and middle zones of Waiulua Bay are driven primarily
by the tide, creating eddies on a rising and falling tide. The large discharae of
brackish groundwater, noted previously, produces a predominantly seaward current on
the surface of the bay.
3-5
-------
U)
IWSSS1
j))M%
l//fyJJl))™ v
i f/Kt///'^^
W7f^}^
'-AW ( / W^/c//T\
>J!r\J//A((L'/i/V \i
^x IB^^^
Legend;
Land Contour Interval - 5'
Marine Contour Interval:
1/4 Fathom to 3 Fathoms
1 Fathom From 3 to 5 Fathoms
5 Fathoms From 5 to 35 Fathoms
(Adjusted to mean low water)
Source: Hclnttre & Qulros
November 1968
1000
feet
North
c
Figure 111-2 Bathymetry of Waiulua Bay and Nearshore Waters
-------
4.2 STORM WAVES
(a) With respect to the design of coastal structures, waves generated by Kona
storms (i.e., storms from the south), hurricanes, and large open-ocean disturbances to
the south of the island are of greatest concern on the South Kohala coast. The North
Pacific swell and swells generated by the northeast tradewinds are of little consequence
as the South Kohala coast is not directly exposed to these waves. The probable deep-
water storm wave heights in the area of the Waikoloa Beach Resort were estimated by
Sea Engineering, Inc. (December 1984), using available wave data from stations
throughout the Hawaiian islands. The estimated deep-water wave heiahts for selected
storm conditions are presented in Table HI-1.
(b) Under typical weather conditions, waves along the shoreline of the site are
small. However, large waves can be generated by Kona storms. In general, such storms
typically produce waves with heights of 8 to 15 feet and periods of 6 to I? seconds
along exposed West Hawai'i shorelines. Once in every 10 years, wave heights may reach
25 feet with periods of 15 seconds in places (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1970).
Southern swells have produced high-breaking waves on occasion; for example, southern
swell breakers of up to 18 feet with periods of 20 seconds were recorded at Hapuna
Beach (Cayman and Greenbaum, 1968). Based on his observation of wave-tossed Hebris,
Mann (1968) plotted what he termed a "storm-wave run-up" line ranging from 500 to 700
feet in from the shoreline at the WBR.
4.3 TSUNAMIS
(a) Historical data covering 85 tsunamis indicate that the tsunami of 1946
produced the highest runups in Kawaihae and Kailua-Kona, the points closest to the
Waikoloa Beach Resort for which data were recorded. At Kawaihae the 1946 wave
runup was 12 feet above mean low, low water (MLLW), or about I1 feet above mean sea
level. The runup of the 1946 wave at Kailua-Kona was I I feet above MLLW (University
of Hawai'i, Department of Geography, 1983; 58).
(b) As shown on Figure HI-3, the shoreline of the WBR lies within a special
flood hazard area as indicated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the area (Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 3 May 1983). Structures built within the flood hazard
area must comply with the County of Hawai'i's flood control regulations (Chapter 27 of
the Hawai'i County Code), which are based on the Federal flood control guidelines.
t^ u Portions of the project area are located in a flood hazard zone designated
VIS; the base flood elevation for the land nearest the ocean is 8 feet MLLW 'Areas
zoned VI to V30 (the "V" stands for velocity — a measure of wave action) are termed
Coastal High Hazard" (tsunami) zones, or V zones, in the County Code; structures built
within them must meet specified design and construction standards. Portions of
structures within the V-zoned area must be elevated "...so that the lowest supporting
member of the lowest habitable floor, excluding pilings and columns, is above the base
flood elevation" (Section 27-37(b) of the Howai'i County Code).
5. CLIMATE
Situated between latitudes 19 and 22 degrees north, approximately 2,500 miles
southwest of San Francisco, the Hawaiian Islands are well within the tropics. Hawai'i's
climate is notable for its mild and equable year-round temperatures, moderate
humidity, generally prevailing northeasterly tradewinds, infrequency of severe storms,
and large differences of rainfall within short distances due to the varied topography
(see Figure III-4). y 7
-------
Table HI-1
Selected Projections of Deep-Water Storm Waves: Waikoloa Beach Resort
Source of Wave
Storm Swell
Kona Storm
Hurricane
Estimated
Return
Height
(feet)
10
15
20
25
30
17
27
Period
(Seconds)
12
12
12
12
12
&
&
&
&
&
19
12
20
20
20
20
20
Direction
West
West
West
West
West
SW
SW
and
and
and
and
and
and
and
NW
NW
NW
NW
NW
W
W
Period
(years)
2
10
25
10
1
1
- 10
-25
-50
-30
50
(!)
NOTES:
The heights are presented as "significant wave heights, i.e., the average of the
highest one-third waves."
(2) Estimated return periods are based on an inspection of published freauency-of-
occurrence data, which are limited and qualitiative in nature for storm wave
events applicable to the study area. No new or additional statistical analysis was
undertaken; hence, the return periods are very approximate.
Source: Sea Engineering, Inc. (December 1 984:28).
3-?
-------
co
vo
Zone V15
Golf Course
Golf Course
, r—;Sheraton Royal
lt=:Wa1koloa Hotel
HYATT REGENCY
WAIKOLOA
HOTEL SITE
Zone VI5
Site 12
Ualulua
Bay
Site 13
'Anaeho'onilu
Bay
Zone A4
Zone VIS-
0
H
feet
500
North
legend
— •— PenMt Area Boundary
Zone A4 Area of 100-year (coastal) flood
Zone VIS Are* of 100-year coastal flood y)th
velocity (wave action)
I I Zone C Areas of minimal flooding
Figure ui-3 Flood Insurance Rate Map ~*8~ Base f1ood •^M«» m feet
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (Hay 3, 1982)
-------
SlARANA
100-200
200-300
GREATER THAN 300
Annum
SCALE IN MILE
Source: State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Report R34
Figure 111-4 Rainfall Map
3-10
-------
5.1 WIND.
(a) The South Kohala coast is generally sheltered from the prevailing northeast
tradewinds. An on-shore breeze is usually present from mid-morning until about
sunset. From about sunset until the next morning, the wind direction typically
reverses and becomes an offshore breeze. This diurnal pattern is in contrast to the
prevailing northeasterly tradewinds found in most parts of the state. Wind velocities
average 7-8 miles per hour. However, gusty winds blowing down from the saddle
between the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea do reach the shoreline under certain
atmospheric conditions.
(b) The surface wind regime for the area is depicted in the wind rose shown in
Figure 111-5. The wind rose is based on hourly wind data (3,785 hours) collected at the
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in 1967 and analyzed by Morrow (February 1979). The data
clearly indicate an east-west dichotomy, and a closer examination reveals that the
ESE-ENE winds generally occur during the night, early morning, and evening hours,
while the WNW-West winds predominate during the daytime.
5.2 RAINFALL
The Waikoloa Beach Resort is located along the island's leeward coastline. Long-
term records show it to be one of the driest areas in the state. Rased on rainfall data
collected over a 36-year period at the National Weather Service station at Puako
(about five miles north of the WBR), the rainfall at the resort averages about nine
inches per year (Boise Cascade Home and Land Corp., 1976:166). The majority of the
rain which does fall occurs during the winter.
5.3 TEMPERATURE
Although the resort area is quite dry and sunny, the temperatures along the
shoreline are typically mild. Daytime highs above 88 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and lows
below 63 degrees F are rare. The mean annual temperature is 78 degrees F, with
relatively small daily and seasonal fluctuations (Boise Cascade Home and Land Corn.,
1976:169).
6. AIR QUALITY
(a) The closest continuous State Department of Health air guality monitoring
station is located in Hilo, some 60 miles to the east. Only total suspended particulates
(TSP) and sulfur dioxide are measured, and in 1983 both State and Federal ambient air
guality standards for these were met. A second monitoring station (which measured
only TSP) was maintained at Honoka'a, also on the windward side of the island, for a
few years. This station was closed in 1981, but records from the years during which it
operated indicate that both State and Federal ambient air guality standards for TSP
were being met there as well. Levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx), one of three principal
automotive pollutants, were last measured in Hilo in 1975. At that time they ranged
from less than 5 to approximately 29 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3^; the average
in Hilo was 16 ug/m3. The wind conditions at Waikoloa tend to rapidly disperse
emissions.
(b) Volcanic eruptions are the most significant factor affecting air guality on
the island. Volcanic emissions are somewhat variable and have not been fully charac-
terized, but in addition to the obvious particulates, they contain substantial amounts
of mercury and sulfur dioxide. Areas close to the eruptive vent can experience greatly
3-1 I
-------
Figure 111-5 Frequency Distribution of Wind Direction
NNW
NW
WNW
W .
WSW
SW
SSW
NE
ENE
- E
ESE
SE
SSE
Notes:
Based on data gathered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for March
through December 1967 and compiled by J.W. Morrow.
Center value indicates percentage of calm time.
3-12
-------
elevated concentrations of both mercury and sulfur dioxide. Sampling during the 1 983
eruption indicated that concentrations in Kona were relatively low. This is probably
accounted for by its distance from the active vent and constant changes In wind
direction during the eruption. However, volcanic haze and aas accumulation do occur
particularly in the lee of Mauna Kea and Mauna Lan! when winds are light and
variable.
7. VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
7.1 VEGETATION
Konmh u ' . ' a and Farthwatch
(September 1984) surveyed the aguat.c and terrestrial vegetative communities on the
site of the proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel and around the WRP'S anchialine
5£+ I }n£r™rion, contained in their reports, together with aerial color
th^SS* ?• C°a.S*f.aI P?^0? °f the resort' provides a basfs for characterizing
the vegetative communities throughout the project area. Four natural cover types are
present: (I) Kiawe Woodland, (2) Coastal Strand, (3) Marsh, and (« Barren Lava
lava ^faces). The approximate location and extent of these
h °S Wf" GS T08 that h°Ve been land*caped and cleared durina
™ +h ? 1 refrt' °re Sh°Wn °n Rgure m'6' The P|ant species present
outside the landscaped areas are listed in Table III-2. Oceanic Institute and
Earthwatch have identified several endemic plant species in the Barren Lava, Coastal
?hem n^ fn °? COm™nFtfes'. T,he~ communities, and the species which comprse
them, are found in numerous similar locales throughout Hawai'i. Mo plant species
s
^ __ fb)... Th.f Co?sfa' Strand community is more sharply defined than the other
commun.t.es because it is generally limited to areas covered by coral cobble and
sCh°oarr|h-neanare n9 ^ "T^ °fJheJeS°rt' The ^™S *™*s Bowing a.ona "e
5kuliku?i StfJ ™^°-kahak?> hklnahfn°' "««, 'akolFkul!, '5helo-kai, and 'aki'aki.
mosUt prlL'nt b'ac'h plTtf'7 *~™d *"*» ^ "^ ^ ^MK-cc^lcnKakoF are the
l r,Tf!f ^arSh com™nFty ?s found Jn ^d around some of the anchialine ponds,
cfose t« Tff f7 +£° ^^^"^ the™- Where anchialine pond? are
Sedc, nnH r .h * ' ^^ Marsh and Coastal Strand communities intermix.
abundant on th65 T+f °mmTly found ?n combination with grasses. Wfdaeon grass is
abundant on the bottom of some ponds. The Marsh community contains more
indigenous plant species than the other community types. conjoins more
TheKiawe Woodland community is closely associated and overlaps with the
r°?e they ?re b°th dePendent "P°n the brackish water in the
covr vn. • S 'tS name Jmpl?eS' k!awe trees are the dominant plant in this
cover type, towenng over, and often crowding out, other plant types Fxotic s
dominate this community. However, noni and beach naupaka are also found here
3-13
-------
Tobte 111-2
Scientific Name
MONOCOTYLEDONEAE
GRAMINEAE (Grass Family)
Aristlda odeensionls L.
gynodon doctylon tL.) Pers.
Pennisetum setaceum (Forsk.) Chiov._
Pennisetum setosumTSw.) L.C. Rich in Pers.
Sporobolus virqinicus (L.) Kunth
CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family)
Clodlum leotestoehyum Nees & Meyen
Cyperus roeviootus L.
Cvperus polystoenyus Rottb.
Eleochcris geniculata (L.) R.&S.
Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) Schult.
Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl
Fimbristylis pycnoeephala Hbd.
Fimbristylis littoralis Oaud.
Scirpus moritimo var. paludosus (A. Nels) Kuk.
PALMAE (Palm Family)
Coeos nueifero L.
RUPP1ACEAE (Ruppio Family)
Ruppio moritimo*
D1COTYLEDONEAE
CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family)
Atrlplex semiboecata R. Br.
Chenopodium muroleL.
AIZOACEAE (Corpetweed Family)
Sesuvium portulocostrum (L). L.
PORTULACACEAE (Purslane Family)
Portuloca cvonosperma Egler
Portuloco eleroceaL.
CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Pink Family)
Sperqulo spp.
PAPAVERACEAE (Poppy Family)
Arqemone qlaucaPope
CAPPARACEAE (Coper Family)
Copporis sondwiehiono var. zohoryi Deg. & Deg.
LEGUMINOSAE (Pea Family)
Prosopis pallida (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) HBK
EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurge Family)
Euphorbia prostrate Ait.
MALVACEAE (Mallow Family)
Sida spp.
TKespesio populnea (L.) Solond. ex Correa
Hibiscus 'tiiioceus*
STERCULIACEAE (Cocoa Family)
Waltheria indica var. omericcno (L.) R.Br.
BORAGINACEAE (Heliotrope Family)
Heliotropium onomalum H. & A.
Heliotropium eurossovicum L.
Messerschmidia argentea (L.f.) Johnston
SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family)
Lyeium sondwicense Gry
SCROPHULARIACEAE (Figwort Family)
Bocepo monnierio (L.) Wettst.
RUBIACEAE (Coffee Family)
Morinda citrifolio L.
GOODEN1ACEAE (Naupako Family)
Seoevolo toecedo (Gaertn.) Roxb.
COMPOSITAE (Sunflower Family)
Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass.
Sonchus oleraceus L.
Wedelia trilobota*
CONVOLULACEAE (Morning Glory Family)
Ipomea pes-coproe*
Common Names
Sixweeks threeawn
Permuda grass; manienie
Fountaingrass
Feathery permisetum
Beach dropseed; 'aki 'aki
Native sawgrass; 'uki
Makaloa; 'ehu 'awa
Pip" wai
Tall fringe rush
Makai
Coconut; niu
Widgeon grass; tassel ponrf weed
Australian saltbush
Nenle-leaved goosefoot
'Akulikuli; sea purslane
Blue-seeded portulaca; 'Ihi
Common purslane; 'ihi
Prickly poppy; pua-kala
Native caper; pua-pilo
Mesquite; kiawe
Prostrate spurge
'Ilima
Milo; portio tree
Hau
Waltheria; hi'aloha; 'uhaloa
Hinahina-ka-kahakai
Nena; seaside heliotrope
Tree heliotrope
'Ohelo-kai
Water hyssop
Noni; Indian mulberry
Beach naupako; naupaka-kahakai
Pluchea; sourbush; Indian pluchea
Sow thistle; pua-lele
Wedelia
Pohuehue, beach morning glory
. Found in -
Oriain Location 01 Surveys
X P
x B,'K
X B
1 C, M +
F M +
| M
1 M
X M
1 M
| M
1 M *
M
1 M
P M +
I M +
X C,K
1 C, M +
E B
X B
X P
F. B
E B
X B, V +
X P
B
PC +
1 M +
1 B
I C, M +
1 ' C
X C +
1 C, M +
1 M +
P M, K +
1 C, M, K +
X K +
X P
X M +
1 M 4-
Footnotes on following page.
3-14 -
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FOOTNOTES TO TABLE 111-2;
Families are arranged according to St. John (1973). Genera and species are listed
alphabetically within each family. Taxonomy and nomenclature generally follow
St. John except where more commonly accepted names are listed. Author citation
of scientific names are given. See footnote 5 regarding names with asterisks (*).
2
Hawaiian name also given when known.
Species origin:
E = Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands; occurring naturally nowhere else in the
world.
I = Indigenous: native to the Hawaiian Islands but also occurring naturally
elsewhere in the world.
P = Polynesian Introduction: plants brought by the Polynesian immigrants prior
to contact with the Western World.
X = Exotic: plants of accidental or deliberate introduction after contact.
Location:
B = Barren Lava
C = Coastal Strand
M = Marsh
K = Kiawe Woodland
The scope of the vegetation surveys conducted by Oceanic Institute (1977, Auaust
1984, September I984a&b) was limited to the plants growing in and around "the
anchialine ponds, but included areas beyond the Hyatt site that Farthwatch did not
cover. Only four additional species, besides those noted by Earthwatch, were found;
these are marked with an asterisk (*).
Source: Earthwatch (1984) except as noted above.
3-15
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7.2 WILDLIFE
7.2.1 Birds
(a) Within the West Hawai'i region, large coastal ponds, such as 'Opae'ula,
Kaloko and 'AimakapS to the south of the WPR support large populations of native and
migratory waterbirds, including the endangered Hawaiian stilt, the coot and the duck.
Many migratory waterbirds winter in Hawai'i at these large ponds. Bachman U9jW
indicated that the endangered Hawaiian stilt and other migratory waterb.rds used the
Kahapapa and Ku'uali'! fishponds prior to the development of the Sheraton Koyal
Waikoloa Hotel. No migratory waterbirds or endangered Hawaiian stilt were observed
in the fishponds during Corps and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site visits m November
and December 1984, while many waterbirds were observed in ponds to the south of the
WBR. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been attempting to purchase Opae ula
pond as a waterbird wildlife refuge.
(b) A reconnaissance survey (Bruner, September 20, 1984) found that bird
populations on the WBR property were not significant. No species on the Federal list
of threatened or endangered species were found, although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service reported that the endangered Hawaiian stilt had been seen in the anchialme
ponds. The endangered stilt was not seen by either the Corps of Engineers or the I J.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service during November and December 1984 site visits; nor was it
siahted by the Corps of Engineers during site visits over a period from January to June
!9"85.
(c) Bruner reported finding one family (two adults and one juvenile^ of Black-
crowned Night Heron, an average of 12 Pacific Golden Plovers per day, 4 Wandering
Tattlers, and a flock of 6 Ruddy Turnstones. The Night Heron is a resident indiaenous
species, while the others are migratory species that winter In Hawai'i. The Niqnt
Heron family is believed to roost in a kiawe thicket on the Hyatt site, and may have
nested there earlier in 1984. The plovers were observed defendina territories around
the anchialme ponds, and are believed to represent a stable population of about 15
birds. The tattlers and the turnstones forage around the ponds or the rocky shoreline;
both are non-territorial. The tattlers were observed alone, while the turnstones feed
in small flocks.
(d) Nine species of exotic birds were observed, with the Zebra dove the most
abundant bird observed. The House Finch, Japanese White-eye, and Northern Cardinal
were common in the area, as they are throughout other areas of Hawai'i.
7.2.2 Mammals
Mongoose were seen on the WBR, although Bruner did not find any mongoose or
mongoose scat. Gnawed remains of human refuse scattered along the beach suggested
to Bruner that rats and mice could be found in the area. On September 24, I9P4, a
dead specimen of the endangered Hoary Bat was found on the grounds of the Sheraton
Royal Waikoloa Hotel. The specimen was donated to the Brigham Young University-
Hawai'i Campus Museum of Natural History. Bruner did not find any evidence that a
significant bat population existed on the Waikoloa Peach Resort. A feral cat was the
only feral mammal observed by Bruner.
3-16
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ure m-6 Vegetation Map
3-1
-------
-------
8. AQUATIC RESOURCES
8.1 WAIULUA BAY
(a) The distribution and abundance of benthic organisms within w'aiulua Bay is
related to water depth and substrate type. The existing distribution and species
composition of marine fauna within the inner two zones of the bay is the result of
long-term exposure to significant freshwater discharge. Water in the Bay's outer zone
is well-mixed by wave action, and no freshwater influence is apparent in the biota
found there. The outer portion of the bay appears typical of coral communities found
along the coast (Key et a]., 1971; ORCA, Ltd./D.P. Chaney, 1980. Thirteen species of
stony coral have been~observed within Waiulua Bay, but most of these are restricted to
the outer zone. Porites lobata and Pocilloporo meadrina were the most abundant
corals found. Generally, P. meandrina was most abundant along Jhe outer edges of the
bay and just outside theTasalt ridge separating the outer bay from the middle bay.
P. lobata was most common in the deeper water at the mouth of the bay. Several
species of sea urchins were found in this part of the bay, as well as several different
types of molluscs. Most of the coral heads within the bay were dead and cemented
with coralline algae, although some cemented heads showed signs of regrowth.
(b) The middle bay is practically devoid of corals or major coral coverage.
The corals present form only small colonies and cover less than one percent (Wof
the available hard substrate. They share this substrate with tube-forming molluscs,
barnacles, and bivalves. The bivalve Ispgnomon californicum, which tolerates relative-
ly high temperatures and low salinities, was round in crevices on rouah basalt in
shallow areas toward the head of the bay. A closely related species, -I., perna, which is
less tolerant of low salinity, was found nearby, but at greater depths. The observed
positions of the two species indicates that the salinity and temperature stratification
observed at the time of the surveys is probably persistent over time. Much of the
bottom was covered with fine, white sediment, probably a calcite precipitate, and had
isolated pockets of coralline sand. Basalt outcrops extending off the bottom into the
freshwater layer were virtually devoid of marine life, although the relief attracted
some fish.
(c) The inner zone Waiulua Bay is a basalt, tidal flat devoid of coral. The
mouth of the inner bay was the site of unauthorized fill activities on two separate
occasions. In 1971-1972 Boise Cascade placed a road fill across the mouth of the inner
bay in violation of Section 10, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The Corps of
Engineers ordered restoration of the area in January 1974. Restoration was completed
in June-August 1974. In 1984 Transcontinental Development Co. also placed a road fill
across mouth of the inner bay at the same location. The Corps of Engineers ordered
restoration which was completed in September 1984. In addition, Transcontinental
Development Co. was assessed a penalty of $30,000.
(d) Key et al. (1971) observed a gradation of species number, abundance and
diversity of fishes within Waiulua Bay. These values were lowest in the inner bay and
increased towards the mouth. HInalea, parrot fish, sturgeon fish, and damselfish were
common throughout the area, althouah the two species of sturgeon fish were less
common in the middle bay and even more rare in the innermost portion of the bay A
wrasse and a damsel fish species were abundant in the middle of the bay and were not
observed farther inside the bay. An unidentified species of needlefish was observed
only in the middle portion of the bay.
3-19
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(e) Juvenile reef fish were found foraging over the inner bay at high tide and
some fish were found in the anchialine ponds. A reconnaissance survey by marine
biologists from OI Consultants, Inc. (October 1984) and by the Corps of Engineers
(January-July 1985) observed large schools of fish composed primarily of l«yenile
aholehoie mixed with manini, weke, and pipefish foraging over the basalt flat in the
inner bay during high tide. OI Consultants, Inc. observed a large school of juvenile
parrot fish and Kinalea was observed on the shallow, algal-covered bench adjacent to
the north bank of the middle zone of the bay. The Corps also observed that juvenile
reef fish, i.e., kupipi, manini and alaihi, resided in the a'a lava along the bay shoreline.
Similar observations by the National Marine Fisheries Service suggest that middle and
inner Waiulua Bay are a reef fish nursery area. Adult and juvenile marine reef fish
found in the low salinity anchialine ponds are a unigue feature of the pond habitats.,
(f) The threatened Green Sea Turtle and the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle
may be found in the offshore waters. Duncan (September 26, 1984:2) reported that
local fishermen rarely found sea turtles in Waiulua Bay. The National Marine Fisheries
Service reported that turtles are often observed along the open coast just to the north
and south where there is limu (seaweed) on which they feed.
(g) The National Marine Fisheries Service indicated that sightings of endan-
gered Humpback Whales in coastal waters off South Kohala are common between the
months of January and April.
8.2 COASTAL WATER QUALITY
(a) Key et al. (1971) found that water guality in the outer zone of Waiulua Ray
was similar to open" ocean conditions; nitrate and phosphate ^ values were low, and
salinity values (32 to 34 parts per thousand) were close to oceanic levels.
(b) Salinity levels near the surface throughout the middle portion of Waiulua
Bay ranged from 10 to 18 parts per thousand (ppt), while bottom salinities ranged
between 28 and 33 ppt. This salinity stratification is caused by the significant
quantities of brackish water naturally discharged at the shoreline. Levels of phosphate
and nitrate in the water samples showed patterns opposite to salinity; both were much
higher in the fresher surface layer than in the water near the bottom. The phosphate
and nitrate values were similar to those observed in the shoreline anchialine ponds
(Oceanic Institute, 1977, August 1984 and September 1984 a&b).
8,3 ANCHIALINE PONDS
83.1 Overview
(a) Anchialine ponds are landlocked coastal ponds having salt or brackish water
and showing dampened tidal fluctuations (Holthuis, 1973). These ponds are a unique
geological feature that provide a habitat for a distinctive assemblage of organisms;.
(b) Maciolek and Brock (1974) surveyed "coastal ponds" which included "water
exposures not definitely part of the littoral marine ecosystem." They used the term
"pond" broadly to include open wells, excavations, fissures, fractures and waters under
lava overhangs. Their survey was of all ponds, not only anchialine ponds. They defined
ponds without surface connection as "closed" ponds and ponds with restricted or
occasional surface connection to the sea as "open" ponds. The closed ponds could be
classified as anchialine.
3-20
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(c) In the open pond ecosystems the faunal assemblage resembles marine and
estuarine ecosystems. In the closed pond ecosystems, the faunal assemblages resemble
estuarine ecosystems, but include a unique and striking organism, the red-piqmented
shrimp, or 'opae'ula, as well as several other relatively rare organisms. Brock 0985)
grouped anchialine organisms into epigeal organisms (those preferring the sunlit ponds)
and hypogeal organisms (those that use the ponds but can also spend extended periods
of time in the subterranean water table). The hypogeal organisms consist principally
of shrimp species. Quantitative information on Hawaiian anchialine ponds is essential-
ly lacking, i.e., energy flow, population size and species turnover, but an adequate
understanding of the pond systems can be synthesized from available information.
(d) Ponds can also occur as low areas behind shoreline berms composed of
depositional material (sand, coral rubble, small rocks, etc.). Typically, ponds occur in
fissures, in collapsed "lava tubes" or "bubbles", or simply in lava depressions and
interstices. The ponds can occur several hundred yards inland from the shoreline, as
long as lava tubes, depressions or fissures extend into the groundwater table.
(e) The hypogeal shrimp and other anchialine pond organisms are not being
harvested for any significant commercial or recreational fishing. Some shrimp from
anchialine ponds are harvested on a small scale for sale to the'u'aikiki Aquarium and
use in home aquariums.
(f) The shrimp and anchialine pond organisms are not known to be a major part
of any food chain that could occur in bays or estuaries. Rather, the anchialine pond
ecosystems are isolated systems that are not known to contribute to the nearshore
food web or significant commercial recreational fishery food web. The ponds do not
appear to support any significant avion food web.
8.3.2 Distribution
(a) Anchialine ponds are known to occur in highly porous substrates such as
lavas and fossil reefs. Anchialine ponds have a disjunct world-wide distribution and
have been recorded from Fiji, Egypt, and Hawaii (Brock, 1985). In the United States,
anchialine ponds are known to exists only on the islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii. On
Maui and Hawaii anchialine ponds are found in recent lavas flows where depressions
and^ fissures in the lava extend below the water table. On Oahu anchialine pond
environments occur in limestone caves and sinkholes. Excavated holes that penetrate
the water table can also become anchialine ponds with the colonization of the holes by
anchialine organisms (Brock 1985; Corps of Engineers 1985).
(b) On Maui, anchialine ponds are found in the Cape Kinau Natural Area
Reserve, on Cape Hanamanioa, in the recent lava flows flows further to the northeast
ot Cape Hanamamua, and in caves at Wainapanapa State Park. In West Hawaii, major
clusters of anchialine ponds are found at 'Anaeho'omalu/Waiulua Bay (Waikoloa Reach
Resort), Makalawena/'Opae'uIa Pond, Kaloko Pond/Kohanaiki, and Honokohau/Aimaka-
pa Pond. In addition, many individual ponds or small pond groups, and fissures occur
along the coast from the South Kohala District to South Point in the Kau District.
beveral areas in East Hawaii are known to contain anchialine ponds, and the potential
tor finding more anchialine systems is considered high (Brock, 1985). On Oahu, anchia-
line pond environments occur in limestone sinkholes and substrates at Kailua Bay,
Barbers Pomt, Ewa Beach and Kahuku (Brock 1985, Corps of Engineers, 1985). Fiaure
III-7 illustrates the distribution of anchialine ponds in the State of Hawaii
3-2!
4
-------
v
ro
'NIIHAU
Legend:
• Anchialine Pond Sites
' .. .. Anchialine Pond Areas
10 0 20 40 60 BOmlltt
North
LANAI
-------
(c) The total number of ponds in Hawaii is not completely known due in part to
the lack of sufficient surveys and investigations, to the difficulty in defining a pond
when looking at pond complexes, to difficult access to some pond areas, and to the
problem of finding ponds in rugged terrain. Based on recent surveys by the Oceanic
Institute (1985) and a study by Brock (1985) there may be as many as 600-650 ponds on
the island of Hawaii, about 60 ponds on the island of Maui (U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, 1985), and four on the island of Oahu.
(d) The WBR encompasses the largest concentration of anchialine ponds in
West Hawaii as well as the State of Hawaii. Approximately 215 ponds were counted on
the property (Figure II-3). Based on a conservative estimate of 600 ponds on the island
of Hawaii, the WBR ponds represent 35% of the total pond resource on Hawaii and 32*^
of the total State resource. Using pond water surface area as a measure of usable
habitat, the WBR ponds have a usable habitat of about 12 acres. The measurements
were made by the Oceanic Institute (August 1984, September 1984 a&b^ during high
tide and using simple geometric shape calculations. Thus, calculations may have
overestimated pond water surface area. Data to calculate the total water surface
area of all other anchialine ponds on the island of Hawaii are not available.
(e) The number of anchialine ponds on the WBR prior to the initiation of
development by Boise Cascade, the previous landowner, was never enumerated. Brock
(personal communication, 1985) indicated that road access construction in 1972 had
destroyed some ponds. Analysis of 1972 aerial photographs also indicate that grading
probably eliminated more ponds. In July 1977, the Corps issued a permit to Boise
Cascade (PODCO-O 1358) to fill 20 ponds on Hotel Site 12. After partially completing
the grading work, the hotel project was sold and terminated by the new owners. In
March 1977, Boise Cascade withdrew a permit that requested authorization to fill 90
ponds and preserve 89 in the development of the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
8.3.3 Pond Ecology
8.3.3.1 Hydrology
(a) Anchialine ponds contain brackish water. As topographic depressions, the
ponds intercept the basal lens. In general, salinity of the lens increases with depth
below sea level until a point where the salinity is identical to seawater. Basal ground-
water is also less saline with increasing distance inland from the shoreline. Both
vertical and horizontal salinity gradients are a result of seawater intrusion. The
extent of intrusion is primarily influenced by the flowrate of fresh groundwater from
inland to the shoreline; permeability of the lava formation; aides; and pumping stresses
of wells (see Figure III-8).
(b) Belt, Collins & Associates (1976) reported that estimates by others of the
rate of groundwater discharge along the South Kohala coast range from 2.5 to 7.0
million gallons per day (MGD) per mile of shoreline. If 5.0 MGD peV mile is taken as a
reasonable estimate for the Waikoloa region, then approximately &.0 MGD discharges
along the shoreline between 'Anaeho'omalu to Waiu|ua Bays, a distance of 0.8 mile.
Discharge into Waiulua Bay alone is estimated to be in the range of 0.5 MGD.
(c) Foundation investigation for the proposed Hyatt M'aJkoloa Hotel has
revealed that the nearshore area around Waiulua Bay is extremely permeable (Harding
Lawspn Associates, 1985). Voids created by cooling cracks, lava tubes, and lava flow
layering provide the predominate permeability for groundwater movement. As a
result, groundwater flow is locally guite variable. Salinity measurements by Oceanic
3-23
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to
*>
1.1 M /
CONCENTRATED/
QROUNDWATERX
FLOW \
•in. \
IM SMm
(infer cMltructlNi)
HYATT REQENCY
WAIKOLOA HOTEL SITE
propoMd Pond
PrtMrvothNi ATM
ONCENTRAT
QROUNDWATER
flow
Propottd
Pr«Mrvotion
UlMil't M *-u, 1W. rl I
I twit 1. « talll CM. « *"«• ».
M»4t <«>ll
-------
Institute (1977 and 1984) differentiate areas of greater and lesser groundwater flux.
They also clearly show a salinity change with tidal phase. Because of extreme
permeability variations, it is misleading to visualize groundwater in a simple Ghyben-
Hersberg configuration this close to the shoreline.
(d) High lava permeability, i.e., voids, clinker, allows the frequent exchange of
pond water with tidal fluctuations. During high tide, pond depth, volume and area can
increase significantly over low tide conditions (Oceanic Institute, 1977; 1984). Some
ponds have no water in them at low tide, or become very shallow and heat UD during
low tide. During low tide the ponds can become fresh, then highly stratified during
high tide. Given Hawaii's semi-diurnal tidal cycles, an anchialine pond can experience
two total changes of tidal volume per 24 hours, or can experience extreme salinity
variations in a 24-hour period.
8.3.3.2 Water Quality
(a) Water salinity in West Hawai'i anchialine ponds averages 7 ppt (parts per
thousand) (Maciolek and Brock 1974); in comparison, ocean water has a salinity of
about 35 ppt. None of the West Hawai'i pond water meet the potable water standard
of 0.5 ppt, and only a few ponds have salinities below the aenerally acceptable
maximum for irrigation water of about 1.9 ppt. Maciolek and Prock reported some
values of I ppt for ponds around 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, but more recent and extensive
measurements by Oceanic Institute (1977; 1984) recorded salinity readings of 2 to 18
ppt; the average salinity was 9 ppt.
(b) Maciolek and Brock (1974) measured water temperatures in West Hawai'i
ponds ranging from a low of 1 9 degrees Centigrade (66 degrees Farenheit) to a high of
35 degrees Centigrade (95 degrees P.). Most often water temperatures were in the
range of 22-28 degrees Centigrade (71-82 degrees F.). Solar heating, shallow pond
depth and a low rate of water exchange are believed to account for the relatively high
water temperatures recorded in some ponds. The lowest water temperature recorded
(19 degrees C.; 66 degrees F) "was in a narrow fissure.... with a noticeable outflowing
current of groundwater" (Maciolek and Brock, 1974:7) at Kaloko Point. Water
temperatures in WBR ponds did not differ substantially from those measured in other
West Hawai'i ponds (Oceanic Institute, 1977, August 1984, September 1984
(c) The nutrient levels in most ponds are high in comparison to the ocean, and
the Oceanic Institute (1977) did find that nutrient input into the groundwater by golf
course irrigation around anchialine ponds did increase nutrient concentrations in the
ponds. Recorded nutrient concentrations in the WBP ponds were high relative to
similar groundwater concentrations. A comparison (Oceanic Institute, 1977; August
1984) of pre- and post-golf course development nutrient levels in certain ponds
recorded elevated levels of nitrates (98% increase), phosphates (55% increase) and
ammonium (134% increase) over pre-development conditions. The elevated nutrient
levels were related to golf course fertilization and irrigation with sewage effluent.
Despite the elevated nutrient concentrations, there is no apparent change in phyto-
plankton activity or increase in water turbidity. Rapid flushing (twice-daily water
exchange and possible groundwater outflow) is believed to prevent a buildup of
phytoplankton concentrations that would otherwise reduce pond water clarity (Oceanic
Institute, August 1984). Brock (1985) noted that negative impacts are not presently
observable in anchialine ponds surrounded by the Mauna Lani Resort golf course and
condominium development.
3-25
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(d) Anchialine pond water is normally very clear, and WBR pond water clarity
Is no exception. However, individual WBR ponds may be turbid, probably related to
differences in flushing rates. Those ponds in which seasonal pond water clarity was
observed, especially large ponds, may have reduced water exchange rates and high
water residence times that allow the growth of phytoplankton within the nutrient rich
waters (Maciolek and Brock, 1974). Large fishponds along the West Hawai'l coast are
probably more susceptible to reduced water clarity due to phytoplankton growth that
Is not characteristic of anchiallne ponds.
(e) All investigators of anchialine pond systems in Hawai'i have found that
dissolved oxygen concentrations were near saturation in most ponds, and that pond
waters are typically clear. Early investigations suggested that the hiqh dissolved
oxygen concentrations might be related to wind mixing in shallow ponds. However,
subsequent investigations indicate that photosynthesis in algal mats and oxygen
trapped in the porous rock during tidal cycles may contribute to the relatively high
dissolved oxygen levels. Dissolved oxygen concentrations at the WBF ranaed from 5.6
mg/l (milligrams per liter) to 14.3 mg/l, indicating saturated - supersaturated
conditions.
8.3.3.3 Aging
(a) Anchialine ponds are relatively temporary features on a geologic time
scale, and are rare or absent on old or ancient lava flows. Ponds undergo a natural
process of aging that is directly related to variable rates of sedimentation. Plant
growth and calcifying algae may be principal agents in pond sedimentation. As organic
material and sediment accumulation increases, the interstitial voids in the aeologic
foundation are filled becoming less porous, thereby retarding water exchange or flush-
ing. Emergent plants take root in the accumulating material increasing the rate of
sedimentation, resulting in the development of a coastal marsh, wetland environment,
that may become a dry land environment. Brock (1985) hypothesized^that senescence
could occur within as short a time as 100 years based on field observations.
(b) Other factors that may increase the rate of pond aging could be the dearee
of flushing (Brock 1985). Field observations on closely associated anchialine ponds
frequently showed one to have a considerable deposit of sedimentary carbonate
material while others nearby are devoid of sediment. Brock hypothesized that the
degree of flushing could be responsible for the differences in sedimentation rates, i.e.,
the rapid flushing may lower the rate of sediment accumulation.
(c) Vegetation may accelerate aging by trapplna sediment and introducing leaf
litter. Figure 111-9 illustrates the distribution of vegetated ponds and unveaetated
ponds on WBR. The WBR ponds are basically situated in a pahoehoe lava flow that Is
older than the adjoining Kaniku, a'a lava flow.
R3.3.4 Pond Diversity
Besides having the greatest concentration of anchialine ponds at WRR, the wpp
also contains the greatest diversity of pond types on the island of Hawaii. Figure HI-9
illustrated the distribution of vegetated and unvegetated ponds. Figure 111-10 illus-
trates the distribution of open and closed ponds." During high tide several of the open
ponds at the head of Waiulua Bay are joined to form one large tidal pond. At low tide
the pond becomes several individual ponds. The total area of the one large tidal pond
was estimated at 3.5 acres.
3-26
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U)
N>
Hyatt Regency Wilkolo*
Hotel Site
\
Legend:
•$ii Vegetated Ponds
^3" Unvegetated Ponds
••• «• Permit Area Boundary
Parcel Boundaries
Holt: Cwpfled fron nipt In rtporti of Kenfing
(It")
-------
V
10
NJ
oo
Hyatt Regency Uilkoloi
Hotel Site
Legend:
••V Open Ponds
"H Closed Ponds
mm •*Permit Area Boundary
Parcel Boundaries
Hott: C«pl1td fro* «ip> In rtporti of
(1171) mi) Conceit (198* 11 »). .hlth ftrt
b»(4 on tmcontrolltiJ urlil (*oto« floxn
by *. H. r
-------
8.3.3.5 Anchialine Pond Organisms
(a) Anchialine Pond Ecosystems
... . {') AS indicated previously, anchialine ponds provide a habitat for a
distinctive assemblage of organisms. The first distinction in anchialine pond organisms is
made between open pond ecosystems and closed pond ecosystems. In open pond
ecosystems the organism assemblage resembles marine and estuarine assemblages in
Hawaii. A list of species recorded by Maciolek and Brock (1974) for open pond systems
in West Hawaii is provided on Table HI-3. In closed pond ecosystems, the most striking
organisms in the ponds are the red-pigmented shrimp, particularly 'opae'ula (Halocaridina
rubra). Table IH-4 provides a list of common closed pond organisms in comparison to
their presence at the WBR.
j- •* • (I?L. Du^Lt° ,the Presence of euryhaline and marine organisms, species
diversity is ; higher within the open ponds than it is within the closed ponds. Maciolek and
Brock (1974) found 65 species in the open ponds surveyed as compared with 55 species in
closed ponds. The average salinity of the open ponds was usually higher than the closed
ponds, but much less than ocean water. A unigue feature of the WRR open pond systems
in 1974 was the presence of marine fish in nearly fresh water (Maciolek and Brock, 1974)
A rare eel Gymnothorox hilonis, first described from a specimen found in a HFlo fish
I?n^h m l^'-T* n0"6?^?,^6 f?rst time Slnce l903 from open ^chialine ponds at
Kapoho and Waiulua Bay in 972 (Brock 1985). The eel has not been seen or collected at
™?n^KST\ 972* Bro^j' 985) related finding in 1972 several dead rare eels that were
caught by fishermen and discarded, and also observed that the presence of the marine
fish in the ponds has significantly declined since the Maciolek and Brock survey (Brock,
personal communication, 1 985). '
.. . . dosed pond system may be considered the "representative" anchia-
Ime pond habitat. Organisms diversity is lower and more distinctive in the .closed ponds
«n?Rn ?e/!2^^dsLrS'eCtfn9 restr?cted organism range and distribution. Maciolek
and Brock (1974) hsted 55 species and species groups of closed pond oraanisms: 27
spec.es or groups were considered "common" anchialine pond organisms because they
occurred m 10 or more ponds (see Table HI-4 ). The closed anchialine pond ecosystem
ahvnarCiC f orange-rust appearance due to the carbonate producing, Schizothrix
olal community covering the bottom. Snails and shrimp are the most obvious
+elem5lts fn the P°nds- The fauna is characterized by four shrimo,
tW° flsh*Pecfes. Two of the shrimp species, the 'opae'ula and
are considered rare, found only in anchialine ponds, but are the most
S ps m ^e ponds> Two other shrfmp - >opae huna
-------
Table III-3
List of Aquatic Species Found in Open Ponds on the West HawaPi Coast
PHYLUM PORIFERA
Two unidentified sponges
PHYLUM COELENTERATA (ArCMOhES, ETC.)
Anthozoa: Aiptosia sp.
PHYLUM ANNELIDA (WORMS)
Polychoetn-Errantia
Eurythoe complonoto
Nomolycastis sp.
Polychoeta-Sedentarla
Jonua kniohtjonesi
Jonua nipponica
Leooora knightjones!
Mercierella eniqrnota
PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
Gastropoda (snails, nudibranchs)
Pplobrifera olivaeeo
Hipponixsp.
Littering pintado (pipipi akolea)
Mitro ouriculoides
Morulo'qronulata'Tpupu makaawa)
Pelecypodo (clams, oysters, etc.)
Hormomyo crebristriotus
Isoonomon'costellotum (popauo)
Isoqnomon sp.
PHYLUM ARTHROPODA
Crustoeea-Orrlpedia (barnacles)
Chthomalus sp. (pioe)
Crustocea-Decapoda (shrimps, crabs)
Calcinus loevimenus
Carpi fijs" maeul otus
Clitxmorius zebra~
Epixonthus sp.
Grapsus'qropsus (omo)
PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA
Opiuroidea (brittle stars)
Ophiocomo erinaeeus
unidentified species
Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers)
unidentified species
PHYLUM CHORDATA
Osteichthys (bony fishes)
Aconthurus niorofuscus
Adi oryx laeteoguttotus (alaihi)
Asterropteryx semipunctatus
Awoous stomineus (oopu kowo)
Chaetodon lunulotkikokopu)
Diodon hyStrix (oopu kawa)
Flommeo sommora
Gomphosus voriuslokilolo)
Gymnothorox hilonis (puhi)
Istiblennius sp.
Microconthys striqotus
Mulloidiehthys somoensis (weke)
Prptula otypha
Spiophones bombyx
Pileolario militoris
Pileolorio pseudornilitoris
Salmocina dysteri
Notice morochiensis
Neritp piceo (pipipTT
Teredoporksi
unidentified nudibranch
unidentified vermetid
Ostrea sondvicensis folepe)
Spondyfus zonal is
Telling rugoso
Leptodius sonquineus
Poloemonello burrisT"
Portunus pubeseens
Tholomita crenato
unidentified Xanthidae
Oxyurichthys lonchotys 'oopu kauleloa)
Horupeneus multifosciotus (moano)
Porupeneus porphyreus '(kumu)
Polydoetylus sexf ilisTmo!^
Pomocentrus Tehkinsi
Scorus dubius
Seorus perspicillotus fuhu)
Stethojulius oxillarTs fomaka)
Stolepnorus purpureus (nehu)
Tholossoma duperryiThinoleo louwilO
unidentified Gohiiaae
Note: Includes open ponds at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Source: Maciolek end Brock (! 974).
3-30
-------
(5) In ponds with heavy sediment accumulation, widaeon grass and sedges
are abundant, particularly when sediment accumulations are sufficient to support root
structures. Upland plants are also associated with the anchialine ponds where roots
can tap the fresh basal water, and where periodic tidal flooding provides frequent
watering and fertilization. Mangrove, reeds, milo, and bulrush can be found in ponds
that have become coastal marshes. On Maui, 'opae'ula and Metabetaeus lohena are
found in the coastal marsh water amongst the vegetative growth (Corps of Engineers,
1985).
(b) Rsh
(I) Fish are not a common element of closed anchialine pond environ-
ments. Generally if fish are present, shrimp are not present or are present in reduced
numbers, presumably as a result of predation by fish (Maciolek and Brock, 1974).
Brock (1977) hypothesized that native fish enter the ponds as post-larval forms;
becoming trapped in the ponds as they mature. Man has also introduced both native
and exotic fish, such as mullet, manini, top minnows, guppies and tilapia, into the
ponds. The introduction of exotic fish has resulted in the significant decline of the
shrimp and mollusc fauna in anchialine ponds, and may contribute to long-term
changes in the anchialine pond ecosystems (Brock 1985). Maciolek and Brock"(1974)
found that exotic fish were not compatible with native fish, and that exotic fish were
less compatible with 'opae'ula than native fish. Where native fish require marine and
mixohaline waters in their life cycles and reproduction, exotic fish can breed entirely
in mixohaline waters expanding their numbers in the ponds. Where Maciolek and Brock
(1974) found exotic fish in 10% of the ponds they sampled between Lahuipua'a and
Kailua-Kona, the Oceanic Institute (1985) found exotic fish present in 32% of the
ponds they sampled, indicating the spread of exotic fish in the anchialine pond system
in West Hawaii. This observation also corresponds with a decline in the presence of
'opae'ula (found in 67% of the ponds sampled in 1974 and 39% of the ponds sampled in
1985) and M.etabetaeus lohena (40%/4%) between 1974 and 1985 (see Table 111-5).
(2) Between Lahuipua'a and Kailua-Kona, Oceanic Institute 0985) and
Brock (1985) recorded the introduction of exotic fish into 57% of the pond systems in
comparison to the Maciolek and Brock (1974) survey of the same area in 1972. In
general, the survey indicated an increase in the presence of Schizothrix and exotic fish
in the anchfaline ponds and an decrease in the presence of 'opae'ula, Met abet aeus
lohena, Assiminea, Melania and Theodoxus. Table III-6 provides a list of areas
surveyed by the Oceanic Institute! The survey also compared the condition of
exceptional and significant anchialine pond areas identified by Maciolek and Brock
(1974) and found that with the exception of Waikoloa, all the areas had sianificant
reductions in anchialine pond organisms and significant increases in the presence of
exotic fish (Table III-7).
(3) The spread of exotic fish into anchialine ponds is related to man. The
problem stems principally from unregulated and uncontrolled human introduction of
biological agents incompatible with the anchialine pond ecosystem. Brock (1985)
hypothesized that once the exotic fish are in the ponds, their larvae and fry can spread
throughout the pond system. At Makalawena, exotic fish are found throuahout the
pond system suggesting that the larvae and fry can also migrate through the porous
ground like the shrimp. The 'opae'ula are still found at Makalawena-'Opae'ula, but only
in areas inaccessible to the fish. Brock (1985) hypothesized that with the disappear-
ance of the 'opae'ula the anchialine pond ecosystem changes, and that the changes may
be permanent. The orange-rust algae would be replaced by a different alaae possibly
resulting in a change in pond biological characteristics and rate of sedimentation.
3-31
-------
Table 111-4
Comparison of Pond Biota Surveys for the Waikoloa Beach Resort
Oceanic Institute
Species
ALGAL CRUSTS:
Schlzothrix/Mlereeoleus olgol mot
(Qronge-rust/whitecrust)
Schizothrix/Rhizeeoleniutn algal mot
(Dark-green, non-mineralized mat)
Choetophero spp.
(GreerTfTnger-like tufts)
Clodgpherc/Enteremerpho algal mat
(GreenTvelvet spheres)
Synetenemo cooetile
(Dark encrusting algae)
VASCULAR PLANTS:
Rupplo maritime
(Widgeon gross)
"CRUSTACEANS:
Holoeoridlna rubra
I'opae 'ula, red caridean atyid shrimp)
Metabetoeus lohena
(red olpheid shrimp)
Poloemon debilis
Copaenuna) ^
Mocrobrachium arandimanus
Copae 'oeno'a)
Mocrobroehium lor ,
( lohitian prawn)
Amphipod spp.
Crabs:
Grapsus urcpsus
MetepooTOSPSus sp.
Unidentified crab molts
Unidentified burrowing shrimp
MOLLUSCS:
Assiminea sp.
(herbivorous snail)
Melonia sp.
(herbivorous snail)
Theodoxussp.
(hapawai, black neritid snail)
Nerito sp.
Isoonemon eolifornieum
(mussel)
Unidentified mussel
FISH:5
Muoil eephalus
(mullet)
Kuhlia sandvieensis
Caholehole)
Bathyoobius fuscus
Acanthurus triosteaus sondvicensis
(manini)
Arothon hispidus
(balloon tish)
Eehnldb nebulpso
(puh! kopa)
Gymnothorox eurostus
(putii) r
Gymnethcrox hllonis
(rare eel) c
Aeonthurus nlqrofuseus
Stenoqobius oenivinorus
Co'opu kani'o)
Kelleooello olioolepis
Waciolek1
01 Brock
cc
ce
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
cc
cc
cc
ce
cc
cc
cc
n.o.
cc
n.o.
n.o.
cc
cc
cc
n.o.
Ice
—
cc
cc
Ice
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
oo
oo
Ice
Ice
Head of3
Woiulua Boy
X
X
n.o.
X
X
X
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
n.o.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
n.o.
X
n.o.
n.o.
Remainder
of WBR
X
X
y
X
X
X
n.o.
n.o.
X
n.o.
n.o.
X
X
X
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
X
X
n.o.
X
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
n.o.
— Footnotes on following page
3-32
-------
Footnotes to Table III-4
Appendix B of the Maciolek and Brock 0974) report lists (by pond numbers that
correspond to maps indicating general location) the species considered "common" to
closed anchialine ponds. "Common" is defined as located in more than 10 ponds
along the West Hawai'i coast. Appendix C gives a taxonomic list, with distribution
data, of the less-common fauna in West Hawai'i closed anchialine ponds. Appendix
D of their report lists anchialine pond macrofauna that occurs only in open ponds
along the West Hawai'i coast, but does not give specific locational data. Thus, the
following symbols are used in the column under Maciolek and Brock:
cc = common to closed ponds (Appendix B)
Ice = less common to closed ponds (Appendix C)
oo = observed only in open ponds (Appendix D)
In all columns of the table:
n.o. = not observed
The Oceanic Institute (1977, August 1984, September I984a&b, and October 1984)
studies constitute a more definitive survey of the Waikoloa Beach Resort anchialine
ponds than the Maciolek and Brock survey, that surveyed only a few ponds. The
Oceanic Institute gives comprehensive water quality data for the WRR ponds. Their
biota surveys may not be as complete, since several species listed in Maciolek and
Brock were not inventoried by Oceanic Institute. This may be due to the fact that
Oceanic Institute did not survey the same area as Maciolek and Brock, and to
differences in survey purposes and reporting format, and perhaps to errors in
identification. Detailed comparison of the Maciolek and Brock data with the
Oceanic Institute information is not possible for those reasons.
See Figure II I -6 for the ponds included in this category.
The maps in the Maciolek and Brock report indicate that these species were
Institute m P°ndS ^ the are° °f the WBR that WQS n0t surve>'ed b* °ceanic
Maciolek and Brock may have observed more fish in the WRP ooen ponds than are
listed, but Appendix D does not give locational data. Since the Aconthurus nigrofus-
cus is listed m Appendix D and included in the Oceanic Institute species list, it \s
assumed Maciolek and Brock also observed this species in the WBR open ponds.
Source: As noted above.
3-33
-------
Table 111-5
Summary of Change in Four Native and Two Exotic Aquatic Species
Found in Kona Coast Anchialine Ponds Located Between
Lahuipuaa and Kailua-Konas 1972-1985
% Ponds Examined
Species
Schizothrix calcicola
TheodoxuTcariosQ
HalocaridTna rubra
Metabetaeus lohena
Oreochromis mossambicus
Poeciliidae^pp.
31
22
67
40
5
10
41
6
39
4
14
32
Source: Brock, 1985.
3-34
-------
Table 111-6
Summary of Anchialine Ponds Surveyed by Oceanic Institute, 1985
OJ
i
CO
Location
Lahuipuaa (Mauna Lani Resort)
Anaehoomalu
Kapalaoa
Akahu Kaimu
Weliweli
Pueo Bay
Keawaiki
Kiholo
Keanalele Waterhole
Waiaelepi
Luahfnewai
Kaupulehu (Kona Village)
Waiakuhi
Kukio Bay
Maniniowali (Kua Bay)
Awakee-Makalawena
Opaeula
Puu Alii Bay
Natural Energy Laboratory
Wawaloli Beach
Kohanaiki
Kaloko
Honokohau
Kealakehe
Queen Llliuokalan? Pond
Old Kona Airport
King Kamehameha Hotel
Ground
Surveyed
Yes/No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Theodoxus
1972
13
20
44
50
too
0
50
o
0
0
0
0
0
0
-35
0
0
33
0
43
50
24
56
0
0
1985
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
27
0
0
0
0
2
6
5
33
0
0
Metabetaeus
Opae'ula
1972
78
80
100
100
80
0
0
100
44
too
83
100
70
0
80
33
100
50
75
60
67
50
33
1985
50
73
56
100
40
0
0
0
0
100
64
100
18
0
, 25
40
100
46
II
40
42
20
100
7
Lohena
1972
47
67
67
50
60
50
50
50
100
56
100
100
0
13
0
40
0
100
II
75
12
II
0
13
1985
13
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
5
0
10
0
13
100
0
Tilapia
1972
0
0
0
0
20
50
0
0
0
0
II
0
0
0
4
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
II
0
47
19ft1;
22
0
0
0
33
0
50
0
100
0
0
0
0
0
25
0
0
5
0
5
15
0
100
Poeciliids
1977
1 71 i
0
0
0
0
0
25
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
0
60
0
0
0
75
0
0
50
53
IQDC
I7OD
13
0
55
0
33
0
50
too
50
0
0
100
55
100
75
0
0
21
67
0
33
0
43
"
-Si
-------
Table 111-7
Summary of Change In Organism Occurrence In Exceptional and Significant Anchtallne Ponds
Identified by Maclolek and Brock (1974), from Lohulpuaa to Kallua-Kona
CA>
I
Fv™Pt?«nnl Ar*ns Significant Areas
Anaehoomalu
W'alkoloa
Species
Schizothrlx Sp.
Rhizoclonlum Sp.
Chaetophora Sp.
Entromorpha Sp.
Ruppia Marittnna
Assimlnea Sp.
Melanla Sp.
Thoedoxlus Cariosa
Amphipoda
Metabetaeus Lohena
Halocaridina Rubra
Palaemon Debilts
Macrobrachium Sp.
Metopograpsus Thukuhar
Mubil Cephalus
Kuhlia Sandvicensis
Eleotris Sandwtcensis
Oreochromis Mossamblcus
Poeciliidae
1972
N=I5
40
33
7
7
20
20
40
67
80
7
7
1985
N=96
69
22
16
13
15
10
1
73
34
4
7
13
Puuwaawaa
Luahinewal
1972
N=l
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
-
1985
N=l
too
100
too
100
100
Kohanaiki
1972
N=28
14
II
II
4
50
43
4
II
50
39
7
7
1985
N=56
36
II
30
32
13
68
2
II
5
46
27
2
5
21
Lohuipuaa
1972
N=23
13
21
4
26
65
13
52
47
78
22
9
4
9
1985
K'=22
22
22
5
59
13
3
50
9
5
9
5
13
22
13
Awakee
Makalawena
1972
N=23
39
22
30
4
57
35
30
13
70
48
4
43
/.
H
17
4
13
1985
N=22
50
14
14
18
14
32
27
5
5
18
23
18
5
55
Honokohau
1972
N=25
4
16
44
72
76
24
56
12
60
20
20
A
4
to
\L
1985
N=20
25
5
2
10
5
10
40
10
15
5
15
Kealakehe
1972
N=9
II
33
44
56
33
II
67
II
1 I
II
1985
N=d2
8
8
50
33
42
8
8
8
OS
11
Source: Oceanic Institute, 1985; Maciolek and Brock, 1974.
-------
Development of green algal films at Almakapa (Corps of Engineers, 1985) and Kohana-
iki (Brock, 1985) and increased algal growth at a pond in the WBR golf course (Corps of
Engineers, 1985) indicate that changes in the algal community may be related to the
presence of exotic fish. The algal contents of exotic fish guts could also introduce
new algal species into the anchialine pond ecosystems.
(4) The lack of exotic fish in WBR ponds may be related to the lack of a
major residential community in the immediate area that probably limits the number of
people using the WBR ponds. The 'Anaeho'omalu Bay Beach Park may also attract
more people than the ponds located in the rugged lava field. However, human use does
occur and is expected to increase over time. Fishermen, picnickers, surfers and sight-
seers are frequently seen in the area crossing the ponds and lava to the beach. Trash
is somewhat collected from the beach area by Transcontinental, but trash and human
waste do accumulate along the shoreline and in the lava fields and ponds.
(c) Epigeal and Hypogeal Organisms
(I) Brock (1985) grouped anchialine pond organisms into two classes:
epigeal (those organisms preferring the sunlit ponds) and hypoqeal (those oraanisms
preferring the subterranean water table).
(2) The epigeal organisms include organisms typically found in Hawaiian
estuaries and nearshore waters. Major epigeal anchialine pond organisms include the
Schizothrix/Lyngbya algal mat, 'opae huna, and hapawai. These organisms prefer the
sunlit pond environment. In contrast, the hypogeal organisms spend much of the time
in the sub.terranean water table. One phenomenon of organisms recorded by Maciolek
and Brock (1974) was the appearance of ecotypes or morphological variants within
species apparently caused by environmental conditions in the ponds. For example,
Maciolek and Brock noted anatomical .differences in the shrimp, Polemon debilis, from
Opae ula-Makalawena. The rare eel, Gymnothorax hilonis could be considered an
epigeal organism. One rare epigeal shrimp, PolaembneHo burns? was found at Cape
Kmau, Maui and in Kaloko Pond, Hawaii. P. burnsi hoTnot been found at the WRR.
Other unique and rare species also found in the anchialine ponds are listed in Table
MI-8.
i. t , ^ The hyP°aeal organisms in Hawaiian anchialine ponds consist princi-
pally of shrimp species (Table 111-9). Figure III-11 illustrates the distribution of
hypogeal shrimp in Hawaii. Only 'opae'ula and Metabetaeus loheno were found at Wfpp
(Oceamc Institute, 1977, 1984 and 1985; Corps of t'ngineers, T583TVlaciolek and Prock,
, . , . lfiaure In-'2 illustrates the distribution of 'opae'ula and M. lohena at WBR.
Little is known about the life requirements of any hypoqeal shrimp due to their habits.
The hypogeal shrimp display tidal linked migration, emerging from the rock interstices
in the groundwater table with the incoming tide to feed in the pond, and later return-
ing via the interstices to the subterranean labyrinth with the falling tide. The
opae'ula are known to feed on the Schizothrix/Lynqbya mat. In turn, Metabetaeus
"/I6"0 enter ™e P°nd system to prey on 'opae'ula and may occur in densities of I per
100 opae'ula (Brock, 1985). While many egg-carrying Metobetoeus lohena con be found
in the ponds (Corps of Engineers, 1985), egg-carrying 'opae'ula a?e~n^t found in the
ponds, probably preferring and requiring the hypoqeal environment for completion of
the reproductive process (Couret and Wong, 1978). Since 'opae'ula carryina egqs in
their carapace and egg-carrying M. lohena are found in the ponds, reproduction is not
rare itirock,
3-37
-------
Table HI-8
Some Rare and Unique Anchialine Pond Organisms
Group/Scientific Name
Distribution
Sponge
Tethyo diploderrna
Several unidentified species
Hydroid
Ostromouvia horii
Shrimp
Palaemonella burnsi
Amphipod spp
(Eight species)
Mollusk
Neritilia hawaiiensis
snail
Vertebrate
Gymnothorax hilonis
rare ee!
Cape Kinau NAR, Mau?
Aimakapa-Honokohau, Hawaii
Oahu marine caves
Cape Kinau NAR, Maui
Kaloko Pond, Hawaii
Kiholo, Hawaii
Kaloko Pond, Hawaii
Kapoho, Hawaii
Waiulua Bay, Hawaii
Source: Brock 1985.
3-38
-------
Table III-9
Hypogeal Shrimp in Hawaiian Anchialine Ponds
Scientific/Hawaiian Name
Halocaridino rubra
'opae 'ula
Metabetaeus loheno
Procarfs hawaiana
Antecaridina lauensis
CaHiasmotQ pholldota
Distribution
Hawaiian islands
Oahu, Maui, Hawaii
Hawaiian Islands
Maui, Hawaii
South Point, Hawaii
Cape Kinau, Maui
Kahuku and South Point, Hawaii
Cape Kinau, Maui
i—•••
FIJI
Mozambique, Red Sea
South Point, Hawaii
Cape Kinau, Maui
Ellice Is.
Sinai Peninsula
Source: Brock, 1985.
3-39
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U)
di
NIIHAU
Legend:
Metibetaeut
Antecaridina liveniii
Procarii hawiiina
Callitsmate pholldou
100 20 -«0 60 80 Milw
North
LANAI
A,B,C,D,6
A,B,C,D,E
Figure 111-11 Known Distribution of Hypogeal Shrimp In Hawaii
-------
u>
.p-
'Opae'ula' Ponds
Ponds with no 'Opae'ula' and/or Metabetaeus
!•• ••Permit Area Boundary
•—•- — Parcel Boundaries
fro* ••*'
«nd ConqueU (198« < I b), irlilch Mr.
on unconlrolltd itrld ptiotoi flnm
blf «. M. Tm.llI Corp. (OcUMr Z9. UM).
Tht proposed pom) pmtrvitlon citeHoti
Mr« turvtyeil by EngtnMrt $ur«»y«ri Him) I
In Jinutry ind fttrgiry 1985. Atrlil photo
flwn by ». H Toxin Corp. on Hirck M, IM)
Mfti locilt p«ni(« out>t«l of th« titncnti.
The pondi itcri not ground iwrvtytd.
Figure III-12 Distribution of 'Opae'ula' and Metabetaeus Lohena at the Walkoloa Beach Resort
-------
(4) 'Opae'ula is the most abundant of the Hawaiian hypogeal shrimp
(Brock 1 985). They frequently occur in concentrations exceeding hundreds of individu-
als per square meter in a given pond on a rising tide, but may be scarce in adjacent
ponds. The apparent abundance of the 'opae'ula may be misleading for nothing is
known of the population size in the subterranean water table. Metabetgeus lohena is
the next most abundant species and has been found wherever 'opae'ula occur; support-
ing the predator-prey relationship in Maciolek and Brock (1974) and Brock (1985).
P. hawaiana and
found
Figure HI- 1 2 illustrates the distribution of both species at the V'BR.
C. phplidpta are not common (Brock 1985) and have not been found at V'BR
•R. lauensis and P. hawaiana have been found only in dimly illuminated anchialine ponds
(B"rocl
-------
except where dense volcanic rock (such as the Kaniku flow) present a barrier. The
distribution of the hypogeal organism may be an indicator of the distribution of the
available habitat (See Figure III-11). An example of the extensive distribution of
'opae'ula and Metabetaeus lohena at WBR is based on their appearance in an anchialine
pond and a skimming well at distances of 3500 and 4000 feet inland from the shoreline,
respectively.
(8) Hypogeal organisms also appear to be highly resilient to surface
modifications. As an example, the 'opae'ula and M. lohena are found in previous
borrow and quarry areas at the WBR (Corps of Engineers, 1985). These areas often dry
out during low tide and have no Schizothrix algal mats, although one borrow area is a
re-established anchialine pond with algal mats, wetland vegetation, snails and hypogeal
shrimp. 'Opae'ula have re-entered holes excavated in previously filled areas within
10-14 days of opening the holes (Corps of Engineers, 1985). These observations also
support the hypothesis that the whole porous WBP area might provide a habitat for the
hypogeal shrimp.
8.3.4 Endangered Species Status
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently classified several anchialine
pond organisms as Category 2 for purposes of the Endangered Species Act. Category 2
reflects that the organisms probably should be listed as endangered or threatened, hut
insufficient data prevents an assessment of their status for listing on the federal List
of Threatened and Endangered Species. Thus, the organisms are still considered rare,
but are not listed on the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species and are
.not proposed as candidates for listing. Of those species considered on Table III-10,
only Metabetaeus lohena was observed at Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Table HI-10
Species Classified as Category 2 by the U.S. Fish and WildHfe Service
Metabetaeus lohena
Procaris hawoiona
Palaerrionella burns?
Ostromouvia horii
Neritilia sp.
a shrimp
- a shrimp
- a shrimp
- a hydroid
- a snail
8.3.5 Future Trends
(a)
Hawai'i.
At least six trends influence the continued existence of anchialine ponds in
- natural aging or other natural phenomenon (e.g., lava flows),
- increased rates of aging,
- the introduction of exotic fish and other foreign material,
- filling or alteration by man,
- creating new ponds by natural or man-made events, and
- restoring ponds by exotic fish removal.
3-43
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(b) The natural aging process eventually results in the loss of the anchialine
pond habitat. Brock (1985) hypothesized that this natural aging process may be as
short as 100 years. However, the natural aging process may be much longer if flushing
rates do not allow sedimentation to occur.
(c) Increased rates of aging me/ occur as a result of reduced flushing and
increased sedimentation. This could occur as a result of modifications to groundwater
recharge and flow or alteration of the carbonate production in the algal community or
algal blooms.
(d) The human introduction of exotic and native organisms into the anchialine
ponds poses a serious threat to anchialine pond habitats. Recent surveys (Oceanic
Institute, 1985; Brock, 1985; Corps of Engineers, 1985) have documented a decline in
the anchialine resource since 1972 as a result of the introduction of exotic fish into
the anchialine pond ecosystem. This decline is judged to be occurring faster than the
loss of anchialine ponds due to filling. While some homeowners and developers have
built adjacent to the ponds, retaining them for aesthetic reasons, they have also intro-
duced fish into the ponds resulting in a loss of anchialine pond organisms. Presently,
there are no government regulatory controls that can prevent the introduction of
exotic fish into the ponds.
(e) Filling and altering anchialine ponds similarly eliminates the ponds ait a
rate faster than normal aging. Some anchialine ponds were modified by the ancient
Hawaiians to serve as fishponds: Lahupua'a, 'Anaeho'omalu, 'Aimakapa, 'Opae'ula and
Kaloko ponds, as well as 'opae'ula culture ponds where the shrimp were used as fish
bait. The influence of the Hawaiian culture on the anchialine pond resource must have
been slight compared to the alterations and loss posed by modern land development,
principally because the ancient Hawaiians utilized the ponds for their subsistence,
whereas modern man does not.
(f) Urban and resort development at Puako, Waikoloa Reach Resort, Kailua-
Kona and other private landholdings along the West Coast of Hawai'i have already
filled and eliminated some anchialine ponds. Future developers and private landowners
have expressed a desire to fill ponds in conjunction with their development plans,
thereby contributing to a further decline in the pond resource, subject to Federal,
State and County regulatory controls. As the majority of ponds are presently located
on private landholdings, development plans could result in a large decline in the
number of anchialine ponds. However, in areas where development has left ponds
intact, i.e., Mauna Lani Resort golf course ponds, short-term observations were not
able to detect any negative impact directly attributable to construction or subsequent
use of the surrounding terrain (Brock 1985). Brock's observations indicate that pond
preservation is possible. Secondly, field observations also suggest that filled ponds can
be restored and created indicating that pond replacement could be considered where
developments proposed to fill and eliminate ponds.
(g) Even if ponds are not filled, adjacent land uses and increased human
activity can degrade anchialine ponds. Hikers, fishermen and other shoreline users use
the ponds for bathing or as toilets, and dispose of trash in and around the ponds.
Recent surveys (Oceanic Institute, 1985) suggest that the ponds appear to tolerate a
certain amount of bathing including the use of soaps and shampoos. While trash and
human waste may be unattractive, the unique anchialine pond shrimps appear to
tolerate a certain level of trash accumulation (Oceanic Institute, 1985; Brock 1985).
However, the disposal of oils in the ponds appears to eliminate the shrimp fauna (Brock
1985). Thus, If anchialine ponds were preserved in developed or conservation areas,
human activities around the ponds need to be regulated and controlled.
3-44
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(h) Anchialine ponds located on conservation- or open space-zoned lands are
somewhat protected from development, changes to land use zoning can occur at any
time within the State and County land use systems. Conservation and open space
zoning by itself would not prevent the degradation of the pond resource without
enforcement and management efforts. Institutionally, only the anchialine ponds
located in the Cape Kinau, Maui and Manuka, Hawaii, Natural Area Reserves and in
Wainapanapa State Park are provided any long-term preservation.
0) Both the Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
are studying the rare anchialine pond organisms. The USFWS may decide to include
some of the species on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species and
may designate critical habitats; the action would place the species and the critical
habitats under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. The Corps can only
speculate about the outcome of the studies, but any future permits to fill or excavate
anchialine ponds could be prohibited in areas designated as critical habitat, subject to
satisfying compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The USFWS would also
regulate any capturing or killing of the listed species, and could possibly undertake
action to stop the introduction of exotic fish into critical habitat areas.
9. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
(a) The identification and study of archaeological sites within the Waikoloa
Beach Resort was initially performed in 1969-1970 by archaeologists of the Depart-
ment of Anthropology of the Bernice P. Bishop Museum (Barrera, 1971). This study
identified four major clusters of archaeological remains within or near the project
area. Detailed maps have not been included in this report to reduce the potential for
vandalism of the sites. Three other archaeological investigations of nearby areas
conducted during the 1 970s contribute archaeological data for the area. These include
the investigations of coastal sites and site complexes at Kalahuipua'a (the Mauna Lani
Resort) prepared by Kirch (1979) and the archaeoloqical surveys of the Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway road corridor (Ching, 1971; Rosendahl, 1 972 and 1973V
(b) More recent reconnaissance surveys of the project area were commissioned
by the applicants (Rosendahl, August 1984 and January 1985). Following the August
1 984 reconnaissance survey of the Hyatt hotel site, Shun (September I 984) completed
an intensive survey of -that area. The intensive-level survey included recording and
locational mapping of all sites, photographs and plan mapping of most sites, controlled
surface collection of artifacts where found, subsurface testing of sites with apparent
excavation potential, subsurface excavation of beach deposits along the south side of
Waiulua Bay, and age determinations of charcoal samples and a volcanic glass
specimen. All but eight sites recorded earlier by Barrera were definitely relocated by
Rosendahl and/or Shun; and they found five additional sites plus some additional
cairns. The 39 sites listed in Shun's report (September 1984b) consisted of three trail
segments, 13 cairns and 23 others (most categorized as shelters, cleared areas, or
walls). Most of the sites were located in the Waiulua Bay Settlement, a cluster of
sites near the water on the north side of the bay. Shun's test excavations of the beach
berm to the south of Waiulua Bay showed no signs of buried cultural deposits. The
intensive survey did not include the Kdniku or Nawahine settlement site clusters,
which are not on a parcel where resort structures would be built.
(c) Age determinations (by radiocarbon analysis and hydration-rind analysis)
conducted of material recovered by Shun suggested that Waiulua Bay was occupied for
short durations, possibly in association with fishing trips, as early as 1400 A.D. He
hypothesized that the users of the sites probably resided in upland areas where they
3-45
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farmed; trips were made to the coast via the region's trail system to exploit the
marine resources of the ocean, bay, and anchialine ponds.
(d) On the basis of these findings, Shun concluded that the archaeological sites
in this area had limited significance in terms of their value for scientific research and
that they did not qualify for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The
State Historic Preservation Officer concurred with these conclusions, but recommen-
ded preservation of the foot trail segment and Waiulua Bay Settlement including the
Kaniku and Nawahine sites on the Kaniku lava flow, if possible. The applicants
included the recommendations in their plans and intend to develop interpretive
displays as part of the preservation plan.
(e) The results of Shun's intensive archaeological survey of the Hyatt hotel site
confirmed the basic accuracy of the information for that area, which was surveyed by
the Bishop Museum in 1971. To determine the likelihood that the 1971 conclusions
regarding other WBR areas were also accurate, a reconnaissance survey of the
remaining area makai of the golf course (north of the Sheraton and fishpond parcels
and south of the Hyatt site) was conducted (Rosendahl, January 1985). Barrera had
identified 27 sites, incorporating 52 component features, within this area. Six sites (7
features) could not be relocated and appear to have been destroyed by bulldozing. In
addition, 22 previously unidentified sites, comprising 25 component features, were
found. Fifteen of these were cairns, ten of which could be of modern construction,
being constructed of boulders or containing wooden planks. The beach area between
the head of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay and Ka'au'au Point was inspected for indications of the
presence of buried cultural deposits, but was considered to have a low potential as an
area where undisturbed deposits were likely to be found.
(f) The reconnaissance survey (Rosendahl, January 1985) of this area conclud-
ed that several components of the Ridge Settlement Complex (which is on a parcel
outside of the project area) and of the 'Anaeho'omalu Point Cluster complex have
moderate research potential, and that the newly identified burial cave have both
moderate research value and high cultural value. All of the other archaeological
remains were considered of limited significance in terms of potential research,
interpretive, or cultural values. A program of intensive archaeological survey was
recommended by Rosendahl to include the same tasks undertaken for the Hyatt site,
together with preservation, or removal and reburial, of human skeletal remains.
(g) At the present time, the following historic sites are preserved on the V'BP:
the Kiholo-Puako (King's) Trail, a petroglyph area in the golf course, a burial cave
complex in the golf course, a "camel" area of geological interest, and the Ku'uali'i and
Kahapapa Fishponds and a reconstructed site. Some of the petroglyphs were salvaged
and put on display in the Sheraton Hotel. WBR plans to include a Museum to hold some
of the artifacts found on the property and to provide information about the ancient
inhabitants of 'Anaeho'omalu area.
10. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
10.1 EXISTING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ~ HAWAIM ISLAND AND SOUTH KOHALA
(a) With an area of 4,038 sauare miles, the island of Hawai'i comprises
63 percent of the State's total land area. Politically, the entire island comprises the
County of Hawai'i, and is divided into nine judicial districts: North and South Kohala,
North and South Kona, Hamakua, Ka'u, Puna, and North and South Hilo (see Figure
UI-13).
3-46
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0 468
•fles North
a1 a
Core Study Area
Secondary Study Area
South Point
Figure HI -13 Districts of Hawaii Island
3-47
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(b) The primary economic activities in the South Kohala District are agricul-
ture and tourism. Cattle ranching and diversified agriculture are located principally in
the upland areas around Waimea. The Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately
owned ranches in the world, is headquartered in Waimea. The area around Waimea is
also the most productive on the island with respect to the production of vegetable
crops.
(c) Visitor-related activities and accommodations in West Hawai'i have tradi-
tionally been centered in Kailua-Kona in the North Kona District. However, South
Kohala's white sand beaches, dry and sunny climate, and majestic mountains make it
exceptionally attractive, and it has long been recognized ?n State, County, and
private-sector plans for its potential as a major resort destination area. The pace of
resort development, which began with the opening of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel at
the Mauna Kea Resort in 1965, has accelerated during the past few years with the
opening of the first hotels in the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resorts. Continued
development of extensive visitor facilities is underway in these three South Kohala
resorts.
10.2 COUNTY LAND USE PLANS AND CONTROLS
10.2.1 Overview
(a) The County of Hawai'i General Plan, adopted in 1971, sets forth the
County's long-range plans for development of the island. The General Plan was revised
in 1979-80, and a second update is currently underway. TheTJeneral Plan recognizes
the opportunity for, and desirability of, resort development within the bouth Kohala
District that proceeds in an orderly fashion, consistent with the physical and social
goals of the County's citizens.
(b) Hawai'i County's General Plan is the primary policy document of a multi-
level land use control system that is designed to insure that development meets the
island's needs and proceeds in an orderly fashion. In the General Plan? major resort
areas in South Kohala have been designated at Kawaihae-Hapuna (Mauna Kea Beach
Resort area), Puako-Honoka'ope Bay (Mauna Lani Resort area), and 'Anaeho'ornalu
(Waikoloa Beach Resort). In addition to its land use sections, the General Plan also
addresses the County's goals, policies, and standards in the following areas: flood
control and drainage, historic sites, housing, natural beauty, natural resources and
shoreline, public facilities, public utilities, recreation, and transportation. Often,
specific objectives concerning development in South Kohala are slated in the General
Plan, such as providing for employee housing needs, developing basal groundwater
supplies, developing parks and ensuring public shoreline access, and developing
highway, port and airport facilities. Some of these actions have been implemented;
the water system developed by Boise Cascade for the Waikoloa project was followed
by the Lalamilo water system developed by the State, County, Mauna Lani and Mauna
Kea Resorts. The water systems plus the construction of the Queen Ka'ahumanu
Highway, Kawaihae Harbor, and Keahole Airport have provided major infrastructure to
support resort development in South Kohala.
(c) The County adopted land use strategies to guide development and to meet
the needs identified in the General Plan. In the area of housing, the General Plan
requires that resort developers provide employee housing where necessary to avoid
housing shortages. The General Plan also requires the development of adeauate water
supply systems prior project approval. Resort developments are required to provide
public access to beach areas. Through land use zoning allocations, housing/resort unit
3-48
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densities are regulated so that the capacities of support facilities will not be
exceeded. The implementation of these strategies rests with the County of Hawai'i
through its Planning Department, Department of Public Works, and Office of Housing
and Community Development. Implementation is accomplished through various land
use controls, including Zoning, Planned Unit Development permits, Special Manage-
ment Area permits, and shoreline setback requirements.
10.2.2 The Waikoloo Project
(a) The Waikoloa project is a planned community encompassing 31,000 acres of
land (see Figure 111-14). Extending 12 miles between Mamalahoa Highway and the
shoreline, it is composed of two main parts. The uppermost lies above Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway and is by far the largest; it includes zoning for larqe- and
medium-size agricultural lots, as well as low- and medium-density residential land and
commercial areas within Waikoloa Village. The 1,360 acres below Queen Ka'ahumanu
Highway comprise the Waikoloa Beach Resort (WBR).
(b) The WBR is designated as a "major resort" on the Hawai'i County General
Plan. Initial zoning for the area of the WBR makai (seaward) of the King's Trail was
granted in 1971. Adjustments in zoning lot boundaries needed to accommodate revised
golf and roadway plans were granted by the County with the adoption of Ordinance
No. 265 in 1977. Approved plans and zoning at the WBR provide for the ultimate
development of approximately 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,400 multi-family resort
residential units, but the 543-room Sheraton Royal Waikoloa is the only hotel built,
thus far. Ground-breaking for the first resort condominium project within the WBR,
the 114-unit "The Shores at Waikoloa", took place in mid-1984, and initial occupancy is
scheduled for 1985. This leaves about 2,450 additional hotel rooms and approximately
3,300 additional resort multi-family units still to be constructed. The existing zoning
district boundaries within the Waikoloa Beach Resort are shown in Figure 111-15.
10.3 COMMUNITY PROFILE
Descriptions of the major communities in North and South Kohala, North Kona
and Hamakua Districts are provided in Tables III-11 and 111-12.
10.3.1 Population
(a) The population of the South Kohala District remained nearly constant
between 1960 and 1970, but rose by 2,297 (an increase of 99 percent) during the
following decade (see Table 111-13). During this same period, the Mauna Kea Resort
was the only South Kohala resort to experience significant growth, suggesting that the
increase in the population of the South Kohala District was probably driven by other
factors, such as growth in Waimea and the resort development that occurred in North
Kona. In comparison, the North Kona District population rose from 4,832 in 1970 to
13,748 in 1980, an increase of 8,646, or 185 percent.
(b) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (November 1984) has estimated that the
population of the South Kohala District will reach approximately 7,000 by 1990 and
12,000 by the year 2040. Population projections contained in environmental impact
statements prepared for major resort projects in the region are substantially higher. It
is expected that the major cause of this population growth will be the resort
development planned along the South Kohala coastline. Belt, Collins & Associates, for
example, project that the operation of the Hyatt hotel alone will increase the area
population by 4,000 before 1990, bringing the area's population to 10,000 by 1990.
3.-49
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Proposed
HYAH REGENCY
WAIKOLOA HOTEL
Sheraton Royal
Waikoloa Hotel
Pu'ufcoholi Heiau
National Historic Site
(543 rooms) .
Figure 111-14 Waikoloa Lands and the South Kohala Region
tot
3-50
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Roadway Parcel R 2
3IM1C
Roadway Parcel R-6'
ISOTac
Ul
Roadway Pared R-4 • ^
5 56610 lo \ 9
AA\
Miuni Lanl Raeort
MO *00 900
EEEH
NORTH SCALE IN FEET
Figure 111-15 Existing Zoning - Walkoloa Beach Resort
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Table III-11
Principal Communities of Kohala
Community
North Kohala
Howl, Kapa'au,
Hala'ula
Capsule Description
Makapala,
Halawa, Niuli'i
Adjacent former sugar towns;
contain most of N. Kohala's
population and all commercial
activity & government services.
Sugar activities long abandoned,
low population, rural setting.
Major Economic Activities
Small retail outlets; nursery
operation; small-scale industrial
activities (kim chee factory,
heavy equipment repair, etc.)
Only .agriculture or subsistence
activities; no commercial busi-
nesses.
Population Characteristics
Longtime residents tend to be
aging, former plantation work-
ers, with less formal education.
An unknown proportion consists
of relatively younger in-migrants
from the Mainland.
Relatively more part-Hawaiian.
U1
South Kohala
Waimea (Kamuela)
Waikoloa Village
Kawaihae
Puako
Commercial & population center
for both South and North Kohala.
Resort/residential community;
homes built on 27Q of 985 lots;
222 condo units.
Most population in Kawaihae
Village subdivision; few homes in
old area near harbor.
Vacation beach homes.
Parker Ranch HO and shopping
center; telescope basecamp; two
large private schools; profession-
al offices; restaurants; retail
outlets; small tourist attrac-
tions.
Project development; golf
course; clubhouse, a convenience
store.
Harbor and storage; one gas sta-
tion; two stores; one restaurant;
wood-chipping plant.
No stores; one condo bldg.
serving as apt ./hotel.
Longtime residents of paniolo
tradition; influx of newcomers
(professional); vacation homes
for O'ahu residents.
About 30% retirees (mostly
Mainland) and 70% younger
working people (mostly local).
Village residences intended as
employee housing for Mauna Kea
Hotel, but most residents work
elsewhere.
Retirees/younger people renting
old cottages.
Source: Community Resources (1980); updated by Community Resources, Inc. (September 1984).
-------
Table III-12
Principal Communities of North Kona and Hamakua
Community
Capsule Description
North Kona
Kailua
Visitor destination area; agricul-
tural activity, primarily in
mauka regions.
Major Economic Activities
Tourism; retail and commercial
activity; agricultural production
related to coffee, ranching and
macadamia nuts.
Population Characteristics
Primarily Caucasian; employed
in professional, retail, and ser-
vice work.
CO
I
en
OJ
Hamakua
Honoka'a
Plantation town which serves as
regional economic center.
Sugar production; retail and
commercial activity; macadamia
processing; some visitor-oriented
shops.
Wulti-ethnic population with
expanding Filipino community.
NOTE: For the secondary study area, only the largest community for each district is discussed in this table and text.
Source: Community Resources, Inc. (September 1984).
-------
00
Ul
Table til-13
1970 and 1980 Census Data on Population and Demographics, by Area
TOTAL POPULATION
AGE
under 5 years
5 to 17 years
18 to 64 years
65 and older
ETHNICITY1
Caucasian (White)
Chinese
Filipino
Hawaiian
Japanese
other
PLACE OF BIRTH1
Hawaii
other U.S.A.
foreign country
RESIDENCE 5 YR. AGO1
same house
elsewhere on Island
different island
different state
different country
EDUCATION (pop. 25+)1
8 years or less
high school grad
college grad., more
Hawaii
1970
63.468
8.58
27.82
54.40
9.20
28.83
2.90
16.47
12.30
37.53
1.97
76.99
NC
10.83
62.49
NC
NC
NC
NC
37.16
31.60
7.54
County
1980
92,053
9.09
21.50
59.22
10.19
34.98
1.74
13.85
18.81
26.56
4.07
70.54
20.04
9.41
52.89
24.86
8.11
11.06
3.09
20.11
35.52
15.16
North Kohala
1970
L326
10.01
29.43
51.08
9.47
25.59
4.27
29.22
15.33
23.84
1.74
69.29
NC
16.26
49.89
NC
NC
NC
NC
44.24
29.97
5.93
1980
3,249
9.20
22.87
54.36
13.57
27.83
1.01
23.95
24.74
16.07
6.41
75.63
13.62
10.75
68.85
12.10
4.40
11.59
3.06
28.98
38.98
8.12
South Kohala
1970
2.310
9.31
28.27
56.06
6.36
39.22
1.30
6.58
26.45
24.42
2.03
70.34
NC
6.09
45.64
NC
NC
NC
NC
24.09
34.23
13.06
1980
4,607
10.18
23.57
58.58
7.66
46.54
1.37
5.57
28.51
14.56
3.45
64.85
30.43
4.71
50.74
17.33
14.86
16.42
.65
8.58
37.02
20.73
Honokaa-Kukulhaele
i9"70~
2.829
7.60
27.08
55.04
10.29
36.94
2.72
21.77
7.14
30.01
1.41
77.90
NC
14.60
66.18
NC
NC
NC
NC
45.73
27.46
5.33
1980
3.287
9.43
22.27
54.49
13.81
37.85
1.18
21.90
12.24
24.88
1.94
77.19
9.48
13.34
68.33
16.45
8.89
4.33
2.00
30.30
35.68
9.82
North Kona
1970
4,832
9.13
27.03
55.69
8.15
43.98
3.66
8.40
19.33
23.14
1.49
67.40
NC
. 5.77
51.08
' NC
NC
NC
NC
28.85
65.98
8.77
lyuu
13.748
9.11
20.29
63.88
6.72
53.77
1.59
7.17
22.10
11.83
3.54
54.38
39.92
5.70
38.78
28.13
7.01
23.12
2.97
7.95
40.93
18.79
Figures based on 15 percent sample; hence, numbers represent estimate.
"NC" » 1970 categories or bases "Not Comparable" to 1980 (1970 Census kept a "non-response category, while 1980 census
allocated non-responses to other categories shown). '
Sources; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1972, Census of Population and Housing, 1970. Census Tracts (Final Report,
PHC(l)-88,' Honolulu, Hawaii SHSA); State of Hawaii, Department of Planning and Economic Development, 1973, Community
Profiles for Hawajj; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1980, Summary Tape Files 1-A and 3-A.
-------
(c) In contrast to the dramatic population changes observed in both South
Kohala and North Kona over the past ten years* population decline or slow growth are
characteristic of the North Kohala, Hamakua, and the North Hilo Districts. The
decline is probably related to the lack of employment opportunities as a result of the
termination of sugar agriculture in North Kohala and Hamakua. The slight decline in
North Kohala's population is definitely related to the demise of the Kohala Plantation
Co. and to the stagnation in ranching. The lack of economic opportunity has led many
young persons to leave the area in search of employment. As a consequence, the
average age of the residents in North Kohala, Hamakua, and North Hilo has increased.
In 1980, for example, persons over age 65 accounted for 14 percent of the North
Kohala District's population, up from 9 percent in 1970. Hamakua showed modest
growth over the period, and had more of both younger and older persons in 1980 than in
1970. Both North Kohala and Honoka'a-Kukuihaele (the northern part of the Hamakua
District) have high dependency ratios, with 84 persons younger than 17 or older than 64
for each 100 persons in the prime working age of .18 to 64.
(d) Revised estimates of resident population growth in Hawai'i County since
1980 show an average annual increase of three percent (Hawai'i, State of, Department
of Planning and Economic Development, 1984). District level population estimates are
not available, but indicator statistics such as school enrollment strongly suggest that
the number of people in South Kohala and North Kona has continued to rise faster than
the County-wide average.
(e) The populations of South Kohala, North Kohala, and North Kona are more
Hawaiian and more Caucasian than that of the island as a whole. The Caucasian in-
migrants have generally higher educational levels thap longtime island residents.
There is also greater wealth in the South Kohala and North Kona Districts than in
areas to the north and east. There has been substantial in-migrat?on of young persons
to North Kona to take visitor industry jobs. In the North and South Kohala, North
Kona, and Hamakua districts and in the major towns within them, the number of
families has increased much faster than the number of households.
10.3.2 Labor Force and Employment
(a) Overall, Hawai'i County's labor force participation rate remained relatively
steady during the 1970s, with about 60 percent of the potential labor force actually
working or looking for work. South Kohala has historically showed a slightly higher
than average labor force participation rate, and this has not changed. The decline in
the participation rate ?n Honoka'a-Kukuihaele is related to the natural aginq of that
population and to out-migration of working-age persons. North Kona shows a signifi-
cant increase in the tendency to work, with civilian labor force participation rate
increasing one and one-half times as fast as the potential labor force. In I960, 72
percent of all persons age 16 or more residing in North Kona were in the labor force,
well above the County-wide average of 61 percent. The higher-than-averaae rate is
believed to be a function of North Kona's younger, less family-based population.
Pertinent labor force characteristics of North and South Kohala, North Kona, and
Honoko'a-Kukuihaele, as well as County-wide totals, are shown in Table HI-14.
(b) The female component of the labor force has increased in the County as a
whole. In 1980, it was largest (44 percent) in North Kohala and smallest (36 percent)
in Honoka'a-Kukuihaele. Except in the latter area, female unemployment tends to he
lower than male unemployment. This last relationship is the reverse of the situation
which prevailed in 1970, when female unemployment rates were one to three times as
high as men's.
3-55
-------
Table III-1
1970 and 1980 Census Data on Labor Force Characteristics
00
ON
Hawaii County
POTENTIAL LABOR FORCE
(aged 16 or above) ;
not in labor force
armed forces
civilian labor force
OTlUlM~LXBUR~FB«C~E~ ~ ;
male
female
unemployed
(male unemployment)
(female unemployment)
WAL MLoW
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
OCCUPATION
service (not pvt. hh.)
managerial/profess.
technical, sales
t administrative
farm, fish, forestry
precision, craft,
repair
operators, fabrica-
tors, laborers
INDUSTRY (selected)
agriculture, forest,
fish, mining
construction
manufacturing
wholesale trade
retail trade
financial, insurance,
real estate
personal, entertain.
1 recreat. services
educational services
public adminis.
COMMUTE TO WORK
45 minutes or more
mean travel (minutes)
1970
13,075
39.46
0.43
60.10
K-f9-
63.60
36.40
2.74
( 2.12)
( 3.82)
25.180
-
16.29
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
10.60
15.01
4.32
14.82
2.80
NC
7.61
6.49
N/A
N/A
NOTE: All figures based on IS
"N/A" » "Not Available"
"NC"
1980
67.205
38.67
0.31
61.02
"4T.CQS "
58.53
41.47
6.96
( 7.18)
( 6.66)
38.150
-
16.47
20.05
26.10
10.29
12.71
14.39
11.20
9.11
8.33
3.87
17.52
5.70
10.89
8.10
7.26
5.95
16.5 m
North
1970
2.240
'38.39
1.12
60.49
" ~1735"5"
63.17
36.83
1.85
( 1.40)
( 2.61)
1.330
-
24.66
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
2.56
29.25
.75
2.93
1.13
NC
8.57
5.49
N/A
N /A
Kohala
1980
2.286
i~
39.76
.96
59.27
~ T.355" " "
i~
55.72
44.28
9.23
( 9.40)
( 9.00)
1,230
-
34.23
15.20
13.74
14.23
9.67
12.93
8.05
4.96
8.13
1.95
6.99
2.28
31.38
12.52
8.05
22.03
24.1 m
percent sampie; hence, numbers
* 1970 categories or
bases "Not
South Kohala Honokaa-Kukulhaele
1970
1.446
34.23
0.00
65.77
•~ 95V
r~
65.62
34.38
4.10
( 2.40)
( 7.34)
912
X
13.82
NC
NC
HC
NC
NC
NC
13.60
2.30
.88
15.90
3.51
NC
10.09
3.07
N/A
N/A
represent
1980
1*222
35.87
0.00
64.13
" 7.T1P ~
~i
62.99
37.01
6.26
( 7.37)
( 4.35)
1.978
-
17.95
20.58
19.16
14.00
16.53
11.78
16.84
12.29
5.11
3.39
13.80
7.63
16.03
9.61
2.07
13.90
21.7 m
estimate.
1970
2.092
40.58
0.24
59.18
"17218" '
~i
68.01
31.99
1.86
( 1.66)
( 2.27)
1.215
-
18.68
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
9.88
26.42
.00
10.29
.41
NC
6.91
8.64
N/A
N/A
1980
2.418
46.69
0.00
53.31
L|S
64.31
35.69
5.35
( 5.07)
( 5.87)
1,220
-
11.15
12.46
18.93
12.62
17.54
27.30
16.23
8.03
29.43
1.64
13.77
1.15
6.56
7.05
5.25
13.44
17.6 ffl
North Kona
1970
3.632
44.33
0.00
55.67
27072"
66.62
33.38
4.80
( 4.08)
( 6.22)
1.925
-
18.65
NC
NC
HC
NC
NC
NC
23.58
2.81
1.04
13.09
3.95
NC
4.S2
4.16
N/A
N/A
1900
10.115
27.85
0.06
72.09
-Lr
57.52
42.48
5.20
( 6.20)
( 3.84)
6.913
A
21.50
21.15
28.18
7.10
12.14
9.94
6.22
11.24
1.49
1.88
23.55
8.64
20.73
4.79
2.73
4.80
16.4 n
Comparable" to 1980
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1970, 1980; State of Hawaii, Community Profiles for Hawaii. 1973
-------
(c) In 1980, unemployment in all districts was higher than in 1970. The highest
unemployment rate within the study area was recorded in North Kohala (9.23 percent),
the lowest in North Kona (5.20 percent) (see Table 111-14). Unemployment tended to
be slightly lower in urban places (see Table 111-15) than elsewhere.
(d) North Kohala and North Kona residents tend to be employed in the service
sector, especially in businesses serving the visitor industry. The increasing dominance
of service sector employment is most pronounced in North Kohala; where the number
of service sector employees increased by 28 percent during the ten-year period. At
the same time, total employment declined by 7 percent. These changes indicate a
major transition in North Kohala from a dependence on sugar growing and processina
to hotels and other personal, entertainment, and recreational industries.
(e) South Kohala, though closer to the tourism center in North Kona, was less
directly involved in service sector employment at the hotels developed during the
1970s. In 1980, about 40 percent of employees in South Kohala worked in managerial,
professional, technical, administrative, or sales occupations. The Honoka'a-Kukuihaele
area also remained relatively untouched by the trend toward service sector employ-
ment, and in 1980 it still showed greater employment in skilled occupations and in
agriculture-related industries.
(f) Commuting statistics confirm the importance to North Kohala residents of
visitor-related employment in North Kona, with almost one-quarter (22 percent)
spending more than 45 minutes to reach their place of employment. In contrast, less
than 5 percent of North Kona workers spent as much time commuting.
(g) The 1980 Census data presented above are the most recent data available
for most demographic parameters. Unemployment, which is a key factor in judaing '
the effect of the proposed project, tends to fluctuate somewhat more than other
factors. The State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations estimates that Rig
Island unemployment has increased from about six percent in 1980 to nine percent in
1983. District-level unemployment data are not available for 1983, but the Depart-
ment has prepared estimates based on relationships observed in 1980. These are
presented in Table 111-16.
10.3.3 Housing
(a) Table 111-17 presents selected data on the housing stock of the study area
for the years 1970 and 1980. As with population, housing stock increased most
dramatically in the North Kona and South Kohala districts. North Kona's housina stock
grew by 247 percent over the course of the decade, three times the county-wide rate.
In contrast, the number of housing units in North Kohala and in Honoka'a-Kukuihaele
grew only modestly during the 1970s.
(b) The proportion of homes occupied by owners rather than renters increased
in all regions, but the greatest rise was in North Kona and South Kohala. However,
home ownership is still greatest in North Kohala and Honoka'a-Kukuihaele, the two
regions that have been least affected by in-migration.
(c) The incidence, and share of homes lacking some or all plumbing is down in
all regions from the 1970 level, reflecting the higher building standards that now exist
and a gradual replacement of old and dilapidated homes by new units. All areas show
comparable or lesser percentages of "crowded" conditions ('defined as more than 1.5
persons per room in a unit). However, in absolute terms the number of "crowded"
3-57
-------
Table HI-15
Pa-cent Unemployment in Urban Areass 1980
Haw! Waimea Honoka'a
Total 9.12 5.55 2.48
Male 9.68 7.45 3.84
Female 8.44 1.79 2.27
Kailua-Kona
3.02
3.15
2.84
Source: 1980 U.S. Census.
Table HI-16
Estimates of Unemployed Since 1980
Area
Hawai'i County
North Kohala
South Kohala
Honoka'a/Kukui hae I e
North Kona*
Kailua-Kona
1980
1981
1982
1983
2650 (6.3%) 3400 (7.6%) 4450 (9.8%) 4250 (9.1%)
100 (8.4%) 150 (10.1%) 200 (12.8%) 200 (12.0%)
100 (5.7%) 150 (6.9%) 200 (8.8%) 200 (8.2%)
50 (4.9%) 100 (5.9%) 100 (7.5%) 100 (7.1%)
350 (4.7%) 450 (5.7%) 600 (7.5%) 550' (6.9%)
150 (4.9%) 200 (5.9) 200 (8.8%) 250 (7.1%)
* Census Tracts 215 and 216 combined.
Source: Unpublished State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations data.
3-58
-------
Table III-17
Census Data on Housing Stock: 1970 and 1980
CO
I
en
VQ
TOTAL YEAR-ROUND
HOUSING UNITS
vacant
(pet. vacancies held
for occasional use)
TOTAL YEAR-ROUND
OCCUPIED UNITS
TENURE
owner-occupied
renter-occupied
SELECTED CONDITONS
lacking some plumbing
1.51 or more
persons/room
PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD:
NUMBER OF OWNER-
OCCUPIED NON-CONDO-
HINIUM UNITS FOR WHICH
VALUE DATA AVAILABLE
Hawaii
1970
18.972
9.02
N/A
17.260
56.87
43.13
17.06
6.52
3.61
NC
MEDIAN VALUE: $24,800
NUMBER OF RENTER-
OCCUPIED CASH RENTAL
UN ITS FOR WHICH
RENTAL DATA AVAILABLE
MEDIAN RENT:
"N/A" - "Not Available."
NC
$54
11 NC" =
County
1980
33.954
13.89
(18.08)
29.237
60.65
39.35
8.12
4.97
3.09
15.703
$70,300
9.667
$223
North
1970
941
r~
6.59
N/A
879
66.55
33.45
17.63
9.67
3.75
NC
$16.100
NC
$38
1970 categories or
Kohala
1980
1.121
8.83
(18.18)
1.022
"i
67.71
32.29
9.88
3.13
3.16
613
$64,200
226
$153
bases "Not
South Kohala Honokaa-Kukulhaele
1970
798
r~
18.55
N/A
650
r~
48.77
51.23
15.38
8.15
3.51
NC
1980
1.959
~i
24.30
(21.85)
1.483
59.27
40.73
2.43
5.26
3.07
773
$31,800 $95,700
NC
$116
Comparable
492
$307
" to 1980.
1970
880
r*
8.07
N/A
809
r~
59.70
40.30
17.43
4.20
3.40
NC
$19,400
NC
$37
I5BS
1.114
6.46
(54.17)
1.042
i~
64.30
35.70
7.87
4.61
3.13
597
$60,600
to
301
$128
North Kona
1970
1.982
27.80
N/A
1.431
44.65
55.35
26.28
14.12
3.36
NC
$35,000
$49,999
NC
$150
to $199
1980
6.694
33.25
(14.70)
4.602
55.11
44.89
7.32
6.06
2.92
2.132
$114,000
1.720
$331
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1970. 1980; State of Hawaii. Comity Profiles for Hawaii. 1973
-------
homes increased in South Kohala, North Kona, and Honoka'a-Kukuihaele. In North
Kona, at least, this is probably related to an increase in the number of single persons
sharing housing. However, the high average number of persons per room in South
Kohala and Honoka'a-Kukuihaele may indicate that some "doubling-up" has occurred
among families as well.
(d) As would be expected, 1980 property values and rental rates were highest
in North Kona and South Kohala, but the 1970 figures indicate that these two areas
have historically been expensive ones. Changes in property values and median rents
during the 1970s were greatest in the northern areas where housing stock grew slowly.
Rents and property values in North Kohala, for instance, tripled over the decade.
(e) Within districts, census data shows 1980 property values were higher within
the towns of Waimea and Haw! than in their surrounding areas. On the other hand,
Kailua-Kona, which has a substantial number of multi-family units, showed a lower
median property value than did the North Kona district as a whole.
10.3.4 Public Services and Facilities
As previously described, substantial investments have been made in the public
infrastructure needed to stimulate and support resort development in the South Kohala
District. Construction projects include the Oueen Ka'ahumanu Highway, Keohole
Airport, the Lalamilo water system, and Kawaihae Harbor. Public investment in the
infrastructure is over $40 million. In conjunction with these government-sponsored
efforts, private landowners are developing several major resort projects alonq the
South Kohala coast. Aggregate private expenditures for the resorts exceeds $100
million. The joint State, County, and private funding of the Lalamilo water system is
an exemplary cooperative effort to'solve water supply problems in the region.
10.3.4.I Schools and Libraries
(a) Public schools serving the South Kohala District include waimea Flernen-
tary and Intermediate School (kindergarten through grade 9) and Honoka'a High School
(grades 10 through 12) situated in the Hamakua District. South Kohala district high
school students are bussed to Honoka'a High School. Two private schools are located
in Waimea: Parker School (grades 7 through 12), and Hawai'f Preparatory Academy
(grades I through 12). The Thelma Parker Memorial Library in Waimea serves the
South Kohala area.
(b) Other schools and libraries situated outside the District, but in the general
area, include Kohala High and Elementary (kindergarten through grade 12) in Honoma-
ka'u (near Haw"i), the Kohala Mission School (grades I through 8) in Hawl, Bond
Memorial Library in Kapa'au, and the Honoka'a Library.
10.3.4.2 Health Care Facilities
(a) Four medical facilities are available to residents and visitors in West
Hawai'i: Lucy Henriques Medical Center in Waimea, Honoka'a Hospital in Honoka'a,
Kohala Hospital near Hawi, and the Kona Hospital in Kealakekua, Kona.
(b) The facility nearest to the WBR is the privately owned Lucy Henriques
Medical Center; this is a modern facility staffed by six physicians and three dentists
(two full-time and one part-time). While it is the most modern of the four, it is not
certified to operate as a hospital. Emergency treatment is available at the Center,
and patients may be treated and held for up to 24 hours.
3-60
-------
(c) The three hospitals are State operated. The number of full-time equivalent
practicing physicians is 8.7 in Kohala, 5 in Honoka'a, and 35.1 in Kona.
(d) Kohala Hospital is a 26-bed facility (10 acute care, and 16 long-term care),
which offers 24-hour emergency care as well as a range of other medical services
including surgery. Honoka'a Hospital has 35 beds (27 acute care^ and 8 long-term care),
and offers a range of medical services including surgery, child delivery, laboratory, and
emergency room. The largest of the four hospitals is the Kona Hospital which serves
West Hawai'i, with 53 acute care and 22 long-term care beds. All three hospitals have
been operating well below their capacity, and there are currently no plans to expand
facilities (Park; October 4, 1984).
10.3.4.3 Recreational Facilities
(a) Kohala and North Kona recreational facilities include golf courses, tennis
courts, beaches, riding stables, historic sites, small boat harbors, and other facilities.
Their locations are shown on Figure 111-16. The County's Samuel Spencer Beach Park
and the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area are the principal developed recreational
facilities in the immediate vicinity of the WBR. They offer white sand beaches,
picnicking, camping, and restroom and parking facilities. Other County beach parks are
located in the Kailua area and at Mahukona, Kapa'a, and Keokea. A large State
Historic Park is being developed at Lapakahi in North Kohala. At Honokohau and
Kawaihae there are small boat harbors and ramps, and just south of Hapuna Beach is the
Puako Boat Ramp. An electric boat hoist is available at Mahukona. A number of
additional recreational facilities are proposed for Kohala and North Kona in the Hawai'i
County Recreation Plan (Hawai'I, County of, Department of Parks and Recreation and
Planning Department; 1973).
(b) The Waikoloa Beach Resort currently has an 18-hole championship golf
course and clubhouse, and at the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel there are tennis and
swimming facilities available to guests. The 'Anaeho'omalu Bay shoreline area includes
a white sand beach and two fishponds. This area has been extensively cleaned and
rehabilitated by the developers of the WBR. The two fishponds have been restored and
restrooms, showers, and parking for the public have been provided, making the area a
popular beach for residents as well as resort guests.
(c) Waiulua Bay and the nearshore waters area fronting the Hyatt site are used
for fishing, diving, surfing, and hiking. Use of these waters for fishing and diving seems
to have increased in popularity since the opening of the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel,
probably because of improved access. Both pole and throw net fishing occur In the
area; some of the more popular fish caught there are mullet, wowo, uhu, and 'oama.
According to Duncan (September 26, 1984), as many as one to two dozen people may use
Waiulua Bay for some form of recreation during the course of a sunny weekend day.
The diving that occurs is often by boat; it is done at night, as well as in the day.
Surfing occurs just south of Waiulua Bay, where wave conditions are very favorable.
(d) In addition to the ocean-related activities, hiking also occurs on portions of
old Hawaiian trails that are in the area. Waiulua Bay includes one segment of the Ala
Kahakai, a foot trail that hugs the shoreline from Pu'ukohola to just south of the
Keahole Airport. This segment is one of those hiked by such groups as the Kona Hiking
Club and Na Ala Hele, as well as by informal groups. The anchialine ponds in the
shoreline area of the WBR, including the southern portion of the Hyatt site, are visited
by many of the hikers and by others Interested in their beauty or uniaue biological
features. These pools also provide an oasis for the hikers; providing water In an
emergency and a place to rest and cool off.
3-61
-------
'Upolu Point
Kapa'a Beach
Mahuk'ona Beach
Mahukona Boat Ramp'
Lapakahi State Historic Park
Kohala High/Elen.
School Playground
Kamehameha Park
Keokea Beach
Camp Koapaka
Kawalhae Boat Harbor/Launching Ramp
Sa«uel Spencer Beach
Kamehameha
Statue
Hala'ula Elern. _.
School Playgrouhd
alley
Ironwood X fe
Outfitters J^Kahua Ranch *)
Stables Tp*vil1on '
District
Park \ "-^Kahilu Hal
_
Mauna Kea Beach
Riding Stabl
aimeaJ'Jayground
WAlMEA f
Waimea- Youth Center
Waimea Rodeo \
Arena and Track:
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Golf Course v
Hapuna Beach
Puako Boat R
Thelnaa
Pu'ukohola Heiau Parker
National Park
Waimea Elem. /Intrmediate
Playground I
P*uo* Bay./
HakaTwa Bay
Francis I'i Brown !Golf Cours
JHYATT REGENCY
•Anteho'oiulu Bay
Ualkoloa
Beach Resort
Golf Course
Honokohau
Boat Harbor and
Kailua District
Kailua Bay Wharf and Ramp'
Hulihe'e Palace"
Hale Halawai
Hillcrest Parkx
Kamoa Point Historic Site
White Sands Beach
Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kona at Keauhou Golf Course
Figure 111-16 Recreational Facilities in Kohala/N. Kona Region
3-62
-------
10.3.4.4 Protective Services
(a) The Hawaf'i County Police Department currently maintains two police
stations in the South and North Kohala region. The larger facility is at Waimea and
consists of a modern station and jail structure which serves as headquarters for a
20-person full-time staff. The Kapa'au Police Station in North Kohala is housed in a
building that adjoins the court .building and is staffed by approximately 13 persons.
Both police stations were constructed relatively recently, and there is room within the
buildings for additional staff.
(b) Existing fire protection facilities in the South Kohala district consist
primarily of a County-operated fire station in Waimea, about 20 miles from the WBR.
This station has 24-hour staffing with a six-person crew and is equipped with pumper,
water tanker, and rescue van. to supplement the Waimea station, the County has a
single fire truck, one-person facility in Kawaihae which is staffed only between 8 a.m.
and 4p.m. There are also two County fire trucks, one at Puako and another at
Waikoloa Village, manned solely by volunteers (Yoshizumi; November 9, 1984).
Additional fire protection capacity is provided by a privately owned fire truck at the
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, manned by volunteers.
10.3.4.5 Transportation Facilities
(a) Highways; Major roadways in the West Hawai'i resort region are shown on
Figure II-1. Access to the Waikoloa Beach Resort (WBR), as well as to the other major
resort projects within the Kohala Coast Resort Region, is provided by Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway. Completed in 1975, this 33-mile-long, two-lane, controlled-
access State highway has a capacity of 2,000 vehicles per hour. It links the major
resort development along the coast with Keahole Airport and Kailua-Kona to the south
and Kawaihae Harbor and the Waimea-Kawaihae Road to the north. The Hawai'i Belt
Road (MamaJahoa Highway) serves the upland areas of North Kona and South Kohala.
Connections between Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and the Hawai'i Belt Road are
provided by the Waimea-Kawaihae Road (located about eight miles north of the WBR),
Waikoloa Road (located just north of the WBR entrance road), Ka'imi Nani Street, also
known as the Kona Palisade Subdivision Road (located a short distance south of the
Keahole Airport), and Palani Road at Kailua-Kona.
_ ^ Airports; Three airports serve the Kohala coast resort region. Two,
Keahole and Kamuela, are operated by the State Department of Transportation. The
third, the recently opened Waikoloa Airstrip, is operated by Princevtlle Airways. The
Kamuela and Waikoloa facilities are used primarily by commuter airlines and private
aircraft, although daily jet service is still available between Kamuela and Honolulu.
Keahole Airport is located approximately 20 miles south of the WBR. It is served by
all three of the major interisland air carriers, as well as by several commuter airlines
and air cargo companies. In 1982, Ke5hole Airport handled over I.I million
passengers, and the number has increased substantially since then. Its 6,000-foot lonq
runway is adequate for the largest interisland aircraft, and wide-bodied jet aircraft
now fly directly to the airport from the West Coast. However, the runway'is too short
to permit these aircraft to take off with a full load of fuel; therefore, return fliqhts to
the mainland must proceed via General Lyman Field in Hilo or Kahului Airport on
Maui, where the aircraft top off their fuel tanks.
(c) Harbors; In 1959 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed Kawaihae
Harbor, which is used primarily for inter-island barge service. Building materials,
consumer goods, and -equipment, as well as the provisions and supplies needed to
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operate the hotels In South Kohala and Kona, pass through the harbor Harbor capacity
is considered ample to accommodate the expected long-term growth of West Hawa, i s
tourist industry.
10.3.4.6 Solid Waste Disposal
The Kailua landfill is located near Kailua-Kona and will serve the North Kona and
South Kohala coastal area until a planned new landfill site becomes operational. The
County Sewers and Sanitation Bureau is considering a new landfill site which would be
located about 10 miles east of the Kona Village Resort, in the vicinity of Pu'uanahulu
The new site is expected to be operational in about three or four years, and wou d
accommodate solid waste generated by planned resort development m South Kohala
(Sugiyama; September 20, 1984). Refuse generated by the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa
Hotel, the golf course clubhouse, and other existing WBR facilities is currently being
collected by a privately contracted firm which trucks the. waste to the County-operated
Kailua-Kona landfill.
10.3.4.7 Water Supply
(a) A preliminary analysis of municipal water supply problems and needs in the
South Kohala District was completed by the Corps of Engineers in I9P4. Within the
South Kohala District water demand could increase from 2.5 million gallons a day (mad)
to 20 mgd by the year 2010. The principal cause for increased demand is resort devel-
opment along the coast. The present supply of 4.5 mgd would be increased to 17 mgd by
private development of groundwater. The development of groundwater is regulated by
the State of'Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources,, Division of Water and
Land Development. Approval from the State Department of Health must also be
obtained.
(b) The principal sources of water in the coastal region of the South Kohala
District are the Lalamilo water system operated by the County of Hawai'i, and the
private Waikoloa water system.
(c) The Waikoloa Water Co. owns the wells, reservoirs, and primary transmis-
sion mains that supply potable water to both Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Peach
Resort. Waikoloa Resort Utilities owns the water distribution and sewer lines and the
sewage treatment plant (STP) that serve the Beach Resort. Brackish water wells and
effluent from the STP provide the irrigation water for the Waikoloa Beach Resort golf
course.
(d) The Waikoloa potable water wells serve the WBR as well as the Waikoloa
Village area, drawing from the Waikoloa aquifer, discovered in 1969. Parker wells Mo. 4
and No. 5, located at the 1,200-foot level nearly five miles inland from Puako Bay, tap
high-quality water /?5 ppm chloride content versus chloride levels well above 200 ppm
for most wells in the region (Boise Cascade Home and Land Corp.; 1976:17977. The
storage capacity of the wai(
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(f) In addition to the two potable water wells, the existinq water system
includes a one-million-gallon (mg) capacity reservoir near the wells, a transmission
main connecting to a second reservoir of I.O-mg capacity located about a mile inland of
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. The lower reservoir is connected to the WBR by a
transmission main which enters the resort complex at the intersection of the WBR
entrance road and the highway. Inside the resort the main runs within the road right-
of-way, terminating where the pavement now ends a few hundred feet south of the
proposed Hyatt site.
(g) The average annual potable water sales by the Waikoloa Water Company
over the last four years amounted to 0.66 mgd. About half of this was used within the
Waikoloa Beach Resort, while the remainder was consumed by residential and commer-
cial users in the Waikoloa Village area. This is well within the I.O-mgd capacity of the
source (two I.O-mgd capacity wells, with one held on standby). Water sales and hotel
occupancy data indicate that average water use by the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel
is approximately 400 gallons per day per occupied unit.
(h) The two existing 18-hoIe golf courses (one in the village area and the other
in the WBR) are irrigated primarily with brackish water from Waikoloa wells (two at
lower elevations supplying the WBR course, and one at the 800-foot elevation supplying
the Village course). Water from these wells is not of potable quality (the chloride
content exceeds 250 mg/l), but is satisfactory for golf course irrigation. Treated
effluent is mixed with the brackish water and provides part of the golf course irrigation
water requirements of approximately 0^5 mgd. Two holding ponds for the effluent/
brackish water mix (with capacities of about 2.0 and 4.0 million aallons) are located
within the resort golf course.
(i) The South Kohala District has always been known as a dry, water poor area.
Water for the coastal communities at Puako and Kawaihae was previously obtained
from surface impoundments in Waimea/Kamuela. The discovery of potable groundwater
at Waikoloa in J 969 fostered .the development of the County Lalamifo groundwater
system, that relieved the Waimea system of servicing the coastal area. The discovery
of sufficient groundwater to support development opened the coastal area for resort
development allowing the realization of County plans for the area.. Under present
County of Hawaii planning constraints for the region, developers must prove that they
have sufficient water to support their planned development in order to obtain County
zoning and building approvals. As previously indicated, the Waikoloa Water System,
when fully developed, has the capability of supporting a demand of 3-6 mgd.
10.3.4.8 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System
Waikoloa Resort Utilities, Inc. provides for the collection, treatment, and disposal
of Waikoloa Beach Resort wastewater. The utility's treatment plant is located 1,000
feet south of the WBR entrance road intersection on the inland side of Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway. It meets State Department of Health standards for private
wastewater treatment facilities providing a secondary level of treatment. The primary
units of the plant consist of an aerated lagoon, a clarifier, and a contact tank. The
State Department of Health has approved the use of effluent for irrigation of the WRP
golf course. The treated effluent flows by gravity to the golf course holding ponds,
W,M?,r^'t 'S m with brack!sh water. The existing wastewater treatment plant
(WWTP) has an average flow capacity of 0.570 mgd. In 1983 actual flow ranaed
between 0.080 and 0.150 mgd. The WWTP was designed so that it could be expanded to
an average flow capacity of 2.330 mgd. Existing sewaqe pump station (SPS) peak
capacity is 1,600 gallons per minute (gpm), and the system was designed for a planned
capacity of 2,400 gpm.
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10.3.4.9 Electrical Power
Electrical power for Hawai'i Island is mainly from oil-fired turbines and diesels,
but bagasse-fired boilers at the island's sugar companies currently provide about one-
fifth of the Island's total generating capacity of 125,900 KW. The WRR is estimated to
currently use about one percent of this capacity. Electrical power to the WBRjs
supplied by the Hawai'i Electric Light Company (HELCO> through a 69-KV transmis-
sion line connected to the Waikoloa substation. This is located on the inland side of
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway along Waikoloa's southern boundary. The resort distribu-
tion system is through underground conduits, and these extend to the end of the payed
section of the WBR entrance road (Ala Mhi) a few hundred feet south of the Hyatt site.
Current electrical power consumption at the WBR is estimated to be about nsne
MWH/year.
10.3.4.10 Telecommunications
Telephone service to the WBR is provided by the Hawaiian Telephone Company.
A telephone substation is located on the south side of the resort's wastewater
treatment plant, and a recently constructed Hawaiian Telephone radio station near the
Sheraton provides telephone service to the resort via microwave. Telephone lines are
located underground in conduits similar to those used for electrical power distribution
lines. An empty conduit for cable television lines is also located within the road nqht-
of-way. These also currently terminate at the end of the paved section of Ala Mhi.
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CHAPTER IV
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
I. INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses the environmental consequences of the alternatives
described in Chapter II, and consists of eleven sections indicated below.
Section
Number
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Section Title
Introduction
Topographic and Oceanographic Alterations
Anchialine Ponds
Coastal Water Quality and Marine Resources
Historical and Cultural Properties
Vegetation, Birds and Terrestrial Wildlife
Socio-Economic Resources
Recreational Resources and Activities
Public Services and Facilities
Air Quality
Noise
2- TOPOGRAPHIC AND OCEANOGRAPHIC ALTERATIONS
2.1 THE LAGOON
(a) The proposed lagoon would be constructed in the inner bay and does not
modify the middle or outer zones of Waiulua Bay. All the work is confined to the
mtertidal, basalt flat of the inner bay. The lagoon would deepen the inner bay and
would have a gradual sloping basalt bottom as depicted in Figure H-4. The sides of the
lagoon would be constructed to maintain aesthetics (using natural rock) and to increase
wave attenuation insuring safe water conditions (Figure ll-5). A shallow sill would be
left in place between the inner and middle bay to prevent the formation of any tidal
rip currents that could be hazardous to swimmers or other lagoon users.
(b) The natural wave attenuation characteristics of the outer and middle bay
would continue to protect the inner bay area and the proposed lagoon. At present, the
relatively shallow water depth in the outer and middle bay (2 to 12 feet water depths),
the basalt sill separating the middle and outer bay, the right-angle bend into the inner
bay^and the basalt sill between the inner and middle bay act as a natural storm wave
barriers for the inner bay. The construction of the shoreline berm seaward of the
lagoon on the existing cobble shoreline would also protect the lagoon from periodic
storm waves that normally overtop the natural shoreline.
- (c) The shoreline berm would be constructed using basalt rock, and is designed
to withstand storm waves based on an analysis of Sea Engineering, Inc. (I9B4). Flaure
II-10 provides some design details of the berm. The shoreline berm would vary, in
elevation from mean sea level to +14 feet mean sea level.
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(d) In comparison to the proposed action, Alternatives I, 2 and 3 could
accommodate a lagoon resulting in changes similar to the proposed action, although
Alternative 3 would require some redesign to accomodate the lagoon and health spa
and sport facilities. Alternatives 4 and 5 would eliminate the lagoon, while
accommodating some resort development. Denial of the permit would eliminate the
lagoon and resort development as presently designed and planned, resulting in none ot
the changes discussed.
2.2 THE LAGOON RELATED TO TSUNAMI AND STORM WAVE HAZARDS
(a) The lagoon related to tsunami and storm wave hazards. The proposed
lagoon is not expected to increase the susceptibility of the shoreline areas to tsunami
inundation. However, the construction of damageable properties in the lagoon, i.e.,
the foot bridges and bar, would increase potential tsunami and storm wave property
damages. Storm waves may overtop the shoreline berm near the lagoon mouth, but
may not damage the berm. Storm waves could damage the footbridges, but probably
not damage the amenities inside the lagoon.
(b) In comparison the proposed action, Alternatives I, 2 and 3 have similar
effects. Alternatives 4 and 5 eliminate the lagoon reducing amount of damaaeable
properties present in the tsunami flood hazard zone associated with the lagoon. The
Denial and No-Action alternatives maintain the status quo with no development.
2.3 FILLING RELATED TO TSUNAMI HAZARDS
The proposed action and Alternatives I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 involve construction in the
tsunami inundation hazard zone. AH the alternatives would use fill to raise the first
habitable floor above the base flood elevation, changing the existing ground elevation
from a variable -2 to +10 feet mean sea level (MSL) to an even +8 feet MSL. Table
IV-1 compares the pond preservation sizes, since these coastal areas ^are not filled.
Denial of the permit and the no action alternative results in no pond filling.
Table IV-1
Coastal Areas Not Filled By Alternative
No Action/Permit Denial
Proposed Action
Alternative I
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Alternative 5
124 acres
12 acres
14 acres
12 acres
39 acres
57 acres
12 acres
4-2
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3. ANCHIALINE PONDS
3.1 REDUCTION IN NUMBER, WATER SURFACE AREA, AND DIVERSITY
(a) A total of approximately 215 anchialine ponds are present on the WRP.
About 15 of the ponds are located within the existing 16.3-acre preservation area
around Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishponds (not the subject of the permit application).
The remaining ponds, only 198 were surveyed (Oceanic Institute, ) 977, 1984), have a
total water surface area of about 12 acres.
(b) The proposed action reduces the number of anchialine ponds on WRR from
200 to 62 ponds resulting in a reduction of water surface area from 12 acres to 3.4
acres. This reduction represents a 69% decrease in the number of ponds on the WBR
and a 72% decrease in pond water surface area. If pond water surface area is used as
an expression of pond aquatic habitat, then reduction in pond water surface area is
considered equivalent to a reduction in pond aquatic habitat. A comparison of the
number of ponds and habitat available between alternatives is provided in Table IV-2.
(Table II-1 also provides comparative information on anchialine pond loss.) Permit
denial and the No-Action Alternative does not allow any pond filling at WBR.
Alternative 4 allows smaller scale development while disallowing filling of the most
ponds at WBR. Alternative 3 reduces the number of the ponds at the WBR by 38%.
Table IV-2
Comparison of Anchialine Pond Number and Habitat Losses
Permit Denial (No Action)
Proposed Action
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Alternative 5
Remaining
Number
of
Ponds
200
62
72
55
122
194
77
Percent
Loss .
0
69
64
72
38
2
60
Remaining
Habitat
Area
(Acres)
12.2
3.4
3.9
3.8
6.6
12.0
5.4
Percent
Loss
0
72
68
69
46
2
56
(c) Under the proposed action, the Waikoloa area would no longer have the
greatest number, density and diversity of anchialine ponds in West Hawai'i and the
State of Hawai'i. A conservative estimate of the number of anchialine ponds in the
State of Hawai'i is about 660 ponds. (Because of the problems in enumeratina ponds,
i.e. problems in defining ponds within a complex and in finding ponds in rugged terrain,
the total number of ponds in the State may be underestimated".) Based on ~660 ponds in
the State, the proposed project could reduce the total State resource by 21%. A
comparison of anchialine pond loss between alternatives in relation to the total state
resource is provided in Table IV-3. Only Alternatives 3 and 4 avoid filling a majority
of anchialine ponds at Waikoloa. An anchialine pond reduction of 18% would make the
Waikoloa anchialine pond resource comparable in size to other major pond clusters in
West Hawai'i.
4-3
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Table IV-3
Estimate of Anchialine Pond Loss in Relation to Known Regional Resource
(State) (West Hawaii)
Percent Percent
Reduction Reduction
Permit Denial (No Action)
Proposed Action
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Alternative 5
0
21
19
22
12
less than 1 %
18
0
23
*i t
i\
24
13
less than 1%
21
(d) The loss of anchialine ponds at WBR would contribute to the total decline
5n anchialine pond resources in the State of Hawaii related to natural aging or
increased rates of aging, and to degradation by human activities, including the
introduction of exotic fish. The potential anchialine pond loss in areas outside of the
WBR, as a result of resort/urban development, occurs under Federal, State and County
regulatory control. Thus, the cumulative loss of ponds related to future development
is not easily predictable and can be regulated or controlled. However, the spread of
exotic fish that has occurred in the West Coast of Hawaii is uncontrollable and a more
significant factor in cumulative anchialine pond ecosystem loss than development.
(e) Based on the comparison in Table IV-4, permit denial (no action) and
Alternatives 4 and 5 would retain the greatest diversity of pond types at VRR. 1 he
proposed action and all the alternatives include representative anchialine pond
habitats in the preserved or unfilled areas, typically containing Schizothrix, 'opae'ula,
Metabetaeus, Palaemon, and the snails, Assiminea and Melania. Only permit denial
and Alternatives 4 and 5 include the open tidal ponds that contain more marine
species, including the snail, Theodoxus, resulting in a greater diversity of organisms in
the unfilled ponds.
3.2 REDUCTION IN ANCHIALINE POND ORGANISMS
(a) Epigeal Organisms. Filling the ponds eliminates the ponds as a water body
or an aquatic habitat. The fill would kill and eliminate the epigeal organisms, those
organisms preferring or requiring the sunlit pond habitat. These organisms include the
'opae huna, 'opae ehuna, hapa wai, aholehole, o'opu, and the algae. The loss could also
mean the elimination of species ecotypes or variants; however, no ecotypes or
variants, e.g., the ecotype of 'opae huna in 'Opae'ula Pond, have been found in the
Waikoloa Ponds. Although the brackish water aholehole (Kuhlia sp.) is present in some
ponds, the aholehole is a common element of West Hawaii anchiaTfne ponds. The pond
and aquatic habitat loss percentages in Table IV-2 represents a comparison of epigeal
organism loss at Waikoloa.
(b) Hypogeol Organisms. The hypogeal organisms, the 'opae'ula and Metabe-
taeus lohena, would also suffer a reduction in population, but would not entirely
disappear! Brock (1985) hypothesized that the reduction in hypogeal resource
abundance may be offset by the ability of the organisms to survive underground in the
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Table IV-4
Comparison of Pond Diversity
Alternative
Permit Denial (No Action)
The Proposed Action
Alternative I
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Alternative 5
Types of Ponds Preserved at WPR
Open/Closed Ponds
Vegetated/Unvegetated Ponds
Closed Ponds
Vegetated Ponds
Closed Ponds
Vegetated/Unvegetated Ponds
Closed Ponds
Vegetated/Unvegetated Ponds
Closed Ponds
Vegetated/Unvegetated Ponds
Open/Closed Ponds
" Vegetated/Unvegetated Ponds
Open/Closed Ponds
Veaetated/Unveaetated Ponds
4-5
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subterranean water table for extended periods of time, despite the modification of the
surface and the filling of ponds. Man's ability to assess the actual impact on hypogeal
organisms is restricted by the inability to adequately sample the hypogeal resource.
Brock (1985) hypothesized that the ponds represent significant points of high benthic
productivity relative to the subterranean water table. The shrimp appear to take
advantage of the ponds as loci for food resource, such that ponds number may
represent a carrying capacity of the resources found in the area. Thus, the worst loss
of hypogeal resource could be represented by the percent losses in Table IV-2.
However, casual observations (Brock 1985; Corps of Engineers, 1985) indicate that the
losses could be less than the percent losses in Table IV-2. For example, an anchialine
pond has re-established itself in a previous algae quarry and borrow areas on the WBF.
The re-established pond is complete with the Schizothrix, 'opae'ula, Metabetaeus
lohena, Assiminea, Melania, sedges and Bacopo. In another borrow area, 'opae'ula were
observed foraging amongst the cobble and gravel size rocks, despite the flat, ripped,
bulldozed terrain and flooding only during high tide. In previously bulldozed and
compacted areas, excavated holes that penetrated the water table were colonized by
'opae'ula within 10-14 days indicating that the hypogeal organisms could possibly move
into newly created ponds from adjacent ponds, or are present in the subterranean
water table appearing in the ponds or excavated holes as opportunistic feeders or
colonizers (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1985). These observations suggest that the
ground porosity may be the key to the survival of hypogeal species. Some motile
organism avoid fill activities by migrating underground to ponds within the preserva-
tion area.
(c) The applicants' foundation report indicates that the whole WBR is highly
porous (15-25% voids in the first 30 feet) suggesting that the available hypogeal
habitat is abundant throughout the region. The geographical extent of the hypogeal
resource at Waikoloa (Figure 111-12) suggests that the resource has the capability of
moving great distances underground through the highly porous lava substrate. The
presence of opea'ula in an anchialine pond in the golf course 3500 feet from the
shoreline and main cluster of ponds and in a man-made irrigation well, 60 feet below
ground level, 4000 feet from the shoreline near Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, demon-
strates hypogeal organisms' ability to migrate over great distances or demonstrates
the potential vastness of the underground resource. Brock (1985) hypothesized that
hypogeal organisms can occur through much of the coastal water table based on the
appearance of the organisms (principally 'opae'ula) in drilled wells, sinkholes and
excavated irrigation wells elsewhere in Hawaii.
(d) While the hypogeal habits make population sizes or geographic distribution
measurements extremely difficult and expensive, Brock (1985^ hypothesized that the
hypogeal may be able to survive the destruction of surface exposures, i.e., the ponds,
by retreating to underground habitats. Maciolek (1983, in Rrock 1985) noted that the
hypogeal habitats of the red shrimp could explain their disjunct distributions in that
their distribution may be restricted to man's inability to collect adequate samples in
difficult to sample habitats. At the present time, the 'opae'ula and Metobetaeus
lohena are the only hypogeal shrimp species known to occur at Waikoloa. These two
shrimp species are also common in anchialine pond habitats found ?n the State of
Hawaii.
(e) The grouting and filling of voids under the building footings (see Table II- P
reduces the availability of underground interstitial space, reducing the underground
habitat for hypogeal organisms by an amount equal to the amount of void space filled
with grout. The larger voids filled with rock would continue to provide some habitat
space for hypogeal organisms. The reduction would probably not have any significant
4-6
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Impact oh the underground distribution of the hypogeal resource at Waikoloa due to
the limited nature of the grouting and filling activity. Smaller voids that are not filled
would continue to provide interstitial habitat for the hypogeal organisms. This impact
would occur with any structure whose footings extends below sea level. Only the
permit denial and no action alternative would have no loss of interstitial space.
(f) With respect to the anchialine ponds in the Cape Kina'u, Waul, and Manuka,
Hawai'i, Natural Area Reserves and those at Wainapanapa State Park, a pond
preservation area at Waikoloa increases the amount of anchialine ponds and related
organisms found in protected reserves. A preservation area at the WRR would be the
second reserve on the island of Hawaii. Unless anchialine habitats are found at other
State parks or the Volcano National Park on Hawaii, the Corps foresees no other
reserves with anchialine ponds being created in the near future. Table IV-3 indicates
that Alternatives 3 and k save more of the total State resource than the proposed
action and the remaining alternatives.
3.3 SPREAD OF EXOTIC FISH
(a) Permit denial and no action would avoid filling any ponds within the WRR
and avoid any loss of anchialine pond organisms due to filling. However, permit denial
and no action do not protect or preserve the anchialine ponds at Waikoloa over the
long-term. As previously discussed in Chapter II and Chapter 111, biological degrada-
tion of anchialine ponds has occurred in many West Hawai'i anchialine ponds because
of increased human access and activity in and around anchialine ponds, particularly the
introduction of exotic fish. For example, Brock (1985) relates finding dead and dried
rare eels, Gymnothorax hiloriis, at Warkoloa as a result of fishing in the ponds
following improved road access to the Waikoloa ponds. Recent surveys (Oceanic
Institute, 1985; Brock 1985) indicate that the presence and distribution of exotic fish
have increased while the presence and distribution of 'opae'ula, hapa wai, 'opae huna
and Metabetaeus lohena has decreased. Bathing, toilet facilities, fishing, trash
disposal have contributed to anchialine pond degradation, even though the ponds seem
to withstand a certain level of human intrusion (Brock, 1985), i.e., 'opae'ula occurring
amongst trash in ponds and In ponds used for bathing with soaps. In comparison, filling
and excavation activities eliminate ponds as water bodies, while biological agents and
other human activities allow the ponds to exist as water bodies. However, the ponds
would not be a habitat for native Hawaiian anchialine organisms.
(b) In ponds containing exotic fish, Brock (1985) hypothesized that the
hypogeal organisms, 'opae'ula and Metabetaeus lohena, may be hiding in the subterra-
nean water table waiting for a chance to forage in the ponds. Under this hypothesis,
removal of the fish may encourage recolonization by hypogeal organisms. To date,
tests have been conducted to restore any ponds that contain exotic fish. Shrimp have
been observed in crevices out of reach of fish, suggesting that restoration by removing
fish is possible. Brock (1985) also hypothesized that the disappearance of the hypogeal
organisms may also result in long-lasting ecological changes that alter the nature of
the anchialine pond ecosystem, such that the habitat would no longer support the
native organisms. By comparison, excavating holes in previously filled ponds creates a
pond water body that is soon colonized by hypogeal organisms, suggesting that
restoration of filled areas is also possible.
(c) In any event, the loss of native anchialine pond organisms as a result of
unregulated human activities and the introduction of exotic fish has occurred with or
without the proposed action or Corps regulatory action. Thus, the spread of exotic
fish and degradation of anchialine ponds due to human presence and activities are
4-7
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expected to continue under all alternatives, including the No-Action Alternative or
Permit Denial. In this regard, a pond preservation management program under the
proposed action and Alternatives I, 2, 3 and 5, would regulate human activities and
access to the unfilled ponds at WBR. However, this protection and management does
not extend to other ponds outside the WBR. The proposed management plan would
allow for systematic scientific research and data recovery for understanding anchia-
line pond ecology, surveillance, education and remedial activities supported by private
funding. If implemented, the preserved, WBR anchialine ponds would be the only
actively studied and managed anchialine ponds in West Hawai'i or the State of Hawaii.
However, data recovery and scientific research opportunities, as well as regulation and
control of human activities in and round the WBR anchialine ponds, would occur only
as a result of a loss of some anchialine ponds (Table IV-2). Under Alternative 4, the
Corps speculates that management plan would be revised because so few ponds are
filled and since incentives for the applicants funding of the program may be reduced.
3.4 CONSEQUENCE OF FILL ON ANCHIALINE POND WATER QUALITY
(a) The Proposed Action and Alternatives I, 2, 3 and 5 all involve the
discharge of fill into anchialine ponds. Volcanic basalt material from the existing lava
fields would be used to fill anchialine ponds at WBR. The fill would essentially
eliminate the filled ponds as open water bodies. The basalt material is naturally
occurring lava rock, the same lava rock that form the sides and bottoms of the
anchialine ponds. The lava rock is not expected to contain contaminants because the
material would be obtained from undeveloped or unused, natural lava fields, not
located in areas downstream from known sources of contaminants.
(b) The volcanic, basalt, fill material would be free of domestic, industrial or
other controllable sources of pollutants, including:
o Materials that will settle to form objectionable sludge or bottom deposits.
o Floating debris, oil, grease, scum or other floating materials.
o Substances in amounts sufficient to produce taste or odor in the water or
detectable off flavor in the flesh of fish, or in amounts sufficient to
produce objectionable color, turbidity or other conditions in the receiving
waters.
o High, temperatures; biocides; pathogenic organisms; toxic, radioactive,
corrosive or other deleterious substances at levels or in combination
sufficient to be toxic or harmful to human, animal, plant or aquatic life, or
in amounts sufficient to interfere with beneficial uses of the water.
o Substances or conditions or combinations thereof in concentrations which
produce undesirable aquatic life.
o Soil particles resulting from erosion on land involved in earthwork, such as
the construction of public works; highways; subdivisions; recreational,
commercial, or industrial developments; or the cultivation and manage-
ment of agricultural lands.
(c) The basalt fill is not expected to release any contaminants or pollutants
into the groundwater and is not expected to contain contaminants that would cause
one organism to out-compete another. Thus, no contaminants from the fill are
expected to migrate from the filled ponds to the unfilled ponds.
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(d) No potable water source is impacted by the fill activities, because the
groundwater is too saline for use as a potable wafer supply. Potable water sources for
the area are located 5-7 miles inland at elevations of about 1000 feet and are
hydrologically upstream and isolated of the WBR anchialine ponds.
(e) Based on observations of anchialine ponds adjacent to road and construc-
tion fills within the WBR and on construction and operational constraints around the
pond preservation area, the discharge of fill and subsequent raising of the ground
elevation are not expected to increase sedimentation in the remaining ponds. The fill
is not expected to migrate into the water table to fill other ponds or clog the voids.
This conclusion is based upon the lack of soil movement on golf courses at the V'RR
and Mauna Lani Resorts that are constantly watered. The fill is not expected to
impact 'opae'ula in unfilled ponds, based upon the presence of 'opae'ula in ponds
adjacent to existing road fills at the WBR.
(f) The proposed action and Alternatives I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 involve the discharge
of fill into the anchialine ponds. Under the proposed action, the applicants estimate
that approximately 12,000 cubic yards of basalt material would fill 136 anchialine
ponds on WBR. The Alternatives I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 require less fill material to fill the
ponds. Permit denial and the No-Action alternative do not authorize the discharge of
fill material.
3.5 CONSEQUENCE OF FILL ON GROUNDWATER
(a) Two types of filling would be used under the Proposed Action and Alterna-
tives 1, 2, 3 and 5. The first involves surface leveling and compaction where a
bulldozer rolls over the terrain pushing material from high spots into low spots. The
second is related to the grouting and filling of voids under the building footings.
Permit denial and the No-Action alternative do not involve the discharge of fill
material in either case.
(b) Surface leveling and compaction is not expected to interfere with ground-
water flow, salt water intrusion or groundwater tidal fluctuation. The fill would
consist of rocks pushed from high spots into the ponds or ripped lava rock. Because
voids would exist in the course lava rockfill, hypogeal organisms will continue to be
able to utilize the interstitial, subterranean water, similar to conditions observed in
previously quarry and borrow areas and excavated holes in previous filled areas at the
WBR. The fill does not form an impenetrable well that would obstruct saltwater
intrusion or the seaward flow of basal water. The fill would not alter the nature of the
brackish water lens which is hydrologically dependent upon rainfall at high elevations
and the intrusion of seawater from the ocean.
(c) Grouting and filling voids for the building footing would reduce the voids
under the proposed building site. The grout would be considerably more dense (less
voids) than the fill or the surrounding substrate. Backfilling large voids with volcanic
basalt utilizing rocks as large as 12" in diameter would also reduce void space, but
maintains interstitial habitat for hypogeal organisms in comparison to grouting.
However, the grout would not eliminate voids under the building footings. While
neither the grouting or filling of voids would prevent saltwater intrusion or tidal
fluctuation of the groundwater under the buildings, the reduction in voids could
obstruct and divert groundwater flow.
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(d) Under the Proposed Action and Alternatives I, 2, 3 and 5 groundwater flow
into Waiulua Bay could be deflected into the pond preservation area (Figure IV-!).
Because of the hydraulic head and voids under the buildings, some groundwater would
continue to flow under the buildings into the lagoon and Waiulua Pay, but the flow
could be less than the estimated 0.5 mgd that presently enters Waiulua Ray. Under
Alternative 4, ponds located directly seaward of the hotel structures may experience
increases in water salinity, but the principal groundwater flow routes would remain
unaffected (Figure IV-1). Preliminary salinity measurements seaward of the Sheraton
Royal Waikoloa (Corps of Engineers, 1985) indicate that groundwater leakage into
Ku'uali! Pond still occurs despite the grouting and filling for the hotel footing,
suggesting that the building footings may not significantly obstruct groundwater flow
patterns in the area. The permit denial and No-Action Alternative would not involve
grouting and filling voids for building footings.
(e) Since the organisms in the open ponds are principally marine, increases in
water salinity should not have any serious consequences. Since the hypogeal organisms
tolerate a wide range of salinities (Brock, 1985), any change in water salinity is not
expected to have any serious consequence on their survival. The possible deflection of
groundwater flow toward the pond preservation area in the proposed action and
Alternatives I, 2 and 3 could increase the pond flushing rates.
3.6 LAGOON CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION CONSEQUENCES ON
ANCHIALINE PONDS .
(a) Excavating the lagoon in the proposed action and Alternatives I, 2 and 3,
would destroy 17 individual ponds, most of which are the open ponds. The lagoon
would create one large water body, similar to the high tide condition in the open
ponds, except that the lagoon would persist as a large, deep water body in comparison
to the natural condition. Alternatives 4, 5 and permit denial eliminates the lagoon.
(b) Lagoon construction would probably destroy the organisms presently found
in the anchialine ponds encompassed by the lagoon. Since the marine species found in
the open anchialine ponds are commonly found in Hawaiian estuaries and nearshore
waters, some of the species may re-establish themselves in the lagoon. The 'opae'ula,
characteristic of the closed anchialine pond environment, do not occur in most of the
17 ponds, and are not expected to appear in the lagoon. The presence of ^the^ glass
shrimp, hapawai, gobies and blennies may be reduced, although recolonization is
anticipated. The presence of marine fish and marine snails may increase if surfaced
relief is provided for habitat diversity. Coral colonization may be hindered by variable
water salinities. The addition of the sand beach at the head of the lagoon may
encourage colonization by a few sand dwelling organisms.
(c) The applicants propose to flush the lagoon by pumping 5.6 million gallons a
day of seawater into the lagoon. The seawater would be extracted from a shoreline
well drilled to 80-100 feet depths. At a pumping rate of 4000 gallons per minute, the
drawdown is expected to be one foot or less. With the hydrologlc gradient toward the
ocean and being located 900-1300 feet from the lagoon, pumping operation is not
expected to affect groundwater flow or elevation in the pond preservation area,
particularly with the withdrawal of seawater so close to the shore and the possible
deflection of groundwater flow into the preservation area.
(d) The lagoon would increase seawater intrusion inland around the lagoon
since the distance between the ocean and inland areas would be reduced. The change
is not expected to alter water salinity in the anchialine pond preservation areas
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GROUNDWATER
HYATT REGENCY WAIKOLOA
HOTEL SITE
POST CONSTRUCTION
SHIFT OF GROUND
WATER FLUX,
AREA OF NO
QROUNDWATER
• INFLUENCE
xcavotedogoon
(brings shoretni
inland)
Boundory of .
Anchiolini '
Pond Preser- I
votion Area
\
\
REGION OF
HIGHER
SALINITY
REGION OF
LITTLE OR NO
SALINITY CHANGE
REGION OF
8UQHTLY LOWER
SAUNITY
HYATT SITE FOUNDATION WORK
Probe and grout foundations;
number Indicates depth of influence
Over-excavated area (parking and,
I \ \ tennis courts)-will not significantly
effect grounawoter movement
Figure IV-1 Expected Post-Construction Changes to Groundwater Salinity
-------
created under the proposed plan or Alternatives I, 2 and 3 because the hydraulic head
and seaward flow of groundwater through the preservat.on area would Counteract any
saltwater intrusion. Secondly, the possible deflection of groundwater toward^the pond
preservation area would also tend to reduce salinity in the pond preservation area.
Alternatives 4 and 5 eliminate the lagoon and any impacts associated with it.
3.7 CONSEQUENCES OF OTHER RESORT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
ACTIVITIES ON ANCHIALINE PONDS
(a) The proposed action and all the alternatives, including permit denial and
no-action, have the potential to cause indirect impacts on the ponds. Development
around the pond and inland of the ponds increases the threat of groundwater pollution
from leaking sewer lines, fertilization, petrochemical spills, herbicides, pesticides, and
other urban pollutants. If these pollutants reach the ponds in sufficient quantities,
they could poison the aquatic organisms or cause long-term degradation of water
quality, possibly changing the aquatic community. Increased human activity in the
development could result in the introduction of exotic fish, trash and other foreign
material into the ponds.
(b) Under the proposed action, the agreed-upon pond management plan would
provide pond maintenance to reduce trash potential, would regulate human activities
to protect ponds from human introduced species, would monitor pond quality and its
ecosystem so that practical remedies could be undertaken for any man derived
degradation. The pond management plan also provides for sensitive development and
management of upland areas, as well as education of the resort employees, visitors and
residents. The Corps and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would expect that a
similar management plan would be required as part of Alternatives I, 2 and 3.
(c) Based upon observations at existing ponds surrounded by development and
human activities, decreases in pond water salinity were detected toaether with
substantial increases in nitrate, ammonium and phosphate concentrations m oonds at
Waikoloa following construction and operation of the golf course (Oceanic Institute
1977; August 1984). The decrease in water salinity could be related to golf course
irrigation. The irrigation contributes to groundwater recharge increasing the ground-
water head and flow in the irrigated area. The increased head reduces seawater
intrusion resulting in a reduced water salinity in nearshore ponds. Belt Collins and
Associates (1985) estimated that groundwater recharge could increase by 0.8 mgd with
an increase of golf course irrigation from 1.4 mgd to 2.8 mgd. The increased recharge
could increase groundwater flow beneath the WBR from an estimated 4 mgd to 6 mgd.
The increased use of sewage effluent for irrigation could increase nitrogen concentra-
tions in the groundwater from 0.011 milligrams/liter (mgl) to 8.1 mgl, and phosphorus
concentrations from 0.0008 mgl to 0.5 mgl.
(d) Despite the significant increases in nutrient levels in the groundwater and
the ponds, no obvious adverse effect on the anchialine pond assemblages have been
observed (Oceanic Institute, 1984). Brock (1985) in studies of Mauna Lani ponds was
unable to detect any negative impact directly attributable to construction or subse-
quent use of the surrounding terrain. Water clarity and benthic algal abundance
remained unchanged from a preconstruction survey (Maciolek and Brock, 1974), 13
years earlier. Water exchange rates may be primarily responsible the maintenance of
the pond habitat (Oceanic Institute, 1984). Since water nutrient concentrations are
not factors limiting phytoplankton, algal or plant growth, the low water residence time
may be limiting the organisms ability to assimilate the nutrients. As noted by the
Oceanic Institute, many ponds are totally dry at low tide, and pond water volumes in
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"typical" ponds can increase and decrease significantly during each tidal cycle. This
high rate of water exchange resulting in quick flushing and low water residence times
may explain the lack of algal blooms in the anchialine ponds at Waikoloa. While
changes in anchialine pond communities related to water quality are presently difficult
to detect, causal observations suggest that development and land uses do not have an
immediate, near-term deleterious effect in comparison to human introduction of
exotic fish. Secondly, as long as flushing rates remain the same or do not change
substantially, anchialine communities would probably continue to exist in the pond
habitats. Any increased groundwater flow through the pond preservation area would
also contribute to pond flushing, as well as convey nutrients to the ponds.
4. COASTAL WATER QUALITY AND MARINE RESOURCES
Neither the proposed action nor the alternatives involve work in the marine
waters offshore or in middle or outer Waiulua Bay. The lagoon construction is
confined to the intertidal, basalt flat in the inner bay, and anchialine pond fillinq is
confined to landlocked ponds without any direct connection with the ocean.
4.1 LAGOON CONSTRUCTION CONSEQUENCES ON WATER QUALITY AND
MARINE RESOURCES
(a) Under the proposed action and Alternatives I, 2 and 3, approximately
40,000 CY of basalt material would be excavated to deepen inner Waiulua Pay and
create the lagoon. A temporary berm would be constructed across the mouth of the
inner bay to isolate the work area from the middle bay and confine any turbid waters
to the excavation site. The use of the temporary berm to reduce, control or minimize
sedimentation in middle Waiulua Bay is considered the best degree of treatment and
control of turbidity and sedimentation in this type of situation. The lagoon increases
the open water area from 3.5 acres to 5.5 acres.
(b) The temporary berm would be constructed using volcanic basalt material
free of contaminants, similar to previous discussions on basalt fill material into
anchialine ponds. The berm would be similar to two previous unauthorized fills in the
same area, except that an impervious membrane would be placed on the landward face
of the berm to confine the turbid waters to the excavated lagoon. The discharge of
volcanic basalt material would not result in a discharge of any contaminant that would
chemically, physically or biologically alter the bay water quality. While the berm
would minimize water flow between inner and middle Waiulua Bay, water exchange
cannot be totally prevented. Once the temporary berm is removed, the free ebb and
flow of the tide would occur between the lagoon and middle Waiulua Bay.
(c) Construction and removal of the temporary berm would result in a
temporary increase in water turbidity. Berm removal would allow any turbid waters in
the lagoon to flow into Waiulua Bay on the outgoing tide. Based upon field observa-
tions of the removal of two unauthorized fills across the mouth of inner Waiulua Bay in
1974 and 1984, the temporary berm could be constructed and removed in one day. The
turbid waters from berm construction and removal would flow into middle Waiulua Bay
with the outgoing tide, but would not be visible for more than a day. On incoming
tides, the turbid waters would be confined to the newly excavated lagoon. This
phenomenon would occur twice each day. In relation to the existing turbid conditions
in middle Waiulua Bay, the temporary turbidity related to berm" construction and
removal is not considered significant.
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(d) The inner bay is practically devoid of coral growth and is heavily silted
naturally, possibly due to precipitated calcite from the groundwater. Any basalt srlt
introduced into the middle bay by berm construction or removal would not alter
conditions in middle bay. Turbulent water in the outer bay would tend to prevent
sedimentation stress, if any, related to berm construction and removal. Juvenile and
adult fish are expected to colonize the new lagoon, which would serve as a nursery
area similar to the original inner bay. Corals may not establish themselves in the
euryhaline environment.
4.2 LAGOON OPERATION CONSEQUENCES ON COASTAL WATER RESOURCE
(a) The excavated lagoon would be a new water body having its own water
quality characteristics in comparison with the middle bay. Both the lagoon and middle
bay are expected to be stratified with the leakage of groundwater along the shoreline.
This stratification may be less with the deflection of the groundwater by the hotel
lobby/restaurant structure. With the sill between the inner and middle bay, the lagoon
bottom layer would not turnover and flush in the stratified systern. The applicants
propose to discharge 5.6 mgd of seawater pumped from the ground into the lagoon to
insure adequate flushing. Since the well water would be seawater, the applicants have
indicated that the discharge should be essentially the same as coastal waters. Belt,
Collins and Associates indicated water quality in Waiulua Bay, based on limited data,
presently meets or exceeds Class AA standards for Waiulua Bay established by the
State of Hawaii.
(b) The discharge of sand into the lagoon waters is not expected to degrade
water quality. The sand would be used to create a beach in an artificial basin adjacent
to Waiulua Bay. The sand is expected to be naturally occurring sand obtained from a
source removed free from sources of contaminants. The sand is expected to be 85%
calcareous in origin and coarse to medium grain size. Some temporary turbidity is
expected during initial sand placement and during any replenishment of the beach.
The sand is not expected to contain nutrients or organic material that could degrade
water quality. The sand is expected to be free of:
o Material that would settle to form objectionable sludge or bottom deposits.
o Floating debris, oil, grease, scum or other floating materials.
o Substances in amounts sufficient to produce taste or odor in the water or
detectable off flavor in flesh of fish, or in amounts sufficient to produce
objectionable color, turbidity or other conditions in the receiving waters.
o High temperatures; biocides; pathogenic organisms; toxic radioactive,
corrosive, or other deleterious substances at levels or in combination
sufficient to be toxic or harmful to human, animal, plant, or aquatic life,
or in amounts sufficient to interfere with any beneficial use of the water,
o Substances or conditions or combinations thereof in concentrations which
produce undesirable aquatic life.
o Soil particles resulting from erosion on land involved in earthwork, such as
the construction of public works, highways, subdivisions; recreational,
commercial or industrial developments; or the cultivation and management
of agricultural lands.
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(c) Recreational use of the lagoon waters by humans is expected to increase
bacterial levels, trash, and body and suntan oil in the lagoon waters. The applicants
intend to monitor lagoon water quality so that safe swimming conditions are
maintained and pumping rates adjusted as necessary. Resort employees would remove
any trash on a daily or more frequent basis.
(d) Development of inland areas could influence the quality of groundwater
discharging naturally into coastal waters. Estimates of increased nutrient discharges
into nearshore waters resulting from operation of the Waikoloa Beach Resort were
discussed in the environmental impact statement prepared for the resort and
submitted to the County of Hawai'i in 1976 by the Boise Cascade Home and Land Corp.
Leaking sewer lines and excess landscape fertilization were identified as potential
nutrient sources, and the extent to which these would increase nutrient concentrations
in coastal waters was estimated. The report concluded that:
The extent of dilution (by ocean water) will eliminate any sianificant
effect of all these constituents with the possible exception of nitrogen.
The background level of nitrogen in coastal waters is not wed established
— it may be anywhere from 0.02 to 0.16 mg/l and quite likely is not
constant. The addition of nitrogen from the project through the basal lens
may increase the average coastal water concentration by as much as 0.03
mg/l in the nearshore surface waters. In localized areas of significant
basal water discharge into calm waters, the nitrogen level will be increased
by more than this (Boise Cascade Home and Land Corporation, 1976:285).
(e) The proposed resort development is another potential source of nutrients,
but Oceanic Institute's scientists believed that wave action and currents would result
in rapid mixing as soon as the groundwater enters the ocean so that coastal water
quality would be maintained.
(f) Following lagoon construction, naturally flowing groundwater would
discharge into the proposed lagoon rather than at the existing shoreline. The edge of
the basal lens (which is already quite brackish in this area) would move inland to the
rnauka side of the lagoon. The well supplying the lagoon would draw from a zone
beneath _the lens so that the cone of drawdown around it would not produce significant
further intrusion of saltwater. The existing wells nearest the lagoon supply "brackish
water to the Waikoloa Beach Resort golf course, and are approximately one mile
inland from the proposed lagoon and well. No measurable increase in the saltiness of
this well water is expected as a result of the operation of the lagoon well. The nearest
potable water wells are located approximately seven miles away near Waikoloa Village
at an elevation of 1,200 feet. These potable water wells would not be affected by the
slight change in the boundary of the basal lens at the shoreline.
(g) Stormwater runoff to the ocean — even during the region's most intense
storms — is essentially nil at present because the rainwater can percolate downward
through the extremely permeable 'a'a and pShoehoe lava more rapidly than it falls.
Any development on the ponds or inland would require the importation of soils for
landscaping, and the addition of impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and
parking areas has the potential to decrease permeability.
(h) The permeability of the topsoil likely to be used in landscaping the resort is
at least 2 inches per hour. Even if it is compacted by heavy foot traffic across lawn
areas, the permeability would remain 0.5 inch per hour or greater. Measurable runoff
4-15
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sr? ai'
rfmel per year? ^This Suggests that storm runoff changes resulting from resort
development are likely to be limited.
(?) The resort development would involve covering approximately 40 percent
of the ground surf ace within the Hyatt site with buildings, paving, or other 'mpermea-
be surfaces. Roughly 50 percent of the developed area would be landscaped, while _ 1 0
percent woud be covered by the proposed lagoon, waterways, or other materials that
Sd not generate surface runoff. Based on the foregoing, average annual runoff
Tom the coastd parcels is expected to be on the order of 130,000 gallons per acre per
year. The great majority of this would be captured by the on-s.te drainage system and
dSosed "of in dry wells/Some increase in the volume of stormwater entering coastal
waters as the result of direct overland flow into the lagoon and Waiulua Bay is to be
expected but this would average no more than three or four million gallons per year.
To'pul [this T into pers^ctive, this annual discharge is roughly equivalent to the amount
of groundwater which now enters fnT^ean each day along th.s stretch of coastlme.
4.3 POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON MARINE ANIMALS
(a) For reasons explained above, the shoreline development proposed for the
WBR is not expected to substantially alter water quality in Waiulua Bay or other
nea?shorrwater?or to have other effects that would adversely affect their long-term
suitability for turtles or whales.
(b) Bulldozers and other heavy equipment used to construct the lagoon (the
Proposed Action and Alternatives I, 2 and 3) could produce low level no,ses that could
be heard by whales and other marine animals. Constructs noises would occur ovei a
period of several months. A literature review and noise impact analysis conducted by
Darby-Ebisu & Associates (October 1984) indicated that the kinds of low-level no, se
which would be produced have no apparent adverse effect on major [™~ J^"™
does not cause avoidance of an area (Fraker, 1981; Stewart, 1981; Fr.edl, 1981;
Ljungblad, 1 98 1 ; Johnson, 1 983; and Cummings, 1 98 1 ).
(c) Preliminary tests have indicated that the lagoon excavation can be
accomplished solely using heavy equipment. However, portions of the proposed lagoon
may be underlain by massive basalts that could be difficult or impossible to excavate
without the use of explosives. Using explosives, the energy of the explosion will he
purposely directed into the bottom, and techniques such as charge burial, sandbag
deflection, limits on charge size, timing, spacing, and detonation sequencing would be
used to reduce the amount of potentially damaging energy transmitted into the water
and ponds within the preservation area. Furthermore, the natural and manmade roc*
berms that separate the lagoon from Waiulua Bay would greatly impede the movement
of shock waves.
(d) Some energy from explosions would be transferred to adjoining waters
through the underlying rock in the form of a ground wave, and additional energy may
reach the bay and ocean through water-filled fissures and lava tubes. Young (February
1973) reports rapid dissipation of explosive energy in shallow water, especially when
the charge is buried, as would be the case with charges used to excavate the lagoon.
Data from the Canadian Department of Fisheries (Wright, February 1982) indicates
that burial provides at least a ten-fold attenuation when compared to explosions in the
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open water. Taken together, the available scientific literature suggest that, charges of
at least 100 pounds, and possibly up to 1,000 pounds, could be used with negligible
danger to marine animals if care is taken to insure that no individuals are within 300
meters of the detonation point. Highly mobile organisms, such as fish, can be encour-
aged to depart the area by low-intensity explosions detonated immediately prior to the
main charge. Important benthic animals such as lobsters, crabs, oysters and clams
l?5!vevbeen found to k6 resistant to shock from underwater explosions. Young (February
1973), for example, reported that lobsters showed no signs of injury when exposed to
20-pound charges at a distance of only 50 feet in open water. The anchialine pond
preservation area, located about 1,400 feet away from the closest edge of the lagoon,
should not be affected by ground shock waves. The applicant's blast plan coordinated
with the National Marine Fisheries Service is provided in Appendix D.
5. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PROPERTIES
(a) Pond filling and lagoon excavation associated with the applicants' proposal
and Alternatives I, 2, or 3 would affect archaeological resources. Scientific data
present on archaeological sites at the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel site were
recovered to the satisfaction of the State Historic Preservation Officer. In addition,
the applicants have agreed with the State Historic Preservation Officer to preserve
sites within the Kaniku, and Nawahine Settlement complexes. The applicants have
further agreed to reconstruct the Hawaiian trail and restore some sites in the Waiulua
Bay Settlement. All other archaeological sites on the Hyatt site would be destroyed.
None of the sites were considered eligible for inclusion in the National Peaister of
Historic Places.
(b) The archaeological sites outside the Hyatt Hotel site were considered to be
eligible for inclusion to the Register of Historic Places by the State Historic
Preservation Officer in consultation with the Corps of Engineers by virtue of the
scientific information which they contain. A data recovery plan was worked out
amongst the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Corps, and the applicants and
was forwarded to the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for the develop-
ment of a Memorandum of Agreement. Under the agreement, the archaeological sites
would remain untouched to allow architectural inclusion of the sites, if possible. If
there are sites which cannot be preserved by incorporation into the facility design, the
data recovery plan would be implemented to recover any data from them before they
are destroyed. The deta.ls of the data recovery plan are provided in Appendix H. The
Proposed Action and all the alternatives involve the loss of archaeological sites on the
properties outside the Hyatt Hotel site.
6- IMPACTS ON VEGETATION, BIRDS, AND WILDLIFE
6.1 VEGETATION
With the exception of No Action/Permit Denial and Alternative 4, all of the
alternatives under consideration would result in substantial changes in the vegetative
communities present on the project site. The construction of the proposed hotel and
Ih M res'den,tl°l unit^ WOU'd inv°'ve clearance of the existing vegetation, except for
lotion^ oS^ ? Stra"d c°mmunlties Present within the anchialine pond preser-
vation area. Other alternat.ves involve greater or lesser pond preservation areas and,
shown in TnlT i°? ° ^'^ ""f?8 °f rmh °nd COastal strand vegetation as
«SC TJ Landscaping of the development sites would involve numerous
totn nmoMnfTI' T 1*7° plcnt SpeCfeS' °S we!1 « ° si9^cant increase in the
total amount of plant material present and species abundance on the property.
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6.2 BIRDS AND WILDLIFE
(a) The Proposed Action and all the alternatives, except no action/permit
denial would result in considerable changes in the avion community. The loss of
anchialine ponds and kiawe thickets, as well as the increased human presence, would
discourage use of the area by the family of Black-Crowned Night Herons, which were
observed in trees around the ponds near the head of Waiulua Bay. The herons would
probably be displaced to and compete for other pond areas on the West Hawai'i coast.
(b) The change in vegetation and environment would lead to a gradual increase
in the number of exotic and introduced birds, and to an increase in pets such as cats
and dogs. The Common Mynah would probably increase in number, as would the House
Sparrow and the Nutmeg Mannikin. The open grassy lawns and remaining anchialine
ponds and unchanged shoreline would probably continue to attract some migratory
waterbirds. The number of migratory waterbirds visiting the site is already low, and
the populations are likely to decline in the future as a result of the proposed
development. No major change in the feral animal population is expected. ~he
increased human presence, particularly the food handling areas, may lead to some
increase in the number of mice, rats, and mongooses.
6.3 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
(a) No species on the Federal list of threatened and endangered species are
affected by the proposed project. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Appendix F) and the National Marine Fisheries Service cNMFS) 'see Appendix G)
indicates that neither the proposed action nor the alternatives would jeopardize _the
continued existence of the endangered Hawaiian stilt, humpback whale, or Hawaiian
hoary bat. Similarly, they would not adversely affect the threatened green sea turtle.
(b) In April 1985, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service informed the Corps of
Engineers that it had classified several anchialine pond organisms as Category 2 for
purposes of the Endangered Species Act. Of the organisms classified as Category ?
only Metabetaeus lohena was found at the WBP. As a Category 2 species, M. lohena is
not provided protection under the'Endangered Species Act, but studies to determine
whether or not the species should be considered for listing would be conducted by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classification
of M. lohena, (Maciolek, 1983, as reported in Brock, I985> indicated that M. lohena is
also found in Madagascar, suggesting that the organism has a much larger range than
previously thought. The proposed action and all the alternatives would reduce the
surface distribution and presence of M. lohena at the WBR, as well as reduce some of
the interstitial groundwater habitat. But the proposed action does not cause the
extinction or the disappearance of M. lohena in Hawaii, because M. loheno is found in
areas other than the WBR. Permit denial and no-action do not affect the presence of
M. lohena at the WBR. The introduction of exotic fish into any WRR ponds under the
proposed action and all alternatives would cause the disappearance of M. lohena.
7. SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS
7.1 INTRODUCTION
(a) An assessment of future socio-economic responses to any proposed project
is necessarily speculative. In the current instance, the.degree of uncertainty is
particularly great because detailed plans for development within the project area are
available only for the Hyatt site, because the shape of off-site secondary growth has
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not been fully established by State and County governments, and because there is
uncertainty regarding the applicants' ability to implement alternative development
schemes. Finally, if must be noted that the applicants are currently awaiting County
and State decisions on some of the on-site development permits needed to implement
their plans, and additional approvals of an employee housing program, water system
expansion, and other infrastructure will also be necessary. Requirements imposed as
part of any of these permit processes could lead to adjustments in their plans.
(b) Social impacts are largely a function of the overall magnitude of the
development that is undertaken rather than the specific site layout. Hence,
alternatives to the applicants' proposal that allowed the same amount of development
would have essentially the same effects as the proposed'action. If the project were to
be abandoned, the pace of economic development in West Hawai'i would be greatly
slowed. Population growth would be lower, as would the growth of personal income
and other relevant economic parameters.
(c) The proposed development within the County of Hawaii contributes to a
shift from an agricultural economic base to one based on tourism. While the State of
Hawaii and County of Hawaii are striving toward economic diversification, the
proposed development provides an immediate economic benefit based on tourist-
related activities. Moreover, it does so on land which has little potential for other
economic use. Unless non-tourist or non-visitor related industries or employment
opportunities are developed coincidentally with tourism, economic conditions in the
County would vary directly with events that influence tourist travel to Hawaii, such as
airline strikes.
(d) The overall social impact of the WBP was discussed extensively in an
environmental impact statement submitted to the County of Hawai'i in 1976 (Boise
Cascade Home and Land Corp.). The project-specific effects of the proposed Hyatt
Regency Waikoloa Hotel, one of the most important elements of the resort, are
addressed in some detail in a recent socio-economic assessment by Community
Resources, Inc. (September 1984).
(e) As noted elsewhere in this report, the Waikoloa Beach Resort is one of
three major resort developments now underway along the South Kohala coastline. 'All
three, together with other resort growth in the North Kona District, are identified as
major resort destination areas in the Land Use portion of the Hawai'i County General
Plan and on the General Plan's Land Use Pattern Allocation Maps. The three major
South Kohala resorts, together with the" Keauhou Resort in North Kona, are largely
self-contained with respect to their infrastructure (water, roads, and wastewater
collection, treatment and disposal). However, the off-site secondary growth which
they will induce is expected to increase the demand on non-resort utility systems and
public services as well. The Corps' assessment indicates that the necessary infrastruc-
ture is now available or can be expanded to meet these future demands.
(f) Community Resources' analysis of the effects of the proposed Hyatt
Regency Waikoloa Hotel project concluded that the existing West Hawai'i labor force
on the island of Hawai'i is insufficient to meet all the labor force needs of the
proposed hotel, especially considering the near-term expansion plans of neighboring
resorts. Depending upon the rate at which the remainder of the project area is
developed, the demand for workers generated by this development could also stimulate
in-migration. Newly arrived workers would increase the demand for housing and
heighten the need for public services and infrastructure in support housing areas. The
ratio of Caucasians to other ethnic groups in the region could increase as individuals
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and families in-migrate from off-island and out-of-state to take advantage of the
resort employment and other visitor-related business opportunities. The regions old
plantation lifestyle and cultural attributes would change in response to rapid and
sizeable economic and demographic growth. Cultural conflicts could increase, as
could the incidence of crimes against tourists.
7.2 EMPLO YA/ENT AND POPULATION IMP ACTS
7.2.1 Construction Period
(a) Estimates prepared by the applicant for the Hyatt project indicate that its
construction would involve over 1,600 person-years. (A "person-year" is defined as one
person working full time for a period of one year.) Averaged over the 78-month
construction period that is expected for the Hyatt, this amounts to roughly 700
additional construction jobs. Employment levels would, of course, fluctuate signifi-
cantly over time, so that relatively few workers might be on-site during the early
months of the project when the site is being prepared, and as many as 1,200 to 1,500
might be present at one time for short periods during the intense activity that
accompanies final fitting-out of the hotel.
(b) Construction employment on the three other sites within the project area
would be substantially less than for the Hyatt. Because these sites are expected to be
developed sequentially, average construction employment generated by their develop-
ment would be less than would be experienced during the years the Hyatt is being
built. The average during these later years is expected to be approximately 740
construction jobs, but. annual averages might vary from as few as 170 to as many as
370 construction jobs.
(c) Generally, the construction labor force requirements are expected to be
met by employing local workers and by bringing in additional workers for short periods
of time. Hence, the effect of this construction employment on the resident population
would be minimal except that it could allow individuals already in the construction
labor force to remain in the-region.
7.2.2 Operational Period
(a) Resort development as proposed would lead to a permanent increase in the
number of jobs, residents, and visitors in the region. Community Resources, Inc.
(September 1984; March 1985) estimated that the Hyatt Regency Waikoioa Hotel
would generate nearly 1,900 direct visitor industry jobs supporting an additional 4,000
persons in West Hawai'i. These jobs would be both in the hotel itself and in direct
visitor industry businesses which are supported by the expenditures of the hotels and
hotel guests. Development on the other three sites covered by the DA permit
application was forecast to add another 1,600 direct visitor industry jobs and ?,400
residents. Over the long term, then, the proposed action is expected to result in the
formation of approximately 2,900 direct visitor industry jobs; these jobs would, in turn,
support a resident population of about 6,900 people.
(b) The Hyatt is expected to have an average visitor census of about 1,900
persons, while the average number of visitors and residents in the two additional resort
hotels and single condominium project planned for the other sites within the project
area is forecast at almost 1,400 persons. During peak periods, the visitor census could
be as much as 20-percent higher than the annual average.
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7.3 HOUSING IMPACTS
7.3.1 Construction Period
(a) Community Resources, Inc. (September 1984) estimated that about 300
workers might enter the housing market in search of long-term leases while the Hyatt
is being constructed. If these workers are accommodated in single-family homes, the
number of units needed to house them would be less than 100. If they are housed
instead in small apartments, the number of units required would be proportionately
greater. Assuming a typical distribution between single- and multi-family units, the
additional housing demand during construction of the Hyatt is unlikely to exceed 150-
200 units, and it could well be substantially lower.
(b) An additional 300 off-island workers may enter the short-term rental
housing market for a period of a few months at a time during the construction of the
Hyatt. Depending upon the choices they make between single- and multi-family units,
the total could range from as little as 120 to as high as 250 units. Peak construction
employment would be reached when off-island workers with special skills not readily
available on the island arrive for periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
These workers would almost certainly stay in hotels or condominiums now in the
vacation rental market; their use by construction workers would have little effect on
resident housing.
(c) The other sites within the project area are substantially smaller than the
Hyatt site, and development on them would have proportionately lower construction
worker housing requirements. Construction of the hotel planned for Site 12 would
begin just after the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel is completed. Because of its size,
this hotel would have the most significant construction work force requirements of all
the post-Hyatt projects. Community Resources, Inc. (March. 1985^ forecasts that the
average construction worker housing need resulting from this hotel would be well
under 100 units.
(d) If they were implemented, Alternatives I, 2 and 5 would generate about
the same need for construction worker housing as the applicants' proposal. Alterna-
tives 3 and 4 would generate approximately one-half to two-thirds the construction
worker housing requirement as the applicants' proposal. If the permit is denied, no
additional housing would be needed for construction workers. Under the County of
Hawaii policy, the applicants must provide worker and low/moderate housing in
consultation with the County. The commitment is made prior to construction.
7.3.2 Operational Period
(a) Slightly over 300 workers could move to Kohala as a result of the Hyatt
project if the applicants' proposal is implemented. Of these, roughly two-thirds would
be service workers with .relatively limited incomes. Development planned subsequent
to the Hyatt would support an additional 200 to 220 in-migrant workers. Converting
these figures to households suggests that direct visitor industry employment generated
by the Hyatt might generate a demand for about 200 additional Kohala area homes.
The remaining planned hotel and condominium projects would increase this by an
additional 140 units. Hence, total employee housing demand associated with planned
development within the project area is forecast at about 350 units.
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(b) Securing affordable housing is likely to be a serious concern for the newly
formed and in-migrating households from which the direct visitor industry work force
required to support the applicants' proposal would be partially drawn. These
households total between 125 and 185 for the Hyatt, and from 80 to 130 tor the
subsequent planned projects. If historical trends continue, many of these households
may require housing assistance or be forced to live in sub-standard conditions.
(c) If they could be implemented, Alternatives I, 2 and 5 would generate about
the same employee housing demand as would the applicants' proposal. Alternatives 3
and 4 would generate a need for approximately one-half to two-thirds the amount of
employee housing as the applicants' proposal. If the permit is denied, no additional
employee housing would be needed.
7.4 OTHER ECONOMIC IMPACTS
(a) Over its 28-month construction period, the Hyatt development would
generate about $85 million dollars in personal income. Nearly $46 million would
accrue to residents of the Big Island, mostly (80 percent) to those living in Vest
Hawai'i. Construction expenditures for the three remaining planned projects are
forecast to generate nearly $70 million in personal income statewide, about half of it
on the Big Island. Available data suggests that tax collections from personal income
average about 17 percent, or $6-million per year during construction of the Hyatt.
Average annual tax income'during development of the remaining three sites within the
permit area is forecast to be about $2-million.
(b) Long-term operational employmerjt generated directly by the Hyatt
Regency Waikolda Hotel would produce an estimated $50-million dollars per year in
personal income statewide, and the increase on the Big Island would approach $30-
million. Development of the three remaining sites would increase personal income in
the State and County by $33-million and $l9-million, respectively,.
(c) Real property tax revenues generated by the Hyatt project would approxi-
mate $1.6 million per year. Property tax revenues from the other three sites in the
project area would amount to an estimated $1.7-million per year at current tax rates.
7.5 SOCIAL EFFECTS AND CONCERNS
7.5.1 Effects on Family Structure and Stability
(a) Many of the concerns about family impacts expressed in early studies of
visitor facility development stem from the increasing labor force participation of
wives and mothers. This has now been recognized as a national and statewide trend
not confined to resort areas. Researchers have also come to realize that stresses
arising when wives enter the work force must be weighed against family disruptions
associated with the alternative of out-migration to places with more jobs. However,
the following characteristics of the visitor industry may have particular implications,
especially in rural settings:
(b) Shift Work. A common feature of visitor industry employment, shift work
can be disruptive to family routines, particularly when both spouses work within the
industry. The lack of shared time at home hinders normal communication and can
even interfere with regular marital relations.
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(c) Changing Sex Roles. Since the opening of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel,
working wives have become more the norm in Kohala, although police and mental
health agency informants report the phenomenon still causes difficulties in traditional
families. A more recent concern is the substantial introduction into the hotel work
force of large numbers of young local males, for whom there is sometimes a conflict
between the "macho" values with which they have been raised and the "service"
mentality emphasized in the visitor industry.
(d) "Glamor and Gossip" Environment. Resorts expose their employees to
social interaction with large numbers of people of the opposite sex — both visitors and
other employees — thereby increasing opportunities for mild or serious flirtations.
The gossip networks among large work forces can circulate tales back to spouses,
increasing jealousy and mistrust.
(e) Lack of Parental Supervision. Despite the stated concern over this issue in
Kohala, Community Resources, Inc. found that reported child abuse/neglect figures
are not disproportionately high either in Kohala or other rural resort areas of Hawai'i.
However, there is some reason for concern about growing juvenile delinquency rates in
North Kohala, Kona, and Lahaina.
(f) For most of the foregoing factors, the Hyatt Regency — partly because of
its greater size, partly because more social adaptation would have occurred by the
time the other three sites are developed, and partly because the work forces employed
on the later projects may consist more of young single persons less affected by such
concerns — is potentially the most significant aspect of the proposed action.
However, even for the Hyatt it is impossible to determine the magnitude or
significance of the changes that would occur in these areas.
7.5.2 Crime Impacts
(a) Crime is a major concern of island residents, with some feeling that crime
rates tend to rise in proportion to the level of visitor activity. Studies of tourism-
crime data nationwide (Pizam; 1982), in comparable areas such as Florida (McPheters
& Strange; 1974), and in Hawai'i (Fujii, Mak & Nishimura; 1978 and Chesney-Lind &
Lind; 1984) lead to contradictory conclusions. There was some consistency in finding a
relationship between tourism and robberies (and, in Hawai'i, rape as well), but the data
are not clear cut.
(b) Community Resources, Inc.'s analysis of overall crime rate data for rural
resort areas suggests there may be a temporary spurt in reported crime ^particularly
thefts) following openings of major new resort projects, but long-term trends in Kohala
and Kona do not suggest continued growth in crime rates in direct proportion to
continued resort development or population growth rates. That is, the per-unit impact
of the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel on local crime rates is expected to be less than
the impact of previous hotel openings, and the impact of the subsequent projects less
still.
(c) Additional perspectives gained through interviews with Kona and Kohala
police captains include these points:
o On-site crime at existing West Hawai'i luxury hotels is minimal and usually
involves theft from rooms or cars by hotel workers.
o Off-site, visitors are most frequently victimized by thefts from parked
cars or of valuables left on the beach.
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o Police do not feel there are substantial "spill-over" effects on residents.
That is, residents are not more likely to be crime victims because they live
near resorts, nor are many adult residents tempted to commit crimes if they
are not already inclined toward criminality.
o The major "spill-over" effect of concern to police is the increase in crime
opportunities at parks and beaches, where thefts are most frequently
committed by juveniles. However, the impacts of the various proposed
Waikoloa projects are likely to be dampened by (I) the tendency of guests to
drive all around the island, not just to nearby areas, and (2) the absence in
Kohala of a "street scene" such as contributes to delinquency in Kailua-Kona
or Lahaina.
o An indirect effect of tourism on crime is through conflicts between
longtime residents and newcomers who may be employed in resorts. Physi-
cal confrontations lead to assault charges against either party, but often !it
is the transient newcomer who commits the crime of theft against the
longtime local resident.
o On the other hand, police believe Mainland-raised people are more likely to
report crime, and local people are also more likely to file reports as the
population grows and becomes more filled with strangers. Thus, there may
be an increase "on paper" of crime in Kohala as economic development leads
to more in-migration and population growth.
7.53 Effects on Social Structure
Impacts of resort development on local residents' values, lifestyles, and "quality
of life" are indirect and difficult to measure. Nevertheless, effects will be felt over
the long term, changing along with other societal trends and circumstances. To some
extent, it is more possible to identify aspects of social structure which can be affected
by increased resort development.
o Ethnic Relations and Class Structure. As more Caucasians move into the
area, there will be some increases in existing problems of intercultural
adjustment. Past experience suggests longtime residents tend to "act out"
frustrations, while many newcomers are more likely to feel socially isolated
and seek mental health assistance. If most upper management positions are
taken by Caucasians, there could be echoes of the old plantation ethnic/
class structure. And should the reported increases in Asian immigrants
among the Waikiki work force begin to be replicated on the Gig Island, a new
intercultural dimension will emerge.
o Community Organizations. North Kohala's plantation legacy and cultural
values of equality have historically discouraged longtime residents from
seeking public positions of leadership (Chang; 1977, 1979). As a result, many
leadership positions in community organizations are filled by relative
newcomers. This trend can be expected to continue with the influx of
newcomers generated by the Hyatt and the later Waikoloa projects.
o Role of Labor Unions. The growth of the visitor industry in South Kohala is
being accompanied by the reemergence of labor unions as important socio-
political organizations. If a single union gains control both of the Hyatt
Regency Waikoloa and of most other Kohala hotels, it would become a major
force in local politics and within the everyday lives of many residents.
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0 Individual Community Character. The current sharp distinctions between
the^ physical and social characters of the major area population centers —
Waimea and Hawi — will be little affected, and perhaps reinforced, by the
South Kohala resort developments. However, the Hyatt and subsequent
Waikoloa projects will likely stimulate more rapid growth at Waikoloa
Village, which could become the community of top and middle manaqe-
ment.
7.5.4 Mitigation Measures
The primary socio-economic impacts of the project — generation of local
employment and income — are positive and require no mitigation. However, efforts
can be made to avoid some of the undesirable social side effects that have been
identified, and these are outlined below.
7.5.4. 1 Housing
(a) The most effective means of mitigating any housing problem that develops
involves the provision of land around Waikoloa Village for low- and moderate-income
housing programs to be coordinated by the State or County housing agencies. The
landowner and the County are currently negotiating an agreement towards this end for
the Waikoloa Hyatt Regency, and similar agreements would be later negotiated for
each of the other projects as they approach the permit approval stages.
(b) Additional steps that could be taken to facilitate private sector response to
the increased demand for West Hawatt housing that will accompany the proposed
project include: ^
o Improved public transportation that makes visitor industry jobs along the
South Kohala coastline more accessible from existing communities, thereby
reducing the need for new residential construction. A variant of this would
be improvement of the Saddle Road from Hilo, although it has yet to be
established that many Hilo residents would be willing to commute to
Kohala jobs.
o Improved dissemination of information to employees regarding housinq
assistance programs for which they may qualify.
o Government facilitation of housing development in areas "within reasona-
ble commuting distance to the growth centers of North Kona and South
Kohala but where land costs are lower" (Hawai'i, State of, Department of
Qnd Econom!c Development, Hawai'i Inter-Division Committee,
'
7.5.4.2 Maximizing Employment Benefits for Longtime Residents
vonnn ln ?.ection 6-3'5-3' there is some community concern that
younger and/or native Hawaiian residents are growing to feel alienated from tourism
jobs, bteps that could be taken to avoid this include the following:
o A determination should be made of the extent to which disaffection is
actually present and its causes.
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which are most likely to be available could be beneficial.
deal with local residents as employees and enhance the job
satisfaction of their employees.
„.« jsxss, =s
and subsequent high retraining costs.
(c) Given such considerations, resort developers and/or hotel operators could
reasonable commuting distance.
7.5.4.3 Other Steps
(a) Implementation of the State's long-standing plan to develop Kiholo south of
Waikoloa Beach Resort.
(b) Given the large number of units to be developed at the Hyatt site and at
make it more feaslbl? for parents with young children to work and reduce the
pressures on families induced by shift work.
(c) Finally, a standing communication mechanism between resort managers
and the leaders of nearby communities and community organ.zat.ons should be
develoid It cou?d help prevent conflicts and resolve those that do occur. It coud
also bTof dd ?n Is^ning the housing and/or employment mitigat.ons prev.ously
discussed.
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8- IMPACTS ON RECREATIONAL RESOURCES AND ACTIVITY
8. 1 WITHIN THE WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
(a) The applicants' proposed action would increase the number and diversity of
recreational facilities in the region and on the island. This would be accomplished
through the addition of tennis courts, a bowling alley, a half-acre freshwater
swimming pool and 5-acre swimming lagoon, and a health spa/sports complex proposed
as part_ of the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel and by other (as yet undetermined^
recreational facilities that would be constructed on the other three development sites
within the permit area. It would also result in the construction of improved rights-of-
way between the resort entrance road and the shoreline as well as public parking areas
for the cars of shoreline users. These would complement the shoreline access and
public beach facilities already constructed by Transcontinental Development Co. at
'Anaeho'omalu Bay.
(b) Hotel guests would be the primary users of the hotel amenities, but
residents and day visitors could also use the restaurants, bowling alley, and other
facilities. Various community organizations are also expected to utilize the new
dining and banquet facilities that would be constructed if development proceeds as
proposed.
(c) In accordance with conditions established by the County of Hawai'i, public
r.ghts-of-way would be maintained between the resort entrance road and the shoreline
along the sides of each of the sites developed in the project area. Establishment of
woo6 ^ach r'gnjs-of-way would increase the accessibility of the shoreline of the
WBK. Continued public hiking access along the shoreline would not be impeded or
obstructed. The provision of public parking areas near the heads of these rights-of-
way would insure that the paths are usable by the general public. The elimination of
anch.alme ponds and construction of buildings on parcels fronting the trail would
significantly alter the character of the shoreline setting, a change which some users
find undesirable^ At the same time, the creation of pond preservation areas and the
development of interpretive displays could enhance public awareness and understand-
ing of these coastal ecosystems.
(d) Fishing and diving from boats offshore of the project area probably would
not be adversely affected, and may increase. However, the pole and net fishing which
now occur along the shoreline might decline if local fishermen feel intimidated by the
presence of the proposed resort facilities and substantial numbers of visitors.
of + hi6! ln-wat.er. construction proposed by the applicants is limited to excavation
of the lagoon, slight deepening of the innermost zone of the bay, two pedestrian
bridges, a beach, and other resort structures associated with the Hyatt project (see
Mgyre 11-5). These changes would not adversely affect the surfing area just south of
Wcnuloa Bay. Usage of this surfing spot might increase as a resSlt of the improved
(f) 11 devel°P.ment Alternatives 2 and 5 were pursued, they would have
K6 Same imP.CtS *? W°Uld the QPPl!cants' Pr°P<*°' because they involve
WOM.H ^ 'T! mTriEerlof unlts and the same land area- Alternatives 3 and 4
2n iT S"bstantl? '^ le" development than -the other alternatives (except for
' *K re!°i W°Uld "? feW6r On-Site recreat?°n°l amenities, as well as a
, tJV*P«*«' us°9e °f off-site public and private recreational facilities.
Impacts on existing uses would be similar to the proposed development.
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8.2 OUTSIDE THE WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
(a) By increasing the resident and visitor population of the region, the
be generated.
Based on information obtained from South Kohala hotels, car rental
by development within the project area is expected to be relatively low, probably on
the order of 500 per day.
(c) The projected 7,400-person increase in the resident population of West
Hc^aM which wPould be supported by project-related direct visitor mdustry' employ-
rrSnt represents a large gain over the existing level. However, ex.sting State and
County^parks and other9recreational resources should still be sufficient to meet the
rSon'sPrecreational needs if planned recreational facility improvements .dentjf.ecIn
the County's Recreation Plan (Hawai'i, County of, Department of Parks and Recrea-
tion and Planning Department, 1973) are completed.
9. IMPACTS ON PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES
9.1 THE PROPOSED ACTION
9.1.1 Transportation
(a) Peak traffic on the Waikoloa Beach Resort entrance road near Gueen
Ka'ahumanu Highway following construction of the Hyatt Regency W°'k°£a "°.!e'
would exceed 1,000 vehicles per hour. The level of serv.ce for through traffic on the
highway would remain at "A", as would the level of service for veh.cles turnmg into
the resort and vehicles exiting the resort to the south (Service level "A- s the best
possible on a scale of A through E; at this service level there ,s 11ttle of no restrction
on speed or maneuverability.) However, because of conflicts with through traff.c and
northbound vehicles turning into the resort, the number of veh.cles des.rmg to turn
left out of the resort onto Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway would exceed the capacity ot
the intersection. Reducing the speed limit on the highway in the vicinity of the
intersection would increase the capacity of the left turn movement to the point where
the expected volume could be accommodated.
(b) Continuing development of the sites within the project area would increase
traffic volumes beyond the capacity of the intersection. To avoid the resulting
congestion, signalization and/or physical improvements to the intersection would be
required. The applicants have indicated that they have plans for such improvements,
including the eventual construction of a second entrance road to the resort opposite
the existing road to Waikoloa Village, and would implement them as necessary.
(c) Visitors moving to and from the resort facilities proposed for the permit
area would probably increase passenger traffic through Keahole Airport by at least 50
percent over its 1983 level. Development of other resort facilities in the region is
/y/
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expected to proceed as well, so that the volume of passenger traffic handled by the
airport is projected to at least double by the early 1990s. Existing facilities are
capable of accommodating this higher volume of passenger traffic, albeit with a
noticeable increase in congestion.
(d) United Airlines has already initiated direct flights from California to
Keahole, bypassing Honolulu and the inter-island air carriers, but the 6,000-foot length
of the existing runway at Keahole is too short to permit these long-range aircraft to
take off fully loaded. As a result, departing flights leave with only a partial fuel load,
stopping at either Hilo or Kahului for refueling. The State Department of Transporta-
tion is preparing to update the master plan for Keahole Airport, and facility
improvements needed to accommodate direct flights to and from the mainland could
be operational within about five years if studies show that they are justified.
(e) The State Department of Transportation has indicated that facilities at
Kawaihae Harbor are adequate to accommodate the expected long-term water
transportation needs of West Hawai'i.
9.1.2 Potable Water
(a) Total potable water use by the Hyatt Regency Waikolba Hotel is forecast
to be between 0.5 and 0.75 million gallons per day (MGD). The capacity of the wells
supplying the existing water system (exclusive of required backup) is approximately 1.0
MGD, and the existing water use 5n the system is approximately 0.66 MGD.
Cumulative water demand following construction of the Hyatt would be between 1.16
and 1.42 MGD. The need for additional source capacity would be further accentuated
by development of the two additional hotels and condominium project planned for the
project area. Waikoloa Resort Utilities (September 28, 1984) has committed itself to
provide the necessary service.
(b) Since the capacity of the existing wells would be exceeded, a new potable
water well (or wells) would need to be drilled. During the 1970s ''Bowles, MsJ studies
were conducted of the aquifer which the Waikoloa wells tap and indicate that its
capacity, in the vicinity of the existing well field, is on the order of 3.0 to 5.0 MGD.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers places the capacity of the aquifer in the 3.0 to 6.0
MGD range. This is more than adequate to accommodate all of the resort
development proposed by the applicants. The additional development of groundwater
resources that would be needed to accommodate the proposed uses would require a
permit from the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division
of Land and Water Development. The State Department of Health must also approve
sources developed to serve potable water. Expansion of the water system would also
have to conform to a policy of the County of Hawai'i Department of Public Works that
requires that the availability of adequate water supplies be demonstrated prior to
issuance of a building permit.
9.1.3 Wostewater Treatment and Disposal
(a) Wastewater treatment and disposal at the WBR is provided by Waikoloa
Resort Utilities, Inc., a regulated public utility. Belt Collins & Associates (1985^
estimated that the WBR's sewage effluent flow could increase from about 0.15 mgd to
3.7 mgd, requiring an expansion of the treatment plant at some point in the future.
The existing plant provides secondary treatment and can be expanded incrementally to
accommodate 2.8 mgd before requiring a new facility. The applicants have indicated
that 2.8 mgd is sufficient to satisfy the requirements for the proposed development.
The estimated sewage flow from the proposed development would be 0.95 mgd.
4-29
/
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(b) The applicants indicated that all the treated sewage effluent from the
proposed development would be used to irrigate the Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf
Course. If in the future wastewater flow should exceed golf course irrigation
requirements, the excess would be injected into the ground. The State Department of
Health indicated in its comments to the Draft E1S that there, could be potential
impacts of sewage irrigation water aerosol on inhabited areas around the golf course.
The applicants indicated that treated effluent has been used to irrigate other neighbor
island resort golf courses for many years without adverse effect. The State of Hawaii,
Department of Health and the County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works regulate
the construction and operation of wastewater treatment facilities and facility design
and operation must conform to their standards.
9.1.4 Solid Waste Disposal
The proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel would generate an estimated 7,500
pounds per day of solid waste, and the hotel and condominium development planned for
the other sites within the project area would add another 6,000 pounds per day to this.
This waste, which would total about 2,500 tons per year, would be collected by a
commercial refuse service paid for by the hotels and condominium association and
trucked either to the existing County landfill site near Kailua or to the planned new
landfill near Pu'uanahulu. The new landfill is expected to be operational within three
to four years and to have sufficient capacity to accommodate the solid waste
generated by currently planned resort development in South Kohala (Sugiyama, 70
September 1984).
9.1.5 Electrical Power and Telecommunications Facilities
(a) Based on a 2.5-KV peak demand per hotel room and an estimated 17,000
kilowatt hours (KWH) per year per hotel room, the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel
would increase peak demand by 3,150 KV and average annual usage by 21.4-million
KWH per year. An overall commitment to service the Waikoloa Beach Resort was
made by HELCO in the mid-1970s when the master plan for the project was developed,
and the Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) has confirmed that it will be able to
service the Hyatt project (Yamasaki, 20 September 1984). The existing electrical
substation adjacent to Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway will need to be upgraded to
accommodate the higher loads, and requirements established by the County of Hawai'i
may lead to the undergrounding of the power distribution lines between the substation
and the resort.
(b) The Hawaiian Telephone Company (HAWTEL^ has stated that it foresees no
difficulty serving the proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel (Hamlin, I October
1984). The applicants indicate that HAWTEL has also expressed satisfaction regarding
its ability to serve other future development within the area covered by the Corps of
Engineers permit.
9.1.6 Public Services
In addition to the improvements described above, increased demands resulting
from population growth and the presence of a larger number of visitors would generate
a need for expanded public services such as police and fire protection, schools, and
health services. The specific nature of the required improvements cannot be
determined until additional information is- available regarding the location of the
secondary growth that would be supported by resort development within the project
area.
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9.2 ALTERNATIVES
If development Alternatives I, 2 and 5 were pursued, they would have essentially
the same impacts as would the applicants' proposal because they involve essentially the
same number of units and the same land area. Because of the larger preservation area
which they involve, Alternatives 3 and 4 would result in substantially less development
than the other alternatives (except for permit denial). Hence, the demand on utilities
and public services would be correspondingly less. Denial of the permit and no action
would leave the demand unchanged.
10. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS
(a) Construction activity would lead to increased automotive pollutant
emissions on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, resort access roads, and the coastal sites of
the WBR. However, the effect would be minor compared with the level of automotive
emissions expected once the resort facilities are operational, and the increase would
not result in a violation of State or Federal air quality standards.
(b) ^ Site preparation and earth moving would create particulate emissions, as
will building and on-site road construction. There is little or no soil on most of the
affected area, a factor that will help limit construction dust. However, the soils most
likely to be used in the top layer of fill and for landscaping are likely to have relatively
low cohesion and to be susceptible to wind erosion. Hence, proper vigilance and proper
erosion control techniques will need to be be used in the placement of topsoil on the
development sites.
*
(c) The most significant source of air pollutants is expected to be the vehicles
that would move to and from the project area once the proposed resort facilities are in
operation. The impact of the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel on I- and 8-hour carbon
monoxide concentrations were calculated. Air pollutant dispersion modeling indicated
that during "worst-case" atmospheric and traffic conditions (which occur very infre-
quently), both State and Federal I-hour CO standards would be met, but that the level
might slightly exceed the State 8-hour standard immediately adjacent to the intersec-
tion of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and the WBR entrance road. As noted elsewhere,
the^ additional traffic generated by development on the remaining sites within the
project area would result in total traffic volumes exceeding the capacity of the
intersection; the resulting congestion would lead to markedly higher pollutant levels in
the vicinity, and a deterioration in air quality is to be expected. This would be avoided
by roadway improvements that would eliminate the congestion which leads to a build-up
of pollutants. It should also be noted that the land surrounding the intersection is
vacant, and motorists in waiting vehicles would be subject to only short-term exposure.
(d) Air pollutant emissions from helicopter traffic into and out of the proposed
helipad would have no significant effect on air quality due to the low volume that is
expected. The propane-powered motors that would be used in the boat fleet at the
Hyatt project are inherently clean-burning, and they would not create significant levels
of air pollutants.
(e) If Alternatives I, 2 and 5 were pursued, the effect on air quality would be
essentially the same as that resulting from the applicants' proposal. This is because
they involve essentially the same number of units and the same land area. Alternatives
3 and 4 would result in substantially less development than the other alternatives
(except for permit denial). This implies reduced traffic and vehicular emissions. Denial
ot the DA permit and No Action would prevent most development on the sites in
question; hence, this alternative would have no effect on air quality.
4-31
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II. NOISE IMPACTS
(a) Noise from on-site construction activities at the Hyatt site would be just
audible outside the Shores condominium and the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel. Even
these peak sound levels would not disrupt normal conversations in outside areas; they
would be inaudible in closed, air-conditioned spaces. No pile driving is contemplated
for the Hyatt project. Once the roadways, site preparation, and foundation work on
the Hyatt are completed, construction noise levels would be IS to 20 dB'A) lower than
at their peak. This would be too low to be annoying, if heard at all, at either the
Sheraton or Shores. Because they would be closer to occupied structures, construction
noise levels resulting from development of the other sites within the project area
would have a greater effect on adjacent development, but quantitative estimates
cannot be made at this time. In any case, noise levels resulting from this additional
construction would be no greater than are commonly experienced in all urban settings.
(b) Noise levels on areas adjacent to the resort entrance would be increased by
vehicular traffic moving to and from the permit area. Analyses indicate that they
would produce noise levels at the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel (the most seriously
affected building) that are below the current 65 Ldn standard.
(c) If Alternatives I, 2 and 5 could be successfully pursued, the effect on noise
levels would be essentially the same as that resulting from the applicants' proposal.
Alternatives 3 and 4 would result in much less development than the other alterna-
tives. This would mean reduced noise impacts. Denial of the DA permit would
eliminate the noise impacts of the project's construction and operation.
4-32
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CHAPTER V
LIST OF PREPARERS OF FINAL EIS
U.S.' ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Michael T. Lee
~ Environmental analysis and preparation of Federal DEIS/
FEIS. Biologist specializing in environmental impact analy-
sis; 13 years experience in this with USACOE. B.A. in
Biology.
U.5. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Cooperating Agency)
Andy Yuen
~ Provided input and analysis for DEIS/FEIS anchialine ponds
section. Biologist with M.S. in Biology.
BELT, COLLINS & ASSOCIATES Provided environmental information and initial
environmental assessments to the Corps.
Perry J. White — As EIS manager, contributed to organization and content of
all sections. Senior environmental planner with masters
degree in regional planning.
Ann K. Yoklavich — Contributed to writing and/or editing of all sections. Planner
with Bachelor of Arts degree.
Kenneth O. Nagai — Contributed to water resources and public utilities sections.
Civil engineer with B.S. in civil engineering.
Thomas F. Nance - Contributed to water resources sections. Civil engineer/
hydrologist with M.S. in civil engineering.
SUBCOMSULTANTS
Paul K. Bienfang
Ann M. Bouslog
Richard E. Brock
Phillip L. Bruner
Ronald A. Darby
Provided analyses of aquatic resources and anchialine ponds.
Biological oceanographer with Ph.D. in oceanoaraphy.
Contributed to socio-economic sections of statement. Socio-
logist specializing in demography, and employment and social
impacts of development. Ph.D. in sociology.
Prepared report assessing conditions and future of anchialine
pond resources. Consulting Biologist with Ph.D. in fisheries.
Provided input for terrestrial wildlife sections. Environmen-
tal consultant and ornithologist. M.S. in zoology.
Provided analyses of noise impacts. Consulting acoustical
engineer. M.S. in engineering acoustics.
5-1
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Karen Fassler
Erin M. Hall
John M. Knox
Robert L. Lucas
James W. Morrow
Paul H. Rosendahl
Kanalei Shun
Lee Sichter
David A. Zieman
Prepared graphics for the statement. Graphic artist with
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Provided input for terrestrial flora sections. Environmental
consultant with an M.A. degree in biogeography.
Contributed to socio-economic sections of statement.
Consultant specializing in survey research and social impact
analyses. Ph.D. in psychology.
Contributed to sections on public services and utilities,
recreation, and energy. Planning and economics consultant
with M.A. in economics.
Provided analyses of air quality impacts. Air quality
consultant with M.S. in environmental health.
Principal investigator for archaeological surveys. Consulting
archaeologist with Ph.D. in anthropology.
Prepared archaeological survey reports. Consulting archaeol-
ogist with an M.A. in anthropology.
Responsible for community interviews and data gathering
field work for socio-economic impact assessment. Land use
planner specializing in social impact assessment and conflict
management. Masters degree in urban planning.
Provided analyses of aquatic resources and anchialine ponds.
Biological oceanographer with Ph.D. in oceanography.
5-2
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CHAPTER VI
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
I. PUBLIC NOTICES AND THE SCOPING PROCESS
(a) The Initial Notice of Intent (NO!) to prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement was published in the Federal Register on September 20, 1984 (49 FR 184,
36901). A separate Public Notice and News Release informing the public of the
proposed action and intent to prepare an EIS was circulated on October 19, 1984. The
NOI, the Public Notice, and the News Release were based on the applicants' original
proposal requesting permission to excavate or fill all of the ponds on the Hyatt
Regency Waikoloa Hotel site. This application did not cover the anchialine ponds on
the rest of the Waikoloa Beach Resort (WBR) or discuss the possible creation of a pond
preservation area.
(b) As a result of concerns expressed for the anchialine ponds, the applicants
revised their permit application to include all the anchialine ponds within the WBR,
except those within the existing preservation area (Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishponds)
adjacent to 'Anaeho'omalu Bay, and those within a proposed pond preservation area. A
revised Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on January 31, 1985 (50
c •!!'«'" A revfsed Public Notice (January 29, 1985) and News Release (February
5, 1985) were reissued to the public, both to those who had received the original notice
and to those persons, organizations and agencies who had commented on the original
Notice of Intent and Public Notice. A list of those who received the Public Notices, as
well as copies of the Notices of Intent and Public Notices, are contained in Appendix
L/»
(c) A total of three public interest groups, three individuals and five govern-
ment agencies responded to the Public Notices. A list of the correspondence relating
to the Public Notices and copies of these letters are contained in Appendix B.
txpressed concerns were used to scope the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and
to revise the applicants' initial permit application. A Corps representative also met
informally with representatives of the Hawai'i Island Chapter of the Sierra Club and
Noi Ala Hele to discuss their concerns for anchialine ponds preservation, public access
and use of the coastal trail system, as well as their knowledge of the area's resources.
beparate scoping meetings were held with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National
Marine Fisheries Service and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
2- COORDINATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
2.1 ENDANGERED SPECIES
2.1.1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(a) The Corps of Engineers (Corps) initiated Section 7 consultation, in
JKTT W ,^c,r,El^anaered SPecies Act> °s amended, with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) on October 26, 1984. On December 5, 1984, the USFWS
informed the Corps that the proposed development might impact the endangered
McnS/c0" •! andL the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. On February 22, 1985, the
UbhWb provided their biological opinion that the proposed development would not
jeopardize the continued existence of either endangered species.
6-1
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(b) On April 18, 1985, the USFWS Informed the Corps that Procaris howolana,
Metabeteaus lohena, Calliasmata iouensis, Halocardina rubra, and Ostromouvia horn
were classified as Category 2 for purposes of the Endangered Species Act. Category 2
classification indicates that a species probably should be listed as threatened or
endangered on the Federal List of Threatened or Endangered Species, but for which
insufficient information exists to list the species. Both the Corps and the USFWS are
considering the rarity of the organisms in the development of the management plan for
the proposed development, and are consulting on further studies of the organisms. The
Corps has initiated field work and required more anchialine pond survey work, in
conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service efforts, to gather information on
the organisms as they relate to anchialine ponds.
2.1.2 National Marine Fisheries Service
The Corps of Engineers initiated Section 7, Endangered Species Act, as amended,
consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on February 20, 1985,
when the applicant informed the Corps that they planned to use blasting techniques in
the excavation of the lagoon. Consultation was initiated because of the potential blast
impacts on endangered humpback whales and threatened sea turtles that are known to
occur in waters offshore from the proposed development. On May 13, 1985, NMFS
provided the Corps a biological opinion that blasting would not jeopardize the
continued existence of the threatened and endangered animals provided certain
conditions were included in the Department of the Army permit. The conditions
provided for Corps consideration were made a part of the proposed lagoon construction
plan. (See Appendix G.)
23. HISTORIC PRESERVATION
(a) Initial coordination with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)
concerning the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel led to the conclusion that none of the
remains present on the Hyatt site were eligible for inclusion to the National Register
of Historic Places because the scientific information the sites contained was recov-
ered and salvaged. The applicants also made a commitment to preserve the Nawahine,
Kaniku and Waiulua Bay settlement sites. As part of the County of Hawaii, Special
Management Area permit, the applicants were required to reconstruct the coastal foot
trail through the Waiulua Bay settlement site. Subsequent coordination with the SHPO
and the Corps resulted in the applicants design change to reconstruct and enhance both
the trail and some of the archaeological sites in the Waiulua Bay settlement site ~r^~
details of the coordination are available in Appendix H.
The
(b) Upon broadening the permit application to include the all anchialine ponds
on the Waikoloa Beach Resort properties, the applicants performed an archaeological
reconnaissance re-survey that resulted in recommendations for archaeological data
recovery of scientific information on the sites found during the survey. The SHPO and
the Corps agreed that the sites were eligible for inclusion in the National Register of
Historic Places because the sites contained scientific information that could contrib-
ute to the knowledge of Hawaiian history. A data recovery plan was developed by the
SHPO and the Corps; however, the Corps required that the applicants first consider
architectural designs that could preserve the archaeological sites prior to implementa-
tion of the data recovery plan. The summary of the coordination was forwarded to the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) for the review and development of
a Memorandum of Agreement between the ACHP, SHPO, the Corps and the applicants.
The details of the coordination are available in Appendix H.
6-2
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3. PUBLIC HEARING
.-
(a) A public hearing on the permit application was held on April 19, 1985 at
the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel. The public hearing was initially scheduled for
March 14, 1985, but was postponed because of delay in the release of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement prior to the public hearing. (See Appendix 1 for the
Public Hearing Notice and Record.)
(b) The roll-cards indicated that 98 individuals were present at the hearing.
Ten individuals represented the applicant, nine represented Federal, State and local
governments; two represented the media, and 77 represented the public-at-Iarge.
Seventeen letters and one petition were received For inclusion in the record of the
public hearing (see Appendix E for a Record of the Public Hearing). Of those present,
19 individuals provided testimony on the permit application, besides three applicant
representatives.
(c) In summary, all testimony and letters received indicated the project at
Waikoloa was generally supported. Many speakers and writers indicated support for
the project citing increased employment opportunities, increased economic growth,
increased public access to the shoreline, increased recreation facilities and opportuni-
ties, preservation of historic sites and traditional trails, a balance between develop-
ment and preservation of anchialine pondsj and scientific and education opportunities
under preservation management. However, nine groups and individuals, while indica-
ting no opposition to the project, qualified their support indicating their desire to see
more anchialme ponds preserved (about 7 more ponds encompassing 2.5 acres), desire
for quality development that fit into the existing coastal environmental setting, desire
to ensure local employment opportunities and job education for those employment
opportunities, and desire to see better long-term planning for management and preser-
vation of anchialine ponds in the West Coast of Hawaii. Two individuals questioned
the value of anchialine ponds and one interest group questioned the validity of the
Mate certified shoreline boundary. One individual wanted the lagoon open to public
use, as well as use by resort guests. Two individuals questioned the desireability of
importing exotic deer to Hawaii.
*• DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(a) Copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) were mailed
to government agencies and the public on March 25, 1985. A list of persons, organiza-
tions and agencies receiving the DEIS is provided in Appendix J. The availability of
the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on April 5, 1985, and the Corps of
Engineers circulated a Public Notice of Availability of the DEIS on April 5, 1985. The
date in the Federal Register initiated the official 45-day, DEIS, public review period
that ended May 20, 1985. See Appendix J for the Public Notice of Availability.
(b) Comments to the DEIS were received from:
(I) Congressional Representative, Senator Sparky Matsunaga
(2) Federal Agencies:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service, Hawaii
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Marine Fisheries Service
6-3
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I
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Hawaii
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Coast Guard, 14th District
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(3) State of Hawaii
Office of Environmental Quality Control
Department of Accounting and General Services
Department of Agriculture
Department of Defense
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Department of Health
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Department of Planning and Economic Development
Department of Transportation
University of Hawaii
Environmental Center
Water Resources Research Center
(4) County of Hawaii
*
Department of Parks and Recreation
Department of Public Works
(5) Special Interest Groups
First Hawaiian Bank
Island Explorations
Mauna Lani Resort
Sheraton Hotels in the Pacific
Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter
Society of Hawaiian Archaeology
(6) Individuals
Nelson Ho
E. Alison Kay
Tim Newstrom
Jerry Rothstein
Lani Stimmerman
Richard H. Titgen, Ph.D.
(c) Detailed comments and response to comments received are provided in
Appendix K.
6-4
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CHAPTER VII
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?_Zt
-------
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-------
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-
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7-8
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7-14
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CHAPTER VIII
INDEX
Page
Access, Coastal
Air Quality, Existing Conditions
Air Quality, Impacts on
Alternative I, Description
Alternative 2, Description
Alternative 3, Description
Alternative 4, Description
Alternative 5, Description
Alternative, Applicants' Proposal
Alternative, Permit Denial
Alternative, Environmentally Preferred
Alternatives Within the Jurisdiction of the DA
Alternatives, Practicable
Alternatives To Be Considered
Alternatives Within the Capability of the Applicants But
Outside the Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers
Alternatives Beyond the Capability of the Applicants But
Within the Jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers
Alternative Development Sites Outside the WBR
'Anaeho'omalu Bay
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, Management of
Anchialine Pond Resources, Statewide
Anchialine Ponds, Creation and Restoration
Anchialine Ponds, Description and Distribution of
Anchialine Ponds, Effect of Alternatives on
Anchialine Ponds, Hydrology
Anchialine Ponds, Organisms
Anchialine Ponds, Waikoloa Beach Resort
Aquatic Resources, General
Aquatic Resources, Waiulua Bay, Description of
Bathymetry
Birds
Birds and Wildlife, Effects on
Building Footings
Clean Water Act, Section 404
Climate
Coastal Features
Coastal Trail
Coastal Zone Management Program
Communities, Profile of Existing
Controversy, Areas of
Coordination with Government Agencies
Coordination, Endangered Species
Coordination, Historic Preservation
Currents
i, 2-19
3-11
4-31
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-25
2-25
2-7
2-28
2-33 ,
2-7
2-4
2-28
2-33
2-29, 2-30, 2-31
i, iii
C-l
2-28
3-70
5i, 4-3, 4-8
3-23 .,.
3-?9, 4-4
iz-rt-4-3
3-19
3-6
3-16
4-18
2-14
iii, 2-7
3-7
3-5
2-19
3-49, ii
6-1
F-!
H-l
3-5
8-1
-------
Jgge
Development Alternatives
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Drainage, Existing
Earthquakes
Economic Activity
Electrical Power System, Effect on
Electrical Power System, Existing
Employment and Labor Force, Existing
Employment and Labor Force, Projected
Employment, Benefits for Long-Time Residents
Employment, Percent Unemployed
Endangered Species
Environmental Consequences
Environmental Setting
Environmentally Preferred Alternative
Epigeal Organisms
Exotic Fish, Spread of
Fill, Anchidline Ponds
Fill, Discharge of
Fish, Anchialine Pond Species
Flooding, Coastal High Hazard Area
Flooding, Hawaii County Flood Control Ordinance
Geology
Health Care Facilities, Existing
Historic Sites, Coordination
Historic Sites, Description of Preservation Plan
Historic and Archaeologic Sites, Effects on
Historic and Archaeologic Sites, Existing
History of DA Permit Application
Housing Impacts, Construction Period
Housing Impacts, Mitigation.of
Housing Impacts, Operational Period
Housing, Existing Stock of
Hydrology, Groundwater
Hypogeal Organisms
Kaniku Lava Flow
Keauhou Resort
Lagoon Water Circulation
Lagoon, Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel
Land Use, Existing
Land Use, Hawaii County Zoning
Land Use, Hawaii County General Plan
2-6
6-3, J-l, K-l
3-2
3-2
4-22
4-30
3-66
3-55
4-20
i, 4-20, 4-25
3-55
4-1
6-1, 6-2,
Appendix F,
Appendix G,
3-20, 3-43,4-16
2-33
3-37, 4-4
4-7
4-3, 4-8
4-3, 4-8
3-31
i,3-7
3-7
3-1
3-60
Hi, 6-2, H-!
i, ii, 2-19
4-17
3-45
2-4
4-21
4-23
4-21
3-57
3-23
3-37, 4-4
3-1
2-31
2-25,4-1
2-7, 4-1
2-1
3-48
3-48
8-2
-------
Poqe
Mammals
Marine Biota, Effects on
Mauna Kea Resort
Maun a Lani Resort
No Action Alternative
Noise, Effects on
Notice of Intent
Oceanographic Characteristics
Permit Denial
Permit Requirements, County
Permit Requirements, State
Personal Income, Project-Related
Pile-Supported Structures, Use of
Pond Preservation Area, Alternative I
Pond Preservation Area, Alternative 2
Pond Preservation Area, Alternative 3
Pond Preservation Area, Alternative 4
Pond Preservation Area, Alternative 5
Pond Preservation Area, Applicants' Proposal
Pond Preservation, Off-Site
Pond Preservation Program
Population, Effect on
Population, Existing and Trends
Practicable Alternatives Analysis
Preparers, List of
Project Location
Property Tax Revenues, Project Related
Proposed Action
Protective Services
Public Access
Public Hearing
Public Involvement
Public Notices
Public Services, Effect On
Purpose and Need
Rainfall
Recipients of DEIS, List of
Recipients of Public Notices
Recreational Facilities, Existing
Recreatonal Resources, Impacts on
References
Regional Background
Rivers and Harbors Act
Sandy Beach, Proposed
Schools and Libraries, Existing
Scoping
Social Effects, Crime
3-16,4-16
4-16
2-31
2-32
2-32
4-32
D-l
3-5
2-19
2-19
4-22
2-28
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-25
2-25
2-7
2-27
2-13, R-l
4-20
3-49
A-l
5-1
2-1
4-22
2-7
3-63
2-15
6-3,1-1
1, l-l
3-11'
J-l
6-1
3-61
i, 4-27
7-1
2-1
2-7
2-13
3-60
6-1
4-23
8-3
-------
Page
Social Effects, Family Structure
Social Effects, Social Structure
Socle-Economic Characteristics
Socio-Economic Impacts
Soils
Solid Waste, Generation and Disposal
Telecommunications Facilities, Existing
Telecommunications Facilities, Proposed
Temperature
Threatened and Endangered Species
Tides
Topographic Alterations
Topographic Features
Trail, Coastal
Transportation Facilities, Effects on
Transportation Facilities, Existing
Tsunamis
Vegetation, "Barren Lava" Cover Type
Vegetation, Coastal Strand
Vegetation, Effects on
Vegetation, Existing
Vegetation, Kiawe Woodland
Vegetation, Marsh'
Vegetation, Pond
Visual Elements
Volcanic Hazards
Waikoloa Project, Scope and History
Waiulua Bay, Description
Waiulua Bay, Zones In
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, Effect On
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, Existing
Water Quality, Anchialine Ponds
Water Quality, Coastal
Water Quality, Effect of Lagoon Construction on
Water Quality, Within Proposed Lagoon
Water Supply, Effects on
Water Supply, Existing
Waves, Storm
Wildlife
Wind
4-22
4-24
3-46
n, 4-18, 4-25
2-3
3-64, 4-30
3-66
4-30
3-11
4-18
3-5
4-1
3-1
2-19
4-28
3-63
3-7, 4-2
3-13
3-13
4-17
3-13
3-13
3-13
3-13
3-1
3-2
3-49
3-19
3-19
4-29
3-65
3-25, 4-8
3-20,3-25,4-13
4-10, 4-13
4-15
4-29
3-64
3-7, 4-2
3-16
3-1!
8-4
-------
Appendix A
Applicants Practicable Alternative Analysis
-------
-------
WAIKOLOA
September 12, 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer
Honolulu District
U.S. Array Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Ft. Shatter, HI 96858-5440
Re:
Waikoloa Beach Resort
Application for Cores of Engineers Permit
Dear Colonel Jenksi
Enclosed herewith is the analysis of practical
alternatives report, dated .September 6, 1985, prepared by
the professional appraisal firm of Hastings, Martin,
Conboy, Braig t Associates, Ltd. The report was prepared
in conjunction with our application for the referenced
Department of Army Permit, and it sets forth the
appraiser's determination of the economic impact to the
Applicant of the Applicant's Proposal and ten Alternatives
to that proposal. The purpose of this letter is to
communicate to you, first, how the Applicant selected its
proposal and the ten alternatives for evaluation by Mr.
Hastings, and second, why additional alternatives, both
onsite and offsite Haikoloa, were evaluated by the
Applicant, but were not selected for Inclusion in the
enclosed report.
1. Selection Of The Applicant's Proposal And The Ten
Alternatives.
The large and complex Waikoloa Beach Resort project is
a aasterplanned property that has been under planning and
development as a world-class "destination resort" for many
years. The Applicant and its predecessors initially
1001 Bishop Street Suite 2810 Pntlnh! Tower Honolulu. Hawaii tKW 13 I'lmne (BOB) 545-3220 Telex 2(17147
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Page 2
September 12, 1985
selected Haikoloa because of the unique and unmatched
features of the property which qualify it for such usage.
Over the many years of the project, the Applicant and its
predecessors have exhaustively invested thousands of hours
and Billions of dollars in creating an infrastructure to
accoaodate hotels, golf courses, condominiums, single-
family residences, and the commercial, sporting, and
cultural facilities required for such a resort, over
those same years, the Applicant has also worked with all
levels of local government and environmental groups to
carefully consider and integrate their needs into the
Haikoloa master plan. As a result, the application before
you should be considered based upon the full scope of the
Haikoloa Beach Resort project and not merely as it relates
to any one increment of the project, such as the Haikoloa
Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The Applicant's primary reason for being in business
is to develop the Haikoloa Beach Resort property into a
world-class destination resort. To abandon Haikoloa in
favor of another location offsite would result in an
economic disaster from which the Applicant could not
survive. Thus, not only is Haikoloa the best alternative
because of its unique destination resort characteristics
(weather, terrain, location, etc.), Haikoloa is the only
alternative which allows the Applicant to meet the minimum
economic objectives necessary to develop such a resort.
Developing a world-class destination resort within
economically feasible parameters requires a blend of
proven experience and pioneering innovation. Hew neighbor
island resort complexes must provide a wide range of
anenlties in order to compete effectively with already-
established resort areas ouch as Haikiki and Ka'anapali.
At one time, the worldwide competition in this industry
was not so well established, and it was possible to start
with a relatively small resort, but that is no longer the
case. In today's market it is necessary to come on strong
from the very beginning in order to have a financially
viable project.
Through both experience and research, the Applicant
concluded that the shoreline property at Haikoloa must
include at least four major hotels, at least two luxury
residential complexes, and at least one golf course
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Colonel Michael H. JenXa
Page 3
September 12, 1985
parcel. Thi» !• « difficult taak given the relatively
Short shoreline «t Haikoloa. Yet it la a fact that no
,aj£ Semination re.ort of significant ai« in Hawaii haB
ever been built and operated profitably without
Substantially all of it being located directly on the
ocean frontage. Thu. the usable shoreline must be
carefully planned and developed to maximize its
effectiveness. If it i. not, the Applicant has concluded
that Haikoloa cannot be developed economically; in other
wordB. it will not be able to pay for the major
infrastructure and holding costs that are necessary for
such an endeavor. If the fixed infrastructure costs mauka
of the ahorelin. properties (e.g., roadways, sewer
systems, utilities, etc.) have to be borne by fewer
shoreline properties, the entire concept would be
economically infeasible.
in selecting its Proposal, the Applicant has
considered not only its desire to develop a successful
destination resort, but also its desire to meet its
com»itaent to the people of Hawaii and the government
agencies having juraidiction over this development.
During the years after the Haikoloa project was conceived,
the preservation of anchialine ponds in Hawaii became a
concern for many in the community. A recent report by the
acknowledged authority Dr. Richard Brock indicates that
the anchialine ponds on the Island of Hawaii over recent
years have degraded in quality due primarily to a lack of
professional conservation management. Dr. Brock indicates
that other anchialine pond areas in the State of Hawaii
have suffered si.ilarly over the same period of time. Dr.
Brock concludes that such degradation is likely to
continue without a professionally managed conservation
prograa. Unfortunately, public funds are not available to
provida such services, particularly on privately owned
land.
Hith this in mind, the Applicant selected as its
Proposal a plan to set aside 12.146 acres of prime
ocetnfront land as a special pond conservation area. This
unique land is currently valued at §13,620,000.
Additionally, to assure that this special P°nf
conservation area will thereafter receive a high level of
professional care, the Applicant's Propoeal includes a
Pond Management Agreement with the Corps of Engineers,
Colonel Michael H. Jenfc*
Page 4
September 12, 1985
whereby the Applicant will fund the coat of a Management
program for the conservation area under the auspices of
0.3. Fish and Hildlife Service after the Permit from the
Corp* of Engineers is issued. The Applicant believes that
this Proposal is the best possible way to save nany
anchialine ponds at Haikoloa from degradation or possible
extinction.
However, the Applicant cannot afford to set aside the
proposed Pond Conservation Area and fund a professionally
managed program if the Applicant IB unrealistically
limited or restrained from developing the adjacent
shoreline parcels in accordance with its master plan for
the Haikoloa Beach Resort. To demonstrate this
proposition, the Applicant selected ten alternatives to
its Proposal for evaluation by Hr. Hastings. In each
successive alternative, the pond conservation area
increases. The result of this is to reduce the scope of
the Haikoloa Hyatt Regency Hotel and/or to reduce_the
scope of luxury condominiums on a shoreline parcel. The
economic impact of these ten alternatives IB discussed in
- the enclosed report. Very briefly, however, the report
demonstrates the economic reality that the Haikoloa Hyatt
Regency program as now planned will have to be abandoned
if the Applicant is required to significantly Increase the
Pond Preservation Area on Parcels 12 and 13.
2. Alternatives' That Here Hot Selected For Inclusion
In The Report. __ _
As noted earlier, a world-class destination resort
must provide a full range of amenities to its visitors. A
world-class resort development must also have a major
hotel as its anchor tenant. Thus the Applicant determined
that the Hyatt Regency Haikoloa Hotel must have a minimum
of 1,250 rooms as well as the necessary supporting
restaurants and recreational facilities. A« no existing
site at Haikoloa had the requisite 60 acres, a new parcel
was created. On this new parcel, about 80 percent of the
hotel rooms are located on the top of the Kaniku lava flow
along the northern side of Haiulua Bay where there are no
ponds, But it is physically impossible to place more
rooms there. As you know, the County height limit is
already achieved; In fact, the County permit allows the
Applicant one more story than it would have been able to
-------
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Page 5
September 12, 1985
build under the current zoning lava, Hence it ia
necessary to put some of the needed 1,250 hotel rooms on
the low-lying areas that contain ponds.
Similarly, the Applicant had no alternative but to
site the lobby, conference room, and back of the house
facilities in the low-lying areas where ponds are present
if reasonable continuity were to be maintained between the
two halves of the project — the northern part on top of
the Kaniku lava flow and the southern part on the low-
lying area containing ponds.
Given these factors, the only elements of the project
which could conceivably be relocated were the parking, the
tennis courts, and the luau area. The ten alternatives in
the Hasting Report include relocation and elimination of
some of these vital amenities. The Applicant also
considered other alternatives relating to these amenities
which were not included in the report for the reasons
discussed next.
a. Parking.
The County requires the Applicant to have a
certain minimum number of parking spaces. A substantial
portion of the County parking requirement is already being
met offsite, and further transfer of parking off the site
is not operationally feasible. The Applicant's experience
is that people do not like to be guests at hotels where
they must walk a mile to their car or wait for a shuttle
bus.
The Applicant also considered building a parking
structure rather than the surface parking that is
proposed. The visual impact of a parking structure on the
resort is disastrous because the shape of the site means
that parking must be on the entrance side. The Waikoloa
resort is designed to afford relaxed, open, Hawaiian
living. Visitors abhor large parking structures that
remind them of the cities from which they have recently
fled.
Underground parking was also considered, but it
is even more impractical, particularly when it is.
recognized that it would have to be built beneath the
Colonel Michael M. Janks
Page 6
September 12, 1985
water table and somehow be protected against possible
flooding by tsunami.
b. Tennis.
Tennis is among the activities that sell a
resort. The incorporation of both regular and stadium
court* in the design of the project is in recognition of
the fact that tennis sells rooms. But it only sells them
if they are readily accessible to guests, and so they
could not be located offsite.
The Applicant also considered building a parking
structure and locating the tennis court complex or other
facilities on the roof of that structure. But this roof-
top design is impractical because Haikoloa has winds that
are too severe at elevation for such recreational
activities. Typical gusts on top of a parking structure
would be 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 times greater than at ground
level .
The Applicant also considered the elimination of
the tennis courts at the Hyatt Regency altogether or
almost completely in an effort to add additional pond
preservation area. The Hyatt Regency group presented
historical operating facts which indicate that a world-
class luxury hotel cannot operate successfully without a
tennis court complex equal in size and quality to that
which is now set forth in the Applicant's Proposal.
Eliminating the tennis courts was therefore considered so
economically infeasible that the idea was not selected for
review by Mr. Hastings.
c. Relocation of Amenities Within the Hyatt
Even though the Hyatt site as proposed is large
in size, there is no extra room on the site to move the
luau, tennis courts and parking area to another onsite
location without an offsetting loss of another key element
of the plan. Thus, while some relocation variations are
considered in the ten alternatives addressed by Mr.
Hastings, major relocations were not included as
alternatives because they involved even more significant
losses of income to the Applicant.
-------
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Pag* 7
September 12, 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Page 8
Septenber 12, 1985
A, Relocation o£ Amenities Hauka ot the Hyatt
>
-p.
The Applicant also considered relocating the
tennis courts, parking area, luau, or other facilities at
the Hyatt Regency to mauka areas removed from the present
Hyatt «ite. While such relocations would free up areas
lit possible additional pond preservation, the relocations
are unworkable and vould severely damage the Hyatt Regency
program. It is an economic reality that a world-clasa
hotel such as the proposed Hyatt Regency must have these
operating facilities onsite to assure minimum operating
revenues.
In addition, such relocations would drastically
impact the golf course which is adjacent to the Hyatt
site. The golf course was designed to afford visitors
views of the ocean that are essential to a successful
resort golfing program. Accordingly, the idea of
relocating certain amenities to this valuable parcel was
deemed so economically undesirable that it was not
selected as an alternative for further study.
In summary, The Applicant's Proposal and the ten
additional Alternatives to said Proposal were selected for
inclusion in the enclosed report to demonstrate the
economic impact to the Applicant of various plans for
preserving a maximum number of anchialine ponds at
Haikoloa within a professionally managed Pond Preservation
Area under the auspices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. As a result of this study, several conclusions
have been reached by the Applicant »
1. The Applicant cannot reduce its planned scope of
development for the beach frontage properties
without incurring such a negative economic impact
as to make the entire project infeasible.
2. It is likely that the anchialine ponds at
'Haikoloa will not survive if a professionally
managed pond preservation program is not
implemented.
3. A professionally managed pond preservation
program at Haikoloa funded by the Applicant is
not economically feasible if the Applicant is
prevented from developing Haikoloa Beach Resort
as now set forth in the Applicant's Proposal.
4. The Applicant cannot attract investors and
lenders for the development of Haikoloa if the
beach frontage properties cannot be developed
because of a determination to reduce the project
in order to preserve more anchialine ponds. If
the Applicant is unable to obtain the necessary
Department of Army permits to allow the project
to continue as proposed, the very anchialine
ponds that are the focus of attention will very
likely ultimately disappear through degradation
and extinction because.of a continued absence of
professional management and preservation care.
He appreciate your consideration of these comments and
the enclosed report. If you have any additional
questions, please do not hesitate to call.
Very truly yours,
TRAHSCOMTIHEHTAL DEVEWPMEHT CO.
By Transcontinental Corporation
Its Managing General Partner
CJscrld
enclosure
-------
mm**- .•«•'•"*••
HIM H M*tr«tlM Wilt **4JM IIw
I. ». twill |»/». IfclM** II. Hilt,
FIGURE 1 — APPLICANT'S PROPOSAL
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
FIGURE 2 — APPLICANT'S PROPOSAL
SITE PLAN
-------
HIHl *M C**«*m IIHI «III,
HIM •* rHtM'tllH M'Ul i"«ln !»•»
ir ». «. IwiM (•*». (hiMtf It. It'll
ALTERNATIVE 1
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
>
00
ALTERNATIVE 1
SITE PLAN
-------
ALTERNATIVE 2
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
Mt U r***1i *f It****
«w • III.
HM M Mt«1r«tlH M*lll **
r i. «. iMtn <*rt. mi«*^ n. inn
FIGURE 6 — ALTERNATIVE 2
SITE PLAN
-------
ALTERNATIVE 3
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
>
(-•
INJ
FIGURE'S — ALTERNATIVE 3
SiTE PLAN
-------
CO
FIGURE 9 — ALTERNATIVE 4
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
t»*« ictifH If IM'***'I t^Hrft *r*i*i
u J^VH* ** ftftnt iHt. iftti MII
f IfM |( *. • tMllI C*«l. •• «4H» H. 1HI
t»M lK*l* H*
-------
cn
IIH •• ««4IMl*ffllN M'lll *«>4ttt (Iv
, I. «. tnltl . (Ktm' M, ItN.
im •*!*•*
•**« MI v*+* t*t*fH
-------
>
M«IIH <"M •*#»
»'« f* i»**nt jiH* • • li. **
ItM •* ••(••IN
f I. •. Inlll Cf». lhl*M« II. I*'!'.
»» CHttM MM ni(**tli^ tll^Mti
FIGURE 12 — ALTERNATIVE 5
SITE PLAN
-------
I
I-*
-Nl
•«'* t»rN(H If IH'***'! t^rtr**! *HII*
l» t****» *M IfVctrf I Ml. ***l|l *MU
ItM If I. II TMlll tK». •* ^M" H. It*?
»«lw« l«Mt *wMl Mill* ft l*» *ti*^iU.
ALTERNATIVE 6
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
\.
•ft i^ttfM Ir l»|i*t»'t Vf ivi "**i
-------
•r i. 4. IMIII (•*». ihi*wt it. I*'*;.
I** XtMIM MM »»||f*«Mi*
'f ««MfM »f I«|IWI U*fff*l •••i
«t. *f 111
FIGURE 15 - ALTERNATIVE 7
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
FIGURE 16 ~ ALTERNATIVE 7
SITE PLAN
-------
FIGURE 17 — ALTERNATIVE 8
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
IACK OF HOUSE/ (X
V.BANOUIT FACHITICS
ALTERNATIVE 8
SITE PLAN
-------
+tffH If iMIifl'l W****t •*•
u **•*«• «•< tf***t»t 1*W. *f til »**ir
IIM t) t. N tMlll f*«| M •«•!» H. (*•
FIGURE 19 —
ALTERNATIVE 9
POND PRESERVATION AREA
-------
>
ro
f**l •*•!••
S. . .. i»iii i*m
• twill (f|. M •*'(» II. |M*
IM f**» Mr* Ml r**** 1«"«f»*
FIGURE 20 — ALTERNATIVE 9
SITE PLAN
-------
U J«W»M *M Ittr.Hr 11*1, lt*|,| t^tf
MM* If i, • IMI|| C»«|. *• t»M» ft. It**
MlM* iKHf WM
I** ***** •»*« Ml
-------
>
ro
a>
If I. a. fMIII (HI. (fcliMr n, I
iTjJ**j |H /M-M^IIM. *l?lll £!lr
FIGURE 22 — ALTERNATIVE 10
SITE PLAN
-------
Appendix 8
Tentative Anchialine Pond Preservation Management Plan
-------
-------
September 22, 1985
APPENDIX B
TENTATIVE
ANCHIALINE POND MANAGEMENT PLAN
A.
1.
DEFINITIONS
Adjacent Sites. The term "Adjacent Sites" means those parcels
which share a common border with the Anchialine Pond Preservation
Area.
Applicant. The term "applicant" means Transcontinental
Development Co. and Atpac Land Co. and their authorized
representatives, and their successors and assigns.
Management Zones. Management Zones shall consist of the
following three areas:
a. Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. "Anchialine Pond
Preservation Area" shall mean that area containing
anchialine ponds to remain unfilled and preserved and
managed for .the continuation of anchialine pond organisms.
b. Preservation Area Buffer Zone. "Preservation Area Buffer
Zone" shall mean that area immediately adjacent to the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area in which development
activities are limited.
c. Upgradient Control Zone, "upgradient Control Zone" shall
mean areas upgradient or inland of the Anchialine Pond
Preservation Area in which additional ground injection of
wastewater and stormwater runoff are prohibited.
Policing. "Policing" shall mean the collection and carrying away
of trash and other refuse.
B. BOUNDARIES
1. Depiction of Boundaries
a. The boundaries of the Management Zones as described in
Section A herein above shall be those depicted on the map
and metes and bounds attached hereto.
(Note: drawings and metes and bounds are to be completed and
attached after a permit is issued.}
b. Prior to initiating the activities authorized by this
permit, the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area boundary will
be marked off or delineated on the ground by the applicant.
c. The applicant shall notify the Corps of Engineers so that
the boundary delineation can be verified by the Corps of
Engineers. Once verified, permanent markers shall be
B-l
-------
installed by the applicant marking the limits of the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area.
2. Method of Conveyance of Management Rights
(a) Limited rights to manage the Anchialine Pond Preservation
Area are to be granted by the applicant to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service in the form of a conservation easement that
is to continue for the life of this Department of the Army
permit.
(b) The conservation easement referred to in Section B.2.(a)
above is to be created simultaneously with the granting of
this Department of the Army permit.
C. CONSTRUCTION AROUND THE ANCHIALINE POND PRESERVATION AREA
1. Notification of the Start of Construction
a. The applicant shall notify the Corps of Engineers at least
two months prior to the start of any major construction or
earth moving on parcels adjacent to the Anchialine Pond
, Preservation Area.
2. Initial Construction and Fill Placement Restrictions In Areas
Adjacent to the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area
a. The toe of any fill placed around the Anchialine Pond
Preservation Area shall not penetrate the Anchialine Pond
Preservation Area boundary, and in no event shall the toe of
any fill be closer than five (5) feet to the edge of a
preserved pond. This restriction applies unless a
written variation is authorized by the Corps of
Engineers in consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife
Service.
b. The slope of any fill within the Preservation Area Buffer
Zone shall have an angle of repose sufficient to prevent the
fill material from slumping into the ponds, except that no
slope shall be steeper than one (1) to one (1).
c. The slope of any fill within the Preservation Area Buffer
Zone shall be revetted or stabilized where necessary to
prevent fill material from eroding or leaching into the
ponds.
d. The slope of any fill within the Preservation Area Buffer-
Zone shall not be vegetated.
D. CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE PRESERVATION AREA BUFFER ZONE
1. A Preservation Area Buffer Zone shall be maintained adjacent to
B-2
-------
the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. The width of the
Preservation Area Buffer Zone shall be twenty-five (25) feet,
except that it shall be thirty (30) feet where a structure
abutting the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area has a height
greater than forty (40) feet. The width shall be measured
from the perpendicular plane of the preservation area
boundary.
2. The applicant shall notify the Corps of Engineers when the
Preservation Area Buffer Zone boundary is marked off or
delineated on the ground so that the Corps of Engineers can
verify the boundary.
3. Construction in the Preservation Area Buffer Zone
a. Major above grade structures, such as hotel, condominium
units, restaurants or snack bars, shops, restroom
facilities, and outdoor showers are not allowed within the
Preservation Area Buffer Zone.
b. Walkways and roadways, bench areas, adequate trash
receptacles, drinking fountains, utility lines and other
necessary infrastructure, landscaping, display areas, and
other similar facilities and improvements are allowed within
the Preservation Area Buffer Zone.
c. Landscaping within the Preservation Area Buffer Zone shall
utilize a preponderance of native vegetation.
E. OTHER CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN RESTRICTIONS
1. Site grading shall be such that stormwater drainage from
walkways, roadways, buildings, and other covered areas shall not
flow into the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area or the
Preservation Area Buffer Zone but shall be conveyed outside the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area.
2. The wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal system shall
be designed to prevent overflow during power outages or other
emergencies from entering into the pond preservation area or into
the Upgradient Control Zone.
3. Street Rights, spotlights, walkway lights, and other types of
lighting shall be designed, operated, and maintained so that they
do not shine directly on the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area.
4. All structures in Adjacent Sites, whether above or below grade,
used for the storage of chemicals and petroleum products shall be
designed to prevent spillage or leakage from entering into the
Management Zones.
F. ANCHIALINE POND PRESERVATION AREA USE RESTRICTIONS
B-3
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1. Activities Prohibited Within the Anchialine Pond Preservation
Area include:
a. Disposal of trash, stormwater, wastewater, or other
unauthorized material of any kind.
b. Introduction of organisms of any kind into the ponds
without the expressed written consent of the Corps of
Engineers in consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service.
c. Unauthorized feeding of pond organisms.
d. Unauthorized removal of pond organisms, to include fishing,
gathering, collecting, or netting without the written
consent of the Corps of Engineers in consultation with the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
e. Unauthorized use of pond organisms.
f. Any physical or hydrologic modification in the Anchialine
Pond Preservation Area without written consent of the Corps
of Engineers in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
2. Controlled scientific collecting shall be limited to those
experiments determined to be necessary for understanding the pond
ecosystem and organism life requirements as determined and
authorized by the Corps of Engineers in consultation with the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
G. ANCHIALINE POND PRESERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT
1. Objectives.
The objectives of the pond management program include, but are
not limited to:
a. Maintenance of a viable anchialine pond ecosystem.
b. Expansion of scientific understanding of the anchialine pond
ecosystems and-the effects of urban development on them.
c. Education of residents and visitors of the unique nature and
value of the anchialine pond resource in Hawaii.
2. Pond Manager
a. The Q.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shall manage the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area in perpetuity. When
acting in this role, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shall
be referred to as the "Pond Manager".
b. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
services to accomplish its responsibilities.
can contract
B-4
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c. In the event that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
is unable to fulfill its management responsibilities, an
individual, organization or government agency with a record
of experience in wildlife conservation, management,
environmental awareness, education and public relations will
be designated as the managing agent by the Corps of
Engineers in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Responsibilities of the Pond Manager
The Pond Manager shall carry out or cause to be carried out the
following duties:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Implement the programs required under the pond preservation
plan, including the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area use
restrictions described in Section F. herein above.
Initiate programs to communicate the pond management
objectives and use restrictions to adjacent landowners,
their employees, and other users of adjacent lands.
Develop, schedule, and conduct resident and visitor
education seminars, tours, and other programs to achieve the
management objectives.
Monitor groundkeeping activities by the applicable hotel or
condominium grounds keepers in the Preservation Area Buffer
Zone to insure that their activities do not adversely affect
the pond preservation area and to enforce the use
restrictions.
f.
h.
Conduct a surveillance program to monitor the presence or
absence of exotic fish in the ponds, and inform the Corps of
Engineers if exotic fish species are found so that
corrective measures can be formulated and executed.
Monitor and regulate human activities in the Anchialine Pond
Preservation Area to prevent human disruption of the
anchialine pond habitat and the unauthorized introduction of
live organisms.
Conduct or assist in carrying.out the monitoring program
described in Section L. of this plan.
Conduct, assist, facilitate, schedule, or coordinate
scientific or education activities in the pond preservation
area.
Provide semi-annual update and annual status reports
concerning activities undertaken and actions occurring in
the pond preservation area and provide results of the
monitoring program to the Corps of Engineers.
B-5
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j.
k.
1.
notify the Corps of Engineers of any unforeseen, deleterious
event! or occurrences in the Anchialine Pond Preservation
Area.
Carry out the monitoring program.
After all contemplated construction and development on
JdjIceSt Sites hL been completed, the Pond Manager will:
(a) assume maintenance and replacement responsibility
for signs posted initially by the applicant in
accordance with the provisions of Section G.4.(a)
herein below.
(b) Undertake and administer the policing of the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. Provide all
eqSipmen? and consummable supplies required for such
activities.
(b)
4. Responsibilities of the Applicant
Through the completion of construction and development of
Ad jSt Sites ,the applicant shall post a^tm^ai£n!ig
around the ponds informing viewers of the intent of the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, use restrictions, and -he
^vanaoiUty of educational tours and seminars presented by
the Pond Manager. The design of the signs shall *>e
cons!s?enrw!th signage used elsewhere within the Waikoloa
Beach Resort. Their informational content will be
determined in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the Pond Manager.
The applicant shall cooperate with the Pond Manager's
efforts to assure that resort employees are made aware
of the value and sensitive nature of the pond resource.
(c) The applicant shall be responsible for providing funding
support for the Anchialine Pond Preservation Program to the
extent stipulated in Section J herein below.
(d) The applicant shall provide all notifications required from
the applicant by this agreement, including advance
notification of intended construction activity.
5. Delegation of Authority
a. The Corps of Engineers may delegate any authority given it
by the terms of this agreement to the Pond Manager.
H. MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
1. The Pond Manager shall monitor water quality and faunal
assemblages within the Pond Preservation Area on a periodic
B-6
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basis to assess the ecological viability and conditions of
the pond ecosystem.
2. Construction Monitoring Requirements
a. Prior to beginning substantial new construction on a parcel
adjacent to the Anchialine Pond Preservation Area, the
applicant shall notify the Pond Manager of the nature of the
proposed construction activity. This information will be
used by the Pond Manager to determine the need for, and the
appropriate duration of, any additional monitoring needed to
establish baseline conditions and to detect and characterize
daily and seasonal variations.
b. During the course of construction on Adjacent Sites, the
preserved ponds shall be monitored by the Pond Manager at a
frequency necessary to detect any adverse impacts on such
ponds .
c. The preserved ponds shall be monitored at least once each
calendar quarter for a period of two years following
completion of a construction project on an Adjacent Site.
The monitoring frequency shall then be reduced to a
frequency necessary to detect any long-term trends in pond
water quality and faunal assemblages.
3. Parameters To Be Monitored By The Pond Manager
a.
b.
c.
e.
Physical parameters to be monitored shall include, but are
not limited to: salinity, temperature, water clarity, and
dissolved oxygen profiles.
Chemical parameters to be monitored shall include, but are
not limited to: nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, ammonia,
petrochemicals, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Measurements shall be taken during all tidal cycles to
detect any correlation between physical and chemical
parameters and tidal influence.
Plant and animal populations shall be inventoried to develop
detailed species lists and to calculate population, biomass,
density, distribution and frequency of occurence.
(1) Inventories shall be conducted during all tidal cycles
to detect any correlation between anchialine pond
organism occurrence, population, biomass, density,
distribution, behavior and the tides and physical and
chemical parameters, and other parameters necessary to
detect short-term and long-term changes.
Chlorophyl levels will be measured to monitor phytoplankton
growth in the ponds.
6. Data Analysis
B-7
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a.
The data gathered in the monitoring program shall be used
to further the scientific understanding of anchialine pond
ecology.
I,
1,
J,
1,
REMEDIAL AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES.
When notified of the occurrence of such an unforseen
deleterious event, the Corps of Engineers shall determine
the need for remedial and corrective action and shall direct
the Pond Manager to undertake such action using monies
provided for in Section J. herein below.
The Pond Manager shall be responsible for implementing any
corrective action or measures as directed by the Corps of
Engineers when any unforeseen, deleterious event or occurrence
impacts the ecological viability of the pond preservation area.
Notwithstanding any permit conditions dealing with
liability or responsibility of the applicant, the applicant
shall be liable for funding any corrective work directed by
the Corps when an unauthorized action by the applicant or
its employees or agents, within the scope of employment,
which is intended to harm the ecological viability of the
Anchialine Pond Preservation Area occurs.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Funding. The purpose of this section is to provide sufficient
money to administer the business contemplated under this
Anchialine Pond Management Plan.
a. The applicant shall contribute an initial funding of
and pay an annual cost, in accordance with the
attached schedule subject to adjustments based on the
Consumer Price Index, to provide sufficient money
to administer the business contemplated under this
Anchialine Pond Management Plan.
b. The funds contributed by the applicant under paragraph J.I.a
above shall be administered by and
shall be used to conduct the affairs of the Anchialine Pond
Management Plan as set forth herein. The funds would
be managed under the doctrine of cy pres.
Office Facilities.
a. Because of the necessity for the Pond Manager to be on-site
for extended periods during monitoring, the applicant will
provide, without rental compensation by the Corps of
Engineers or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
space within the Waikoloa Beach Resort suitable for
use by the Pond Manager on a non-exclusive basis, such space
to be suitable for use as an office and equipment storage
B-8
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area. The Pond Manager shall also be granted ready access
to available toilet facilities maintained by the applicant
or its designee.
B-9
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TOTAL
ANNUAL
YEAR COSTS
=====:=:=======:=========
0 $16,464
1 $20,946
2 $20,946
3 $20,946
4 $20,946
5 $19,425
6 $18,904
7 $18,404
8 $18,404
9 $18,404
10 $18,404
11 $18,404
12 $18,404
13 $14,732
14 $14,732
15 $16,332
16 $13,116
17 $13,116
18 $13,116
19 $13,116
20 $13,116
21 $13,116
22 $12,616
23 $12,616
24 $12,616
25 $12,616
TOTAL
ANNUAL
YEAR COSTS
26 $12,616
27 $12,616
28 $12,616
29 $12,616
30 $14,216
31 $12,616
32 $12,616
33 $12,616
34 $12,616
35 $12,616
36 $12,616
37 $12,616
38 $12,616
39 $12,616
40 $12,616
41 $12,616
42 $12,616
43 $12,616
44 $12,616
45 $14,216
46 $12,616
47 $12,616
48 $12,616
49 $12,616
50 $12,616
COST WILL BE ADJUSTED ANNUALLY BASED ON
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
B-10
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Appendix C
Assessment of the Conditions and Future of
Anchialine Pond Resources of the Hawaiian Islands
-------
-------
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CONDITIONS AND FUTURE
OF THE ANCHIALINE POND RESOURCES
OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
O
Prepared For:
Transcontinental Development Co,
1001 Bishop Street
Pauahi Tower 2610
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Prepared By:
Dr. Richard E. Brock
Environmental Assessment Co.
1804 Paula Drive
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
August 2, 1985
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
THE BIOTA OF HAWAIIAN ANCHIALINE PONDS 2
Representative Species 7
Opoeula (Holoearldlno rubrg) u
Other Hawaiian HypogeaTSnYimp ..-.....' 1
Epiaeol Shrimp in Hawaiian Anchialine Ponds ....*'' s
Other Anchialine Pond Biota " ' * t
Summary j j .?
HYPOTHESES ON FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS (0
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ,2
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ,fi
LIST OF TABLES
— Pane No.
I Summary of the Estimated Number of Anchialine Ponds
Occurring Along the Shores of the Southern Half of
Hawaii Island j
2 Checklist of Aquatic Flora from Cape Kinau, Maui
Anchialine Ponds g
3 ho™'.Nalive Marllle Rsh sPecI« <" Noted by Brock
ll977HorKona Coast Anchialine Ponds 9
* Summary of the Change in Four Native and Two Exotic
Aquatic Species Found in Kona Coast Anchialine Ponds
Located Between Lohuipuaa and Kailua-Kona: 1972-1985. 15
-------
O
l
rO
PREFACE
This report was written In response to a rising concern over the anchlallne pond
resources of the Hawaiian Islands and their status. It summarizes the stale of our
knowledge with respect to the distribution of onchialine ponds and discusses the
biological attributes of these systems.
Most of the known Hawaiian onchialine resources occur along the West Hawaii
(Kono) shoreline and Itave in recent years been a focus of attention with respect to
coastal development. Anchialine ponds are land-locked brackish water pools that
display tidal fluctuations and that harbor a distinctive assemblage of organisms, some
of which are found nowhere else. Anchialine pond organisms fall into two classes, i.e.,
eplgeal and hypogeal species. The epigeal fauna is comprised of species that require
the well-illuminated (sunlit) part of the anchiallne system. Most of these species are
found in other Hawaiian habitats albeit individuals from anchlaline systems frequently
show ecolype (morphological) variations. The hypogeal organisms occur not only in the
illuminated part of the system but also in the interconnected watertable below. These
species are primarily decapod crustaceans, some of which are known only from the
anchialine biotope.
This report describes the anchialine habitat and its biota; it presents some
hypotheses as to how the anchialine system might function and how some of the
components may interact. The report concludes with some suggestions for the possible
management of the resource.
INTRODUCTION
With the discover/ of a number of new caridean shrimp species in the early
1960's, Hothuis (1963, 1973) drew attention to an ecologically distinct habitat In which
these shrimp are found. These crustaceans reside in land-locked brackish water pools.
These pools have been termed "anchialine" by Hothuis (1973) and may be characterized
by a lack of surface connections to the sea, yet having measurable salinities and a
damped tidal fluctuation.
Naturally occurring onchialine ponds are restricted to highly porous substrates
such as recent lavas or limestone adjacent to the sea. These unique habitats are
widely distributed having been reported from the Sinai Peninsula in the Red Sea (Par
and Tsurnamal 1973, Holthuis 1973), Entedebir near the Southern Red Sea (Por 1968),
Aldabra in the West Indian Ocean (Borradaile 1917, Fricke and Fricke 1979), Solomon
Islands (Smith and Williams 1981), Okinawa (Suzuki 1980), Philippines (Wear and
Holthuis 1977), Funafuti Atoll (Hotlhuls 1973) in the Western Pacific, and in the
Hawaiian Islands (Holthuis 1973, Maciolek and Brock 1974, Wong 1975, and Maciolek
1983). This unique habitat has also been reported on Ascension Island (Chace and
Manning 1972) and on the Azores Islands in the Atlantic, and on Bermuda in the
Caribbean (D. Williams, pers. comm.). Localities with the most numerous anchialine
sites are in Fiji, the Ryukyus, and Hawaii.
Anchialine systems often support an unusual biota, with many species not found
elsewhere. In the Hawaiian Islands anchialine ponds or the most characteristic species
of that biocoenosis (the shrimp "opaeula" or Halpcaridina rubra) have been reported
from Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. On Oahu H. rubrg hove been observed in a small
anchialine depression located on Popoia (Flat) Island in Kailua Bay (existence and
opueula presence lust substantiated in 1973), and in a quarry borrow pit at Laie
approximately I.S km Inland from the shoreline (lost substantiated in 1972). Also on
Oohu, opaeula and anchialine waters were observed In a limestone cave uncovered by
bulldozer'operators during the construction of the new harbor at Barbers Point. The
salinity of the water of the cave was 4 parts per thousand (ppt) at the lime of
discovery (December 1975). This cave has totally disappeared as it was located In
what Is now the central part of the new harbor. Opaeula have been recently reported
from a borrow pit at Campbell Industrial Park and in a sinkhole In the area of the
proposed Ewa marina (M. Lee, pers. comm.). All of these discoveries In this locality
are In the Ewa coastal plain; If other water exposures, that lack Introduced exotic
fishes, are located In this area Hplpcorldlnq rubro will probably be present. Thus one
of the most characteristic anchialine pond organisms, opaeula, is known from three
widely separated areas on Oahu.
One of the most biologically Interesting groups of anchialine ponds occurs on
Maul at Cape Kinau. Hollhuls (1973) maps 23 ponds on Cope Kinau but notes that
there are "dozens". Because of the unique assemblage of organisms found in this
system, It has been made a natural area reserve. Besides these 23 mapped anchialine
ponds there may be more in the lava fields adjacent to the Cape (M. Lee, pers.
comm.).
In terms of the statewide resource, Hawaii Island has the largest number of
anchialine ponds. The majority of these ponds occurs along the coast from Kawalhoe
to Kailua-Kona on the west side of the island. About 420 ponds have been surveyed In
this area and there are an estimated additional '|5 unsampled ponds (10 in Makalawena,
20 in Mahatula and IS scattered about on private property). From Kallua-Kona to Ka
Lae (South Point) there are about 90 more anchialine ponds. Along the eastern coast
from South Point to Keaau Ranch there are an estimated 75 additional ponds. Many of
the ponds from Kailua-Kona to Keaau Ranch were identified from aerial photographs.
This method is inaccurate in that ponds may be missed If they are small or occur under
a canopy of trees. Or an over-estimate of ponds may be mode if shapes on the photos
are misidentified as ponds. In total, 630 ponds have been identified for Hawaii Island
and about 165 of these (see Table I) occur in the area examined by use of aerial
photographs. Of these ponds, the existence of 35 (or 5 percent of the aerial-photo-
identified ponds) are questionable (i.e., what was identified as ponds may be something
else); however, the probability of missing ponds because of the tree canopy is high;
thus, the estimated total Is probably low. A conservative estimate places the total
number of anchialine ponds on Hawaii Island at about 600-650 ponds.
THE BIOTA OF HAWAIIAN ANCHIALINE PONDS
Representative Species
The Hawaiian anchialine pond ecosystem is dominated by a characteristic
assemblage of organisms including crustaceans (shrimps, amphlpods), fishes, mollusks,
a hyrold, sponges, polychaetes, tunlcates, aquatic Insects, algae and aquatic
macrophytes. Most striking are a number of red-pigmented caridean shrimp species.
These shrimps, as well as many other co-occurring faunal components, utilize the
anchialine pond habitat and the rock Interstices leading to the underlying brackish
water table. Depending on pond depth, many of the shrimp species display a tidally
linked migration, emerging from the rock interstices with the Incoming tide to feed In
the pond, and later returning via the interstices to the subterranean labyrinth with the
falling tide.
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Table I. Summary of the Estimated Number of Anchialine Ponds Occurrinq Alona
the Shores of the Southern Half of Hawaii Island. "Burring Along
O
CO
Topographic
Quadrangle
Kealakekua
Number
U.S. Army Corps . ol
Aerial Photo Nos.1 Ponds
220 - 227
210 - 219
202 - 209
194 - 202
189 - 193
183 - 189
179 - 182
167 - 179
161 - 167
159 - 160
ISO - 159
146 - ISO
141 . 145
135 - 140
123 - 134
120 - 123
109 - 120
105 - 109
105 -?
II
12
6
20
7
8
14
10
2
2
8
0
£
1
10
2
42
1
1
163
i t^uiui rva
2 questionable; near Nenue
Point
6 questionable
4 questionable
5 questionable
2 questionable
1 questionable
1 questionable
4 questionable
4 questionable
1 questionable
At Kalepa Point
29 in a cluster al Waiopae;
4 questionable
1 questionable near Opihi
Rock v
Large pond at Haena
35 questionable
Honaunau
Kauluoo Point
Milolii
Manuka Day
Pohue Bay
Puu Hou
KaLae
Naalehu
Punaluu
Pahala
Naliikakani Point
Kau Desert
Makaopuhi Crater
Kolapana
Pahoa South
Kapoho
Pahoa North
Keaau Ranch
TOTALS
1 Sequentially numbered aerial photographs, made available by the U.S. Army Corns
of Engineers, were used in making estimates of pond numbers. P
Five of the ten species of hypogeal shrimp in this group world wide are found In
Hawaiian anchialine system; these species ore Holocorldino rubro. Melobeloeus lohuna,
Proc,ans hpwoianq, Antecoridina jauensis and ColllasmolaplToTrdotQ. The firuTEreB
species are known only from Hawaii, while Antecaridino U^jsffe been collected In
Hawaii, Fiji, Mozambique, and in the Red Sea (Dohlak Archipelago). Calliasmota
Pholldo'q ls known from Hawaii, the Ellice Islands and the Sinai peninsula (fog1 Sea).
These hypogeal shrimps are usually found in waters with salinities between 2 ond
30 ppt and temperatures between 22 and 30°C. In deeper water exposures or when
wind stress ond mixing are low, vertical stratification will frequently occur: shrimp
moves through these gradients with impunity implying euryhallnity.
Opaeula (Holocoridlna rubro)
More life history information is available for Halocarldina rubro (or opaeula)
than for any of the other species. Opaeula feed on detrilus,~Eenthic diatoms,
phytoplankton, filamentous algae, vascular, plant tissue (Wong 1975), and, wher»
available, animal tissue. Halocoridino rubra feed by plucking the substratum with
bristled chelaej mid-water and surface film feeding is accomplished by using the
chelae and bristles as plankton filters. Opaeula have been maintained in small sealed
containers for years. Presumably, under these conditions they are capable of utilizing
bacterial films. f ,
The embryogenesis and'larval development of H. rubro has been documented
ICouret and Wong 1978). Opaeula have a low fecundity with the female carrying 10 to
16 eggs for at least 38 days. Evidently darkness is necessary to Induce oviposltion;
temales remain in dark seclusion until after eclosion and the offspring emerge into Ihe
open water as juveniles (Maciolek 1983). This author notes that ovlgerous females
(those carrying eggs on the abdomen) have not been seen in nature among the
thousands of individuals observed or hundreds collected. However, 12 to 42 percehYo'f
the females may have eggs visible within the carapace, which suggests that reproduc-
tion is not rare. Laboratory observations indicate that opaeula may have lifespamof
up to several years. I have maintained a stable non-reproducing population of H. rubra
since 1981 and others (Mociolek 1983) have done likewise.
Halocoridina rubro is the most abundant of the Hawaiian hypogeal shrimps. It
frequently occurs in concentrations exceeding hundreds of individuals per square meter
in a given pond on a rising tide; al other nearby anchialine pools it may be scarce. The
apparent abundance of opaeula in a given pond or pond system can be very misleading
for nolh ng is known of Ihe population size of these hypogeol shrimp in subterranean
interstitial waters. •
Other Hawaiian Hypogeal Shrimp
Much less Information is available for the remaining four Hawaiian hypoaeal
carideon shrimp species. Antecarldlng Iguensls and Metabetaeus jgheno have been
found in salinities ranging from 2 to 36 ppt, and as with HolocorldlnoruFra. in water
with temperatures between 22 and 30<>C. Cgiliosinolo pholldoto and P'roTaTE howaion,i
reside in waters with similar temperatures, but with salinities never below~TinnT
(Maciolek 1983). Metabetaeus loheno is an active predator on other shrimp (principally
H. rubro) ond other pond invertebrates (Hothuls 1973). Cplllosmoto pholldoto feeds on
crustaceans and polychueles (Mociolek's observation InHolthuls 1973), while Procurls
howolano has been observed feeding on moribund shrimp (Maciolek 1983).
-3-
-4-
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(1978) notes Ihal Procorls howolono feeds by encounter (it has no chelae)) Ihls is on
unjpcciallzcd method.
Melobeloeus loheno Is live most abundant of these four hypogeal species) at a
maximum it may occur in densities of approximately one M. loheno. per 100 H. rubro.
Neither P. hawoiano nor Colllosmoto pholldolo occur In any abundance) boltTshow no
response to nearby movement, suggesting that their reduced vision Is used to detect
illumination in a broad range (Maciolek 1983). Anlecorldlno louensis and P. howolano
have only been found In dimly illuminated anchialine pools.
Nothing is known of the reproductive habits of P. hawolono, A. lauensls or C.
pholldolo. The absence of ovigerous (berried) females of these species from surface
exposures suggests that their reproductive activities are restricted to hypogeal
conditions (Maciolek 1983).
A possible new species of hypogeal shrimp was recently collected (May 1985)
from Lua 0 Palahetno, Ka Lae, Hawaii by D. Williams. This caridean shrimp has red
pigment and is large.--approximalely 4.5 cm In overall length. Five individuals of this
species were seen in three separate scuba dives into on unusually deep anchialine pool,
and three individuals were collected. An unidentified shrimp species similar In size
was seen on several occasions on Cape Kinau, Mauij efforts to collect it were
unsuccessful (J. Maciolek, pers. comm.).
Epigeal Shrimp in Hawaiian Anchialine Ponds
Four other shrimp species are encountered in the Hawaiian anchialine habitat.
These species are all epigeal and include Polaemon debilis (a common species known
from other habitats and localities), Macrobrochium grondTmpnus (a species in Hawaii
and the Ryukyu Islands whose usual adult habitat is in high island freshwater streams),
Macrobrachlum tar (a recent introduction to Hawaii that is usually found in streams)
and PalaemonellTburnsi (known only from 3 pools on Cape Kinau, Maul, and Kaloko
Pond, Hawaii). Life history information for these species will not be presented here
because other than P. burns! (for which no information exists), all are species common
to non-anchialine habitats.
Other Anchialine Pond Biota
Algae are an important component of the anchialine biotope. Wong (1975) lists
144 species of macroalgae, microalgae and diatoms in the Cape Kinau, Maui, pools
(Table 2); however, only 7 species or species complexes of algae and aquatic plants are
dominant. These are Scytonemo clncinnaturn. Lyngbya spp. forming crusts,
Hildenbrandtio prototypus, Ahnfellio'concinno, Lilhophyllum sp., Valonla oeqaqrophlla,
Ciodophoro spp., and the aquatic phanerogam, Ruppia maritime^ Anchialine ponds
along the Kona, Hawaii coast have much of the same flora as those on Cape Kinau; the
Kona ponds are dominated by Schizothrix colclcola, Lyngbyo spp. (again forming
crusts), Rhlzoclonium sp. and Ruppio maritimo.
Probably -the most unique aspect of the anchialine pond flora are the carbonate
producing cyanophyte communities (Lyngbya crusts and Schizothrix calcicola). The
precipitation of calcium carbonate by cyanophytes has been discussed by Dalrymple
(1965) and Friedman et al. (1973). The method of carbonate production is unknown and
controversial! Golubic (T973) presents the blotic versus abiotic origin of the material.
Toble 2. Checklist of Aquatic Flora From Cope Klooo, Maul, Anchialine Pondi.
Phylum Bocllloxlophyta
Achnonlhes spp.
^clinocyclls ehrenberqll
ActlnocycTC ehrenberg.ff var. ralfsil
Tatiphlprora sp.
Arnphoro lineolola
Amphora sp.
Tisterlonella notala
Auricula insecla
Auricula intermedia
Auricula sp.
Bacillorlo sp.
Biddulphla litlono
BiadulphTa sp.
Compylodlscus sp-i
Chaetoceros'sp.
5limacosphenlo sp.
Socconels djruptq
Cocconels heleroidea
Uocconeis plocentula
Cocconels pseudomorqinato
Cocconels sp.
Coscinodiscus loneslonus
Uoscinodiscus sp.
Cyclotello spl
Cymbellg sp.
piploneis sp.
Epilhemlo sp.
Eunotlo sp.
Sephyrla sp.
Grammalophora onqulosa
Grammotophora unauloto
gramma tophoro sp.
Hanlzschia sp.
Hyolodlscus loevis
Licmophoro sp.
T^astoqloia sp.
Melos
Melos
ra qranulata
ra
Melosira
talica
urgens!!
Melrosira monllitorrnis
Meloiilro'nymmuloides
Navlculo'claVQla
Navlcula dislons
Navlcula spp.
Nitzschla oclcularis
Nilzschio aclcularls var. closteriodes
Nilzsclilo closterlurn
Nilzschia eonstricio"
NHischig spp.
Phaeodoctylum sp.
Plnnulorlo brownll
Pinnularlo ip.
Pleuroslgmo sp.
Podoslro hormoldes
Ppdpsjro slelliqer
Rhobdpnesmo sp.
Rhopalodlo qibberulo
Rhopalodla sp.
StaurortelFsp.
Sllctodiscys sp.?
Striotellolnterrupto
Surlrello'sp.
Synedro formoso
Synedra toxineides
Synedro sp.
Trochyneis osperg vor. ospero
Trlcerolium formosum (. quinquelobolo
Trlceratium pentacrTnus f. quadrate
Tricerotium shodboltlonum
Trlceratium shodboltlonum var. elongotum
Tricerotium zonotulotum
Tropldoneis sp.
Phylum Chloiuphyta
Caulerpa racemoso
^pulerpo seTrulota
Oiaetophoro sp.
Oilorella sp.
Ciodophoro dolyana
Ciodophoro Tiemlspherlco
CTodophoro soclolls var7Iiawoiiano
Ciodophoro sp.
Uladophqropsls odhaerans
Dictyosphoerlo verslyysTT
ErVteromorphq inleslinalis
Enleromorphd linzo
Enterornorpho sp.
Microdiclyon jgponicum var. loxum
Wicrosporqlp.?
Stlqeoclonfum sp.
Struvea anastomosans
Olothrrx sp.
Volonlq'oegagrc
Valonlo ventnci
•opilo
:osa
Phylum Ghrysophyto
Chromulino sp.
Isochrysls sp.
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O
cn
Phylum Cyonophyto
Cololhrix crusloceo
Uhroococcus lurqidls
Chroococcus sp.
Dermpcorpg sp.
uomphosphoerig sp.
Cyngbyg oeruglneo-coeruleo
Lyngbyo gesluorii
Phylum Rhodophyto
Ahnfellio concinno
Amphiroo sp,
Hildenbrondtio prololypus?
Lilhophyllum lichenoides?
Porolilhon sp.
Lyngbya kuelzinglana
Lyngbya martensiang
Lyngbyo mesolricho
, Lyngbya spp.
Mjcrocoleus chlhonoplastes
Microcoleys sp.
Microcystis sp.
Uscillatorla agordhii
gsclllotorlogngustissima
Oscillatorjo orliculato?
Oscillatoria corakiana'
OscillQlorla curviceps
Oscillotoria fremyii
CJsclllatoria limosj '
Uscillatorio morgaritifero
Qscllloloria nigrovldridis
Uscillatorio obscuro
Uscilloloria perornotp
Oscillalorio planktonicg
Oscillotorio proteus
Oscillatoria pseudogeminolo
Oscillatoria pseudoqeminota vor. unlgronulola
Oscillotorio raoj
Uscillotoria schyltzii
Uscillotoria subbrevfs
Osci lotorio subtiljssjmg
Usclllotorjo tenuis
Oscillotoria willei
Uscilloloria spp.
Hleurocap'sg sp.
Schizothrix sp.
Scytonema clnclnnalunn
bpirulino subsolso
jpirulind sp.
Phylum Pyrroohyta
Exuviello sp.
Gymnottililum sp.
Proracentrum sp.
Sourcet Wong (1975)
-7-
rom
r ,i . C0os acoe
hasbeen r«l f f f X con$idered fo ** .C°Mm>)>, P0'*"*06'" have been recorded from pond
with low salinities (2 »o 6 ppt-Namalycostis obiumo) as well as in higher
ponds (10 ppt or 9reQter--EurJjhoi-c^Ugtg-a7^a|rnaC|na dysteri) .A 1
found In '
.
Ihe few species above thai are
in the anchialine pond habitat.
Fishes are a part of the fauna of the Hawaiian anchialine habitat- usuallv their
au7onC,ewo S£3d±°lVhe laC^ °f hyP°9eal shrimP' Fishes '" c,ncahiaHnUeQ s s! m
ION into two broad categories-native or exotic species. Maciolek and Brock (1974)
noted an inverse relationship between Ihe presence of fish and hypogeaTshrimp. Brack
peces a°rentiS LT Tehra,rinT "* SP!CleS '" Kon° CMSf °"^K ponds' ThS
nn^St ' n " TaLble 3 alo"9 with °"e "dditional species seen in Cape Kiriau
ponds. One species that usually inhabits ponds with better (more
|9
and 19 ppl
i i —.PWPUU >ii in\, i inv uiuinci in
i and Brock I960). It was not collected again
study. At that time G. hilonls was present in
and Brock 1974, Brock 1977)° lit tie ^known 'about
ponds spaced up to about 20 meters apart
jEx°!'C fi?hes thal have 'nvaded or been introduced Into Ihe
include tilapia (probably Qreochromis mossamblcus). lopminnows (Famll
probably Gombusio aftinis and PoecillcTnnexicono) and koi (Cyjrlnys carl
O
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o
o\
Table 3. List of Native Marine Fish Species as Noted by Brock (1977) for Kona
Coast Anchialine Ponds.
Family and Species
Family Muraenidae
Gymnolhorox flovimarglnolus (puhi)'
Family Congridae
Conger sp. (puhi uha)
Family Holocentridac
Adioryx locteogut lotus (olo'ihi)
Family Mugilidae
Mugil cepholus (amo'aino)
Neomyxus chaptollj (uouoa)
Family Kuhliidae
Kuhlio sandvicensis (aholehole)
Family Pomacentridae
Abudefdut sordidus (kupipi)
.A. abdominalis (mamo)
Family Acanthuridae
Acanthurus achilles (paku'ikui)
A^ triostegus (manini)
Family Eleotridae
Eleolris sondwicensis (o'opu akupa)
Asterropteryx semipunctotus (eleotrld)
Family Gobiidae
Kelloggello oliqolepis (goby)
Awaous slomineus (o'opu nakea)
A. genivltlotus (o'opu)
Bolhyqobius fuscus (goby)
' One additional species (Gymnothorax flavlmarglnotus) is present only in ponds on
Cape Kinau.
The most common native fishes found In the onchlallne blolope Include the
aholehole (Kuhlio sqndvlcensis). mullet (Muqll cepholus), moolnl (Aconlhurus
Irlosleous), kupipi (Abudetdul sordidus), o'opu akupa (Eleolrls sondwicensis) and o'opu
nokea (Awoous slamlneus). Ot the exotic species, tllopia and topminnows are the most
abundant*
Other than the exotic species, o'opu akupa, o'opu nokea, and perhaps the mullet,
all of the fishes In the anchialine habitat are normally found In the marine
environment as adults. Brock (1977) hypothesizes that these marine fishes arrived as
juveniles swept Into the anchialine pond habitat during periods of extreme storm surf.
The low salinities and low diversity of available food resources in the ponds suggests
that the fishes present may be generallsts in their food habits.
One additional unknown eel species, light brown or pink in color, has been seen
on two occasions (1972 and 1985) in an anchialine pool at Ka Lae, Hawaii. The 1972
sighting Involved one individual at a depth of greater than 10 meters) in 1985 two
individuals were seen at greater than 10 and 30 meters (O. Williams, pers. comm.).
This eel is probably an ophlchlhld; it apparently does not respond to light suggesting
blindness. If so, It Is probably an undescribed species presently restricted to a known
habitat of one anchialine pool.
Summary
Summarizing the Information on the biota of anchialine ponds, this biotope is
usually crustacean dominated, particularly by the hypogeal anchialine pond shrimps,
Halocaridina rubro ond Metabetoeus loheno. Other frequently encountered shrimps
Include Poloemon debills ond Mocrpbrochlym grandirnanus as well as the crab,
MetopogFopsus thukuhar, oil of which are found in other habitats. Amphipods are
common and most of the species are known only from the anchialine biotope. Mollusc
species that are frequently seen Include Theodoxus corloso, Melonlo sp. ond Asslmlneo
nilido. Anchialine pond flora Is usually dominated by carbonate-producing cyanophyte
mats (Lyngbyo spp. and Schlzolhrix calclcolo), Clodaphora sp., Ahnfeltlo concinnq,
Rhizoclonium sp., and Ruppla moritima. It fish are present the hypogeal shrimp are
usually absent and the abundance of epigeal shrimp and amphipods may be reduced.
Biota that may be considered rare and known onl/ from the anchialine habitat
includes the hypogeal shrimp CaHlosmotp phoHdoto, Procarls hawolcno, Antecorldlna
louensis, the epigeal shrimp Poloemnellq burns!, the mollusc Nerltllla hbwoiiensis, and
the moray eel Gymnothorax hllonls.
HYPOTHESES ON FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS
Quantitative information on Hawaiian anchlaline systems is essentially lacking
(e.g., as for energy flow, population size, and turnover of various species), thus much
of what is presented below represents a synthesis of available information and an
"educated guess" as to some functional aspects of the anchlaline pond ecosystem.
Anchialine ponds are indirectly connected to the sea. This Is substantiated by
the damped oscillation In pond water level correlated with the tides and to the
presence of mixohaline water. Hypogeal shrimp utilize resources (food and space)
present in ponds and in the watertable below. The movement of shrimp is tidally
linked for some species (Fricke and Fricke 1979); shrimp emerge Into the pond via
interstices on the rising and high tide apparently to feed, and retreat to the
subterranean labyrinth on the ebb tide.
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o
I
-J
Ponds with sufficient illumination must represent significant points or high
benthic productivity re olive to the walerlable below. Sunlight and dissolved nutrients
provide the necesary ingredients for this productivity. Many of the shrimp species
appear to lake advantage of these loci of food resources (ponds). With pond
obliteration (as through burial), the total productivity within a given seclon of the
walerlable would also be significantly reduced; this suggests that the carrying
capacity of the habitat will, respect to these hypogeal species would be significantly
lower with such obliteration. Hypogeal species would probably not entirely disappear:
however, other epigeal species (crustaceans, fishes, molluscs, and flora) dependent on
the illuminated high productivity part of the anchialine system would not survive.
The porosity (or degree of connection with Ihe watertable) not only affects the
migration of shrimp to and from these loci of food resources (ponds) but (o) may affect
and determine Ihe composition of species in a given pond and (b) may play a role in the
life expectancy of thai pond. With respect to species composition, o pond located
close to Ihe shoreline displaying strong subterranean connections to the sea may be
expected to have a greater colonization by marine species than o similar, more
isolated inland pond.
The porosity of Ihe pond substratum has a direct effect on the residence lime of
he water. In general, most anchialine ponds have very clear water. Water residence
limes appear to be of short duration, thus retarding phytoplanklon blooms. The
porosity and residence time of a pond must influence the degree to which alloch-
thonous sedimentary material (from in s[tu calcium carbonate production by Lynqbya
spp. and Schizolhrix calcicola) accumulates. Ponds with greater porosity and/or
flushing will probably have less sediment; field observations on closely associated
anchialine ponds will frequently show one to have a considerable deposit of sedi-
mentary carbonate material while others nearby are devoid of sediments. Sediment
accumulation appears to be related to the degree of flushing*.
The variability in Ihe rale of sediment accumulation is directly related to the
life expectancy of a pond. Allochthonous carbonate production can lead to the
infilling of an anchialine pond and its eventual transformation into a marsh covered
with sedges and grasses. In general, anchialine ponds are ephemeral, enduring for o
relatively short period of lime. In the lava flow of 1859 along Ihe Kona, Hawaii coast,
examples of anchialine ponds in various stages of senescence may be found. Field
observations suggest that under appropriate conditions this succession may occur in
about 100 years (a minimum).
This contention is supported by Ihe observation made by Wong (1975). She noted
that Cape Kinau, Maul anchialine pools with cyanophyte (blue-green algae)
communities and lower salinities tended to have proportionately more sediments
than higher salinity cyanophyle ponds. Lower salinity pools are probably those
urther inland and thus further removed from tidal influence-a major driving
force in Ihe exchange of water.
Many of the field observations of the behavior pattern of hypogeal shriinp
indicate that they spend a considerable period of time in Ihe water table beneath Ihe
surface exposures. The hypogeal habitats of these organisms and a number of casual
observations suggest that they can occur through much of the coastal walertable.
Maciolek (1983) notes the appearance of Halocqridino rubro in a cased well drilled on
Oahu; this also occurred on the floadplain at Kealio, fiauTduring well drilling. With
these hypogeal habits, Ihe determination of population sizes and Ihe geographic extent
of a given population becomes almost Impossible. These attributes may, however,
serve to stave off extinction; with Ihe destruction of surface exposures, epigeal
species can be expected to disappear, while those with hypogeal habits may not.
Maciolek (1983) notes that the hypogeal habits of these red shrimp can explain
their disjunct known distributions. He hypothesizes that many of those species ore
capable of existing in submerged marine rock as well as in emergent rock (anchialine
pools) of Ihe tropical Indo-Pocific. Many species tolerate seawater, thus could have
wide (but as yet undetermined) distributions in Ihe tropical seas. Some of the most
compelling evidence to support this contention is presented by Maciolek (1983) and
includes (I) the collection of Metobetoeus loheng. previously known only from the
Hawaiian Islands, from the reef flat and outer reef face at Tulear, Madagascar and
(2) the collections and sightings of Ligur uveae (a hypogeal shrimp known from
Molucca Islands, Loyalty Islands, Aldab7aTslan3s7Flji Islands, Elllce Islands, and the
Phlllipmes) by SCUBA divers deep in marine caves in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands.
Maciolek concludes that this broadened habitat hypothesis allows for the occurrence of
shrimps in the groundwater of many islands where they have not yet been found, as
well as in deep caves on shallow reefs and seamounts. Thus, rarity for some species
may be related to our ability to collect specimens in a largely unsampled (and difficult
to sample) habitat.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
A number of possible causes of anchialine pond degradation have been suggested.
These include (I) development that either results in pond obliteration or excessive
nutrient loading, (2) recreation in or near ponds (resulting in their use for fishing,
bathing, or refuse receptacles), and (3) Ihe utilization of ponds for the cultivation of
fishes. Recent studies (Maciolek and Brock 1974, 01 Consultants, Inc. 1985, Brock
1985) hove implicated several of these as the source of deterioration of specific ponds
and systems.
One obvious impact associated with construction activities is the obliteration of
anchialine exposures in a given area by infilling and burial. As stated above, some
components (e.g., hypogeal shrimp) would probably survive in the water table below,
albeit at lower population densities. Epigeal forms (algae, molluscs, crustaceans,
insects, and fishes) dependent upon the well-illuminated pond and its primary
productivity would locally disappear following pond burial.
Many Kona coast anchialine ponds show a clumped distribution, frequently being
located in Ihe vicinity of small bays. These same locations are often considered to be
desirable for development, and as such pose problems for both Ihe resource and
economic growth. In some instances, anchioline ponds have been left intact and
development has taken place around Ihe ponds. With surrounding development, one
impact is the potential for increased dissolved nutrients in Ihe groundwuler (us from
golf courses, etc.). In Ihe Lnhuipuaa District of South Kohala (Mauno Lani Resort)
development in the form of o golf course hus taken place around o number of
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onchlollne ponds, ood In some coses op lo within o lew meters of the ponds. Brock
(1985) In Ills study of these ponds was unable to delect any negative Impact directly
attributable to this construction or subsequent use of live surrounding terrain. Water
clarity and benlhic algal abundance (a rough measure of the plan) response lo elevated
nulrienl loading) remained unchanged from o preconslruclion survey (Maciolek and
Brock, 1974) 13 years earlier. Thus, available evidence suggests lluil elevated nutrient
levels pose little threat lo ponds with reasonable flushing rules.
High benlhic algal standing crops or low water transparency (suggesting high
phyloplankton activity) is apparent In some Kona coast ponds. Some of these are
found near human habitation. For example, Ihe pond at Weliweli was very turbid
(green water) ul the time of Ihe 1972 survey (Maciolek and Brock, 1974); In 1985 in a
helicopter overflight tills pond appeared lo be full of macroalgae. In 1972, toilet
facilities were about 6 meters inland of this pond, providing a potential nutrient source
for Ihe plan! growth wilhin the pond.
While field observations suggest that in most instances environmental degrada-
tion of anchiallne resources directly due lo development of the surrounding terrain is
minimal, other human activities associated with development such as increased access
to, and increased recreational uses in and around these coastal resources may result in
a large impact on the anchiallne biolope.
,-*. Greater access to Ihe coastal resources has occurred in the last ten years In
, Kona; Ihe coastal highway linking Kawaihae with Kailua-Kona (Queen Kaahumanu
00 Highway — completed in 1975) has been the primary access route. Presently, people
may either drive or hike lo much of Ihe coast that was formerly quite inaccessible.
Utilization of these areas is primarily for recreation: fishing, swimming, or camping.
Fishing may occur in some of Ihe larger anchialine pools; Brock (pers. obs.) found a
number of recently hooked and moribund specimens of the rare moray eel,
Gymnolhorox hilonis at Waiulua Bay, Anaehoomalu in 1972. He attributes the catching
of these eels to fishermen seeking moi (Polydaclylus sexfilus) present in one of the
more marine ponds; access was gained by a road that had been recently bulldozed to
Ihe site. Thus, fishing may directly impact some of Ihe native fish species found in
anchialine systems. 01 Consultants, Inc. (1985) ascribe the disappearance of aholehole
(Kuhlia sandvicensis) in ponds at Kapalaoa, North Kona, lo fishing.
Anchialine ponds are also used as bath pools by campers. Having low salinity
waters, they provide a refreshing slop for hikers or campers. Evidently anchialine
ponds have been subjected lo this use for a long lime. Pools were sometimes modified
with stone walling, etc. by ancient Hawaiians for bathing. There are no known
negative impacts directly attributable to this activity. However, the recent introduc-
tion of soaps and shampoos could be of potential concern. 01 Consultants, Inc. (1985)
noted Ihe presence of shampoo containers and soap wrappers around one anchialine
pond adjacent lo a popular swimming beach, but did not attribute any degradation in
the biola lo this activity.
A more obvious example of environmental degradation of the anchialine re-
sources occurs when the ponds are used as refuse pits. The practice is not new;
nearly-filled rubbish pits (former porids) containing datable refuse about 100 years old
have been found on Ihe Kona Coast. Some refuse (e.g., bottles, cans, etc.) appears not
lo have any real short-term negative impact on Ihe fauna. However, Ihe dumping of
used oil, grease, and oil fillers in a pond adjacent lo Honakohuu Harbor resulted in the
disappearance of opueula from thai pond (Brock, pers. obs.).
Perhaps one of Ihe greatest Impacts lo the biota of onchlollne ponds comes
through the Introduction (accidental or intentional) of exotic fishes to these systems,
Intentional introduction of on exollc flih may be for Its later harvest as fish bait or
food} accidental Introductions can occur when one pond In a system Is Intentionally
stocked and live introduced species colonizes other ponds In Ihe complex under its own
Impetus. Exotic species Involved include members of the family Poeclllldoe (probably
Gambuslo offinis ond Poecllla mexlcano) and Ihe Illopla, Oreochromls mossombicus.
The most obvious Impact resulting from Ihe colonization of anchialine pond systems by
these and oilier fish species Is their predation on resident crustaceans, particularly Ihe
shrimps. Maciolek (1984) reviewed the Impact of exotic fishes In Hawaiian ond other
insular ecosystems. He stales that adverse effects of these introductions center on
changes In natural ecosystems Induced by exotics, particularly on native species; these
effects may be direct (as through competition ond predation) or indirect, e.g.,
introduction and transmission of disease or parasites. Furthermore, this author notes
that while some adverse effects are self evident, they are often difficult to quantify;
as a result, few studies have been made.
In one of the first ecological studies of Hawaiian anchialine pond ecosystems,
Maciolek and Brock (1974) describe Ihe inverse relationship between Ihe fish and the
crustaceans. In their Kona coast study, 73 ponds were populated with fishes. Five
ponds had both native ond exotic fishes; 28 ponds had exotic fishes only and 40 had
native fishes only. Being small ond red, opaeula (Halgcarldina rybro) is an "ideal" food
for many fish, both native ond exotic. Maciolek and Brock (1974) found 26 ponds wilh
fishes and H. ruhra; of those 26 ponds, 20 ponds had native fishes and opaeula, five
ponds had exotic fishes co-occurring with H. rubra, and one pond had both native and
exotic fishes with H. rubro. Thus, only nTpercent of the 33 ponds harboring exotic
fishes had opaeula present, whereas 50 percent of the ponds having only native fishes
contained H. rubro. In all cases of co-occurence, the abundance of opaeula was low.
The recent studies by Brock (1985) ond 01 Consultants, Inc. (1985) resurveyed
many of the West Hawaii anchialine ponds sampled by Maciolek and Brock (1974). In
the resurvey efforts, many individual ponds could not be matched; because of this, the
data calculated and presented In Table 4 Is in the form of the percent of ponds in the
study area containing a certain aquatic species. The extensive survey by Ol
Consultants, Inc. (1985) in the Anaehoomolu area accounts for the majority of the
additional sampled ponds. Of Ihe four native species analyzed in Table 4, only Ihe
occurrence of Ihe cyanophyte Schlzothrix colcicola increased during Ihe 13 years
between these surveys; this Increase is due to the fact that the Anaehoomalu area is
particularly rich in ponds wilh Schlzolhrix. Other species (e.g., Theodoxus coripso,
Halocaridino rubro, and Metobetaeus loheno) all show substantial decreases In their
occurrence despite the fact that the 01 Consultants, Inc. (1985) survey inventoried 62
percent more ponds than did Maciolek and Brock (1974) in the same areas. The
decrease in the abundance of native species has been accompanied by an increase in
the occurrence of exotic fishes.
Exotic fishes appear to be spreading through closely associated complexes of
anchialine ponds In restricted geographic localities. Poecilids are present through
much of the system of ponds at Makalawena-Awakee — a habitat formerly populated
by epi- and hypogeal shrimp (Maciolek and Brock, 1974) thai are now largely absent.
The question might be raised us lo Ihe outlook for the anchialine pond resource
following invasion by exotic fishes. In general, such ponds have some common
attributes: all usually have populations of poecllids or lilapia (or both); Ihe basins of
these ponds are dominated by mud (not Ihe while calcareous sediment characteristic
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Table 4.
Summary of the Change in Four Native and Two Exotic Aquatic Species
Found n Kona Coast Anchialine Ponds Located Between Lahuipuaa and
Kailua-Kona: 1972 to 1985.
Species
Schlzpthrix calcicola
TheodoxuTcorioso
HalocqridTno rubrg
Metobetaeus ioheng
Oreochromis mossambicus
Poeciliidae sppl
Percent of the Ponds Examined
m 1985
192) (n=3ll)
O
l
31
22
67
40
5
10
Maciolek and Brock
41
6
39
4
14
32
1985 data is from
M'ddn l'?1 f°TrQfUre?' I0?"01?' etc') ** '<"* '^ U"^l cyanoph^
yp°9eal 5hrlmp (Ho'ocorldina rubro and MatobetLt
"""J0 Ud/°r n°Mve) fishes '"'""^ed Into an anchialine
ln I .° chaT,'n ecological succession. These introductions
related to greater coastal access. The first and most obvious chanqe that
°e QndS e"mil from t
- M ,» . 9e in lhe °PPe<"-°"ce of the pond system from one that has
anchialine" attributes (i.e., a cyanophyte carbonate producing mat, associated flora!
by mud^sub ,Cr±m° I'T^l? d™™te«% [W' shrimp?, to o'sy»!.S ! domS
hLSh i*0™1'0'"1" and exotic fishes. Field observations support some of these
hypothesized changes) only a. long-term study could confirm them;
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
The anchialine pond resource is considered to be a relatively unique
fsT,-Ufh0KS Vyy* "73i MoC'°lek & 8rock- I97*i Mociolek ,1983)
i K^$ICal 'e,°'UreS Ond Unique biofo- R«"nt information suggests that
nn« • a"ch'allne P««* °" »he Kona, Hawaii coast are in a state of bio ogica
change pnmanly due to the presence of exotic fishes. If the unique attributes of the
anchialine pond resources of West Hawaii are to be preserved, some level of
ThenbaTceD m-M bf6 eslablish?d »ifh the a^ °f Serving par. 'of Z1 resource
and/or H^ ^ ,•" ° ,f"aSySt{on is recommend^ because of the accelerating loss
and/or degrada, on of anchialine ponds along much of the Kona coast. This section
suggests some simple steps that could be a part of such a management plan.
The proposed management scheme has five facets: these are
re9ulation of human us
of
Resource preservation should be relegated to those anchioline pond systems that
HnenT,rn 'I'*6 ° 'h1 -n<|.'ural biol°Pe o"*'0' h°ve unique attributes. D.?™mta£
ion of the status of anchialine pond resources has been recently Initiated for par "tf
the Hawaii Island coastline (01 Consultants, Inc., 1985), but a relatively
Islandwide Inventory should probably be made prior to determination of pr
area, beyond that presently proposed. Localities with high anchialine pond
± t LT S ,chont0inin9 rePrfse"la«ve anchialine bip.a should be major crllertah
knln f, h ,1 Prn 6nce j*' rare species such as Cymnothomx hllonis (formerb
PrfTmi H ^oiul"a.)0a>' ond Kapoho ponds - now may only be liTT?5oho pond?
Pdaemp^burnsi (known from three ponds on Cape Kinau, Maui and Kaloko Pond ^
the Kona coast), procarls howaiensis and ColllosmolQ pholldola (in the Hawaii^
sands known fromT^pTEinau and one Big Island pond) sh^Bo be a criterion o?
-15-
-16-
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-------
o
I
LITERATURE CITED
Barnard, J.L. 1977.
The cavernicolous fauna of Hawaiian lava lubes. 9. Amphipoda (Crustacea) from
brackish lava ponds on Hawaii and Maui.
Pac. Insects |7:267-299.
Borradaile, L.A. 1917.
On carides from the western Indian Ocean.
Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Zool. Ser. 2. J2:397- °n re<"e™«n9 ° "«« »«n«y, from marine pools on
Ascension Island (Crustacea: Decapoda: Natantia)
Smithson. Contrib. Zool. No. 131.18 pp.
Couref, C.L., Jr. and D.C.L. Wong. 1978.
^
Dalrymple, D.W. 1965.
Twa'sT Carb°nale deP°sition associated with blue-green algal mats, Baffin Bay,
Pubs. Inst. Mar. Sci. Univ. Tex., JO: 1 87-200.
Fricke, H. and S, Fricke. 1979.
S. B'K^WW °' "le shrimPk!2yi "yea in a land-locked marine pool.
Friedman, G.M., and A.J. Amiel, M. Braun and D.S. Miller. 1973.
Generation of carbonate particles and laminites in algal mats - example from
sea-marginal hypersaline pool, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. e*a™P'e 'r°m
Am. Ass. Petrol. Geol. Bull. 57:54 1-557.
Golubic, S. 1973.
and BeA"SnP fc'iT " bluj-?reen ???e and Carbonate deposits. In: N.G. Carr
and B. A. Whi I Ion (eds.), the biology of blue-green olgae. ~
blackwell Scientific Publications. London, pp. 434-472.
Gosline, W.A. and V.E. Brock. I960.
Handbook of Hawaiian fishes.
Univ. Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 372 pp.
Hollhuis, L.B. 1963.
On red coloured shrimps (Decapoda, Coridea) from tropical land-locked saltwater
pools.
Zool. Meded. 38: 261-279.
Hollhuis, L.B. 1973.
Caridean shrimps found In land-locked saltwater pools at four Indo-West Pacific
localities (Sinai Peninsula, Funafuti Atoll, Maul and Hawaii Islands), with a
description of one new genus and four new species.
Zool. Verhand. 128. 48 pp.
Jordan, D.S. and B.W. Evermann. 1905.
The aquatic resources of the Hawaiian Islands. Part I. The shore fishes.
Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm. 23: 1-574.
Maciolek, J.A. 1983.
Distribution and biology of Indo-Pacific insular hypogeal shrimps.
Bull. Mar. Sci. 33: 606-618.
Maciolek, J.A. 1984.
Exotic fishes in Hawaii and other island of Oceania. In: W.R. Courtenoy, Jr. and
J.R. Stauf fer, Jr. (eds.). Distribution and management of exotic fishes.
Johns-Hopkins Univ. Press, Baltimore, pp. 131-161.
Maciolek, J.A. and R.E. Brock. 1974.
Aquatic Survey for the Kono Coast ponds, Hawaii Island.
Univ. Hawaii Sea Grant Advisory Rep. AR-74-04. 73 pp.
01 Consultants, Inc. 1985 •?
Anchialine pond survey of the northwest coast of Hawaii Island.
Prepared for Transcontinental Development Co. 63 pp.
Por, F.D. 1968.
Copepods of some land-locked basins on the islands of Entedebir and Nocra
(Dahlak Archipelago, Red Sea).
Sea F ish. Res. S to. Hai f a, Bui I. 49; 32-50.
Por, F.D. and M. Tsurnamal. 1973.
Ecology of the Ras Muhammad Crack in Sinai.
Nature (London) 241: 43-44.
Smith, M.J. and W.D. Williams. 1981.
The occurrence of Antecaridina louensis (Edmondson) (Crustacea, Decapoda
Atyidae) in the Solomon Islands - intriguing biogeoyraphical problem. '
Hydro-biologia 85: 49-58.
Suzuki, H. 1980.
An atyid shrimp living in anchialine pool on Kuro-shimo, Yaeyamu Grouo
Okinawa Prefecture.
Proc. Jpn. Soc. Syst. Zool. 18: 47-53.
-------
o
I
Wear, R.G. ond L.B. Hoi Ihuls. 1977.
A new record for the onchtallne shrimp Llgur uveoe (Borradaile 1899) (Dccapodo,
Hlppolylldae) in the Philippines with nates on Its morphology, behavior, ond
ecology.
Zool.Meded.5l.il25.l40.
Wong, D.C.L. 1975.
Algae of the onchlollne pools at Cope Klnau, Maul, and aspects of the trophic
ecology of Holocarldlnq rubro Hollhuls (Decapodo, Atyldoe), Master of Science
Thesis, Univ. Hawaii, HolwIuTu. 103 pp.
-------
Appendix O
List of Public Notice Recipients and
Copies of Notices of Intent and Public Notices
-------
-------
APPENDIX D
LIST OF PUBLIC NOTICE RECIPIENTS AND COPIES OF PUBLIC NOTICES
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Representative Daniel K. Akaka
Representative Cecil Heftel
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Senator Spark M. Matsunaga
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic/Topography Center
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
Department of Commerce, National Ocean Survey
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Hawai'i
Department of the Interior
— Denver Service Center
-- Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu
— National Park Service
- Interagency Archaeological Services Division
- Pacific Area Office
- Western Regional Office, Division of Environmental Quality
— U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division
Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii, Marine Safety Office
Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX
Federal Aviation Administration, Hawai'i
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Marine Fisheries"Service
— Southwest Region
— Western Pacific Program Office
U.S. Air Force, Hickam Air Force Base
U.S. Navy
— Commander, Naval Base, Pearl Harbor
— Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas
— Commander, Pacific Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command
,, c o~ T3?'!10 Division, Nav°l Facilities Engineering Command, Water Quality Lab
U.S. Postal Service
— Ewa Beach Post Office
~ Hilo Main Post Office
— Postmaster, Kahului
— Kailua-Kona Post Office
STATE AGENCIES
Department of Health, Environmental Health Division
Department of Land and Natural Resources
— Land Management Division
— Parks Division
— State Historic Preservation Officer
D-l
-------
STATE AGENCIES (continued)
Department of Planning and Economic Development, Coastal Zone Management Office
Department of Transportation
— Director
— Chief, Harbors Division
Office of Environmental Quality Control
UNIVERSITY OF HAWA1M
Department of Ocean Engineering
Department of Oceanography
Environmental Center
Hawai'i Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit
Sea Grant, Advisory Service
HAWAI'I COUNTY AGENCIES
Department of Public Works
Mayor, County of Hawai'i
Planning Department
OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Government of American Samoa
— Department of Marine Resources
— Department of Parks and Recreation
— Director of Port Administration
Government of Guam
— Bureau of Planning
— Territorial Planning Commission
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Office of Planning and Statistics
OTHER LEGISLATORS
Senator Alberto J.C. Lamorena III, 17th Guam Legislature
Senator Thomas V.C. Tanaka, 17th Guam Legislature
Representative Charles Toguchi, Hawai'i Legislature
PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS
Bishop Museum
Conservation Council for Hawai'i
Environmental Defense Fund
Greenpeace Hawai'i
Hawai'i Audubon Society
Hawai'i Public Health Association
Hawai'i's Thousand Friends
Historic Hawai'i Foundation
Kona Conservation Group
Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i
Life of the Land
One-Thousand Friends of Kauai
Outdoor Circle
Sierra Club
D-2
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BUSINESSES
A.C. Hoyle Company
American Divers
American Marine & Machinery Company, Inc.
Amfac Property Development Corporation
Amortec, Inc.
Belt, Collins & Associates
Builders Concrete, Inc.
Chevron Shipping Company
Coast Marine Construction, Inc.
Coastal Marine, Inc.
Davies Hamakua Sugar Company
Dillingham Tug & Barge Corporation
Fred L. Waldron, Ltd.
Golden Gate Dock Company
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
Great Lakes Environmental Marine, Ltd.
Hawaiian Cruises, Ltd.
Hawaiian Dredging & Construction Company, Ltd.
Hawaiian Independent Refinery, Inc.
Hawaiian Trust Company
Hawaiian Tuna Packers
Hawaiiana Investment Company, Inc.
Healy Tibbitts Construction Company
Lee Cook Associates
Leigh Flexible Structure, Inc.
Marinas International
Marine Design International, Inc.
Matson Navigation Company
Morrison-Knudsen Company
Pacific Basin Environmental Consultants
Pacific Diving Industries
R.M. Towill Corporation
Rotocast, Plastic Products of Texas, Inc.
SETS, Inc.
Shell Oil Co.
Star-Kist Samoa, Inc.
Techstaff, Inc.
Texota, Inc.
Tideland Signal Corporation
Transcontinental Development Co.
Tuna Boat Owners Co-op, Inc.
Union Oil Company of California
UOP, Johnson Division, Surface Water Department
Walter Lum Associates
Waterfront Marinas, Ltd.
Western Pacific Dredging Company
Woodward-Envicon, Inc.
D-3
-------
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS •
Bernice P. Bishop Estate
Building Industry Association of Hawaii
Engineering News Record
Hawaii Yacht Club
Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association
Micronesian Legal Services Corporation
Micronesian Support Committee
National Association of Dredging Contractors
PASH Coordinator
INDIVIDUALS
Ms. Debbie Abreu
Mr. Arthur Akinaka
Mr. Donald S. Bowman III
Mr. Ed Crook
Mr. Rick Gaffney
Ms. Dorothy Hirowatari
Mr. Walter Kahiwa
Mr. Pete L'Orange
Mrs. Donna Mah
Mr. Mike Miura
Mr. R.D. Plunkett
Mr. Edward Pskowski
Mr. Bill Reich
Mr. Jerry Rothstein
Mr. James Schlais
Mr. Yukio Shiigi
Mr. Conrad T. Shiroma
ADDED AFTER 19 OCTOBER 1984
Mr. Ron Bachmar
Mr. J. Sanchez
Sierra Club, Hawai'i Island
Dr. Richard Titgen
Mr. John Michael White
Mr. Richard Worshauer
D-4
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Public Notice
USArmyCorpi
of Engtnttrt
F>*"CH9"C"<* PODCO-0 1812-SP0"* 19 October 1984
ntpl/lo DitlnclEng.wKPOOCO-OI Ropondlpy 13 (joyefli,er
US AimyCopiol EngmMO
BuikfcngJJO
Fl SMIlK HI »«89«
HOTKE Of INTENT TO PREPARE A
EHTOQ(M£NTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (DEIS)
FOR A DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (DA) PERMIT APPLICATION
1. APPLICANT; Transcontinental Development Company. 1001 Bishop Street,
Suite 2610, Pauthl Tower, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
• APPLICANT'S AGEHT; Belt, Collins and Associates, 606 Coral Street,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96B13.
2. APPLICABLE STATUTORY AUTHORITIES; Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
(33 USC 1344} and Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899
(33 USC 403).
3. LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY; Uatulua Bay, Halkoloa, South Kohala,
Island of Hawaii, State of Hawaii.
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY; The applicant, Transcontinental
Development Company, proposes a 1,260-room resort hotel and associated
amenities on approximately 60 acres of land adjacent to Ualulua Bay. The
hotel Is Intended to draw additional visitors to the South Kohala District
Q of the Island of Hawaii. It would accomplish this by providing a complex
I with sufficient size, unique features, recreational amenities, «nd market-
er ability to be economically competitive 1n the world tourism market. The
site plan and preliminary layout of the proposed project are shown in the
attached drawings (5 sheets) dated September 1984.
The project includes the excavation of a 4-acre salt water recreational
lagoon, the construction of structural amenities abutting and elevated over
the lagoon, the filling of anchlaline (tidal) ponds on the site and the
maintenance deerlng of seaweed, rubble and other debris from the shoreline.
These activities require a DA permit under Section 10 of the River and Harbor
Act of 1899 (33 USC 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (USC 1344).
A freshwater canal Is proposed as part of the hotel's on-site guest transpor-
tation system. The proposed canal 1s entirely man-made and Is situated at an
elevation of approximately 25 feet sbove sea level. It has been determined
to be outside of DA permit requirements.
5. DESCRIPTION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES: Because the project Is 1n its
preliminary planning stages, details on reasonable lagoon and anchlaline
pond alternatives are still being developed. The alternatives that will be
addressed include:
a. An alternative siting of the lagoon and resort along the coastline
of the Uaikoloa Beach Resort.
Public Kotlce Ho. FOOCO-0 1812-SD
b. A reduction In scope of the development Including alt emit e Uyouti
of the Ugoon tnd structures to •Ininlze or ellnlnite Inpicts on the
WKhlallne ponds tnd Walului Biy.
c. Alternate uses of the aquatic sites such as aquicuUure, research
and education.
d. No action alternative.
6. HEED FOR FEDERAL E1S; Based on a preliminary assessment of impacts of
the applicant's proposed project, it has been determined that the proposal
could significantly affect the quality of the human environment 1f
implemented. Therefore, a Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Mill
be prepared under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969.
7. SCOPING PROCESS FOR DRAFT EHV1ROWEHTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (DEIS);
a. On 20 September 1984, a separate Notice of Intent to prepare a DEIS
for the proposed project was published In the Federal Register, Volume 49,
No. 184.
b. All affected Federal, State, and local agencies and other Interested
organizations or persons are Invited to provide comments identifying
specific concerns which should be addressed In the DEIS.
c. The significant Issues that have been Identified so far for analyses
in the DEIS will include:
(1) Impacts of the lagoon construction, anchlaline pond filling and
maintenance activities on coastal zone resources.
(2) Susceptibility of project location In the tsunami hazard zone.
(3) Project Impacts of Ugoon construction, anchlaline pond filling
and maintenance activities on flora and fauna and rare or endangered species.
(4) Alterations of coastal water quality and oceanographic
conditions caused by lagoon construction and pond filling.
(5) Effects of lagoon construction and pond filling on ambient air
quality and noise. ' '
(6) Impacts of pond filling and lagnon construction and maintenance
on historic, archaeological and paleontological resources.
(7) Recreational impacts and aesthetic considerations related to
lagoon construction and pond filling.
-------
o
I
Public Notice No. PODCO-0 1812-SO
(B) Secondary and cumulative effects of DA permit actions on land
use, public Infrastructure (traffic and utilities), drainage and cultural
values.
d. Upon preparation of the DEIS, a public notice shall be Issued
announcing the availability of the DEIS. It Is estimated that the DEIS will
be made available to the public In late 1984.
e. Requests for a scoping meeting should be forwarded to this District
no later than 30 days from the date of this notice.
B. EVALUATION FACTORS! The decision whether to Issue a permit will be
based on an evaluation of the probable Impact of the proposed activity on
the public Interest, Including the application of the guidelines promulgated
by the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under authority
of Section 404(b) of the Clean Water Act. That decision will reflect the
national concern for both protection and utilization of Important resources.
The benefit which reasonably nay be expected to accrue from the proposal must
be balanced against Its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which
may be relevant to the proposal will be considered; among those are conserva-
tion, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, historic values.
fish and wildlife values, flood damage prevention, land use, navigation,
recreation, water supply, water quality, .energy needs, safety, food production
and, In general, the needs and welfare of the people.
9. COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES: Interested parties may submit In writing any
concerns and comments thai they may have-on the proposed project and DEIS.
Garments should be forwarded so as to reach this District no later than
30 days from the date of this notice so that they can be considered In
preparation of the DEIS. Further Information may be obtained from the
Operations Branch, Honolulu District, Room 205. Building 230, Fort Shafter,
telephone 438-9258. Written Inquiries and comments should be mailed to this
District at the address Indicated in the letterhead and should make
reference to this public notice number.
It is Corps of Engineers policy that any objections will be forwarded to the
applicant for resolution or rebuttal before a final decision is made on the
application. If the objecting party so requests, all personal Information
will be deleted from the forwarded letter or the objections will be
paraphrased In summary form.'
10. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Any person may request, in writing, that a
public hearing be held to consider this application. These requests shall
state, with particularity, the Masons for holding a public hearing. If
requested and warranted, the-hearing will be held after completion of the
DEIS. A public notice announcing the time, date, location and nature of the
hearing would be Issued at least 30 days prior to the hearing date.
1 Incl
Drawings (5 sheets)
HA'IKOLOA BEACH RESORT
SITE LOCATION HAP
10
fe
10
20
Upolu
Hahukona
MAtKOLOA
BEACH RESORT
Iteahole
Airport
Kailua
Kona
Haipio Valley
llonokaa
Laupahoehoe
Hilo
Lyman
Field
Keauhou
Honaunau
Hllolii If
EXCAVATION OF SWIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
HAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1984
Sheet J_
-------
a
i
00
Walkoloa Beach Resort Devalopment Plan
EXCAVATION OF SHIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
HA1KOLOA HYATT SITE. HAWAII
SEPT 1984
Sheet J. of 6.
Walkoloa Land* and th« South Kohala Region
EXCAVATION OF SHIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
HAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1384 Sheet J3. of §_
-------
HYATT RECENCY WAIKOLOA
SITE. AUO EIE.VAT1QM Pl>JJ AT
EXCAVATION OF SWIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
HAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1984
Sheet ^ of S.
TIDAL PONDS LOCATION MAP
AncMaHne (Tidal) Ponds
B-9
EXCAVATION OF SWIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
KAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1984
Sheet jg of 5.
-------
V
Federal RciUicr / Veil SO. No. 21 / Thursday, (inujry 11. IMS / Nolle*.
1SS9
tsn
FaJanl Karftn, / Vol. TO, H«. a / -nutty. I.nuiry31. IMS y-rama.
Ihi It\-r lo Ilia Conuoliileoer of
t which followed All notice
tl f\ vi been 3>t2£tl pound*,
Inllted o\21.2|il powidt.
Willu C. I
of Tf'titf A
|FX Doe u-uryiltd 1-30-05, l« J in)
Miwacooe UM
DEPARTMENT OF «£FEHSE
Department of lha A\For»
Intent To Prepare • Droll
Envlronmintll Impact Stuement (EIS);
Moody Air Fore* BlM.O/
The United Stales Air Forcttproposes
lo develop an air to surface vtf
range In lie Immediate geogriplbol
•ret of Moody Air Force Base. CVrgii.
The close proximity of Ihe proposff'
range lo Moody AFD would Increas
both flight lately and (raining
effectiveness while decreasing the
overall coll of training. Land for lha
range would be transferred lo the Air
Force from the US. Forest Service.
' 'roxlmalely 350-400 icres of regrown
* would be cleered lo tllow for
construction of a range complex
f^ consisting of two. lowers, a small
I administrative building, and bomb and
_ atr«fe targets.
O The environmental analysis will
include such topic* •• Impact lo Ihe
flora and fauna, noise levels and
additional topics raised during the
•coping meeting.
Our environmental analysis willj
completed fol^wlng the scoping
meeting. Exact lime and place oflhe
•coping meeting will be enmutfiCvJ In
Ihe local news media and bytilrecl
contact to organizations that have
expressed an Interest In Attending.
Participation In the enynonmenlfil
analysis process by Isnerested private
organizations and jauivlduals Is invited
It Is estimated thai Ihe draft EIS will
b* available forypubllc review In June
1905.
Queationsj&mceming the proposal.
•coping matting or the draft EIS m>y be
directed 16 Mr. Alton Chnvls. HQ TAG/
DEEV. kSngley AFB. VA 23605-5001.
telephone (604] 704-4430.
f(CKorflVo,
( forve FcilemlResiiler Liaison Officer
UK Doc. 95-2470 Filed !-»«: US «m|
ViLma coot »ts-«i.4l
Corpi of Cmfltoiet «ii DiBirtwM'nl ql
lha Army
Mini To Plipsre Drift EwlronmtnUI
SUIsm«nt;Zlmmir Girmsllnj Plant.
Ohio
AClncr: US. Army Corps of Engineers.
DOO.
ACTION: Nalica of Intent lo Prepira •
Drcft Environmental tmpicl Slalemenl
(D'EJS) for • proposed conversion of the
Zlmmer Ceneral'lng Pliant from auclair
lo coal fired operation. Thi plinl li
located along the Ohio River (River Mile
443) near Moscow In Clermont County.
Ohio. l
lUUMAitv: Tha Cincinnati Cat» Ele/rlc
Company (operator). Columbus a.
Southern Ohio Electric Corapsnuftnd
Dayton Power » Ughl Corapan/as (tie
owners are proposing lo conpri the
W.I I. Zlmmer Generating Pl/nl from a
BOO met await nuclear lo a/300
megawatt coal fired opyi(ion. A portioi
of the existing itruclueei will be used
and new conslrucliop^ll] require the
addition of coat oiMind acrubber
resgeot unloadlnafuock flclllllei aa well
•s alorage fidtfJKi for full and empty
barges. A dlscblrga structure lo the
Ohio River rafy also be required.
TaeQndnniU Gas 4 Electric
impftnwoperator} bat applied for a
;p«ttnp»ol of the Army Permit under
llojnOof the Riverrand Harbors Aci
•nd section 404 of the dean
W AT Act The American Electric
Service Corporation haa been
Lby (he owners is pro[ect
'menagV for managing the plant
converron and licensing effort!.
NoticeV hereby given of the
•ssumpliaV of "lead agency"
responsibility fur Federal action for the
proposed faalily by the Louisville
District. CorpVofEngineers. The DEIS
will cover • vdfcely of Issues Including
air quality. ecorVmics, land use and
transportation, luddillon to the actual
construction end Iteration of the
facility. Any Indmuial or group having
comments rxgardingVhe contents of the
DEIS may suSmit IheV la the Corps of
Engineers at lie addr\s at the end of
this notice.
A scoping meeting forVe DEIS will bi|
held In early 1085. the da\ and place lo
be announced faler. The p\pose of the
meeting will be lo Identify
significant Issues lo be onal/Ved In
depth In the DEIS. Participant by Ihe
public and all interested Government
agencies is Invited.
DATE: The Louisville District esli\ites
Ihit Ihe DEIS will be released for public'
review on or before 1 May 1908.
ABO'ilt: Qunllorn jfJsnHn| iht
propoied scllon. AytnvlrommS'iUil
Impact StalC(nse applicant*.
c. Aaftorlitati Hie ptopoitd actlw
with nodinciUoiu to rtduca or
ttMtsAtt los i ol anchlsline pond* and
other significant environment!]
resources.
4. Deicttfllaa ejtkt Scaflnf Precut
far At DEIS. Tit public. IndMJusls and
iptclil (nttttsl groups. Federal, Slitt
and local if enclii and other fntereslid
pirUe* who nNponded to ibe earlier
public nolle* wi'U be Included U laa
DBS proces*. Any other Interested
pirtle* ara Invited (o provide commend
Identifying ipectflc concern* rhil they
wild lo ste addressed In the DEIS.
5. Significant hi ues lo 6*> Addressed
in tfit DEIS. The slenlflcant Issues to bt
•ddressed In the DEIS will Include IhoM
ImpacU directly relited lo the Corpi
arei ofjurildiclion and area! of Indirect
•nd cumulative Impacts. These Issue*
will Indude. but not be limited la
*. Impacts on the •nchlatlnepondj
•nd co«sul water quality. (
b. fro pacts on historical,
ardia eologlcal and cultural reaource*.
c. Impictl on threilened and
endingered epede*, and other flora and
fauna. '
d. Impact! on Ihe Isuiuml buard
xone.
e. fjnpict* oa groundweter hydraulic*
•od quality.
C Impact* on thecoeilil tone and
oceanography.
g. Impact* on landa izse and
recrecllonil resource*.
k. ttnpicts cti ilr outllly and norte
levels.
L Impacts on aeilhetlci.
). Impacts on tocloeconomk: factor* In
the region.
II ii eillraaled that Ihe DEIS wilt be
made available lo Ihe public In February
19&5.
ADDRESS Questions regarding the
proposed action and DEIS can be
answered by: Mr. Michael T. Lee.
Biologist. US. Army Corps of Engineer*.
Construction-Operations Division,
Operations Branch. Room 205. Building
230. Fort Shafler. Hawaii BC854-54W.
Dllld:|uiluCTn.tMS.
..
Colonel. CttifH, ofEagine*n. Putrid
Engirtc*T
|FR Doc tt-UtO Filed l-M-tt tM 10)
pARTU£NTOFEDUCATK)H
Ue VociUtKuJ Ettucalloo Programs:
•tl To Compf emlM CMm
Vn Dtp's rtminl of EduciUoo.
"\ Notice of Inlinl l» Corapromlw
luu«Aliir\Nollc* Is glvwi lilt muter
iiellto ISS) of (ha Cintro) Educillon
Provliloni/Vt.tOU&C.ICMslO.Iki
Secnlirv UlfcjJs la conorwli t a dsla
s|iUut On MlVlMU Elite AdvUory
Council for Voctjloul EAicaHoa now
pendlnj Wfota tie Edticalkm Ajpeil
Board. Dodit Kottl-{M)-t1.
[ OATX: la'Ura*'t«l peVon* *aay tubmlt
ivrillen cojDirteiiti o\bJecU'Cme OQ ot
before March II, 104
roil nimta wrafluAw CONTACT:
ML LynellsCtnrbonM\Ofrioe of the
General Counsel Departrleal c*T
Educallon. 400 MsryUnd /V cone. EW.
(Room 400J. FOB-4). WaihSilton. DC.
[20202.
M1JN3 COM ItlS-MMI
Vocalkmil Education Ad of lAj (Ihe'
AclHZO US.C. tm «»aj.J. laclled al
lha UiBl of tha avenU at laiuc,
•ultorted groati to Slain for
vocationa] ntocatlon prognmt. 1
105 of lha Act (20 U.S.C. 2305) requni
•ny Slot* Hkldi deilred la porUdp*Ie>
programs under lie Act lootabllia a '
SliU advisory ooundL Tbai regulsdotis
govamuif Btil* Advisory covodls ware
found I* «S CFR Bart 104 (pteaeotly
found In MCFRFJTI400).
TBaregulatlooa conlalobuj the) fide*
for the conduct •f.pnKMdlnja before
Ihe Education Appeal Board, nloblUhed
by Ihe Secretary purauanl lo Hctiooafil
of the Cueral Educatloa Fnvklom Act
(20 USC. 1234). were published In lie
Faderal ReglHee an May li, Jft!l (48 FR
. 27305). The Education Appeal Board
regulation currenlly In *lfect ara found
!ln34CFRPirt7*.
: Theclilmlndispulfarastoutofan
. audit of theXinneioli State Advisory
Council for Vocational Education
(SACVE) conducted by the former
Deportment of Hetllh, Educatloa and
! Well ire Audit Agency. The audit
itiisctcsed thst charge* for clerical
service* were In excess of compereble
charge* In the area. In addition. Ihi
auditora found a lack of compliance
. with Federal regulallon> and Elate
travel policies, resulting la unallowable
' enlertaJbmenl cost! and undocumented
travel coils. Accordingly, Ihe auditor!
requested refunds from the SAVCE In
three areas: (1) Improper bidding
procedures pursuant lo Federal
regulations hi the negotiations of elaff
•entice agreements |$21.17«); (2)
I undocumented travel coslo ($5(490); and
(!) imiHor.slil« tnlrrtilnmenl wrls
tn.tML1n«fiMl teller of dVktt»ln««o«
dilcd Eefttentxt 1 tnt, tie Ail h Isjit
Cecrrltry (or Vacellorul and AuiH
EducitloQ nolintd the EACVE Hut U
as ui I nfund tOfta u • tetull «f Ox
•udllon' flndlnt*. TVe S ACVE Iliad •
Kmly «pp«iJ lalbJs Dual iJsUrmliullosi
•nd lli< ciia wss docketed btfaxa ik«
Ed»c*tlonApptil Boird.
fitor b> A JVeoHdnf CoaTereaca. Jl
wss (town Oiil almost • fhlrd of tb«
rcqutsltd ntund wot birrtd bjr tin
applicable «lirots of Umllallons.secllon
«$2fj) of Ihi Central Education
Provision* Act (20 U&.C.1ZH*(g)|.1a
sumrosry. iccllon 45Z(g) Urolls t Slilt'a
llsblllty lo obtliilloiu ma da wlllln flva
jrein of lha data the Elate ncelrM
nolle* of tha Dapartraent of Educatloa'a)
request for • refund. Application of
section 452(i) reduced the elilm lo
tigjeo.92.
TheSecrataryprapoiu to
compromise the remaining clilm of
$19.150.52 for $4,400 to sillsficllon of aU
noneUry flndlngi la Ilia audit. Bud on
lha coil of further litigation. Ilia
Secretary hai determined thai It would
not b* practical or fa lha public lnlere*1
to continue tin* proceeding. Moreover.
the Assistant Secretary for Vocational
and Awfil Education baa been
•dequalily MI ured tfaal fba pracfioe*
which reiultad fnlhadalmtiava been
corrected and will not recur. ThU
proposed compromlsa will not advtneljr
•ITect ajnr other audit proceed! rtf
^ efor* tha Education Appeal
t public la Jnvltod lo.oommenl 0*1
Ihi SlcreUry'* Intent la compromlM
this cluni. Additional Information majr
b* obtained by writing lo Ms. LynaU*
Charbolbau al the address given al tha
beglnnlnj^f fhls nolle*.
(!OUS£.lVi.l2Ua
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Public Notice
O
i
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Honolulu Diilrir.l
Public Notice No Dale
pnnrn-n K)i?-sn 2? JanjB5_
Reply lo DitliiclEnginMtlPOOCO-OI HeJoondOy
U S Army Corps of Enginom
Building 230
Fl SUIIli. HI 96856
N.A.
REVISED HOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE A
_.-.- ..-- -
FOR ATJEPARTHENT OF THt ARMY (PA) HERMll APPLICATION
1. APPLICANT; Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac Land Co.,
Suite 2610, PauaM Tower, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
APPLICANT'S AGENT: Belt, Collins and Associates. 606 Coral Street,
Honolulu, Hawaii %ai3.
2. APPLICABLE STATUTORY AUTHORITIES; Section 404 of the Clean Hater Act
(33 USC. 1344) and Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899 (33 USC 403).
3. LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY: Halkoloa. South Kohala, Island of
Hawaii, Sate of Hawaii.
4. SUWARY: This Notice of Intent supersedes Notice of Intent published in
the Federal Register, dated 20 September 1984 (49 FR 184:36901). In
recognition of the cumulative loss of anchlallne pond resources within the
applicants' Halkoloa Beach Properties, and to avoid piecemeal assessment and
commitment of anchlallne pond resources on the applicants' property, the DA
permit application was revised to include all anchlallne ponds on the Halkoloa
Beach Resort Properties, and to create an 8-acre pond preservation area.
5. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION; The applicants. Transcontinental
Development L'o. and Atpac Land (.0. requested authorization to excavate and fill
anchiallne ponds on their Halkoloa Beach Resort properties In conjunction with
their ongoing development of the resort. An 8-acre anchiallne pond area will
be preserved, r.anr;:d and maintained by the applicants. Their construction of
the 1,250-room resort hotel involves the excavation of a 4-acre saltwater
lagoon. These activities require a DA permit under Section 10 of the River
and Harbor Act of 1899, as amended, and Section 404 of the Clean Hater Act, as
amended.
6. DESCRIPTION OF REASONABLE ALTfttNATIVES: The reasonable alternatives to be
addressed in the DEIS will be developed to minimize and reduce the loss of
anchlallne ponds on the Haikoloa Beach Resort properties and will Include:
a. The no action alternative (denial of the DA permit).
b. Authorizing the proposed action as requested by the applicants.
c. Authorizing the proposed action with modifications to reduce or
minimize loss of anchiallne ponds and other significant environmental
resources.
Public Notice No. PODCO-0 1812-SD
7. DESCRIPTION OF THE SCOPING PROCESS FOR THE DEIS; The public. Individuals
and special Interest groups. Federal, State and local agencies and other
Interested parties who responded to the earlier public notice will be Included
in the DEIS process. Any other Interested parties are invited to provide
contnents identifying specific concerns that they wish to see addressed in the
DEIS.
8. SIGNIFICANT ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE DEIS; The significant issues to
be addressed in the DEIS will Include those impacts directly related to the
Corps area of jurisdiction and areas of indirect and cumulative Impacts. These
Issues will include, but not be limited to:
a. Impacts on the anchtallne ponds and coastal water quality.
b. Impacts on historical, archaeological and cultural resources.
c. Impacts on threatened and endangered species, and other flora and
fauna.
d. Impacts on the tsunami hazard zone.
e. Impacts on groundwater hydraulics and quality.
•f. Impacts on the coastal zone and oceanography.
g. Impacts on land use and recreational resources.
h. Impacts on air quality and noise levels.
1. Impacts on aesthetics.
j. Impacts on socioeconomic factors in the region.
It Is estimated that the DEIS will be made available to the public In February
1985.
9. ADDRESS; Questtons regarding the proposed action and DEIS can be answered
by:
Kr. Michael T. Lee
Biologist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Construction-Operations Division
Operations Branch
Room 205, Building 230
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858-5440
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Si
o
i
NJ
BEACH RESORT
SITE LOCATION HAP
10
10
20
HVtci
Upolu
II
Hthukona
Haunt Kea
Beach Hotel
H«1p1o Villey
Honokia
Ltupahoehoe
WAIKOLOA
BEACH RESORT
keahote
Airport
Kallua
Kona
HUo
Lyman
Field
Hilolii
Pacific Ocean
Sou
Point
EXCAVATION OF SHIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
UAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1984 Sheet I. of '
ESV TAU S6
(MM
Waikoio*
Land* and th« South KohaU R«glon
EXCAVATION OF SUIWING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
KAIKOLOA HYATT SITE, HAWAII
SEPT 1984
Sheet *.
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•otl: CowjilW frcB MPI In rtports of
Knifing (1977) UK! Co~jg.it (ISM i t »,
Mtlch Hcrt based on uncontrolltd *er1«l photos
by I. N. Twill Carp. (October 21. 1974)
TIDAL PONDS LOCATION MAP
AnoHUIIn* (Tidal) Pond*
Approximate Location
of Propoa«d Pond
r>*a*rvatlon Araa
EXCAVATION OF SWIMMING LAGOON
AND FILLING OF TIDAL PONDS AT
WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT, HAWAII
JAN 1985
Sheet < of
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Appendix E
Correspondence Relo^ed to Public Notices
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APPENDIX E
CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO PUBLIC NOTICES
AGENCY OR INDIVIDUAL
DATE OF LETTER
Government Agencies
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Park Service,
Interagency Archaeological Services
State of Hawaii, Department of Health
University of Hawaii, Environmental Center
Public Interest Groups
Na Ala Hele
Response from Corps to Na Ala Hele
Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter
Hawaii's Thousand Friends
Individuals
Donna Mah to Mr. Flanders, COE
Donna Mah to COE re. pond surveys
Stanley Arakaki, COE to Donna Mah
Donna Mah to COE re. Public Notice
COE request that BCA answer Donna Mah
BCA to Donna Mah
Donna Mah to BCA
BCA to Donna Mah
Wade Shaffer
John Michael White
19 November 1984
6 November 1984
and 23 November 1984
15 November 1984
5 December 1984
8 November 1984
and 18 December 1984
4 January 1985
15 November 1984
25 February 1984
25 September 1984
8 November 1984
26 November 1984
3 November 1984
8 November 1984
30 November 1984
21 January 1985
20 March 1985
21 February 1985
13 November 1984
E-l
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US Deportment
ConwwtfK (dpi) Mv>
FowtMnlh CwtTChMid IMlWcl
United States
Coast Guard
16518
Serial Ho. 5/018
19 Hovenbir 1984
From: Commander, Fourteenth Coait Guard District
To I District Enginaeri U.S. Army Corpo of Englnearoi Honolulu
Subj: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT HAIULUA BAY. HAIKOLOA, SOUTH
KOHALA. ISLAND OF HAWAII• STATE OF HAWAII
Ref: (a) Your public Notice Ho. PODCO-O 1812 SD dtd 19 OCT 1984
1. Reference (a) has bean reviewed by my staff. It is poosible
that the proposed footbridges in the Hailua bay/lagoon area nay
require a Coast Guard Bridge Permit. It is requested that the
Coast Guard be included in the review of the Draft EIS to insure
that these concerns are addressed.
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m
CO
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION IX
ZIBFrtmontSlixt
S«n Fnncltco, C«. 94106
NOV 0 6 884
Stanley T. Arakaki, Chief
Operations Branch
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Room 205, Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96658-5440
Dear Hr. Arakakii
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed the
Notice of Intent for the project titled PROPOSED RESORT HOTEL
AFFECTING THE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES, IN WAIULUA BAY,
HAIKOLOA, SOOTH KOHALA, ISLAND OF HAWAII, STATE OF HAWAII.
Our review is based on the Council on Environmental Quality
(CEO) Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). We have the enclosed
comments to offer at this time.
He appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed
project; Please send four copies of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS) to this office at the same time it is
officially filed with our Washington, D.C. office. We also
request notification of any public hearings to be held on this
project. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick J.
Cotter, Federal Activities Branch, at (415) 974-0948 or FTS -
454-0948.
Sincerely yours,
-1-
Loretta Kahn Barsamian, Chief
Federal Activities Branch
Enclosure (3 pages)
General Comments
1. The DEIS should rigorously explore and objectively evaluate
all reasonable alternatives and, for alternatives which
were eliminated from detailed study, briefly discuss the
reasons for their having been eliminated (40 CFR 1502.14).
2. The DEIS should clearly explain the relationship between
the project's cost benefit analysis and any analyses of
unquantlfled environmental impacts, values, and amenities.
(40 CFR 1502.23).
Water Quality Comments
For each alternative, the DEIS shouldi
1. Demonstrate the proposed project's consistency with Executive
Order 11988 titled •Floodplain Management," dated Nay 24,
1977. The evaluation must assess the effects of proposed
modifications upon floodplain development both upstream and
downstream.
2. Completely describe current drainage patterns in the project
locale and include hydrologlc Maps of the area. The discussion
must assess how altering drainage patterns and characteristics
will affect drainage hydrology, surface runoff, erosion
potential, soils, vegetation, and therefore water quality.
3. Evaluate the' potential Cor increased toxlcity in either the
lagoons, the anchlallne pools or the ocean due to discharges
or runoff from the surrounding areas.
4. Evaluate likely changes in the salinity of ground water or
surface water resulting from this project. The DEIS must
document compliance with Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the State
of Hawaii, Department of Health, Hater Quality Standards.
These regulations are State-adopted, BPA-approved standards.
. Special attention should be paid to preservation of anchlaline
pools which "are usually small, shallow pools of low salinity
(1,000 to 10,000) with distinctive biota."
5. A water quality monitoring plan should be presented to ensure
that the newly-created lagoons comply with State Hater
Quality Standards. The location of existing habitats and
the proposed lagoons should be Included in naps of the
project site.
6. Identify any project Impacts on riparian habitats or conditions,
such as changes in substrate, direction of stream flow or
sediment'levels, resulting from construction activities.
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-2-
-3-
8.
Dlscuss the present capacity of the existing sewage conveyance
and treatment systen and the potential oewage flow increases
as a result of the project. Assess the Inpact of increased
flows on the existing system, especially on the system's
ability to meet national Pollutant Discharge elimination
System (NPDES) or state-issued permit conditions.
Identify appropriate mitigation aeasuren to protect water
quality both during and after project construction.
404(b) Permit Comments
Since a 404 permit is required, EPA will review the project for
compliance with federal Guidelines for Specification of Disposal
Sites for Dredged or Pill HateriaT (40 CFR 230), promulgated
pursuant to Section 4fl4(b)(l) of the Clean Hater Act. Our
evaluation will focus on the maintenance of water quality and
the protection of wetlands, fisheries and wildlife resources.
If applicable, the results of further study should indicate the
amount of dredging required, potential disposal sites, types of
fill material to be utilized, and quantities to be discharged
into waters and wetlands that fall under Section 404 jurisdiction.
Pesticides Cowmenta
° %
1. The DEIS should state whether or not any pesticides (e.g.,
herbicides, insecticides, rodentlcides, fungicides, etc.)
will b« used for vegetation clearance or control. Maintenance
operations, or the control of mosquito or other vector
populations. If so, the types of pesticides, application
rates, and application procedures should be addressed.
2. Any pesticides used must be registered with the Environmental
Protection Agency and the State. Label directions, instructions
and all applicable State regulations should be followed.
3. Since the regulatory status of chemicals is constantly
changing, EPA recommends that a periodic review of the
chemical's current regulatory status be done prior to
application. Should pesticides be used, EPA recommends
that a specific section of the DEIS be devoted to the
subject.
m
Ground Hater Comments
For each alternative, the DEIS shouldt
1. Describe current ground water conditions in the project .
locale and assess all likely changes in ground water resulting
from this project, such as alterations of the water table
depth or chemical composition changes.
2. Consider the impacts of lagoon excavation on ground water
related to the basal aquifer and the potential for tidally
influenced salt water intrusion.
3. Discuss the availability of public drinking water supplies
for the hotel complex development project.
Air Quality Comments
The DEIS should provide the following information for each
alternative!
1. Discuss the existing mass/public transit available in the
project area. Also, analyze potential mass/public transit
options and identify means to encourage their use.
2. Discuss air quality impacts caused by construction activities
and include appropriate control measures.
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m
en
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AQENCV
REGION «
<21EFttmantStte«l
Sin Fnnclico, Ca. 94106
November 23, 1984
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer
Honolulu District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
ft. Shatter, Hawaii 96658
Re:
Public Notice No. PODCO-P 1812-SD 19 October 198-.
Transcontinental Development Company
Dear Sirt
The Environmental Protection Agency had previously sub-
mitted comments dated November 6, 1984 In response to the Notice
of Intent for the above project. I would like to take this
opportunity to reiterate some of our concerns with respect to
compliance with the 404(b)(l) guidelines.
The 404(b)(l) guidelines require a thorough examination o£
practicable alternatives, with special emphasis on those which
would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The
regulations further require that the discharge of dredged or
fill material not be permitted If such practicable alternatives
exist, or If the discharge will cause or contribute to signifi-
cant degradation of the waters of the United states (40 CFR
230.10(a) & (c)). Significant degradation Includes significant
adverse effects on aquatic ecosystem diversity, productivity, and
stability. The uniqueness of the anchlaline ponds and the re-
sources associated with them must be fully evaluated, especially
in light of the non-water dependent nature of the project.
He request that the above comments be considered in the de-
velopment of reasonable alternatives in the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement, which we understand will include examination of
alternate siting of the lagoon and resor.t, reduction in scope
of the development Including alternate lay-outs of the lagoon
and structures, and alternate uses of the aquatic site.
Please feel free to direct questions on this matter to
Lily Wong at (415) 974-7443 or FTS 454-7443.
Sincerely yours,
cc: USFHS - Honolulu
NMFS - Honolulu
Loretta Kahn Barsamian, Chief
Federal Activities Branch
\J7~N
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*
rn
ON
United States Department of the Interior
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
WESTERN REGION
450 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, BOX 14041
IH »mr »im
H24 (MR-RRA)
November IS, 1084
U.S. Army Corpt of Enclnaen
Honolulu Dlitrlct
Operation! Branch
Building 230, ROOM 205
Port Shatter, Hi 08858
Dear Sirs/Hesdamet:
The Interaeency Archeoloelcal Services Branch of the Heitern
Region. National Park Service, would like to examine the
draft and final environmental Impact statements for the
projecta detcrlbed in public notice* PODCO-0 1812-SD and
1S70-SD. When they become available, please lend them to:
Garland J. Gordon, Chief
.Interaeency Archeoloelcal Serlvces
4SO Golden Gate Ave. Box 36063
San Francisco, CA 84102
Sincerely,
Helene Dunbar, Acting Chief
Interaeency Archeologlcal Service!
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GtOftGE ft AHIVOSHI
Gammon o> HAWAII
rn
I
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
f 0 IOX tilt
HONOLULU. HAWAII MMt
March 20, 1985
ItSlK t UAItulARA
OIAICIOHOI Hlutn
^ itHt, •1*111 I
EPHSO
Col. Michael M. Jenks
Honolulu District Engineer
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Army
Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858
Subject: Public Notice No. PODCO-0 1B12-SD .
Applicant: Transcontinental Development Company
Activity: Excavation of Swimming Lagoon and
Filling of Tidal Ponds
Location; Walulua Bay, Waikoloa, S. Kohala, Hawaii
Dear Col. Jenks:
This letter states the Department of Health's current position on the subject
permit application.
Coastal Water Quality
The proposed project is for a 1,250-room resort hotel and requires the excavation
of a four-acre salt water lagoon and the filling of anchialine ponds.
The Department's focus on this matter will be on what effect, If any, the filling
of the anchialine ponds will have on the off-shore waters. These off-shore waters are
Classified as AA waters under Chapter 11-54 of the Department's Administrative Rules.
The Department presently is not in a position to further comment on this matter since it has
not conducted any studies nor has It reviewed any of the applicant's materials on this
matter.
Drinking Water
A project of this magnitude will require substantial commitment of water
resources to support the activity. An extensive discussion of water needs and availability
should be included in the draft environmental impact statement In order that full
environmental impact be disclosed. A discussion of possible water sources and commitments
by organizations to support the project with water will also be necessary.
March 20, 1985
Page 2
In the event that new water sources will be developed to support the subject
activity, please be advised that all such sources developed to serve potable water to a public
water system as defined by Chapter 20, Title 11, Administrative Rules, must be approved by
the Director of Health prior to their use to serve potable water. Such approval is based
upon the satisfactory submittal of a preliminary engineering report satisfactorily addressing
all concerns as set down by Section 11-20-29 of Chapter 20. This report must be prepared
by a registered professional engineer and bear his or her seal upon submittal.
Sincerely,
SHINJI SONEDA, Chief
Environmental Protection &
.Health Services Division
cc: DHSA, Hawaii
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rn
i
00
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Ctattr
Cttwford 117 • ]WO Ctmjui Hold
Honolulu, HiwiJI ftMli
oEi (MM) M4-7M1
December 5,1984
RP:0048
District Engineer (PODCO-0)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Port Shatter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Sir:
Preparation Notice
Environmental Impact Statement
Walkoloa Beach Resort
(Excavation of Swimming Lagoon and Filling of Tidal Ponds)
Walulua Bay, Walkoloa, South Kohala, Hawaii
The Environmental Center has conducted a brief In-house review of the above cited
document with the assistance of Jacquelin Miller and Jullane Mansur. We note from
previous environmental assessments concerning various projects In the Walkoloa area that
many of the same significant issues will need to be addressed in the forthcoming Draft
EIS. In addition to the eight Issues listed In the preparation notice, we would suggest that
special emphasis be accorded to the following specific concerns which have been
repeatedly called to our attention In response to previous developments In this area.
Rare and endangered species
The anchlallne ponds support a rare and unique ecosystem. Besides the concern for
these ponds and their marine species cited in 1977 memoranda and other correspondence
between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries and the Army Corps
of-Engineers, tnttf recent observations by a Big Island resident have identified the
Hawaiian stilt, an endangered bird, as a part of the pond ecosystem.
Tsunami hazard zone
Alterations of the shoreline may effect the runup of tsunamis and storm waves. We
suggest that an engineer specializing lii coastal hazard assessment be consulted to assess
the potential effects of the proposed modifications of the shoreline.
Historic, archaeological and paleontological resources
In 1976 the Bishop Museum surveyed the entire Walkoloa Beach resort area and
Identified 301 historic sites. Results of this survey should be useful to the applicant as
background material prior to their Initiating their own archaeological surveys of the
specific areas to be developed.
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Cumulative Impacts
-2-
Decembcr 5,1384
An Issua needing careful attention Is that dealing with the cumulative environmental
Impacts of the multiple resort developments along this coastline. The address of
cumulative Impacts must apply not only to the destruction of the anchlallne. ponds but also
to the various Infrastructure needs of this development and their relationship to the
resources of the general Walkoloa area. For example, the availability of potable water,
waste water treatment and disposal systems, and other public services, should be
addressed from both the Individual project and the cumulative view.
We appreciate your consideration of the concerns we have expressed and look
forward to reviewing the Draft EIS.
Yours truly,
OEQC
Joseph Halblg
James Morrow
John Ford
Jacquelin Miller
Jullane Mansur
Doak C. Cox
Director
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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NaaLflHELE
taioxisH
KEalSKEKUa.HIMlM
November 8, 1984
m
I
District Engineer (PODCO-0)
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Fort Shatter HI 96858
Dear Sirs:
Re! Application by Transcontinental Development Co. to develop a 1,260
room resort at Uaikoloa, South Kohala, Island of Hawaii - Public
Notice No. POOCO-0 1812-SD
The Ma Ala Hele non-profit organization, currently comprised of 57 members
statewide, is hereby requesting that public hearings be held to consider this
application. Reasons for our request include the advisability of receiving
public input in the task of evaluating "the impact of the proposed activity on
the public interest", and our great concern for uhat we view as a precious
natural treasure of our state, the anchialine pools of West Hawaii.
We are aware that the state's largest concentration of anchialine pools is
located where the resort is proposed. To our knowledge such pools are found
only on the blest Hawaii and southwest Maul coastlines. We would greatly
appreciate a copy of the 5 report.s done by 01 Consultants Inc. which examine
and inventory the pools.
We also request that public shoreline access and now it mould be provided
for be a part of the draft and final EIS.
Per a telephone request to John Emerson on 10/17/84 we would appreciate
meeting with an Army Corps of Engineers representative uhen you.return to South
Kohala to study the Waikoloa area. I can be reached at 329-7336 (work-) or
329-9172 (home).
flahalo for this opportunity to participate in the planning process!
Sincerely,
, 0\
±5k
Deborah Chang Abreu, President
Na Ala Hele
AL,
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T1
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o
Col. tanks
Dvcmbac 10, 19M
NflflbflHElB
raioxuiz
XCIUKtKUl,HI MM
December 16, 1984
Col. Michael n. Jenks, District Engineer (POOCO-0)
U. S. Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Fort Shafter HI 96858
Dear Sirs:
landowners ftnl about tha possible presnjjrss resulting fro™ approval of
Transcontinental1* raquast to fill In tha onchialina pool*?
Uo roquost a mooting totuton Chrl* Krnmater, rgpraamUtlvta of Ha Ala Hala
and other Big Island organizations (upon Invitation) and regulatory agency
representatives uho wish to bo present. The purpose of tuch • meting would be
to discuss Issues In a personalized, rational manner that will facilitate
understanding of dlffgrlng viewpoints and promote) problem resolution.
Ida are also awaiting a written response to our 11-8-84 request for a public
hearing on this application.
Mahalo for your Una,
He:
Application by Transcontinental Development Co. to develop a 1,260
room resort at Ualkoloa, South Kohala, Island of Hawaii
This is to advise you that as part of tha Big Island's community and as
residents of tha State of Hawaii, ue are not in favor of the Hyatt Regency
resort's proposed filling in of about 84 anchlaline pools at Ualulua Bay in
South Kohala.
life urge a compromise that ulll require the retention of more ponds in this
area of the highest concentration of anchlaline pools in the state.
Ue are aware that the assumption is being made that the filling in of ponds
by the resort would be insignificant, because the endemic flora and fauna are
found elseuhere in other Uest Hawaii ponds.
Ue caution:
1. Many anchlaline pools along the Uest Hawaii coast have been seriously
altered by public and private use and abuse (e.g. bathing in ponds with soap
and shampoo, run-off from golf courses, introduction of guppies, talapia, koi
and other exotic species, seepage from campers' make-shift "toilets"). Such
ponds are not reliable havens for endemic flora and fauna. It cannot be
assumed that endemic life is still found in many of Uest Hawaii's remaining
snchialina pools.
2. The anchlaline pools are easuy changed by surrounding activities. A
long-range plan is needed to ensure the perpetuation of the endemic life that
couid become eligible for endangered species status as their only habitats are
destroyed. Hawaii has numerous examples of unique wildlife pushed to
extinction or near extinction uith the loss of their specialized habitats.
3. By allowing the destruction of pools by landowners at Uaiulua and
Anaeho'omalu, pressures to retain remaining pools mill be greater for those
landowners uho have such pools on their properties. It uill become crucial
that whatever ponds are left be kept in their natural state. How do other
Deborah Chang Abreu
President, Na Ala Hele
ncVk.sju*^___-
cc:
Transcontinental Development Co.
Belt Collins S Assoc.
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ee
kn/3-
January 4. 19B5
Operations Branch
Emmerson
m
Ms Deborah Chang Abreu
President. Na Ala Hete
P. 0. Box 1572
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
Dear Ms Abreu:
This letter responds to your letters of December 6 and
16, 1984 concerning fthe Transcontinental Development Company
plans to develop a 1,260 room resort at Ualkoloa. He hjvs
Included your organization on our public notice and environmental
Impact statement nailing list and will address your concerns
for anchtallne pond protection and resource Management 1n the
draft environmental Impact statement. We have been working
with the applicant to determine the availability of reasonable
and feasible alternatives to the proposed action. As the
applicant has expressed an Interest in meeting with.you, we
have planned to be present at any meetings between you and the
applicant. He are also planning to hold a public hearing on
the subject sometime In March 1985. We will notify you when a
firm date Is set.
Sincerely,
Ops Br File
Everette A. Flanders
Chief. Construction-Operations
Division
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m
Slerro Club
(^ [Tjoku log group
HowQl'l Chapter
RO. Box 1137, Wlo, HI 96720
9
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H/MIS
BliixJeU on Iht Mill, Suite 402 • 1151 Fort Stntt • Honolulu, Hiwiii 96413 • (606) 5M-I296
February 25, 198b
District Engineer (PODCO-O)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Uuildim. 230
Ft. Shaffer, HI 96858
Thank you for your notice of availability of the Draft
Environmental Iinpact Statement ^PEIS) regarding the
"reasonable alternatives" which' will address the
anchialine ponds on the Waikoloa Beach Properties.
Please send us all the information regarding the
DEIS, and a copy of the draft as well.
m
Thank You,
Martha Diaz-Col6n /
Administrative Assistant
HBS:iiidc
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Hovewber 26, 1984
Operations Branch
1559C
cf/3-9258
PODCO-0
Ks. Donne Hah
P.O. Box 1432
Kamuela, Hawaii
Dear Hs. Hih:
Ops Br File
96743
rn
i
O\
In reference to your letter of November 8, 1984, the reports
by Paul Belnfang and others, are being «»de available to the
public library In Halite*. Me expect to have them available at the
library by November 27, 1984. Your name has also been added to
the mailing list for Halkoloa Hyatt Resort Draft Environmental
tapact Statement when It Is available.
Sincerely,
Stanley Arakakt
Chief, Operations Branch
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Hr. Perry
Kelt, Col lint t, Asspclet<»s
MV Coral Street
ItonnU'lu, HswaH 95013
O.:er Hr. Khlte:
This U in reference to Trtnsccntinrnl*!
Conpiny't apoltcitioft for I Dcptrtrtnt of the Army aermlt to
construct t ligovn *n« fill enchltline (tttfll) poniii *t WcluU'e
bay. Wetlulot, South KohaU. File No. PCOCfl-O 1.1U-SO.
Tr«r enclosed letter fro" Oonn» T. H. M«>., daUrf Hove«l'«r 2,
1%4, i$ forwsrrted for your direct r»spon$». Please respond
within IS Usys of the dele of tnis letter ti*i provide tils
s copy of your response.
Sincerely,
M. 0. Parefa
Acting rfclrif. Construct ion.
Operations
Enclosure
Copies Furnished:
(wo/cncl)
(innnj T. II. Hah
P. 0. 8ox Ml? • •
Ksnutls, Hawaii 9*743
(H/oncl)
Tr»"'uontlnufilil r.o"'p»ny
1001 liistiop Strett. Suitf Si 10
Konnlulu, Htwolt
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BELl COLLINS
& ASSOCIATES
Engineering * Planning
Landscape Architecture
November 30, 1984
B«-1B03
Page 2
Hi. Donna T. H. Hah
November 30, 1984
Hs. Donna T. H. Hah
P.O. Box 1432
Kamuela, Hawai'i 96743
Bubject: Your Letter Dated 3 November 1984 Concerning
Public Notice No. PODCQ-0 1B12-8D
Department of the Army Permit To Construct a Lagoon and
Fill Anchlaline Ponds for the Hyatt Regency Uaikoloa Hotel
Dear Hs. Hah:
Transcontinental Development Co., the applicant for the
above-referenced Department of the Army permit, has hired Belt,
Collins t Associates to assemble environmental information for the
proposed project. Because of this, your letter dated 3 November
1984 commenting on Public Notice PODCO-0 1B12-SD was forwarded to
us for a response.
Your letter makes three basic.points:
o It would be nice if Transcontinental Development Co. (the
master developer of the Ualkoloa Beach Resort) could pre-
[Tl serve some of the anchlaline ponds in their natural state.
~T o The development should include a cultural park the way Hauna
Lani has done with its fishponds.
o Uaiulua Bay is a unique, serene place whose atmosphere would .
not be enhanced by the presence of "gondolas or monorails".
You have accurately noted some of the more important attributes of
the site, and your concern for the changes that would be wrought
by the proposed project are understandable. However, for reasons
outlined below, it is the applicant's belief that plans for the
Uaikoloa Beach Resort adequately protect the natural and cultural
values of the area.
£ fluchLilluf Eoadi
As shown on Attachment 1, there are nearly 200 small anchia-
llne (brackish) ponds within the Waikoloa Beach Resort. In addi-
tion to these naturally occurring ponds, the WBR also contains two
large fishponds, Kahapapa and Ku'uall'i, that were constructed by
the aboriginal Hawaiians directly behind 'Anaeho'onalu Beach. The
two fishponds and a number of anchialine ponds immediately
adjacent to them are being preserved and Interpreted in a manner
similar to the fishponds within the Hauna Lani Resort.
Implementation of current plans for the proposed Hyatt Re-
gency Uaikoloa Hotel will require the filling and/or incorporation
within the proposed swimming lagoon of about BO anchlaline (brack-
ish) ponds around the southern side of Waiulua Bay. This is about
40 percent of all the ponds at the UBR.
According to an April 1974 study by Haciolek and Brock for
the University of HawaiM Boa Grant Program entitled figuetlE
iUCXfitt el to*. Keat Ce*«t Cgodt, there are nearly 3OO anchlaline
ponds located elsewhere (i.e., outside the UBR) along the West
Hawai'i coast. Individually, the species which inhabit these
ponds are not rare or endangered. Scientists from the Oceanic
Institute have studied the ponds on the Hyatt site and concluded:
The loss of the ponds within the Hyatt area, however,
does not appear to constitute the loss of a unique
resource, since the remaining ponds within the Wai kola*
Beach Resort are similar in quality.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service believes the West Hawal'l
ponds represent a unique resource worthy of preservation. As a
result, they have been asked to be a "co-operating agency" in the
preparation of the environmental impact statement that the Corps
of Engineers is now preparing for the project. Means of mitigat-
ing adverse impact on the ponds, whether by adjusting the devel-
opment plans or by insuring the long-term preservation of anchla-
line ponds elsewhere within the WBR or Uest Hawai'i are currently
being evaluated. Results of this evaluation will be considered in
deciding whether or not the requested Department of the Army
permit should be issued.
<2> CCteUBQ fif a. CuLtUCil CCClS
An intensive archaeological and historical survey of the site
proposed for the Hyatt Regency Uaikoloa Hotel has been completed.
Results of the survey indicate the area was used only occasionally
by aboriginal Hawaiians, probably by small groups making seasonal
trips to the shoreline for the purpose of aquatic resource exploi-
tation. No physical remains worthy of preservation in place were
identified. Because of this, the applicant does not currently
plan to set aside any part of the hotel site as a cultural park or
preserve.
Other portions of the Uaikoloa Beach Resort d.e contain signi-
ficant historical remains, and Transcontinental Development Co. •
has moved to protect these. Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa Fishponds, as
wall as the areas immediately around them, have'been incorporated
Honolulu 606 OKA! Street, Honolulu, Hlwjii 9681). Telephone ((06) 521-5)61.1ele> B( IIH 7430474
Smjiport JoOOrchitd Roid. HU-06. IflUnulwul Building. Smuapoie0921 Telephone ZJS-6870. Tele« RS 5O464 BCISIN
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Page 3
Ha. Donna T. H. Hah
November 30, I9B4
in a historical preserve. Other historical sites that are being
preserved within the Waikoloa Beach Reaort include the King'*
Trail, an extensive petroglyph -field mauka of the King's Trail,
and a large burial cave near the center of the resort. Numerous
leaa substantial remain* present on development sites have been
salvaged. The archaeological investigations that have been con-
ducted aa part of the overall Waikoloa project, »« Hell aa the
intenaive survey carried out on the Hyatt aite, have significantly
incraaaed anthropologists' underatandlng of the aboriginal
Hawaiian culture. The effort made to preaerve the historical and
cultural values of the Waikoloa Beach Reaort ia comparable to that
made at the adjoining Hauna Lani Resort.
rn
CO
o
<3> MeluceL iuufcy, D£ tbt SLtt aod EQy.ico.Qi
Your obaarvation that Hawai'i's natural beauty ia a major
reaaon for ita attractiveneaa to viaitore la correct. Halulua Bay
i.B a apectacularly beautiful and aorene aottingl it ia theae
characteriatlca which lad to Ita aelection aa the aite for the
propoaed hotel. While the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel ia large,
the deaign concept calla for gueata to leave their automobile* and
buses at the perimeter of the aite. Bosides walkwaya, internal
movement ia to be by email trams and boata, both of which are
quiet. The watera of Waiulua Bay and the propoaed lagoon aerve aa
a natural centerpiece for the hotel structure* and impart a aenae
of openneaa and tranquility. At the same time, the extenaive onr
aite recreational, entertainment, and dining facilities that are
planned will provide visitors with a range of options unequaled
elsewhere on the ialand, thereby increasing the hotel'a competi-
tiveness in the international travel market.
Thank you for your interest in the pro'ject. A draft environ-
mental impact statement ia currently being prepared and is schedul-
ed for publication about the end of thia year. It will diacuaa
the pointa raiaed in your letter, aa well as other environmental
concerns related to the project.
cc: Hike Brennan
Armando Villalpando
Mill Sanburn
Cliff Jenkins
Bob Diffley
Bob Umemura
John Emmereon, COE
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E-21
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<^
H.
V
E-22
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Bill, COI.IINS
&ASSOUATES
Engineering * Planning
landscape Arrhil'>t1ure
Ms. Donna T.H. Mah
P.O. Box 1432
Komuela, Hawaii 96743
March 20, 1985
85-470
rn
Is)
Hyatt Kegency Waikoloa Hotel Project
Dear Ms. Mah:
I an sorry this response to your letter dated January 21, 1985 is
not as prompt as was my reply to your first inquiry. He have been
extremely busy working to resolve some of the concerns that have been
expressed regarding the initial scope of the proposed Hyatt Regency
Haikoloa Hotel project. Since the outcome of this work affected
several of the items contained in your letter, I thought it best to
.delay ay answer until things were Bore settled. For ease of refer-
ence, the responses are organized un.der the sane headings as you used
in your letter.
U> EreiSrvation of Anehialine fond.
Comment; When mentioning the percentage of pond* at the HBR are you
referring to the amount of total area or the total number of ponds?
There is a big difference between area and number of poods. Can you
give Be an approximation of how Bony ponds will either be filled or
dredged in the Hyatt lite and not the total HBR area?
Response: The applicants are proposing to fill all 92 of the anchia-
line ponds on the Hyatt site. At the time the original pernit appli-
cation was submitted to the Corps of Engineers in September, 1984, it
did not specify an intent to preserve any of the anchialine ponds that
are present. As a result of concerns expressed since then, the appli-
cants have Bodified their proposal. It now covers the entire Haikoloa
Beach Resort rather than the Hyatt site alone, and it includes a
proposal to establish a 12-acre pond preservation area. To accomplish
this, it has been necessary to uodify the boundaries of the Hyatt site
and nake other changes lo the overall resort Master plan.
The proposed preservation area contains 62 ponds having a total
surface area of about 3.4 acres. By way of comparison, the total
surface area of the 136 ponds at the Haikoloa Beach Resort that lie
outside both the newly proposed preservation area and the existing
pond/open apace reserve at 'Anaeho'omalu Bay have a total surface area
of approximately 8.4 acres. There are about 15 additional ponds
within the existing preservation area inland of 'Anaeho'onalu Bay, but
the surface area of the two fishponds ponds is so great that we have
excluded them fron the calculations.
Page 2
MB. Donna T.H. Mah
March 20, 1985
Comment: True, there are nearly 300 anchialine pond* elsewhere,
however, the study done by Haciolek and Brock (1974) states that, "the
'Anaeho'oBalu ponds «re of exceptional natural value based on physical
structure, diversity, representative of aquatic coBHUnltlei and new
and unusual endemic apeciei. Preservation ai a unique resource is
recommended strongly." Not all 300 ponds have these qualities.
Response: The high natural value of the ponds within Haikoloa Beach
Resort is recognized by the landowners, and they have agreed to set
aside a 12-ocre pond preservation area to insure the continued exis-
tence of representative anchialine pond ecosysteas. II. IE worth
noting that the Maciolek and Brock survey mentioned in your letter was
available when the County Bade its 1977 decision to zoni1 the area for
resort use. The fact that the County did so, while atlcrliihg condi-
tions intended to help insure the preservation of sone ponds, suggests
that it was aware of the necessity for tradeoffs between the desire
for preservation and the need for economic growth.
Comment: I am aware of the studies done by the scientists from the
Oceanic Institute (01 Consultants], which were funded by the develop-
ers and other studies done by public agencies and their conclusions
differ. Why?
Response: For the moat part the studies conducted by 01 Consultants,
Inc., produced factual information similar to that contained in re-
ports by Maciolek and Brock and by other scientists working for public
agencies, The principle differences lie in the judgements made on the
basis of those results. 01 Consultants concluded that the ponds at
the Waikoloa Beach- Resort were not unique, but that they were confined
to a relatively United geographic region on Heat Hawai'i and Maui.
Consequently, they recommended "...that efforts be made to preserve
the most outstanding examples of the ponds or to incorporate these
ponds into plans for any future developaent". The current proposal
for the establishment of a 12-acre pond preservation area is consis-
tent with that recommendation.
Comment: You mention that there are 300 or more anchialine ponds
found on our coastline. However, you failed to mention that these
types of ponds are found in Southwest Maui only, as well as in West
Hawai'i. That's not a very large representative of anchialine ponds
for the entire state.
Response: As noted above, the landowners recognize the natural value
of the ponds and have agreed to preserve 12 acres of land containing
63 ponds. This would be added to the 16-acre open space reserve '
already established around the fishponds and anchialine ponds at\
'Anaeho'omalu Bay.
HniKjIiilu UXi ( (ii.il ilfivl I lorn, lulu H.m.in 'KJil ) lvlf|>lil8»RlS;l SJIil K-IIM I1II1HNHU74
Siiiu.iimri' IM]()iili.,.clRii,Hl (fU-ofi lnlfin.iliiiii.il lluililinK Siil|j.ipmi'IM2i Mi-plnmr .' It 14711 M
US M14(i4 IK IbIN
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Page J
Ma. Donna T.ll. Mali
March 20, 1985
(2) Creation a£ t Cuitur.il EsEfc
Comment: Can you tell me bow I can obtain • copy of this survey or
•tudy that concluded that, "No physicsl remains worthy of preservation
ID the place were identified. AD Abu 0 Lono, • significant archaeolo-
gical landmark wa* sited in Haikoloa and documented in • study done by
Barrera. I am .aware of it* disappearance.
The extensive field* of potroglyphs mauka of the ling'* Trail i*
not a* exteniive a* I remembered it a*. It seem* to have been greatly
reduced from it* original sire.
Response: Copies of the report are available at the Uawai'i County
Planning Deportment and at the State Department of Land and Natural
Resources, Historic Sites Section. The Keahuolono mentioned in Bar-
reru's report is located on the North Bonn/South Kohala boundary, far
from the project area, as are the petroglyph fields. They would not
be affected by the proposed action.
(3) Serenity of These Pond*
Comment: I guea* that I have failed to get my idea aero**, about the
,T| serenity and natural beauty of the pond*. May I emphasire the point
I that the anchialine ponds give the effect of serenity because of all
l|Sj the natural-beauty that surround* them. The natural beauty that I
*° talk about are the one* that you either want to fill or dredge. What
i* your definition of natural beauty?
The anchialine ponds are an oasis in the middle of a sea of lava
that can be found very few place*. It* unique beauty cannot be re-
placed once it is gone.
He cannot always sacrifice non-monetary resource* which are valu-
able in their own way. He can learn a lot from them. Hotel* can be
found almost anywhere, but not anchialine ponds. Compromise must be
accomplished, because there is so much at (take on both sidea.
Response: Perhaps it is I, not you, who failed to communicate clear-
ly. The unchialine ponds present along the shoreline of the Haikoloa
Beach Resort are considered important resources. The pond preservation
area that is now proposed, as well as -the existing pond preservation
around the 'Anaeho'omalu fishponds, are intended to insure that the
original character of the place is maintained within substantial por-
tions of the Haikoloa Beach Resort. It would be foolish to argue that
the land outside the preservation area will not be changed by the
proposed shoreline developments; it most certainly will. The real
task before us is, to paraphrase your words, to see that a reasonable-
coaproaise is achieved. I am hopeful that the extensive public review
to which the project is subject will lead to a resolution to the conflict
in values that reflects the prevailing values of the island's residents.
Page 4
M*. Donna T.ll. Hah
March 20, 1985
Thank you again for your comment*. Mr. Michael Lae of the U.S.
Army Corp* of Engineers ha* a**ured Be that you will be sent a copy of
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that the Corps is preparing
a* soon a* it 1* available. In the meantime, if you have any que»-
tions, please call me at 521-5361.
Sincerely,
Michael Lee
Bob Umemura
Michael Brennan
Hill Sanburn
Cliff Jenkins
Bob Diffley
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N)
cn
February 21, 1985
Corp. of Engineers Operatione Br.
Rn. 204. Bldg. 230
Fort Shifter, HI. 96858-5440
Oe*r Mr. Lee:
I have comment* from nany people Co put on Co you concerning penict Co
•leer Che «horeline in Che Anaehoomalu-Uaiwlua Bay area ac Che proposed
reaort aite in South Kohala, Hawaii.
Aa retpecced acientiaCa earlier reported in Che 1974 Maciolek-Brock
reporc. Aquatic Surveya of Kona Ponda. Hawaii Island, chia ia a unique area
co aay the lent. Foma of life are found nowhere >n Che world, buc in Chia
area and endangered birda aCill uae Chia area. Anchialine pond'a role in
near chore food chain produccion nay be nore important Chan scientist!
realize and ahould be inveaCigaced furcher before draining, covering, or
altering cheie areaa.
Noa, having iotas biological background and having calked wich many Couriaca,
acientiaCa and reaidenta about cheae anchialine areaa, gone contents
are in order Co be pasted on Co develope'ra, auch aa Hr. Henraecer-
Tranacontinental and che HyaCC.
You have a natural setcing Chat can and ahould be uaed aa a caateful
framework and incorporaCed inCo Che development. Hany viaitora comment
on Che exiating coaacal atrip as ao beauciful and like Che Hawaii they
expected. In the long run that will concinue Co bring in Bore and more
Couriatc ac other reaorCa in competitive areaa are over developed and
commercialized.
With prudent planning cheae new Kohala recortc can make their arcifical
environments back further on bare lava and not alcer Cheae unique bay and
pond areas. Also, it would show excellent taste by Che developer Co
improve relations with wary residentc, environmental acciviacs and the
Hawaiian descendants that have aeen too much inconsiderate development
occur in the state.
Nobody wants to see a no growth, no business climate develop and see the
concomitant problems. By preserving these special endemic forms of life
and utilizing the uniqueness of these natural gifts, jobs and economic
bases can be provided yet future generations can work, visit and >ee the
real Hawaii as well. Don't destroy Che habitat, utilize'it! Do not issue
permits that would allow any other concept.
Sincerely,
Dr. James Margolic
V\. V>-*-»
Hade Shaffer
P.O. Box 1147
Kamuela, HI. 96743
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HAWAII LAND MANAGEMENT
A REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
Hovcmber 13, 1984
m
I
M
ON
Col. Michael H. Jenks
Honolulu District Engineer
U. S. ARMY CORP. OF ENGINEERS
Pacific Ocean Division1
ATTN: PODDD
Ft. Schafter, HI 96858-5440
REj Environmental Impact Statement, Transcontinental
Development Company (Hyatt Regency Hotel)/ Halulua
Bay, Waikoloa/ Hawaii
Dear Col. Jenks:
I've just read an article in Pacific Business Hews advising
the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers is seeking public comment
with respect to the above, and a draft statement is expected
to be available later this year.
I have visited the proposed site on a number of occasions
during the past 20 years, as well as other shoreline areas
situated between Anaehoomalu Bay and the former Francis E.
E. Brown property. Further, I've reviewed the preliminary
plan for the proposed Hyatt Regency Hotel complex. My
initial comment on the proposal is that it appears to be
well thought out and has taken a very sensitive and thought-*
ful approach with respect to the site. I hope that your
review process w'ill be as. expeditious as possible.
In the meantime, I would appreciate receiving a copy of the
draft statement mentioned in the article as soon as it is
available. I will be happy to comment further at that time.
In the meantime, should you have any questions, please feel
free to contact me. Thank you for your courtesy.
Sincerely,
John Michael White
President
JHWidor
225 Queen Slf eel
Post Office Box 10 « Honolulu Hawaii 96610
(BOB) 524-6000 Tele. 743-0482
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Appendix F
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 Coordination
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United Stales Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
100 ALA MOAHA 0OULCVARO
P O 6OX &0t«7
HONOLULU. HAVMII titSO
ES
Room 6307
APR 1 8 IE*
He appreciate your interest and share your concern for
native flora and fauna.
Sincerely,
our
71
Mr. Wade Shaffer
P.O. Box 1147
Kamuela, HI 96743
Dear Mr. Shaffer:
Thank you for your letter expressing concern for the anchialine
pool fauna. After receiving your letter, members of our staff
reviewed the available published literature and concluded that at
least five of the anchialine pool animals may qualify for listing
as endangered or threatened species. These five include three
caridean shrimps (Procaris hawaiana, Palaeroonella burns!, and
Hetabetaeus lohena), a hydro~Td (03tromouvia~horii), and a snail
(Neritilia sp. nov.7). A fourth caridean shrimp, Halocaridina
rubra, has been referred to the National Marine Fisheries Service
as it may be sold commercially and thus falls under their
jurisdiction. Other anchialine pond animals may be rare locally,
but our office must consider the species throughout its entire
range when proposing it for listing.
Our staff also concluded that there does not appear to be
sufficient information available, at least not in the published
scientific literature, to prepare the documentation required for
listing a species as endangered or threatened. We need a firm
biological basis for listing a plant or animal as endangered or
threatened] unfortunately, the existing information is
insufficent at this time.
We sent a memorandum to our Washington D.C. office requesting
that the five animals mentioned above be placed on our annual
invertebrate Notice of Review update as Category 2 species.
Category 2 species are those which probably should be listed as
endangered or threatened, but for which sufficient information is
not presently available to biologically support a proposed rule.
This is one of the various steps in listing a species as
endangered or threatened. It also requests that persons with
pertinent knowledge on the species share it with the Service.
.•=-* . , . < i ,•"•).-- ".V.
:—:~ -^- I,--- y. Vj"1-1
V ±, Allan Marmelstein
;! Pacific Islands Administrator
cc: RD, FWS, Portland, OR (AHR)
Director, FWS, Washington, D.C.
NMFS - WPPO
EPA, San Francisco
L/CE, Honolulu District
County of Hawaii, Planning Department
CONSERVE
CHIC* 3
CNEROV
Enrtg\ ami Ynu Serve Amenta'
-------
April 9, 1985
-5440
Operations Branch
71
N>
Kr. Allan HtrmeUtetn
Pacific Islands Administrator
US Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Ala Hoana Boulevard
P. 0. Box 50167
Honolulu, Hawaii 96B50
Dear Mr. Harnelstein:
This letter confirms a telephone conversation between
Mr. Michael Lee. Operations Branch, Corps of Engineers, and
Hr. Hi 111am Kramer. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
March 1985, regarding Section 7 consultation on the Haikoloa Bftach
Resort development, POOCO-0 1812-SO. '
In this conversation. Mr. Kramer had Indicated that USFHS
opinion was forwarded to the Portland Office for coordination.
Kr. Lee asked If expanding the permit area from the Hyatt Hotel
site to Include all of the Uatkoloa Beach Resort Properties
altered the USFWS opinion. Mr. Kramer Indicated that the change
in project area did not affect his findings and recommendations,
and that he did not feel another round of coordination was
necessary.
If there are any questions regarding this conversation or
changes of opinion, please contact Mr. Michael Lee, phone
438-9258, so that any required action can be completed.
Sincerely,
Ops Br File
Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
-------
71
CO
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of the Interior J^^^'ti*"
Portland, Orison 971)2
InRiplyfcfolai AFA-SE Voutfdtmaca
1-2-D5-F-012
February '22, 1985
Mr. Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations Division
U. S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Snafter, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Mr. Flanders:
Tnis responds to your November 30, 19B4 request for consultation
under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C.
1531, et se(j. (USA). At issue are the possible effects ot your
granting a" perm it allowing the construction of the Uaikoloa Hyatt
Resort Development in South Kohala on the island of Hawaii on the
following endangered species:
Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus nimantopus knudsoni)
Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)
Tnis letter represents the Uioloyical Opinion of the U.S. Fisn
and Wildlife Service (FWS) as directed by Section 7 of the ESA,
"Interagency Cooperation Regulations" (5U CFK 402, 4J FR U7u) on
your proposed action. A mjp o'f the site under consideration for
that action is enclosed.
On December 26, I9d4 we completed our review of the information
provided by you along with other related information .in our
files. We also contacted so.ne of those familiar with tile
biology, management, and recovery of the species involved.
Copies of pertinent materials ami documentation are contained in
an administrative record maintained in this Service's office in
Honolulu, Hawaii. Our reference number for this consultation is
l-2-a5-F-012.
BIOLOGICAL OPINION
It is our Biological Opinion that the action of granting a permit
allowing for the construction and operation of the Waikoloa Hyatt
Resort Development, as described in your November 30, iatf4 letter
to us and as described in thu November l'Jb4 Preliminary Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (PDK1S) on the project, ia not
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Hawaiian
stilt or the Hawaiian hoary bat.
Mr. E.A. Flanders, Chief, construction-Operations Div., C.O.E.,
Ft. Shatter, Hi 1-2-B5-F-012
Page two
Background information on the project and oiological information
pertinent to this determination follow.
Please note this letter and Biological Opinion address only those
impacts of the project on the two referenced endangered species.
It does not speak to impacts on other non-listed species or other
non-living resources except where those impacts may ultimately
affect the endangered species via food chain modification, etc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As currently planned, the resort will be constructed on
approximately SOO acres along the ocean shore in the South Kohala
District of the island of Hawaii. Wnen completed, the complex
will feature over 1,200 hotel rooms, a man-made lagoon, a
monorail transportation system, a swimming pool, a system of
canals for aesthetic guest transportation via gondolas, and other
structures. The developer wishes to begin construction as soon
as possible.
This shoreline area is the site of a series of anchialine ponds
(ponds having no surface connection to the sea but having
measurable salinity and being affected by the tides). The
current development plans require filling 82 of these anchialine
ponds.
Although no endangered or threatened species wore observed during
an avifaunal and feral mammal survey conducted as part of the
developer's environmental analysis of the area, Hawaiian stilts
have been sighted feeding in anchialine ponds near the proposed
construction site. In September of this year, one specimen of
Hawaiian hoary'bat was recovered from the grounds of the Sheraton
Royal Waikoloa, a nearby resort.
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Hawaiian Stilt:
The Hawaiian stilt was listed as an endangered species on October
13, 1970 (35 FR 16047). Major reasons for the decline of the
species include predation by cats, rats, dogs, and mongooses, the
general loss of wetland habitat as a result of housing and other
development, and changing agricultural practices.
-------
Hi. K.A. Flanders, Cniut, Conscru.cticn-0p«rdtioni, DIV., C.O.L.,
Ft. Shatter, HI 1-2-U5-F-012
throe
Currently, the birds can be found on all the five aaln islands in
the Statu. Stilts use a variety of habitats associated with
wutcr areas. Frequently, ncsta are located away from feuding
areas, resulting in daily movement between those areas. tlests
ota generally adjacent to or on islands within areas of fresh,
brackish, or salt water. These include irrigation reservoirs and
settling basins, natural or nan-made ponds, tare patches,
marshes, and similar areas. Stilts feed in shallow water, and
loafing areas are generally exposed mud flats, picklewoed mats,
and other open lands where visibility is good.
Hawaiian Hoary Bat;
The Hawaiian hoary bat occurs primarily on tne island of Hawaii,
but a resident population has been reported on Kauai. The bat
appears only irregularly on the islands of Maul, Oahu, and
Molokai; it has not been reported on Lanai. Thb bats have been
seen at elevations from sea level to 13,000 feet, but occur most
commonly only up to 4,000 feet.
It has been considered to bo a solitary roosting and non-
hibernating species, but new, yet unpublished, data may challenge
these beliefs. Roosting does not require any specific type of
tree or structure, and the oats may hang on a variety of natural
and man-made structures. They are nocturnal and insectivorous.
Adults range in length from about 3 to 4 inches and have a
wingspan of 10 to 14 inches. Adult body weight ranges between 14
and 22 grams.
Although several females have been found to contain fetuses in
the months of May and June, little is known of their reproductive
seasons or cycles. It is suspected that, like their mainland
relatives., adult females produce two young in June. The age at
which young bats are'capable of flight, maturity, longevity, and
many other life history parameters are unknown.
The species was listed as endangered in 1970. Although the
population has not been systematically surveyed, estimates of
numoers in "the low tnousands" have been suggested. Tne total
population of the species is believed to have decreased during
tne last several decades due to secondary poisoning by
pesticides, general habitat destruction, or other factors.
He. E.A. Flandara, Chiof, ConBtructJon-Opurationa Div., C.O.E.,
Ft. Shaftur, III 1-2-85-P-012
Pago four
ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
It is known tnat Hawaiian stilts use the an-;hialinu ponds in
South Kohala for feeding. Masting around the ponds, however, has
not been reported. It con be expected that the filling of tne
ponds for the construction of the Hyatt project will decrease
some of the feeding areas for stilts. However, in consideration
of the very low number of birds associated with those ponds and
the availability of alternative stilt feeding sites on the island,
the loss of the anchialine complex at the site would not be
expected to either directly or indirectly "take" stilt. It would
be expected that those individuals displaced will move to other
ancnialine ponus or other wetlands for feeding activities. The
impact on the stilt population on the island of Hawaii would be
minimal.
Likewise, impacts on the Hawaiian hoary bat would not be expected
to seriously harm the bat population on the island of Hawaii.
It does not seem likely that the construction and operation of
the resort complex would change the environment to the bats'
detriment unless insecticides are used heavily. If such
pesticides are used, bats may be affected due to a decrease in
their food supply and, possibly, secondary poisoning. Sucn
negative impacts would not be likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of the species as a whole.
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Cumulative effects are those impacts of future State, ana
private actions which are reasonably certain to occur prior to
completion of the subject action. Such an action is "reasonably
certain" to occur if the action requires the approval of a local
resource or land use control agency, and such agencies have
essentially approved the action. Cumulative effects are not
expected in the case of your proposed granting of a permit for
the filling of anchialine ponds on the island of Hawaii, since we
know of no such other State, or private action that should be
considered in the evaluation of impacts on the Hawaiian stilt or
the Hawaiian hoary bat.
BIOLOGICAL OP1HIOH
It is our Biological Opinion that the action of granting a permit
allowing for the construction and operation of the Maikoloa Hyatt
Resort development is not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of either the Hawaiian stilt or the Hawaiian hoary bat.
-------
«t. E.A. Flanders, Chief, Construction-Operations oiv., C.O.E.,
Ft. Shatter, III 1-2-B5-F-012
Page five
INCIDENTAL TAKE
Section 9 of cue ESA prohibits any taking (harm, harassment,
mortality, etc.) of listed species without specific exemption.
Under tne teems of Section 7(b)(4)iii and 7(o)(2), taking tnai is
incidental to and not intended as a part of thu agency action (in
tnis case, the construction and operation of thu haikoloa Resort)
is not considered taking within the bounds of the Act provided
that such taking is in compliance witn the terms and conditions
of this Biological Opinion.
Since surveys have demonstrated that the presence of eitner of
the two listed species within the area to be affected is rare,
no take should occur as a result of the actual construction.
However, the chance does exist that the stilt or bat may enter
the area to be altered prior to or during construction. To
minimize the chances of taking either of these species, we
specify that the following reasonable and prudent measures be
included in your permit to the developer:
1. The developer snail incorporate as part of the
overall construction plan and construction contract the
stipulation that if any individual of any of the listed
species discussed in this opinion is killed as a result
of the subject project, the constructing agency shall
require that tha causative action of such taking cease
immediately, and that the Corps of Engineers shall tnen
re-initiate formal consultation and/or seek
authorization under Section lU(a)(l)(B) prior to
proceeding with the action.
2. All listed species which are injured or killed as a
result of the subject action shall be retrieved and
shall be turned over to the State Department of Land
and Natural Resources immediately.
j. The developer shall immediately prepare a written
report, which shall include the date, location, and
circumstances surrounding the taking and the
disposition of the individual(s) taken. Written and
telepnone reports snail be directed to riilliam H.
Kramer at:
U.S. Fish and wildlife Service
P. 0. Box 50107
Honolulu, Hawaii 'JGB5U
Phono: (BOB) 546-7530
<
Mr. E.A. Flanders, Cnit.-£, Construction-Operations Div., C.O.E.,
ft. Shatter, III 1-2-U5-F-012
Page six
Tnis concludes formal consultation on this action. Shoulo any
significant cnanges be made in the proposed action, should any
new information become available indicating thu occurrence of the
listed species in the project area, or should new species be
listed which are not addressed in this letter which1 may be
affected by the action, you must re-initiate consultation with
this office.
Sincerely yours,
William F. Shake
Assistant Regional Director
Federal Assistance
Enclosure
-------
71
ON
United States Department or the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
100 ALA UOAHA ftOUlCVAJtD
f.o tax ioi»
HONOLULU. HAWAII till*
1-2-85-F-012
DEC 5 1984
Mr. Everette A. Flanderii
Chief, Construction-Operation* Division
U. S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shatter, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Mr. Flanderst
This acknowledges receipt of your letter of November 30, 1984
which initiated formal consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act. He will review the information you have
provided concerning your action of granting a permit allowing the
construction and operation of the Haikoloa Hyatt Resort
Development on the island of Hawaii and will respond to you_
within.Jl0..days with a biological opinion 'discussing possible
impacts of that project on the endangered Hawaiian stilt
(Htmantopua himantopus knudsenll, the endangered Hawaiian hoary
bat (LasTutua cinereua semotus), and other listed or proposed
species which May be affected by your action. Our reference
number for this consultation is 1-2-85-P-012.
He will contact you or members of your staff if additional
information is required for our review.
Sincerely yours,
C Allan Marrnelsteln
Pacific Islands Administrator
cci Regional Director, FHS, Portland, OR (AFA-SE)
Save Energy and You Serve America!
-------
-5440
November 30. 1984
Operations Branch
He hope that your evaluation can b» provided to us by
December 17, 19B4 and that you find that the project Mill not
jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered Hawaiian
ttllt or bat.
Sincerely.
Hr. Allan Harmelsteln •
Pacific Islands Administrator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .
300 Ala Hoana Boulevard
P.O. Box 50167
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Dear Hr. Harmelsteln:
In reference to your letter of November 9. 1984 concerning
the Walkoloa Hyatt Resort Development, PODCO-0 1812, we request
that formal consultation be Initiated under Section 7, Endangered
Species Act, as amended.
Your letter of November 9I'1V84 Indicated that the endangered
Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian bat could be present at the Ualkoloa
project site, and that the project could affect the species. This
was based on the applicant's biological survey that Indicated that
the endangered Hawaiian stilt might be expected to forage In the
ponds, and the discovery of a dead specimen of the endangered
Hawaiian bat on the grounds of the Hauna Lani Resort Hotel.
Hr. Ron Bachman, Hllo Office, Division of Forestry and
Utldllfe, State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural
Resources, Indicates that Anaehoomalu Pond was a good Hawaiian
stilt habitat. Since the development of the Sheraton Malkoloa
Hotel, cleaning the pond and the Increased presence of people, the
Hawaiian stilt are seldom found at the Anaehoonalu Pond. The stilt
are seldom found in the anchlaline ponds, but wandering tattlers
and other shorebirds may be found there. He also Indicated that
the Hawaiian bat can be found throughout the island of Hawaii,
especially In the Hmiakua Coast area, amongst the dense vegetation
and under the eaves of abandoned houses. This information leads
us to believe that if any effect Is anticipated on the endangered
Hawaiian stilt or bat, the effect would not jeopardize the
continued existence of the species.
Everett* A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
-------
71
00
United Slates Department of the Interior
FISH AND WII.DI.IFE SEHVICE
100 ALA U04HA •OULCVAnO
f a 10* >9||7
MOMOLUUI. MAflAII 11110
1-2-85-SP-021
NOV9 m
Mr. W. J. Paresa
Acting Chief, Construction-Operations Division
U. S. Acmy Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, Hawaii 96B58-5440
Dear Mr. Paresai
This replies to your October 25, 1984 letter concerning a
Department oE the Army Permit Application submitted by Trans-
continental Development Corporation. The applicant requests
authorization to both fill anchiallne ponds and excavate a lagoon
at Haikoloa, Anaehoomalu, Hawaii as part of the construction of
the Haikoloa Hyatt Resort. Transcontinental^ survey of the area
indicates that there were no endangered or threatened avifaunal
or feral mammal species present at the time of the survey. Based
on those findings, you requested our concurrence that the action
will not affect any listed species.
Although the survey did not identify any listed species at the
site during the two-day period of the field work, the report
does state, ". . .the endemic and endangered Hawaiian Stilt
(Himantopus mexlcanus) might be expected to forage on occasion in
this area as it does in similar habitat elsewhere in Hawaii and
along the Kona coast. . ."
The survey was conducted for listed avifauna and feral mammals.
Another listed species, the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat
(Lasiurus cinereus semotusl. however, was identified after the
completion of the survey; the October 10, 1984 letter from the
contracted surveyor amended the report.
No mention is made of the possible presence of the threatened
green sea turtle (Chelonia mydaaj in waters adjacent to the
proposed construction site. Although the impacts to this species
fall outside the jurisdiction of this Service, you may wish to
contact the National Marine Fisheries Service in that regard.
In consideration of the above, we do not concur with your
determination that there is an absence of any listed species in
the area and that, therefore, the project will have no effect on
such species. Section 7(a){3) of the Endangered Species Act
states:
". . .a Federal agency shall consult with the Secretary
on any prospective agency action at the request of, and
iCONSERVC
\AMCfllCA-S
Save Energy and You Serve America!
in cooperation with, tha prospective peralt or license
applicant if the applicant has reason to believe that
an endangered species or a threatened species nay be
present in the area affected by his project and that
Implementation of such action will likely affect such
species."
If you determine that your actions may affect any of the
aforementioned listed species (or other listed species which nay
yet be identified at the project site), you are required to
initiate formal consultation with this Service. You nay wish to
contact William Kramer of my staff (546-7530) if you have any
questions or comments pertinent to this procedure.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on these endangered and
threatened species aspects of the Haikoloa project.
Sincerely yours,
Ian Marnelstein
Pacific Islands Administrator
cc> Regional Director, FHS, Portland, OR (AFA-SE)
-------
October 25. 1984
-5440
Operations Branch
Pacific Islands Administrator
US Fish and Wildlife Service
ATTN: Endangered Species • •
P. 0. Box 50167
Honolulu. Hawaii 96850
Dear Sir:
He are presently evaluating a Department of the Army Permit
Application fro* Transcontinental Development Corp., requesting
authorization to fill anchlallne ponds and to excavate a lagoon at
Haikoloa, Anaehoomalu, for construction of the Walkoloa Hyatt
Resort (see attached Public Notice 1812-SD, October 19, 1984). At
our request, Transcontinental has provided a survey of avlfaunal
and feral manual that Indicates the absence of any listed
endangered or threatened species. Based on this survey report, we
feel that the project will have no effect on any listed endangered
or threatened species. He request your concurrence with our
findings by November 16, 1984.
Sincerely,
U. J. Paresa
Acting Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
Enclosure
-------
-------
Appendix G
Notional Marine Fisheries Service Section 7 Coordination
-------
-------
U.B. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Nation*! Ooanlc and Atmoiphtrle ArfmlnlttrttlM
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES BERVKE
Southwest Region
Western Pacific Prograa Office
P. 0. Box 3830
Honolulu, Hawaii 96812
Hay 13, 1985
F/SUR1:ETN
Mr. Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Mr. Flanders:
This is in response to your letter of February 20, 1985 regarding blasting
for lagoon excavation at the proposed Uaikoloa Hyatt Resort Developnent
(PODCO-0 1812-SD). On the basis of the Information provided in that letter we
were unable to respond to your determination of ''no affect" for threatened or
endangered species in the project area. Subsequent to the referenced letter,
Belt, Collins and Associates and Darby and Associates, Inc., have provided
recommendations for charge size, analyses of potential impacts to marine life,
and mitigation recommendations) to virtually eliminate any Impacts to listed
marine species in the project area. Ue also understand that the applicants for
the Corps of Engineers permit have also agreed to these conditions which speci-
fically state:
(a)' There must always be natural or man-made rock berms separating
the blast area and the bay or open ocean.
(b) All ponds in the blast area are to be filled before commencing
blasting.
(c) (1.) no blasting can be done if endangered species or major marine
animals are within view from the shoreline; (11.) blasting be pref-
erably done at low tide; (ill.) a helicopter be used during the
first three days of blasting for surveillance of marine life before
blasting to assure the bay and an area in the ocean to the 5 fathom
contour is clear of endangered species and major marine life, and
after blasting to inspect for damaged major marine life. '
Condition (11.) may be deleted since the potential reduction in impulse
transmission from the blasting will be negligible from tidal changes.
In addition to the above recommendations National Marine Fisheries Service
personnel should be permitted to monitor the blasting operations' from suitable
platforms to assist in surveying for green turtles or marine mammals in the
project vicinity. If these conditions are acceptable to the Corps as permit
conditions, it is likely that the activity described in the application is not
likely to affect green turtles (Chelonia Bydaa)or humpback whales (Hegaptera
novaeanaliae) that may be found within the project area, and that formal
consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended,
will not be required for this project.
This concludes the Informal consultation process for this activity.
Should tha scope of the. project or proposed construction activities change
sufficiently to affect either species or a new species is listed, or critical
habitat designated that may be affected by the proposed action, then consulta-
tion must be initiated at that time, four cooperation in this matter is
appreciated.
Sincerely yours.
Doyle E. Gates
Administrator
cc: Perry White, Belt, Collins,
and Associates
-------
Hay 2, 1985
85-781
I ./ \
BELT, COLLINS
& ASSOCIATES
Inginctrinj • Planning
landscape Architecture
Mr. John Naughton
National Marine Fisheries Service
2570 Dole Street
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822
Subject: Proposed Use of Explosives for Lagoon Excavation
Hyatt Regency Haikoloa Hotel Project
South Sohala District, Island of Hawai'i
Dear John:
I would like to thank you and Gene Nitte again for Meeting with
ae on Friday, April 19, 1985, to discuss the proposed use of explo-
sives in excavating the lagoon for the Hyatt-Regency Haikoloa Hotel.
1 believe the exchange of ideas was very productive.
Attached is a letter report fron Ron Darby regarding potential
damage to aajor Marine life as a result of the proposed blasting. Ron
is the acoustical consultant for the project and prepared the Material
on which the discussion of noise impacts contained in the Draft BIS
was based. '
At the time the Draft BIS was prepared, no specific excavation
plans were available, and the discussion of potential blasting effects
which it contains is simply illustrative. Since then, the contractor
(Pacific Construction Company) has developed More specific excavation '
plans. These di.ffer from those on which the DEIS was based in three
fundamental ways:
o Blasting is now considered the preferred excavation technique
rather than a "possible alternative" as stated in the Draft BIS;
o Instead of the 1,000-pound charges used for illustrative purposes
in the DEIS, the contractor has committed to charge sizes of 400
pounds or less; and
o The existing anchialine ponds and inlet from Waiulua Bay would be
filled prior to placement and detonation of the charges; hence,
the potential for a direct hydraulic link between the site of the
explosions and nearshore waters is even less than would otherwise
be the case.
Hr. Darby's April 24. 1985 letter report addresses the effect
that the lesser charge sizes would have on Major Marine animals in
adjacent nearshore waters. On the basis of his latest work, he con-
cludes (see the discussion on pages 4 and 5 and Figure 4 in his
report) that:
Page 2
Hr. John Naughton
Hay 2, 1985
Neglectinl the presence of anomalies in the (round, there is
essentially no danger rone...from the effective charge- sizes
that are envisioned....
He further conclude* that:
There should be insignifleant damage done to marine life in
the ponds located in the preservation area (1,200 feet fro*
the closest blast area).
Overall, Mr. Darby's report is quite positive with respect to the
absence of significant risk to major Marine animals as a result of the
proposed blasting. However, he recognizes that lava tubes and other
geologic anomalies Bay be present which could focus the explosive
energy. Therefore, he recommends that:
(1) No blasting be done if endangered species or
are within view from the shoreline;
sajor Marine aninals
(2) During the first three days of blasting, nearshore waters adja-
cent to the excavation site be surveyed from the air before
blasting and explosives detonated only after it is confirmed that
Waiulua Bay and an adjacent area in the ocean extending to the 5
fathoM contour is clear of endangered species and Major marine
life; and
(3) The sane area be surveyed from the air innediately after the
blasting during the first three days of work to inspect for
visible damage to Major Marine life, e.g., floating fish,
distressed behavior on the part of any visible animals, etc.
Representatives of Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac
Land Co., the applicants for the Corps of Engineers permit, have
indicated their willingness to agree to such conditions. Further,
they have agreed that in the event that unexpected damage becoaes
evident, blasting will be suspended until Measures satisfactory to the
National Marine Fisheries Service have been taken to eliminate the
danger.
I believe the safeguards described above fora a reasonable basis
for an agreement between the applicants and the National Marine
Fisheries Service that would allow the project to proceed while still
protecting the oarine resources for which you are responsible.
Honolulu 600 ( tual Slirel Honolulu Hawaii %813. telephone (SOU) S21 5361. lele> BUI II 74)0474
Siiisanaip MlOnluiil Road. »U-W. Imrnialional Building Smiapoie0923 Telephone 2JS 6870. We,RS StMl>4 BOSIN
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Page 3
Mr. John Naughton
May 2, 1985
I would like to resolve this question at the earliest possible
tiae ao that any require»ents that are established can be taken into
account in the contractor's construction planning. A speedy decision
would also allow a final agreement to be reported in the Final EIS,
which I understand is scheduled for publication in Bid-June.
Once you have had an opportunity to consider the new information
that is provided in Mr. Darby's report, I would like to get together
to discuss the Measures discussed above, as well as any other issues
you Bay wish to -raise. In the aeantiae, if you have any questions,
please call Be at 521-6361.
9
00
Enclosure
Bob Diffley
Hill Sanburn
Cliff Jenkins
Bob UaeBura
Mike Brennan
Mike Lee (COB)
Araand Cote (Pacific Constr.)
Ron Darby
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9
DARBY & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Acoustical Coniullanli
10S1 Kfo/u DIM. Suilt 201 • KoSuo. llowai, J67J4
(MS) 2613121 OAI
April 24, 1985
Belt, Collins 4 Associates, Ltd.
606 Coral Street
Honolulu. HI 968)3
Attention: Mr. Perry White
Subject: Additional Evaluation of Proposed Lagoon Excavation Using
Explosives with Respect to Potential Damage to Major
Marine Life - Walkaloa, Hawaii
Dear Perry:
It Is understood that excavation of the lagoon is to involve
explosive charges of 200 to 400 pounds detonated with time delays
of 10 to 12 milliseconds.
1. The basic problem is to estimate how much energy from the
explosives will get into the water where major marine species could
be located at the time and then relate that energy to potential
damage. Figure 1 summarizes the bases for these evaluations:
(a.) Figure 1A depicts the case where the explosion is
detonated at depth dd in the deep sea at distance D from a marine
mammal at depth dt. Wright (reference 1) has established "safe
distances" D such as where no injury of any kind occurs to the manual.
See Table I. Note in Table I that the blast effect could be doubled
and there would be "low incidence of trivial blast injuries. No
eardrum ruptures." The safe distance must be increased as the
depth of the detonation or the depth of the mammal is increased.
(b.) Figure IB depicts that in shallow water, Wright
suggests that the safe distances should be doubled "to ensure a
APR 2 f, 1985
Belt, Collins S Associates. Ltd.
Attention: Hr. Perry White
April 24, 1985
Page 2
conservative safety margin".
(c.) Figure 1C depicts the conclusion (reference 1) that
if the charge was burled In the sea floor, the peak pressure of the
shock wave would be one-tenth of the peak pressure than If the
charge was detonated directly in the water column. It can be shown
that a charge detonated directly In the water at the same distance
would be only 0.0022 times the weight of the buried charge in the
sea bottom to cause the same peak pressure. Burial depths of 60 to
182 feet were considered in reference 1. Note that with such
relatively deep burials the energy is transmitted to the water
primarily via compressions! and shear waves in the bottom material.
Also, it Is believed that the greatest part of the energy Is
transmitted to the water in the area where the congressional waves
are perpendicular to the sea bottom and are not at low angles of
incidence where at such grazing conditions auch energy is reflected
back into the sea bottom.
(d.) Figure ID depicts the situation at the project site
where a great percentage of the energy In the explosive charge is
consumed In breaking and moving rock. The non-productive residual
energy radiates from the detonation in congressional and shear waves
Into the earth. Note that the congressional waves are now 1n a very
low grazing angle relationship to the sea bottom and have a low
probability of efficiently transfering energy into the water. In
Figure ID, the presence of surface waves in the earth is shown
emanating from the detonation, but are believed not to effectively
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•Belt, Collins & Associates, Ltd.
Attention; Hr. Perry Unite
April 24. 1985
Page 3
Belt, Collins S Associates, Ltd.
Attention: Hr. Perry White
April 24. 1985
Page 4
9
in
transmit energy to the water due to their relatively rapid dissipation.
2. Figures 2 and 3 show the proposed lagoon configuration and
section line oriented to include the major width of the lagoon and
the shortest distance to deep water in.the ocean. Note that the
rnakai end of the lagoon shoals up slowly, while the mauka portion
will require deeper excavation to a maximum of six feet.
3. Figure 4 shows typical bathymetric conditions at the
project site both with true vertical scale and exaggerated vertical
scale. The section at the top of Figure 4 with the true vertical
scale illustrates the fact that the primary congressional waves
from the shallow detonations will propagate at very low grazing
angles to the ocean bottom. Thus it is believed that less energy
will be transmitted to the ocean water when compared to the conditions
depicted in Figure 1C. However, there is the possibility of anomalous
structures in the ground such as lava tubes or layered media that
could transmit or focus energy more efficiently to the water.
The lower section in Figure 4 with the exaggerated vertical
scale shows the "safe level" relationship based on Wright's
methodology for detonations of one pound charges directly in the water
column at depths of 3 feet to 6 feet. These curves represent
the condition shown in Figure IB with shallow water. If a marine
mammal is located above the curve, then he is in a safe region; if
below, he could suffer some degree of damage. The safe level curves
shown in Figure 4 are located for detonations closest to the shore-
line and it can be seen that there is not a danger zone in the ocean.
The curves are based on the considerations depicted in Figure 1C
wherein: (a.) the peak pressure levels from a 400 pound Inland
detonation are estimated at the interface between the ocean bottom
and the sea; (b.) the condition of a deep ocean with the same peak
pressure levels distribution is assumed resulting from an underwater
detonation in the same location as the inland detonation, but with
a charge weight of 0.22X of the actual charge weight; (c.) the safe
level curves are calculated using Wright's methodology for the deep
water condition; and (d.) the safe distances are doubled to account
for the actual shallow water situation.
4. Figure 5 Is based on Urick (reference 2) and shows the
shape of the direct shock wave from the detonations of 400 pound
charges in deep water in a sequence with 10 milliseconds delay
between the detonations. The purpose of the figure is to illustrate
that even with 400 pound charges detonated directly in the water
column, the pressure pulse from one detonation decays to an Insig-
nificant level at ranges from 200 to 2,000 feet before the shock
wave from the next detonation arrives. Thus, the effect of delayed
detonations on land (or even in the water) do not overlap .and cause
buildup of pressure level.
5. From the above, the following conclusions are made:
(a.) the existing state-of-the-art guideline (reference 1) for
predicting damage to marine mammals from underwater explosions is
quite conservative for the simplest deep water case (see Table 1)
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K>
Belt, Collins I Associates, Ltd.
Attention: Hr. Perry White
April 24, 1985
Page 5
Belt, Collins t Associates, Ltd.
Attention: Hr. Perry White
April 24, 198S
Page 6
and is even more conservative for the shallow water case; (b.) there
are no known quantitative guidelines providing relationships for
land-based explosions to the effects of underwater explosions on
marine mammals even for sinple models involving homogeneous soil;
(c.) the data on explosives buried in the sea bottom indicating an
order of magnitude reduction in peak pressure level at the ocean
bottom interface compared to pressure levels from an equal distant
sea water path imply that the effective charge size in water is only
0.22X of the buried charge size; (d.) the land and sea bottom at the
project site are not homogeneous with anomalies including layered
lava flows, fissures, and lava tubes; (e.) neglecting the presence
of anomalies in the ground, there is essentially no danger zone to
marine mammals from the effective charge sizes that are envisioned
because the sea bottom drops off fairly gradually from the project
site; (f.) the use of millisecond delayed blasts compared to
instantaneous blasts will keep peak pressures relatively low in the
water; and (g.) there should be insignificant damage done to marine
life in ponds located in the preservation area (1200 feet from the
closest blast area).
6. The following recommendations are made:
(a.) There must always be natural or man-made rock berms
separating the blast area and the bay or open ocean.
(b.) All ponds in the blast area are to be filled before
commencing blasting.
(c.) Uhile the above analysis assuning homogeneous soil
conditions shows that millisecond-delayed 400 pound charges can be
detonated as required for excavation without creating non-safe
conditions for marine mammals, there is the possibility of lava
tubes and other anomalies causing concentration or focusing of
explosive energy. Therefore, it is recommended that: (i.) no
blasting be done if endangered species or major marine animals are
within view from the shoreline; (it.) blasting be preferably done at
low tide; (iii.) a helicopter be used during the first three days
of blasting for surveillance of marine life before blasting to
assure the bay and an area in the ocean to the 5 fathom contour
is clear of endangered species and major marine life, and after
blasting to inspect for damaged major marine life; and (1v.) if it
is desired to reduce the risk of discovering that the explosive
energy is greater than the above analysis predicts, and the possible
cessation of operations; consideration should be given to
experimental testing using relatively snail charges in conjunction
with underwater pressure level measurements prior to excavation.
RAD:aba
Enclosures
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REFERENCES
I. "A Discussion Paper on the Effects of Explosives on Fish
and Marine Hanmals in the Waters of the Northwest
Territories," D.G. Wright, Canadian Technical Report of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 1052, February, 1982.
Z. "Principals of Underwater Sound for Engineers", R. Urick,
McGraw Hill, 1967.
Table I
Effects of Different Impulses on Mammals Diving
Beneath the Water Surface
(from Wright, reference 1)
IMPULSE
bar. msec
2.76
1.38
0.69
0.34
(psi.msec)
(40)
(20)
(10)
( 5)
EFFECTS
No mortality. High
incidence of moderately
severe blast injuries, in*
eluding eardrum rupture.
Animals should recover on
their own.
High incidence of slight
blast injuries, including.
•eardrum rupture. Animals
should recover on their own.
Low incidence of trivial
blast injuries. No eardrum
ruptures.
Safe level. No injuries
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Figure 2 Proposed Lagoon Configuration
r\
o :
si
G-8
-------
-100
DISTANCE (FEET)-
100
200
/ t f ! f i / it'iij/tiiititittn
TRUE VERTICAL SCALE
V
DETONATION
REGION
OF 400 LB7~THA"RGES
TYPICAL OCEAN BOTTCM PROFILE
30
NOTE: 1.0 Ib.
water is;
levels
ground.
:harge detonated directly in
assumed to produce
equivalent to 400 Ib
peak pressure
detonated in
EXPANDED VERTICAL SCALE
FIGURE 4 — SAFE LEVEL CURVES FOR 1.0Ibs. EXPLOSIVE CHARGE DIRECTLY IN WATER COLUMN SUPERPOSED
ON TYPICAL 8ATHYMETRIC CONDITIONS AT WAIKALOA, HAWAII.
-------
500
2,000'
10 MILLISECOND
-DELAY BETWEEN CHARGES
TIME (MILLISECONDS) —»•
FIGURE 5 — PEAK PRESSURE VS. TIME FROM DIRECT SHOCK HAVE AT DIFFERENT RANGES FROM
400 Ibs. EXPLOSIVE CHARGE DIRECTLY IN WATER
G-IO
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February 20, 19BE
-5440
cf/3-925B
Operations Branch
Mr. Doyle Gates, Administrator
National Harine Fisheries Service
Southwell Region
Western Pacific Program Off let
P.O. Box 3830
Honolulu. Newell 96B13
Dear fir. Gates:
In regards to the Department of the- Amy pernlt application.
PODCO-G 1812-SD, for the Uatkoloa Hyatt Resort Development, we have
been informed that blasting »ay be required during the excavation .
of tte lagoon. A figure of the proposed project with the lagoon
ii provided for orientation. This constitutes project change that
was not originally addressed In your letter of December 18. 1984
concerning the impacts of the project on the threatened oreen sea
turtle anti endangered humpback whalt.
The proposed excavation area is a tidal basalt bench that
floods during high tide. The lagoon Mill not be open to the middle
portion of Uaiulua flay. A basalt ledge, part of the original
bench, will be left In place to separating the lagoon from the mid-
portion of Vlalulua Bay. A temporary benc will be used to Isolate
the construction site fro* the bay to confine turbid waters to the
construction site. Blasting, If required, will essentially be
confined to dry lend or within the confined lagoon are*. An
assessment of blasting Impacts Is attacneo for sort Information.
He ao not feel that the use of blasting to excavate the lagoor.
will affect the threatened or endangered species end art net
considering initiation of formal consultation under Section 7 of
the Endangered Species Act, as amended. We respectfully request
your review enc cements on this matter and hope to receive you
consents by March 19, 1985.
Sincerely,
Flanders
PODCO
s Br F-He-
ASSESSHENT Of ILASTIH6 EFFECTS ON MARINE OftSAWSKS
For the proposed lagoon, the energy of the explosion will be
purposely directed Into the rock bottoo «nd techniques such is
charge burial, tandbag deflection, charge (pacing and detonation
sequencing would reduce the Mount of potentially damaging shock
wave energy transxitttd Into the water. The natural and aanaiade
rock bertts would 1«p*de the •ovenent of shock waves through the
water front the lagoon Into the bay. So»e energy would be
transferred to adjoining waters through the underlying rock 1n the
form of a ground wave, and additional energy May reach the bay and
ocean through water-filled fissures and lava tubes. The Guidelines
for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Underwater Explosion
Tests, fcaval Ordnance Laboratory, 19W, Indicate that rapid
dissipation of explosive energy occurs In shallow water, especially
when the charge Is buried. A schedule of safe charge weights/
burial depths fron the Canadian Department of Fisheries Indicates
that burial of the charge provides • ten-fold attenuation of blast
shock waves in comparison to epen water explosions. Charges up to
1,000 pounds could be used without danger If cart Is taken to
Insure that no Individuals (Marine organises) are within 1.000 feet
of the detonation.
Evert tie A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
Enclosure
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-5440
Operations tirincli
H. Lee
ba/3-9258
Of* fi&
D. Kern
Hr. Doyle tales, Administrator
Western Pacific Program Office
National Marine Fisheries Service
Attn: Endangered Species Coordinator
P.O. Box 3630
Honolulu, Hawaii 96B12
Dear Mr. Cites:
Me ire presently evaluating t Department of the Army permit
PODCO-0 1B12-SP to fill anchlaiine ponds and to excavate a
stflBmtng lagonn it Maikoloa Hyatt Retort Development. The U.S.
Fish *nd Wildlife Service Indicated in * letter dated
November s, 19M, thit the threitened green see turtle probably
occurs In the narine waters offshore from the project site.
He do not intend to Initiate foreal consultation under
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended, because no
direct impact or. the threatened preen set turtle is anticipated.
Hr. Andy Yuen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicated that no
survey of turtle foraging area: wai performed by the Service in
relation to the haikoloa Hyatt Resort Development, ho wort In
marine Miters is proposed, and no blasting related to the
excavation of the swimming lagoon. All filling and excavation
work 1s expected to be perforated with bulldozer equipment.
While the increase in hunin presence might affect the
threatened green see turtle, we do not anticipate thtt the effect
fill Jeopardize the continued existence of the species. An
increase in human presence along the shoreline is expected
regardless of any action taken on the Department nf the Army
permit, because County land use plans for the area hevp zone areas
along the coast for urban, resort and park development.
Your response to this letter should reach us by January 7,
1985.
Sincerely,
Ops Br
File
Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
NATXMJU. UWKMl FtBtttfVEC KfNXX
Southueit Region
Uejtern Pacific Progrta Office
f. 0. Box 3830
Honolulu, lUvaii 96812
Deceaber IB, 1984
F/SHK1:ETK
Mr. Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations Division
U.S. Array Corps of Engineers
Fort Shafter, HI 968S8
Dear Hr. Flanders:
This is in response to your letter of December 7, 1984' regarding the
potential impact of the Uaikoloa Hyatt Resort Development (PODCO-0 1812-SD)
on the threatened green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Based on the available
information concerning the proposed project we agree with your conclusion
that the activity is not likely to affect green turtles. Although .endangered
humpback whales (Hegaptera novaeangliae) are found off the Kona Coast of the
island of Hawaii during the winter, the proposed activity under present condi-
tions is not likely to affect this species either. Accordingly, formal
consultation for this project under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973, as amended, will not be required. Should the scope of the project or
proposed construction activities change sufficiently to affect either species
then consultation oust be initiated at that tine.
The Corps is also reminded that determinations of "jeopardy" or "no
jeopardy" are made by the National Marine Fisheries Service for threatened or
endangered species under its jurisdiction pursuant to Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act. Your,cooperation in these matters is appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
E. Gates
Administrator
-------
Appendix H
Historic Coordination
.300-*
-------
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October 25, 1984
Operations Branch
I
i
Mr. Susmu Ono
State Historic Preservation Officer
State of Hawaii
P. 0. Box 621
Honolulu. Hawaii 96809
Dear Mr. Ono:
Inclosed u «n Intensive archaeological report for the WaUoloa
.Hyatt desert. Department of the Army permit application PODCO-0
1812-SD. The report Mas prepared by the applicant's contract
archaeologist end was submitted to the Corps for use 1n Section 106
coordination with you. and for use In preparation of a Federal
Envtrormental tapaet Statement (CIS) for the permit action.
The Halkoloa Hyatt Retort project Is described In the attached
Public Notice, PODCO-0 1812-SD, dated October 19. 1984. The EIS 1s
expected to discuss the Impacts of filling anchlallne ponds and
excavating the lagoon on historic resources, and Include your
concerns on historical and, cultural resources.
The report suggests that none of the archaeological sites found
In the project area are eligible for Inclusion In the National
Register of Historic Places and reconxnendt that no further study be
undertaken. We request your review of the enclosed Information and
your concurrence on the results of the report. We suggest that you
contact Mr. Hlchael T. Lee (Phone: 43B-V258) by November Ifi, 19B4
to discuss questions you way have regarding the project or the
report prior to providing us written comnents. We expect your
contents will be used In developing the Imp&cts discussion In the
EIS and in the formulation of project alternatives.
Sincerely,
., 0. Paresa
i.:.'. ing Chief, Construction-Operations
'•ivision
Enclosures
-------
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
f o to* ill
HONOLULU, HAWAII MIO>
January IS, 1985
MtMTIC MM*MC44
eOVUIttUlOM MS
N MtMCU
WAT1M MO UM Mrt
V. J. Paresa, Acting chief
Construction-Operations Division
Department of the Army
U. s. Kay Engineer District! Honolulu
Ft. Bhaftir, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Acting chief Pares*:
Subject: Review of Intensive Archaeological Survey
Ualkoloa Hyatt Hotel Bite
tlalkoloa Beach Resort
Anaehoomalu, South Kohala, Hawaii
TMK: 6-9-07:14. 16. and 26
Thank you for your letter of October 25, 19B4, requesting our review and
conraents on the submitted archaeological report entitled, 'Intensive
Archaeological Survey: Ualkoloa Hyatt Hotel Site" by Paul H. Rosendahl, Ph.D.,
Inc. (19S4).
Our telephone conversations and recent Meeting (December 4, 1984) with Mr.
Hlchael I. Lee. of your staff, have been very helpful In our review of the
subject project which will iapact several archaeological resources, Including
an Hawaiian foot-trail along the coastline.
lents and
Our review of the subject docunent has resulted in the following
recommendations:
We concur with the consulting archaeologist's statement in that the
intensive survey and testing of archaeological remains in the
project area have contributed to understanding both the local and
broader regional archaeological concerns relating to indigenous
Hawaiian settlement and exploitation patterns along the leeward
coast of the Island of Hawaii and that no further archaeologic&l
work within the project area has been recommended (1984:57);
however, these archaeological features are representative of the
physical evidence of coastal patterns of the early Hawailans fit
these physical features have been decreasing in numbers throuct.
tlae. in this light, we do reconnend that the developer atterpt to
•Ininlze impacts to these pre-Contact (A. D. 1178} features it rauch
as possible by retaining the* in place wherever possible for public
appreciation, In particular, features clustered in an area
designated as the Walulua Bay Settlement. We concur that the
identified features are not eligible for inclusion in the National
Register.
V. J. Pareaa, Acting chief
January , 19B5
Page Two
The existence of the foot-trail through the Walulua Bay Battlement
is supportive of th« artlfactual and chronological relationship
between this site and Kalahulpua'a, an •xtenalve Hawaiian settlenent
investigated by Kirch (1979) and lUUd> In the Statewide
-Archaeological inventory. Thus, we do recomend that this portion
of the coastal trail not be impacted by the development.
We further recomend that In the event any previously unidentified sites or
rtulns such as artifacts, shell, bone, or charcoal deposits, huoan burials,
rock or coral alignments, pavings, or walls ara encountered, please direct the
applicant to atop work and contact our office at 548-7460 Immediately. At
that tine, we itay stake further reconroendatlona toward the Mitigation of the
resources.
Sincerely youra,
'SUSUHU OHO
Chairperson and state Historic
Preservation officer .
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February 20, 198!!
-5440
Operttlons Branch
I
GJ
Nr. Susuou Ono
. State Historic Preservation Officer
Department of Land and Natural Resources
f.O. Box 621
Honolulu. HaMall 96809
Dear Mr. Dnoi
This letter Is In regards to Department of the Arqy permit
application. POOCO-0 18U-SD. Vatkoloa Hyatt Resort Development.
Enclosed for your review and ccmaenU It a copy of Or. Paul
ftosendahl's archaeological reconnaissance report concerning the
remainder of the anchlaline pond properties on the Ualkoloa Beach
Resort properties. His findings substantiate your staff's opinion
that More archaeological cites and burials could be found on the
property. Or. Rosendaht Indicates that the sites should be
excavated end the scientific Information salvaged. The results of
his report do not add any slgnlf Iclently new knowledge to the
original archaeological survey by the Bishop HuseuM In 1971.
Based on previous discussion with your staff, your letter of
January IB. 19B5. dettralnlng that the Hyatt development site MS
not eligible for Inclusion to the National Register of Historic
flaces, and Information to date, we feel that the reminder of the
properties are not eligible for Inclusion to the National Register
of Historic Places. However, we also feel that preservation and
other nltlgatlve actions «ay be necessary.
He request that your staff review the report and that awetlngs
fee arranged between the Corp; and the applicant to discuss eligi-
bility determination end the necessity of preservation actions.
Sincerely.
Everett* A. Flanders
Chief. Construction-Operations
Division
Enclosure
-------
Liat of Attachments
1. Rosendahl, January 18, 1985, Archaeological Field Inspection
Haikoloa Ponds - Halkoloa Beach Resort, Anaehoooalu, South
Kohala, Island of Hawaii.
2. Data Recovery Plan, July 1985
3. Figure II-4, Applicant's Proposal, Final Environmental
Impact Statement.
4. state Historic Preservation Officer Letter Dated
April 19, 1985
5. State Historic Preservation Officer Letter Dated
July 10, 1985 with Corps Letter Dated Hay 28, 1985.
6. State Historic Preservation Officer Letter Dated
July 31, 1985 with Corps Letter Dated July 23, 1985.
7. Society for Hawaiian Archaeology Letter Dated Hay 16, 1985.
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UL II. ROSENDAHL, Ph.D., Inc.
Consulting Archaeologist
I
l
Ul
152-011385
Mr. Petty J. White
Belt, Collins & Associates
606 Coral Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
/• './ <' '-, •
January 18, 1985
JAN J! 2 BBS
BEIT, couii.'s « ASSCCIAIK
Subject: Archaeological Field Inspection
Waikoloa Ponds - Waikoloa Beach Resort
Anaehoomalu, South Kohala
Island of Hawaii
Dear Mr. White:
On January 2-4, 1985, Paul II. Rosendahl, Ph.D., Inc. (PHRI)
conducted an archaeological field inspection of Development
Parcels 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17 at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
The basic purpose of this field inspection was to determine the
nature and scale of any additional archaeological work that may
be required in order to obtain various development permits from
the County of Hawaii and the U.S. Army-Corps of Engineers. The
inspection field work was carried out by PHRI Field Archaeolo-
gists Alan T. Walker and Roy Pua-Kaipo. Subsequent to the field
work, an oral preliminary report on findings and tentative recom-
mendations was made to you on January 7, 1985.
Prior archaeological work conducted within the limits of the
project area consisted of survey and limited excavations carried
out for Boise-Casado Properties by Bishop Museum during the
period October 1969-January 1970 (Barrera 1971). Within the
present project area, Barrera identified 27 sites incorporating
52 component features. Barrera grouped nine sites located in
Parcel 9 into a site complex referred to as the Ridge Settle-
ment, and eight sites in Parcel 12 into a site complex referred
to as the Anaehoomalu Point Cluster.
The basic objectives of our field inspection were two-fold;
(a) to relocate and evaluate sites previously identified within
the project area (Barrera 1971); and (b) to carry out a limited
reconnaissance of the area to determine the presence or absence
of any previously unidentified sites. Virtually the entire
project area was inspected, with effort being concentrated on
the Ridge Settlement complex, the Anaehoomalu Point Cluster
complex, the beach area between Kaauau Point and the head of
Anaehoomalu Bay, and the area of the brackish tidal ponds.
Visual inspection was facilitated by the generally open, rugged
terrain. When previously identified sites were relocated,
*William Barrera, Jr., 1971. Anaehoomalu: A Hawaiian Oasis.
Pacific Anthropolpgical Records No. 15. Department of Anthro-
pology, B.P. Bishop Museum. Honolulu.
152-011385
they were marked with red and blue plastic flagging tape and a
metal tag inscribed with the date, site number, PHRI project
number (84-152) and the letters "PHRI". Field observations were
compared to the descriptive information presented in the Barrera
(1971) report, and additional notes were made on the field copy
of Barrera's site descriptions. Newly identified sites were
marked in similar fashion and assigned a temporary three-digit
site number prefixed with "T-".
The results of our field inspection are summarized in the
attached Table 1. Of the 27 sites designated by Barrera, within
the present project area (including nine sites in Ridge Settle-
ment complex and eight sites in Anaehoomalu Point Cluster com-
plex) , 21 were definitely relocated during our field inspection.
The remaining six sites which could not be relocated appear to
have been destroyed by bulldozing done subsequent to Barrera's
work. In addition, 22 previously unidentified sites comprised
of approximately 25 component features were found during the
field inspection—two each within Parcels 9, 10, and 12, nine
within Parcel 13, and seven within Parcel 17. No sites were
found within Parcel 16.
Inspection of the beach area between the head of Anaehoomalu
Bay and Kaauau Point failed to reveal any exposures or other
indications of the presence of buried cultural deposits. The
general nature of the beach—primarily basalt and coral cobbles,
with a capping of sand—suggests the beach to be a relatively
active feature of the area, one presenting a low potential for
containing undisturbed subsurface cultural deposits. The Inspec-
tion of the brackish tidal pond areas revealed the presence of
three previously unidentified sites: T-120A, located in Parcel
12, is a wall (possibly recent) which separates a tidal pond
from the ocean; and T-115 (Feature B) and T-118, both located in
Parcel 13, which are low cobble walls dividing each pond into
two portions.
In our opinion, the archaeological remains identified with-
in Development Parcels 9, 10, 12, 13, and 17 are, for the most
part, of limited significance in terms of potential scientific
research, interpretive, and/or cultural values. Of the remains
identified within the area, several component sites of the Ridge
Settlement complex and the Anaehoomalu Point Cluster complex
are believed to have moderate research potential. Site T-119
(Feature A), a newly identified burial cave, is believed to have
both moderate research value and high cultural value.
Based on the findings of our field inspection, we believe
that a program of intensive archaeological survey, consisting
of several specific field tasks, would constitute an adequate
recovery of archaeological data present within the project area,
and that little or no additional archaeological work beyond such
intensive survey would be justified or required. The specific
P.O. (lux 504 • Kurlislown, Hawaii 96760 • (808) 966-8038
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152-011385
152-011385-
I
O\
field tasks for the recommended Intensive survey program include
the following:
a. Intensive level survey recording of sites — including
detailed plan mapping, written descriptions, and
photographs;
b. Surface collection of portable remains (midden and
artifacts) from sites;
c. Subsurface testing of sites with apparent excavation
potential;
d. Limited subsurface testing of beach deposits between
the head of Anaehoomalu Bay and Kaauau Point, to
determine the presence or absence of buried cultural
deposits, and; -
e. Preservation, or removal and rebucial, of human
skeletal remains.
One specific recommendation should be considered for imple-
mentation as soon as possible. As an important immediate step,
we recommend that all sites be accurately located and plotted by
professional surveyors on an appropriate scale topographic map
of the project area. This site locational plotting would be
done with the assistance of a qualified archaeologist. Accurate
site location information would substantially aid development
planning by allowing further archaeological work determinations
(intensive survey and/or preservation) to be considered on a
site-by-site basis.
Please note that the evaluations and recommendations given
here have been made on the basis of the surface field inspection
only. There is always the possibility, however remote, that pre-
viously unknown or unidentified subsurface cultural features or
deposits of significance might be encountered in the course of
subsequent archaeological investigations or other development
activities.
If you have any questions concerning the findings of our
field inspection, or if we can be of any further service to you,
please contact me at our Hilo office (969-1763).
Sincerely yours
End. slnv. No. 152-011785
aul H. Ros'endahl, Ph.D. ^"^
President and Principal
Archaeologist
Table 1.
SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED SITES -
DEVELOPMENT PARCELS 9, 10,
HAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
12, 13, 16, AND 17
Site No.
50-HA-E1-
Site Type
Field
Ident.
Comments
PARCEL 9 - Ridge Settlement Complex
21 Cave shelter +
67A
U-shaped terrace
B Cave shelter
C Cave shelter
D Cave shelter
68 Cave shelter
69A Enclosure
B Enclosure
C Enclosure
D Enclosure
72 Cave shelter
73 Cave shelter
74 C-shape shelter
117 Cave shelters (2)
301 Brackish pond
Limited excavation
potential
Partially walled, limited
ex. potential, petroglyph
c. 3.0 m west
Limited ex. potential
Limited ex. potential
Moderate ex. potential,
grey ashy soil (5-10 cm
thick), shell midden
visible
Moderate ex. potential,
grey ashy soil (10-15 cm
thick), two petroglyphs
near entrance
No ex. potential, surface
collection potential
Limited ex. potential
Limited ex. potential
No ex. potential
Destroyed by bulldozing
Destroyed by road
construction
-------
152-011385
152-011385
Table
(Cont.)
Table 1. (Cont.)
Site No.
50-HA-E1-
• PARCEL 9 -
75A
B
C
D-I
76
1 77
116A-F
136
137
138
PARCEL 9 -
T-101
T-102
PARCEL 10 -
241
PARCEL 10 -
T-121
Site Type Field Comments
Ident.
Other Previously Identified Sites on Ridge
C-shape shelter + No ex. potential
Cave shelter + Limited ex. potential
Overhang shelter + No ex. potential
Cairns (€) -I- No ex. potential, encircle
Features B and C
Cairns + Only one of three relo-
cated, two others probably
bulldozed
Cairns + Only one of two relocated
Cairns (6) + Crudely constructed
Cave shelter + Limited ex. potential,
sparse shell midden
Cave shelter + Limited ex. potential,
no shell midden
Cave shelter + Limited ex. potential,
sparse shell midden
Newly Identified Sites/Features
Cairn + No ex. potential, located
below Site 75A
Overhang shelter + No ex. potential, no shell
midden
Previously Identified pite
Petroglyph field - Apparently destroyed by
bulldozing
Newly Identified Sites/FeatgreR
Cairn + Spray painted label "192",
poss. Barrera's Site 192
(but not described in
Barrera's report)
Site No.
50-HA-E1-
Site Type
Pield
Ident.
Comments
T-122 Cairn +
PARCEL 12 - Anaehoomalu Point Cluster
24A-C Cave shelters (3)
27A C-shape shelter
B Circular shelter
28A-B Cave shelters (2)
C Rectangular cairn
29 Rock-lined pit
All three shelters tested
by Barrera, moderate ex.
potential (30 cm thick
deposits)
No ex. potential
No ex. potential
Both shelters tested by
Barrera, limited ex.
potential; rock-lined
firepit c. 2.0 m NH of
shelter A entrance
No ex. potential
Limited ex. potential;
poss. firepit
30
130
131
133
PARCEL 12
T-119A
B
T-120A
C-shaped wall
Halls
Lava Blister
Burial Cave
- Newly Identified
Burial cave
Hall segment
Hall
Destroyed by bulldozing
Destroyed by bulldozing
Destroyed by bulldozing
+ Tested by Barrera, moderate
ex. potential; identified
minimum of one burial still
present
Sites/Features
+ Located c. 35 m H of Site
133; human remains, wood,
nails, and gourd fragments
visible
•f
+ Separates brackish tidal
pond from ocean; poss.
recent (?)
-------
152-011385
152-011385
Table 1. (Cont.)
Table 1. {Cont.)
Site Ho.
50-HA-E1-
T-120B
PARCEL 13
22
PARCEL 13
T-110
T-lll
00 T-112
T-113
T-114
T-115A
B
T-116
T-117
T-118
PARCEL 16
PARCEL 1?
101
Site Type Field
Ident.
Comments
Shallow bedrock + Evidence of scoria abrader
depressions manufacturing, located c.
10 m HE of Feature A
- Previously Identified Site
C-shape shelter +
- Newly Identified Sites
Cairn +
Cairn +
Cairn +
Cairn +
Cairn +•
Circular walled +
shelter
Pond wall +
Hall segment +
Cairn +
Pond wall +
Moderate ex. potential
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn; cairns
T-110, 111, 112, 113; and
114 form an E-W alignment
No ex. potential; built
atop bedrock outcrop
Divides pond into two
portions
No ex. potential; poss.
shelter wall
Square or rectangular
shaped
Divides pond into two
portions
- Ho Identified Sitep
- Previously Identified Site
Foot trail +
Coral and scattered shell
Site Ho.
50-IIA-Bl-
Site Type
Field
Idenfc.
Comments
PARCEL. 17 - Hewly Identified Sitea
T-103 Cairn
T-104 Overhang shelter
T-105 Cairn
T-106 " Cairn
T-107 Cairn
T-108 Cairn
T-109 Cairn
Hear pond
No excavation potential,
overlooking pond
Foss. recent, constructed
of two boulders
Poss. recent, constructed
of two boulders
Wooden plank upright in
middle of cairn
Poss. i"cent, constructed
of thiue boulders
Poss. recent, several
wooden planks adjacent to
cairn
along trail
-------
DATA RECOVERY PLAN
PLOTS 9, 10. 12, 13, I 17. ANAEHOOHALU.
HAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT,
SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT. HAWAII ISLAND
STATE OP .HAWAII
I
I
VO
July 1985
-2-
INTRODUCTJON
This plan addresses historic sites on lote 9. 10, 12, 13
and 17 in the Anaehoomalu area of Haikoloa in the South Kohala
District of Hawaii Island (Fig. 1). This IB in the Haikoloa
Beach Retort area. A' Hyatt Regency hotel is being built along
the shore just north of these parcels. A U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Honolulu District) permit was applied for by the
developer (Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac Land
Company) to excavate a recreational lagoon and fill anchialine
ponds.
Forty-six (46) historic (archaeological) sites (see Table
1) were identified in a recent archaeological reconnaissance
survey (Rosendahl 1985), twenty-one (21) of which had been
studied previously in 1969-70 archaeological reconnaissance and
intensive surveys. The Corps of Engineers, Mate Historic
Preservation Office, and the developer all concur that the
sites contain significant information on the prehistory of this
area and are. thus, determined to be eligible for inclusion on
the U.S. National Register of Historic Places based solely on
their information content. Better examples of these site types
have been preserved by the developer elsewhere in the
Anaehoonalu resort area, i.e., the burial caves, petroglyph
field and shelter clusters located a little farther inland.
The corps of Engineers and the State Historic
Preservation Office are in concurrence that the significant
information can be recovered through an archaeological data
recovery program. This program is detailed In this plan,
prepared.in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation
Office. The permit applicant has also reviewed this plan and
has agreed to hire a professional archaeological firm to carry
out this data recovery program — with the work to be reviewed
by the corps and State Historic Preservation Office to ensure
adeguacy.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Anaehoomalu is a coastal land area on the dry (less than
10 inches/year), leeward coast of Hawaii Island (Fig. 1). A
sand beach is present .at Anaehoonalu say, and narrow
cobblestone and sand beaches at Haiulua Bay and in two
stretches along the coast between these two bays (Fig. 2).
-------
I
o
—3-
But, the terrain here vat doninanted by barren lava flout
before the recent resort development. The Sheraton Royal
Haikoloa now fronts Aniehooaalu Bay and a golf .course pa,r,ajUlel*
the Bhore just behind the parcels of concern in~thi> data
recovery plan (Fig. 3). The planned Hyatt Regency Hotel will
be at Haiulua Bay.
KEAUHOU RESORT
• Kohala and North Kona R*B>on
Figure 1. Location of the Haikoloa Beach Resort Area
(Anaehoomalu) on Hawaii Island. (U.S. Army corps of Engineers
1985: 11-2).
-------
Figure 2. Geologic Map of Anaehoonalu. (Barrera 1971: 5).
Figure 3. Walkoloa Beach Retort:'Area Covered by Memorandum
of Agreement
-------
-7-
The parcels in this plan 'lie between the golf course and
the •hore ana between the Hyatt hotel eite and the Sheraton
hotel (Fig. 3). These plots largely are undulating pahoh^e,,.
1.5-3.1 meters in elevation, with two rained'"littoral cones"
(3.1-6.2 m elevation) just inland. Nunerous caves are present
in these parcels — eone small and some sizable underground
tubes. Also, snail brackish (anchialine) ponds are present in
low points in the lava near the shore. A very narrow,
cobblestone/sand beach IB present on the south side of
Anaehoovalu Point. Importantly, a sizable section of Parcel 12
was bulldozed and graded extensively in the past, leaving only
a email undamaged area in the center of the parcel and a strip
near the chore.
THE SITES
Table 1, at the end of this plan, lists the sites in
these plots. The table also notes the presence or absence of
cultural deposits. [If a plus is under the EX — excavation —
column under Fieldwork Tasks, then deposits are present.] The
bulk of these 48 sites are caves (14 cases) and stone cairns
(IB cases). Two of the caves are burial caves (133 and T-11SA,
with the latter having only 1 burial). Some sites have
multiple features. For example, site 67 has 3 caves and a
surface enclosure. (See Fig. 4.)
Host features are guite small, with the exception of a
few larger caves (e.g., 21, 68). Host cairns have no cultural
deposits, and most surface enclosures have minimal deposits.
The caves generally have shallow deposits (10-20 en), and
occasionally bare rock covers portions of the cave floors.
However, eome caves have deeper deposits.
PRIOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK
Prior archaeological work at these sites has been
liir.ited. In 1969-70, the Bishop Museum identified sites in
this area (Barrera 1971) — 21 of which still are present.
Descriptions of all sites exist, some are quite brief and lack
a number of site dimension measurements. General site mapc
exist for several clusters of sites (Fig. 5). and these give a
general picutre of eite siaes and features. A detailed site
map was made only for site 133, the large burial cave (Figs. 6,
7). Excavations (ranging from 1-4 square meters) were
conducted in 12 caves within 7 sites. These excavations
represent 1-2S* samples of these caves' floor areas. Artifacts
and midden were
Figure 4. The entrances to two small caves in eite 24 (Parcel
12) are visible in this photograph. (Barrera 1971: 27).
-------
T
i
CO
T
Figure 5. General Map of Sites 21, 67, 6B, 69 & 72 (Parcel
9). (Barrera 1971: 75).
-------
•p-
Figure 7. Photograph of Burial 2 in site 133 (Parcel 12).
(Barrera 1971: 32).
-12-
recovered. The artifacts ware listed in the report (Barrera
1971). But detailed analyses of the artifacts and all analyses
of Hidden were to occur in a later sutdy, which was never
funded (Barrara 1971:1.105). This Material is still at the
Bishop Huseua. All the skeletal tenains werrf''rihoved frbYP*'
burial cave 133 and were analysed by a physical anthropologist
(Pietrusewsky 1971). 12 complete individuals and parts of 77
individuals were documented, and these renains are now at the
Bishop Husem.
IS volcanic glass faydratlon dates were processed fro* 5
caves in sites 68, 117, 24, and 133, and 1 carbon-14 date was
procesoed from charcoal in 133. Date ranges for these sites
were A.D. 1661-179* (sit* 68). A.D. 1757-1603 (Site 117), A.D.
1381-1469 (Site 24). and A.D. 1470-1627 (site 133). This
indicates fairly late useag* of these caves in prehistory.
In 1985, the Paul Bosendahl, Ph.D. company resurveyed
this area at the. reconnaissance level (Rosendahl 19B5). 48
aites were located — 27 being new sites. These Bites were
exactly located on a «ap, and a table of sites and features by
type was prepared.
RELEVANT RESEARCH PROBLEMS
A number of local level research problems have been
addressed in Anaebooaalu (eee Barrera 1971t Rosendahl 1972;
Kirch 1973, 1979} Tainter 1975a, 1975b; cordy 1975, 1978, 1981;
Tainter and Cordy 1977; Shun 1984). These include:
1. Initial human presence in this area. Volcanic
hydration dates place nan in Anaehoonalu in the A.D. Booe, and
radiocarbon dates go back to c. A.D. 1000-1100 (Barrera 1971).
However, eome researchers have questioned the earlier dates.
2. The nature of the occupation. Interpretations have
suggested that larger surface structures {platforms and
enclosures) were permanent dwellings and that caves and smaller
surface structures were temporary habitations used by people
living outside Anaehoomalu — perhaps inland in the Balnea area
(Cordy 1975). There are a variety of temporary habitation
eitee — fro* shelters used for brief periods to those used for
more extended periods (see Rosendahl 1972). (See Kirch, 1979,
for similar interpretations in the adjacent Kalahuipua'a. )
-------
-13-
3. Population history. The initial Anaeboomalu study noticed
a decline in eite numberu later in prehistory, and discussions
of decline and abandonment followed (Barrera 1971). The latter
analyais of permanent housing argued for a g&iefal-increase
with stability at European Contact — although periods of
fluctuation occurred (Cordy 1978). This work indicated that
Anaehoonalu's permanent population never exceeded 36 people
(Cordy 1978). The demographic ramifications of the temporary
sites have yet to be assessed. Their numbers night well
reflect demographic patterns in inland areas.
«, Social Organisation. Patterns of social organisation have
been addressed by most researchers. More recent studies have
identified the presence of a feu commoner local residence
groups based on co-varying permanent housing and burial
patterns (Tainter and Cordy 1977).
5, Subsistence adaptations, subsistence adaptations at
Anaehoonalu have been •ininally studied to date. The fauna1
remains from the initial study were not analyzed. Good nollusc
analyses, however, are available from several temporary sites
studied in 1984 at the coastal Hyatt hotel parcel (shun 19B«).
A marine adaptation has long been noted based on artifact
content of sites. There were two fishponds along Anaehoonalu
Bay, and some modification of anchialine ponds occurred all
along the shore. Also, pits in the lava have been suggested to
be agricultural features (Barrera 1971). Analysis of these
topics particularly in relation to two different populations
using Anaehoomalu (the permanent coastal dwellers vs the
intermittent dwellers) will be important for understanding
local subsistence exploitation patterns. (Detailed studies of
marine exploitation have occurred in the adjacent Kalahuipua'a
providing an excellent source of comparative information.)
Because the dwelling sites in the impact area are all
temporary dwelling sites (caves, small surface enclosures), it
is expected that much of this project's research will be
focused on temporary sites as they related to the above
research problems.
These problems also link into wider regional and
Island-vide- considerations of the same topics (e.g., Kirch
1979; Cordy 1978); so although the focus of research is on
local patterns, it is anticipated that the findings will have
considerable significance for general research in the Hawaiian
Islands.
-14-
DATA RECOVERY TASKS
Given the extent of prior work and tne,,pr.pbabillty,.,At •
destruction of the existing sites in these lots, the following
tasks have been scheduled as part of the data recovery plan.
Table 1 conveniently itemiies general field tasks to be
conducted at each site. This plan has been developed by the
Corps, an arcbaeologiet at the State Historic Preservation
Office (Dr. Ross Cordy), and the developer's consulting
arcbaeologiet (Dr. Paul Rosendahl). Tasks have been developed
based on review of prior work and on-eite inspection of sites.
1. Complete Documentation of Surface Dimensions t Features of
the Sites
The prior work has not recorded this information at the
newly found sites, and this information is not completely
recorded at nany of the sites studied in 1969-70.
Data recovery will measure the dimensions of the sites
and internal features (height, widths, areal dimenisons,
dimensions of deposits, cave heights, etc.). It will also
include written descriptions to suppllnent the neasurements and
photography where "needed. Detailed site maps will also be
prepared for relevant, sites other than individual cairns and
walls using surveyors transit and etadia rod. [Note: some
sites were adequately documented in 1969-70 or were partly
documented. Redundant documentation will not be done in these
cases.)
The completion of this component will conclude data
recovery at sites without any deposits (e.g.. walls, cairns,
and -some surface enclosures).
2. Surface Collection of Artifacts. Midden t, Debris
This task will occur at all sites with these surface
remains, with provenience recorded. Some site's have but a few
sheila (midden) and other remains on the surface. In these
cases, all these remains shall be recovered. In other cases, a
sample of at least 20% of the surface area shall be collected.
The density and location of surface artifacts collected will be
napped.
The completion of this component will conclude data
recovery at features and sites with but a few shells,
artifacts, etc. on the surface.
-------
-15-
-1S-
I
I
ON
3. Burials
All the burials visible at site 133 in 1969-70 were
removed then. Any additional regains found at this site will
be recorded and recovered. Also the singlerburi«l-*t T-»1T»A-
will be recorded and renoved. Analysis of these remains will
be done by a physical anthropologist or an archaeologist
specialising in osteology. Proper reinternent will occur for
all burials.
4. Excavation
Excavation will take place at all features with
deposits. A minimal sample of 30-501 of the deposits* extent
in each feature shall be excavated, with the 1969-70
excavations counted as part of this sanple. in the few large
caves, this sample can be revised to lower percentages after
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office.
Excavations will be by stratigraphic layers with special
attention directed to assessing the possibility of repeated •
fine layering likely in caves. Artifacts, midden and debris
(including charcoal, waste flakes) will be collected from these
excavations with provenience data. Soil and feature
information will be recorded within the ctratigraphic layers,
and soil sanples will be taken for possible later analyses
(soil, pollen, botanical,etc.). U.S. Soil Service and Hunsell
Color Charts will be used together with 1/B-inch mesh screens
during the excavations.
The completion of this component will conclude data
recovery field work at all the identified sites.
5. Subsurface Testing of the Beach Deposits
Testing of the cobblestone/sand beacb just north of these
parcels in a prior study (Shun 1984) found no sites. Indeed,
these beaches appear to be thin storm debris. Nonetheless,
testing will occur to Chech if subsurface cites are present
here. If any are found, they ;will be excavated and documented
ae the other sites in this parcel.
6. Laboratory/Data Analyses
This deta recovery project will analyze both current
findings and unstudied materials from the 1969-70 excavations
(if the Bishop Museum will release these materials).
Artifacts will at least be listed by provenience and type
and bi Measured for general site in the case of fishhooks,
adies, abrader*, files, and volcanic glass.
Hidden will at least be categorised by'species and"***1*"
weighed by apecies — by provenience.
A siiable number of sanples will be eubnited for dating.
This will Include radiocarbon dates and will also include
induced bydration dates. The focus will be on dating the span
of human use of features as well as the frequency of occupation.
7. Interpretations
Interpretive analyses will be presented in the final
report. This report will at least Include three interpretive
sections.
(1) A review of previous analyses of these sites and
interpretations of their place in Anaehoomalu'B history as
related to the research problems noted on pages 11-12.
(Discussion will at least cover all the references noted on
page 11.)
(2) A presentation of oite-by-slte findings with an
interpretation of site function and age at the end of each site
discussion.
(3) 'A reassessment of the research problems — these
sites' place in Anaehoonalu's history and the nature of human
occupation at Anaehoomalu in general.
MONITORING OF PROGRESS
At periodic points during the data recovery's fieldwork,
laboratory work, and write-up, members of the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers' and the Hawaii State Historic Preservation
office's staff will conduct checks of work to ensure adequate
progress.
CURAT1ON
Artifacts will be curated at a site to be designated by
the State Historic Preservation officer.
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-17-
REPORT PREPARATION
I
I
A final report will be prepared and will cover all the
above data recovery tasks. This report will be Initially
reviewed by the Corps of Engineers and the state Historic
Preservation office to ensure it is adequate. If it proves
inadequate, revisions shall occur before this data recovery
project is considered complete.
Following normal practices, copies of this report will be
filed with the U.S. Arny Corps of Engineers (Honolulu
District), the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Office (the
Historic Sites Section in the Department of Land fc Natural
Resources), and the Pacific collection of the University of
Hawaii's Hamilton Library. Copies will also be supplied to the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
REFERENCBS
Barrera, William 1971. Anaebooaalu: A Hawaiian Oasis.
Pacific Anthropoloolclal Records. 15. ^Honolulu, Btotrop
Huseun.
Cordy. Ross 1975. Archaeology at Anaehoonalu (Hawaii Island):
A Reanalysis of Social Organiiation. Manuscript. On
file. Dept. of Anthropology, University of Hawaii.
1978. A study of Prehistoric social Change: The
Development of couples societlee in the Hawaiian Islands.
Ph.D. thesU. Unlverlslty of Hawaii.
1981. A Study of Prehistoric social Change; The •
Development of Complex Societies in the Hawaiian Islands.
New York. Academic Press.
Kirch, Patrick 1973. Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey
of Kalahuipuaa and Portions of Haikloloa, Lalanilo and
Anaehoonalu, South Kohala, Hawaii Island.' Manuscript.
On file, Dept. of Anthropology, Bishop Huaeun.
1979. Marine Exploitation in Prehistoric Hawal'i:
Archaeological Investigations at Kalabuipua'a. Hawaii
Island, pacific Anthropological Records. 29. Honolulu,
Bishop Huseun.
Pietrusewsky. Michael 1971. Hunan Skeletal Remains at Anae-
hoonalu. Dept. of Anthropology Reports. 71-7. Honolulu,
Bishop Huseun. '
Rosendahl, Paul 1972. Archaeological Salvage of the Hapuna-
Anaeboonaju section of the Kailua-Kawalhae Road (Queen
Kaahumanu Highway), Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Historic
preservation Reports. 72-1. Honolulu, State of Hawaii
Dept. of Transportation.
1985. Archaeological Field Inspection: Halkoloa
Ponds at Halkoloa Beach Resort, Anaehoomalu, South
Kohala, Hawaii. Manuscript. On file, State of Hawaii
Historic sites section.
Shun, Kanalei 1984. Intensive Archaeological survey. Wai-
koloa Hyatt Hotel Site. Haikoloa Beach Resort, Anae-
bobmalu. south Kohala, Island of Hawaii. Manuscript.
On file, State of Hawaii Historic Sites Section.
Talnter, Joseph 1975a. The Archeological Study of social
Social Change: Woodland Systems in West-central
Illinois. Ph.D. thesis, Northwestern University.
1975b. "Social Inference and Mortuary Practices: An
Experiment in Numerical Classification". World
aeology. 7(1): 1-15.
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•e
o
-19-
Taintcr. Joaeph ana ROM Cordy 1977. "An Archaeological
Analysis; of Social Ranking and Residence Croupe in
Prehistoric Hawaii'. Horia Archaeology^ ^8(1): 9 5-14-2-•
U.S. Arny corpi of Engineer* 1985. Draft Environmental
impact Statement. U.S. Department of the Atsv Permit
Application. HalKoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds,
Halkoloa. South Kohala District. Ipland of Hauai'i.
Honolulu, U.S. Any Corps: of Engineers (Honolulu
District).
I
00
Consular!} Archttohim'
164-050185
S01TZT AMD UCA7ATIOH UCOKKEHDATIOHS fO» IDEHTiriD SITES AHD fUTDUS
VAIKDLOA HO* KSOK - »A»CttS », lOflfl 13^ It, llfK
21 Cava ahtltcr
67A D-abaped
terrace
Habitation
Habitation
Sit* No. Formal lentativa 'Field (fork
30-Ba- tite/Faatur* Functional Tasks Cements
tl- Tret iBternretition D» SC EX
- >id»e Bettleaent
4 + Partially vailed;
petroglypb c. 3.0 •
to vest
44
44 —
4 4 Kod. ex. potential;
grey ashy soil (5-
10 en thick); shell
•idden visible
4 4 Hod. ex. potential;
grey ashy soil
(10-15 CD thick);
two petroglypbs
near entrance
4
B Cavi abelter -Habitation
C Cave abelter Habitation
D Cave tbelter Habitation
68 Cave abelter
Habitation
(9A Enclosure Habitation
B Enclosure Undetermined
C Enclosure Vndetenined
D Encloiure Vndetenciccd
72 Cave.shelter Habitation
^Survey and Excavation
Field Work Talks: DR • detailed recording (scaled drawings, photo-
graphs, and written
descriptions)
SC - surface collections
EX • excavations
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164-050885
164-050885
I
8UBVZT AND EXCAVATION UCOKHZRDATIONS (Coat.)
VADCOLOA BEACB USORT
FieUf-Votk
Tnki
Site Ho. Formal Tentative
SO-Ha- Site/Feature Functional
Elr Tree Interpret it ion PR SC EX
PABCn. 9 - IUd»t Settleaent Conole« (Cent.)
73 Cava ahelter Habitation * + •»
74 C-ihap*d Undetermined •» - -
•htltir
PASCEt 9 - Other fragiouity Identified Sitee on gjdge
75A C-ahaped
•belter
B Cut ahelter
G Overhang
•belter
D-I Cairo* (6)
. 76 C.irni (3)
77 C.irn. (2)
116A-F Cairnt (6)
136 Cave ihelttr
. 137 Cavt ibtltcr
138 Cave ahelter
Habitation
Habitation
Habitation
Undetermined
Undetermined
Dndeterained
Undetermined
Habitatibn
Habitation
Habitation
PARCEL 9 - HeulY Identified Site»/featurei
1-125 Cairn Undetermined
Coaaenta
Encircle Featurei B
and C
One relocated;
otheri probably
bulldozed
Oat relocated;
other probably
bulldozed
Crude
Located below Site
75A
AHD EXCAVATION UCOHHZRDAtlONS (Cent.)
HAIKOLOA BEACB 1ESOIT
Sit* Ho. Fonal Tentative
50-Ba- Site/Feature Functional
El- _ Tree _ Interpretation
TaaVa
P> SC EX
Comianta
FA1CEL 10 - Mo TreTJoa»lT Identified 81tea
FAlCtX 10 - HevlT Identified attea/Featurea
T-121 Cairn Undetermined
T-122 Cairn Undetermined
PA8CEL 12 — Anaehoonalu foiot Clutter
24A-C Cave abelter*
(3)
27A C-ehaped•
•belter
B Circular
ahelter
Habitation
Habitation
Habitation
2BA-B Cave aheltera Habitation
(2) ;
C Cairn Undetermined
29 Bock-lined pit Firepit
133 Cave Habitation
and burial
+ + «
Spray painted lab«l
"192"; po.aiblj
Barren' • Sit* 193
(•it* not described
ia bis report)
Tested by Barnrc;
nod. ex. potential
(30 CB thick
depoiita)
Tetted by Barrerc;
rock-lined firtpit
e. 2.0 a NV of
Feature A
Rectangular
Teated by Barrtr*;
nod. ex. potential;
identified miniBUD
of one burial itill
preaent (bonea to
be removed)
T-126 Overhang
ahelter
Habitation
-------
164-0506S5
W-050BBS
AM) EXCAVATION UCOHXEHDATIOHS (Coot.)
VAIEOLOi lUCi UtOKT
sotm AMD ucmnox UCOKHEMIUTIOIS (cont.)
WAUOLOA lUCt X£!01T
I
Ni
CJ>
Site Ho. For»al Tentative Field Work
50-H»- Bite/Feature Functional T»«k»—
El- T»pt Interpretation D» 5C EX
Covmte
rAICEX 12 - HevlT Identified 8it«a/Fe»ture»*
T-119A C«yt Burial •*
B Vtll legmeot Pndetcnined +
T-120A W.ll Dodcciroiced . + -
T-120B Bedrock
dcpteiiioni
Induicri*!
PAKCEL 13 - FrtvtomlT Identified Sitt
22 C-.hiped
•belter
Habitation
PAlJCEL 13 - HevlT IdtnttfieJ Sitei
T-110 Cairn . . Undetermined
T-lll Cairn
T-112 Cairn
Dndeternined
Oadetencined
Located c. 35 • W
of Sitt 133; biuun
bonea, wood, naila,
and gourd fragBeDta
viiibla (bonei to
be renovcd)
Separatee brackiih
tidal pond fron
ocean; recent (t)
Scoria abradtr
manufacturing,
located c. 10 n HE
of Feature A
Hod. ex. potential
Wooden plank
upright in middle
of cairn; T-110
thru T'llA fora an
E-V alignment of
cairni
Wooden plank
upright in middle
of cairn
Wooden plank
upright in aiddle
of cairn
'Sand beach area along thureline of Parcel 12 ihould alto be titled
(ibovel unite) for pretence or abtence of aubiurface cultural depoaita.
tita Ho. Formal Tentative Field Vork
30-Ba- lite/Feature Functional .... tinka— • — Ce«artntt
El- Type Interpretation PR 8C EH
men. 13 - Htvl* Identified tltei (Cont.)
T-11J Cairo Dndeterminad
T-ll* Cairo
T-115A Walled
abeltcr
Ondeterained
Habitation
B Brackiab pond Fiabpond
+ - -.
+ - -
Wooden plank
upright in Middle
of cairn
Wooden plank up
right in niddle of
cairn
Circular; built
•atop bedrock
outcrop
Internal vail
dividea pond into
two portiona
T-116 Wall aegnent Undetermined + - - Poaa. ahelter wall
T-117 Cairn •'•' Dndeterained + + «• Square
T-ll8 Brackiab pond Fiabpond •* -
T-124 Brackiah pond Fiahpond
PA1CET..U - He Identified Bitea
fAlcn, 17 - PrerioualT Identified Site
101 Trail Foot cVai!
PARCEL I? - Hevlv Identified Sitea
T-127 Cairn Undetermined
T-12B Overhang Habitation
ahelter
Interne! vail
partially dividea
pond
Internal vail
partially dividea
pond
Coral and acattered
ahell along trail
Near pond
Overlooking pond
-------
H4-0508B5
164-050885
somr AHD EICAVATIOH RZCDHMZTOATIONS (coat.)
VAttOLOA 8UCB RESOBT
BDEVEI AMD EXCAVATION UCOWOHDAttONS (Cont.)
VAKOLOA BEACH USOIT
Site Ho. Fprnil Tentative
50-lU- Site/Feature Functional
Fitld Vork
Tlikt— •
CcWAtnt*
HOTBSt
El- Type Interpretation Dt SC EX
PABCEL 17 - MevlT Identified Silt* (Cont.)
1-129 Cain Undetermined « - -
I
NJ
-T
1-106 pain
T-107 Cairo
T-108 Cairo
T-109 Cairn
Dndctcmioed
Ondeterained
Dndeterained
Undetermined
meg. 7» - HevlT Identified Site
T-123 Brackiih pond Bathing pond
Bcecot (1); con-
structed of two
bouldara
Recent (1); con-
itructed of two
boulderl
Wooden plaok up-
right in aiddlt of
cairo
Recent (t); con-
structed of three
bouldtra
Several wooden
plinki adjacent to
Cairo
Fond intentionally
deepened} veil-
built internal wall
1. The aurrejr and excavation recocntndationi liated bera have
btan Bad* on tba basis of presently available data. ID *oit
caati, liaittd laconnaitiance it the level of work that baa
bteo conducted to date, for the matt part, the work don* by
Barrera in 1969-1970 for Biahop Huaeira would not aiiet the
current atandarda for intensive •rehaaolo|ieal aurvay voxk.
Furtbemorct it appear* that matt of tba portable rcaaina
recovered during Barrera'a limited teat excavation* in 1970
ware never analytcd.
2. Se eite and feature deiignationi: cumber* and letter* prefixed
by SO-lla-El- are deaignationa •aalgoed by Barrere in 1969-
1970, according to the Biihop Huieua eytteai nunberi and
letter* prefixed by T- are temporary field deaignitiooi
aaaigned by FHU during field in*p*ctloo aod aite locational
plotting work done in January 19B5.
3. All aitt* and feature* litted here have been accurately
located and plotted on the aite location oap produced by
Engineer* Eurveyora Hawaii, Inc. (nap dated March 15, 1985).
4. Hone «f the aite* and feature* liated here are believed to be
of such archaeological aignificance as to require preiirva-
tion; however, many could be considered for pretervnioa,
perbapa . for minimal interpretation, aa attractive eUncuta
which could be incorporated into development landscaping. For
those not telected for preservation, an appropriate level of
further archaeological work, in the fora of survey and exca-
vation* would constitute adequate and sufficient recovery of
data present within the aite*.
Paul'H. Kosendahl, Ph.D.
President and Principal
Archaeologist
Hay 8, 19B5
-------
•i Cwllrt Irm M»t la ftfvlt ** S(**f#>|
(ll))) Ml t***rtlt (IH* • * *1. •*'«» **r*
tllM M WKWIrlttM MTllI I**I«I IIN*
(See Figure 111-8 (or
Cross-sections A & B)
Figure 11-4 Applicant's Proposal
-------
OJ
• PG»H A MAUttU
M«\n* to tM CMMWU.
DlVIBIONl:
ADLUCMllM
APT. I 9
ICPS
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
r. e. »o« «i
HONOLULU. HAWAII •••0»
Colonel Michael M. Jenks, District Engineer • ff ^.
Department of the Any
U.B. Any Engineer District, Honolulu
Pt. Chatter. Hawaii V6B5B
Dear'Colonel JerJts:
BUBJBCT: Draft Bis. D.E. Department of the Any Penlt Application
POOCO-o 1B12. walkaloa Beach Resort Anchlallne Ponds,
South Kohala. Hawaii. »P(; 6-9-07; 10.ia.13.14.16. portion
Vaifciloa
Z6"
We have reviewed the Draft BIS. it adequately reviews prior identification
and study of historic sites in the project area (111-27 t 28) and the status
of deteninatlons of effect (IV-8. Vl-2, App. D). Xo review our office's
position:
1. In the Parcel 11, 16, and 26 area (the 'Hyatt Regency Walkaloa Hotel
Cite'), two archaeological intensive surveys with excavations have located and
studied historic cites (Barrera 1971; Shun 19BI). we have concurred that
sufficient significant information free Bites in these parcels has been
recovered archaeologically to contribute to the understanding of local and
regional historical problem (Jan. 15, 1985 EHPO letter to O.E. Corps of
Engineers — App. D, Draft BIS). We further recoBmended Bites be preserved,
and the developer has agreed to preserve the Walulua Bay Settlement (and its
coastal trail), the Kanlku Settlement Croup, and the Mawahine Eettleaent Croup
(Draft BISi 11-13. IV-8). These Bite complexes are etcasples of coastal
occupation along this arid coastline. With this Intonation recovery and
preservation, a no adverse effect determination is suitable tor these parcels.
2. In the remainder of the coastal properties with anchiallne ponds (Parcels
10, 12, 13), an Intensive archaeological survey with excavations (Barrera
1971) and a more recent reconnaissance survey (Rosendahl 1985) have Identified
historic Bites. We have concurred that the Bites in this area are significant
solely for their information content, and we have recomnended several further
steps to ensure that this information be collected prior to any Bite
destruction (lurch 12, 19B& CHTO letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers —
App. D, Draft BIS), our recoBaendatlons also specify that any nunan remains
be preserved or be removed and reburled. Agreement to these steps will result
in a no adverse effect determination, (xtie Draft BIS, IV-*. also includes
additional historic preservation matters regarding these parcels.) As the
Draft BIS notes (rv-e), the applicant, the Army Corps of Engineers and our
office are finalizing the next step* of action in order to reach a no adverse
effect determination for historic sites in these parcels. Ihe flnallxatlon
and execution of an acceptable "no adverse effect' plan for Bites In these
parcels should be a. condition to the approval of the penit.
'incerely yours.
6USUHU ONO
Chairperson and State Historic
Preservation Officer
-------
Mi
I
l\>
I ifi&Ut A H1UUV
nm I* II
J'JL \D KM
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
r o coi «n
MOH'PLUIU- HAWAII *ft»0>
MW1C MMtACfl
W^HHVIIAM Mt
MIOUACII
CWHIUCII
nwnx AW »u»n
UMD uuu«ihirwi
•i&n MMI
Chief Everette A. Flanders
Construction-Operations Division
Department of the Amy
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. shatter, Hawaii BEBSB
Dear Chief Flanders:
SUBJ: Section 106 Matters, Permit FODCO-1B12 (Haikoloa
Beach Resort)
Haikoloa (Anaehoomalu), South Kohala, Hawaii
TMK; 6-9-7; 9.10.12.13.14. 16. part 26
This responds to your letter of Hay 28, 1BB5. This letter
should clarify the natters, as you requested.
In the Haikoloa Hyatt Hotel parcels (14,16,26) we again concur
that the undertaking will have no adverse effect, because the
significant information has already been recovered
archaeologically f ron the sites. (Also, the sites are not
eligible for the National Register because the significant
information has already been removed.) As to the conditions of
preserving the 3 cite complexes ... We have reassessed the
need to preserve the Naiulua Bay Settlement Complex and have
determined this complex does not merit preservation. (The
County of Hawaii concurs. A copy of our letter on this natter
should be in your hands.) The Kanlku and Nawahine complexes
are in areas outside the proposed Hyatt Hotel development, but
the developer has agreed to preserve these citeE, and plane for
their preservation are being or will soon be formulated.
In the remainder of the parcels covered in this action
(9,10,12,13), we believe that the sites are eligible for
Inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. They
contain significant information on the prehistory of the area.
Based on our consultations with your office, we understand that
your agency concurs with this significance asBerEtcent.
Given the above, a request for a Determination of Eligibility
for Inclusion on the National Register should be eubmittted by
your office to the National Park Service. Michael ice of your
office and Roes Cordy of ours have discussed this point, and
Initial eteps for the document's preparation have begun.
Page Two
Assuming that the Bites will be deternlnefl eligible, your
Ve *""Vh*t the .igntticani -inforZio,,
r«cow««fl through archaeological data
dtrecove™ «,;flUlSeVbt >"P««loii of .n archaeological
data recovery plan ana th* processing of a Henorandun of
Agreement (HOA) through the Aflui.ory council onni.toric
nnncrU0?^^1^ th" *"• "co™r* »»« Acorn's the
essence of the HOA to eniure a -no adverae effect* reault A
»»•» b" b"D ^eloped in draft by the
One ainor point,
we do not believe any of the cites in the
9'"'"'»> »"lt preeervation? because they
tbeir lnf«««ion content and
of your eta"
In BUB, we believe good progreec ie being made on thie permit
in accordance with Section 106 of the National Hiotoric
FreB6f vation Act*
sincerely youre*
ONO
Chairperson I state Historic
Preservation Officer
cc: Belt, Collins & Associates
///' -V
-------
VfOAU ft. *«IIVt>tm
•IWMJU OMO, CHAIRUA
M6 M tMO • tUtMUl MK
f DOAft A. tMUUU
mtnm n i« c
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
l*. O. »OM ftll
HONOLULU. HAWAII •••O*
MtUCUTUM
VflOOIUal
«xuiic l
CONMdvAtlON AND
MKXMCtl tNKMCIUlKI
. ««M»TMV AMD WU
AJUO HJUUUMtn
JUL 31 1965
I
Me. W.J. Pares*
Acting Chief, con* t ruction-Ope tat Ion* Division
Operations Branch
U.S. Aray engineer Dlitrict. Honolulu
Departnent of the Arny
Ft. Shatter. Hawaii B685«-S««0
Dear He. pareaa:
SUBJECT: Section 106 tuttara. remit FODCO-1B12 (Walkoloa
Beach peaort)
Walkoloa (Anaehoonalw). South Kohala. fa wall
THK; «-»-?; V.10. 12. 13. 14. 16. "Part -26
Me have received ana reviewed the Draft Data Recovery Flan Cor
the "no adverae effect" determination. - «e-concur with thla
document, ana we support lt« aubnlttal to the Advlaory Council
to be Included in M MeaorandUB of Agreement. He further concur
with the other points in your letter of July 23. l«B5~.
Sincerely youri,
ONO
Chairpereon ana State nlatorlc
Preservation officer
cc: Belt. Collins « Associate*
-------
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
. f, ARHI rHomttn DirrnicT. HONOLULU
rr tmniK HAWAII ••••• .5440
July 23, 1985
Operations Branch
I
NJ
ON
Hr. Eusutnu Ono
State Historic Preservation Officer
Department of land and latural Resources
t. 0. Box 621
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
Dear Hr. Onot
In reference to your July 10, 1985 letter, concerning
Haikoloa Beach Resort, we have enclosed for your review and
concurrence a Draft Data Recovery Plan. Dpon receipt of your
concurrence, we will forward the document to the OS Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation for preparation of a Memorandum
of Agreement.
The Data Recovery Plan focuses on the parcels outside of the
Hyatt Development site. As previously discussed between our
offices, the Haiulua Bay, Nawahine and Kaniku Settlement sites
were determined not to be eligible for inclusion to the national
Register of 'Historic Places. We did agree that the
archaeological sites found outside the Hyatt site were eligible
for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places,
because they contained significant information on the prehistory
of the area.
He further agreed with your determination of no adverse
effect with the implementation of the Data Recovery Flan by the
applicant. However, we believe that the Data Recovery Plan
should not be implemented until after the applicant has
considered architectural designs that could possibly preserve,
enhance or restore some of the archaeological cites. Once
specific construction plane are developed, the applicant would
notify the Corps and the State Historic Preservation Officer
that he Intends to execute the Data Recovery Plan.
Sincerely,
Paresa'
Acting Chief, Construction-
Operations Division
Copy Purnishedtw/o Encl
OS Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Transcontinental Development Co.
Jack Coulter
Clifton Jenkins
/H« '
-------
I
Ni
Society for Hawaiian Archaeology
P.O. Box 22911
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
May 16, 198.5
Colonel Michael M. JenkB
District' Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, Hawai'i 96858
REi Draft EIS Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds
Dear Colonel JenkB,
The Peer Review Committee of the Society for Hawaiian Arch-
aeology has reviewed the above document. We conclude that
previous archaeological work done in the area has adequately
recorded and evaluated sites within portions of the project
area.
Me concur with the SHPO that the intensive survey as planned
by Paul Rosendahl, Ph.D., Inc., should be completed prior to
any construction activity, tie also agree with the recommen-
dations of the SHPO as listed in hie letter of March 12. 1985
(see Appendix D of the above document).,
This document (p. 1V-B) generally summarizes how the negative
impacts of this project might possibly be mitigated. We
recommend that the steps for salvage and preservation be
clearly stated in. the final EIS (e.g. which sites are to be
preserved, which sites are to be reconstructed).
Sincerely,
David J. Welch, Chairperson
Peer Review Committee
cci State Historic Preservation Officer
IfilD
-------
March 20, 1985
Operations Branch
I
N>
00
Hr. Perry White
Belt Collins and Associates
606 Coral Street
Honolulu, Hawaii S6813
Dear Hr. White:
Enclosed for your review and action ft the State Historic
Preservation Officer's commits and recoenendatlons concerning
the Archaeological Reconnaissance Report for the Ualkoloa Hyatt
Development by Dr. Paul Rosendah! (1985). He request that you
undertake the necessary action to satisfy the comments and
recoomndatlons, and to Inform us of the action you've taken.
Sincerely,
Enclosure
Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
CFj (w/o encl)
State Historic Preservation Officer
Dept of Land s Natural Resources
Honolulu, Hawaii 96B09
-------
CtC, at * ANIVOIHI
•OVIIWOt Of HAWAII
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
*. o «ox «ai
HONOLULU. HAWAII ••BOB
SUkUMU OHO. CHAIRMAN
•OMO 0« UKO • Nltuftu M101MCII
IDGAN A. HAUASU
Mrwt* 10 IM ClUMUUi
OIVI>K>Nt:
ACHMCIMUM MvtiAfvlNI
mOCJUM
AQUATIC MBOUMII
CMUNVAIIOM AMD
MIOtmcH IKKMClWlm
COWfVANClt
rOAISIHV AMD WIlfiilM
UNO UANAAIUEHT
•TA1I PAAAt
WAtM AND LAND MM10MIH1
March 12, 1985
Mr. Everette A. Flanders
chief
Construction-Operations Division
U. S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shatter, Hawaii 96858-S440
Attention: Operations Branch
Dear Mr. Flanders:
Subject: Review of Archaeological Reconnaissance (Rosendahl)
Haikoloa Hyatt Resort Development
Haikoloa Ponds - Haikoloa Beach Resort
I Anaehoomalu, South Kohala, Hawaii
I THK! 6-9-07:15. 16. and 26 .
** Thank you for your letter.of February 20, 1985 requesting our
review and comment on the archaeological field inspection of
the subject area conducted by Paul H. Rosendahl, Ph.D., Inc.
(January 18, 1985).
our review of the report has resulted in the following comments
and recommendations:
1. The report does not include a nap, schematic or otherwise,
showing the locations of the sites reported. As a result, we
are not able to ascertain exactly what parcels had been
inspected. He recomnend that the developer and/or consultant
provide an accompanying nap for this report.
2. While we generally concur with the intensive survey program
specified by the consultant (1985:.2), we feel that two of the
five pcints included in his recommendation should be further
clarif :<-d:
a. ;.:. human skeletal material shall be analyzed by a
physic,1 anthropologist as part of any nitigative action,
inducing preservation.
b. subsurface testing of sites with apparent excavation
potential shall also Include the dating of a representative
sample of applicable naterials (e. g. volcanic glass and/or
' carbon).
3. He further recommend that the developer, by instituting the
cultural features into his landscaping, attempt to preserve as1
many cultural sites as possible.
Mr. Everette A. Flanders
March , 198S
Page Two
4. The intensive survey shall be completed prior to the start
of any construction activity and two copies of this report
shall be eubnltted to our office for review and comment. At
that tine, we may make further recommendations toward the
mitigation of the resources. This further mitigative actions
shall also be completed prior to any construction activity for
the project.
Should you have any questions, please contact Wendell Kara.
staff archaeologist, at 548-7460.
Sincerely yours,
SUMU ONO
Chairperson and State Historic
Preservation officer
-------
-5440
.
.uggestB that BOBS eltee
-
Delusion to tbe national
. .
State Historic Preservation Officer w/oiit CIS
Belt.Collins and AEBociates w/out Els { .
•5fr-3v.
'*m
- - ?W>- 'I
"- *iT -.-*s»- ^** JTV
36 CFR 800
PRELIHIKARY CASE REPORT
WMKOLOA BEACH RESORT
DEPARTHEBT OF THE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION
PODCO-0 1B12-SD
1. A Pescription of the Agency's involvement with the proposed
undertaking with citations of the agency's progra» authority and
applicable Implementing regulations, procedures and guidelines.
The US Arny'Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, is
evaluating a Department of the Army permit application to fill and
excavate several anchialine ponds at Haikoloa Beach Resort under
the authority of Section 10, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and
Section 404 of the Clean Hater Act. as attended. The permit is
being processed In accordance with Corps regulations 33CFR320.
2. The status of this project in the agency's approval process.
The Honolulu District is presently evaluating the permit
application. A decision on the permit application may be made by
mid-August 1985.
3. Tbe status of this project in the agency's NEPA compliance
process and the target date for completion of all environmental
responsibilities.
A Notice of Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
availability was published in the Federal Register on April 5,
1985. Target date for completion of the Final EIS is 20 June
1985, but may slip due to awaiting comments from the US
Environmental Protection Agency.
4. A description of the proposed undertaking including, as
appropriate, photographs, maps, drawings, and specifications.
The project is described in the Draft EIS (Enclosure 1). In
summary, the permit applicants, Transcontinental Development Co.
and ATPAC Land Co. intend to develop the Haikoloa Beach Resort
properties with the construction of two hotels and a condominium
along the shoreline. They have detailed plans for one hotel, the
Hyatt Hotel at Haiulua Bay. Their plans require filling and
excavating anchialine ponds found along the shoreline. These
ponds are subject to Corps jurisdiction.
The development of the hotels and condominiums would affect
the archaeological sites on the Haikoloa Beach Resort.
* ji \, •?
_*rf*"J!Jtf
-------
5. A description of the Rational Register or eligible properties
affected by the undertaking, including a description of the
properties' physical appearance and significance.
The properties affected by the hotel and condominium
construction include cave habitation sites and a burial. The
sites are significant for the scientific information they nay
contain.
The proposed action is not a Federal or local governnent
undertaking. The proposed action is totally funded by private
funds. Development costs were requested from the applicants.
6. A brief statement explaining why any of the Criteria of
Adverse Effect apply.
The construction activities would level and cover some of
archaeological sites destroying the scientific information
contained in the sites.
the
X
CO
7. Written views of the State Historic Preservation Officer
concerning the effect on the property, if available.
State Historic Preservation Officer comments are attached
(Enclosure 2).
8. The. views of other Federal agencies, State and local
governments, and the other groups or individuals, when known.
Comments from the Society of Hawaiian Archaeology are
attached (Enclosure 3).
9. A description and analysis of alternatives that would avoid
the adverse effects.
Permit denial or the no-action alternative would avoid any
adverse effects. Siting the development outside the areas of
Corps jurisdiction would avoid any adverse effects to those
properties in the area of Corps jurisdiction. Other
archaeological sites can be found in upland areas outside of the
area of Corps jurisdiction.
10. A description and analysis of alternatives that would
mitigate the adverse effects.
The State Historic Preservation Officer recommends data
recovery and reinterment of human remains, See Enclosure 2.
11. An estimate of the cost of the undertaking, identifying
Federal and non-Federal shares.
-------
-54CD
June 10, 1965
Operations Branch
Mi. Robert Pink
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
730 BIBBS Street, Root 450
Golden, Colorado 60401
Dear Mr. rinki
in regard! to our letter of Hay 24 » UBS requesting conutnti;
on the Naikoloa Beach Keaort p*r»it «pplioation« we bav* «ncioB«d
copice o£ corrtapondenci c*c«lvad aino« the Draft Environmental
Impact Statenent was prtpareo.
I
U)
N>
He anticipate that a MeBotandtm of Agrawoent
oucsclvcB, the State of Hawaii and tb* applicant nay taault in a
determination of no adverse affect.
Eincecely,
Bveratte a. Flendore
Chief, Construction-Operations
Diviaion
EncioBUiss
Copy Pucnifibedc with •nclosuiet
Btnte Historic Preeervation Officer
Belt,Collins and Asaociatt*
-------
List of Enclosures
1. Letter Hay 28. 198S. Department of Land and Natural Resource! to Clifton Jenkins
2. Corps letter May 28, 1985. to State Historic Preseratlon Officer
3. Transcontinental Development Co. letter Hay 9, 1985. to State Hlitorlc
Preservation Officer
4. State Historic Preservation Officer letter May 8, 19B5 to the Corpa of
Engineers.
5. State Historic Preservation Officre letter April 19,1985 to the Corpa of
Engineers..
I
CO
ICXUft A HAUAfU
MfUIf ID lUI (Ml****
OWI.KHU:
•QUACUlfUM MvflOMltf*
MAY*
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCE*
f. O BOX «tl
HONOLULU, HAWAII •••0*
MiMltC AIIOUftCH
COMIf RVATKM AMP
MKWACII iNrOftCIU
CfiNVtTUKIS
ttWtllftl AMD WILOUFI
Mr. Clifton H. Jenkins
Transcontinental Development Co.
1001 Bishop Street
Suit* 2610
Pauahi Tower
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Dear Mr. Jenkins:
SUBJECT: Archaeological Preservation Matters — Hyatt Regency
Halkoloa Hotel project
ffalkoloa (Miaehooaalu), South Sohala, Hawaii
THK; 6-9-07; 14. 16. 26
Thank you for your letter of May 9, 1985.
He are pleased-to see the more detailed preservation plans for
the Kanlku Sit* Complex and the Nawahine Rock Site Complex and
are glad to see that preservation of these complexes is moving
forward. It would indeed be helpful if you could have these
two sites nominated to the State and National Registers of
Historic Places. If your staff needs assistance In preparing
these nominations"or the interpretive signs, please feel free
to contact our staff at 548-7460.
As to the Halulua Bay Settlement Complex, we determine that
.this complex and its associated trail no longer need be
considered for preservation. Following a field inspection, we
concur with the points you, the County, and Dr. Rosendahl have
made. The complex does not merit preservation.
Our office appreciates the preservation efforts undertaken by
your company relating to the Kanlku and Nawahine complex and to
previous historic sites preserved in the resort area. He will
look forward to receiving the listing of the resort's historic
resources that you mention.
Sincerely yours,
Chairperson I state Historic
Preservation Officer
ccs: Michael Lee, Operations Branch, U.S. corps of Engineers
Perry White, Belt, Collins i Associates
Virginia Goldstein, Planning Office, County of Hawaii
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-5440
Hay 21, 1S>B5
Opcratjonf "Branch^'1 '.',
•Cuo oi /»_:•( e.1 _j, ].. ri «• ,-tiL.:: t :.-... ...
Hr. SUBUMU Ono -•:-•:,
Etatt Blstoric Preservation Officer
Departnont of Land and Natural Resources
P.O. Box C21
Honolulu, HI 9E809 ^ j r.x..rl.
Dear Hr. Onoi j".i',. .'.' '~ ""' c •'
. This letter concerns the Section 106, Rational Historic
Preservation Act, coordination for the Haikoloa Beach Resort, OS
Department of the Army Pernit Application PODCO-0 1812-SD.
•' .Transcontinental Development Co. and ATPAC Land Co completed
a reconnaissance eurvey of the Haikoloa Beach Resort properties
and data recovery of the Haikoloa Byatt Hotel property. Based on
your letter of April 19, 19B5 (enclosed) you determined that the
construction of the Haikoloa Byatt Botel would not have an adverse
effect on historic properties, subject to your recommendations to
preserve.the Haiulua Bay, Kaniku, and Navahine Battlement cites.
You also indicated a determination of no adverse affect for the
remainder of the Haikoloa Beach Resort property subject to data
recovery and ceinteroent of human renaina. Since that tine the
appllcante have worked with our offices to satisfy our concerns
Sor the protection and preservation of historical resources at
Haikoloa.
Your deternlnation of no adverse affects implies that the
archaeological Bites on the applicants' property could be eligible
for inclusion to the national Register of Historic Places. If
this is the case, we should work toward a Memorandum of Agreement
to protect, preserve and restore the historic sites or to collect
the scientific Information they contain. He would be interested
in preserving some of the archaeological features within the
Haikoloa Beach Resort properties after the scientific data are
recovered.
-2-
We would.like a clarification cm eligibility of the *•
archaeological sites *t Naikoloa Jeach Retort, and would like your
ideas on the content of the Memorandum of Agreement, so that.ve
can couplet* the Section 106 coordination. We would make the
cHeaorandua.pf.Agrewjfcnt ai part4ic>fjour perr1 ***•'•**•'""-— >Ji*""
I/-.J....LI ,:; if t:- f_i. *
|t.t. l.nr. tr.fUn': BJ< :-'.. I.:.-.sic'. Sincerely,
»:. u.-i-'.i . K«-..i; v •!
Vi _-,„.. Flanders .. ','
....Chief, Construction-Operation!
" THiH.lrS, •'••>'.
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Page 3
Hr. Susumu Ono
Hay 9, 1985
...that the developer attempt to minimize i»poct* to pre-
contDct fcoturo* by retaining them in place wherever possible
for public appreciation, in particular features clustered in
an area designated as the Haiulua Bay Settlement.
Also, your letter requested preservation of the rough trail which pas-
ses through the complex.
At the tine, the developer of the Hyatt Regency Haiholoa Hotel
believed that there would be no difficulty in preserving this site
conplex end trail, and so we indicated during discussions late in 1984
that we would avoid their destruction.
Subsequent to issuance of the DEIS for the U.S. Arny Corps of
Engineers perait, the architects for the hotel have begun preparing
detailed landscaping and grading plans for the proposed project.
During the course of their work, several things have cone to light
which make preservation of the Bitec within the Haiulua Bay Settlement
complex less desirable than previously thought:
(1) Further discussions with Ipcal residents, information provided by
the Hawai'i County Planning Department, and testimony at the two
public hearings that have been held regarding the project have
nade it apparent that the people of the Big Island place a high
priority on improved shoreline access. Inprovenent of the shore-
line trail trail has been Bade a condition of approval for the
Special Management Area Use Permit granted by the County (see
attachment to this letter, page 3, item A.4). Fulfillment of this
condition will require construction of a new shoreline trail
because the old trail is extremely rough and hazardous.
(2) The architects for the Hyatt Regency Haikoloa Hotel have found
that preservation of the sites within the Haiulua Bay Settlement
conplex would constrain improvements to the shoreline area of the
.resort complex to such an extent that it would seriously detract
from the aesthetic quality of the area and add substantially to
the development costs.
(3) A 40- to 50-foot wide graded area is needed around the base of
the Swan Lake Tower for movement of equipment and supplies during
construction of the building. This neans the Tower could not be
built in its planned location without destroying tone of the
archaeological remains within the Kaiulua Bay Settlenent coaplex.
Shifting the Swan Lake Tower further inland to preserve these
marginal sites would inpinge significantly on hole number 13 of
the existing golf course.
Page 4
Hr. Sucumu Ono
May 9, 198S
Given these problems, the County's historic sites specialist,
Virginia Goldstein, visited the lite. She indicated that the preser-
vation value of sites within the Haiulua Bay Settlement complex is
inferior to that of many similar features located elsewhere within the
resort project and concluded that preservation of the complex was not
necessary. The County has suggested that limited resources could be
better spent on preservation and interpretation of other sites within
the Haikoloa Beach Resort.
In view of the new assessment of the site's preservation value,
developaent needs, and the fact that appropriate archaeological stud-
ies have already taken place at the complex, we ask that Transconti-
nental Development Co./Atpac land Co. be relieved of any requirement
to preserve the Haiulua Bay Settlement complex and the shoreline trail
on the Hyatt parcel. Continued pedestrian access along the shoreline
will be insured by the construction of a new shoreline pathway to
replace the existing trail noted in the archaeological survey.
In closing, I would like to note that in developing the Haikoloa
Beach Resort we have endeavored to preserve worthwhile archaeological
features and to integrate then into the resort development. The royal
fishponds at 'Anaeho'malu Bay, the King's trail, the large burial cave
complex north of the golf course clubhouse, and the large petroglyph
field"adjacent to the King's Trail — as well as the proposed preser-
vation of the Nawahine Rock and Kaniku site complexes discussed ear-
lier la this letter — are examples of the results of this preserva-
tion effort. He are now in the process of compiling a nore complete
listing of the steps that we have taken to preserve the resort's
historic resources and will forward it to you shortly.
If you have any questions regarding the issues discussed in this
letter, please contact Mr. Perry Hhite or Ms. Ann Yoklavich of Belt,
Collins 8. Associates at 521-5361.
Sincerely,
Attachment
i/T^Clifton H. Jenkins
U Transcontinental Development Co.
Hike Lee (COB)
Bob Diffley
Hill Sanburn
Perry Hhite
Bob Umenura
Mike Brennan
Paul Rosendehl
Virginia Goldstein (Hawai'i Co.)
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•Q*AO 0* IAMO ft M
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STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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HONOLULU. HAWAII •••OB
MAY '
DIVISIONS;
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Everette A. Flanderi
Chief
Conatruction-opecatlon* Division
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shatter, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Chief Flanders:
SUBJECT: Review of Archaeological Reconnaieaance Report
(Roiendahl 1965) t Walkaloa Anchiallne Ponds
Permit Action (FODCO-o 1B12)
Halkaloa (Anaehoonalu). South Kohala. Hawaii
THK! 6-9-07; 9. 10. 12. 13
He have received a draft copy of a »lt« location Map (or thi*
report — item 1 which we requested in our March 12, 1985
letter to you. This Bap is acceptable, and we understand that
a final nap will be sent to us at a later date.
He also note that Mr. Michael Lee of your office, Mr. perry
White of the developer's offices, and DC. Rosa Cordy of our
office met on April 26, 1985 to follow-up-on iteos 2-4 of our
March 12, 1985 letter. They will be working further to
finalise historic preservation concerns in this area for the
Corps' ongoing permit action (PODCO-o 1812).
Sincerely yours,
SUS0MU ONO
Chairperson and State Historic
Preservation Officer
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tttWUV OMOwCtiUfttUM
APf, I 9 IS*
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MUIIJC
PMUMMIIOM **•
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HONOLULU HAWAII •
colonel Hlchiel M. Jenks, District Engineer
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, Hawaii 96856
Dear Colonel Jenks:
SUBJECT: Draft BIS, U.S. Department of the Army Permit Application
POOOO-O 1812, Walkaloa Beach Besort Anchlallne Ponds, Walkd'loa,
South Kohala. Hawaii. THK: 6-9-07; 10.12.13.14.16. portion[Zg
<—
We have reviewed the Draft SIS. It adequately reviews prior identification
and study of historic sites In the project area (IXI-27 & 28) and the status
of determinations of effect (IV-B. VI-2, App. D). To review our office's
position:
1. In the Parcel 14, 16, and 26 area (the 'Hyatt Regency Walkaloa Hotel
site*), two archaeological Intensive surveys with excavations have located and
studied historic sites (Barrera 1971; Shun 1984). We have concurred that
sufficient significant Information from sites In these parcels has been
recovered archaeologlcally to contribute to the understanding of local and
regional historical problems (Jan. 15, 19B5 SltPO letter to U.S. Corps of
Engineers — App. D, Draft BIS). We further recommended sites be preserved,
and the developer has agreed to preserve the Valulua Day Settlement (and its
coastal trail), the Kanlku Settlement Group, and the Uawahine Settlement Group
(Draft BIS: 11-13, IV-B). These site complexes are examples of coastal
occupation along this arid coastline. With this Information recovery and
preservation, a no adverse effect determination Is suitable for these parcels.
2. In the reoalnder of the coastal properties with anchlallne ponds (Parcels
10, 12, 13), an Intensive archaeological survey with excavations (Barrera
1971) and a more recent reconnaissance survey (Rosendahl 1985) have Identified
historic sites. We have concurred thai the sites In this area are significant
solely for their Information content, and we have recooraended several further
steps to ensure that this Information be collected prior to any site '
destruction (March 12, 1985 SIIPO letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers —
App. D, Draft BIS). Our recommendations also specify that any hman remains
be preserved or be removed and reburled. Agreement to these steps will result
In a no adverse effect determination. (The Draft BIS, IV-B, also includes
additional historic preservation matters regarding these parcels.) As the
Draft BIS notes (IV-B), the applicant, the Army Corps of Engineers and our
office are finalizing the next steps of action in order to reach a no adverse
effect determination for historic sites In these parcels. The flnalization
and execution of an acceptable "no adverse effect* plan for sites In these
parcels should be a condition to the approval of the permit.
sincerely yours,
susimu ono
Chairperson and state Historic
Preservation Officer
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I
Advisory
Council On
Historic
Preservation
Hie Old Posl (Mice Building
1100 Pennsylvania Avenua. NW. * 609
Wuhinslwi. DC 20004
Reply In:
730 Slmmi Stawl, Room 450
Golden. Coloiido 80401
June 13, 1985
Everette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations Division
Honolulu District, Corps of Engineers '
Ft. Shatter, HI 96858-511)0
SUBJECT: Walkoloa Beach Resort Development
Dear Mr. Flanders:
On May 28, 1985, the Council received a copy of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Preliminary Case Report
(PCR) for the referenced undertaking. We have reviewed those
documents. We have no comments on the DEIS at this time. We do
note, however, that the results of the consultation with the
Hawaii State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding the
National Register eligibility of the historic properties in the
Halkoloa Beach Resort area may necessitate some revisions to the
DEIS.
Before offering ou'r comments on the PCR, we note that It Is not
altogether clear whether or not there are National Register
eligible properties In the project area. We agree with you that
the SHPO's letter seems to imply that there are eligible
properties present but this question cannot be left to inference.
A final resolution of the eligibility question must be achieved
before COE can obtain Council comments pursuant to Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act and 36 CFR Part 800. If
this matter cannot be worked out with the SHPO, COE should seek a
formal determination of eligibility from the Keeper of the
National Register.
With regard to the PCR, we find that some aspects must be
elaborated upon in order to provide sufficient basis for
consultation towards the development of a Memorandum of Agreement
for the subject undertaking. Specifically:
Item 5 (Description of eligible properties) Is far too brief.
Although we do not need a full, detailed description of all of
the sites in the area of affect, we do need some descriptive data
on each site. This Information should include a brief
description of the site with particular emphasis on those
elements that qualify it for inclusion In the National Register,
e.g., What significant research questions can be addressed with
data from the property? Why does COE believe that the site
Includes relevant data? What degree of Integrity does the site
retain? This description should also consider answers to these
questions in the context of all of the historic properties
present In the impact area, e.g., a site may individually lack
the ability to contribute to answering slglnfioant questions but
may make a contribution as part of the complex of sites.
Item 6 (Description of adverse effect) needs to be expanded upon.
Will all of the sites be affected? Will they all be equally
affected? For the sites that will not be directly affected, what
will be the indirect effects (If any) of the development project?.
For the sites that'the developer has already agreed to avoid,
will there be indirect effects?
Item 9 (Description of alternatives) should be expanded. For
example, Are*there any design alternatives that will avoid or
minimize effects to some or all of the sites? Are suoh measures
feasible and/or defensible from a cost effectiveness perspective?
Is data recovery actually justifiable in accordance with the
principles and recommendations detailed In the the Council's
"Treatment of Aroheologloal Properties: A Handbook" Parts I and
III?
Item 10 cannot be fully evaluated until these questions and the
natter of eligibility have been resolved.
Finally, for all alternatives, consideration of possible presenoe
and effect to properties of cultural significance must be
incorporated in the PCR.
ir
We will be available to assist in the development of the
additional documentation for the PCR and, once the PCR Is
completed, the MOA In any reasonable fashion. If you have any
questions or If the Council can be of assistance, please contact
Alan Downer at (303) 236-2682 (commercial) or 776-2682 (FTS).
Sincerely,
BolieFt Fink
Chief, Western Division of'
Project Review
If/:-
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wnrio
Operations Branch
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U ( AlWrtlKltHHItmSIIUCI.KOttOlUlU
August 12, 1985
Mr. Robert Fink
Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation
730 Simms Street, ROOD 450
Golden, Colorado 80401
Dear Mr. Fink:
In regards to your letter of June 13, 1985 concerning the
Haikoloa Beach Resort permit application (PODCO-0 1812), we have "
completed our coordination with the Hawaii State Historic
Preservation Officer concerning compliance with the National
Historic Preservation Act, as amended.
In summary, the State Historic Preservation Officer and we
agreed that archaeological sites on the Haikoloa Beach Resort
Properties, outside of the Hyatt Hotel site, are considered
eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places
because of the scientific information that can contribute to the
knowledge of Hawaiian history. He also agree that the proposed
Haikoloa Beach Resort project would not have an adverse effect on
the eligible properties provided the information is salvaged in
accordance with the enclosed Data Recovery Plan dated July 1985 in
the Preliminary Case Report (End 2).
Me request that a Memorandum of Agreement be prepared and
executed between the Corps of Engineers, the Hawaii State Historic
Preservation Officer and the permit applicants, Transcontinental
Development Company and Atpac Land Company. A draft Memorandum of
Agreement (Encl 1) and Preliminary Case Report (Encl 2) are
provided for your Information and comment.
Sincerely,
W. J. Paresa
Acting CJiief, Construction-Operations
Division
Enclosures
Copies Furnished with enclosures:
State Historic Preservation Officer
Transcontinental.Development Co., Attn: Mr. Jack Coulter
DRAFT
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District
(Corps) it considering a proposed permit to Transcontinental
Development Co. and Atpac Land Co. -for the excavation and filling
of anchiallne pond* at Walkoloa, Anaehoomalu, South Kohala
District, laland of Hawaii! and,
WHEREAS, the Corps in consultation with the Hawaii State
Historic Preservation Officer (BHPO), have determined that this
construction (hereafter "undertaking") as proposed would not have
an adverse effect upon archaeological sites at Waikoloa that were
considered eligible for inclusion to the National Register of
Historic Places) and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 (16 USC Sec. 470f, as amended, 90 Stat.
1320) and Section 800.4(d) of the regulations of the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation (Council), "Protection of
Historic and Cultural Properties" (36 CFR Part BOO), the Corps
has requested the comments of the Council| and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section BOO.6 of the Council's
regulations, representatives of the Council, the Corps, and the
Hawaii BHPO have consulted and reviewed the undertaking to
consider feasible and prudent alternatives to avoid or
satisfactorily mitigate the adverse effect)
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed that if the permit is
granted the undertaking shall be implemented in accordance with
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T
-P-
the following stipulations to minimize adverse effects on the
above-mentioned properties.
STIPULATIONS
I. The Corps shall condition its permit to Transcontinental
Development Co. and Atpac Land Co. as followsi
I. The applicant* shall implement data recovery in
accordance with the attached Data Recovery Plan, dated July 1985,
after they have considered architectural designs that could possibly
preserve, enhance or restore some of the archaeological sites.
2. Where no architectural designs are feasible, the applicants
shall notify the Corps and the Hawaii SHOP that they intend to
execute the Data Recovery Plan.
3. All clearing, ground-disturbing, and borrow/quarry
activities shall be monitored by an archeologist. In the event,
that previously unidentified archaeological properties, features,
or cultural material are discovered, activities that could
adversely affect them shall be stopped and they shall be evaluated
in consultation with the Hawaii SHPO to determine their potential
to contribute information important to Hawaiian history or
prehistory. If any such remains are determined to be important,
all activities that would adversely affect them shall be delayed
until measures developed in consultation with the Hawaii SHPO are
taken to protect them or to preserve the important information
they contain.
4. All specimens, field notes, photographs, negatives, and
processed data (tables, maps, etc.) shall be stored in good order
at an appropriately equipped institution in a manner that makes
them available for future study.
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36 CFR 800
PRELIMINARY CASE REPORT
WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION
PODCO-0 1812-SD
1. A description of the Agency's Involvement with the proposed undertaking
with citations of the agency's program authority and applicable Implementing
regulations, procedures and guidelines.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, 1s evaluating a
Department of the Army Permit application to fill several anchlallne ponds at
Ualkoloa Beach resort under the authority of Section 404 of the Clean Hater
Act, as amended. The permit Is being processed in accordance with Corps
regulations (33 CFR 320). The area covered by the permit Involving the
archaeological sites Is shown In Attachment 1, and Figure 3, Data Recovery
Plan, dated July 1985 (Attachment 2).
2. The status of this project In the agency's approval process.
The Honolulu District Is presently evaluating the permit application. A
decision on the permit application may be made by November 1985.
3. The status of this project In the agency's NEPA compliance process and the
target date for completion of all environmental responsibilities.
Completion of the NEPA process Is scheduled for October 1985.
4. A description of the proposed undertaking including, as appropriate,
photographs, maps, drawings and specifications.
Within the subject properties, the permit applicants, Transcontinental
Development Co. and ATPAC Land Co., Intend to fill several anchlallne ponds
(ponds, outside the highlighted area on Attachment 3). Filling the anchialine
ponds would permit the construction of two hotels and a condominium on
properties shown on Attachment 1, and Figure 3, Data Recovery Plan (Atch 2).
No specific site plans have been developed for the subject properties.
However, the process of filling the anchialine ponds and preparing the site
for construction would destroy archaeological sites located outside of a pond
preservation area.
5. A description of the National Register or eligible properties affected by
the undertaking, including a description of the properties' physical
appearance and significance.
The properties affected by the hotel and condominium construction are
described in the Data Recovery Plan and listed on Table 1, Data Recovery Plan,
July 1985 (Atch 2). These properties consist of cave habitation sites, cave
burial sites, stone cairns (trail markers) and parts of the coastal trail.
Some surface features consist of caves and surface enclosures.
6. A brief statement explaining why any of the Criteria of Adverse Effect
apply.
The condominium and hotel projects cannot be built without filling
anehlalltte ponds and raising the ground level. As presently conceived, the
construction activities would destroy ill the archaeological sites shown on
Attachment 1 and Identified In Attachment 2.
7, Written views of the State Historic Preservationiflff-lce concerning the
effect on the property, if available.
State Historic Preservation Officer comments are attached (Attachments 4,
5 and 6).
8. The views of other Federal agencies. State and local governments, and the
other groups or individuals, when known.
Comments from the Society of Hawaii Archaeology are attached
(Attachment 7).
9. A description and analysis of alternatives that would avoid the adverse
effects.
Under the Corps permit application, the applicant has requested
authorization to fill and excavate anchlaline ponds. Host of the
archaeological sites are located on properties adjacent to the ponds, thus the
permit applicants could design a condominium or hotel that would not require
any filling of ponds, but still destroy the archaeological sites. Under this
scenario, denial of the permit application can eliminate present development
plans, but may not avoid adverse effects In the long run.
Expansion of the anchialine pond preservation area could also reduce
adverse effects by Incorporating some archaeological sites into the pond
preservation area. This would not preserve the Anaehoomalu Point Cluster or
the Ridge Settlement Complex, especially since these archaeological sites are
not located In pond areas.
10. A description and analysis of alternatives that would mitigate the
adverse effects.
The State Historic Preservation Officer recommended data recovery and
reinterment of human remains, see Attachments 4, 5, and 7. The Corps
recommends that the Data Recovery Plans should not be implemented until after
the applicant has considered architectural designs that could possibly
preserve, enhance or restore some of the archaeological sites. Once specific
construction plans are developed, the applicant would notify the Corps and the
State Historic Preservation Officer that he intends to execute the data
Recovery Plan. (See Attachment 8.)
11. An estimate of the cost of the undertaking, identifying Federal and
non-Federal shares.
The proposed action is not a Federal or local government undertaking. The
proposed action is totally funded by private funds. Development costs were
requested from the applicants.
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Appendix I
Public Hearing Notice and Record
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US Army Corps
of Engineers
Honolulu District
Public Notice
Public Nonce No Dale
PODCO-0 1812-SO March 6, 1985
Reply lo District Engineer IPOOCO-O) ttospond by 11 «
US Army Cwpsol Engmeeis
Building 230
Fl Shallet. HI 96858
POSTPONEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING
OH DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (DA) PERMIT APPLICATION
FOR THE WAIKOLOA HYATT RESORT DEVELOPMENT
WAIULUA BAY, WAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA
ISLAND OF HAWAII, STATE OF HAWAII
1. Notice is hereby gtven that the public hearing originally scheduled for
Thursday, March 14, 1985, at the Sheraton Maikoloa Hotel has been postponed.
2. The public hearing has been rescheduled for:
DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 1985
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: Sheraton Waikoloa Hotel
During the hearing, the applicant will discuss the project's features and
its environmental impacts. The public will have the opportunity to present
their views, opinions and Information on the proposed-project. This will
assist the District Engineer in making a decision on the permit application.
3. DISTRIBUTION OF NOTICE: This notice of public hearing is being sent to
various agencies of the Federal, State, and County governments. It is also
being sent to various organizations and citizens' groups that have expressed
an Interest In the permit action and to the parties requesting a hearing.
However, all citizens, whether or not they have received the notice, are
invited to be present or represented at the hearing. Everyone will be given
full opportunity to present his views on the permit application. Oral
statements will be heard, but for the accuracy of-the record, all important
facts should be submitted in writing. Written statements may be submitted
at the hearing or mailed to the District Engineer, at the address given on
the letterhead, before the hearing. Please bring this notice of public
hearing to the attention of anyone Interested in the proposed project.
4. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be available to the
public on March 25, 1985.
5. ADDRESS: Questions regarding the proposed action, DEIS, and public
hearing can be answered by:
Mr. Michael T. Lee
Biologist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Construction-Operations Division
Operations Branch
Room 205, Building 230
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858-5440
Phone: 438-9258
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THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
HONOLULU DISTRICT
IN RE: . PODCO-0 1812-SD )
)
DEPARTMENT OP THE ARMY )
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR
THE WAIKOLOA HYATT
RESORT DEVELOPMENT -
WAIULUA BAY, HAIKOLOA,
SOUTH KOHALA, ISLAND OF
HAWAII, STATE OP HAWAII
PUBLIC HEARING
A public hearing was held in the above-entitled
matter on Tuesday, April 9, 1985, commencing at
7:00 p.m., at the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel,
Waikoloa, Hawaii, pursuant to Public Notice.
ROSTER OF ATTENDANCE
For the U.S. ARMY CORPS COL. MICHAEL M. JENKS
OF ENGINEERS; Honolulu District Engineer
District:
MICHAEL LEE
Civil Engineer
JOHN EMMERSON
Civil Engineer
CYNTHIA KAYWELL
General Attorney
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Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Reported by: CARMEN A. BURDITTE, TCSR 10-39
Powers & Associates, Honolulu
STATE & LOCAL OFFICIALS
AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Peter Stine
Reed Flickinger
Bob Nishimoto
Robert K." Lindsey • ••
Jan Auyong
Kalani Schutte
•Takashi Domingo
Robert Herkes
A. Lono Hyman
Greg Moores
Norbert A. Vallee
Kem Melrose
Lynn B. Markas
Clifton H. Jenkins
Neele P. Schultz
Glen Byers
Will Sanburn
David E. Kerr
Michael Brennan
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.2 Denise F. Cosby
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4 Ann Yoklavich
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6 Nat Wolozin
1 Don J. Daley
8 H. Peter L'Orange
9 Peter Young
10 Bill Knutson
It Herbert T. Lawton
12 Philip L. Luce
13 -Helen Luce
14 -George E. "Pete" Goss
IS J. A. Hanlet
16 Deborah Chang Abreu
17 John I. Ford
18 Carrie Markas
19 Paul H. Rosendahl
20 T. Nicely
21 Ronald Lum
22 Lorraine R. Ellison
23 P. Quentin Tornich
24 Thomas F. Schmidt
25 Myron D. A. Olson
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Hilda Filipek
H. Filipek
Elaine Flores
Samuel Hook
William Ahyou Akau
Noelle Bennett
Dan Biernie
Douglas Blake
Cynthia Calderone
Douglas Carr
Fay Chaffee
Al Cho
Alika Kailiauu Cooper
Armand A. Cote
Kathryn S. Diffley
David Eldridge
Dennis Nakaoka
Alfie Fujitani
Toni Fortin
Derrick H. Fukumoto
Dick Goodman
Stephen Green
Kelly Greenwell
M/M Dennis Haserot
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Maralyn Kerkeu
Patrice J. Ishizaki
Doris Jacober
Frank E. Jacober
Sonny A. Kaniho
Robert Keakealane
Jan Kimball
W. Lau
Winifred Lilleeng
Cathy Louder
Shelley Maesaka
Donna T. H. Mah
Joseph Mah
Maile Melrose
Mrs. Thomas Mikita
James Naniole
Robert W. Nettnin
Richard Rowe
John H. Sakamoto
Harvey R. Schestag
Ron Sewell
Wade T. Shaffer
Richard Sinnott
Ramsay R. M. Taum
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Richard Titgen
Robert K. Uraeraura
Hana C. Hedemeyer
M/M P. Reeve Hilliama
Julie Williams
G. Tweetie Wong
Myron Vamasato
Fred T. Vamashiro
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INDEX
Opening of Hearing (By Col. Jenks)
SPEAKERS
Bob Diffley
Chris Hemmeter
Perry White
A. Lono Lyman
Robert Herkes
Bill Knutson
Peter L 'Orange
Douglas Blake
P. Quentin Tomich
Peter Young
Ron Sewell
Bob Lindsey
Al Cho
William Akau
Robert Keak.ealane
Richard Titgen
Deborah Chang Abreu
Greg Moores'
G. Tweetie Wong
Jan Auyong
Douglas Carr.
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;;; • )
INDEX
(continued)
Elaine Flores
Closing Remarks (By Colonel Jenks)
3A
EJSLS
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a
April 9, 1985
7sOO p.m.
COLONEL JENKS: Good evening, ladies and
gentlemen. I'm Colonel Mike Jenka, District
Engineer of the Honolulu District, Corps of
Engineers. Welcome -to this public hearing on the
Department of the Army Permit Application for the
excavation of a swimming area and filling of
anchialine ponds at Haikoloa Beach Resort Properties,
Hawaii.
The applicant is Transcontinental
Development Company and Atpac Land Company.
Before we get into the hearing itself,
there are some blue sign-in cards that you should
be completing; and those are important, because
we need to know who you are and whether you wish
to speak tonight. Also you will be—if you are
interested, you will be indicated on our mailing
list for any further consideration of this project.
The lady in the red will—if you raise your hand,
she will collect any of the cards or provide you
with additional cards.
While we're taking care of some of the
administrative arrangements, let me tell you a little
bit about the purpose here, tonight. As you may
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know, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers io
responsible for all work in navigable waters of
the United States, and all discharges of dredged
and fill material into waters of the United States.
The proposed excavation of the swimming area and
filling of anchialine ponds requires a Department
of the Army permit, under Section 10 of the '1899
Rivers and Harbors Act, and Section 404 of the 1972
Amendments to the Clean Water Act.
Copies of our public notice describing
the proposed work and the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement have been made available to the
public in public libraries; and I believe we have
a few copies here this evening, if you haven't
seen those. We had scheduled this public hearing
a little earlier, and apologize to you that we
have delayed it until tonight, because some issues
were raised and we wanted to make sure that we
addressed those in the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement so that you could review those prior to
the hearing.
The purpose of the meeting today is to
obtain information or evidence which will be
considered in evaluating the permit application, to
give everyone an opportunity to present their
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views and opinions and any pertinent information .
that you may have on this project. In other words,
we're here to get your comments, what you have to
say.
I will be the decider for the Army
permit, and I'll listen very closely to what you
have to say, and I'll use that information. And the
primary document that I'll be looking at is the
Environmental Impact Statement when it's finalized.
During the hearing, I will first call on
the applicant to review the features and environmental
impacts of the proposed project, and present other'
pertinent information and explain to you a little
bit about what the project is.
Following his presentation, we'll call .
on the elected officials or their designated
representatives who wish to comment on the project.
Then I'll call on representatives of various
governmental agencies to give their views, followed
by individuals who have indicated that they wish
to speak this evening.
Finally, the applicant will have the
opportunity to comment or to respond to any issues
that may have been raised that could be perhaps
clarified in some of the minds of the people here.
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But this is not a meeting to discuss the pros and
cons of the project, or to argue the merits of the
project. It's simply an opportunity for me to
receive input into the decision process.
Consequently, there will be no cross-examination
of the applicant or any of the people that wish to
speak this evening.
We have a microphone here, and I will
ask you to come to the microphone when I call your
name; and speak—state your name and who you
represent, if you represent any organization or
any elected official. I would like to limit comment,
because of the number of people that we have, to
five to eight minutes. Many of you, I presume,
could do it in less time than that, and that's
fine. But we will cut you off, though—a maximum
of ten minutes.
Are there any comments or questions on
the administrative procedures before we get started
with the meeting?
We have several representatives of the
County, and I apologize if I don't pronounce your
name correctly, or if I can't quite make out your
writing—but Robert Herkes, would he raise his
hand?
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Thank you. The chief of—the director
of planning, Mr. Lyman—saw him earlier. There he
is. And representing the Mayor, Office of the
Mayor, Gary Hoores.
A PARTICIPANT: Greg Moores. He'll be
here after eight.
COLONEL JENKSj Okay, fine.
We have a representative of the Fish &
Wildlife Service, Peter Stine—U. S. Fish & Wildlife
Service.
Anyone else I missed?
MR. LINDSEY: Representative Robert
Lindsey from Waimea.
COLONEL JENKS: Thank you. Anyone else?
Any representatives, elected officials?
Again, for those that just came in in the
back, please see the lady circulating among you
for a blue card, if you haven't filled it out. And
just give me a few minutes to go through these cards,
if you would.
We're going to have the applicant make
a presentation. Representing the applicant—actually,
Waikoloa Resort Developments—Mr. Bob Diffley, who
will start the presentation. And he'll be followed
by Mr. Chris Hemmeter, who will address the Hyatt
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Regency Hotel project itsolf more specifically.
MR. DIFFLEY: Good evening. My name
is Bob Diffley. I am project manager here at
Waikoloa, and.I represent the applicants, who are
Transcontinental and Atpac Land Company. One
additional—we will have a third party as part of
the applicant, who has worked very diligently
over the last year in his environmental impact
report and is quite familiar with all of the items
contained in it.
I would first like to start by giving
a brief background of the Waikoloa Beach Resort
•in order to put our plans that we have today into
the proper perspective. This resort was created
back in the 1970's, but it was not created only
by the developer, nor was it created in isolation
as an independent development.
During the 1970's, both the State and
County governments realized that there was a great
deal of visitor potential for the West Hawaii
area. And realizing this potential, the State
and County governments cooperated in developing
a number of facilities to enable developers in turn
to create resorts.
During this period, the Ke Ahole airport
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was developed, the Queen Kaahumanu Highway was
built.
Waikoloa has its own water, but there
has been extensive effort among County officials
to create an atmosphere in which beach resorts
could be developed along the coastline and make
the Kohala coast a true visitor destination area.
In this context, the County also approved
a number of proposals that we had made previously
to zone our particular properties.
This aerial photograph that you see on
your left over here gives you a graphical
representation of the subdivisions which have
been created, and was created many years ago for
Waikoloa Beach Resort.
This zoning was created by the County
with the intent of allowing the developers,
Transcontinental Development, to develop something
in excess of three thousand hotel rooms here
at Waikoloa Hotel Beach Resort.
This zoning was contingent upon our
fulfilling certain conditions. And among those
conditions were that we had to provide sufficient
water to handle the development. We have done
that.
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We have two water wells in the Waikoloa
village, which provide over a million gallons a
week. And we have done that.
On the aerial photograph, in the upper
right hand, edge of it, you can actually see a
photograph of the sewage treatment plant which
we have built.
It has been necessary to bring power in,
and utilities, to the site; and we have brought
all of those in.
Basically, after fifteen years of effort,
we have sites at Waikoloa Beach Resort which are '
ready for hotel development. We have all of the
infrastructure necessary.
We are looking forward to building
developments which will make the people of West
Hawaii proud that they live here.
Too, I think at this time, realizing
that the resort is the result of fifteen years of
evolution and work on the part of the County,
the State and all of the people of West Hawaii,
we think we would really like to have the Hyatt
Regency Waikoloa. And so to bring to you the
facility that they would like to see built here,
I would like to now introduce Chris Hemmeter.
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MR. IIEHHETER: Good evening. My name ia
Chris Ilerameter. I appreciate your introduction.
Colonel Jenks and fellow interested
citizens of our State; in 1980, Transcontinental
approached our organization, soliciting our interest
in developing a world class hotel at the Waikoloa
Hotel Resort Project.
We spent well over a year in studying
various alternatives to the Waikoloa site—various
alternatives, not only on this island, but
throughout our island chain. We came to the
conclusion, after these extensive studies, that
the Waikoloa project indeed was a project
committed to a long-range program of quality
consistent with the needs and expressions of our
community.
It was through this study that we decided
in 1982 to become directly involved in the
development of the Waikoloa Resort Project, with
the development of the proposed Hyatt Regency
Waikoloa Hotel.
We established certain principles when
we initially set out on our task. One principle
was to develop a world class facility, a world class
facility that would not occupy a small parcel of
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land, because we were surrounded by literally tena
of thousands of acres of land. And it would be
ridiculous to come in here and create the Waikiki
syndrome. We wanted to be expansive and create
a park-like study where we could develop a hotel
that was very water-dependent» that could be
responsive to traveling needs.
In this overall study, we determined that
the expanse of this hotel should, in fact, include
lands south of the proposed hotel sites. This
was absolutely necessary to create the critical
place which, in fact, would attract the visiting
public's attention and bring recognition and, of
course, the ultimate marketing success on this
island.
When we set out with Our principle of
developing the finest hotel in the world, we
understood that that ought to be integrated with
our community. We didn't believe that we could
develop this type of a hotel in a vacuum. We knew
that we needed community support. We knew that
we needed the community to work in our project,
and we knew that we were going to create property
tax equivalent to ten percent of the property tax
base of our island.
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Our first year's projection: the hotel
is to do as much business as all hotels in the
island of Hawaii combined. It will have an
enormous economic impact. Thus, we ought to act
in a responsible fashion. And we set forth to do
that.
Our application precipitated the
environmental impact statement, because we wanted
to fill certain anchialine ponds. We wanted to
do some dredging, because unfortunately, our hotel
site was not blessed with some of the beautiful
beaches we find in other parts of the island. So;
we determined that we were going to have to create
an internal lagoon system on the property and to
become involved with our natural water.
A hotel in Hawaii is water-dependent.
There is some concern that a hotel such as this
is non-water-dependent, that it could be moved in
from mauka land, and it can be successful.
I would only have to point out a few
examples in Hawaii where this has not been the
case, and it would be very apparent to all of us
how water-dependent resort hotels in Hawaii are.
When we started our discussions with the
Army Corps of Engineers, with regard to a permit
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to fill certain anohialine ponds on our property,
we engaged in what we felt was the top experts in
the field of anchialine ponds, other areas that
deal with our environment, to be sure that not
only did we address these issues in a sensitive
manner, but we could defend our position. And our
position could hold up on, not only a technical
basis, but it could hold up in the area of the
overall thrust and need of our community and the
expressions that have been given to us as it relates
to the environment and how we should be sensitive
to it and deal with it.
As we proceeded with this development,
it became very apparent to us that we weren't
dealing with just a hotel project and specific
use of the ocean front property.
Without the ocean front property and the
economic project, there will be no further
development at Haikoloa and economic chaos will
exist. No question about it. So, recognizing
this, we decided that we ought to request that
the Army Corps take a look at the overall
Haikoloa Resort Hotel Project, and not just
specifically our hotel site.
That we have attempted to do. And I
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| think we will propose to you this evening solutions,
2 recommendations, and demonstrate to you our concern
3 and what we are going to do to preserve the
4 anchialine ponds, to preserve the ecological
5 aspects of our water front here that will, in
6 fact, mitigate the circumstances of our filling
7 certain of the ponds. That has been our proposal.
8 We will continue on that endeavor.
9 - There is an awful lot at stake for all
10 of us, and we are sensitive to it. And we
It understand that there is an awful lot at stake,
J2 not only for developers, but for those who live
13 on the island and also for folks concerned about
14 our environment.
15 We are pleased to be here, and hopefully
16 we can join together and -set the further
17 development of this beautiful island.
IS I would now like to introduce the next
19 gentleman who will be speaking.
20 If Perry will come forward.
21 He can give you a little bit of the
22 background of our involvement as it relates to the
23 federal environmental impact statement.
24 MR. WHITE: My name is Perry White, and
25 I "ork for Belt Collins and Associates. And we
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have had long involvement in the Haikoloa project,
frow early master planning back in the 1970'a
through a hiatus in the late 1970's and early '80's,
and some involvement both in the engineering for
this specific Hyatt site and in preparation or
at least coordination of some of the environmental
studies which covered all of the coastal parcels
on the Haikoloa Beach Resort.
Some of the things which have been said
up until now is that the real topic that we are
dealing with tonight has to do with the entire
Waikoloa Beach Resort. The trigger for that is
the Hyatt project. It involves filling of certain
anchialine ponds that also require an Army Corps
permit. And, in fact, in September 194B, when we
were first formally involved in the Corps in the
process, that is all that it involved.
The permit application originally was for
permission to fill ponds on the Hyatt site, and
to create a lagoon on the Hyatt site and, in fact,
a preliminary environmental assessment was
prepared. And it was completed in November 1984,
and dealt only with the high side. It left moot
what would happen with ponds elsewhere on the
Waikoloa Beach Resort. And I will get back to
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this, though, in a minute. But it became apparent
as we went through a process of coordinating with
our government agencies ana listening to public
comment on it that probably the Hyatt site alone
was not an appropriate limit to the discussion.
Because we saw that we really were going to have
to deal with anohialine ponds, water qualities
and a number of other issues on a much more global
basis.
But by the time we got to January 1985,
we had made the switch from talking about the
Hyatt site and the filling of ponds on the Hyatt
site, to filling ponds and preserving across the
entire Waikoloa resort.
I am going to do a little bit of work
with the drawings and the maps over here. 1 am
sorry they 'are so low down, because I think they
are going to be hard to see—because I want to
take nineteen seconds to trace the mystery and
give you some good familiarity with what is going
on.
This is a very nice photograph taken
about 1982. What you see, white lines superimposed
on it, are the development as it existed before
the Hyatt proposal came along. The Hyatt site—and
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again I apologize to the people in the back—
consisted of a number of sites as they had existed,
several sites around Waiulua. Those were hotel
sites. One was a condo, one was a hotel. Site 14,
which was zoned for hotel use. 15 had originally
been planned for a marina, back in .the 1970's,
and that is the reason for. its open zoning. 14 over
here was hotel-zoned--as you move around—you had
some condo and other hotel sites. The Hyatt site
as we now know it, or as it came to be as part
of this procession that I was talking about—I
will try hold this up for a while so that you can '
see it, if you are in back--involved something
a lot different.
Okay. Basically what happened is that
these separate parcels down here had become one
roughly 65-acre site. The site has actually
expanded, taken a little bit of the golf course.
It now entirely surrounds Waiulua Bay, and coming
way over. I don't know if you can compare the
line down to here, but originally the Hyatt site
went something like this: it had no pond
preservation areas.
The pond preservation area is shown in
green. And I would like to draw all your attention
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to the fact that there is not only one area proposed
on here. There is also a—one around the
Anaeho'omalu Bay fishpond, also shown in green up
here.
As a result of the creation of the
proposed pond preservation areas, and that proposal
is the developer's proposal. It is one which we
feel balances needs of development with needs for
pond preservation. It encompasses 36 ponds and
about 12 acres of land. It is expensive land,
beachfront land.
We think that within the area, based
on the studies that have been done for us by
consultants and others, it incorporates ponds of
a wide range of quality, ponds of all the different
types that are found within the Waikoloa Beach
Resorts. Basically, a good cross-section of
ponds of different types and quality. And we
think that it is a microcosm, in fact, of ponds
that are found about and throughout the entire
resort area.
Perhaps one thing that is missing is
the very open kind of pond that is found right
down here near the entrance to Waiulua Bay, which
is much more bay-like than the traditional or
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archetypal anchialino ponda.
One other thing I will do while I'm down
here is put one other nap down here. Just to
put things into perspective, we will do a lot of
talking about the ponds that are present on the
Waikoloa Beach Resort site—but I think you should
get some idea that we are not talking about
something that is in a vacuum or something only
at Waikoloa.
This represents the ponds that were
identified in the study that was published in 1974.
Actually, it was representative in 1972, by'
Maciolek t, Brock.' They took a good look .at many"•
anchialine ponds.
The west coast south point goes all the
way up into north Kohala. There was about 300-some
different ponds that they identified, but there
were certain areas where they didn't count every
single pond. So, in fact, the number of ponds
present on the coast is somewhere at least in
the neighborhood of over 500, maybe higher.
There is no doubt that there are very
fine ponds at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. There
are also very find ponds elsewhere. And I think
the basic point that we have tried to reach that
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I protects a large number of ponds, roughly a third
2 of those present, the Waikoloa Beach Resort
3 protects some of the best ponds and basically
4 leaves us with a good resource. In fact, the
5 resource that is left here within the pond
6 preservation area is roughly, in terms of pond
7 number, the same as the best of the areas that
8 are found on this coast.
9 Just a couple of other things I want
10 to hit, and that has to do with the procession
II that we went through to get here. I have already
12 touched on this—some of those, but I want to go
13 back, and State land use designation for this
14 resort area was given back in 1968. That is
IS sixteen years, ago, seventeen years ago. The
IIS general plan designation for resources, use of this
17 area, came in 1970, fifteen years ago.
18 The zoning for it was first granted in
19 1972. It was changed slightly in 1977, roughly
20 eight years ago. In 1977 there was also a Corps
2| permit issued that allowed the filling of certain
22 anchialine ponds on Site 12, and those of you
23 who are close enough can see it.
24 At that time, redevelopment was proposed
25 for that site, and the Corps permit allowed
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filling some ponds, preservation of others.
Basically, that was the attitude that was taken,
in the hope that the ponds were a worthwhile resource,
and that some should be saved—and that was the
effort that Waikoloa committed to the process.
The original Corps permit application,
January 1985—the revised Corps permit application
which was proposed by the applicant, a pond
preservation area. And at one point—and I would
like to correct what has been said by some people—
we did not prepare the BIS. That is a Corps EIS.
They are responsible. We commissioned and oversaw
some of the studies that are on it, and commented
on it and gave it our best effort. But that
reflects what the Corps has said. And there are
a lot of things in there, I'think, that we do not
have. For example, in the environmental assessment
that was submitted to the County—^when I talk about
that, there is a requirement for the Corps to address
all alternatives. And I think we—they did a
good job of it, and sat down. And I think we
said, "Here is what we have to do." And that is
aimed between some balance between pond preservation
and development and necessity.
But there are other people who may have
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different values of what kind of a plan,would they
draw up. And we looked at a whole bunch of
different alternatives, none of which are believed
by the developer to be equally viable. And I think
Chris made that fairly clear. But we do have some
other values to them. They are addressed in the
Corps EIS as well.
I think the only other things I would
like to say is that in terms of environmental
assessment, which -we did, and my reading of the
Corps EIS, important points to keep in mind is
that there will be a host of ponds. There will
be a preservation of ponds. There will not be a
significant degradation of coastal water quality
as a result of any of the activities proposed.
And there will not be a significant degradation of
water quality in the ponds remaining in the
preservation area. And I think that is a key item.
But because of the thing that drove the final
shape', the preservation area is to establish one
that has sufficient space and a proper location
such that it would not be affected by surrounding
resort activities.
We have evidence from two studies, one
done in 1977 and one done in 1984. So I think we
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wound up with something that is durable and it can
survive over time. And it ia a pond preservation
plan which we feel works.
Thank you very much.
COLONEL JENKSs I will not go through them
all, but I do have a number of letters that will
be introduced and considered in the preparation
of the EIS. He have statements here. If you would
like to read from them, they are fine. And if
you would like to summarize them, that is fine
also. But if you have a prepared statement, let
us have a copy of that, if you w .Id.
Also, if you do not wish to speak, but
if you have a prepared statement, you can leave it
with me before you leave this evening, if you
would.
The people on the rostrum here with me
are from the Corps of Engineers: Mr. Mike Lee, to
my far right, is the marine biologist with our
regulatory function staff, and is the principal
preparer of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement. Next to him is John Emmerson, project
manager for this project from the Corps of Engineers.
And to my left is Miss Cindy Kaywell, who is with
the office of Counsel for the Corps of Engineers.
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I The first speaker—I'm going to ask
2 Mr. Lyman, the Director of Planning for the County
3 of Hawaii, to resume, if he would.
4 Those coming from the floor may use the
5 microphone here, down at floor level—and address
6 me, if you would.
7 MR. LYMAN: Thank you very much,
8 Colonel.
9 . Members of the audience, and members of
10 the staff of the staff of the Army Corps of
II Engineers, I'm Albert Lono Lyman, Planning Director
12 of the County of Hawaii. I'm here tonight to speak
13 as the County's chief planning officer.
14 Before beginning tonight, I'd like to
1$ note that the County Planning Commission this
16 afternoon approved three permits and variances require
17 for the development, and recommended app'roval of zonin
U changes for the project site. Within the sphere
19 of the County government, the only action that
20 remains is Council approval of the zoning changes.
21 Other than Council approval of the
22 zoning changes, the permits which are the focus
23 of this hearing remain the only approval required
24 to begin the development.
25 With respect to the permit application
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being considered tonight,.! would begin my comments
by saying that the County Planning Department
will be submitting more detailed written comments.
Tonight I would like to make the following remarks,
though.
Since the Corps permit has very
significant implications related to land use,
an.d to the future economic development of the
County, we feel it would have been more
appropriate to have consulted with the County
throughout the permitting process. We ask that
this be done in the future, since the County's
administration is directly accountable to the
residents of the County; and we strongly believe
that we can provide perspectives the federal
agencies do not share.
Second is that we feel that the proposed
12-acre pond preservation area more than satisfies
the area required to offset the impact of filling
the anchialine ponds in the remainder of the
resort. Taken with the existing 16-acre pond area
designated by the County as conservation of open
space, we feel that the total 28 acres that this
would comprise represents sufficient pond areas
on the resort for the enjoyment of future
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generations.
If it's deemed desirable to preserve
additional ponds, it should be done elsewhere,
not through this project.
We also feel that the management plan
for the proposed pond preservation area, which
is subject to County review and approval, should
be done in a joint effort involving representatives
of the resort, the County, and the appropriate
federal agencies.
The limited information in the EIS
related to the pond management plan indicate that
the proposal to set back development on the
adjacent parcels, in order to avoid as yet to be
substantiated impacts attributable to shadows and
disruption of air circulation patterns—the County
asks that it be responsible for the task of this
and related land use matters.
Additionally, since these impacts are
yet to be substantiated, we would conclude that
it is imprudent to set such a condition at this
time. I would note that the County's building
height ordinance limits the height of developments
on the island. And as with variances, resort
developments have been allowed to go to six
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stories, aa waa the case with the Hyatt Haikoloa.
This ordinance is strictly adhered to, and is
consistent with the height limits set by all three
neighbor island counties. And these height limits
reflect the preference of the neighbor island
communities, to limit developments to mid-rise
heights that are compatible with their rural
settings.
We also feel that the project as
conceived will provide guests to the Hyatt and
other hotels in West Hawaii a broad mix of
recreational and other' resort facilities. This
in terms should broaden the visitor market base
for the County, and should stimulate considerable
economic growth benefiting the County's residents.
This growth is important, given the County's
current sluggish economy and the prospect of the
island's sugar industry declining.
In closing, I ask that the Army Corps of
Engineers and the other federal agencies
participating in the federal permitting process
carefully consider the economic benefits that.-.the
Hyatt Waikoloa would have for the residents of the
County.
The federal Environmental Impact Statement
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for the project summarizes these benefits. And
we believe that the benefits will far exceed any
adverse effects from the development of the
resort. And the efforts of the developer more
than satisfy the concerns of the County
administration regarding the Hyatt and future
construction planned at the resort.
Denial or further delay of this project,
attributable to the federal permitting process,
could have very serious negative repercussions,
and potentially could deprive the County's
residents of the benefits they stand to gain from
this project.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: I ask you not to take
any photographs. I'm sure Mr. Lyman doesn't,
being a public official, but some private
individuals may object to that. So if you would
refrain from taking photographs of anyone here,
please.
County of Hawaii, Mr. Bob Herkes, will
speak now, please.
MR. HERKES: Colonel Jenks , I suppose
that it would have been possible for the County
Council to submit their testimony in writing. But
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it is impossible for a group of politicians not
to appear in person and speak verbally.
My name is Robert Herkes, and I am a
member of the Hawaii County Council, which is the
legislative body for this island. At a regularly
scheduled meeting of that body, the members voted
unanimously to support the project that is under
discussion tonight, and instructed the Chairman
to present supporting testimony.
He is unable to be here, tonight, and
asked that I represent the Council. Al;so in
attendance, to show their support,, are Vice' Chairman
Kalani. Schutte, and Councilman Domingo, the
chairman of the planning committee of the Council—
a true bipartisan representation, I might add.
Incidentally, at this point I'd like
to congratulate Mr. Hemmeter on being named the
Entrepeneur of the Year by our school, Cornell.
Congratulations. It's a great school.
Our testimony is:
Thank you for the opportunity to respond
to the proposal by Transcontinental Development
Company and Atpac Land Company. The applicants
are requesting authorization to excavate a 5-acre
lagoon; construct and maintain structures and a
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I beach in the lagoon; create and maintain a 12-acre
2 anchialine pond preservation area; and fill the
3 remaining anchialine ponds on the Haikoloa Beach
4 Resort properties. These proposals are necessary
5 to construct a 1,250 room luxury resort complex
6 • consisting of three towers and recreational
7 facilities.
8 The excavation of a 5-acre recreational
9 lagoon adjacent to Waiulua Bay is necessary to
10 provide easy access into the water due to hazardous
It conditions of the existing shoreline. The lagoon
12 will encompass an artificial beach which further
13 promotes a safe water recreation area.
I* • The creation and maintenance of a 12-acre
15 pond preservation area will perpetuate the aquatic '
16 ecosystem located on the Haikoloa Beach Resort
17 properties. The remaining anchialine ponds
18 located outside the designated preservation area,
19 which consists of 41 percent of the ponds, would
20 be filled to allow for the construction of the
21 Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel facility.
22 The development of'luxury properties
23 along the South Kohala coastline has changed the
24 complexion of the area into a major resort
25 destination. Planned resort developments will
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result in substantial increases in employment
opportunities and economic activities for the
communities of West Hawaii. The proposed resort
would further expand the County's.economic base
by providing recreational opportunities and
stimulating housing development and general business
activities.
This proposed project has been designed
as a world-class resort to entice visitors to
the South Kohala area. The lagoon and recreational
amenities were uniquely designed into this
project to attract selected visitors. Further,
the Waikoloa Hyatt Regency would complement..the
Sheraton Waikoloa Hotel by attracting additional
visitors to the area.
Alternatives I, II, and III as proposed
in the Environmental Impact Statement prepared by
the 0. S. Army Corps of Engineers would impede
the development of the recreational facilities
which may severely compromise the attraction of
this world-class resort.
Past experiences with Sheraton Haikoloa
Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, and Mauna Kea Properties
have shown that projects can be planned to protect
the environment and preserve archaeological and
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historical sites. The caliber of this commitment
will also give the Waikoloa properties the
recognition which may promulgate further
developments. Any alteration to the project plans
of Transcontinental Development Company and Atpac
Land Company would incur unnecessary delays and
additional expenses.
We believe that the project is in
consonance with the type of development the Council
has envisioned for the area and that every
effort should be made to avoid the imposition
of unnecessary obstacles. We, the legislative
branch of government, have constantly strived
.to create a climate conducive to encourage
development and economic activity, and have
continually sought to minimize'delays and
streamline the permit processes.
In closing, in behalf of myself and
members of the County Council, I recommend that
the U. S, Army Corps of Engineers approve the
applicants DA permit to allow the developers to
proceed with their resort project as planned.
And it's signed by Stephen K, Yamashiro,
Council Chairman.
And we also submit a letter that was
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sent to the Council by the International Union of
Elevator Constructors, which strongly supports
the economic impact of the project.
Thank you very much.
COLONEL JBNKS: Mr. Bill Knutson, from
the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.
MR. KNOTSON: Colonel, thank you.
It's a pleasure to be here tonight.
We're going to talk a little about the economic
important of this development to our coastline.
I think some of us here read quite frequently
in the paper about the' battleship task force
that the City and County of Honolulu has been
promoting to attract an economic alternative to
their County. I don't think anybody has really
sat down to figure out what the economic impact
is going to be to our County with this beautiful
development here in Waikoloa. It is something
that will probably be two to three times what
Honolulu is looking for.
We feel that we have a potential solution
to some of our problems with 'this hotel
development, that would help us with the
unemployment that we've got—which is the highest
in the State. It would help us to improve our
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visitor count, which we always seem to lag behind
on, on a monthly basis. It will help us with tho
quality of this development, and with the
advertising that they're going to be going into,
to identify our island better, to separate us
6 from the identity problem that we have with the
7 State of Hawaii.
8 We do feel that this hotel with
complement the other hotels up and down the
10 coastline, and it will help bring additional
II visitors to those establishments also. We feel
12 that the development is one of the highest
13 quality, that it's one that will be complimentary
14 to our island. It certainly has enough open space
15 to grant the beauty of our island to be enjoyed
16 by the visitors. And it's being put together by
17 Mr. Hemmeter, who has had a tremendous track
18 record for being concerned about the environment,
19 being concerned about the local people having
20 access to his hotel, which is so vital to those
21 of us who have moved to the Big Island for the
22 lifestyle that we enjoy so much here.
23 And we need this project on this island.
24 We need it to improve our economy. We need it to
25 help us in our visitor count. And we certainly
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hope that you will not delay thia"'project any
further, because we would like to open it tomorrow.
Thank you very much.
COLONEL JENKS: After each speaker, if
you would hold down your applause. The reason I
say that is because I don't want—I want a free
discussion, and those that have their views to
be addressed here and not be intimidated by
whatever the majority may or may not be.
Mr. Peter L'Orange from the Hawaii
Leeward Planning Conference, please.
MR. L'ORANGE: Colonel Jenks, thank you
for the opportunity to speak.
But before I start, I'd just like to
share with you that I'm a football coach, and I
can't be intimidated. When a parent gets on me,
I just tell them, "You may be right," and walk
away.
My name is Pete L'Orange. I am president
of the Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference. Hawaii
Leeward Planning Conference is a non-profit
corporation dedicated to monitoring government
programs affecting West Hawaii, and providing
input to government agencies to assist them in the
decision making process.
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The objectives and purposes of. Hawaii
Leeward Planning Conference are as follows:
Advocated sound planning decisions for
West Hawaii to promote the long-term benefits for
the communities involved.
Assist in maintaining and enhancing the
attractiveness of West Hawaii through concern for
the natural beauty and natural resources of the
region.
Preserve the significant aspects of
Hawaiian history now available in West Hawaii.
Provide information to the public"on
substantive issues facing public planners.
And to assist public agencies in reaching
sound decisions regarding West Hawaii's future.
In pursuing these objectives, we have
reviewed the proposed Waikoloa Hyatt project and
wish to speak in favor of the project. The project
conforms with the County General Plan and the Kona
Regional Plan. It is, therefore, consistent with
the long-range policy of the County of Hawaii.
Secondly, the project will have a positive
economic impact on West Hawaii and the County as
a whole. Wi'th the uncertain status of the sugar
industry, expansion of job opportunities' is very
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important to our island.
We urge favorably action on this project,
and thank you for this opportunity to speak. We
will be following this with some more technical
written testimony.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Mr. Douglas Blake from
the Kona Conservation Group.
MR. BLAKE: Good evening. My name is
Douglas Blake, and I'm a resident here of .
Kailua-Kona, and have been for some—almost twenty
years. I'm here as a member and officer of'the
Kona Conservation Group, to testify on
Transcontinental's permit application to dredge
certain so-called anchialine ponds and to construct
a swimming lagoon at Waiulua Bay, here in South
Kohala.
The Kona Conservation Group would like
first to go on record as being in favor of the
proposed Hyatt hotel construction. However, it
has come to our attention through our own examination
of the area in question that the shoreline
delineation that has resulted in this area being
characterized as "anchialine ponds" is, in part,
inaccurate. And what is referred to as "anchialine
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I ponds" in the area actually are ocean tide pools
2 that are connected to, and are directly contiguous
J with the ocean—and, 33 such, they are ocean tide
4 pools. As such, they are public property.
5 The inaccurate shoreline designation
6 which has been wade by the applicant, as well as
7 the State in certifying, is quite easily observed
8 and documentable by photographs.
9 Therefore, the Kona Conservation Group
10 requests that Transcontinental's application be
II deferred at this time, and that a new, more
12 accurate survey be performed so as to ascertain
13 the correct shoreline designation and to ensure
14 the protection of the public's interest in an area
IS of obvious public ownership.
IS The Kona Conservation Group has submitted
17 a complaint to the Department of Land and Natural
18 Resources therefore, and has requested a new survey
19 be performed. We wish the applicant to resubmit
20 their application after such time that the new
21 shoreline survey has been performed by the office
22 of the State Surveyor, as per our complaint.
2) Thank you very much.
24 ' COLONEL JENKS: Mr. P. Quentin Tomich,
25 Sierra Club.
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MR. TOMICHt Thank you, Colonel Jenka.
I'll be reading from a draft, here.
He're volunteers, and we don't always meet
deadlines, because we don't consider them as
deadlines necessarily.
My names is Quentin Tomich, and I'm
representing the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club on
this island has an enrollment of about 256 members,
and state-wide about 1900. The Sierra Club's
concern for integrity and quality in the national
outdoor environment is well known throughout the
nation.
Many of our local members have walked
the shores of Haikoloa, long before the germ of
massive development settled here, and we liked
it better under that condition of wildness and
remoteness.
However, our realization has been that
scales are irretrievably tipped in favor of
increased human use, the accouterments of
civilization, and the retreat of the sparse but
interesting biota at this most unusual meeting
place of land and sea.
Perhaps the County General Plan of 1970
was the pivotal document that -specified and
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is)
I virtually assured resort development .along the
2 Kohala Coast, at least on privately controlled
3 lands. If there was a challenge in the zoning
4 changes of that time, the conservation community
5 of this island apparently did not make a response
6 to it.
7 Well, as you can see, I'm leading up
8 to saying that we would support the project.
9 With some resignation perhaps, the Sierra Club
10 does support the applicant's proposal, and we're
II talking about Figure 11-4 for the single open
12 space Anchialine Pond Preservation Area. But
13 we have certain reservations and comments.
14- If the 12-acre proposal can be made much
15 larger, naturally it would be very supportive of
16 that move. But we do believe that a minimal
17 expansion should include the adjacent pond cluster
H in Residential Lot 13, comprising a series of
19 ponds approximately 169 to 196. And a rough
20 estimate would be that would be an addition of
21 about two and a half acres — two and a half acres
22 to the proposed twelve.
23 This pond cluster contains the deepest
24 example we know of in the preservation area,
25 and adjacent areas—that's Pond 179, which has a
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depth of about 3 or 4 feet.
The ponds in this cluster appear to be
newer and on generally bare lava, which supports
little or no terrestrial vegetation. One pond
is most unuusal, in that it is formed in and
adjacent to a collapsed lava bubble. It's
Pond 172. An arch of stone spans this pond from
that old bubble. It really would be a pity to
destroy this natural geological feature.
It appears to us that the residential
development in Lot 13 can be made flexible enough
to accommodate our proposed addition of these
several unusual ponds.
We have a comment to make on management, .>"••
and certainly long-term management of these ponds
is of primary consideration and certainly this
has been addressed in the EIS. But out recommendation
.is that the landowners explore any possibility of
a conservation easement for the preservation area,
whatever it finally ends up as being, and to
look to a suitable arrangement for this conservation
easement with the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.
Under such a program—and I don't represent the
Nature Conservancy here-rownership of the acreage
would be retained by. the present landowner. The
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Nature Conservancy have an excellent track record
in Hawaii of working with many—a large variety of
arrangements for preservation and Management of
land.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Mr. Peter Young, from •
the Kona Board of Realtors.
Is Mr. Moores here yet?
MR. YOUNG: My name is Peter Young. I
am the president-elect of the Kona Board of Realtors,
and I'm here on behalf of the board of directors;
and I've just given you a written statement of the
board. And I'd like to read a copy of it.
The Kona Board of Realtors strongly
supports the proposed resort development of
Mr. Chris Hemmeter at Waikoloa, South Kohala. We
believe that the proposed development would
complement the existing high standards found in
the neighboring resorts on the Kohala coast and
will be a positive economic influence to our
community, both for the immediate vicinity and the
island as a whole.
The coastal region of South Kohala has
been shown to be an area of quality conscious
resort developments, serving a variety of visitors
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to the area. The proposed Hyatt is a continuation
of these high standards. For a land use concern,
the project is a natural extension of the land
use patterns already established for the area.
The State, as well as local economies,
are dependent on the survival of the visitor
industry. As stated in the report called, Economic
Development on the Island of Hawaii, Issues and
Options:
"The Big Island's visitor industry is
now comparable in economic importance to the total
agricultural industry on the island. Tourism's
considerable growth potential, however, makes it
the most important industry in the foreseeable
future."
Not only will the proposed project
provide the necessary economic stimulus to our
economy, it will also provide an economic influence
that will assist in the stabilization of the
island's economy.
We have no doubt as to the capability
of Mr. Hemmeter and his ability to provide a
product that we will all be proud of. We are not
concerned with the possibility of unfulfilled
promises, as he has a proven track record for
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I developments such as these in the State of Hawaii,
2 as evidenced by his resort developments on Oahu
3 and Maul. When we review the quality aspect of
4 the development, we need only consider our image
5 of the Hyatt resort on Maui--ours will be better.
6 We believe that the responsible action
7 of the Army Corps of Engineers is to approve the
8 application as soon as possible. We encourage
9 you to do so. At the same time, we encourage all
10 other reviewing agencies to expedite the permit
II processing for this important and necessary
12 development in our community.
I) Thank you.
14 COLONEL JENKS: Mr. Ron Sewell-
15 MR. SEWELL: Colonel, and ladies and
16 gentlemen, I'm just a concerned citizen that would
17 like to spend a minute talking about the 5 acres
18 of anchialine ponds that are proposed to be
19 deepened and excavated for a swimming area, and a
20 continuation of the lagoon. And I would like to
21 direct my remarks to that particular portion of
22 the project, because I have had many, many years
23 of earning my living from the sea. More than
24 three-quarters of my working years have been
25 occupations which derived my income from the ocean.
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So I'm in a position to be very concerned about
the. environment of the seacoast. And so I've
always had a concern about that.
And to qualify myself a little bit,
I'm a dredge captain, a commercial fisherman,
commercial diver, and have spent many years—
approximately 22 years here in the islands—in the
ocean, on or above or under. And I've heard
comments following this project—I've heard
comments concerning this area being a detriment
to the marine environment: namely, to fish and •.,
the red shrimp. And I'm familiar with the area.
I'm familiar with the red shrimp and the fish that
live in that locality. And the claims that have
been made by certain people that this is going
to destroy the environnment of these marine
species is not speaking with knowledge. Because
through my experiences in dealing with dredging,
I have found that marine species many times increase
in volume—and to clarify an earlier statement,
made e.arlier today, that when you deepen water
you have marine environments that live in deeper
water come closer to the shore. And what this
has a tendency to do is visually display that
marine variety. You will have two, maybe as much
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as three times as much marine action come into an
area because you deepen the area. You deepen the
bottom. You create more food. You create more
room for them to move around.
And so, it's my premonition that in
deepening this area, that you will enhance the
marine life in that area. And it will be better
for visitors, better for the local people. I've
seen.it happen, and I've watched it personally
happen myself.
There is really only one way that this
area could be polluted and which would destroy
the marine envirnonment, and that is if we put
poisons into the water. If we had poison sewage
or if we had a poison outfall of some sort go
into that water, then it would destroy the.
marine environment. But in this situation, we
have none of that. And with the nearly million
gallons of fresh water per day flowing from this
land mass, you have a situation there where you
cannot create a stagnant pond. It's totally
impossible in that area.
And that's one of the problems in dredging—
if you create a stagnant area, you have a marine
environment problem. In that area, there is no
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way that you are going to create a stagnant area.
So I just wanted to comment on this,
because there are people that feel like that that
is destroying the animals that live in that area.
And it's my premonition that you will find a
bigger, better and more visual action of the local
marine species in that area—crustacean and fish.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Bob Lindsey.
MR. LlNDSEYs Thank you,'Colonel: '
I'm Bob Lindsey, a Waimea resident and
a member of the Hawaii Legislature. I represent
District 6 in the State House of Representatives.
I guess the significance of that is that Waikoloa
Beach Resorts falls within the geographical
parameters of District 6.
I am here to testify in full support of
Waikoloa Beach Resorts development efforts for
this area, specifically, the proposed Hyatt
Waikoloa.
I will commence by saying I was born and
raised on this island. And I intend to spend my
final days here. I feel very close to Waikoloa
and all that has happened in this area. I worked
here in 1970 for Morrison-Knudsen Construction,
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when the infrastructure for Waikoloa Village was
being put in place. The crew I worked on installed
the main water transmission line on A Street,
that brings water from the Parker 5 well to Waikoloa
Village.
I worked here again for a few months in
1980. My primary job at that time was operating
a piece of heavy machinery used to compact the
fairways and bunkers for the golf course here
at the Sheraton Waikoloa. I mention this simply
to establish, I am not just passing through. My
roots are here. I have seen, first, Boise Cascade
and now the Transcontinental Development Company
convert a wasteland into an oasis, and as a result,
provide this island an alternative to agriculture.
I am here to ask of you who represent
the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, to expedite
the efforts of the Hemtneter Investment Company,
as well as Waikoloa Beach Resort, in this massive
and exciting venture.
Granted, there are those amongst us who
are apprehensive about the future and the impacts
a project of this magnitude will have on this
island, particularly West Hawaii. You have your
side to tell. But where you see darkness, I see
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sunshine. I see the Hyatt Waikoloa as essential
and necessary. I see the Hyatt Waikoloa as a
vessel for opportunity. I see the Hyatt Waikoloa
as being a catalyst for moving this island into
the 21st century, and a contributor to our tax,
employment and economic bases.
There is no turning back. Hawaii has
moved from an economy based on agriculture to an
economy based on service and'information. We ,are
living in a new age and a new time. We need to
grow; for if we do not, we will as an island die.
If some of our anchialine ponds in the vicinity
must fall to earth movers, if some of the coast
has to be altered, if some of the aina has to be
disturbed—then let it be so. •*.*-•-
I trust we will not permit this
opportune moment to escape us. Alternatives
have been offered. Let us examine these, and let
us implement them. Granted, we must remember the
past, but let us not let days gone by deny us access
to the future.
Thank you for this opportunity to
testify.
COLONEL JENKSs Mr. Al Cho.
MR. CHO: Sir, I'm here unprepared with
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n written document. The only reason I aaked, or
put in my application to come here and say
something, la for the people of Hawaii and the
project that's in process right now.
I feel right now that there's more
opportunity to gain for everybody in the community,
and I know Mr. Hemmeter will pull this thing
together. And the people here in Hawaii are going
to get employment} and we all know when there's
employment, we're going to take care of our families.
And it's not just the construction alone , •'it's- the
potential thing that's going on for everybody—
my kids, my grandchildren, everybody else. That's
what we're looking for.
And I feel everybody I know, all you
guys—everybody—wants to see this project go,
because number one, it's employment,.so everybody
can take care of their families.
Thank you guys.
COLONEL JENKS: William Akau.
MR. AKAU: Ladies and gentlemen, my name
is William Akau. I reside in Kawaihae. And tonight
I would like to speak on this little type pools
that we discussed about. I would like to run back
in the years—1950—when the Corps of Engineers
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—the State—started to wake preparation in
construction of the Kawaihae deep soa harbor. And
so I live right alongside a big fishpond, right
in Kawaihae, about three acres of pond. And there
were three smaller, little ponds in back of it.
And my grandfather is the caretaker, which is
Abraham,Akau. So he took care of these ponds,
and he would go to the ocean during spawning time
for the mullet and for the awa. And he would
bring these little fish and place them in the
little pond. And then he would raise these fish
up to about eight inches. And so, as they get a cer-
tain-, size, they used to haul the fish to this
point here in Alaualo (phonetic).
So, the Hawaiians had a system, because
you just can't take, take, take; you need to
replace. And the replacement comes from the ocean.
Fish comes in and spawn, and they start running
along the shoreline. And so they get a certain
size, then my grandfather pull it in. So, as they
bring these fishes over to restock the pond, then
start raising these fish, and when they get a big
luau and stuff like that, they would come and
harvest. And, you know, they take out so much,
and put back so much.
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So, these other ponds we're talking about
now—now, if these ponds were very significant,
they would have done something in the old days.
I'm thinking of the Hawaiians, my race of people.
So, my race of people live here for a long time,
so they should understand more of the conditions
and the land. So, as I see today, these little
ponds meaning nothing to me, you see; because my
people didn't do anything with them, because one
10 thing: the limu (phonetic) wouldn't grow in these
II little ponds. You need feed, and if you have the
U feed, then they would have stocked these little
13 ponds, because limu, as I say, can grow--so, what
14 do you call the fish wasn't able to live in these '
15 little ponds.
16 So, I feel, you know, we need to look
17 ahead, look in the future, and sacrifice like how we
IS sacrifice that three acre pond in Kawaihae. It
19 means a lot to me, because I was raised right along-
20 side that pond, to take care of this pond here,
21 so this pond is very important to us to preserve.
22 But those ponds along the coastline, to me, I feel
23 is not that important.
24 We need to develop, to create jobs for
25 bur people.
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So, this is my testimony. I leave with
you.
Thank you very much.
COLONEL JENKS: Robert Keakealane.
MR. KEAKEALANE: I am Bob Keakealane,
and I've been working on the ranch for 51 years,
with the Hinds (phonetic) Limited,.with the
Dillinghams; so I retire in the year 1982. So I
was born and raised on the Big Island; when I was
a little boy, I started work on the ranch when I
was fourteen year old, which my dad and my
grandfather, my greatgrandfather, and we was all
employees. So they all pass away, so I was the
last old hand on the ranch. I just retired in the
year 1982.
So, I am 68 year old, born in the year,
October 24, 1916. I was raised in Kona Village.
Been a little boy, played around all down through
this seacoast, from Kaahole (phonetic) to Maeula
(phonetic) , Makawaena (phonetic), Kuupio (phonetic) ,
down to Kona Village, Kiholo (phonetic), Kaeweki
(phonetic), Wilawila (phonetic), Kapalaua (phonetic),
Anaeho1omalu, Konahipua (phonetic), and then
Waikoloa right down to Waipio Valley with my
grandfather. I know in and out of these place lilte
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I know my ten fingers.
I was called this morning from Alika
Cooper (phonetic), and I'm the person came and
•control the area of Haiulua. A lot of old trail
over there, a lot of old fish ponds, and all of
these pond there was mention about. Eel—that will
compose the name by Frank Brown's (phonetic) beach
at Kalaiheapua (phonetic); one pond down there
called Waipuhi (phonetic). Puhi means eel. Hai
means water. So that area came right up to
Waikoloa. That pond called Hanaihoomalu, that
was the pond raised with the mullet. Hanai means
mullet. Hoomalu means nobody go to destroy the
mullet. That was only for the king, Kamehameha.
That was in the olden days.
I was taught by my great-greatgrandpa.
This island here is controlled under our king,
Kamehameha-. And my dad and my grandfather, they
used to live at Kona Village. They used to get
their foot at Kawaihae. They go on a canoe ship.
When the kona wind come, they go to Kawaihae to
get their food. When waimeau (phonetic) wind come
back, they come back, in this canoe.
So, since this project brought up, like
it's about Waikoloa—it is very important for
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generations. I'm a grandpa for five grandchildren,
and I have four children, one with Parker ranch.
So I had one granddaughter in Kamehameha, juat
•graduate from the academy so she's in Kamehameha
School now in Oahu. I have two at Parker School.
So I have two little grandchild going to school,
one is six year old, one is three. Pretty soon he
be in school.
So for this project, again, I can say,
everybody have to put their heads together, because
it take four horse to pull the plow—if three
horse hold back, one horse pull the plow. I no
think so, going to work.
So, if you put your head together,
work together, you'll be all right. And I say,
mahalo hui loa, and God bless you folks.
COLONEL JENKS: Richard Titgen.
MR. TITGEN: My name is Bichard Titgen,
and I'm representing myself.
I would like to speak for a few minutes
on the ponds, and then make a recommendation.
First of all, though, I wanted to define
the ponds. Fishponds out here that have the
connection to the sea aren't anchialine ponds.
By definition, they're just—you know, the
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anchialine ponds have no surface connection.
Therefore, as the previous gentleman said, they
wouldn't be considered common property. Also,
what we're dealing with here is not a pond system.
It's a subterranean system. It's due to the very
porous nature of volcanic islands. It's also found
in corallinine (phonetic) islands. It's found—
commonly known all over the Pacific and the
Atlantic. it's got a wide distribution. It's
mostly on islands, though.
Now, the animals that we know most are
the shrimp, In Hawaii, there are six main species.
Four of them are widely distributed all over the
Pacific. It's not just something here. There
are two endemic species, but we don't know that
much about them. Hawaii—this system is probably
very extensive. We know that they're here, all the
way down to South ,Point and up at least to Hilo,
probably further. We know that they're on Maui,
Lanai and Oahu. We don't have the ponds. We just
find old ponds that are dried, but you 'don't have '
the surface ponds now. But in some of the wells,
even on North Oahu, you can get the shrimp out of
them. So the fauna is widespread.
What the ponds are, really, are a window
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into this system. It's a way for us to look in and
see some of this cryptic fauna that we don't normally
get to see. What's been done so far on the ponds
•is basic survey work. . Mac.iolek and Brock •• .
did their survey in '72, I guess it was, and
they described -what animals they found, and they
told us that the pools were generally small, the
salinity was low, and they showed that—well, the
salinity varied, because you have fresh water
input, subsurface water, and then you have a tidal
influence.
He also know a little bit about the
species, as I said. At the university,, they have
done a little bit of work on one of the shrimp.
But that's basically what we know. There's a lot '
we don't know. We don't know how the system works—
because it's not an isolated pond system; because
all of it is essentially connected together, we
don't really know what the effect is going to be,
if we put some kind of an impact on it.
There is things that we should try to
learn of the system, not so much just what
animals are there, but how it works. Wha't is the
flushing rate of the pools? This would depend on
the tides; it would depend on the amount of
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1 fresh water input, various things. These are
2 the types of things we need to study, to look at,
3 to understand it.
4 " If—there's no doubt that the
5 construction of this size will have an impact. So—
6 but we don't know how much. It can depend on the
7 specific system here. This sytem may be very good
8 at flushing, so you're not going to affect the
9 system. It may not. We don't know. We don't
10 have the information.
11 There are several other things that can
12 be studied. We don't know whether the animals
13 —well, if you watch a pond, there are a lot of
14 'them: when the tide goes out, the pond dries; and
15 when it comes back up, you'll see the animals.
|£ But we don't know if these animals migrate to
17 different ponds. We don't know if they stay right
18 there. We don't know how well these things are-
19 connected. It's likely that this whole pond
20 system here is in one way or another connected.
21 But we don't know, you know--if you study something
22 like flushing rate, you can get an idea. You can
23 put certain types of dyes in, and see it just .
24 spreads out through different ponds. There are
25 several things you can do.
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What I'm here primarily to do is—well,
how do I explain? What I would like to see done
is some more study. This is an opportunity.
This area was described by Maciolek and Brock as
having the highest density of ponds in the area.
That in itself makes it an important ecological
area. And as I said, there is no doubt there will
be some kind of an impact. What I think we can
do here is study it. Get some people in and watch
how the area changes.
This is a way to get information, because
rght now we don't have enough information to make
any kind of management decisions. What I would
recommend is—well, first of all, I don't know how
true this is. I heard rumors that the Natur e
Conservancy might be approached to monitor the
ponds. Monitoring is a good thing, and you can
find out that something is happening. But you
want to get an idea of why. So I would like to
see some moneys put forward to extend this into a
more of an experimental program and try to understand
the system a little bit.
Then, when the next hotel comes in, or
whatever, we will have more data to make decisions
on. It's not, then, a matter of saying, "Well, I
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think it's going to affect it, so we shouldn't do
it." Or: "We don't think it will affect it, so
let's build." We need information.
And because this has not started yet,
if we can bring people in to study it as the building
goes on, we would get some information.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Donna Mah.
State your name.
MS. ABREU: My name is Deborah Chang
Abreu. I'm here as president of the Na Ala Hele
non-profit organization. Donna Mah and I are so
nervous about speaking before groups that we've
been sitting there debating with ourselves whether
to take this brave step.
I have submitted a write-up, which I
would like to read from.
Just as an introduction, the Na Ala Hele
organization basically seeks to preserve historic
Hawaiian trails, and also the protection of
historic area and natural areas found adjacent to
trail routes.
With regard to the twelve acres actually
being preserved, the proposed--it's very
encouraging that after initially not mentioning
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any intention of preserving any of the pools, we
now have a twelve acre preserve. And for that,
I would like to express my thanks.
We have walked the twelve acre area, and
have endeavored to identify each pond according to
number. We can't seen to locate Pond Number 39,
We also urge the retention of four additional ponds,
which appear to be located just outside of the
north boundary of your proposed twelve acre area.
And the reason why—well, these additional four
ponds don't have numbers on the site, so I can't
really accurately identify them now.
What makes these four ponds unique among
the twelve acre ponds are their aesthetic beauty—
one pool has an extremely picturesque arch formation.
The four ponds tend to be more deep than the ponds
in the preserve. They also lack vegetation
surrounding them, and as a result, lack the quote
unquote aging characteristics that are commonly
found among the majority of the ponds within the
proposed reserve.
As is noted in the Draft BIS, the ponds
found in the Waikoloa area exhibit great diversity
in pond characteristics, such as age, size and
salinity. It would then be desirable to represent
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I that diversity in a preserve.
2 I believe preservation and, very
2 importantly, management of anchialine pools would
4 be advantageous, because it provides aesthetically
5 appealing open space within the Waikoloa Beach
6 Resort design. And it's very difficult to attach
7 a dollar sign to open space, but I'm sure that
8 that would be extremely valuable to the visitors
9 and the residents.
10 There are educational benefits as the
II ponds-are studied and managed. There are
U opportunities for interpretive programs for
13 residents and visitors, which can instruct people
14 in what makes these ponds so unique in our State
IS and, indeed, the world.
16 It would also help to prevent the loss
17 of these very special habitats, and thereby
18 assisting in the survival of endemic plants and
19 animals, which are found nowhere else in the
20 world except here in Hawaii.
21 I would also like to mention—and this
22 is more pertinent to Hawaii County, rather than
2} to the Army Corps—that a program aimed at the
24 long-term protection of West Hawaii anchialine
25 resources needs to be included in the Hawaii County
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General Plan update. He urge that this be done
because—for four reasons.
Number one: anchialine pools are special
natural resources of our county and we have a
responsibility to protect them.
Number two: these pools are easily
degraded by surrounding activities.
Number three: an inventory and
identification of pools worthy of protection would
apprise potential developers that certain ponds
have been earmarked for conservation and
management.
And lastly: it cannot be assumed that
there are sufficient anchialine pools in West
Hawaii to guarantee the survival of these endemic
aquatic organisms. Presently, there.appear to
be no sanctions against bulldozing, filling-in
or other destructive treatment of ponds. An
anchialine pond preserve at Waikoloa would be the
the first Natural Area Reserve for anchialine
pools on the island of Hawaii.
Other comments that Na Ala Hele would
like to make, outside of the anchialine pools
issue, would be that continuous pedestrian public
shoreline access needs to be guaranteed and made
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explicit within the Haikoloa Beach Resort plan.
The Mauna Lani Reosrt to the north has successfully
incorporated the Ala Kahakai trail system along that
shoreline, and the trail system should be extended
through the Waiulua Bay area and north to
6 Honoka'ape Bay.
7 As for historic resources, along the
8 shoreline north of Waiulua Bay is a concentratio'n
of Hawaiian lava storage bins. I call them
10 storage bins because I don't know what else to
II call them. I have been told that they were used
12 to store salt, because the area was a kind of salt
13 factory a long time ago. And we would like to
14 know if those storage bin features are planned
IS for preservation by the applicants.
16 Also, the section of the Ala Loa, which
17 is also referred to as the King's Highway and
18 Ala Mamalahoa, in that area that is traversing
19 the proposed development area—we would like to
20 advise you that it is on the Hawaii Register of
21 Historic Places, and that any alterations of that
22 trail must first need to be reviewed and approved
23 by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
24 Additional comments on the Hyatt Regency
25 proposal: according to the applicants, the Big
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Island's visitor industry has lagged behind that of
other islands due to a lack of identity and
inadequate promotion. It should also be noted that
the Big Island lacks the extensive, white sand
beaches so popular with visitors. For example,
the Hyatt Regency will need to alter the natural
coastline by constructing a man-made beach and
lagoon in order to attract clientele. One wonders
if the natural, windy character of Kohala also
discourages visitors and contributes to the slower
growth of the industry.
Secondly: how essential—I have read
that you have a deer tower in your plans, and it
was my understanding that somehow the importation
of deer would be involved. And I would ask how
essential is the importation of deer to the success
of the resort? Haven't deer been found to be
potentially devastating to Hawaii's environment?
And how appropriate are deer to the establishment
of an identity for the Big Island's visitor
industry?
The Hyatt Regency proposal is indeed an
ambitious one. It is not, however, the only
development currently being proposed. Other projects
are being reviewed which will contribute to our
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I need for jobs. For example, the Mauna Lanl Resort,
2 Keauhou, Mauna Kea Beach and Kona Village Resort
3 expansions, and new developments proposed Cor
4 Kapalaoa, Kuki'o and Hahukona. While the total
5 number of jobs anticipated through resort
6 developments can appear promising, it is more
1 accurate to assess how many of those jobs will
8 be temporary construction jobs, and how many will
9 be part-time, casual or on-call, with little or no
10 employee benefits.
II In conclusion, Na Ala Hele is not
12 anti-jobs or anti-development. We are in favor of
13 quality developments that will not involve too
H great a sacrifice of our natural environment,
15 historic resources, Hawaiian culture and our island
16 way of life.
" I do want to say that I myself was born
(8 in Kohala and raised in Waimea, and I am a product
19 of this island.
20 Thank you.
21 COLONEL JENKS: Is Mr. Moores here, from
22 the Office of the Mayor, please?
23 MR. MOORES: Colonel Jenks, the Mayor
24 was unable to be here tonight. He had to be in
25 Honolulu, and asked me if I would read his
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testimony into the record tonight.
Dear Colonel Jenks:
As Mayor of the County of Hawaii, I would
like to submit my testimony in support of the
proposed Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Resort.
I believe the developers of the project
have made a sincere and commendable attempt to
conduct their task with due respect for the citizens
and resources of this community. It is my
understanding that the matter of anchialine ponds
has been the subject of thorough, considerable
and lengthy discussions between the applicant and
the developers, and that this has resulted in the
developer offering to establish a 12 acre preserve
in addition to the existing 16 acres of open space
surrounding other ponds.
While recognizing the importance of
the anchialine ponds, I feel the foregoing measures
represent an adequate preservation of the affected
resources.
Additionally, while recognizing the
importance of the federal permitting process, we
must also weigh the benefits of this project and
future development of the resort—namely, jobs,
economic opportunities, upward mobility, activities,
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services and recreational facilities and the means
of supporting ourselves and our families in an
increasingly competitive and demanding society,
Briefly, the benefits as outlined in
the Federal Environmental Impact Statement, include:
One: 700 new construction jobs
generated by the Hyatt, and an additional 240.
construction jobs due to development of other
projects at the resort.
to Two: a total of 3,500 operational jobs
(I at the resort, including an estimated 1,900 at
12 the Hyatt,
13 Three: an increase in personal income
14 for County residents estimated to be $84 million
IS per year for the resort's future development,
16 including $46 million for the Hyatt,
17 And four: additional real property tax
18 revenues of $3 million per year, resulting from
19 further development of which we estimate the
20 majority will be derived from the Hyatt,
21 Although we should all be concerned for
22 our natural resources, we must recognize that our
23 people are the most vital resources of all. I
24 believe this'project—and others associated with,
25 or dependent upon this development—are important
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to the welfare of our community at this critical
time.
The use of the property in question is
extremely limited, and I feel the development
proposed for this area is something which will
benefit our community in a positive way for many
years to come. On the other hand, the denial
or further delay of this project may have very
serious and negative repercussions.
In closing, I suggest that the benefits
of this project will far exceed any adverse
effects, and that the efforts of the developer
more than satisfy the concerns of the County
administration regarding the Hyatt Waikoloa Resort '"*'
and construction planned for the future.
I assure you that the County Administration
is totally supportive of this development, and
ask that the necessary Federal permits be approved
as expeditiously as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Dante K. Carpenter.
COLONEL JEHKS: I have a few cards here
that people indicated that they wished to speak.
G. Wong?
MS. WONG: Ladies and gentlemen, my name
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ia Tweetie Hong. I'm a realtor, businesswoman from
Hilo. And I would like to note that this morning
and this afternoon, the planning staff recommended
approval for the development of the Hyatt, and
sixteen out of sixteen speakers at that meeting
supported the development. I find that highly
unusual, especially for this island. That
showed remarkable community support.
Concerning the studies that have been
done about the water 'project, I can only respect
the studies of Belt Collins and Alika Cooper.
They are reputed to be well informed of their
areas. I can only say I respect as well the
experience of Mr. Chris Hemmeter. He knows what
would sell and how to sell it. And if he is to
develop this project, it must be on the water,
not up the hill.
Obviously, he's gone through much time,
effort and money to choose this area. And right
now, we're looking at whether we need to take
more time to study the project in the water area.
We have seen the community come out today to
say that they want this to happen as soon as
possible. If we take the time to take more studies,
that means more time that people are not having
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their hopes come true, of economic opportunities
for their families.
I would like to speak in support of this
project, and I would like to take a moment just
to present leis to Mr. Chris Herometer and
Mr. Bob Diffley.
COLONEL JENKSs Jan Auyong, A-u-y-o-n-g,
I believe.
MS. AUYONGs I'm not necessarily
representing the employer that I—I'm with the
U. H. Sea Grant Center. But as a group that is
involved with ocean awareness and education-—
also we do conduct a program wi >i ocean recreation
and tourism--! commend Mr. Hemmeter on the project
that he does have. And I would suggest that we do
go through with the idea of the preserve. I would
like to see programs involving the preserve,
managed perhaps by the Nature Conservancy or some
organization which has experience in land
management and preservation. I would like to
see educational programs which would inform the
visitors as well as rerldents—I., understand there
are public access-ways nearby—that would inform
the community about these pools.
Also, educational programs would also
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include the surrounding marine areas of the Hyatt
Regency and the Waikoloa Resort.
I would like to ask a question in
regards to the lagoon that was proposed. Is this
also included within the present EIS, or would
that be in a separate document? Could I 'ask the
question whether this lagoon would be subject to
Title Four and under the jurisdiction of the Corps
of Engineers, or is that going to be addressed in
the Final EIS?
COLONEL JENKS: We'll take questions
individually after, if we have some time.
MS. AUYONG: I did have some other
questions, and I'll address those later.
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: I don't have any more
cards indicating that anyone would wish to speak.
Is there someone that has not spoken that would
like to speak or make a presentation?
If you would state your name, and if you
represent any organization, please.
MR. CARR: Thank you, Colonel.
My name is Douglas Carr. And I'm really
not representing any particular agency.
My remarks are regarding the developer
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and the development.
What the developer means to the community:
they basically provide a backbone to any such
community that is about to start, or already here.
They offer financial support for the community
activities, and also a creation of mass employmentT-
which is certainly going to be needed. The
construction of needed roadways and recreational
areas. The Anaehoomalu Beach Development—from
its situation in the earlier years, very difficult
to get down and enjoy, to a now very beautiful piece
of landscape, done by flowers, plants, roadways.
This was financed and paid for by the developer.
The deplorable condition of the ponds
five years ago to its very pretty, beautiful
surroundings, where you can now get into the area--.
again, done and paid for by the developer.
The mauka/makai roadways—I speak of
Waikoloa mauka to the road down below here. I speak
of Kona Palisades,another development project—again,
financed by. the developer.
Water supplies added to the County system
and used during times of emergencies and droughts--
again, developer-financed.
Donating developed and undeveloped land
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for recreational use. Parks, police and fire-
property. Landscaping in general.
The donation of corporate money to
unlimited civic groups. I have ideas of Boy Scouts,
Girl Scouts, your service clubs, unlimited golf
sponsorship programs that go on through corporate
money hand-overs, which promote community
activities. One such one is the Waikoloa Canoe
Club—again, corporate money getting in and helping
community and supporting community, the backbone
of and financing, canoe and equipment purchasing,
the legal and required paperwork needed to get
something like that going, the land and building
made available, and the much-needed clerical work,
and many others.
Sugar and its future—job losses, the
number one problem on the Honokaa (phonetic) coast.
It's a known fact that sugar is on the way out.
Why? Hell, there's many reasons why. The federal
aid money—I believe it's sometimes called AA
money—is just about if not totally over. Import
sugar is controlled mainly by the big companies,
such as your soft drink companies, your candy
companies. Billion dollar companies really need a—
I hate to use the word, but a cheap source of sweet
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products. The lobbying is done, very extensive,
on a legislative and congressional area, in the
mainland.
Hhat does that mean? The Hawaii sugar—
Hawaii's sugar is basically too costly for the
world market. Tha result—the big companies in
Hawaii are presently operating at a loss.
We're back ,to basic one: the loss of
sugar cane jobs and now, where do we go? Our job
employment market becomes in great danger, and
unemployment will soar; the economy will drop off.
And you tell me what else is going to happen?
Human existence is needed, and how is that
accomplished?
Through development of new ideas, places
and industry. Development and the developer, and
the benefits to all of us: the developer wants
his project up. And for that, he must conform to
the rules of the land, directed by the State and
and the County building codes.
They usually, in almost all cases, make
every effort to do a nice, beautiful job. With
such a development as Transcontinental, you would
have the so-called home-grown personnel, wanting
to do the project with good taste to the community.
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Spend the required moneys to do the project with
pride.
The spin-offs to the community are
employment, sometimes often overlooked; opportunities
for our growing-up youth to adults, often times
forces them away from Hawaii because of the lack
of job opportunities.
In conclusion, 1 feel that the job market
is often overlooked in the name of conservation;
and I feel that anti-development--and the feeling
of anti-development at the present time. I feel
that if you have a developer such as mentioned
above, Transcontinental Development Corporation,
and one who is trying to do everything in their
power to develop a world-great hotel, one that
will undoubtedly be in the top ten as great hotels,
that all of us should try to offer support for
that project in every way you can.
Should we come across environmental
problems, letjs stop, let's discuss the problems
and find a workable solution and go on with the
project.
The final outcome: a future for all of
our growing people in Hawaii; jobs and an
environment that we will all be proud of.
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I further believe that in my fifteen
years as- a professional diving and teaching scuba
on this coast, I have yet to see where a
development—such as the Mauna Kea, the Sheraton
and the Mauna Lani Bea Hotel—have created problems
with the ocean floor. In fact, they spend millions
annually just treating the waste water and turn
it around and re-use it for the golf course
irrigation, really an environmental conservation
effort on their part.
What I have seen along the coastline is r
the netting of all types of small fish through the
use of nets, legal or otherwise, and the harvesting
of any and all of these fish with little or no
regard to the grow-back or reproduction areas in
these reefs. This is where control should be spent,
and I also understand that control is now underway.
And I thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Is there anyone else that
wishes to speak?
MS. FLORES: My name is Elaine Flores,
and I'm president of the Waimea Hawaiian Civic
Club.
I'd just like to say something. For one
thing, I never heard in my thirty years, about
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anchialine ponds down here. And all of a sudden
we've got all kinds of experts. Where did they
come from? I'm surprised. When Sheraton built
this place, they weren't concerned about the
anchialine ponds. Now Hyatt Regency wants to come
in, and everybody is getting excited about the
eels. And I never heard one Hawaiian say that
they knew the eels were there. How long the
Hawalians live here? They had no connection to
the eels.
Anaeho'omalu was known for the mullet
ponds. Frances Brown (phonetic) has a awa pond.
And every section had a special attraction.
Makuawena (phonetic) has the red shrimp. Kukio
(phonetic) had something special. But I never heard
of the eels; and now I hear there is so many ponds
from the other side of the island all the way up
to Kohala. So why are you worried about fourteen
ponds or fifteen ponds, compared to five hundred?
They're going to have a conservation area that
they're going to preserve. And people are now
asking, what are they? This will be an extra
attraction to the area. We never before had
access to these areas, even where I'm standing
today—it was all private property.
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And I wondered, what did the ponds look
like? And look what happened. Sheraton camo in.
We can come to the seashore. We can look at the
ponds at the Makahao (phonetic), how the Hawaiiana
engineered this system. The haoles cannot
duplicate. Really.
And so now, we have Hyatt Regency who
going to build a beautiful complex, going help us—
they're going to bring doctors here. And we'll
have all this employment. And let them know, that
whole beach is going to be open. People can come;
they'll have 'access to the beaches. So what are
we worried about?
Thank you.
COLONEL JENKS: Anyone else?
Well, I want to thank you all for your
attendance here this evening, and your courtesy
to the developer and his representatives, to the
Corps, and to those who spoke this evening.
Before I ask Mr. Hemmeter and his party
if they have any closing comments, I want to say
a couple of things about what's going to happen from
here.
I'm going to hold the comment period open
on this public hearing for ten days, until the
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1 19th of April. So if you have any other comments
2 that you wish to make, you may write to me, .
3 Colonel Michael Jenks,District Engineer, Corps
4 of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division, Fort Shatter,
5 Hawaii, zip code 96858.
6 we also have the Draft EIS, environmental
7 impact statement, out for public comment. I know
8 it has not been out very. long. I apologize to you
9 that it was just recently received. I understand that
10 there was some delay at the post office in getting
II it) but we will accept comments on the Draft EIS
12 until the 20th of May. After that, we will take
13 a look at the comments that we received on the EIS;
14 and as you may know, this hearing is being recorded
IS and we will study the transcript of the hearing and
I* the comments made.
'7 And we will address those issues. Then,
18 we will incorporate all of that into a Final
I' Environmental Impact Statement. And that will
20 be the principal document that I'll use to make a
21 decision.
22 i would expect the Final EIS to be
23 probably published during the month of June. That
24 depends on how much difficulty we have in addressing
25 the remaining issues. That document will be
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distributed for thirty days for comment, and then
I will anticipate making a decision probably in
August.
One comment I will clarify is that there
was a concern made about the ownership of the ponds,
and their location relative to the shoreline, et
cetera. it may be or may not be a State issue or
County issue, but it's not a federal issue. There
is no question that the federal government has
jurisdiction over the ponds, regardless of where
the ponds are located relative 1.0 the ownership of
land.
So we're involved, and we'll make our
decision based on our jurisdiction over-the ponds.
Mr. Hemmeter, do you have any comment
that you would wish to make or any issues—or to
address anything that we had come up here this
evening?
We want to thank our recorder, Carmen
Burditte. Also, Miss Elsie Smith from the Corps
of Engineers who has been circulating among you
in collection of the blue cards.
If you have not filled out a card, if
you would, or at least leave your name and
address, so that we can inform you of the next
POWERS ft ASSOCIATES
(608) 521-7815
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public document that will be available, which will
be the Final EIS.
That concludes the public hearing this
evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much.
(Whereupon, the proceedings were
concluded at 9:10 p.m.)
POWERS & ASSOCIATES
(608) 521-7815
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I
CERTIFICATE
I, Carmen A. Burditte . hereby certifv that the
_
foregoing is a full, true and correct statement of the
proceedings had and the testit-jony given by the witnesses at
the hearing held April 9, 1985 . as taken down bv ne
in stenotype and thereafter transcribed into -typewriting
under my supervision.
/?
(¥j(M4K/*j 6t, lu/J/fjfaJZ&L'
rtsz /03
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HAWAII LAND MANAGEMENT
A REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
March 7, 1985
Michael T. Lee
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Room 205, Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858-5440
RE:
WAIKOLOA HYATT RESORT PERMIT APPLICATION
Dear Mr. Lee:
Thank you for your notice with respect to the public
hearing scheduled for April 9, 1985 and announcing that
the draft EIS will be available shortly before that
date.
I would appreciate receiving a copy of the draft EIS as
soon as it has been published, along with any other
information that you may have with respect to the permit
application.
I notice that the April 9th hearing date is actually a
rescheduling of the meeting which had previously been set
for March 14, 1985. I hope that this will not result in
further delays of the proposed' Hyatt resort development
at Haiulua Bay. I hope that you will exercise all possible
means to expedite this permit application so that the
Hyatt resort project can proceed as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your courtesy.
Sincerely,
John Michael White, President
JHWijok
Posl Ollice Box 10 • Honolulu Hawaii 96610
825 Queen Street
(BOB) 524-6000 Tele« 743-W82
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LOCAL UNION NO. 126
rintci1iati I'
-AFFILIATED WITH THE AFU-CIO-
SUIIE3M. 101 MAKCA S1MEI • HOMQWUI HI 46813 • ICUPHOHE 656 6Ci3
April 3, 1985
*•
00
The Honorable Stephen Yamashlro
Hawaii County Council
Hllo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Councilman Yamashlro:
Subject: Hyatt Regency Project
The officers and members of the International Union of
Elevator Constructors, Local 126 are In favor of the proposed
Hyatt-Regency project and strongly urge your support of the
project.
The approval of the Hyatt Regency project .will create
much-needed jobs for those In the construction Industry and
other areas of employment.
Thank you for your consideration of the project.
/Sincerely yours,/.
Lawrence S. Sakamoto
Business Representative
1UEC, Local 126
LSS:Jh
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION IX
215Fieinont Street
San Fiancisco. Ca. 94105
Colonel Michael H. Jenks April 8, 1985
District Engineer
Honolulu District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Ft. Shatter, Hawaii 96858
Re: Public Notice No. PODCO-0 1612-SD
Transcontinental Development Company
- Waikoloa Hyatt Resort Development
Dear Colonel Jenks:
This letter provides preliminary comments in response to
the referenced public notice announcing the public hearing for
the project referenced above. Please include them in the
hearing record. Our comments focus primarily on the need for
the proposed project to comply with the 404(b)(l) guidelines
(referred to as "the Guidelines'). He will provide additional
404 comments, as well as an evaluation of the overall environ-
mental impacts of the project following our review of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement.
The applicant proposes to construct a 1,250-room resort
hotel and associated amenities, including a 4-acre salt water
lagoon, ice skating rink, bowling alley, health spa and sports
medicine complex, tennis stadium, and freshwater swimming pool.
The construction of the project would result in the destruction
of a large number of anchialine ponds located on the project
site.
Anchialine ponds are unique natural resources. In Hawaii,
they are found only on the west coast of the island of Hawaii,
and in the Cape Kinau area of Maul. They support a community
of organisms, some of which are found only in anchialine ponds.
The ponds located on the project site have been described as
ponds of *... exceptional natural value based on physical struc-
ture, diversity, representative aquatic communities and new and
endemic species." They are part of a system of ponds that rep-
resent, "The largest single concentration ot anchialine ponds
on the Kona coast and in the state* (Maciolek and Brock, 1974).
He have determined that many of the anchialine ponds are
•special aquatic sites" under the Guidelines (40 CFR 230.3(q-l».
In recognition of the special and Important values of special
aquatic sites and the need to protect these areas from degra-
dation or destruction, the regulations establish a "water
-2-
dependency* test for discharges into special aquatic sites, if
the activity associated with the discharge of dredged or fill
material into a special aquatic site is not "water dependent*
(i.e. require access or proximity to or siting within the spe-
cial aquatic site in order to fulfill its basic purpose), prac-
ticable alternatives are presumed to be available unless clearly
demonstrated.otherwise. The degradation or destruction of
special aquatic sites is considered to be one of the most
severe environmental impacts covered by the these Guidelines.
The proposed project, a hotel resort, is not water dependent
as defined above. As such, one of the first steps in determining
compliance with the Guidelines is the evaluation of the appli-
cant's demonstration that there are no practicable alternatives
to the proposed discharge into special aquatic sites.
In addition to the demonstration described above, the Guide-
lines also require that no discharge be permitted 1C a practica-
ble alternative exists which would have less adverse impact on
the aquatic ecosystem. Compliance with this requirement is de-
termined by a thorough evaluation of such alternatives. These
alternatives include consideration of revised configurations
and/or a reduction in scope of the project in order to minimize
adverse effects. The Guidelines further require that no discharge
be permitted which will cause or contribute to significant degra-
dation of the waters of the United States resulting in unaccept-
able adverse impacts.
Based on our site visit and a review of the literature on
anchialine ponds, it is clear that the destruction of these
ponds could result in significant adverse effects on the aquatic
ecosystem. In addition to the direct losses resulting from the
filling activities, we are also concerned with the secondary
impacts of the proposed project on the remaining ponds, i.e. the
effects oft excavation and fill on the subsurface flows, the
increased human intrusion into the area, and the flow Into the
ponds of runoff potentially laden with fertilizer, oil and
grease, petroleum hydrocarbons and other pollutants.
The proposed project will be evaluated for compliance with
the above criteria. Substantial consideration will be given
to the uniqueness of this resource. Please feel free to direct
questions on this matter to Ms. Lily Hong of my staff at (415)
974-7194 / PTS 454-7194.
Charles H. Hurray, Jr.
Assistant Regional Administt
for Policy and Management
(tor
cct applicant
USFHS - Honolulu
NMPS - Honolulu
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I
Ol
o
DAWE X. CARPENTER
MAYOR
April B, 1985
Colonel Michael Jenka
District Engineer
Army Corps of Engineers
Fort Shafter, HI 96858
Dear Colonel Jenkst
As Mayor of the County of Hawaii, I would like to submit
my testimony in support of the proposed Hyatt Regency Haikoloa
Resort.
I believe the developers of the project have made a
sincere and commendable attempt to conduct their task with due
respect for the citizens and resources of this community. It
is my understanding that the matter of anchialine ponds has
been the subject of thorough, considerable and lengthy
discussions between the applicant and the developers, and that
this has resulted in the developer offering to establish a
12 acre preserve in addition to the existing 16 acres of open
space surrounding other ponds.
While recognizing the importance of the anchialine ponds,
I feel the foregoing measures represent an adequate
preservation of the affected resources.
Colonel Jenko
Page 2
April 8, 1985
Additionally, while recognizing the importance of the
federal permitting process, we Bust also weigh the benefits of
this project, and future developnent of the resort—namely,
jobs, economic opportunities, upward mobility, activities,
services, recreational facilities and the means of supporting
ourselves and our families in an increasingly competitive and
demanding society.
Briefly, the benefits as outlined in the Federal
Environmental Impact Statement, include:
1. 700 new construction jobs generated by the Hyatt and
an additional 240 construction jobs due to development
of other projects at the resort;
2. A total of 3,500 operational jobs at the resort
including an estimated 1,900 at the Hyatt)
3. An increase in personal income for County residents
estimated to be $84 nillion per year for the resort's
future development including (46 million for the
Hyatti and
4. Additional real property tax revenues of $3 million
per year resulting from further development of which
we estimate the majority will be derived from the
Hyatt.
COUNTY OF. HAWAII • HILO. HAWAII 96720
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Colonel Jenks
Page 3
April 8, 1985
I
Ul
Although we should all be concerned for our natural
resources, we oust recognize that our people are the most vital
resources of all. I believe this project—and others
associated with or dependent upon this development—are
important to the welfare of our community at this critical
time. The use of the property in question is extremely limited
and I feel the development proposed for this area is something
which will benefit our community in a positive way for many
years to cone. On the other hand, the denial or further delay
of this project may have very serious and negative
repercussions.
In closing, I suggest that the benefits of this project
will far exceed any adverse affects and that the efforts of the
developer more than satisfy the concerns of the County
Administration regarding the Hyatt Waikoloa Resort and
construction planned for the future. I assure you that the
County Administration is totally supportive of this development
and ask that the necessary Federal permits be approved as
expeditiously as possible.
speclfully submitted.
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«**»,
MH1KNN 1 \\IWKW1
I
Oi
N)
COUNTY COUNCIL
COUNTY axiNc.il.
Cmin r|
25 Akfmi Vlrn
IM>. Itimni
April 8, 1985
District Engineer
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Ft. Shafter, HI 96858
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposal by
Transcontinental Development Company and Atpac Land Company. The
applicants are requesting authorization to excavate a five-acre
lagoon; construct and maintain structures and a beach in the
lagoon; create and maintain a 12-acre anchlaline pond preservation
area; an'd fill the remaining anchialine ponds on the Waikoloa
Beach Resort properties. These proposals are necessary to
construct a 1,250-room luxury resort complex consisting of three
towers and recreational facilities.
The excavation of a five-acre recreational lagoon.adjacent to
Waiulua Bay is necessary to provide easy access into the water due
to hazardous conditions of the existing shoreline. The lagoon
will encompass an artificial beach which further promotes a safe
water recreation area.
The creation and maintenance of a 12-acre pond preservation area
will perpetuate the aquatic ecosystem located on the Waikoloa
Beach Resort properties. The remaining anchialine ponds located
outside the designated preservation area which consists of 41X of
the ponds would be filled to allow for the construction of the
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel facilities.
The development of luxury properties along the South Kohala
coastline has changed the complexion of the area into a major
resort destination. Planned resort developments will result in
substantial increases in employment opportunities and economic
activities for the communities of West Hawaii. The proposed
resort would further expand the County's economic base by
providing recreational opportunities and stimulating housing
development and general business activities.
IbU, llnui 967W
District Engineer
Page 2
April 8, 1985
This proposed project has been designed as a world-class resort to
entice visitors to the South Kohala area. The lagoon and
recreational amenities were uniquely designed into this project to
attract selected visitors. Further, the Waikoloa Hyatt Regency
would complement the Sheraton Waikoloa Hotel by attracting
additional visitors to the area.
Alternatives I, II, and 111 as proposed in the Environmental.
Impact Statement prepared by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
would Impede the development of the recreational facilities which
may severely compromise the attraction of this world-class resort.
Past experiences with Sheraton Waikoloa Resort, Hauna Lanl Resort,
and Hauna Kea Properties have shown that projects can be planned
to protect the environment and preserve archeological and
historical sites. The caliber of this commii -nt will also give
the Waikoloa properties the recognition which may promulgate
further developments. Any alteration to the project plans of
Transcontinental Development Company and Atpac Land Company would
incur unnecessary delays and additional expenses.
We believe that the project is in consonance with the type of
development the Council has envisioned for the area and that every
effort should be made to avoid the imposition of unnecessary
obstacles. We, the legislative branch of government, have
constantly strived to create a climate conducive to encourage
development and economic activity and have continually sought to
minimize delays and streamline the permit processes.
In closing, in behalf of myself and members of the County Council,
I recommend that the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers approve the
applicants' DA (Department of the Army) permit to allow the
developers to proceed with their resort project as planned.
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Hawaii Island
Chamber of Commerce
tstotwieain 1
• 160K,riooleSl S>»le2(U • llilu
'20 • Plmne(60e Q3S "
April 8. 1985
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
April 8.
Page 2.
1985
I
l/i
CO
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Public Hearing
Sheraton Royal Walkoloa Hotel
Tour Lobby
South Kohala, Hawaii Island
Subject: Request of Transcontinental Development Co. and
Atpac Co. to Exca'vate and Fill Anchlallne Ponds
at Proposed $360 million Hyatt Regency Ualkoloa
Resort.
Gentlemen:
On April 9, 1985 the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce at a public
hearing at the Sheraton Ualkoloa Hotel before the County of Hawaii
Planning Commission, went on record supporting the applications by
Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac Co. for a Special Management
Area Use Permit to allow the development of their proposed luxury class
1260-room Hyatt Regency Ualkoloa on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island.
That testlmoney Is made a part of this and Is attached hereto.
The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce supports the developer's
request to the Corps of Engineers to excavate a five acre recreational
lagoon on the site of the 60 acre beach front complex and to fill the
anchlallne ponds that are presently located on the development sites.
The Chamber also supports the applicant's modification to Include
the establishment of a 12 acre anchlallne pond preservation area to In-
sure the continued existence of this unique aquatic ecosystem on the
Halkoloa Beach resort property.
The former request Is necessary In order to raise the ground eleva-
tion of the coastal area above the base flood elevation and by so doing
to provide flexibility In designing and constructing this multlmllllon
dollar complex.
Creation of a 5-acre lagoon and artificial beach by the developers
will provide a safe water recreation area for visitors unfamiliar with
some of the hazards of coastline swimming.
I thank you for this opportunity to submit our testimony and urge
your favorable consideration.
Respectfully yours,
RSB:bnm
encl.
Sharon K. Scheele, President
Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce
.AM,holed win ihe CI*xnS» ol Comnieice ol n« u»teci Shiies
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auait
KAMUELA. HAWAII 96743
April 8, 1985
01
-p-
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Honolulu District Engineer
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Fort Shafter, Building 230
Honolulu, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Colonel Jenks:
Re:
Transcontinental Development Co. and Atpac Land Co. Proposal/Permit to
Excavate Lagoon and Fill Tidal Ponds at Haikoloa Beach Resort
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this very important matter that has
captured the interest of all informed residents on the island.
As one who was born and raised In the Kohala Districts. I have watched our
communities change In both size and character. I have seen the decline of
sugar since the 1950's, the beginnings of a Kohala Coast resort destination
area with Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and the shakey beginnings of Haikoloa Village
and Haikoloa Beach Resort. I have witnessed those years when the District's
greatest export was its own children, who from a young age assumed they had to
leave the District to get a nonplantation job. After Laurance Rockefeller's
pioneer project here on the Kohala Coast, It took a full decade and a half be-
fore a second hotel was built, and another two years thereafter.for a third.
The Sheraton Haikoloa and Hauna Lani Bay Hotels have provided this Island's
children job opportunities and the choice to continue living In the communities
they love best, but only after a long lag period. This long lag has had mixed
blessings. On the positive side, It has given the Big Island an opportunity to
learn from the mistakes of others. Resorts like Hauna Lani have maintained
open communication with special Interest groups to ensure that community con-
cerns are Incorporated in the project in the best possible way. It has proven
that public access, lateral'shoreline access over the Ala Kahakal, historic
preservation, and open space can work well in a master development plan. Other
points that make the coastal resorts palatable from a social stand point are
these:
o resort facilities are not mixed with the existing communities;
employees can go home at night away from the visitor plant
o the secondary jobs provided by the hotel developments give our
children additional job options beyond the hotels, and this
Includes construction jobs and other employment generated by
Investor Interest
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Honolulu District Engineer
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
April B, 1985
P»ge Two
o these resorts are being developed on aqrlcuKurtlly poor lands
and from an overall planning standpoint, the lands seem to be
designated for their highest and best use
If there is one thing I have learned In my long life, it is that life is a
series of compromises. I ant the greatest advocate for the preservation of
things of cultural , historic, and aesthetic significance. But I also believe that our
Island's children deserve employment choices within a diverse economy, and this
diverse economy at this point In time can only be driven by quality resort de-
velopment on the Kohala Coast.
The Hyatt Regency Haikoloa Is an Important factor In the overall success of the
Kohala Coast as the premier visitor destination for the State. Hlthout this
project. It Is possible that Investor Interest 1n the Big Island will rapidly
decline and the Kohala Coast will again suffer from a long lag period and eco-
nomic stagnation. He urge a speedy compromise of Issues to allow the Hyatt to
proceed. However, we also urge the developers of Haikoloa Beach Resort to do
the following:
o develop a better attitude toward preservation of historic and
cultural assets at Haikoloa
o provider safe and well delineated linkage of the Ala Kahakal
so that local fishermen and walkers can pass without obstruc-
tion
o take an active part In the prforltlzatlon of the most aesthe-
tic and valuable anchlaline ponds along the Kona-Kohala Coast
o work closely with local special Interest community groups to
ensure a product with which we can all live.
He also urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do some long range planning
rather than "crisis management" dictated by individual project requests. This
long range planning should Include an Inventory and priorltlzatlon of wetlands
and ponds along the Coast. Developers should he made aware at the outset,
what the risks of development are, especially If there are anchlaline ponds on
the property deemed very Important and are not to be disturbed. Host people
will find It impossible to speak Intelligently on the biological importance of
the Haikoloa anchlaline ponds In question, especially compared to the many
others along the Coast. Let us do that which is reasonable. Let's not merely
react to this limited issue. Let's be smart and begin to look at the big pic-
ture .
Sincerely,
HAJMEA HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB
Sam Hook
Historic Preservation Officer
SH:lms
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NflflbflHELE
r.O BOX 1572
KCflLBKCKUft.HllHSO
April 8. 1985
I
cn
O1
Toi U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Fromi Ha Ala Hele
Bei Testimony for the April 9, 1985 Public Hearing - Comments on the Draft
Environmental Inpact Statement, Walkoloa Beach Resort Anchlallne Ponds
I. foe Twelve Acre Anchlallne Preserve
It is encouraging that the applicants have proposed a 12 acre preserve after
initially seeking perolsaion to eliminate all pond resources in the area to be
developed. Me have walked the 12 acres, Identified many ponds by their identifi-
cation numbers, but could not locate pond #39. We urge the retention of four
additional ponds which appear to be located Just outside of the proposed preserve's
north boundary. These pools lacked numbers and thus cannot be precisely identified
In this write-up. What Bakes then unique among the other pools in the 12 acre
area arei
a. their aesthetic beauty (one pool has an extremely picturesque arch formation),
b. their greater depth,
c. the lack of vegetation surrounding them, and
A. the lack of "aging" characteristics (p. 111-19) commonly found among the
majority of ponds in the proposed preserve.
As Is noted in the Draft ESS (p. 111-24) the ponds found in the tfaikoloa
area exhibit great diversity in pond characteristics such as age, size and
salinity. It would be desirable to represent that diversity'in a preserve.
11• Preservation and Management of Anchlaline Pools Can Achievei
1.
2.
3.
Aesthetically appealing open space within the Walkoloa Beach Resort design
Educational benefits as the ponds are studied and managed - Interpretive
programs for residents and visitors can instruct people in what makes these
ponds so unique in the state and the world.
Prevention of the loss of these specialized habitats, thereby assisting in
the survival of endemic plants and animals
III. long-Range Planning for Vest Hawaii's Anchlaline Pool Resources
A progran aimed at the long term protection of West Hawaii's anchlaline
resources should be propqsed In the Hawaii County General Plan update. We urge
that this be done becausei
1. Anchlallne pools are special natural resources of our county and we have a
responsibility to protect then.
2. These pools are easily degraded by surrounding activities.
3. An inventory and identification of pools worthy of protection would apprise
potential developers that certain ponds have been earmarked for conservation
and nanageaent.
*». It cannot be assuned that there are sufficient anchlaline pools in West Hawaii
to guarantee the survival of endemic aquatic organisms. ' Presently there appear
to be no sanctions against bulldozing, filllng-in or other destructive treatment
of ponds. An anchlaline pond preserve at Walkoloa would be the first Natural
Area Reserve for anchlaline pools on the island of Hawaii (see p. 111-22).
IV. Public Access and the Ala Kanaka! Trail Systea
Continuous, pedestrian, public shoreline access needs to be guaranteed and
made explicit In the Walkoloa Beach Resort plan. The Hauna Tflnl Resort to the
north has successfully incorporated the Ala Kahakal along that shoreline, and
the trail system should be extended through the Walulua Bay area and north to
Honoka'ape Bay.
V. Historic Resources
Along the shoreline north of Walulua Bay Is a concentration of Hawaiian lava
"storage bins" which appear worthy of preservation. We would like to know if
those features are planned for preservation by the applicants.
The section of the Ala Loa (a.k.a. King's Highway and Ala Hasalahoa) traversing
the proposed development area Is on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and
any alterations Bust first be reviewed and approved by the Department of Land and
Natural Resources. ' ' ' i-
VI. Additional Comments RBI The Hyatt Regency Proposal
1. According to the applicants the Big Island's visitor Industry has lagged
behind that of other islands due to a lack of Identity and Inadequate
promotion (p. 11-1?). It should also be noted that the Big Island lacks
the extensive, white sand beaches so popular with visitors. For example ...
the Hyatt Regency will need to alter the natural coastline by .constructing
a nan-made beach and lagoon In order to attract clientele. One wonders If
the natural, windy character of Kohala also discourages visitors and
contributes to the slower growth of the Industry.
2. How essential is the importation of deer to the success of this resort?
Haven't deer been found to be potentially devastating to Hawaii's environment?
How appropriate are deer'to the establishment of an identity for the Big Island's
visitor Industry?
3. The Hyatt Regency proposal is Indeed an ambitious one. It is not the only
development currently being proposed. Other'projects are being reviewed
which can contribute to our need for jobs, eg. Hauna lanl Resort, Keauhou,
Hauna Kea Beach and Xona Village Resort expansions, and new developments
proposed for Kapalaoa, Kukl'o and Hahukona. While the total number of
jobs anticipated through resort developments can appear promising, it is
•ore accurate to assess how nany of those jobs will be temporary construction
jobs and how many trill be part-tine, casual or on-call with little or no
employee benefits.
Conclusion
Ha Ala Hele Is not anti-Jobs and development. We are in favor of quality
developments that will not Involve too great a sacrifice of our natural environ-
ment, historic resources, Hawaiian culture and our Island way of life.
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DOUU.A& M. CM*
K (I. WJX 1252 KAMUUA, HIlVMI I V67-1?
ALSO
WHll OLtM CANUE CLUIl KKOKhSSIOMlU DIVERS .HfiHAI I
APRIL 09. 1985
SIIUJECI: REMARI £. REGARDING THE DEVELOPER AMD THE HYATT DEVELUFMLW
OPENING REMARKS: WHAT A DEVELOPER MEANS TO A COMMUNITY.
A. THEY BASICALLY PROVIDE A BACKBONE TO ANY SUCH COMMUNITY.
1. OFFER FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY 'ACTIVITIES.
CREATING OF MASS EMPLOYMENT.
2. CONSTRUCTION OF NEEDED ROADWAYS, RECREATION AREAS.
__ A. ANAEHQOMALU BEACH DEVELOPMENT. FROM NOTHING TO BEAUTY.
I FINANCED AND PAID BY THE DEVELOPER.
^ B. MAUKA/MAKA1 ROADWAYS: WAIKOLOA/KONA PALISADES/OTHERS.
FINANCED AND PAID BY THE DEVELOPER.
C*. WATER SUPPLIES ADDED TO THE COUNTY SYSTEM AND USED DURING
' TIME OF EMERGENCIES, DROUGHTS. ETC... '
3. DONATING DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED LAND FOR RECREATIONAL USE. .
A. PARKS/POLICE AND FIRE PROPERTY/LANDSCAPING IN GENERAL...
4. DONATION OF CORPORATE MONEY TO UNLIMITED CIVIC GROUPS.
A. SERVICE CLUBS/BOY-GIRL SCOUTS/GOLF SPONSORSHIPS.
B. WAIKOLOA CANOE CLUB, THE BACKBONE OF AND FINANCING.
1. CANOE PURCHASE 2. LEGAL PAPERWORK
3. LAND AND BUILDING 1. CLERICAL WORK NEEDED
5. AND OTHERS
B. SUGAR AND ITS FUTURE... JOB LOSS, THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM. •
1. IT'S A KNOWN FACT THAT SUBAR IS ON THE WAY OUT. WHY?
A. THE FEDERAL AID MONEY CALLED THE MONEY IS OVER
C. IMPORT SUGAR IS REALLY CONTROLLED BY THE BIG COMPANIES
1. ALL SOFT DRING CD'S 2. CANDY COMPANIES
.BILLION DOLLAR COMPANIES NEEDING CHEEP SWEET PRODUCTS AND
ALL
LOBHINB VERY HARD IN CONGRESS TO GET THE CHEEP SI,IBST 1 TUIE.
I.
QUIT.
HAWAII 8UBAK TO COSTUY OH THE WORLD MAWCT. RCUU.T. THE
UIG COMPANIES III HAWAII OPERATING AT A LOSS AMD V.UL
2. BAG*. TO BASIC STEP I. 1 OSS OP SUOAK JOBS AMD MM) WHERE.
ARE WE7
3. OUR JOB EMPLOYMENT MARKET BECOMES IN GREAT DAMUER AND
• UNEMPLOYMENT SOURS, THE ECONOMY DROPS OFF YOU TELL HE
C. HUMAN EXISTENCE IS NEEDED AND HOW IS THAT ACCOMPLISHED?
I. THROUGH DEVELOPMENT OF NEW IDEAS, PLACES, AND INDUSTRY.
Z. DEVELOPMENT AND THE DEVELOPER AND THE BENEFITS TO ALL OF US.
1. THE DEVELOPER WANTS HIS PROJECT UP. FOR THAT HE MUST.
A. CONFORM TO THE RULES OF THE LAND DIRECTED BY STATE AND
COUNTY BUILDING CODES.
B. THEY USUALLY MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DO A NICE JOB.
C. WITH SUCH A DEVELOPER AS TRANS-CONTENANTIAL, YOU HAVE THE
SO CALLED HOME GROWN HAWAII PERSONNEL, WANTING TO DO THE
PROJECT WITH GOOD TASTE TO THE COMMUNITY.
D. SPEND THE REQUIRED MONEY TO DO THE PROJECT WITH PRIDE.
E. THE SPINOFFS TO THE COMMUNITY ARE EMPLOYMENT, SOMETHING
SOMETIMES OFTEN OVER LOOKED, AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
- OUR BROWING UP YOUTH TO ADULTS, OFTEN TIMES FORCES THEM
AWAY FROM HAWAII BECAUSE OF LACK OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
CONCLUSION: I FEEL THAT THE JOB MARKET IF OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN THE NAME OF
CONSERVATION, AND THE FEELING OF ANT1 DEVELOPMENT AT THE PRESENT TIME.
I FEEL THAT IF YOU HAVE A DEVELOPER SUCH AS MENTIONED ABOVE,
(TRANS-CONTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CORP.), AND ONE WHO IS TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING IT
THEIR POWER TO DEVELOPE A WORLD GREAT HOTEL, ONE THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE IN.
THE TOP TEN (10) AS GREAT HOTELS, THAT ALL OF US HERE SHOULD TRY OF OFFER
SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT IN EVERY WAY YOU CAN.
SHOULD WE COME ACROSS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, LET'S STOP, DISCUSS THE
PROBLEMS. FINE A WORKABLE SOLUTION AND GO ON WITH THE PROJECT.
FINAL OUTCOME, A FUTURE FOR ALL OF OUR GROWING PEOPLE IN HAWAII
JOBS AND AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WE WILL ALL BE PROUD OF.
I FURTHER BELIEVE THAT IN MY 15 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL DIVING AND TEACHING
SCUBA ON THIS COAST, I HAVE YET TD SEE WHERE A DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS' THE MAUNA
KEA, THE SHERATON, AND THE MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL HAVE CREATED PROBLEMS WITH THE
OCEAN FLOOR. IN FACT THEY SPEND MILLIONS ANNUALLY JUST TREATING THE WAIST
WATER AND TURN IT AROUND AND REUSE IT FOR GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION. REALLY AN
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION EFFORT ON THEIR PART.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN ALONG THE COAST LINE IS THE NETTING OF ALL TYPES OF: SMALL
FISH THROUGH THE USE OF ILLEGAL SIZE NETS AND THE HARVESTING OF ANY AND ALL OF
THESE FISH WITH LITTLE OR NO REGARDS TO THE GROW BACK REPRODUCTION AREA OF
THESE REEFS. THIS IS WHERE CONTROL SHOULD BE SPENT AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS
CONTROL IS UNDERWAY NOW.
CORpIALLY SUBMITTED,
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TESTIMONY FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE U,S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
SHERATON WAIKOLOA HOTEL
3 APRIL 198b 7:00 P.M.
TESTIMONY BEFORE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENG.
APRIL 9, 1985 SHERATON WAIKOLOA HOTEL
PAGE 2
i
en
I'M BOB LlNDSEY, A WAIMEA RESIDENT AND A MEMBER OF THE HAWAII
LEGISLATURE. I REPRESENT DISTRICT Six IN THE STATE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES.
I AM HERE TO TESTIFY IN FULL SUPPORT OF WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORTS
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR THIS AREA, SPECIFICALLY, THE PROPOSED HYATT
KAIKOLOA.
I WILL COMMENCE BY SAYING I WAS BORN AND RAISED ON THIS ISLAND.
I INTEND TO SPEND MY FINAL DAYS HERE. I FEEL VERY CLOSE TO WAIKOLOA
AND ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED HERE. I WORKED HERE IN 1970 FOR i'lORRISON-
KNUDSEN CONSTRUCTION WHEN THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
WAS BEING PUT IN PLACE. THE CREW I WORKED ON INSTALLED THE MAIN
TRUNKLINE ON A STREET THAT BRINGS WATER FROM THE PARKER FlVE WELL
TO WAIKOLOA VILLAGE. I WORKED HERE AGAIN IN 1980. MY PRIMARY
JOB WAS OPERATING A PIECE OF HEAVY MACHINERY USED TO COMPACT THE
FAIRWAYS AND BUNKERS FOR THE GOLF COURSE HERE AT THE SHERATON WAIKOLOA,
I MENTION THIS SIMPLY TO ESTABLISH, I AM NOT JUST 'PASSING THROUGH1.
MY ROOTS ARE HERE. I HAVE SEEN BoiSE CASCADE AND NOW THE TRANS-
CONTINENTAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CONVERT A WASTELAND INTO AN OASIS
AND AS A RESULT PROVIDE THIS ISLAND, AN ALTERNATIVE TO AGRICULTURE.
I AM HERE TO ASK OF YOU WHO REPRESENT THE U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS,
TO EXPEDITE THE EFFORTS OF THE HEMMETER INVESTMENT COMPANY AS WELL AS
WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT IN THIS MASSIVE AND EXCITING VENTURE.
GRANTED, THERE ARE THOSE AMONGST us, WHO ARE APPREHENSIVE
ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE IMPACTS A PROJECT OF THIS MAGNITUDE WILL
HAVE ON THE ISLAND, PARTICULARLY WEST HAWAII. YOU HAVE YOUR SIDE
TO TELL. BUT WHERE YOU SEE DARKNESS, I SEE SUNSHINE. I SEE THE
HYATT WAIKOLOA AS ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY. I SEE THE HYATT WAIKOLOA
AS A VESSEL FOR OPPORTUNITY. I SEE THE HYATT WAIKOLOA AS BEING A
CATALYST FOR MOVING THIS ISLAND INTO THE 21ST CENTURY AND A
CONTRIBUTOR TO OUR TAX, EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC BASES. THERE IS
NO TURNING BACK. HAWAII HAS MOVED FROM AN ECONOMY BASED ON AGRICULTURE
TO AN ECONOMY BASED ON SERVICE AND INFORMATION. WE ARE LIVING IN A
NEW AGE AND A NEW TIME. WE NEED TO GROW FOR JF WE DO NOT, WE WILL
AS AN ISLAND DIE. IF ANCHIALINE PONDS IN THE VICINITY MUST FALL TO
EARTH MOVERS. If THE COAST HAS TO BE ALTERED. IF THE AINA HAS TO
BE DISTURBED THEN SO BE IT. I TRUST WE WILL NOT PERMIT THIS
OPPORTUNE MOMENT TO ESCAPE US IN ORDER TO SAVE CERTAIN FORMS OF
WATERLIFE AND'A NETWORK OF PONDS. ALTERNATIVES HAVE BEEN OFFERED,
LET US EXAMINE THESE AND LET US IMPLEMENT THEM. GRANTED, WE
MUST REMEMBER THE PAST BUT LET US NOT LET DAYS GONE BY DENY US
ACCESS TO THE FUTURE.
HAHALO.
-------
I
Ol
00
KOHA BOARD OF REALTORS
TESTIMONY IH FAVOR OF
THE PROPOSED HYATT RESORT AT HAIKOLOA. SOUTH KOIIALA
PETER T, YOUHG, PRESIDENT-ELECT
75-5722 KUAKINI HIGHWAY. KAILUA-KOHA, HAWAII 96740
329-64S8
APRIL 9, 1985
The Kona Board of Realtors strongly supports the proposed
resort development of Mr. Chris llemmeter at Halkoloa, South
Kohala. He believe that the proposed development will complement
the existing high standards found in the neighboring resorts on
the Kohala Coast and will be a positive economic influence to our
community, both for the immediate vicinity and the Island as a
whole.
The coastal region of South Kohala has been shown to be
an area of quality conscious resort developments serving a
variety of visitors to the area. The proposed Hyatt Is a
continuation of these high standards. From a Land Use concern,
the project is a natural extension of the land use patterns .
already established for the area.
The State, as well as local economies are dependent on
the survival of the visitor Industry. As stated in the report
called 'Economic Development on the Island of Hawaii, Issues and
Options': "The Big Island's visitor industry is now comparable in
economic importance to the total agricultural Industry on the
Island. Tourism's considerable growth potential, however, makes'"'
it the most important industry in the foreseeable future." Hot
•only will the proposed project provide the necessary economic
stimulus to our community, It will also provide an economic
influence that will assist in the stabal iza tion of the Island's
economy.
He have no doubt as to the capability of Mr. llemmeter and
his ability to provide a product that we will all be proud of.
Me are not concerned with the possibility of unfulfilled
promises, as he has a proven track record for developments such
as these in the State of Hawaii as evidenced by his resort
developments on Oahu and Maul. When we review the quality aspect
of the development, we need only consider our Image of the Hyatt
resort on Maul -- ours will be better.
He believe that the responsible action of the Army Corps
of Engineers is to approve the application as soon as possible.
He encourage you to do so. At the same time we encourage all
other reviewing agencies to expedite the permit processing for
this important and necessary development In our community.
-1-
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HAWAII VISITORS BUREAU • Sulla 104. Hilo Plaza • 180 Kinode Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • Telephone: (608) 961-5797
**i r -lEEssrn
lr
April 9. 1985
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Public Hearing
Sheraton Royal Ualkoloa Hotel
Tour Lobby
South Kohala, Hawaii Island
Subject: Request of Transcontinental Development Co. and
Atpac Co. to Excavate and Fill Anchlallne Ponds
at Proposed $360 million Hyatt Regency Malkoloa
Resort.
Gentlemen:
The Hawaii Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Island Chapter of the
Hawaii Visitors Bureau support the developer's request to the Corps of
Engineers to excavate a five acre recreational lagoon on the site of the
60 acre beach front complex and to fill the anchlallne ponds that are
presently located on the development sites.
We also support the applicant's modification to Include the esta-
blishment of a 12 acre anchlallne pond preservation area to insure the
continued existence of this unique aquatic ecosystem on the Ualkoloa
Beach resort property.
Creation of a 5-acre lagoon and artificial beach by the developers
will provide a safe water recreation area for visitors unfamiliar with
some of the hazards of coastline swimming.
I thank you for this opportunity to submit our testimony and urge
your favorable consideration.
Respectfully yours
Shipman Blackshear, Chairman
Hawaii Island Chapter, HVB
Member of the Board, HVB
RSB:bnm
-------
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-------
10 MAY 1986
Operations Branch
Despite the restoration efforts, the bulldozed and redeposHtd
n.aterijl could give the area t definite appearance of disturbed
condition?. Nevertheless, the material within the tidal waters
was removto to the Corps' satisfaction, a fine levied against the
violators, the case was considered resolved, and the matter closer.
I understand that you have recently spoken to representatives of
our Office of Counsel on this matter. If you have additional
Questions, please contact the Operations Branch at 436-9256.
Sincerely,
I
u\
CO
Mr. Douglas Blake
Kona Conservation Group
P.O. Box 307
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96745
Dear Mr. Blake:
This is in response to your April 11, 1965 letter transmitting
a copy of the testimony you presented at the public hearing held on
April 9, 1985 for the proposed Malkoloa Hyatt Development. As 1
explained at the public hearing, regardless of the State's position
on shoreline certification, the Federal interest and jurisdiction
in the matter is clearly Indicated, and the Department of the Army
(DA) permit processing is proceeding.
With regard to your concerns of bulldozing and filling in the
area directly Inland of the mauka arm of Walulua Bay, an Investiga-
tion of such a violation was conducted In July 1984 by my
Operations Branch.. Cri's^n hasoii rock and debris had teen placed
across a narrow neck of Walulua Inlet, forming a "jwav, Oi,u ii; a
Second pile about 50 feet north of the roadway. A map is enclosed
to Indicate the location of the unauthorized fill. As a result of
the investigation and subsequent legal action, Malkoloa Properties/
Transcontinental Development removed the fill In September'1984 and
was fined J30,000.
At the time the fill was placed by Transcontinental
Development in February 1984, much of the adjacent land area was
also disturbed by bulldozing. Restoration of the area focused on
removal of the fill placed in tidal waters, particularly the
roadway which cut off one to two acres of intertidal area from
direct access to ocean waters. The restoration action involved
removal of bulldozed material returning it to the area from which
it came. An on-site inspector was present to ensure that the
material was adequately removed and redeposited on dry land.
Michael K. Oenks
Colonel, Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
Enclosure
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1
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Telephone (&08) 538-1505
Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO
205 Empire Bldp. / 49 S. Hotel SI. / Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
ON
HortMrt S. K. Kaofxj* Sr.
Norman JanicH Jr.
VIM PrMKMrt
Paul Monkawa
Seattary-TiiuuH
Sefgeanl-AI-Arms;
Malcolm Ahlo
Herman Meek
Trustees:
David Kaiu
Sam Mohuahi
Lawrence Sakamoto
April IS, 1985
Colonel Michael Jenks
District Engineer
Army Corps of Engineers
Fort Shatter, HI 966SB
Dear Sir:
My name is Herbert S. K. Kaopua Sr. and an
presently serving as the President of the Hawaii
Building and Construction Trades Council. Although
I an a resident on Oahu, ny roots come from Kona.
I am supportive of the Hyatt Regency project and
feel that a project such as this would help the
economical and social aspect of this community.
We have communicated with our members and they
feel an urgency to initiate such a project. The
people want to work. Therefore, we solicit your support.
HSKK:aek
Then It no substitute tor skilled craftsmen
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Box 173
Papaaloa, HI 967BO
April 16.19B5
Col. Hlohael H. Jenks
District Englneer(PODCO-O)
U.S. Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Fort Shafter, Hono. 96858
0\
0\
Dear Col. Jenks,
I wish to express my concerns about the proposed Hyatt
Regency Hotel at Haikoloa, Tor there was a definite bias at the
hearing held last week.
The first and moat obvious concern for many of us is the
preservation of the anchialine ponds for biological reasons. To
me, one of the major problems facing the world today is the
wanton destruction of species and their habitats. With a global
perspective, the proposal to dredge and/or fill these ponds is
just another example of today's current trend to thoughtlessly
destroy for the profit motive. I feel certain that future
generations will look upon these blind actions of today with
utter dismay, but by then, it will be too late. We must do what
we can to raise consciousness about the fact that we are
stewards of life on this planet and have sufficient courage to
face possible disapproval when a stand is taken to preserve
precious habitats. It is important to:
a) preserve and manage more than the 12 acres of ponds
b) gather enough expertise in the selection of ponds to be
preserved to ensure an adequate sampling of differing
types of ponds (depth, age, etc.) and of the life within
c) do whatever else is necessary to protect and preserve
such species as the 'opaeula and the Hetabetaeus lohena.
The second concern is the attitude that a dredged, filled, and
otherwise artificial landscape is prettier than a natural
landscape. This is simply not true for many, many people) Our
natural world is vanishing. When a reference to "future
generations" was made, it seems obvious that a hotel built around
a lovely and undisturbed natural environment would be a positive
and appealing attraction even more in the future. The Miami
Beaches of the world are loaded with artificialities- we have the
opportunity to provide guests to Hawaii with natural beauty- why
don't we do a fabulous job building this hotel AROUND these
ponds- not on top of their remains. This concern is also true for
the proposed excavation of the lagoon.
The third concern is the proposed Introduction of deer. He
have already suffered significant and ongoing destruction of
Invaluable natural areas fron ahecp and goats- the lesson should
be clear. If deer are to be allowed, they Bust be sterilized so
that any accidental or intentional release would have only a
teoporary negative impact. Again, I fail to believe that our
lovely Hawaii would be enhanced by this proposal.
The fourth concern is • general concern about the current
"answer" to Hawaii's employment issue- more and more large
hotels. Looking at other tourist spots around the world, Bermuda
cones to Bind as a successful resort following a different model.
In Bermuda, there are a large number of small hotels and guest
houses, some we would call "bed and breakfasts." These places are
charming and provide numerous advantages over large corporations
controlling the visitor "industry." A primary advantage is
financial. The money earned does not go off to Hew York or other
corporate locations- it stays with the small and numerous owners
who are local families, and not merely international investors.
Large hotels can mean large profits- but not for the average
hotel worker struggling on the minimum wage. He are creating a 2
class society- the very wealthy and the maids, bell hops, and
waitresses. This pattern is not inevitable!
Please forgive cue if this letter is too lengthy. The Issues are
very real and I can't help but think that decision-makers of the
future would make the decisions quite differently than how it
appears they will be made in the rush of today.
Hy mahalos for your consideration.
Sincerely Yours,
Louise Pape
co; Michael T. Lee
-------
ON
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-------
Hon
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1-68
-------
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IN UAIKOLOA, HAWAII.
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IN WAIKOLOA, HAWAII.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
NAME:
ADDRESS;
v**..«\s-^*..\ v\\v»-'-:-"••• s^»3
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-------
HE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IH FAVOR OF THE IIYATT REGEHCY PROJECT IH UAIKOLOA, HAWAII.
HE THE UHOBRSICHED ARE IH FAVOR OF THE HYATT RECENCY PROJECT IH HAIKOLOA, HAWAII.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
NAME:
ADDRESS;
w
\o y,
P/
V5v
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f, O fl*K
63 AJ/ MA// ^r ; NIC, Hi-
-------
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IN WAIKOLOA, HAWAII.
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IK WAIKOLOA, HAWAII-
ADDRESS i
NAME:
ADDRESS:
/«/
?fi0S Sf -MZo
'^" X.'
7?
J.
-------
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IH FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IH HA1KOLOA, HAWAII.
HE TllE UNDERSIGNED ARE IH FAVOR OF THE HYATT RECENCY PROJECT IH HAHJOEDif) 1LAHAHL
NAME:
ADDRESS:
HAHEt
ADDRESS!
fff
"U. P.O. fc»ov
-------
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT REGENCY PROJECT IN UAIK^LOA, HAUAII.
NAME:
ADDRESS!
-iU
135
7
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V
o
X
WE THE UNDERSIGNED ARE IN FAVOR OF THE HYATT RECENCY PROJECT IN UAIKOLOA, HAUAII.
ADDRESS:
jj-
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Appendix J
List of DEIS Recipients
-------
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APPENDIX J
LIST OF DEIS RECIPIENTS
HAWAI'I CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION (HAWAIM AND WASHINGTON. D.C. OFFICES)
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Senator Sparky M. Matsunaga
Representative Daniel K. Akaka
Representative Cec Heftel
FEDERAL AGENCIES
U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Environmental Review, Washington, D.C.
Region IX, San Francisco, CA
U.S. Department of Commerce
Assistant Secretary of Environmental Affairs, Washington, D.C.
Region IX, San Francisco, CA
National Marine Fisheries Service
Southwest Region Office, Terminal Island
Western Pacific Program, Hawai'i
U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Environmental Project Review, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawai'i
U.S. Geological Service, Hawai'i
National Parks Service
Hawai'i Office
Interagency Archaeological Services, San Francisco, CA
U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Region IX, San Francisco, CA
Honolulu Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Environmental Quality Activities, Washington, D.C.
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Hawai'i
Soil Conservation Service, Hawai'i
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration, San Francisco, CA
Federal Highway Administration, Hawai'i
U.S. Coast Guard, 14th District, Hawai'i
STATE OF HAWAI'I
Office of Environmental Quality Control
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Chairman
Division of Aquatic Resources
Division of Water and Land Development
Division of Forestry and Wildlife
State Parks Division
Historic Sites Section
State Historic Preservation Officer
Department of Planning and Economic Development
Coastal Zone Management Office
Department of Health
J-l
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STATE OF HAWAI'I (continued)
State Library System
Main Office, Honolulu
Kailua-Kona Library
Thelma Parker Memorial Library
Bond Memorial Library
Honokaa L ibrary
Keaau Community Library
Kealakekua Library
Laupahoehoe Community Library
Mountain View Library
Pahala Library
Pahoa Library
COUNTY OF HA WAI'!
Mayor Dante Carpenter
Planning Department
Department of Public Works
Office of Housing and Community Development
Department of Water Supply
Legislative Auditor
ORGANIZATIONS
Cave Species Specialist Group
Colorado State University Library
Greenpeace
HawaiM Land Management
Hawai'i's Thousand Friends
K.G. Hawaii Corporation
Kohala Community Association
Life of the Land
Na Ala Hele
The Nature Conservancy
Rohr Development
Sierra Club
Honolulu Chapter
Hawai'i Chapter
University of Hawai'i, Environmental Center
University of Hawai'i, Water Resources Research Center
Alfred A. Yee Division of Leo Daly
INDIVIDUALS
Kazuhisa Abe
Deborah Chang Abreu
Ron Bachrnar
Ann Fielding
Paul Friesema
Dr. Alison Kay
Donna Mah
J. Sanchez
Wade Shaffer
Jack Streka
Richard Titgen
John Michael White
Dan Yasui
J-2
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Appendix K
DEIS Letters Received and Comments and Responses
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-------
US Army Corps
of Engineers
Honolulu OiStn. I
Public Notice
Public Nolic* No
Dale
5 April 19B5
Reply lo Diltucl Engineer IPOOCO-O) Respond By
U & Army Cot p& of Engineer*
Buildrno?30
Fl SUItei HI 66656
N.A.
HOTICI Of AVAILABILITY
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IHPACT SIAIMENT
FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE DO. PODCO-0 1812-SD
WAIROLOA BEACH RESORT ANCBIALIHE FORDS
VAIKOLOA, SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT, ISLAND OF HAWAII
1. Hot ice of Availability; Tbe availability of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement for the DS Department of the Amy permit application,
PODCO-0 1812-SD, Vaikoloa Beach Retort Anchialine Pondt, vaa publiehed in
the Federal Regiater on April 5, 1985. The date of availability "
publiabed ip the Federal Regiater begina tbe 45-day review period for
content* on tbe Draft Environmental Itrpact Statement. Any peraona
interested in obtaining or deairing access to a copy of the draft
environmental impact atateaent abould contact the Operationa Branch, Phone:
(808)438-9258. Copies of tbe draft environmental impact atatenent vere
tent to local libraries.
2. Comments Due: Any written conmenta on tbe Draft Environmental larpact
Statement are to be aent to tbe Diatrict Engineer by May 20, 1985, rather
than tbe Hay 9, 1985 aa indicated in the Draft Environmental Inpact
Statement. Comment* received by May 20, 1985 will be evaluated and
concidered in arriving at a final decision on tbe pet-nit application, and
will be included in the Final Environnental Impact Statement.
3. Summary of Permit Application; Tbe applicanti, Tranacontinental
Development Co. «nd ATPAC Land Co., have requeated authorization to
ucavate a recreational lagoon and to fill anchialine pond* on the Haikoloa
Beach Retort in conjunction with tbeir plant to conttruct the Byatt Regnecy
Uaikoloa Hotel and tbe remainder of tbe Haikolo Beach Reaort. Tbe Draft
Environmental Inpact Etateaent craparaa tba environmental coniequtncet of
the propoted action, three alternativee, that differ principally in the
lite of tbe ancbialine pond preservation area, and tbe no-action
alternative or pernit denial. Public Notice* on the perait application
vere itaued on October 19, 1985 and January 29, 1985.
4. Public Bearing! A public bearing on the permit application ia
acbeduled for April 9, 1985', 7:00 p», at tbe Sheraton Royal Haikoloa Hotel,
Anaeboonalu, Bavaii.
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£
APPENDIX K
Comments find. Responses an the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(a) Congressional Representative:
(1) Senator Spark H. Hatsunaga. Acknowledge receipt of the Draft BIS.
(b) Federal Agencies:
(1) Soil Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture:
Ho comments.
(2) National Marine Fisheries Service (HHFS), US Department of
Commerce:
(2.1) Comment; The blasting recommendations included in a report
by Darby and Associates (April 25, 1985), "Additional Evaluation of Proposed
Excavation Using Explosives With Respect to Potential Damage to Major Marine
Life -'Waikoloa, Hawaii", should be detailed in the DEIS.
Response: Darby & Associates report (April 25, 1985) is
included in Appendix as part of the NMFS Endangered Species coordination.
Permit conditions requested by the NMFS were included in the proposed action
description.
(2.2) Comment: NMFS continues to be concerned with the loss of
anchialine ponds at WBR, and recommends as further mitigation that as much
of the unique macro-biota as possible be removed from the ponds prior to
filling. The biota should be transplanted to anchialine ponds in the
preservation area or to off-site ponds. Local community volunteers could be
used to carry out the mitigation plan.
Response: The Corps of Engineers (COE) will consider
transplanting impacted macro-biota and will consider use of local
community volunteers. However, the need for definitive action
will require time that volunteers may not be able to provide or
cannot be counted on to provide.
(2.3) Comment: The pond preservation area should be managed by
someone other than the applicant as envisioned and stated in the DEIS.
Response: Management will be undertaken by FHS
as agent for applicant. See Comment (b)(6).
(2.4) Comment: The proposed pond preservation area management
plan should be approved by the US Fish and wildlife service, the Federal
Agency with primary jurisdiction over the anchialine pond biota.
Response: The pond preservation management plan was
developed in consultation with the USFHS. However, the final decision on
the contents of the nanagcment plan would roat with the Corpo of Engincere,
the permitting agency, who has primary regulatory responsibility over the
anchialine ponda.
(2.5) Comment: The need Cor the pond preservation area is
clearly demonstrated and only the management plan should be periodically
reviewed by the Corps.
Response: The pond preservation area and the management
plan should both be reviewed periodically. The intent of periodic review is
to allow modifications for changes in law and with the acquisition of new
scientific data that changes our preception of the pond resource and its
management.
(2.6) Comment: The permit denial is the HHFS'a environmentally
preferred alternative, because permit denial saves the anchialine pond
resources.
Response: Comment noted. The significant effects on the
quality of the human environment should also be considered, this Includes
anchialine ponds, historic resources, jobs, and other human values. The no-
action or permit denial alternative would not preserve ponds in the long
term. The uncontrolled human activity in the ponds, such as trash disposal,
waste disposal, fishing and the introduction of exotic aquatic organisms ace
expected to degrade the pond resource. As already observed by the Corps,
introduction of exotic aquatic organisms has reduced the presence of the
rare shrimp In some pond clusters. This has occurred outside of the Corps
regulatory jurisdiction. Thus, the preferred environmental alternative is
an alternative that involves man's active management of the pond resources,
such as pond preservation area.
(2.7) Comment: Haiulua Bay appears to be an important nursery
area for several species of reef fish based upon underwater surveys by a
NMFS biologist.
Response: Information was added to the FEIS,
Chp III, para. 8.1(e).
(2.8) Comment: Sightings of humpback whales in coastal waters
off South Kohala are very common between January and April.
Response: Information was added to the FEIS, Chp III,
para. 8.Kg) .
(2.9) Comment: The temporary berm to confine turbidity to the
lagoon excavation site, should be impervious, possibly a filter cloth could
be used. Construction details should be provided in the FEIS.
Response: The termporary berm would be made impervious,
and typical sections) were included in the FEIS, Figure II-8.
(3) Department of Housing and Urban Development, Honolulu Area Officet
The project would not impact any HUD program or project in the
vicinity.
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(4) US Department of the Interior:
(4.1) Comment: The alternatives discussion may be lacking in
objectivity. The alternatives seem to treat the proposed action as the only
reasonable solution, while portraying sound environmental alternatives as
being too flawed to warrant serious consideration. The alternatives should
contain more substance.
Response:
is provided in the FEIS.
I
CO
More substantive discussions of alternatives
(4.2) Comment: The discussion of the siting inland alternative
seems to be an advocacy of the applicant's position.
Response: The discussion quotes the rationale provided by
the applicant. Your attention is directed to the impacts discussion (Chap
IV, 3) where the COB identifies that the alternative saves the ponds from
filling. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(4.3) Comment: The USFWS worked extensively with the Corps and
the developer to develop the 12-acre, on-site, pond preservation area
together with terms for guaranteeing long-term viability of the pond system.
Unfortunately, some of the vital conditions for the preservation area
management were not included in the DEIS, such as the concept of perpetual
protection and management, water quality characteristics, and light impacts.
Response: At the time the DEIS was prepared, the details
of the managment plan were not available because the applicant was trying to
work out the preliminary details of the pond management plan with The Nature
Conservancy, a third party that was suggested by the USFWS. The management
plan details 'in the Final BIS were developed in consultation with the USFWS,
and addresses the concerns cited above.
(4.4) Comment: In light of discussions, the environmentally
preferred alternative should be identified and discussed.
Response: The preferred environmental alternative is
identified in Chp II, para. 6.
(4.5) Comment: Regional background could mention discussions
with prior developers covering mitigation for loss of ponds and the recent
unauthorized fill at the site.
Response:
BIS, Chp. Ill, para 8.3.2.
A regional background was included in the Final
(4.6) Comment: The history of the permit application should be
expanded to stress the USFWS long-standing concern for the anchialine pond
resources, and that the USFWS position was well-known to the developer.
Response: The USFWS long-standing concern for the
anchialine ponds is not relevant to the history of the permit application or
discussion of alternative impacts. The USFWS concern is reflected in its
actions to develop a pond preservation area and a management plan.
(4.7) Comment: The US Department of the Interior would like to
be included in the periodic review and approval of the management plan.
Response: The management plan would be developed and
modified in consultation with the USFWS, as agent for the Department of
the Interior. However, approval of the management plan and any
modifications to the plan would remain within the jurisdiction of the
COB only.
(4.8) Comment: The importation of deer and its adverse impacts
to Hawaii's ecosystem and agriculture are well-documented. The applicant
should be informed of the adverse impacts and referred to the State of
Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources for specific State permits.
Response: The COB has no regulatory jurisdiction over th«
importation of exotic organisms to the State of Hawaii or the United States.
The US Department of Agriculture and the US Department of the Interior
should notify the applicant directly.
(4.9) Comment:
ground and marine waters.
He do not know the effect of fill material on
Response: The use of volcanic rock and cinder or grout to
fill the ponds would not result in the release of contaminants to the ground
or marine waters. The cobble size, basalt rock fill is not expected to '
interfere with groundwater flow in the area. This is based on the fact that
groundwater flow and leakage occurs throughout the developed portions of the
West Coast of Hawaii, i.e, groundwater leakage still occurs despite 'golf
course development inland. Hawaii's groundwater has its origins in rainfall
at higher elevations. Since rainfall averages less than 10 inches/year at
the project area, recharge of the groundwater table at Waikoloa is not ,
dependent upon rainfall along the coast. :"-'
(4.10) Comment: The EIS should discuss the quantitative effects
of pumping groundwater to flush the lagoon on pertinent aquifer
characteristics.
Response: No effect is anticipated. Chp. IV, para. 3.6.
(4.11) Comment: Editing errors provided.
Response: Editing errors corrected.
(5) US Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Office, Portland:
(5.1) Comment: The Service reserves the right to elevate the
resolution of Issues to higher authority if final recommendations of the
Honolulu Environmental Services 'Project Leader are not accepted.
Response: Comment noted.
(5.2) Comment: The Honolulu Office is working with the
applicants to preserve, in perpetuity, a portion of the anchialine ponds on
the project site. The Service desires to fully cooperate in expediting the
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permit and preventing unnccsaaty delays.
Rcoponaci Comment noted.
(5.3) Comment: He hope that the Corps acknowledges the
International importance of the threatened anchlaline pond habitats by
assisting the Department of the Interior in acting vigorously to protect
these areas from further degradation.
Response: The Corps has recognized the importance of the
anchlaline pond resources in the preparation of the Draft EIS, and has acted
vigorously to protect those areas by placing the ponds under the Corps
regulatory jurisdiction. The Corps has also taken the lead in updating
surveys of the anchialine pond n (sources in its efforts to consider long-
range management of the resource.
(6) US Pish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior,
Hawaii:
(6.1) Comment: The USFWS would prefer the permit denial
alternative.
Response: Comment noted. The USFWS should also consider
the consequences of unmanaged human uses of the ponds and its effects on the
rare biota, as a result of permit denial. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(6.2) Comment: The pond preservation area and the long-term
management concepts previously discussed with the Corps and the applicant
are considered to be minimally acceptable.
Response: Comment noted.
(6.3) Comment: Details of important considerations in the
management plan were not incorporated into the proposed action.
Response: The details of the management plan or pond
preservation concept were not available at the time of the preparation of
the BIS. The applicant working with The Nature Conservancy was working out
preliminary details for our review. The Corps coordinated and consulted
with the USFHS in the development of the management plan contained in the
FEIS.
(6.4) Comment: The selection and approval of the pond management
organization should be jointly determined by the USFWS and Corps.
Response: The Corps will consult with the USFWS, but the
final decision on the pond manager will be made by the Corps. The USFWS
will be the agent for the applicant.
(6.5) Comment: List of conditions and guidelines for inclusion in
a management plan.
Response: List noted. The pond preservation area
management plan was developed in consultation with the USFWS who would
include and consider their conditions and guidelines as listed. See USFHS
letter and Corp* response in thio appendix.
(7) US Coast Guard, 14th Coast Guard District; US Department of
Transportation:
No objections to the permit application and no constructive
comments to offer.
(6) Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation!
No comments.
(9) US Environmental Protection Agency:
See EPA letter dated Hay 24, 1985, this appendix.
See Corps letter to EPA dated June 24, 1985 this appendix.
(c) State Agencies:
(1) Office of Environmental Quality Control, State of Hawaii.
(1.1) Comment: Office of Environmental Quality Control suggests
that another site for the Waikoloa Beach Resort be considered because of the
adverse primary and secondary impacts anticipated to the anchialine ponds.
Response: Comment noted.
(2) Department of Accounting and General Services, State of Hawaiii
No comments.
(3) Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaii:
Comment: The proposed action would not affect agricultural
resources in the area or plans, programs and activities of the Department.
Response: Comment noted.
(4) Department of Defense, State of Hawaii:
No comment.
(5) Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawaiii
(5.1) Comment: The proposed action would have significant
impacts on the environment that should be studied and evaluated in totality.
Response: The EIS reasonably addresses significant impacts
and further studies were performed as necessary to refine the analysis in
the EIS.
(5.2) Comment: The applicant's assertions that construction
within the 40-foot setback are not significant are biased and a negative
declaration should not be recognized.
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Response: The shoreline setback is managed under the
County of Hawaii. The negative declaration is a State EIS requirement
managed by the Office of Environmental Quality Control and the County of
Hawaii.
(5.3) Comment: A full assessment of anchialine pond hydraulics
and water flow in relationship to the ocean should be performed.
Response: By their very nature, anchialine ponds are
directly related to tidal fluctuations, and ocean waters and groundwater
directly influence pond salinity.
(5.4) Comment: Mathematical and physical models should be used
to determine if wave and current patterns would be altered resulting in
erosional or depositional problems along the shoreline.
Response: Based on site inspections, erosional and
depositional patterns along the shoreline are dependent upon storm
conditions, and does not involve sandy beaches or alluvial deposits. The
existing shoreline consists of basalt outcrops and ledges that are not
subject to erosional or depositional forces. Secondly, the project does not
modify the coastal geology in middle or outer Waiulua Bay or the nearshore
waters.
(5.5) Comment: Would blasting, dredging and filling wash
detritus into the ocean and adversely affect the ocean?
Response: Detrital material would not be released into the
ocean by blasting, dredging or filling. The blasting and dredging
associated with lagoon construction can create and suspend volcanic
sediments :into the water column. A temporary berm would be used to Isolate
the excavation site from the ocean to minimize water turbidity or
sedimentation in Waialua Bay. Filling in the ponds is confined to inland
areas. The material used to fill the ponds is expected to consist of large
or cobble-size basalt that could not erode into the ocean.
(6) Department of Health, State of Hawaii:
(6.1) Comment: The proposed lagoon waters would be classified
Class AA waters. Pumping groundwater into the lagoon may alter the natural
and pristine state of water quality resulting in a degradation of the Class
AA waters.
Response: The applicant was informed to consult with DOH
and DLNR on permit requirements for discharging groundwater into Class AA
waters and withdrawing groundwater. The applicant plans to discharge into
the lagoon seawater pumped from the ground.
(6.2) Comment: The comparison of pond biota indicates that a
deterioration and disappearance of biota in the Waikoloa Beach Resort Ponds
may be due to human intrusion and misuse of the anchialine ponds. Thus, the
pond preservation area together with concerted monitoring proposal would
have a positive tone on the continued existence of the biota remaining in
the ponds.
Response: Comment noted.
(6.3) Comment: Potential impacts of sewage, irrigation
aerosol drift on inhabitated areas around the golf course should be
addressed.
9.1.3
Response: Comment incorporated in the FEIS, Chp. IV, para.
(7) Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii:
(7.1) Comment: The possible presence of the endangered Hawaiian
stilt and the possible impact of filling anchialine ponds on the stilt
should be addressed.
Response: The DEIS has provided the known information on
the Hawaiian stilt in the Haikoloa Beach Resort area. Endangered Species
Act coordination with the US Fish and Wildlife Service was completed with a
determination that the project would not jeopardize the continued existence
of the species. Through several site surveys by the Corps, no stilt were
seen in the anchialine ponds. Conditions to minimize the taking of any
stilt, as recommended in the US Fish and Wildlife Service consultation, were
included in the permit conditions.
(7.2) Comment: The Department strongly agrees with the DEIS
statement that "maintenance, of pond health would require sensitive
management of developed areas which affect the groundwater flow into .the
ponds."
Response: Comment noted.
(B) Department of Planning and Economic Development,-State of Hawaii:
(8.1) Comment: More specific information should be provided on
plans for public accessways, including their number and general locations
and whether any public use of the excavation would be allowed.
Response: Concerning public access, the Corps has no
jurisdiction to manage public access to the ocean across private lands.
Thus, the Corps BIS can only reflect public access agreements made between
the applicant and County or State agencies. Concerning public access to the
lagoon, under the Department of the Army permit, the applicant is not
allowed to restrict navigation or use of the lagoon waters. However, the
lagoon shoreline area and ancillary facilities remain private property,
(8.2) Comment: Recreational use of Waiulua Bay and the affected
shoreline should be described in the EIS.
Response: See page 111-43, para 10.3.4.3(c) and (d) and
page IV-17, para 8.1(c), (d) and (f) in the DEIS.
(8.3) Comment: The natural resource value of individual ponds
that are to be filled and saved are not comparatively evaluated.
Response: Haps comparing open and closed ponds, Opacula
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o\
and non-Opacula ponda, and vegetated and unvegetatcd ponda were added to the
FBIS, Figures 111-9, in-10 and 111-12.
(S.4) Commenti Viable alternatives to the proposed action should
be explored further.
Response: Reasonable and practicable alternatives were
considered in the FEIs, Chapter II.
(8.5) Comment: The applicant's proposed action does not minimize
the environmental impacts to the coastal ponds.
Response: Comment noted.
(8.6) Comment: The BIS should study and address facility design
and location to minimize adverse social, visual and environmental impacts in
the CZH area to insure a project design that is compatible with the
objectives and policies of the CZH law.
Response: The EIS is not the vehicle for studying and
addressing design and location that would make the project compatible with
the. State of Hawaii, CZH law. The EIS would discuss the effects of those
alternatives on environmental, social and visual resources. The applicant
needs to work with the Department to satisfy CZH requirements and obtain
Federal CZH consistency determination prior to issuance of the DA permit.
(8.7) Comment: The long-term protection of the anchialine pond
preservation area rests with maintenance of their unique qualities. The
Department recommends that an organization which has expertise in this area
and is a disinterested third party be given the responsibility for
management of the ponds.
Response: The Department of the Army permit is not binding
on an independent third-party. The Corps has no desire to have an
independent third-party who is not bound by the permit conditions, assume
management of the ponds., Presently the USFHS will be the pond manager for
the applicant. See Comment 6.
(9) Department of Transportation:
(9.1) Comment: Traffic projections for the existing Waikolqa
Ueach Resort access road intersection in 1987 indicates a level of service
greater than E for northbound turning vehicles. Until such tine that
signalization is warranted, we do not anticipate decreasing the speed limit
of Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
Response: Comment noted.
(9.2) Comment: The Department will consider signalization when
traffic signal warrants have been met.
Response: Comment noted.
(9.3) Comment: Physical improvements to the intersection by the
developer will be required when the development is implemented. The
applicant should coordinate these piano with the Highways Division.
Response: Comment noted. The applicant was given a copy
of the letter for lila information and necessary action.
(9.4) Comment: The second access road for Haikoloa should be
constructed as part of the necessary infrastructure for the proposed
development. The EIS should Incorporate traffic volumes and peak hour
distributions with this access availability.
Response: The Corps regulatory jurisdiction does not
extend to regulation of highway Impacts, since the impact is not directly
related to the Corps permit, the Department should coordinate directly with
the applicant in relation to Comment 9.3. The Corps recognizes in the EIS
that traffic will increase.
(9.5) Comment: The Hahukona boat ramp has been removed and is no
longer in existence. The County maintains an electric hoist for boaters to
launch and retrieve their craft.
Response: The Information was added to the Final EIS.
(10) University of Hawaii, Environmental Center, State of Hawaii:
(10.1) Comment: Suggest a standard scale map of project
developments be overlayed on the ponds to determine which ponds are filled
and which ponds are saved.
Response: All ponds not preserved would be filled or
excavated. The maps in the DEIS showing the pond preservation areas have
the same scale.
(10.2) Comment: In comparison to the 1976, State EIS, 1.7 mgd of
sewage would be used for irrigation. The present EIS indicates that 2.3 mgd
of sewage would be generated. Would all of the sewage be used for
irrigation?
Response: The applicants indicate that sewage would be
used for irrigation. Other methods of disposal would be considered when
sewage increases to a point when it is no longer possible to dispose of all
the effluent as irrigation water. All disposal methods must be approved by
the State Department of Health.
(10.3) Comment: Maintenance of a health pond environment within
the pond preservation area is possible as long as flushing rates remain
high.
Response: Comment noted.
(10.4) Comment: With Increased nutrient loading related to use of
sewage for irrigation, the health of the anchialine ponds is far from
certain.
Response: While continued nutrient loading would occur,
the degradation of anchialine pond is not expected to occur as long as
10
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groundwater flushing is unimpeded. Unless something alters the flushing
characteristics, eutrophication is not anticipated in the short-term. See
Environmental Center comment (c)(10.3) above.
(10.5) Comment: The recreational lagoon water quality could be
jeopardized if groundwater nutrients increase as a result of using sewage in
irrigation.
Response: The coastal water quality would probably reflect
nutrient increases as a result of sewage irrigation and fertilizing on the
WBR.
(10.6) Comment: Pumping water into the lagoon may not effectively
flush the deeper, more saline water in the lagoon.
Response: The seawater would be pumped into the lagoon
from the bottom of the deeper parts of the lagoon in order to enhance water
turnover. The water would not be pumped into the lagoon at the surface of
the lagoon.
(10.7) Comment: Consideration should be given to flushing the
lagoon with low-nutrient salt water from deeper wells, than brackish water
that would be laden with nutrients from the golf course.
Response: The applicant intends to use seawater pumped
from the ground.
(10.8) Comment: The value and protection of anchialine ponds was
established prior to the applicant's purchase of the land. Did the State
and County approved plans also approve destruction of the anchialine ponds?
Have State 'and County permits or plans been approved?
Response: The County of Hawaii has indicated that their
earlier planning permits required an anchialine ponds preservation plan.
The applicant is obtaining the necessary State and County permits and
approvals.
(10.9) Comment: Mitigation measures such as siting structures
mauka of the ponds and establishing walkways to the ocean and a scaled-down
lagoon would significantly reduce the number of ponds that would be
destroyed without jeopardizing the economic viability of the project.
Response: Siting the structures mauka of the ponds would
significantly reduce the number of ponds destroyed, and can be done without
a Department of the Army permit. This is the permit denial alternative.
(10.10) Comment: The ponds can be a valuable addition to the
resort and should not be considered "waste" land.
Response: Comment noted.
(10.11) Comment: The proposed project is located too far from
economically depressed areas, such as Hawi and Kapa'au to provide any
economic benefits to those communities.
Response: Comment noted. Some workers at the Sheraton
presently commute to work from Hawi and Hamakua. Sheraton does bus some
employees to and from work.
(10.12) Comment: suggest the consideration of an alternative
that would place a 500-room hotel on the Kaniku Flow and a 500-room hotel
between the Sheraton and Anaehoomalu beach parking area.
Response: This comment is expressed in concept in
Alternative 4 and the permit denial alternative.
(10.13) Comment: An alternative that would minimize loss of the
ponds would be environmentally preferred over a "high-class" development:
that destroys most of the ponds. The retention of natural features would be
advantageous to the "high-class" hotel.
Response: Comment noted. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(10.14) Comment: Data provided on earthquake risk.
Response: Data incorporated into the FE1S, Chp III, para.
2.2(c).
cited.
(10.15) Comment: The historical tsunami data is accurately
Responses Comment noted.
(10.16) Comment: The temporary berm would tend to decrease both
storm-wave and tsunami inundation inland, except with long-period waves.
Response: The temporary nature of the berra, as a ,
turbidity and sedimentation control device, has little bearing on the long-
term effects of the lagoon and tsunami hazards.
(10.17) Comment: The sea Engineering, Inc, report, 1985, should
be reviewed. The wave analysis was not based on a two-dimensional analysis
neglecting the effects of long-period waves entering Waiulua Bay and
diffracting from the inlet to the lagoon. If the effect were neglected,
exposure of the lagoon area to large tsunamis would be greater than the
exposure estimated under the National Flood Insurance Program.
Response:
dimensional analysis.
The analysis was not based on a two-
(10.16)
swimming lagoon?
Comment: Will the public be permitted to use the
Response: The Corps permit does not allow the applicants
to restrict navigational servitude or public use of the lagoon waters. The
permit cannot require the applicant to allow public use of lands around the
lagoon or access to the lagoon across his land. See Comment (c)(B.l),
(d) County of Hawaii:
11
12
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(1) Department o£ Parks and Recreation/ County of Hawaii!
Ho comments.
(2) Department of Public Works, County of Hawaii:
(2.1) Commenti The Department has reviewed and accepted the
applicant's analysis that the fill would not aggravate flooding in the
coastal area.
Response: Comment noted.
(e) Organizations and Individuals:
(1) First Hawaiian Bank:
(1.1) Comment: The project is essential to both the County and
the State for growth of the visitor industry and replacement of jobs as a
result of the reduction in agricultural activities.
Response: Comment noted.
(1.2) Comment: Based on our experience, a luxury hotel in
-j- Hawaii must be located on the shoreline to succeed.
00 Response: Comment noted.
(1.3) Comment: The establishment of the pond preservation area
at the cost .of $12,000,000 for the land and $1,000,000 in design alterations
costs represents the largest mitigation in the history of Hawaii.
Response: Comment noted.
(2) Island Explorations:
(2.1) Comment: The Sheraton Haikoloa preservation area is a
splendid example of enhancing the existing natural and cultural environment.
This should be an example for the Hyatt.
Response: Comment noted.
(2.2) Comment: The applicant has no regard for the uniqueness
of the site and sees the ponds as an obstacle.
Response: Comment noted.
(2.3) Comment: The Haikoloa ponds are in pristine condition,
are in large concentration and include a very rare eel.
Response: The Waikoloa ponds are not in a pristine
condition, although the ponds are concentrated. Biota changes have occurred
and the rare eel is harder to find. The pond continues to provide a habitat
for the rare crustacenan fauna, but its long-term ecological viability can
be threatened by the introduction of exotic aquatic organisms, an action
that can occur outside of th'e Corps regulatory jurisdiction.
(2.4) Comment: The anchialine ponds ought to be preserved.
Response: Comment noted.
(3) Mauna Lanl Resorts:
Comment: He hope that on-going discussions with various
special interest groups would result in an expeditious resolution of issues
and a mutually beneficial plan.
Response: Comment noted.
(4) Sheraton Hotels in the Pacific:
(4.1) Comment: Based on their experience in hotel management,
a hotel like the Hyatt must be located on the shoreline in order to be
successful.
Response: Comment noted.
(4.2) Comment: Providing 2,000 permanent jobs would benefit
other hotels operating in West Hawaii and the Hawaiian tourist industry as a
whole.
Response: Comment noted.
(5) Society of Hawaiian Archaeology:
(5.1) Comment: The previous archaeological work done in the
area has adequately recorded and evaluated sites within the portions of the
project area.
Response: Comment noted.
(5.2) Comment: We concur with the State Historic Preservation
Officer that an intensive survey be conducted prior to any construction.
Response: Comment noted.
(5.3) Comment: We agree with the recommendations of the State
Historic Preservation Officer, dated March 12, 1985.
• Response: Comment noted.
(5.4) Comment: We recommend that steps for salvage and
preservation be clearly stated in the FEIS.
Response: The salvage and preservation plan developed in
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer was included in
the FEIS, Appendix H.
(6) Nelson Ho:
(6.1) Comment: implementation of the proposed action would be
13
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I
an extreme loss, ecologically and esthetically. Alternative 2 would be the
best compromise.
Response: Comment noted.
(6,2) Comment: The whole project does not reflect any
sensitivity to its surrounding .
Response: Comment noted.
(6.3) Comment: Request that the worst-case-analysis for the
proposed action and the two alternative proposals.
Response: The worst case analysis was used in the
Final EIS.
(7) E. Alison Kay:
(7.1) Comment: The anchialine ponds are unique for their
native and endemic biota, geologically transient nature, diversity in
structure and physical attributes.
Response: Comment noted.
(7.2) • Comment: All the ponds along the coast are intec-
connected, such that activity in one can affect the remainder of the ponds.
Response: The concept was included in the FEIS.
(7.3) Comment: The ponds cannot survive surrounded by the
resort development.
Response: The rare organisms in the pond are already
threatened by unmanaged or unregulated activities by man, such as the
introduction of exotic organisms into the ponds. The ponds appear to be
unaffected by surrounding, if preserved and managed to control human
activities in the ponds.
(7.4) Commentt The permit should be denied.
Response: Permit denial does not guarantee the long-term
ecological viability of the anchialine ponds. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(8) Tim Newstrom:
(8.1) Comment: The permit should be denied to preserve the
ponds and public access rights to the pond water under State law.
Response: The Corps permit does not grant any rights
that would conflict with State law and does not grant public access across
private lands. Pond preservation in an anchialine habitat is not guaranteed
with permit denial. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(8.2) Comment: The Corps must abide by the Coastal Zone
Management Act and State CZH provisions.
Response: The Corps permit cannot be issued without a
State Coastal Zone Consistency Determination from the state of Hawaii
Department of Planning and Economic Development. The applicant has applied
for the CZM consistency determination.
(8.3) Comment: The anchialine ponds are a water resource to be •
protected under State law.
Response: The anchialine ponds are also under Federal
regulatory jurisdiction and subject to Federal laws. The Department of the
Army permit does not negate the applicants requirements to comply with State
or County statutes.
(8.4) Comment: State law requires the Corps of Engineers to act
responsibly in managing the "public interest*.
Response: The Corps permit evlauation process is a
•public interest' review and balancing process in compliance and accordance
with Federal statutes and guidelines.
(9) Jerry Rothstein:
(9.1) Comment: The applicant indicated that the swimming
lagoon was to be for public use, as well as for use by resort guests. The
Corps permit should contain a provision that the 5-acre swimming lagoon be
for public use, as well as use by resort guests.
Response: See Comment (c)(8.1) and (c)(10.18).
(10) Lani stemmermannt
(10.1) Comment: The proposed development should proceed in such
a manner as to maintain the anchialine ponds.
Response: Comment noted.
(10.2) Comment: The permit should be denied to preserve the
natural pond attributes and due to the lack of information concerning the
resource.
Response: See Comment (b)(2.6).
(10.3) Comment: The EIS fails to adequately answer certain
questions regarding environmental impacts.
(10.3(a)) Comment: What is the minimum size and number
of ponds necessary to preserve this fragile ecosystem which is a habitat for
unique assemblage of organisms, including the rare eel, Gymnothorax hilonis.
Response: The FEIS addresses the concerns to
the extent practicable and reasonable based on available information. G.
hilonis may no longer inhabit the Haikoloa ponds or has become harder to
find in the ponds. Conversations with Dr. Richard Brock indicate that a
significant decline in biota has occurred since his initial survey of the
15
16
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area In 1972.
(10.3(b)) Comments What ace the biological effects of
added nutrients and pesticides that will Beep into the pond?
Response: Under existing conditions, nutrient
loading has not contributed to eutrophication, probably due to adequate
flushing of the ponds. Nutrient loading would probably occur even if the
development were built outside of the ponds due to the highly porous nature
of the area allowing contaminants to seep into the groundwater from
irrigation. Human activity in and around the ponds would be unregulated
contributing further to pond degradation. The effects of pesticides are
immediately evident in the HBR or Mauna Lani Resort ponds. See Comment
development'
(10.3(c)) Comment: What were the results of the
survey performed by the applicant?
'after
Response: The survey detected the increase in
nutrient levels in the pond water, but was not adequate enough to allow any
analysis of effect on the crustaceans. The Opaeula are still abundant in
ponds in which they occur.
-^ (10.3(d)) Comment: The BIS should map the
— tratification of species associated with ponds of different ages at various
O (stances from the coast.
III-9, III-IO and 111-12.
Response: Maps were added to the FEIS, Figures
(10.3(e)) Comment: The vegetation map is satisfactory
on a gross level, but did not provide detailed information.
Response: Detailed information is provided in
the applicant's technical reports. Under the applicants' proposal, all the
existing vegetation, except for that in the pond preservation area would be
destroyed and replaced with landscaping species.
(10.4) Comment: If Alternative 2 is selected, a more detailed
ecological inventory of each of the ponds to be filled or excavated should
be conducted to identify species present, diurnal salinity and nutrient
trends and pond age. Similar studies should also be completed for a
selection of preserved ponds.
Response: Comment noted. The Corps believes a
reasonable amount of data already exists for the ponds to be filled. The
pond management plan provides for more scientific studies in the preserved
ponds.
(10.5) Comment: There would be less adverse biological impact if
the hotel were set back some distance from the coast. The setback of a few
hundred yards is probably not significant. The setback would also preserve
vistas and enhance coastal recreation experiences.
Response: The FEIS addresses alternatives that would
preserve the coastal vistas and openness. See Comment (b)(2.6).
(11) Richard H. Titgent
(11.1) Comment: The Haikoloa area wan unique because of the
occurrence of Gymnothorax hilonis and Marine fish in the ponds. However,
the area the area has been impacted to the extent that these unique
organisms may no longer be there. I recommend that as much undisturbed pond
area as possible be preserved.
Responses Comment noted.
(11.2) Comment: The ponds are inter-connected underground, and
little is known about the subterranean-anohialine pond system. This lack ot
information makes it difficult to make a valid decision.
Response: The lack ot data on this concept is noted in
the FEIS. The assessment ot impacts is based on the best available
knowledge, and that was reasonably attainable.
(11.3) Comment: Information is needed to determine how the pond
systems operate, how extensive they are, and how impacts on one portion
attect impacts on the other portions. Honeys should be set aside to allow
University ot Hawaii graduate students perform research to answer some ot
the questions. The opportunity would provide training and information as
part ot the cost ot destroying the anchialine ponds.
Response: Comment noted.
(t) Letters received are reproduced and included in this Appendix K.
EOF..
EOT..
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18
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-5440
June 12, 1985
-2-
Oparations Branch
Wa augq»at that wo meat to discuss any questions regarding our
responses and the management plan. Contact Hr. Michael tea.
Operations Branch, phone 438-9258, to arrange a meeting or diacuaa
the contents of this letter.
Slncarely,
Mr. Allan Marmelstain
Pacific Islands Administrator
03 Pish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 50167
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Dear Mr. Marraelsteini
This latter addresses your concerns of May 2,1985 in regards
to the Haikoloa Beach Resort, Department of the Army Permit
Application, Pile Mo. PODCO-0 1812-SD, and begins tha process of
developing tha details for the anchlallne pond preservation area.
He appreciate the efforts of your staff over tha last six
months 'working with us and the applicant on mitigation proposals
for anchialine pond loss. Because this joint effort has not
progressed beyond the conceptual stage, we included only this
general concept and preservation goal in the DEIS. We are
continuing to work on a modified proposal from the applicant which
includes a managed pond preservation area.
indeed, we are now at a stage in permit processing where we
can begin to define the details of the proposed managed pond
preservation area. He understand that the applicant's
representative has discussed your comments with your staff
(Enclosures 1). Based on those discussions and our evaluation, we
have provided responses to your letter (Enclosure 2).
Enclosures
Bverette A. Flanders
Chief, Construction-Operations
Division
Copy Purnishedi with enclosures
Hr. Richard J. Myshak, Regional Director, USPW3, Portland, OR
Mr. Clifton H. Jenkins, Transcontinental Development Con,
Perry Hhita, Belt Collins and Associates
Doyle Gates, National Marine Pisherles Service, Honolulu
Judith Ayrea, BPA, Region IX, San Prancisco, CA
Mr
Mr
Ha
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N)
COMMENTS TO US FISH AND WILDLIFE LETTER, DATED HAY 2,1985
1. PERPETUAL PROTECTION AND HANAGEHEHT
a. COMMENTS The US Pish and Wildlife Service does not
believe the applicant should be solely responsible for stewardship
of the pond preservation area. A conservation organization with
the necessary expertise should assume management of the pond
preservation area.
RESPONSEi He agree that the pond preservation manager
should have the necessary expertise to assume management of the
pond area. However, the Department of the Army permit conditions
are binding on the permit applicant, not an independent third
party.
b. COMMENT: The approval and final selection of the pond
manager would be jointly determined by the USFWS and the Corps of
Engineers.
RESPONSE! The Corps would consult with the USFWS in
approving or changing the pond manager. While the applicant and
the County of Hawaii would also be consulted, the final decision
would be made by the permitting agency.
c. COMHENTt Some form of perpetual easement is essential to
the pond preservation concept as no conservation organization
could guarantee the long-term, ecological viability of the pond
preservation area vithout an easement. This concept of perpetual
easement means that the ponds be managed in perpetuity.
RESPONSEt The Department of the Army permit is, indeed, a
perpetual permit that would establish the pond preservation area
and the management requirements. The permit is binding on the
applicant for as long as the project is present at the Waikoloa
Beach Resort, and is binding on the next project owner.
The permit is not binding on an independent third party.
The Corps has no desire to have an independent third party, who is
not bound by the permit, assume total management responsibility
over the ponds because this third party would not be bound by any
of the permit conditions levied by the Corps of Engineers. The
independent third party cannot be a party to the permit since the
party has no interests in the proposed action, other than to
profit from the Corps requirement on the applicant to set aside
and manage the pond preseration area.
The Department of the Army (DA) permit is not a land
conveyance document. An "easement", as understood in the real
estate concept, is not established by the DA permit. The DA
permit cannot be used to convey a land right. Under the DA permit
the applicant agrees to abide by a pernlt condition. In the case
of Waikoloa, the applicant nay agree to set aside 12-acres for an
anchialine pond preservation area. If he fails to comply with the
DA permit conditions, the permit ie revoked with whatever legal
consequences may follow.
We believe that a fixed-perpetual managnent scheme does
not allow us any flexibility in adjusting the pond preservation
area or site when new information or factors require a re-
evaluation of the ecological viability or advisability of
maintaining the pond preservation area at Waikoloa Beach Resort.
We believe that criteria for selecting and approving the
use of suitable pond manager can be developed.
2. WATER QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS. >.
a. COMMENTi An intensive water quality monitoring program in
and adjacent to the preservation area before, during and after
construction should be required.
RESPONSES Water quality monitoring shall be part of the
management of the pond preservation area.
b. COMMENTi Injection wells and dry wells (sumps) shall not
be located directly upstream from the pond preservation area.
RESPONSE: The Corps suggests that a no injection well zone
be delineated on maps.
c. COMMENT! No sewage effluents or toxic materials would be
Injected Into the groundwater on the Waikoloa sites.
RESPONSE] See item b. No sewage effluents or toxic
materials shall be injected into the groundwater at Waikoloa
within the zone delineated on the map.
d. COMMENTS No cither potential pollutants (e.g. stormwater
runoff from paved areas, biocides, fertilizers, untreated
wastewater) would be allowed to enter the pond preservation area.
RESPONSES The applicant had indicated that he Intends to
slope the land to drain stormwater from roadways and buildings
away from the pond preservation area.
3. DIRECT AND INDIRECT LIGHTING.
COMMENTi Lighting shall not be directly aimed at ponds in
the pond preservation area.
RESPONSES The condition would be included in the permit.
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4. MODIFICATIONS IN THE POND PRESERVATION AREA.
a. COHHENTs Modifications that would alter the ecological
stability of the anchialine systems would not be allowed.
b. RESPONSE: The condition may be too restrictive. He suggest
modifying the condition to reach "Modifications that would alter
the ecological stability of the anchialine ponds system would not
normally be allowed without the approval of the permitting agency
in consultation with.the US Fish and Wildlife Service." This
would allow us to permit experiments, such as studying pond
creation and colonization, or efforts to remove exotic vegetation.
f
CO
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
I. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT. HONOLULU
rr «if»rnii. HAWAII •<»*-5440
June 24, 1985
Operations Branch
Hs. Judith E. Ayres
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region IX
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, California 94105
Dear Hs. Ayres:
The Corps of Engineers (COE) has reviewed and analyzed the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comments and concerns
regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the
Halkoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds, Maikoloa, South Kohala
District, island of Hawaii, dated May 24, 1985. A detailed
response to those concerns is enclosed for your review and
consideration.
He appreciate the agency's views and are giving them
considerable attention. It is intended that certain areas will be
broadened and strengthened in the Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS). Me do, however, have an apparent disagreement
regarding whether the DEIS does or does not adequately assess and
disclose reasonable and potentially significant environmental
impacts to the anchialine ponds. In regards to your specific
comments:
a. Me consider that the impact of the discharge on the ponds
and the pond organisms were presented in the DEIS.
b. The DEIS indicated that the pond organisms were rare.
The organisms, however, are not listed on the List of Threatened
and Endangered Species and are being considered accordingly.
c. EPA's estimate of anchialine pond loss in the State of
Hawaii fails to consider ponds in East Hawaii or ponds preserved
at the Cape Kinau Natural Area Reserve.
d. The DEIS presented certain alternative arguments provided
by the developer and so displays them as such but does not reflect
COE endorsement of the arguments. The COE will consider those
arguments in its declsionmaking process.
-2-
e. The COE detailed cements point out thit the COE
considered and presented the Section 404(b)(l) analysis for the
Walkoloa Beach Resort development, but did not Indicate that a
decision had been reached. Therefore, concern by EPA as expressed
in its comments on Section 404(b)(l) guidelines seem premature.
In regards to the need for a Draft Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), the COE finds that the majority of EPA's
comments and concerns were identified and addressed in the DEIS.
The COE believes that EPA has not provided the COE with any
significantly new circumstances or Information relevant to
environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed action or its
impacts that justify the preparation of a Draft Supplement EIS.
The COE will clarify its assessments, will include appropriate EPA
concerns and concepts, and will Incorporate supplemental
information that becomes available as the COE permit application
evaluation progresses into a FEIS.
EPA has raised some research questions that, unfortunately,
cannot be practicably answered In a reasonable length of time.
EPA has also expressed some interesting and speculative concepts,
which though certainly worthwhile from an academic perspective are
not required for making a decision in a specific permit case.
The COE Is continuing to work with the applicant on the
analysis of alternatives and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
on a pond preservation plan.
I appreciate your taking the time to meet with me at your
office on July IB, 1985. In the Interim, I have asked Mr. Michael
Lee (phone (808) 438-9258) of my Operations Office and Ms. Cindy
Kaywell (phone (808) 438-1388), Office of Counsel, to meet with
your staff in early July in order to clarify the major Issues.
Sincerely,
Michael MJeks
Colonel, Qorps-oT Engineers
District Engineer
Enclosure
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CO
-3-
Copy Furnished: with enclosure
Ms. Josephine S. Cooper, Assistant Administrator, Office of
External Affairs. EPA
Hs. Kathy Winer, Office of General Counsel, EPA
Mr. Allan Hlrsch, Office of Federal Activities. EPA
Mr. Paul A. Schuette. Office of Public Affairs, EPA
Mr. A. Alan Hill, Council on Environmental Quality
Mr. Robert Dawson, Assistant Secretary of the Army (CH)
Lieutenant General E. R. Helberg III, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army
Mr. Lester Edelman, Chief Counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mr. Cecil Goad, Chief, Operations and Readiness Division, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers
Mr. Richard Myshak, Regional Director, U.S. F1sh and Wildlife
Service, Portland, Oregon
Mr. Allan Marmelsteln, Pacific Islands Administrator, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Honolulu
Mr. Doyle E. Gates, Administrator, National Marine Fisheries
Service, Honolulu
Mr. Leslie Matsubara, Director, State Department of Health
Hs. Letltia N. Uyehara, Director, State Office of Environmental
Quality Control
Mr. Dante Carpenter, Mayor, County of Hawaii, Island of Hawaii
Mr, Clifton Jenkins, Vice President and Manager, Transcontinental
Development Company, Honolulu
Mr. Perry White, Belt, Collins and Associates, Honolulu
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June 24, J9B5
RESPONSES 70 EPA COMMENTS
ON
MAIkOLOA BEACH RESORT ftMCHIALINE PONDS ,
GENERAL COMMENTS.
1. Commitnti A comprehensive EIS describing the impacts of the
Maikoloa Beach Resort and future development near tho anchialine
ponds in Hawaii, may be required by NEPA.
Response! The Maikoloa Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) addresses the comprehendve impacts of the
Uailoloa Beach Resort Development on anchialine ponds at Maikoloa
and relates that impact to anchialine ponds resources in the
State of Hawaii, in accordance with NEPA. Me identified the
number of ponds at Maikoloa and on Meet Hawaii, arid the major
comple:: at Cape Kinau, Maul (page 111-17, para. 8.3.1.1 (d) and
identified the past, present and future trend in pond resources
in the State (Page 111-22, para. B.3.1.6). Me further indicated
that the Natural Area Reserve at Cape Kinau, Maui, contains ponds
that would provide a long-term example of anchialine ponds in the
State of Hawaii (Page 111-22, para. B.3.1.6(d). Me indicated
that the reduction in ponds at Maikoloa does not eliminate their
existence in the State of Hawaii (page IV-3, para. 3(f>).
Me plan to provide a numerical assessment in the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to quantify pond loss, and
male the discussions on the subject more concise in the FEIS.
2. Comment: Assess the plans for condominium and additional
hotel construction, as well as, ancillary facilities. The DEIS
does not disclose the complete development concept.
Response! The DEIS assesses the impacts, not the plans, of
condominium, additional hotel and ancillary -facilities of the
Waikoloa Beach Resort development on anchialine ponds. We did
not believe it was significant whether the applicant built a
hotel, condominium or other facility on the ponds, because we can
anticipate, based on present major resort land use zoning, that
resort/residential facilities constructed on the ponds would
result in the destruction and loss of ponds. Thus, we
concentrated our discussions on management of the anchialine
resources in relation to permitting use of the lands and the
impacts of those uses on the anchialine pond resources.
Me indicated that the applicant proposed to excavate and
fill all ponds on the Maikoloa Beach Resort property outside of
the 12-acre preservation area (Page ix(l) and l-l (a). Me
illustrated the extent of the Wa'ikoloa Beach Resort development in
Figure 11-2. Me noted on Figure 11-3 the total anchialine pond
resource at Maikoloa Beach Resort. We indicated in Figure 11-4
all the anchialine ponds that would be destroyed by the proposed
action. He indicated on Figure 11-9 and II-1O the anchialine
ponds that would be destroyed under two alternative land uses for
the same development concept. Me indicated that anchialine ponds
on the Hyatt hotel site and other anchialine pond properties
would be filled (Page 11-12, para. 2.1.1.5). On Table II-l, we
1*1 cJ out the number of ponds dattroyvd and protwvud by thv total
Uaikoloa Beach Retort development within the Corpt' jurisdiction.
Ww will present the information more concisely in the FEIS,
and mal-B correction* to the maps, where n«crmu*ry.
i
Z. Comment! Inadequate disclosure of all development proposal*
and ensuing environmental impact* for Maikoloa Beach Resort
properties.
Response: Comment i* too broad to provide specific answers.
We concentrated our discussions on impacts directly related to
the Corps permit action and related that discussion to impacts
resulting from the remainder of the development outside of the
Corps' jurisdiction. The discussion was specific where data
allowed specific discussions, i.e., the Hyatt Hotel development,
and was broad and general where data and information was
speculative, i.e. future development outside of the Corps'
jurisdiction, based on existing land USB zoning.
Me will reassess the amount of information that
reasonably and practicably can be added to the FEIS concerning
secondary impacts outside of the Corps' jurisdiction.
4. Comment! A complete evaluation of environmental impacts
associated with development of the whole Maikoloa Beach Resort,
makai of the Dueen Kaahumanu Highway, i.e., anchialine pond
ecosystem, water quality, air quality, sewage capacity, ground
water resources and cumulative impacts from development should be
provided.
Response: See Responses 2 and 3.
SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE EFFECTS AND LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATOM ON
ANCHIALINE PONDS.
5. Comment: EPA views the potential loss of more than one-
third of the anchialine pond resources in Hawaii, a substantial
portion of National resources, as a significant degradation of
waters of the United States.
Response: The one-third loss does not represent the loss of
one-third of the pond resource in the State of Hawaii, but a one-
third loss in West Hawaii, assuming all the ponds at Waikoloa are
destroyed. Me indicated that about 215 ponds were found at
Maikoloa Beach Resort, but also noted that 15 ponds are located
in the Ku'uali'i and Kahapapa fishpond preservation area. This
leaves 200 ponds in the Maikoloa Beach Resort property subject to
developmental pressures. With the 12-acre pond preservation
area', 62 ponds are preserved. Thus, only 138 ponds would be
destroyed representing a 23V. loss in Mest Hawaii.
We plan to include the ponds from East Hawaii and Cape Kinau
and a more accurate count of ponds in West Hawaii to clearly
describe the pond loss percentage on the island of Hawaii.
6. Comment: Inadequate assessment of potentially significant
environmental impacts to the anchialine ponds, including the
possibility that some of the organisms in the ponds may qualify
as rare or endangered species. The US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFM5) proposed five species as Category 2 status under the
-------
Endangered Species Act. EF'A recommends close coordination with
the USFWb.
fVe-sponse:- Status of the five species will be
included in the FEIS. At the present time, the species remain
unlisted. He nave already identified the anchialine pond
organisms; as rare and unique with limited and restricted
distribution in the State of Hawaii (Page IK, para.(3)) Page 111-
17, para. B.3.1.1(b)( page 111-19, para. B.3.1.5(a>| page I11-20,
par*. B.3.i.5(d) and (h». Indeed, this identification
contributed to the decision to prepare the DEIS.
t). We also discussed the presence of the rare eel,
Gvmngthorax biiSDlS and the fact that the eel was not found in
two subsequent surveys of the Waikoloa Beach Resort ponds
(Oceanic Institute 1977, and 1984) (Page 111-20, para. B.3.).5.j
Page 111-24, para.8.3.2 If)| Table 111-4).
We believe that the information cannot be obtained in a
reasonable time or cost. We further believe that the applicant
should not be totally responsible for obtaining the information
because the resource occurs State—wide and that the resource
•Mould also be the interest of the County, State and Federal
Government. We believe the management plan provides a mechanism
for obtaining the information.
I
'7. Comment: The EIS should also describe the subterranean
connections between ponds, movement of pond species within these
subterranean connections and the relationship between the surface
and subterranenan habitats. The number, size and subsurface
connections should be quantified in the EIS.
Response: The concept of subterranean connections and
underground movement of organisms are expressed in the DEIS
(Page 111-17, para.6.3.1.1(a),(b) and (c), page 111-17 - 19,
para. B.3. 1.2(b> and (c)| Page 111-19, para. B.3. l.5(c> and (e)..
We have described the substrate as highly permeable lava with the
presence of large voids (Page MI-IB, para. B.3. l.?(b). We
recognized the fact that organisms can move vertical! v within the
water table (Page Ill-IB, B.3.1.2(c) and know from experience
.that they can appear in created ponds, such *s Pond 199 which is
a bulldozer scar. Dr. Brock also notes that opaeula appear in
excavate depressions that have become ponds. We have recognized
that some organisms may migrate from filled ponds to unfilled
(Page IV-3, para. 3
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Nt.
rv»fcon<>blo length of time. Additionally, whether or nut this
concifpt it conclusively proven, tht- impact* are still
specitiative. Opening holes, drilling holes or creating ponda «*y
prove that organisms can move belwuen ponds underground, but m«y
nut result in a any more InowleUciB about the underground
reuuurce. We assume based on Comment 7, that the resource done
estist, possibly as a vast reservoir in highly porous and
permeable substrates in Hawaii, and would be available to
colonial." pond areas created in the substrata, Dr, Brock
expressed the idea that recent 1 avas may have* been colonized by
orgamtsmH residing in similar adjacent habitats or substrates.
9. Comment: 'present a wrtttei. evluation regarding potential
short-term and long-term effects of the proposed {ill activities
on physicali chemical and bioloigical components of the aquatic
environment.
Response: The DEIS provides the evaluation of potential
short-term and long-term effects of the proposed fill on the
physical, chemical and biological components of the aquatic
environment.
He have indicated that the fill Mould directly eliminate 70V.
of the pond resources at Waikoloa (Page IV-2-3).
Ms have indicated the discharge of lava, basalt rocks into
7^ the pondu would not release contaminants or salts into the water
I (Page IV-3, para. 3(h>. The fill into the ponds does not
» introduce organics that would decompose and reduce dissolved
oxygen levels. The lava rock does not contain nutrients that
would cause one group of organisms to outcompete another.
We have indicated that the lava, basalt stones would not
interfere with groundwater flow (Page IV-4, para. 3(i)> because
our inspection of the construction site indicates that the lava
b'asalt rocks would have voids that would not interfere with
groundwater flow or tidal exchange. This is evident in
previously filled areas where the ponds still exhibit un-
inhibited tidal response. Secondly, crushed lava is used in
layers to building up the elevation. This crushed lava has not
exhibited any migration into the ground on golf courses that are
constantly watered. On existing road slopes through anchialine
ponde, opaeula continue to use the pond habitat at the toe of the
fill. The fill has not silted the ponds or interfered with tidal
exchange further inland.
We have indicated that the -fill would kill any organisms
residing in the filled ponds (Page IV-3, para. 3<-f>> and that
some organisms may survive.
Me have indicated that the secondary effects of development
would affect groundwater quality that could affect the pond, and
have recognized that this would probably occur without the
filling of ponds (Page IV-4, para. 3 and (1)). We have
indicated that existing water quality has been degraded by upland
activities, but that the ponds appear to be a viable resource
(Page IV-4, para. 3(m», a factor that makes us and the USFWS
feel that the pond preservation area is viable.
We will clarify this disucussion in the FE1S.
10. Comment: The number of species inhabiting these pools and
their *bund*nc* are not completely known.
ftciponsoi Comment Hill be added to Hit FE1S. Tin- high
inU-rst! tiel »pace prevent* an ea»y population census. By
qualitative esitmatt- bleed on several visits to the tilts, the
number of organisms in the ponds are too numorous to count. The
amount of the resource residing underground can never b«'censu&i-d
ea&ilv. The use of presence or absence wan used for pond
comparison.
11. Comment; There is insufficient data in the DEIS to
adequately identify anchialine pond resources. Additional
species that have not been described because- only qualitative
sampling methods were used during previous, pond studies.
Response! We recognized the possibility that species
previously undescribed could be found in any pond (Page I11-20,
para. B. 3. 1.5(e>). We will not base our decision on the
speculation of some unknown factor. The baseline- by Maciolek and
BrocT identified significant areas and organisms in West Hawaii,
ponds. The Oceanic Institute surveys at Waikoloa did not find
any new organisms, and noted a reduction in organisms. We
believe it unreasonable for the applicant to wait for an
unspecified and undeterminable length of time, while inventories
are carried out until previously undescribed and unforeseen
organisms are or are not found at Maikoloa. Based upon surveys to
date, high porous substrates, such as A'a lava flows at Cape
Kinau, tlaui , have yielded more rare organisms, than sites on the
island of Hawaii. The Waikoloa ponds are found in old pahoehoe
-lava flows. Therefore, reasonably available, sufficient data
apperas in the DEIS to adequately identify anclnaline pond
resources.
12. Comment! Communities of organisms found in anchialine ponds
may conceivably occur beneath ancient lava flows with no surface
connection, but to our knowledge, no one has investigated this
possibility.
Response! See Comment 11. The fact that they appear in
created ponds and quarries and in limestone caverns without
surface connection, which implies that the organisms can
survive underground. We have addressed this on Page 111-18,
para.B.3.1.2(c).
13. Comment: It is unclear to what extent site preparation,
filling and construction will affect groundwater flows and
circulation patterns in the subterranean ponds.
Responses See comment 8 and 9.
14. Comments The DEIS should explain why only those ponds being
filled will be affected by the project (Page IV-3).
Response: See Comment 9. We indicated on Page IV-3,
para.3(h), that only filled ponds would be directly affected by
the fill. Natural basalt rock can not degrade water quality.
Based upon our observations of groundwater leakage and developed
areas at Mauna Lani and at Waikoloa we do not see the secondary
fill and landscaping (crushed lava basalt) entering the ground
through leaching.
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15. Comments Identify the proposed location and siting criteria
for wells used to flush the lagoon.
Response: The information will be added to the FE1S.
16. Comments Assess how pumping 4-. 6 mgd from the groundwater
will affect subsurface flows, flushing rates and water quality in
the anchialine ponde in the pond preservaiton area.
Responses The information will be added to the FEIS.
17. Comment: Describe the effects of groundwater flow
alteration by pumping on nitrate, ammonia and phosphate levels in
the ponds.
Response: See comment 16.
IB. Comment! Quantify the relationship between groundwtaer
flows, nutrient levels and pond clarity. The discussion should
focus on the effect of higher nutrient concentrations on
anchialine pond phytoplankton, other aquatic species and general
ecology of the habitat.
Responsei See Comment 16.
We have indicated that nutrient concentrations in the ponds
are not presently limiting phytoplankton growth (Page IV-4,
para.3(m». We have suggested that tidal flushing appears to
limit water residence time in the ponds preventing phytoplankton
from ovei—producing.
PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
19. Comment! The alternatives in the DEIS are not sufficient
to rebut the presumption that practicable alternatives exist, and
an extensive evluations should be provided.
Response! The DEIS provides information to the decision
maker, but is not a decision document. In the DEIS, we presented
the information and arguments provided to us by the applicant for
public disclosure and review. • As a DEIS, the document is subject
to change with the addition of new information concerns, and
evaluations. The FEIS is still subject to public review and
comment and consideration of new information and concerns upon
review of the FEIS enters into the decision making process. We
have requested more data from the applicant and intend to
evaluate the adequacy of the information in accordance with our
regulations and in light of your concerns.
20. Comment: Me have identified reasonable available
alternatives that are outside the spectrum of alternatives
analyzed by the Corps and applicant in the DEIS.
a. The entire project could be relocated to the north and
west margins of Waiulua Bay.
Responsei This alternative is the no-action alternative
(Page 11-20) forces the applicant to either reduce the fill
(alter the development to fill fewer ponds), or site in-land
(fill no ponds). If the project was rotated as suggested no DA
permi-t would be required. If only a portion of the project was
rotated, than a condition similar to Alternatives 2 and 3 would
occur. The alternative is considered * variation of an e:: it tiny
alternative presently under consideration.
b. Av9id the anchialine ponds having unique habitat or
other values.
Response! This suggestion was considered in the des) gn,-,t j on
of the pond preservation concept (Page IV-3,' para. 3(d». We •
are still working on the details of the preservation site
boundaries and management plan.
c. Habitat development and restoration.
Response! We are considering this under the pond
preservation and management concept.
d. Revised configurations.
Responsei Revised configurations does not constitute a
significantly different alternative. Alternatives 2 and 3
provide variations of revised con-figuration*. The use of piles,
siting inland,, on other locations within the Waikoloa Beach
Resort and outside the Waikoloa Beach Resort are presented in the
DEIS (Pages 11-13 to 11-22).
e. Consideration of other areas not presently owned by the
applicant that could be reasonably obtained, utilized, expanded
or managed in order to -fulfil the basic purpose of the proposed
activity.
Response: The alternative was addressed on Pages 11-21 and
11-22. We are continuing to evaluate and assess the off-site
alternatives.
MITIGATION ..,
21. Comment: Saving 30% of the ponds is not considered
mitigation. There is 70V. uncompensated losses.at the applicant's
site, not considering the additonal losses or degradation that
may occur to the remaining ponds through secondary impacts.
Response! The concept of mitigation and compensation are
being considered in the development of the pond preservation area
and management. EPA's opinion will be considered. We are
working with the USFWS to develop an adequate plan to mitigate
or compensate for the loss of the anchialine pond organisms
under the pond preservation area concept.
22. Comment! The DEIS should evaluate pond preservation
mangement plans in order, to determine the likelihood of
maintaining or enhancing the pond ecosystem. The evaluation
should determine the ability of the plan to actually preserve the
unique resource in perpetuity.
Response: We are working with the USFWS in evaluating the
pond preservation concept. We have indicated in the DEIS the
likelihood that the pond preservation might succeed (Page 1V-4
and 1V-5, para. 3(k)-(m). We will consider your suggestions
below in the development of the pond preservation area and
management plan.
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a. Identify thu responsibilities ol the manogamunt agency
and the enforcement agency, including ltti«l)inp binding
conwni tmants to implunont the management plan.
Response: Comment Mill be considered.
b. Identify a preferred management plan including
tnforcement procedures to Maintain mariagemunt objectives.
ftesponuet A preferred plan will be provided in the FEIS.
ponds.
c. Define compliance criteria and methods to monitor the
Response: Comment will be- considered.
d. Identify options for corrective action to ensure pond
preservation.
Response: Comment will be considered.
e. Discuss the possibility of requiring the applicant to
post a bond for the preservation of the anchialine ponds.
Response: Comment will be considered.
f. Identify those mitigation measures (features) which will
minimize potentially adverse impacts on anchialine ponds, such
7\ as:
I (1) Introduction of runoff potentially laden with
Q fertilizers, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, oil and grease
or other pollutants.
Response: As indicated in the DEIS, the area around
the ponds would be graded to prevent the flow of the stated
materi als 'directly into the ponds (Page II-7, para. 2.1.1.4(a),
and 11-12, para. 2.1.1.4(b)>.
(2> Increases in human intrusion, including refuse
accumulation and introduction of exotic species.
Response: The purpose of the management plan will
prevent the negative aspects itemized above, and will provide
an educational element for the people of Hawaii.
g. The plan should be monitored more rigorously, such as
every six months during construction and yearly for the next 20
years.
Response: Comment will be considered.
WATER QUALITY
23. Comment: Corps should assure that water quality of the
lagoon would not affect the availability of groundwater for
public water supply. Evidence of this assurance should be
displayed as a table showing current water uses, proposed
projected demand and future development demands.
Response: The Corps has no regulatory jurisdiction to
assure that lagoon water quality would not affect public water
supply as a result of the withdrawal of groundwater. The Corps
can regulate the discharge of fill and require monitoring of
water quality if' the lagoon. The Corps considered I lie-
in the DEIS. Wu indicatud in the DEIS that the withdrawal of
water for tut- )*cioon.*t the coastline would not *f and page JV-19, par*. 9.1.2.).
The withdrawal of groundwater in the Stats of Hawaii is
regulated by the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural
Resources., Division of Land and Water Development.
The County of Hawaii regulatos development on the island of
Hawaii and requires that any development in the South Kohala
area must prove that it can provide water to satisfy the
development. This planning constraint was levied because- of the
limited water resources in the area. Thus, private developments
have had to find their own water sources to satisfy their
demands. 7ni°6 policy is reflected in the Corps South Kohala
Water Supply study for the area.
Ue will clarify this discussion in the FEIS.
BERM CONSTRUCTION AT THE HOUTH OF THE LAGOON.
24. Comment: The Corps should evaluate the construction of the
temporary berm on the nearshore marine habitats. The analysis
shoud include sedimentation Impacts during berm construction,
berm removal and potential maintenance dredging of sand at the
mouth of the lagoon.
Response: Me did evaluate the impacts and found them to be
insignificant. Me will provide a discussion in the FEIS. The
berm would be constructed on barren, intertidal basaltic lava.
The nearshore marine environment in the middle and outer Haiulua
Bay is devoid of significant coral growth. The excavation of
recent lava basalt does not result in the release of fine
sediments that could result in significant turbidity plumes.
Stone size, lava basalt would be used to construct the berm and a
filter cloth used to confine any finds. The removal may result
in a small turbidity plume.
There does not appear to be a need for maintenance dredging
of sand in the lagoon, because the man-made beach would be
located at the back of the man-made lagoon, protected from any
alongshore currents or erosive wave energy. Periodic sand
replace is anticipated using imported sand.
25. Comment: A bathymetric map of Waiulua Bay showing sand
areas and marine ecosystem should be included in the' E1S.
Response: A bathymetrie map will added.
AIR QUALITY
26. Comment: The dispersion model cited in the DEIS should be
presented in the FEIS.
Response: See Comment 28. EPA was sent a copy of the study
on November 21, 1984.
27. Comment: The model should investigate additional traffic
related to the development of the remainder of the Waikoloa Beach
10
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Resort.
Responsei
Bed Comment 2B.
2B. Comment: Identify and discuss affective methods to mitigate
or alleviate adverse air quality impacts, to include!
a. Redesigning or reconstructing intersections that violate
Air quality standards,
b. Providing high-occupancy or mass transit to reudce
traffic volumes.
Respon&e: The comment extends beyond the Corps regulatory
jurisdiction. In the DEIS, we have addressed the fact that air
quality may degrade as a result of increased traffic related to
the overall development. The Corps lacks the expertise to
discuss effective measures to mitigate or alleviate adverse- air
quality impacts related to activities far beyond the Corps'
control or regulatory jurisdiction.
EPA and the State Department of Health and 'the Federal
Highways Administration can coordinate their own requirements on
the Uaikoloa Beach Resort.
11
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R. MATSUH4QA
HAWAII
WASHINGTON QtttU
»•» *»•• *w<»\*
**i**M«ie*. c : jet
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United Stales
l Department of
Agriculture
Soil
Conservation
Service
P.O. Bo*, 50004
Honolulu, Hawaii
96850
Colonel Michael M. Jenks
District Engineer
Honolulu District
U.S. Array Corps of Engineers
Bldg. 230
Ft. Shafter, HI 96858-5440
April 22, 1985
N>
CO
Dear Colonel Jenks:
Subject: U.S. Department of the Aray Fornit Application
Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds, Naikoloa, Hawaii
He have reviewed the subject draft environmental impact statement and
have no comments to Bake.
Thank you for the opportunity to review the docunent.
Sincerely,
FRANCIS C.H. LUM
State Conservationist
A
.( I.
\r
Tt» ao» CwiMmllon Stntci
li in lomcy ot Ihi
UnH*d Slilll (Kpidminl of Agrlculltin
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Hay 6,
Colonel Michael H. JenV*
Dlatrlet Engineer
U.S. Army Corp* of Engineer*
Fort Shatter, Bewail 96858
Dear Colonel Jenkai
Th* Rational Marine Fiaharlea Service (KHFS) haa reviewed th* Drift
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Walkoloa Beach Reeort Aucblallna
Fonda, Waikoloa, South Kohal* Dlatrlet. Island of Hawaii. The following
• content* are offered for your conalderatlon.
. General Connant*
7\ NHFS waa consulted during development of the subject DEIS. For th*
J, moat part resources for which KHFS beare • responsibility and alternative*
!p- to reduce adverse impact* on these resource* have been addressed to our
eatisfaction in the document.
We not* that throughout th* DEIS atateoents indicate that construction
of th* propoaed S-acr* lagoon will probably not require blasting. However,
In recent discussions with aeverel project consultants w* now underetsnd that
blasting 1* preaantly considered th* preferred excavation technique rather
than a poaalble alternative.
A report to Darby and Associates, Inc. (April 24 1985) entitled
"Additional Evaluation of Proposed Excavation Using Explosives With Respect
to Potential Daaage to Major Marine Life - Walkoloa, Hawaii" contains eddl-
tlonel Information on .the propoaed bleating and recommendations to protect
marine lit* from potentiel damage. KHFS concurs with these recommendations
• snd fssls that propoaed bleot plan and mitigation neaaurea ahould be detailed
In the DEIS. We ere preiently evaluating the potential Impacte to threatened
and endangered species under HHFS jurisdiction froa UR* of explosives in exca-
vating th* lagoon. A asperate report under Section 7 of the Endangered Specie*
Act of 1973, •* amended, will b* prepared and eubmltted for your conalderatlon.
KHFS concur* with the applicant'a plan In the preferred alternative to
creete • 12-*cr* "enchialin* pond preaervatlon aree" containing approximately
62 ponda. We continue to b* concerned, however, with the loaa of the anchlallne
ponds and their unique blot* outside the designated preservation aree on the
Walkoloa Beech Resort-property proposed tor development. A* additional miti-
gation for destruction of the approximately 136 ponda, KHFS recoonenda a* much
of th* unique macroblote a* possible be removed fron the pond* prior to filling.
Th* blot* should be carefully transplanted to snchlallne ponds in th* pond
preservation area, or offalte anchlalln* pond*. The potilbillty of creating
•nchlalln* pond* ooslt* should elso be Investigated. It 1* likely that
volunteer* from th* local cotsKmlty could b* utllited for carrying out the
reenxModad mitigation.
JHJS fesls th* pood preservation area ahould be managed by IOMOB*
other than th* applicant, aa preaantly envisioned and atated In th* DEIS.
long-Urn managaoent by an organisation auch a* th* Th* Hatur* Conservancy
(mentioned on Page 11-12 of the DEIS) would b* mor* appropriate 1m achieving
management goal*. • W* rscomcend th* proposed pond preservation area management
plan b* approved by th* 0.8. Fish and Wlldllf* Service, the Federal Agency
with primary jurisdiction over the anchlallne pond blot*.
Specific Comments
2.1.1.4 Food Preaervatlon Area
Page 11-12. paragraph (e). This paragraph atates that "the management plan
and the need for the anchlalln* pond preserve* would b* reviewed by th* Corp*..."
KHFS feele the need for en anchlellne pond preserve has been clearly demonstrated.
Only the management plan Itself and not the "need for the encbleline pond
preaervea" ahould be reviewed by th* Corp*.
2.5 Environmentally Preferred Alternative
Page 11-22. paragraph 6. The lUtement 1* mad* that "no environmentally
prater id alternative ha* been Identified at this tine." W* wish to point
out that th* "Deny th* Permit" alternative would maintain th* Walkoloa Beach
Reiort a* th* area having the greateat nuaher, concentration, and diversity
of anchlalin* pond* In th* 8t«t* of Bewail.
8.1 Waiulua Bay
Page 111-18. peragraph (e). Underwater inrveye by • KHFS biologist substanti-
ated large number* of juvenile parrot fish end surgeon fish feeding on the
algae covered substrate within portions of Waiulua Bay. Th* bay appear* to
b* en important nursery area for leverel epeele* of reef fish.
P«g« IH-16. paragraph (f). Th* itatement 1* mad* that •Ightlng* of th*
endangered humpback whale off th* project coast *re rare. W* wish to point
out that alghtinge of humpback whale* in coastal water* of South Kohala ere
very cocoon between January and April.
4.1 Effact* On Coastal Water Quality
Peg* IV-5. paragraph (e). KHFS concur* with th* propoaed placement of e temp-
orary bera between the middle and inner portions of the bey to prevent turbid
water during conetructlon fron being carried out Into Wellua Bay. The bera
ahould b* made Impervious to properly contain suspended sediment*, possibly
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by utilising filter cloth In constructing the bern. Construction Btthods and
materials used for the temporary bem should bs detailed In the DEIS.
Sincerely your*,
Doyle E. Gates
Adalnlstrator
cc: F/SHR, Termlnsl Island, CA
t/M. Washington, D.C.
be: Honolulu District
Corps of Engineers
t\>
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U.I. CXjwrtmml cl Homing tod Urtun D»vilM>m*m
Honolulu A»»» Ottet, Begton IX
300 Ml Mown Btvd. Room 33IB
tlonofulu, HlwU K450
N)
0\
05-159
April 18. 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Corps of Engineers
U. S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, HI 96858
Dear Colonel Jenks:
SUBJECT: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
U. S. Department of the Army Permit Application
Uaikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds,
Uaikoloa, South Kohala District, Island of Hawaii
We have reviewed the DEIS on the proposed action to excavate a five-acre
recreational lagoon at the head of Haialua Bay and to fill Anchialine Ponds on
other portions of the Uafkoloa Beach Resort Properties.
He find that the proposed action will not impact any HUD program or pro-
ject in the vicinity.
He appreciate the opportunity to comment on the EIS and look forward to
receiving a copy of the FEIS.
ly yours,
Manager, 9.2S
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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION
BOXSeOBB . 480 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE
6AN FRANCISCO. CALIFORNIA 941OZ
(418) one.B2oo
ER 85/471
Colonel Michael N. Jenks
District Engineer, Honolulu District
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Colonel Jenks:
The following comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
on the Halkoloa Hyatt Development and the Halkoloa Beach Resort Properties
at Anaehoomalu. Hawaii, dated March 1985, are being provided In compliance
with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
General Comments
Fish and Wildlife Resources
We appreciate the effort the Corps of Engineers (CE) has made on this
DEIS. However, it appears that the section on Alternatives may be lack-
ing in objectivity. The document seems to treat the proposed action as
the only reasonable solution while portraying sound environmental alter-
natives as being too flawed to warrant serious consideration. He believe
there Is more substance to these alternatives than is documented 1n the
DEIS.
The original proposal would have eliminated all 215 anchiallne ponds on
the project site which amounts to over 1/3 of all such ponds on Hawaii.
.In light of the magnitude of losses anticipated, the U.S. Fish and Wild-
life Service (FWS) worked extensively over a six month period with the CE,
the developer, and the applicants prior to the submission of the permit
application in an effort to find a means of mitigating these losses.
As a result of these protracted negotiations, the concept of an on-slte
"preservation area* involving a 12-acre pond preservation area together
with associated terms and conditions necessary for guaranteeing long term
viability of this pond system, was mutually developed as a minimally ac-
ceptable form of mitigation. Unfortunately, some of the vital conditions
which would have made this pond preservation area concept acceptable have
not been Incorporated In the DEIS. These are as follows:
a. Perpetual Protection and Management: It was generally conceded by all
parties that In order to be certain the ponds were preserved in perpetuity
management responsibility for the area had to be assigned to a conservation
organization which had the necessary expertise in resource management. The
FHS also emphasized the need for some form of perpetual easement. Unfortu-
nately, the applicant, rather than an environmentally oriented organization,
Is Identified 1n the DEIS as the management entity for the pond preservation
area.
b. Water Quality Characteristics: Anchiallne ponds are characteristically
mixohaline and are variously influenced by inland extension of tides and
seaward flow of fresh groundwater. The ponds located at the Walklloa site
range in salinity from 2 ppt to 17.5 ppt. It is thought that most or all
ponds are Interconnected by flow through subterranean Interstices in the
porous lavas. As a result, water quality Impacts affecting one can be
transmitted throughout the system. Although this issue 1s addressed on
page 11-12. our present ability to anticipate and mitigate the Impacts of
construction and other activities on the ponds In the preservation area has
to be considered Inadequate. The DEIS should emphasize the need for an in-
tensive water quality monitoring program in and adjacent to the preservation
area before, during, and after construction. In addition, prior to Instal-
lation and use of any injection wells, water quality Integrity within the
pond system should be guaranteed. Potentially contaminated waters (i.e.,
stormwater runoff from paved areas, sewage effluents, and toxic materials)
should be directed away from the preservation area. If such water quality
protection can not be achieved, then the present mitigation concept Is
threatened. The DEIS should deal with these considerations 1n clear and
unequivocal language. '
c. Direct or indirect artificial lighting of the pond preservation area
must be avoided.
Specific Comments
Page II-1 - The "Regional Background" section could be Improved by mention-
Ing discussions with prior developers covering mitigation for loss of ponds
and the recent unauthorized fill at the site.
Page 11-5 - The FHS suggests that the section on the history of the permit
application be expanded to Include reference to PONCO 0 13S8-S. This was
the first permit Issued authorizing work at the Halkoloa site, in 1977.
The FWS would like to stress that our concern for these anchiallne ponds
is long standing and was well known to the consultants for the applicant
and the current landowner.
Page 11-12 - Section 2.I.I.4(c) refers to a management plan that would be
approved by the CE and reviewed after 20 years and every 5 years there-
after. Because of the critical Importance of this plan we would like to
be Included in the review and approval of the plan.
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Is)
C»
Page 11-6 - The reference to Figure IH-8 for cross sections of A and B,
should be for Figure II-8.
Page 11-14 - The figure should Include shading for the disjunct section
of ponds suggested for preservation under Alternative I.
Page 11-15 - In Section 2.i.2.2(b) (and elsewhere), there Is reference to
a Deer Park Tower. We should point out that there 1s a risk Involved In
bringing deer to the Island of Hawaii. The Impact of Introduced ungulates
to Hawaii's ecosystems Is well documented. Also, the potential adverse
Impacts to the Important cattle industry on the Big Island Is of serious
concern. Although the risk of escape is probably small, there are present-
ly no deer on Hawaii. Even the remote chance of deer escaping and estab-
lishing a population should be viewed with apprehension. Though quite a
separate issue from the anchialine ponds, the applicant should be Informed
of this problem and referred to the State Department of Land and Natural
Resources for specific State permits required for bringing non-native ani-
mals into Hawaii.
Page 1I-1S - The entire discussion of the "Economic Viability of the Alter-
natives" appears to be biased in favor of the applicant's proposal. The
DEIS would benefit from a more dispassionate discussion of all alternatives.
Page 11-19 (Table II-l - The conclusion In this table regarding the effect
of fill material on ground and marine water Is questionable. He do not know
what impacts will occur.
Page 11-20 - The discussion of siting inland, while perhaps accurate 1n Its
assessment of the attractiveness of shoreline location, seems an Inappropri-
ate review of this potential alternative. It again appears to be an advocacy
of the applicant's position.
Page 11-22 - In light of the lengthy discussions between the CE and FHS,
it would seem responsive and Informative to Identify and discuss the en-
vironmentally preferred alternative.
General Comments
Hater and Geological Resources
The Geological Survey reports the statement should evaluate quantitatively
the effects of the proposed pumping of 3,200 gallons per minute of ground-
water to flush the 5-acre lagoon to be constructed adjacent to Halulua Bay.
The analysis should Include: pertinent aquifer characteristics; anticipated
depth of the well and distance from the lagoon; and anticpated effects on the
basal groundwater lens and on overlying water of better quality, Including
calculated effects on upgradient water levels, on groundwater underflow that
now discharges to the bay, and on the Intrusion of saltwater.
Thank you for tha opportunity to review and coment on this DEIS.
Sincerely,
« *-- /&
\
/
Patricia Sanderson Port
Regional Environmental Officer
cc: Director, OEPR (w/copy Incoming)
Reg. Dlr., FHS
Reg. Dlr.. (IPS
Reg. Dlr., GS
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United States
Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Lloyd 500 Building Sulle 1692
500 N.E. Mullnoouh SIIMI
Portland, Ort|on 971)2
InEUplyRcEtrTo:
Your Refc»iK«t
Hay 29, 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer, Honolulu District
U. S. Ai-my Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 97858
,
VO
Dear Colonel Jenks:
This Is to Inform you, as required under the July 2, 1982, Memorandum of
Agreement, that the Service wishes to reserve the right to elevate the re-
solution of Issues related to the project proposal reviewed In your public
notice PDCO-01812-SD, dated February 14, 1985. This action will be neces-
sary If the final recommendations of the Honolulu Environmental Services
Project Leader, dated Hay 2, 1985, are not accepted. The applicants, Halko-
loa Hyatt Development and Ualkoloa Beach Resort Properties, have applied
for a permit to fill numerous anchlallne ponds at Walulua Bay, South Kohala,
Hawaii for the purpose of constructing resort hotels and condominiums.
Our Honolulu Field Office Is working with the applicants to preserve, In
perpetuity, a portion of the anchlallne ponds on the project site. If you
propose to Issue a DA permit without Including the Service's recommenda-
tions or over our objections, please forward a copy of your Notice of
Intent to Issue concurrently to the Honolulu Project Leader.
It Is our desire to cooperate fully 1n expediting the Corps of Engineers'
permitting system and preventing unnecessary delay. He will continue to
work closely with your staff In resolving the environmental Issues. We
hope that you acknowledge the International Importance of these threat-
ened habitats by assisting the Department of the Interior In acting vig-
orously to protect these areas from further degradation.
Sincerely,
Richo
Regional Director
cc: FHS-ES Honolulu Field Office
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00
O
United States Department or the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
1*1* »ffl* l*i
I» ALA UOAHA SOUllVAnO
P 0 *OX 1011}
ttOHOUIUJ. HAWAII MI30
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
U.S. Engineer District, Honolulu
Attention: PODCO-0
Building 230
Fort Shofler, Hawaii UtiUf>H-5 reflects nntv a
portion of the nany considerations evolved over several nci'tings.
amunu representatives of the Corps'of Engineers, the appl ii-iint .
Save Energy and Vfti Serve America!
the developer, and the USFHS. The bm&ic concopt of the |>nml
preservation area and the configuration of the 12-ocrc BIIt-
represent* a minimum of what appeared to hiive been a consonsua
reached by the participant* ai being necessary to protect these
anchinline ponds. Hoot of the vitnlly important considerations
which would huve mode this pond preservation area concept a
viable alternative have ngt been incorporated in the current
proposed action. The USFHS believes that without the following
conditions, the pond preservation plan an described i« seriously
flawed and not likely to attain the objective of conserving this
unique ecosysten In perpetuity.
a. Perpetual protection and management: This WHS
considered to be the primary objective of the pond preservation
proposal. It was generally conceded during the group's
discussions that designation of a conservation organization with
the necessary expertise to assune Management of this area was the
key element in Baking this proposal acceptable. The USFWS
further stressed that some i'or» of perpetual easement was
essential if this pond preservation concept were to be a viable
alternative. No conservation organization could guarantee the
long-tern ecological viability of this site without this
easement.
Unless some reputable resource organization is given the
responsibility for protecting and managing this area, the concept
of the proposed preservation area is seriously flawed.
The proposed action suggests that the applicant would be
responsible for management of the pond preservation area. WR- do
no believe the applicant should be solely responsible lor
stewardship of the pond preservation area. This is a burden that
should be borne by an organization that has experience-,
expertise, and frequent contact and interchange with scientists
with knowledge of anchialine pond ecosystems. The difficult task
of ensuring long-tern nanagement of the 12-acre preservation urea
should be relegated to an organization which can focus all of its
energies to attaining this objective. The applicant will be
primarily concerned with management of the neighboring
developments, and the USFWS believes it is in the- best interest
of all parties concerned to assign perpetual nanagenent
responsibilities to a reputable conservation organization.
b. Water Quality Characteristics: Anchialine ponds an-
characteristically aixohaline and are variously influenced liv
inland extension of tides and seaward flow of fresh groundnutei.
The ponds located at th« Waikoloa site rnnge in salinity from 1!
ppt to 17.5 ppt. It is thought that nost or all ponds art-
connected to some degree by flow through subterranean intersi ires
in the porous lavas. Thus, the complex of ponds at Waikolou run
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be thought of as one system. This
nicroenvironnent that is truly unique.
creates on aquatic
Because of the relationship of the ponds to one another,
maintenance of proper water quality in the systen as a whole is
critical. Although this issue is addressed in the DEIS our
present ability to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of
construction and other activities on the ponds in the
preservation area has to be considered inadequate.
Because of the importance of this issue, we believe it as
necessary to provide nore reliable safeguards to avoid water
quality problems. An intensive wnter quality monitoring program
in and adjacent to the preservation area before, during, and
after construction should be, required. We should also be
certain, prior to installation and use, that any injection wells
will not affect the pond systea. Potentially contaminated waters
(e.g. storawater runoff froa paved areas, sewage effluents, and
toxic materials) should be directed away from the preservation
area. These stipulations need to be specific permit conditions.
c. Direct or indirect artificial lighting of the pond
preservation area nust be avoided.
Summary
The USKWS believes that the proposed action is contrary to the
requireoents of Federal regulations regarding the water
dependency aspects of projects constructed in waters of the
United States (portions of 40 CFH 230 and 33 CFR 320), and
therefore, considers the alternative of denying the permit to be
the Preferred Alternative. However, the USFHS believes that the
proposed action would be minimally acceptable if our
recommendations are incorporated into the DA permit. He have
worked extensively with all concerned parties to arrive at a
negotiated settlement. He believe our position represents the
minimum necessary protection for the fish and wildlife resources
at the project site. Thus the USFHS will not object to POUCO-0
IHlL'-Sll provided the following conditions are incorporated into
the DA permit and observed by the applicant.
n. . A conservation/natural resource- management organization
with the necessary technical and scientific expertise and
facilities be given perpetual rights to manage the pond
preservation site. The approval and final selection ol this
organization would !><• jointly determined by the USFHS anil I he
Corps of Engineers.
b. There will be no modification of existing ponds in I he
pond preserve! ion area (identified in proposed action) whir-It
night alter the ecological stability of the anchialine
that presently exist.
systens
c. No sewage effluents or toxic naterials nay be injected
into the groundwater on the Waiholoa site. Because of the
porosity of the lava and the interconnecting groundwater system,
these restrictions apply throughout the site.
d. No other potential pollutants (e.g. stornwater runoff
fro» paved areas, biocides, fertilizers, untreated wastewater) be
allowed to enter the pond preservation site.
e. Direct or indirect artificial lighting »ust be
away fro» the pond preservation area.
aimed
He are prepared to continue our efforts with all concerned
parties to achieve solutions to unresolved issues. He have
expended a considerable anount of effort on this permit
application, and we are committed to continued cooperation in
completing this permit process.
Sincerely yours,
Allan Marmelstein
Pacific Islands Adninistraior
cc: HO, FWS, Portland, OR (AHB)
NMFS - HPHO
EPA, San Francisco
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US Deportment
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United Stotw
Coast Guard
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From:
To:
16518
Serial Ho. 5/100
16 April 1985
Commanderi Fourteenth Coast Guard District
District Engineer, U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers, Honolulu
Subj: DEIS FOR HAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Ref: (a) Your public Notice No. PODCO-0 1812 SD dtd March 1985
1. The Fourteenth Coast Guard District has reviewed the Draft
Environmental Impact-Statement (DEIS) for a US Department of the
Army permit application, PODCO-0 1812-SD, concerning the Halkoloa
Hyatt Development and Waikoloa Beach Resort Properties, at
Anaehoomalu, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii, and has no'objection'or
constructive comments to offer at this time. ' ••.•\--t.i'
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-**L-
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
REGION MINI
Hawaii Division
Box 50206
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
April 4, 1985
IH ffSPLV HtrKK to
HEC-HI
(574.6)
Colonel Michael M. Jenks, U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers, District Engineer
Pacific Ocean Division, Bldg. 230
Ft. Shafter, HI 96858
Dear Col. Jenks:
Subject:
Draft BIS - Waikoloa Hyatt Development and Waikoloa
Beach Resort Properties, Annahoomalu, Island of Hawaii
U)
Thank you for the opportunity to, review your Draft Enviroraental
Impact Statement for the Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds
at Waikoloa, South Kohala, Hawaii.
The Federal Highway Administration has no comments on the DEIS
and proposed undertaking. We will not need a copy of your
Final EIS.
Sincerely yours,
H . Kusumoto
Division Administrator
L. Arthur
Assistant Division Administrator
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EmfeomMnM PnJlKlloo
AJttixu.C««lomn g o KM DIM
S-EPA
«?
HAY ^4 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer
U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers
Honolulu District
Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Colonel Jenksi
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed the
•Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) titled PERMIT
APPLICATION! HAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT ANCHIALINE PONDS, WAIKOLOA,
SOUTH KOHALA DISTRICT, ISLAND OP HAWAII, STATE OP HAWAII.
The enclosed comments are provided in accordance with EPA'a
responaibilites under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) and Section 309 of the Clean Air Act.
EPA's concerns regarding this project includei 1) Inadequate
assessment of potentially significant environmental impacts
to the anchialine ponds, including the possibility that some
of the organisms in the ponds nay qualify as rara or endangered
species, 2) potential destruction of one-third of the anchialine
pond habitat on the island of Hawaii, 3) inadequate assessment
of proposed project alternatives and practicable alternatives,
4) potential violation of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA) based on interpretation of the Section 404(b)(l) Guidelines,
and 5) Inadequate disclosure of all development proposals and
ensuing environmental impacts for Waikoloa Beach Resort
. properties.
EPA strongly encourages the U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers
(COE) to develop alternatives for the Waikoloa Beach Resort
project which would assure the protection and maintenance of
existing environmental quality. We, therefore, recommend
that COE prepare a Draft Supplement to the BIS (DSEIS).
We have classified this DEIS as Category 3, Inadequate
(see the enclosed sheet titled Summary of Rating Definitions
and Follow-Up Actions). The DEIS does not adequately assess
the potentially significant environmental impacts of the
proposed Waikoloa Beach Resort project. We have also Identified
reasonably available alternatives that are outside the spectrum
of alternatives analyzed by COE and the applicant in the DEIS.
The additional intonation required to evaluate the
alternative*, thoie discussed in the DEIS and thoit identified
by EPA, are of such magnitude that they should have full
public review at the draft stage. EPA has determined that
the DEIS la inedoguat* for the purposes of NEPA and Section
309 review. If the inadequate assessment of practicable
alternatives is not broadened and strengthened at the Final
Environmental Impact Stateaent stage, EPA may reconatnd that
this proposed project b* referred to the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ).
The classification and date of EPA'm comments will be
published in the Federal Raolater in accordance with our
public disclosure responsibilities under Section 309 of the
Clean Air Act. In addition, 40 CFR 1504 and EPA'a Section
309 responsibilities require us to notify the CEO and the
Chief of Engineers of our rating.• He are available to meet
with COE to discuss our concern* in detail. Please contact
Patrick 3. Cotter, Federal Activities Branch, at (415) 974-0948
or FTS 454-0948.
Sincerely,
JUDITH E. AKRES
Regional Administrator
Enclosure (11 pages)
cci
Hs. Josephine S. Cooper, Assistant Administrator, OEA, EPA
Hr. Paul A. Schuette, Office of Public Affairs, EPA
Mr. Allan Hirsch, Office of Federal Activities, EPA
Hr. A. Alan Hill, Council on Environmental Quality
tt. General B. R. Helberg III, Chief of Engineers, U.S. Army
Hr. Allan Haraelsteln, Pacific Islands Administrator,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii
Hr. Doyle B. Gates, Administrator, National Harine
Fisheries Service, Hawaii
Hr. Leslie Hatsubara, Director, Hawaii Department of Health
Hs. Letitla N. Uyehara, Director, Hawaii Office of
Environmental Quality Control
Hr. Dante Carpenter, Mayor, County of Hawaii, Island of Hawaii
Hr. Clifton Jenkins, Vice President and Manager, Transcontinental
Development Company, Hawaii
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en
-1-
Overview of Section 404 Comments
EPA has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with
Section 404 of the Clean Hater Act (CHA) and the regulations
for its implementation at Section 404(b)(D promulgated at 40
CFR 230. Fundamental to these regulations is the precept
that dredged or fill material should not be discharged into
the aquatic ecosystem, such as anchialine ponds, unless it
can be demonstrated that such a discharge will not have an
unacceptable adverse Impact either individually or cumulatively.
It is the purpose and policy under the 404(b)(l) Guidelines
(Guidelines) that the degradation or destruction of special
aquatic sites is considered to be among the most severe
impacts. Impacts to anchialine ponds, classified as special
aquatic sites, may cause an irreversible loss of this valuable
aquatic resource. EPA believes that the proposed project
conflicts with the Guidelines becauset 1) anchialine ponds
qualify as special aquatic sites, 2) the proposed project
individually may destroy one third of the anchialine pond
resources on Hawaii, and 3) other developments may adversely
Impact anchialine ponds. A comprehensive environmental
impact statement, describing the Impacts of this and future
developments near anchialine ponds in Hawaii, may be required
by NEPA:
A. Compliance with Section 404 (b)(l) Guidelines
The DEIS does not consider alternatives In sufficient
detail to respond to the requirements of the Guidelines. The
Guidelines prohibit fill in waters of the United States if
there is a practicable alternative which would have less
adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem (40 CFR 230.10(a)(4)].
These alternatives include, but are not limited to, avoidance
of placing fill in waters of the United States or discharging
materials at less damaging locations. An area not presently
owned by the applicant may be considered as a practicable
alternative site [40 CFR 230.10 (a)(l-2)].
Under the Guidelines, a hotel Is not classified as a
•water dependent" project. The Guidelines presume that a
practicable alternative is available, when filling of special
aquatic sites are involved, and where such a project is not
water dependent (40 CFR 230.10(a)|3)J. The alternatives
presented in the DEIS are not sufficient to rebut the
presumption that practicable alternatives exist. An extensive
evaluation of alternate sites was not provided in the DEIS.
It appears that the entire project could be relocated to the
north and west margins of Walulua Bay. This would require
little or no fill of anchialine ponds.
-2-
The Guidelines also prohibit the placement of dredged or
fill Material in waters of the United States, if such actions
cause or contribute to significant degradation of the waters
of the United States. These impacts include, but are not
limited to, effects on fish, shellfish, wildlife, special
aquatic sites, or loss of fish and wildlife habitat [40 CPR
230.10(c)(l,3)). EPA views the potential loss of more than
one-third of the entire anchialine pond resource on Hawaii, a
substantial portion of this national resource, as a significant
degradation of the waters of the United States.
In addition, no discharge of dredged or fill material is
permitted under the Guidelines, unless appropriate and practicable
steps have been taken to Minimize potentially adverse Impacts
on the aquatic ecosystem (40 CFR 230.10(d)]. Such steps for
the proposed project could include, but are not limited to,
avoiding sites having unique habitat or other values and
habitat development or restoration [40 CFR 230.75 (c-d)l.
Anchialine ponds are considered as unique habitats (Haciolek
and Brock, 1974) and should not be used as fill disposal
sites.
Although EPA has provided comments on the management
plans for the proposed pond preservation areas, we do not
believe preservation of existing ponds constitutes mitigation.
The "preferred* preservation plan proposes to avoid filling
30% of the ponds on the sit* as Mitigation for the proposed
destruction of 70% of the ponds. The result of this proposal
is the 70% uncompensated loss of resource values at the applicant'i
site, not considering additional losses or degradation that may
occur to the remaining ponds through secondary Impacts.
B. Needs for Documentation Under the Guidelines
Under the Guidelines, COB must present a written evaluation
regarding potential short-tern and long-term effects of the
proposed fill activities on physical, chemical, and biological
components of the aquatic environment. These determinations
are the basis 'for findings of compliance or non-compliance
with the restrictions on discharge in 40 CFR 230.10. Although
the DEIS provides much of the required factual determinations
on physical and chemical components, information required to
make a reasoned decision regarding the biological components
is not adequate. The number, size and subsurface connections
of the anchialine ponds on the Island of Hawaii have not been
quantified in the DEIS.
The number of species inhabiting these pools and their
abundance are not completely known. There may be additional
species that have not been described because only qualitative
sampling methods were used during previous pond studies.
Communities of organisms found In anchialine ponds may
conceivably occur beneath ancient lava flows with no surface
connections, but to our knowledge, no one has investigated
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-3-
this possibility. The U.S. ri»h and Hlldllfe Service (PWS)
«n5.Sr?S0iSd/h*t *iV5 «P«ci«» ba O^en Category 2 status,
under the Endangered Species Act. EPA recommends close
livin in thWlH3 "" *"** po"8lblllty ot «ndangered species
EPA has determined that the proposed project does not
coiiply Kith the Guideline, at the present time (40 CPR 230.12
(a)(3)(iv 1. This determination is based on the lack of
adequate information necessary to Bake a reasonable judgement
on the project as well as the practicable alternatives analysis,
potentially significant adverse impacts and the lack ofBn"y""'
nitlgation alternatives. NEPA requires that, if such information
is needed to make a reasoned choice and the costs of obtaining
that information are not exorbitant, the information Bust be
included in the BIS, the DSEIS in this case (40 CPR 1502.22).
Several of the concerns noted above are reiterated in
greater detail in the following Section 404 comments.
ON
Detailed Section 404 Coa»unts
A. Practicable Al-ternatives Analysis
1. Anchiallne ponds are defined as "waters of the United
States' (40 CPR 230.3(s)J and M*ny are classified as
•special aquatic sites* (40 CPR 230.3(q-l), 230.41, and
230.431. In recognition of the values of special
aquatic sites and the need to prevent their degradation
or destruction! the Guidelines establish a "water-
dependency' test for discharges into special aquatic sites.
If the activity associated with the discharge of dredged
or fill Material into • special aquatic site is not
•water dependent* (i.e. requiring access or proximity
to or siting within the special aquatic site in order
to fulfill its basic- purpose), practicable alternatives
are presumed to be available unless clearly demonstrated
otherwise (40 CPR 230.10 (a)(3)J. The degradation or
destruction of special aquatic sites is considered to
be one of the Most severe environmental Impacts covered
by the Guidelines.
While EPA recognizes that hotel resort facilities are
classified as "coastal dependent* in the Hawaii Coastal
iono Management Plan (p. 11-20), a hotel resort project
is not defined as water dependent by the Guidelines-.
As such, one of the first steps in determining compliance
with the Guidelines is the evaluation of the applicant's
demonstration to rebut the presumption that there are
practicable alternatives to the proposed discharge into
special aquatic sites.
In order for an alternative to be practicable) it must
be capable of achieving the basic purpose of the project.
•An alternative is practicable if it is available and
capable of being done after taking into consideration
cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall
project purposes. If it is otherwise a practicable
alternative, an area not presently owned by the applicant
which oould reasonably be obtained, utilized, expanded
or managed in order to fulfill the basic purpose of the
? reposed activity may be considered* (40 CFR 230.10
a)(2)l. However, the Guidelines do not require that
an alternative be comparable to the proposed project,
only practicable. It is Implicit that the practicable
alternatives Include consideration of revised configurations
and/or reductions in scope ot the project (40 CFR 230.10(a)l.
2. The DSEIS should provide • detailed evaluation of those
alternatives which would avoid filling the ponds.
Section 2.2 (pp. 11-20 to 11-22) attempts to address
these issues, but does not contain sufficient information
to rebut the presumption that practicable alternatives
exist. The DSEIS should evaluate all practicable
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alternatives including the reconfiguration of the
proposed project by rotating the complex to maximize
the use of the area north of Haiulua Bay. This would
avoid the need to fill anchiallne ponds south of the
bay.
CO
•-J
B. Significant Degradation
1. The most adverse impact of filling anchiallne ponds Is
that many organisms living in the ponds and their habitat
would be eliminated. Section 8.3.1.5 (p. 111-19}
describes the organisms found in the ponds, some of
which are found only in anchialine ponds. Much of this
information is based on a report by Haciolek and Brock
(1974). In this report, the authors acknowledged that
not all species present in anchialine pond habitats
have been identified, and that species distribution data
was Incomplete (p. 111-20). Despite an additional
study for the DEIS, EPA believes that there is insufficient
data in the DEIS to adequately identify anchialine pond
resources.
2. The proposed project includes several actions which nay
affect ground water flows (pp. 1V-5 to IV-7). It Is
unclear to what extent site preparation, filling, and
construction will affect ground water flows and circulation
patterns In the subterranean pond connections. The
DEIS states that only those ponds being filled are expected
to.be affected (p. IV-3). The DSEIS should explain the
basis for this statement and fully describe the site
preparation process.
3. The DEIS states that in order to naintain good water
quality in the excavated lagoon, ground water will be
pumped from shallow on-site wells at a rate of 4.6
million gallons per day (agd) (pp. II-7 and IV-6).
The DSEIS should include the following Information!
a. Identify the proposed location and siting criteria
for the wells, and
b. Assess how pumping 4.6 mgd from the ground water
resource will affect subsurface flows, flushing
rates and water quality of the anchialine ponds.
4. The DEIS states that concentrations of nitrate, ammonia
and phosphate have Increased in certain ponds due'to the
use of fertilizers and waste water effluent irrigation
practices on the adjacent golf course (p. 111-27). The
DEIS also states that water clarity has been Maintained
by the flushing effect of high ground water flows and
tidal exchanges.
In light of the concerns regarding the proposed pumping
described above, the DSEIS should describe the effect
of potential alterations in ground water flows on nitrate,
ammonia and phosphate levels in the ponds. The DSEIS
should also quantify the relationship between ground
water flows, nutrient levels, and pond clarity. The
discussion should focus on the effect of higher nutrient
concentrations on anchialine pond phytopiankton, other
aquatic species and general ecology of the habitat.
C. Measures to Minimize Impact's
1. EPA does not consider the proposed preservation plans
as mitigation for the loss of the ponds because the
habitat values lost are not being minimized or compensated.
The Guidelines state that no discharge of dredged or
fill Material shall be permitted unless appropriate and
practicable steps have been taken which will minimize
potential adverse Impacts of the discharge on the
aquatic ecosystem (40 CFR 230.10(d)]. However, we are
providing comments on the proposed plans because they
are part of the DEIS.
• »_ i
2. The DSEIS should evaluate pond preservation management
plans in order to determine the likelihood of maintaining
or enhancing the pond ecosystem. The evaluation should
determine the ability of the plan to actually preserve
this unique resource In perpetuity.
3. The anchialine pond preservation management plan shouldi
a. Identify and discuss the responsibilities of the
management agency and the enforcement agency, including
legally binding commitments to implement the management
plan,
b. Identify a preferred Management plan including
enforcement procedures to maintain management objectives,
c. Define compliance criteria and methods to Monitor
the ponds,
d. Identify options for corrective action to ensure pond
preservation.
e. Discuss the possibility of requiring the applicant
to post a bond for the preservation of the anchialine
'ponds, and
f. Identify those Mitigation features which will Minimize
potentially adverse impacts on the anchiallne ponds,
such asi
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CO
00
1) Introduction of runoff potentially laden with
fertilizero, pouticldoB, petroleum hydrocarbons,
oil and grease, or other pollutants, and
2} Increases in human Intrusion, including refuse
accumulation, and introduction oE exotic species.
4. The DEIS states that the management plan will not be
reviewed by COB for 20 years, then every 5 years thereafter.
This time Crane is not an acceptable management format
and could negate any benefits to be derived from the
establishment of a management plan. EPA recommends a
more rigorous monitoring time schedule, such as every
six months during construction and yearly for the next
20 years.
D. Additional Documentation
EPA staff inspected the proposed project site at high
tide and found a small pond, complete with many Halocarldina
rubra (atyid shrimp) in a shallow depression in the applicant's
access road. When the tide receded, this pond and the shrimp
were gone. The shrimp had apparently moved to the surface
with the rising tide and receded into the cracks of the
crushed lava roadbed when the tide ebbed. If the proposed
project site is underlain with interconnections, it is conceivable
that the 215 anchlaline ponds on this site may represent a
single, interconnected resource with many surface openings.
EPA has concluded that too little information exists to
evaluate the impacts of the proposed action, or any of the
alternatives presented in the DEIS, on the anchiallne pond
resources on the Island of Hawaii.
In order to fully assess the impacts of the proposed
project on anchlaline pond species, baseline data should be
collected regarding the extent and distribution of the anchialine
ponds, and the biological and ecological requirements of the
organisms found in the ponds. The DSEIS should also describe
subterranean connections between ponds, movement of pond
species within these subterranean connections, and the relationship
between the surface and subterranean habitats.
E. Reference Cited
Haciolek, J. A. and R. E. Brock. 1974. Aquatic survey of the
Kona Coast ponds of Hawaii. University of_ Hawaii Press,
Honolulu, Hawaii. 441 pp.
-8-
General Comments
It la EPA'a understanding iron discussions with COE
staff that this DEIS serves as the tlEPA document for all
proposed development actions in the Haikoloa Beach Resort area,
not just the Hyatt Regency Haikoloa Hotel. The DEIS did not
fully disclose the complete development concept. Ho recomiend
that the DSEIS assess the plans for condominium and additional
hotel construction as well as other ancilliary facilities.
The DSEIS should contain a complete evaluation of
environmental impacts associated with these projects Including,
but not limited to, environmental degradation of the anchlaline
pond ecosystem, water quality, air quality, sewage capacity,
ground water resources and cumulative impacts from development.
The parcels in question include: Coma. 1, Conn. 23, Hotel 10,
Hotel 12, HF (East of King's Highway), HF 2, HF 5, HF 9, HP
13, HF 20, HF 21, HF 22, HF 26, HF 27AA, HF 27CC, HF 27DD,
and HP 2BZ (Figure II-2).
Hater Quality Comments
1. Potable water is a valuable resource on the island of
Hawaii. COE should ensure that the pumping of ground
water, to maintain the water quality .of the lagoon, will
not affect the availability of ground water for public
water supply (p. IV-19). Evidence for this assurance
should be displayed in a table showing current uses,
proposed project uses and cumulative uses resulting from
further developments near the hotel.
2. COE should evaluate the impact of berra construction on
nearshore marine habitats. This analysis should include
sedimentation impacts during berm construction, berm
removal and potential maintenance dredging of sand at the
mouth of the lagoon.
EPA recommends that the DSEIS include a bathymetrlc map of
Haiulua Bay showing sand areas and marine ecosystems.
This map would be useful for determining potential areas
of environmental impact and the berra location (p. IV-5).
Air Quality Comments
The DEIS states that carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations'
might exceed the state of Hawaii 8-hour standard at the
intersection of Queen Ka'ahuraanu Highway and the Haikoloa
Beach Resort entrance road (p. IV-21). Congestion resulting
from additional traffic generated by development on the
remaining sites "would lead to markedly higher pollutant
levels in the vicinity." The DEIS also states that this "is
of little consequencp at present because the land surrounding
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u>
-9-
the intersection is now vacant, and motorists in waiting
vechicles would be subject to only short-term exposures.*
For an adequate discussion of the air quality impacts of
the proposed project, the DSEIS should:
1. Present the results of the dispersion modeling cited in
the DEIS,
2. Present the results of further modeling which would include
the cumulative impact of additional traffic generated by
development on the remaining sites within the project
area, and
3. Discuss methods of mitigating the adverse air quality
impacts identified above. Possibilities include, but are
not limited tot
a. Redesigning and/or reconstructing any intersection(s)
where violations of air quality standards are predicted
to occur,
b. Providing high-occupancy vehicles, such as buses or
vans, to transport employees, guests, and other tourists,
and
c. Discussing the existing and potential public transit
that was recommended in our scoping letter of November
6, 1984 (DEIS, Appendix B).
4. The DSEIS should identify such mitigation measures as are
found to be effective in alleviating the adverse air
quality impacts of this project and others in the vicinity.
-10-
5. Completely describe the anchialine pond resources in terms
of geochemical, physical and biological aspects,
6. Describe and .evaluate the environmental impacts and economic
viability of all development plans Cor the Waikoloa Beach
Resort,
7. Provide a discussion of potential nearshore marine ecosystem
impacts, and
8. Provide data and appropriate mitigation for potential air
quality impacts.
Summary of EPA Recommendation for the DSEIS
To highlight EPA's detailed comments above, we request
that the following information be included in the DSEIS for
the Halkoloa Beach Resort complex!
1. Detailed 'analysis of practicable alternatives and other
viable project alternatives,
2. Detailed evaluation of the biology and ecological requirements
of anchialine pond species,
3. Assessment of site construction activities and project
water uses on ground water resources and the survival of
the pond resource due to ground water modification.
4. Reevaluate and redesign the pond preservation plan to reflect
better management objectives and monitoring ^ime periods,
-------
Js-
O
OP RAXIIG peti'mTiuts AND POUXH-UV
Environmental Impact of tha Action
to—tack of Objections
Iho EPA review has not Identified any potential envlronrenUil tofacta requiring
substantive changes to tho proposal. The review nay have disclosed opportunities
for application ot mitigation measures that could to accarvllshed with no more than
minor changes to tho proposal.
EC—Environmental Concerns
The EPA review has identified environmental inpacts that should be avoided in order
to Cully protect the environment. Corrective measures nay require changes to the
preferred alternative or education ot mitigation treasures that can reduce the
environmental impact. EPA would like to work with the lead agency to reduce these
inpacts.
EO— Environmental Objections
The EPA review has identified significant environmental impacts that must be avoided
in order to provide adequate protection tor the environment. Corrective measures may
require substantial changes to tho preferred alternative or consideration of sane
other project alternative (Including the no action alternative or a new alternative).
EPA intends to work with the lead -agency to reduce these impacts.
EU—Environmentally Unsatisfactory
The EPA review has identified adverse environmental impacts that are of sufficient
magnitude that they are unsatisfactory trora 'the standpoint of public health or
welfare or.environmental quality. EPA intends to work with the lead agency to reduce
these impacts. If the potential unsatisfactory impacts aro not corrected at the final
EIS stage, this proposal will be reconrended for referral to the CEO.
•* Adequacy of the Impact Statement
Category 1—Adequate
EPA believes the aratt EIS adequately sets forth the environmental iropact(s)'of
the preferred alternative ana those of the alternatives reasonably available to the
project or action. No further analysis or data collection is necessary, but the
reviewer may suggest the addition of clarifying language or information.
•
Category 2—Insutflclent'Information
The aratt EIS does not contain sufficient intomvation for EPA to fully assess
environmental impacts that should be avoided In order to fully protect tha environment,
or the EPA reviewer has identified new reasonably available alternatives that are
within the spectrum of alternatives analyzed in the draft EIS. which could reduce
the enviromental impacts of the action, the identified additional information, data,
analyses, or discussion should be included in the final EIS.
Category 3—Inadequate
EPA does not believe that the draft EIS adequately assesses potentially significant
environmental impacts of the action, or the EPA reviewer has identified new,
reasonably available alternatives that are outside of the spectrum of alternatives
analyzed In the draft EIS, which should be analyzed in order to reduce the
potentially significant environmental impacts. EPA believes that the identified
additional Information, data, analyses, or discussions are of such a magnitude that
they ehould have full public review at a draft stage. EPA does not believe that the
draft EIS is adequate for the purposes of the NEPA and/or Section 309 review, and
thus should be formally reviled and made available for public cemnant in a supplemental
or revised draft EIS. On the basis of the potential significant impacts involved,
this proposal could be a candidate for referral tlo th? CEO. i
•Frorai EPA Manual 1640 Policy and Procedures for the Review of
Federal Actions imnactino the Environment
-------
GEOMGf A. ANIVOIHI
•OrtAMM
Ulltlft M. UVEHARA
04MCIM
TCUPHONt NO.
STATE OF HAWAII
OFFICE OP ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL
*W HAUKAUWfU ITAIIT
MOW HI
HOMHUiU, HAWAII tMIl
May 14, 1985
Colonel Michael M. Jenks
District Engineer
Corps of Engineers
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858 •
Dear Colonel Jenksi
Subjecti Comments to the Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine
Ponds Draft SIS
Anchialine ponds, because of their unique habitat, contain
rare organisms. The importance of the Haikoloa ponds are
magnified because they are the largest single
concentration of anchialine ponds in West Hawaii and
represent a broad diversity of anchialine pond
characteristics. Approximately 33 percent of Hawaii's
anchialine ponds are located at Waikoloa.
The Waikoloa Beach Resort, if developed, will have an
extremely adverse effect upon the anchialine ponds.> While
the project is under construction, surface runoff and
siltation will negatively affect the ponds. After the
resort is constructed, the increased runoff from paved
surfaces will have a large effect upon the salinity and
nutrient loading of the ponds. The large nunber of
tourists that the resort will attract will also have a
detrimental effect. The large swinning lagoon that is
being proposed will destroy approximately 17 of the
largest ponds with a total estinated area of two acres.
Because of the presence of the anchialine ponds, we
suggest that another site be considered for the resort.
We are also attaching copies of comments received by this
office froo other state agencies.
Sincerely,
Letitla H. Uyehara
Director
Attachments
-------
K«f O UUMUUt
' STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES
DIVISION OF PUBLIC WORKS
9, O- M* lit, HOMOUAU. WW»H M4tl
Ms. Letitia Uyehata
Director
Office of Environmental
Quality Control
550 llalekauwila Street
Room 301
Honolulu, Hawaii
Dear Ms. Uyehara:
Subject: Draft EIS by U.S Department of the Army
Haikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds
Waikoloa, South Kohala, Hawaii
We have reviewed the subject document and have no
comments to offer.
Very truly yours,
CTsjk
TEUANE TOMINAGft
State Public Works Engineer
-------
OEORGER.ARIYOSHI
GOVERNOR
JACKK.tUWA
CHAIRPERSON. HOARD OF AGRICULTURE
SUZANNE D. PETERSON
POTV TO THE CHAIRPERSON
Still OlHlWlll
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
142« So. King SUM)
Honolulu, Htwall 96814
April 4. 1985
Milling Addwai
P. O. Box 22159
Honolulu, Hiwill 96822
MEMORANDUM
To: Ms. LetUia N. Uyehara, Director
Office of Environmental Quality Control
Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the
U.S. Dept. of the Army Permit Application, Haikoloa
Beach Resort, South Kohala, Hawaii
The Department of Agriculture has reviewed the subject DEIS and
offers the following comments.
The proposed project will not affect the agricultural resources of
the area, nor the plans, programs and activities of this Department.
He are returning this document for your further use.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
x^;
//(JACK K. SUHA
(^X Chairman, Board of Agriculture
Enclosure
-------
STATE OP HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
OFfTCS OP THE ACXHrTAHT OEMEBAL
*tt OUUOHO MAO hOW. HOMlutU, HLWAU H*1I
UUUIIK.C.1U
M'lVTT MJWfMt M*M
IIIEIIO
Letltla H. Uyehara, Director
Ofrice of Environmental Quality
Control
550 lUlekauulla Street
Honolulu, HI 968)3
Dear Ma. Uyehara:
Thank you for providing ua the opportunity to review the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement for a U. S. Department of the Army Pernlt Application.
We have completed our review and have no comments to offer at this time.
Yours truly,
fr, HANG
ontr & Engr Officer
Enclosure
-------
GEORGE n. AHIKWHI
60vf MOfl Of HAWAN
PROJECT OFFICES
WAtMEA OfflCI
P. O. iOt t«
KAMUEIA. HAWAII MT4)
KIAUKAHA OFFfCI
P. 0, BOX 'tU
WLO, HAWAII HTM
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS
P. 0. MX lift
HOHOiUlU. HAWAII tUU
Hay 13, 1985
PROJECT OfflCES
UAUI OFFICE
P. O. BOX M
KAHU1UI, UAUI M7U
UOIOKAI OFFICE
P. 0. KM IH
HOOilHUA. UOUMCA1 HTH
KAUAt OfFICt
P. 0. MX Ut
UHUf. KAUAI HIM
,
Ul
MEMORANDUM
TO: Letitia N. Uyehara, Director
Office of Environmental Quality Control
FROM: / Georgians K. Padeken, Chairman
Off^—- Hawaiian Homes Commission
SUBJECT: Draft EIS for the U.S. Department of Army Permit
Application - Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds,
Waikoloa. South Kohala, Hawaii
As requested in your memorandum of April 4, 1985, we
offer the following comments on the subject draft environmental
Impact statement (EIS):
1. The proposed project will have significant
Impacts on the environment, which should be
studied and evaluated in totality. The
applicant's assertion that the Improvements
within the forty-foot shoreline setback area will
not constitute major Impacts (page 7, OEQC
Bulletin, No. 7, April 8, 1985) appears to be a
biased determination, and a negative declaration
should not be recognized.
2. A full environmental assessment should be
conducted which should include a study by experts
into:
a) the hydraulics of the area, especially the
water flow relationships between the ocean and
among the anchialine ponds;
b) water composition and quality in the ocean and
ponds, and how alterations may Impact habitat
plants and animals; and
Letitia N. Uyehara
Page Two
Hay 13, 1985
c) mathematical and physical models of the
impacts of proposed developments on the
shoreline, especially after construction of
the shoreline bern and excavation of the
recreational lagoon. Will wave patterns and
currents be altered such that eroslonal and
deposltional problems will occur along the
shoreline? Will the blasting, dredging and
filling wash detritus matter into the ocean to
adyersely affect conditions on the ocean
bottom?
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this
draft EIS. Should there be any questions concerning our
comments, please call Mr. Jason Ota at 548-2686.
GKP:RF:JC:JO:eh
-------
GIQA41 *
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
f 0 MX» 3111
HOWXWU, rUftim MMI
May 15,1985
11*11. »t«U« (flit U
IPHSD
Col. Michael M. Jenks
Honolulu District Engineer
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Army
Building 230
Ft. Slmfler, Hawaii 968S6
Dear Col. Jenks:
Subject:
Request for Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
Waikoloa Beuch Resort Anchialine Ponds, Waikoloa, S. Kohala, Hawaii
o\
Thank you for allowing us to review and comment on the subject draft
environmental impact statement. We wish to provide the following comments:
l.agoon
The proposed lagoon for water-contact recreation will be connected to Waiulua Bay,
a Class AA water, based on the Administrative Rules of the Department of Health,
Chapter 11-54, entitled Water Quality Standards. It is the objective of this class of
water to remain in their natural and pristine state as nearly as possible with an
absolute minimum of pollution or alteration of the water quality, from any human-
caused source of action (Section H-54-03tc)(D]. Depending on the water quality of
the proposed pumped ground water used to aid the natural flushing action of the tide'
and groundwater flow, this pump flushing action may alter the natural and pristine
state of the water quality.
Anchialine Ponds
Based on Table 111-4 a comparison of the pond biota study, there appears to be some
deterioration and disappearance of biota in the WBR ponds as compared to the
Maciolek and Brock Report and the existence in nearby Waiulua Bay. This may be
due to human intrusion and misuse of anchialine ponds as pointed out in the draft
EIS. Although some of the anchialine ponds may be filled, the proposed creation of
the pond preservation area together with the concerted monitoring proposal will
certainly huve fa positive tone on the continued existence of the biota in the
remaining anchialine ponds.
Col. Michael M. Jenks
May 15, 1985
Page 2
Wastewater Disposal System - Irrigation
Although the treated wastewater effluent is blended with brackish water for the
golf irrigation, it should be cautioned that the aerosol drift should be further
addressed for the inhabited areas adjacent to the golf course.
We realize that the statements are general in nature due to preliminary plans being
the sole source of discussion. We, therefore, reserve the right to Impose future
environmental restrictions on the project at the time final plans are submitted to this
office for review.
Sincerely
Deputy Director for
Environmental Health
cc: DHSA, Hawaii
-------
GIOAOC fl. ARIVO5HI
tCNtMtQH Of WWW
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
f. O. BOX •>!
HONOLULU. HAWAII 8*«0»
SUUttJU OMO, CHMftMAH
«MM> M UM> * MIMM MWOACJI
IDGAJI A. HAUASU
HMI* TO I* OMMMM
DIVISIONS:
UMucmruM MMLOMIIMT
PROGKAM
MHUTK MKHMCf I
CMUKVAIlOM HtO
MMUACfft EMMftCltf MI
OOHVIVAMCIt
KM imy AND witoun
UNO hUMAOIWKt
•tAtl MM*
WAT1H AMQ IANO
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Honolulu District
Ft. Shatter, HI 96858
Dear Colonel Jenks:
He appreciate the opportunity to review the draft
environmental impact statement (BIS) for the Waikoloa Hyatt
Resort Development, and have some comments to offer.
The EIS should address more, the possible presence of the
endangered Hawaiian Stilt and the possible impact of filling
the anchialine ponds on these species. These species could
have been overlooked as they have seasonal habits. While this
site is not a major habitat for the stilt (it is not listed in
the Stilt recovery plan), elimination of a whole series of
minor sites, statewide, may have an accumulative impact on the
species. It is suggested that mitigation be considered.
Destruction probably would be irreversible; the value of
the "preservation area" may be ephemeral unless its management
is effective. No details of the proposed management plan are •
available other than proposed stipulations that the plan would
require the Corps' approval, and would be reviewed by the Corps
after 20 years, and every fifth year thereafter. Managerial
effectiveness would depend heavily on adequate monitoring
(cumulative degradation may become irreversible unless detected
in time) and on adequate Implementation of remedial measures.
For example, soils on site are "extremely porous* (p. III-3),
and pond waters are flushed rapidly by inflowing groundwater
(p. 111-18); we agree very strongly with the draft BIS' that
•maintenance of pond health will require sensitive management
of development on areas which affect the groundwater flow Into
the ponds" (p. IV-4).
Sincerely yours,
,
'SUSUMU ONO
Chairperson
-------
oo
DEPARTMENT Of PLANNING
I.) AND ECONOMIC DEVEIOPMENT
ftMTOI
KMtli
HIMtKt
(KM KARJNM IOUHU
IUWHW M>Na »» KXBH *»a n. H>OUU H
uuww
Ref. No. P-1666
tuw«s MO ttuun Eovcntn tMSOl
K»»C" lua KM cmoi
*•! i ..iii. •»-.>«.
IUJOUUCT.WI
MMMSIIII.VI1WCUCHCI
May 16, 198S
Colonel Michael M. Jenks
District Engineer
Corps of Engineers
U. S. Army Engineer District Honolulu
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Colonel Jenks:
Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Waikoloa Beach
Resort Anchialine Ponds, South Kohala, Hawaii
We have reviewed the subject draft EIS and offer the following with
respect to the relevant policies of the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
Program.
As part of the development of a resort complex, Transcontinental
Development Co. and Atpac land Co. propose to excavate a S-acre recreational
lagoon at the head of Haiulua Bay and to fill 136 anchialine ponds in other
areas of the site. Several alternatives to the proposed action are presented
involving modifications to the size of the pond preserve area and lagoon.
Recreational Resources
CZM policies advocate the protection of coastal resources uniquely
suited for recreational activity and the provision of public access to and
along shorelines with recreational value. The draft EIS discusses the proposed
recreational amenities to be created by the resort development, but more
specific information should also be provided on plans for public accessways,
including their number and general locations, and whether any public use of the
excavated lagoon will be allowed. The EIS should also describe the existing
recreational uses and values of Waiulua Bay and the affected shoreline.
Coastal Ecosystems
The most significant impact of the project relates to the filling or
excavation of the anchialine ponds on the site. As noted in the EIS, these
ponds constitute a unique natural resource of the State. Under the CZM
Program, a specific policy calls for preserving valuable coastal ecosystems of
significant biological or economic importance. In a 1974 study of the Kona
coast (Maciolek and Brock), the ponds in the Waiulua Bay areas were
'Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Page 2
Hiy 16, 1985
specifically noted for their "exceptional natural geological and biological
qualities that deserve protection as a unique and valuable resource."
Of the 215 ponds in the development area, 136 ponds are proposed to
be filled. An additional 17 ponds are to be excavated in conjunction with the
lagoon. In the discussion of impacts and alternatives, the natural resource
values of the individual ponds which are to be filled and saved are not
comparatively evaluated. The draft EIS further italics that the proposed
action Must be accepted, or the project would be economically unfeasible (page
11-15 et seq.). In view of the significant impacts to the ponds, we believe
that viable alternatives to the proposed action should be explored further.
Economic Uses
On page 1-1 of the draft EIS, reference is made to the State's CZM
policies regarding the coastal dependent nature of visitor facilities. This
reference, if used, should also .reflect that such facilities should be
located, designed, and constructed to ninimize adverse, social, visual, and
environmental impacts in the CZM area. The applicant's proposed alternative
does not minimize the environmental impacts to the coastal ponds.
These concerns should be studied and addressed in the EIS. This
will assure a project design that is compatible with the objectives and
policies of the CZM law.
In addition, we note that page 11-12 indicates that the pond
preservation areas would be managed by the applicants and that specific
arrangements for pond management have yet to be concluded. Proper management
of the ponds is essential to assure the continued quality of the ponds and
their long-term protection. The long-term protection of the ponds rests upon
the maintenance of their unique qualities. He recommend that an organization
which has expertise in this area and is a disinterested third party be given
responsibility for management of the ponds.
We appreciate this opportunity to cement.
Very truly yours,
Kent M. Keith
cc: Office of Environmental Quality Control
-------
WAVNCJ VAUUAXI
CMWC1M
JONATHAN K SHH*ADA,niD.
STATE OF HAWAII
MMMTMEHT OF TRANWOftTATtOH
INFUHCHMWl ItMfT
HONOtUlUtUWM MIS
Hay 20, 1985
CHCRADSOOH
ADAUDWKtHT
IN wiv Reran Ta
STP 8.1Q593
Ms. Letitia H. Uyehara, Director
Office of Environmental Quality Control
550 Halekauwila St., Room 301
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Dear Ms. Uyehara>
Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds
Waikoloa, Hawaii
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
EIS:
We have the following comments on the subject draft
1. Traffic projections for the existing Waikoloa
Beach Resort access road intersection in 1987
indicates a level of service greater than E for
northbound turning vehicles. Until such time that
signalizatlon is warranted, we do not anticipate
decreasing the speed limit of Queen Kaahumanu
Highway. The Department will consider signallzation
when traffic signal warrants have been met.
Physical improvements to the intersection by the
developer will be required when the development is
Implemented. The applicant should coordinate
these plans with the Highways Division.
2. The second access road for Haikoloa Beach Resort
should be constructed as part of the necessary
infrastructures for the proposed development.
Discussion in the traffic section of the EIS
should incorporate traffic volumes and peak hour
distributions with this access availability.
3. The Mahukona Boat Ramp has been removed and is no
longer in existence. The County maintains an
electric hoist for boaters to launch and retrieve
their craft.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this EIS.
sad
Transportation
-------
'3
University of Hawaii at Manoa
d CtnUi
Ciiwford 317 • JWO Cunpui Bond
Honolulu. Itiwili Kill
Ttltphom (tea) Btg.7301
May IS, 1885
RBt04U
Ms. Lelitla Uyehara
Office of Environmental Quality Control
SSO llalekauwlla Street
Honolulu, Hawaii MB 13
Dear Ms. Uyeliara:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Waikoloa Reach Resort
(Anchlallne Ponds)
Waikola, South Kohala, Hawaii
The Environmental Center has reviewed the DEIS for the Waikoloa Beach Resort
Anchlallne Ponds with the assistance of Richard Drock, Sea Grant; Frans Gerrltson, Ocean
Engineering) James Parrlsh, Hawaii Cooperative Fishery Research Unit) David Welch,
Anthropology; Jaoquelln MlUer and Eileen Anthony, Environmental Center. The DEIS was
prepared to address the Impacts of the construction of a swimming lagoon and the filling
of anchiallne ponds as a part of the development of a large luxury hotel and resort
complex. We note that our files on this project date back to 1977 and It appears that
many of the same environmental concerns expressed in our previous correspondence
remain. These concerns mainly involve the water quality of the lagoon and anchlaline
ponds to be preserved and the proposed destruction of other anchialine ponds. We also
call attention In the forthcoming paragraphs to errors in the discussion relative to
earthquake risk and some additional information relative to tsunamis.
Anchlallne ponds, lagoon and water quality
In the Slate of Hawaii, anchiallne ponds occur almost exclusively along the
shorelines of west Hawaii and southwest Mmii. They constitute a rare and unique
ecosystem which lias been Increasingly decimated in recent years by coastal development.
According to the DFJS, some 215 anchlaline ponds are located within the Waikoloa
Ueach Resort area (p. 11-1). The proposed development calls for the creation of a 28 acre
"total pond preservation area" consisting of approximately 63 ponds In a new 12 acre
preservation area (p. 11-7) and IS ponds in a 16.3 acre existing open space area. This
equates to an intended destruction of 137 ponds (215 - 78 = 137). (The discussion on page
IV-2 cites the loss of 136.) Other combinations of numbers of ponds to be filled (destroyed)
or preserved are given for different alternative development plans.
Ml. Letltle Uyetura
-2-
May IS, IMS
It would be most helpful If a standard scaled, basemap of the uichlillni ponds with
overlays of the various alternative developments was Included In the H3. In tha
description of tha three alternative*, It to not always clear how many ponds arc Involved
and which ones are to be filled. For example, on page H-15 under Alternative 2, tha
development of Sites 10 and 12 U mentioned and It Is Implied that the ponds on those sites
will be filled. Yet It If not ipeclflcally so stated. Are they to be preserved?
Furthermore, each of the maps seems to be of a different scale making comparisons
between locations of ponds and construction of structures most difficult.
We note In the 1978 03 for this project that all of the sewage effluent, estimated at
1.7 tngd, was expected to be used tor Irrigation on the golf course and adjacent landscape.
The present DEIS cites a total volume of 2.) mgd. Will the additional .8 mgd also be used
for Irrigation? The document recognizes (p. 1V-4 to IV-5) that Increases In nitrate,
ammonia, and phosphate levels have been measured In the anchiallne ponds. That the
Increases have resulted from the use of the sewage effluent for golf-course Irrigation Is
expressed as • hypothesis. However, because the Increases are expectable consequences
of that use of the sewage effluent and no other reasonable explanation for the Increase
has been Identified, the cause-and-effeot relationship seems fairly certain, From the lack
of evidence of stimulation of phytoplankton In the ponds, U ls concluded that something
other than nutrient concentrations limit the phytoplankton production, and that the
flushing of the ponds by tidal action "reduces the tendency of high nutrient levels to
Increase the standing stock of phytoplankton". U Is concluded that "maintenance of a
healthy pond environment within the pond preservation area Is possible as long as Hushing
rates remain high."
The rate of tidal exchange with the ponds in the preservation area wUl not be
altered by the Hyatt Regency project, but the rate of nutrient loading by way of the
sewage system and golf-course Irrigation will be Increased. U seems far from certain
from the analysis reflected In the original QS and this supplement on the anchiallne ponds
that the healthy environment will be maintained with the Increase.
Furthermore, we are concerned that the IS-fold proposed Increase In wastewater
from approximately .ISO mgd to 2.1 mgd will also result In significant Increases In the
nutrient concentrations In the lagoon. The recreational use of the lagoon could be
significantly jeopardized It excessive nutrients produced algal blooms.
It Is proposed (p. n-7) that the flushing of the lagoon will be Increased by pumping
ground water from shallow on-slte wells. Such wells will, however, draw water with
Increased nutrient concentrations from the Herzberg lens. This brackish water may not
result In effective flushing of the deeper and more saline water of the lagoon. It seems
desirable to consider the alternative of use of low-nutrient salt water from somewhat
deeper wells.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY F.MPI.OYKK
-------
Ms. Letitla Uyehara
May IS, I98S
Economic considerations (p. IMS (o 11-18)
It Is reported on page 11-17 that millions of.dollars have been spent on the
infrastructure for the resorts. It should be acknowledged that the value and protection of
the anchlallne ponds was well established prior to the purchase of the land by '
Transcontinental Development Company and Atpac Land Company (late 1960's). Page U-l
of the Draft BS refers to State and County approved plans for the resort to provide for
the ultimate development of approximately 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,400 residential units.
However, there Is no Indication In the DEIS that the plans approved development of-the-
hotels on or at the expense of the anchlallne ponds. Have such permits or plans been
approved? Mitigation measures such aa citing the structures further mauka of the pond
area, establishing adequate walkways to the ocean front and a scaled-down lagoon for
swimming, could surely reduce significantly the number of ponds that would need to be
destroyed without jeopardizing the economic viability of the project. The pools can be a
valuable addition to the resort and would not constitute "wasted" land as is stated.
It is stated that the project would "fulfill a publicly recognized need for more
employment opportunities and increased economic activity". We note, however, jhat the
proposed project location is too far from economically depressed areas, such as llawl and
Kapa'au to provide much In the way of economic benefits to those communities.
Page 1-20 (2.2.3) states that there are two coastal areas at the resort where
development would not require pond filling. One site is already a part of the proposed
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Hotel and could accommodate a SOO-room hotel. The other
location available Is on Site 4 which could also accommodate a SOO-room facility. The
total 1,0.00 rooms Is close to the 1,200 needed for economical feasibility. This could be
considered as an alternative also.
We suggest that, particularly in the case of high-class resorts sucli as the one
intended at Waikoloa, the retention of natural features such a; the ponds would be
advantageous. On page 11-22, it is stated "that no environmentally preferred alternative
has been Identified at this time". What Is probably meant Is that no environmentally
preferred alternative has been identified by the developers that they consider
economically practical. An alternative without effects to the anchialine ponds would
certainly be environmentally preferable, and we suggest that such an alternative or one
minimizing the loss of the ponds would in the long run be economically superior in the
cnse of "high-class" developments.
Earthquake risk
The great earthquake of 1868 had a Richler magnitude estimated as 7.2S to 7.7S (by
Furumoto), not 10 us slated on page 111-3. The value 10 i.i its estimated maximum
Intensity on the Modified Mcrcalll scale. The range of 7-8 Indicated for the 1868
earthquake at Waikoloa and the value of 5 (for the 1951 earthquake) are also Intensities,
not magnitudes. The great earthquake of 1975 (magnitude 7.2) also probably had an
intensity of about 5 at Waikoloa. (The "D" In Macdonald should not be capitalized and
Abbott has two "t's".)
Ms. Letltia Uyehara
-4-
May IS, 1995
Tsunamis
The discussion of the historical tsunami data it the site Is accurately cited (p. 111-5).
Under existing conditions (excluding the lagoon) portions of the project area are located In
a flood hazard zone and subject to certain building restrictions. It Is concluded in the
document (p. IV-1) that "Neither the changes to the inner zone of the bay nor tin
shoreline berm would increase the susceptibility of shoreline areas to Inundation by
tsunami". The berm proposed for construction between the lagoon and the sea will tend to
decrease both storm-wave and tsunami Inundation Inland and, in the case of the storm.
waves, the decrease will probably not be offset by the construction of the lagoon. In lltt
cases of longer-period waves of tsunamis *nd of long-duration storm surges, however, the
protective effect will at least be reduced. We have not requested for review the report
cited as • basis for the conclusion quoted above (Sea Engineering, Inc., 1985). That report
should be carefully checked to assure that- the conclusion Is not based on a two-
dimensional analysis neglecting the effects of long-period waves entering the Inlet at the
head of Walulua Bay and diffracting from the inlet to the lagoon. If the effect of
diffraction has been neglected, It may be that the exposure of the area inland of the
lagoon to large tsunamis will be greater than the exposure estimated for present
conditions In the National Flood Insurance Program. ••
Recreational resources
Section 8 Indicates that "Impacts on Recreational Resources and Activity" provision
will be made for public rlghts-of-woy to the shoreline (p. IV-17). Since the creation of the
swimming lagoon and other structures would significantly alter the existing shoreline for
fishing or other non-water contact recreational activities and, as recognized In the DEIS,
the specific coastal area Is not safe for water contact sports, will the public be permitted
to use the swimming lagoon?
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this DKIS and look forward to your
response.
Yours truly,
Doak C. Cox
Director
Michael Jenks, Corps of Engineers
Richard Brock
Prans Qerrltsen
James Parrlsh
David Welch
Jacquelin Miller
Eileen Anthony
-------
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Wtlir Rf louini ftntirch Ctnttr
llolmei Hill 283 • 25(0 Dole Slreel
Honolulu. lliwiU WUZ
8 Hay 1985
Col. Michael H. Jenks
District Engineer
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Arny Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, Hawaii 96858
Dear Col. Jenks:
SUBJECT: Draft Environaental Inpact Stateuont, U.S. Dept. of the
Any Feralt Application, Haikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine
Ponds, Nalkoloa, South Kona District, Island of Hawaii,
State of Hawaii, March 1985
We have reviewed the subject DEIS and have no coonent to offer.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this naterial.
Sincerely,
ETM:jn
Edwin T. Murabayashi
EIS Coordinator
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
-------
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
Dante K. Carpenter, Mayor
COUNTY OF HAWAII
Patricia Engelhard, Director
April 1$, 1985
Col. Hlchael Jenks
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Fort Shafter, HI 96858
RE: U.S. Dept. of Army Permit Application for Walkoloa
Hyatt Development and Walkoloa Beach Resort Anchlallne
Ponds Project (PODCO-0-I8I2-SD)
OJ
We have reviewed the draft EIS for the subject project and have no
adverse comments to offer.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate In the review process.
Pat Engelhard
Director
PE:GH:al
• 29 AUPUNI STREET • HILO. HAWAII W720 • TELEPHONE MI-MI I
-£-
-------
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
vuac uam
comjn 01 H*W»»- n UXVH t?mn • wo HIVMI MHO- HUPHCM IKMMI-SMI
Ts-
Ui
April S, 1985
COL MICHAEL H JENKS
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
DISTRICT ENGINEER
DEPARTMENT OF TUB ARMY
FORT SHATTER HI 96B5B
SUBJECT! DRAFT EHVIRONMEHTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
DS DEPT. OF TBE ARMY PERMIT APPLICATION, PODCO-O 1812-SD
HAIKOLOA HYATT DEVELOPHEHT
ANAEBOOMALO, SOUTH ROBALA, HAWAII
He have reviewed the tubject docuaent »nd out comuntc at* at (ollown
Various wotlon* of thi dociuwnt Indicate tht develornunt ii
within • coaital high haiard aiea at dtterilned by the Federal
Insurance Agency and al«o that tht elevation ttquirticnta art
being proposed to be mt »et through the uit o( landfill. The
docu»ent, however, fails to indicate that ai stipulated by tht
Hawaii County Code. «uch a landfill auit not aggravate flooding
and that a study addressing this concern has been submitted to
and is currently under review by this department. Because of
the nature and coaplexity of the study, vt Intend to conduct a
icview through the use of a consultant.
Thank you for the opportunity to review the docments.
HUGH
Chief'Englneer
-------
JOHN O. ttKlLINOEft
CMAINMAH Of f«r •O*MDAH»
cmtt i Htcutivi or r ic CM
Years, of Yespertise
n FW5T HAWAIIAN BANK
RQ Box 3200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96847
April 18, 1985
Colonel Michael M. Jenks
District Engineer
Honolulu District
U. S. Amy Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 968S8
Dear Colonel Jenks:
It has come to ny attention that certain staff washers in the Regional
Office of the United States Environmental Protection Agency in San
Francisco have questioned whether the proposed Hyatt Regency Haikoloa
resort hotel is truly "water dependent."
First Hawaiian Bank has participated in the financing of several resort
hotels in Hawaii, including the Sheraton Royal Haikoloa Hotel, and will be
the lead bank for the financing of the proposed Hyatt Regency Haikoloa.
This $360 trillion project is designed to be the finest resort hotel in the
world and, in our estfeatIon, will have a tremendously beneficial impact on
the tourist industry on the Island of Hawaii and throughout the entire
state. Faced with the potential demise of the sugar industry, it is
essential to both the county and the state that the visitor industry grow
and replace the jobs which inevitably will be lost in the agricultural
sector of our economy.
Our experience has shown that to be successful a luxury resort hotel in
Hawaii nust be on the shoreline. Those who have tried to develop such
hotels without being -Imediately on the shoreline have failed. Two
exanples are the Haiakea Inn in Hilo and Makaha on Oahu. All of the
successful luxury hotels in Hawaii, including the Sheraton Nalkiki, the
Royal Hawaiian, the Kahala Hilton, the Hyatt Maul, and the Maura Kea Beach
Hotel and Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Island of Hawaii, are located right
on the shoreline. In order to compete with these hotels, the proposed
Hyatt Regency Kaikoloa Must also be located on the shoreline. Any other
location sImply will not work. The Kohala coast - and particularly
Haikoloa - is a well-planned region and destination resort, and the only
place in Hawaii where this ambitious project can succeed.
I can assure you that, as lead bank along with our participating.banks fron
the United States nainland, we would not finance this hotel unless it were
located on the shoreline at Haikoloa as presently planted.
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
April 18, 1985
Page Two
In order to satisfy the interest of the environmental cemunlty, the
developer has agreed to set aside twelve acres of ponds as a penanent
preservation area. These twelve acres will be conservatively valued at
\12 Billion and I aa told that the creation of this preservation area has
already cost approximately $1 Million in alterations to the original design
of the Waikoloa Beach Resort. This pond preservation agreement has to
represent one of the largest alligation provisions, if not the largest, in
the history of Hawaii. I feel that it is more than reasonable.
Sincerely,
FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK
JL/J162M/W
ve Officer
-------
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-------
MAUNA LANI RESORT
On lh» Kolul« Cw»l/Bi» liUnd at H<->
Nobuo Kitsuda
executive Vice President
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TEIEX 7524)0-MX IMMiMMi.W
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KIWOIIOIUJWC«»rt M>«<»»<4
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Page Two
April 29, 198S
nWBODHOLOEH P O BOXIiss
PWSWHt WRMOllllOmSIMIHtMCHC HONOIUIU.HAWMI9HIS
«f«OnviC[Pn£M)€HI II<£l*fwlOIICOnPO(«llON TELEPHONE 1(00)922-4422
April 29, 1985
Colonel Michael H. Jenks
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Engineer District
Fort Shafter, Hawaii 96858-5440
Dear Colonel Jenks:
It has recently cone to my attention that staff members
T- at the San Francisco Regional Office of the United States
I1 Environmental Protection Agency have Questioned the "water
in dependency" of the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Resort Hotel,
'00 proposed to be built on Waiulua Bay on the Island of Hawaii.
The Sheraton Corporation is the largest hotel operator
in Hawaii, with hotels on all of the major islands, including
the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa Hotel on the Island of Hawaii
of which we are one of the owners. Sheraton also operates
major hotels in most of the Pacific Rim countries.
During my years in Hawaii, I have been very active in Visitor
Industry Associations, .including the Hawaii Visitors Bureau,
the Hawaii Hotel Association, and was founder of the Visitor
Industry Education Council.
All of Sheraton's successful luxury resort hotels in Hawaii
are located immediately on the shoreline. These include
the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu, the Sheraton
Haul, the Sheraton Kauai, and the Sheraton Royal Waikoloa.
The shoreline locations of these hotels are absolutely
essential in order for them to be competitive with other
luxury resort hotels in Hawaii. Only by being located
on the water have these hotels been able to command the
room rates necessary to provide the amenities and activities
which the luxury hotel visitor demands.
Sheraton was asked to »an«ge two luxury hotels which ire
not located on the water -- the Sheraton Makaha Resort
and Country Club on Oahu end the Hiiakea Village Resort
on the Island of Hawaii. Although both of these are
attractive facilities, neither has been able to operate
successfully as a luxury resort hotel due to off-water
location. As a result, the Waiakea Village Resort has
been shut down and is being converted to condominiums.
I have seen the «odel and plans for the proposed Hyatt
Regency Haikoloa, with its wide range of amenities. In
my judgenent, this hotel Bust be located on the shoreline
in order to be successful. The proposed location on Haiulua
Bay at Waikoloa is the only possible place on the land
owned by the developer, where I understand they have already
spent $1 Billion. This hotel will provide the amenities
the affluent tourist expects, but it oust be on the water
to do so.
We at Sheraton welcome the addition of the Hyatt Regency
Naikoloa to the Naikoloa Beach Resort. We believe that,
in addition to providing almost 2,000 permanent jobs, it
will also benefit the other hotels operating in Nest Hawaii
and the Hawaiian tourist industry as a whole.
R. W. Bob Holden
RWH:bb
Olfcmta: S*i /«nc»KQ. Siwtton Paiac* ' los Angofet, ShtrMon Town Itoust • H***>; Slteraton Wa*iXi » Royal Hawaiian * Moana • Suilndei • Pinctit Kauitn
SlttiMon U&» • Shtutun K*u* • ShvMon Coconut Batcft * SharMon Me*** • Stwtton WvaMl V*aga • \WcKto Houit • Sheraton Rt*a) «a\rto* • SlWMtn Mjhtha
Hbof frdnf: 9*'afon Hong Kong * TfwKmf: Station BanyKoh • KOTM: Stwakxi W*«* H* • PMfppMat: Sheralon Cenhiiy Path Mwxla • $ing»pt*»: Siwulon
C*«MY Park S
-------
ui
o
Society for Hawaiian Archaeology
P.O. Box 22911
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
May 16, 1985
Colonel Michael M. Jenks
District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Ft. Shafter, Hawai'i 96858
REt Draft EIS Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds
Dear Colonel Jenks,
The Peer Review Committee of the Society for Hawaiian Arch-
aeology has reviewed the above document. We conclude that
previous archaeological work done in the area has adequately
recorded and evaluated sites within portions of the project
area.
We concur with the SHPO that the intensive survey as planned
by Paul Rosendahl, Ph.D., Inc., should be completed prior to
any construction activity. We also agree with the recommen-
dations of the SHPO as listed in his letter of March 12, 1985
(see Appendix D of the above document).
This document (p. IV-8) generally summarizes how the negative
impacts of this project might possibly be mitigated. We
recommend that the steps for salvage and preservation be
clearly stated in the final EIS (e.g. which sites are to be
preserved, which sites are to be reconstructed).
Sincerely,
David J. Welch, Chairperson
Peer Review Committee
cci State Historic Preservation Officer
-------
Hay 15, 1985
Ov
O
Comments on the Draft EIS, Waikoloa Hyatt, South Kohala
District, Island of Hawaii
Dear Mr. Michael Lee,
1 have within the past two weeks walked the shoreline of
the proposed Hyatt at Waikoloa. With the EIS in hand, I located
the site of Deer Park Tower and the preferred Pond Reserve Area.
It would be an extreme loss, ecologically and esthetically, if
the preferred alternative were allowed. I do endorse Alterative 2
as being the best compromise.
I would like to point out that there is no replicate for
this system anywhere in the world. The local endemics and esthetics
would be lost forever.
This project does not reflect any sensitivity to the surr-
ounding resources. This Hyatt, as proposed, could be transplanted
to Florida , or Mexico without any hint of being misplaced. Its
siting does not enhance the esthetic resources around it, merely
places Itself over the grave of these anchialine pools. It is
not harmonious to bury ponds under yards of fill or import
alien deer and swans to an environment that is vulnerable to
them. Farmers and ranchers understand the danger of deer.
I understand that Federal ElSB must incorporate Worst Case
Scenarios (WCS), yet I don't find amy such analysis in this draft.
Will the nutrients and biocides from the golf course make their
wuy into the remaining ponds? I would formally like to request
WCS analysis for the preferred and alternative two proposals.
I do hope the Army Corp of Engineers would consider Alternative
2 as the best for this hotel project. Thank you for the opportunity
of allowing me to comment on this EIS.
Yours,
Nelson Ho
P.O.Box 590
Mountain View, Hi 96??1
-------
O\
University of Hawaii at Manoa
D«parlm«Dl of Zoology
Edraondloo Hall • Z53B The Mall
Honolulu. Hiwili W.822
Hay 18, 1985
District Engineer (PODOD-0)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Building 230
Ft. Shafter, HI 96856
Dear Sin
Referencei Environmental Inpact Statenent
U.S. Department of the Amy
Permit Application
Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchlaline Ponds
Waikoloa, South Kohala District, Island of Hawaii
I have studied the west Hawaii, South Kohala district shoreline for
more than 20 years as a marine biologist particularly Interested In
coastal biota. 1, therefore, wish to express ny concern for the proposal
by the Waikoloa Beach Resort for development which will essentially destroy
many of the anchlaline ponds In the Waikoloa area.
A significant attraction along the Waikoloa coastline Is the series of
anchlaline ponds which Infiltrate the lava flows comprising the shoreline.
These ponds fom. a rare and unique ecosystem. The ponds consist of near-
shore water expanses of varying size, with a crustacean-mollusk dominated
community, augmented by fishes and an eel. Hie biota is highly endemic and
Includes three shrimp known only fron these ponds In the Hawaiian Islands.
Two of the shrimp are blind and Inhabit subterranean waters associated with
the ponds. Other representatives of the pond biota Include a marl-forming
blue green alga, the vascular plant Ruppla narltlma, other endemic shrinp
such as the small red shrimp Hall carldlna rubra and the alpheid Hetabetaeus
lohena. and several endemic nollusks.
The significance of these ponds as a unique ecosystem In the Hawaii or,
Islands lies in their native and endemic biota, their geologically transient
nature (which therefore essentially restricts their occurrence in the
Hawaiian Islands to the west coast of Hawaii), their varying chemistry, and
their fragile ecological balance. They are diverse) each one Is a little
different from the other in color, in Inhabitants, in depth, In water
chemistry. They are extraordinarily subject to variations in temperature
and salinity. All the ponds alonf that coastline are interconnected! what
affects one will ultimately affect all of theft because of their interconnections
and the porous nature of the basalt substrate In which they lie. They lie
beyond the reach of wave action, but they respond to tides, although slowly.
That fact alone Beans that circulation In the subterranean reaches of the
ponds la very sluggish. All of these factors dean that development as
proposed will affect not one pond but all of them. Even such a sliple act
as the application of fertilizer to a grassy area or newly planted flower
bed will serve to disrupt not one pond, but Many ponds as the alien nutrient
la slowly moved In the subterranean waterway fro» one pond to another.
The proposal acknowledges that several of the anchiallne ponds will
be destroyed by the resort developnent. The alternatives proposed are for
(i) separated pond preservation areas within the resort development) (2)
a large pond preservation area Ml thin tho resort developxent) and (3)
developnent without the lagoon. Given the nature of the ponds, the biota,
and the porous basalt substrate, 1 do not believe that any pond site enclosed
within the resort area will serve to preserve the ponds. 1 therefore urge
that all the proposed alternatives be reacted and that the permit be denied.
The anchiallne pond ecosysten in the Waikoloa area is sufficiently unique
that It should be preserved in toto for future generations.
Sincerely,
B. Alison Kay f
Professor of Zoology
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMHI.OYKK
-------
Jed £5
ON
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-------
Hawaiian* as potable
nmter sources*'- bathia* facilities, and natural sources of food and bale.
Zoto I'a: Fish ponds i,. . /^V£-^ * integral parts of
'•afapua'a, a land tenure systca involving hlerarchial control over land-
AV-C '
and resource distribution. Ideally, ahupua'a ••• radial strips of land
running froa the •ouniain to the sea that eontaiaaa} all the necessary
resources required to support its resident human population.- '——
CHAFTE87
MISCtUANEOUS RIGHTS OF THE KOP1E
}7-l BuliuBt material* water. «£,- taadJordf- KtlM vibjeet to teaaatt'
•M. Where the Janitonlt iave obtained, ormaybena/terobum. allodial tides
to their lands, the people on eaea of their lands shall noi be deprived of Joe naot
to take firewood, bout^onber, abo conf. thatch, or U k*f. Stem tbe bad on
whidi tbcy live, for tbeir own ftinu use, but tbevihaU mot have a ri«ht to take
and mnniat water, and the rijht of way. Tie sprinp of water, naninf water.
and imfc thalt be foe to aO. on all lands fnuued in fee simple; provided, that
•' this shall not be applicable to wells and water-eeunei. which individuals have
made for their own use. (CC lg!9. }I477; RL 192!. J57fc XL I93S, $ 1694; RL
1945. iI2901; RL 1955. }H-IJ
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(d) Any aqiop bi&i&t me£sr lag vqio* rtat te
tiity days ofibe act which is Uwhuts tf titc
|3;afflLl979.c200iJiS]
TW(5
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April
l»«s
ON
00
Col. Hichaal M. Jenki
District Engineer
Corp* of Engineer!
U.S. Army Engineer Diitrict Honolulu
Ft. Shattar, Hawaii 9«IS*
Dear Col. Jenke,
Thli latter ii in regard to th* U.S. D*pt. of th* Army
permit application for th* propo**d excavation of th*
Haikoloa Beach Reiort anchialin* pondi by Transcontinental
Dev. Co. and Atpac Land Co.
According to th* April • OBQC Bulletin "KIP A Document"
••ction under th* "Draft Environmental Impact Statement" for
th* above mentioned project it etatei that "Improvement* in
the lagoon would include a cand beech, iwimming area for
retort gueiti, footbrldgei, shoreline improvement* and other
recreational/retort itructuree."
At th* April 0 hearing before th* Hawaii county
Planning Commiiiion on th* SHA permit for thl* development,
Hr. chrii Hemmeter, owner/developer of the Hyatt Hotel to be
built at thil lit* testified that th* iwimming lagoon
created by the excavation of th* anchialin* pond* wa* to be
for public u«* a* well at for u«e by r**ort gueit*.
Thi» being th* ca«* I requeit that any permit inued by
the Army Corp of engineer* for excavation of the anchialin*
pondi reflect Hr. Hemmeter'i itatement by including a
provision in the permit that the S acre iwimming lagoon be
for public uie a* well ai uie by reiort gueiti.
uri.
r"fy no/h
hitein
6-123 Royal Poinciana Dr.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 86740
329-1568
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P.O. Box 308
Volcano, Hawal'i
96785
17 Hay 1985
Col. M. M. Jenks
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Bldg. 230
Fort Shatter, Hawal'l
96858-5440
Dear Col. Jenks:
On 10 May 1985 I visited the site of the proposed Hyatt Regency Uaikoloa
Hotel. The site la beautiful — the ponds lovely and biologically unique.
Mauna Kea, Hauna Loa, Uualalal, Kohala, and llaleakalo can all be seen from
the coast fronting the property. My Initial reaction to seeing the site
was that development should proceed In such fashion so as to maintain these
unique natural attributes.
I would like to see penults for the present proposal denied on the grounds
that 1) as planned, these natural attributes are violated, and, 2) there
are unanswered questions as to the biological effects of the proposals.
Alternatively, a development situated further Inland would serve to pro-
A tect the ponds, and ensure a visual corridor. As a biologist familiar
0^ with wetland habitats, I consider rejection of all of the proposed alter-
\O natives to be the environmentally preferred alternative, with the maximum
allowable compromise being the described Alternative 2 which provides for
a large pond 'preservation area.
The EIS. reports that Kaclolek and Brock (1974) consider that the anchlallne
ponds in this vicinity represent the largest concentration of anchlallne
ponds in West Hawal'i, as well as greatest diversity in terms of age, size,
salinity, and, though not stated in the EIS, likely biological diversity
as well. Given that these anchlallne ponds are recognized by the experts
to be among the best of a scattered, naturally rare, and recently much-
depleted ecosystem, filling, excavating, or contaminating them as proposed.
is a very serious jeopardy to the continued diversity and even existence
of this unique ecosystem.
I feel that the EIS fails to adequately answer certain questions regarding
the biological impact of the development. 1) What is the minimum size and
or number of ponds necessary to preserve this fragile ecosystem which is
habitat for an unique assemblage of species, including the very rare,
locally endemic eel Gymnothorax hllonis? 2) What are the biological effects
of added nutrients and pesticides which will seep into the ponds? I find
it difficult to understand how an increase of 98T in the level of nitrates,
a 552 increase in phosphates and a 134t Increase in ammonium would have no
biological effect (see III-B.3.2-g anj IV-3-m). Such eutrophlcation has
been known to degrade blologlcally«aquatlc ecosystems all over the world.
3) Also there has not been reported any biological study of the Uaikoloa
anchialine pools after development in the area — what are the adverse
impacts to this unusual ecosystem?
So far as the EIS addresses the biological attributes of the site, I find
the plant species checklist to be correct. I am not qualified to assess
the completeness of the list of aquatic species, but some of the names men-
tioned In the text are absent from the tables. As an ecologist, however,
I find that both plant and aquatic species sections should more completely
nap the stratification of species associated with ponds of different ages
at various distances from the coast. The vegetation nap, Table III-2
(Plant species checklist) and Table III-4 (a comparison of pond biota sur-
veys for the Uaikoloa Beach Resort), while satisfactory on a gross level,
do not provide this detailed information.
Should Alternative 2, which I consider the maximum allowable compromise,
be granted, a more detailed ecological Inventory of each of the ponds to
be filled or excavated should be conducted. This survey should identify
species present (Including those observed during crepuscular and night-
time hours), diurnal salinity and nutrient trends, and pond age. Similar
Inventories should also be completed for a selection of the ponds to be
preserved.
There would likely be less adverse biological Impact if the hotel were set
back some distance from the coast ouch as the nesrby, successful Sheraton
Halkoloa. Biologically non-sensitive acreage exists just inland of the
proposed site, though construction of resort facilities there night necessi-
tate minor relocation of the fairway in the immediate vicinity. While the
applicants argue that a luxury resort hotel oust be situated on the shore-
line (II-2-2-2), a setback of the facilities a few hundred yards is probably
not significant, particularly since there would be no visual obstruction
of the coast.
The draft EIS addresses numerous other potential concerns. Among these are
the Impacts on recreational resources and activities by the project (IV-B).
The inevitable Increase of the demand on existing public parks is recog-
nized; however it is suggested that sufficient parks are planned to accom-
modate this development. A setback of development from the coaat will
ensure the preservation of vistas, and should enhance varied coastal recre-
ational experiences for both visitors and public, as well as serving to
preserve the ponds in question.
I had Intended to attend the public meeting in Kona earlier this year,
but if there was any publicity of this meeting after the date had been
postponed, I missed it. Thank you for accepting my written comments now.
I would appreciate a copy of the final EIS.
Aloha,
cc: Senator Inouye
Senator Hatsunaga
Representative Akaka
Representative Heftel
Mayor Dante Carpenter, Hllo
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
County of Hawaii Department-of Planning
John Maciolek
Lani Stemmermann
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Hr. Michael T. Lee
Biologist
U.S. Arny Engineer District
Operations Branch
Build 230
Fort Shatter, Hawaii 96858-5440
9 Hay 1985
Dear Mr. Lee:
I have a feu comments on the proposed construction o£ the Uaikoloa
Beach Resort on the Island of Hawaii. My comments are directed primarily
toward the proposed filling of a major portion of the anchialine ponds that
occur in the area.
I'M sure you are aware of Haclolek S Brock's (1974) statement that the
Anaehoomalu Bay area has the largest concentration of ponds in the State,
and that the area is (was) unique because of the occurrence of eels,
Gymnothorax hllonis, and marine fishes in the ponds. However, the area
apparently has already been impacted to an extent that these unique
organisms may no longer be there. I would, therefore, recommend that as
much undisturbed pond area as possible be preserved. A buffer zone around
the preserve should also be designated to help insulate the core from
future impacts.
It should be pointed out that what is being dealt with is not just a
group of "ponds." The ponds are interconnected coastal depressions that
lay below the high tide level and thus flucuate with the tidal cycle via
underground connections with the'sea. They can be thought of as windows
into a complicated subterranean system that is influenced by the ocean,
ground water, and land.
Very little is known about this subterranean-anchialine pond system.
The studies that have occurred in Hawaii and other places have essentially
been baseline studies to determine the organisms that live, at least part
time, in the pools. Virtually nothing la known about the much larger
subterranean system, or if there are organisms that live there exclusively.
Presently, there is not enough known about the subterranean and
anchialine system to make a valid decision concerning the impact of a large
development such as the Uaikoloa Beach Resort, While there is no doubt
that an impact will occur, there is no way to determine what the results
will be. There is, therefore, a need for study if rational decisions are
to be made concerning future coastal development in areas with anchialine
pools.
The type of information necessary for a planning decision.goes beyond
knowing what plants and animals live in the ponds, or monitoring the
population to see if change occurs (change occurs in all populations).
Information is needed on how the systems operate, how extensive they are,
and how an impact in one portion affects other parts of an interconnected
system. These are not easy questions to answer, but the technology is
available to begin this work.
I believe «oney should be wide available to study and publish
infornation on the subterranenn-nnchieline pond system of Hawaii. The
aystens represent a unique aspect of the natural history of the Islands «nd
are part of the heritage. A possible Bechaniaa to conduct the studies
would be to direct the funding to the University of Hawaii to support
graduate student research. This would have the added advantage of training
young researchers in a unique aspect of Hawaii's natural history.
Finally, I believe that the developers of the Waikoloa Beach Resort
should bear at least part of the expense of conducting research on the
subterranean-anchialine syaten. The reason is that they are using one of
the coat spectacular areas of the syaten (a common heritage) for personal
profit. By bearing some of the cost, they will be giving infornation back
to the community and training its students.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Titgen, Ph.D
Oceanographer
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Sierra Club
C moku loa group J
v Howoi'i Chapter •
PO. Box 1137, Hilo, HI 96720
April 9, 1985
Michael M. Jenks
Col., Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu
Fort Shatter, HI 96858
Dear Colonel Jenks:
DHAFT EI3.
UAJtKOLOA HYAM.
ISLAM) OF HAWAII
March, 1965
With some reservations, the Sierra Club supports the Applicants'
fropoaal (Figure II-4) for a single open space Anchialine fond
Preservation Area. "~~~*
Many of our local members have walked the shores of Waikoloa •
long before the germ of massive development settled here; and
we liked it better under that condition of wildness and remote-
ness.
However,, our realization has been that the scales are irretriev-
ably tipped in favor of increased human use, the accoutrements
of civilization, and retreat of the sparse but interesting
biota at this most unusual meeting place1 of land and sea.
Perhaps the County General Flan of 1970 was the pivotal document
that specified ana virtually assured resort development along
the Eohala Coast, at least on privately controlled lands. If
there was a challenge in the zoning changes of that time, the
conservation community did not make a response to it.
We have the following comments:
1. If the 12-acre proposed pond area can be made much larger
we certainly would support that move.
2. A minimal expansion should Include the adjacent pond
cluster in Lot 13, comprising ponds in the series 169-196.
This would require 2.0 to 2.5 acres of land (see map
attached).
3. Ibis pond cluster contains the deepest example we know
of in the region, Pond 179 with a depth of 3 to 4 feet.
4. The pond aeries proposed for addition appears to be in
a newer lava flow which is generally bare, supporting
little or no terrestrial vegetation.
5> Pond 172 is moat unusual in that it is formed under- and
adjacent to a collapsed pahoehoe bubble. An arch of
firm stone spans this pond. It would be a pity to destroy
this natural geological feature.
SIEHHA CLUB, page 2, April 9, 1985
6. It appears that residential development la lot 13 can
bo Bade flexible enough to accommodate our proposed
addition of these several unusual ponds*
MANAGEMENT
long tern pond management la an important conaideratlon, which
the DEIS does address. Management should Include a significant
research segment, In addition to a monitoring process. Our
recommendation la that the land owners explore seriously with
Tha Rature Conservancy of Hawaii the possibility for setting up
a conservation easement for management and research in the Pond
Preservation Area.(Aider such an arrangement and program, owner-
ship of the acreage would be retained by the landholder.
Sincerely yours,
EHCL.
Map. and photos of
Fonda 179 and 1?2.
P. Quentin Tomieh
Co-Chair.
Conservation Committee
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14
3i
to
&
sT
1
SXEBEA CTDB, pas* 3, April 9, 1985
I
BECOEgtEHDED AJPOTIOH
to include deep pond (#179?
•fid «xched pond (#172)
Flgur* 11-4 Applicant's Proposal
K-72
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Appendix L
Coastal Zone Management Consistency Determination
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING - J o&as
J AND ECONOMIC DEVEOMffl,w. -?!=li3
' ' KAMAhWUBUlDM* 250 SOUTH KNG SI.HONCXUU IUVWI 'wWlWru f!fi!£&ft
WJUCADO«5S K>eGK23»HONOIUmMAHli«KH»infXMa2SOt«ffO BUSWtSS«*WOUStWKvtIOHvtfNIOMSON
(NtftGY CMS10N
Ref. No. P-2590
September 5, 1985
Mr. Perry J. White
Belt, Collins and Associates
606 Coral Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Dear Mr. White:
&NE (XVQCN
IWt IIHAJ.HM***!
IANOUS10MSION
HANNmO DMS1GN
HSIAUCH »JD (OONOMC ANA11M DMSON
CBOi
«MMSI«MM awcu ana
Subject: Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Consistency Determination,
Waikoloa Beach Resort Anchialine Ponds, Anaehoomalu,
South Kohala, Hawaii (FC/8S-026)
We have reviewed the subject consistency determination and offer the
following for your consideration.
As part of the development of a resort complex, Transcontinental
Development Co. and Atpac Land Co. propose to excavate a 5-acre recreational
lagoon at the head of Waiulua Bay and to fill 136 anchialine ponds in other
areas of the site.
We support the overall development concept and the economic benefits
it will bring to the County of Hawaii. We are, nevertheless, responsible for
assuring that development occurs in a manner consistent with the legislative
CZM objectives and policies.
In this regard, we believe the proposed filling of over 130
anchialine ponds on the project site may represent a substantial resource loss
to the State. Anchialine ponds (shoreline ponds without surface connection to
the sea having waters of measurable salinity and showing tidal fluctuations)
are unique coastal ecosystems. In the United States, they are found only on
the Kona coast of Hawaii and Cape Kinau on Maui. Rare species of shrimp, fish,
and inollusks inhabit the pond systems. We understand in fact that some of the
species are found only in anchialine ponds. In recognition of their values,
the anchialine ponds at Cape Kinau were designated as part of the State's
Ahihi -Kinau Natural Area Reserve.
'Hie site of the proposed resort contains one of the most extensive
systems of such ponds. As noted in a 1974 study of Kona coast ponds (Maciolek
and Brock), the ponds in the Waiulua Bay area have "exceptional natural
geological and biological qualities that deserve protection as a unique and
valuable resource." The proposed development calls for filling two-thirds of
the 21S ponds, and despite leaving a third of them intact, could degrade and
eventually destroy the habitats in these remaining ponds.
Mr. Perry J. White
Page 2
September 5, 198S
A specific policy of the Hawaii CZM Program is to "preserve valuable
coastal ecosystems of significant biological or economic importance" (Section
Z05A-2(c)(4)(B), Hawaii Revised Statutes). As compensation and mitigation for
the loss of these ponds, a 12-acre area has been identified for the lone-term
protection of a representative cluster of anchialine ponds. Sixty-two (62)
ponds will be thus preserved, with the remainder filled as part of the resort
development.
Given the significant number of ponds which will be lost, nearly 20t
of the total number of anchialine ponds in the State, the integrity of the
proposed management plan for the remaining ponds becomes all the more
important. Issues such as the need for studies, frequency of monitoring, the
allowance of lighting and pathways, increased human presence, effects of nearby
development on groundwater quality, and control over the introduction of exotic
fauna should be considered and addressed through the plan. As such, assurances
that the remaining anchialine ponds will be adequately protected and maintained
are necessary.
In consideration of the above, therefore, we will agree with your
determination that the proposed project is consistent with Hawaii's CZM Program
predicated on the following conditions:
- The final management plan shall be submitted to the Department of
Planning and Economic Development and the Department of Land and
Natural Resources for concurrence.
- The applicant shall comply with and assume the costs associated
with implementing the management plan, including any mitigation
measures which may subsequently be recommended to ensure the
long-term integrity and natural resource values of the remaining
anchialine ponds and habitat.
- Free access and parking shall be provided to the preservation
area for public educational and research purposes consistent with
the proposed pond management objectives.
By copy of this letter, we are also informing the Federal permit
issuing agency of our conditioned concurrence. Your written acceptance of
these conditions or objections to them should be submitted to us within 30
days after receipt of this letter, with a copy to the Federal permit issuing
agency. We will consider our concurrence valid upon receipt of your written
acceptance.
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r
i
Mr. Perry J. White
Page 3
September 5, 1985
Program.
He appreciate your cooperation in complying with the Hawaii CZM
Very truly yours,
Kent M. Keith
cc: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Planning Dept., County of Hawaii
Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Dept. of Health
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