KAILUA-KONA — The County of Hawaii Planning Department doesn’t anticipate any significant impact after reviewing a draft environmental assessment for the proposed construction of an erosion abatement at Kona Reef Condominiums.
The DEA asserts that the abatement, situated in the shoreline setback along the lawn area fronting the 3.1-acre Alii Drive property, would protect the area by eliminating erosion caused primarily by human use. Honl’s Beach, as it’s commonly called, is a popular recreational spot for both Kona Reef residents and the public.
The document also lists wind and storm runoff as contributing erosive factors.
Ray Pieri — who represents the Association of Apartment Owners of Kona Reef Inc., the applicant listed in the DEA — said his organization has pursued the project since the March 2011 tsunami, destroying a similar structure that was covered by a previous shoreline variance dating back to the early 1980s.
He added the project is necessary to protect the lawn area from general erosion and serious future storm events for the multitude of people who use it for everything from sunbathing to jogging to fishing.
“Perfect common sense dictates that wall should be there,” Pieri said.
If built, the abatement would run approximately 220 linear feet. The DEA specifies that the structure is not a seawall, as it will be built flush to grade, meaning it will be the same height as the lawn area and will create no visual impact.
Pieri said the northern 100 feet would have an exposed face on the ocean side, the same as the old wall. The southern portion would be buried on both sides.
All construction for the project will take place above the shoreline on private property. Thus, the DEA found that neither the abatement nor its construction will negatively impact the shoreline or any cultural, biological or archaeological resources.
In all, the DEA predicted the project had “negligible potential to cause long-term adverse impacts.”
The document does note that construction activities will likely impact noise, air quality, access and scenery during the three- to four-month construction period that would follow the permitting process.
Pieri said a roughly 200-foot section of lawn north of the project area would remain unaffected by the construction, however, and could sustain much of the previous activity during construction.
He added he’s hopeful work will be underway by January or February.
A 30-day public comment period on the erosion abatement project began Nov. 23. Those who wish to comment may do so by following instructions spelled out in the DEA, which can be accessed at https://bit.ly/2AlyY00.