Comment/Question The DEA states: “The proposed project will visually have a low profile and will be obscured by both existing vegetation along East Mānoa Road and Lower Road.” How is that an accurate statement given that LYCA’s consulting arborist states the following in their August 23, 2021 report: Of the entire forest on the P-2 parcel, only 35 trees or (cluster of trees) were identified for potential preservation. (See p. 3 of Arborist’s Report.) The macaranga trees on the property should be removed. (See p. 8.) “Aside from the looking glass, most of the other tree species along the Manoa Road road side are low-quality or invasive, like macaranga or gunpowder trees. Removal and replanting with a higher quality species would be recommended if the area is planned to be landscaped. (See p. 9.). “Because the Lower Rd. side of the property does not have any high-quality plants that would create an appropriate visual barrier, this side will require landscaping to reach that desired aesthetic.” (See p. 9.) This removal of trees is inconsistent with the following significance criteria: Significance Criteria: (1) Irrevocably commit a natural, cultural, or historic resource; (2) Curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment; (3) Conflict with the State’s environmental policies or long-term environmental goals established by law; (4} Have a substantial adverse effect on the economic welfare, social welfare, or cultural practices of the community and State; (5) Have a substantial adverse effect on public health; (6) Involve adverse secondary impacts, such as population changes or effects on public facilities; (7) Involve a substantial degradation of environmental quality; (8) Be individually limited but cumulatively have substantial adverse effect upon the environment or involves a commitment for larger actions; (9) Have a substantial adverse effect on a rare, threatened, or endangered species, or its habitat; (10) Have a substantial adverse effect on air or water quality or ambient noise levels; (11) Have a substantial adverse effect on or be likely to suffer damage by being located in an environmentally sensitive area such as a flood plain, tsunami zone, sea level rise exposure area, beach, erosion-prone area, geologically hazardous land, estuary, fresh water, or coastal waters; (12) Have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas and viewplanes, during day or night, identified in county or state plans or studies; or (13) Require substantial energy consumption or emit substantial greenhouse gases.
Auwe! Imagine the proposed construction of four (4) football-field-sized 3-story concrete buildings (288 units for potentially 576 tenants) and 225 parking stalls paving over one of the last green open spaces in Manoa Valley. Imagine a 10 year phased construction, and how that might impact the quality of life in our neighborhood. Imagine how the non-permeable surfaces being built might increase stormwater flooding risk in the neighborhood.
Auwe! Imagine the deforestation of green forested area on right side of East Manoa Rd. Imagine development of a commercial "mall" on the triangle parcel at fork of East Manoa/Old East Manoa Rd (and imagine a convenience store and health care facility located there). Imagine the increased traffic, parked cars, noise, activity, light pollution, from potentially 576 tenants at this high-density rental complex and commercial development being proposed. This may forever alter the peaceful quiet low-density residential character of the deep Manoa Valley.