Opinion ID: 1219081
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether the BLNR Decision Was Supported by Substantial Evidence?

Text: MKPC argues that the BLNR decision denying its application for a conservation district use permit was not supported by substantial evidence. Specifically, MKPC contends that, while evidence proffered by Contestants may have established a possibility that the proposed project would detrimentally effect the surf shoal, Contestants failed to prove by a preponderance of evidence that this impact was more likely than not. [5] We disagree. It is well settled that in an appeal from a circuit court's review of an administrative decision, the appellate court will utilize identical standards applied by the circuit court. Dole Hawai`i Division-Castle & Cooke, Inc. v. Ramil, 71 Haw. 419, 424, 794 P.2d 1115, 1118 (1990). Judicial review of contested cases is governed by HRS § 91-14 (1985), which provides in relevant part: (g) Upon review of the record the court may affirm the decision of the agency or remand the case with instructions for further proceedings; or it may reverse or modify the decision and order if the substantial rights of the petitioners may have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, conclusions, decisions, or orders are: . . . . (5) Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence on the whole record[.] The BLNR rejected MKPC's application based on its factual determination that MKPC's hydroelectric power plant would disrupt the sediment outflow of Honoli'i stream and irreversibly affect the ocean wave action at Honoli'i beach. Based on its review of the record, the BLNR concluded in relevant part: 13. The proposed project's disruption of the natural sediment transport system of Honoli'i Stream conflicts with the objective of the limited subzone and, therefore, does not meet the guidelines set out in Hawai`i Administrative Rules (HAR) § 13-2-21(b)(1). 14. The proposed project's impact upon the surfing beach conflicts with the objective of the Resource subzone and, therefore, does not meet the guideline set out in HAR § 13-2-21(b)(1). 15. The proposed project's potential destruction of an invaluable recreational resource conflicts with the purpose and intent of the State's conservation district and, therefore, does not meet the guideline set out in HAR § 13-2-21(b)(4). The record provides ample evidence to support the BLNR's decision. Although MKPC's experts testified that there would be no effect on the surfing area due to sediment runoff, Albert Hee, president of MKPC, admitted that the EIS submitted by MKPC did not address in great detail the agency's concern about the effect of the project on sediment movement. In addition, Dr. Paul Ekern, a hydrologist who testified in opposition to the project, stated that the proposed diversion of the stream flow could reduce the bedload transport capacity of the stream by twenty-five to thirty percent. Dr. Ekern also testified that more studies were needed regarding: (1) the bedload retention capacity of the weir pool; (2) the sediment transport to the stream mouth; and (3) identifying where beach material comes from as between the stream and the coastal rocks. Dr. Douglas Inman, a professor of oceanography at the University of California Scripps Institute of Oceanography, opined that Honoli'i stream is a major source of sediment and that the weir would trap the bedload sediment and consequently affect the surf area. Similarly, Dr. Frans Gerristen, a civil engineer concentrating in coastline studies, testified that the project could disrupt the flow of sediment to the mouth of the river which would change the balance of sediments and affect the surf shoal and coastline. Based on the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence set forth above, we cannot conclude that the BLNR's findings were clearly erroneous. Accordingly, we find no merit in MKPC's argument that Contestants failed to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the proposed project would have a detrimental affect on ocean wave action at Honoli'i beach.