Almost half of those who showed up were representatives from various government agencies who briefed the other participants about the status of the project.
One resident noted that the public hearing was held on New Year’s Eve when everybody would rather be with their families at home.
“Any day of the month could have been better if the proponents really wanted to bring this up to the public,” the resident said.
Project coordinator Roman Demapan said they will hold another public hearing.
At least 30 percent of the environmental assessment report has been reviewed by responsible government agencies.
The assessment is necessary to determine the significant impact of the project on the environment.
Biologist Dan Wooster said they have consulted with the Division of Fish and Wildlife about the presence of endangered species at the site.
He said they will also conduct an extensive survey on the reed warbler, an endangered bird species that inhabits the area.
Marilyn Swift, of Swift and Harper Archeological Resource Consulting, said they have assessed the presence of some artifacts and other archeological items in the area.
Some of them, according to Robert Jordan of Allied Pacific Environmental Services Inc., can be damaged by light and human activities in the cave.
The Kalabera Cave project covers 8,000 square meters of land in Marpi, and will include a parking space for tourist buses and cars.
