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June 4, 2007 <br /> Dear Council Members: <br /> Punalu'u is special, but Punalu'u is different. It is different from other Big Island parcels slated <br /> <br /> for special protection in one important aspect.... IT IS ALREADY DEVELOPED! At its <br /> peak, Punalu'u was a prized destination. Visitors would fly in from Maui just to dine at the <br /> Black Sands Beach Restaurant after a round at the beautifully designed golf course. Visitors <br /> and residents alike look back with great pride at Punalu'u's past. <br /> <br /> Today it suffers from near criminal neglect. It desperately awaits a new beginning from <br /> <br /> someone who will listen to what residents remember about Ka'u, and who will work with <br /> <br /> them to bring back the thriving and prosperous community it was in the past. Punalu'u <br /> needs to be REDEVELOPED! I fear if the County of Hawaii ever succeeds in assuming <br /> responsibility for Punalu'u, we will be swapping one slum landlord for another. <br /> Since Bill 169-07 has anointed Ka'u Preservation to take care of Punalu'u, on no more <br /> strength of a recommendation than "it is working on a plan for the area," I think this <br /> organization deserves more scrutiny. What capabilities and qualifications do they bring to <br /> the table for managing Punalu'u? Are they to be trusted? <br /> Many of you will remember when Danny Miller, their media director, once stated that <br /> Seamountain 5 intends to put in an oil-burning refinery to provide all the electricity the new <br /> development will require. When he was questioned by an audience member `boas he sure <br /> about that?", Danny replied, "Oh yeah, It's right there in the Environmental Impact <br /> Statement. I read it myself. I don't want to be breathing that stuff." This was more than a <br /> deception, more than a lie. This was an insult to everyone, as 'rf no one would look it up <br /> themselves or ask the developers directly. THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE AN OIL- <br /> BURNING REFINERY. <br /> They say they want to save the heart of Ka'u. But where was their hearts on Saturday May <br /> 26 of this year when various organizations and concerned volunteers came together to help <br /> clear away the invasive water plants choking the pond behind Black Sand Beach. For <br /> seven hours the community came together to beautify a small part of Punalu'u. Did Ka'u <br /> Preservation turn out its membership to help? No, you see it wasn't about fund raising, or <br /> spending tax payers money, and, of course, they weren't calling the shots. They are about <br /> lobbying, not serving. They can bring you 4000 signatures, but not one helping hand? <br /> Look, I don't care how many times you revise this bill, or if you rename it "Allahu Akbar <br /> God is Great," this bill still deprives the residents of Ka'u the right to have all options for <br /> Punalu'u fully examined. <br /> I don't want this bill today, I don't want this bill in Punalu'u, and I don't want Ka'u Preservation <br /> in this bill. <br /> Thank you. Questions? <br /> Comm. No. 3V9e 70 <br /> Ref. To: <br /> Ref. Date 'tf1tT„~4 <br /> 2Dfl <br /> <br />