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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Elizabeth C. Mar*aek, MS <br /> Waimea, HI 96743 <br /> Planning Department 2098 RPR 22 <br /> " 101 Pawahi SL, Suite 3 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720-3043 <br /> April 20, 2008 <br /> 8 gii Re: Support for Repeal of Ordinance No. 97 192 and Urge Rezoning TMK (3) 5-9-1:8 <br /> <br /> to Ag- 20 acres <br /> m <br /> r L In the interest of the marine areas downslope and offshore of the Kohala LLC Parcel, <br /> m I want to support the Planning Director's recommendation to repeal ordinance No. 97 102 <br /> and to revoke the Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit No. 379 for TMK (3) 5- <br /> <br /> <br /> Y~ <br /> v LL <br /> a 2. My background and professional experience that is relevant to commenting or. this <br /> proposed project include, <br /> • Masters of Science in Marine Ecology, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. <br /> California State University <br /> • Bachelors of Science in Geology, Williams College <br /> • Conducted numerous research projects on coral reefs, groundwater, and water quality <br /> on the West Hawaii Coast in conjunction with academic institutions and state and <br /> federal agencies since 1992. <br /> • Raised on the Big Island and used the Kohala Coast for ocean recreation for 38 years. <br /> 3. The nearshore marine environment fronting Honokoa Gulch has historically been a <br /> healthy coral reef ecosystem. Until several years ago, volcanic pavement and clear, clean <br /> water supported healthy coral cover and abundant fish and invertebrate communities. The <br /> threatened green sea turtle (>rhelonia rrtvdas) was commonly seen in the area as well. In <br /> 2006, heavy rains washed large amounts of unconsolidated sediments down Honokoa and <br /> nearby gulches causing large amounts of sediment to be deposited on the reef ecosystem. <br /> Surveys before and after the event by Department of Aquatic Resources show <br /> widespread, potentially irreversible damage to the reef. Reef systenns will have much <br /> less chance of recovery if negative impacts continue. Minimizing future development <br /> immediately onshore would be best for the reef. <br /> <br /> <br /> 4. The construction of residences on the Kohala LLC parcel will create the potential risk <br /> for unconsolidated sediment to be washed ( again) onto the nearshore environment. The <br /> <br /> Page 1 of 3 t <br /> <br /> Comm. No. AA 40 <br /> Ref. To•Lreaeotea <br /> Ref. Date APR 2 2 2008 <br />