2020-10-15 Leeward Exh A (Public Testimony re SPP 20-000219)

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ALT: Sorry about that. EDEL: Oh yes, thank you very much. I actually planned to speak but I'm going to speak very shortly to keep things on schedule. First, I want to thank this Commission for allowing me to speak. I'm somewhat a little bit different I currently live in California amongst wildfires for the last four months, we had sixty (60) days of smoke. I purchased Lot Number 7 in Puakea Ranch in February and my goal is to retire there with my wife in the North Kohala Community within the next 18 months. I have one major concern and that is around water. My biggest concern is the Department of Water Supply (DWS) is formally committed to providing 3,600 gallons a day for all nine (9) lots in Puakea Ranch. DWS has communicated twice that they are now already over committing 6,000 gallons a day. Where the Puakea Guest Ranch averages between 60-70% of that 6,000 gallons today. So, in the Draft Environmental Assessment(DEA) the owners mentioned that they "may opt to satisfy some of the potable water demand by installing a well, and to supplement irrigation with additional catchment systems". But my concern is there is no actual mandate requirement or prerequisite to do that. So, I believe this really does have an impact on all the neighbors and the surrounding environments and that without mandating that additional proven water sources first be put into place. As a precondition to approving any building commencement this should be required. Also, since all 9 parcels have the right to their fair share of the County's water and since five (5) of those are still yet to be built on this would put further pressure on the very limited water supply. So, what I'm really asking is that the Commission insist on the installation and demonstration of sufficient water sources to support both today's over allotment of 6,000 which could get cut back to 3,600 as well as any additional water need for expansion. We have water wars here. I have a ranch. We fight about water every summer out of the creek that we share and I really would love to move to Hawaii and not face another round of water wars that we have for the last 6-7 years with the drought. Thank you very much. CARR SMITH: Thank you Stephen. Commissioners, anyone have a question for Stephen? Yes, hard to see everyone. Seeing none, thank you very much Stephen, thank you for dropping off the call and we appreciate your testimony. Paul Okner you are next. Hi, Paul. OKNER: Thank you. CARR SMITH: You're welcome. OKNER: Thank you everybody. I'm Paul Okner, I'm here on behalf of Lot 2 of the Puakea Ranch Subdivision which is the immediately adjacent neighboring parcel to the Applicant's lot. We are strongly opposed to the illegal activities that have been occurring on the Applicant's lot for over a decade and think it would be egregious misstep of this Commission to sanction this type of behavior. As stated in our written comments and echoing the comments of the multitude of other neighbors we have great concerns about noise 2 EXHIBIT A