PL-SMA-2023-000036 01.16.24 Kilihea Inaba

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Aloha Commissioners, My name is Kilihea Inaba, I am a Native Hawaiian descendant, and of Kaloko, Kona. I am opposing the SMA Use application by Walua Partners, LLC. for TMK (3) 7-5-018:095 for a few reasons listed. 1) The existing infrastructure in Kona, namely our roads and septic system are lacking the capacity to efficiently support the current population in Kona. It would be ill-advised to build more units (that we know will not house the people who need it most) less than one mile from an already overcrowded Ali'i Drive. Most of us are aware of the suit brought upon the County of Hawai'i because of the inadequate and illegal operation of the Kealakehe WWTP where most of Kona's septic waste goes and where this project's waste would go to as well. In the background report under Wastewater and Solid Waste, it states that "the applicant intends to discharge the project site's wastewater to the existing sewer line..." and that "solid waste generated on the property will be disposed off-site...and will require a Solid Waste Management Plan for review by the DEM." Our ocean waters are being polluted with no end in sight. This project would only add to the desctruction of our coastal and ocean resources that is already occurring. 2) We are in a housing crisis. People whose families have lived here for many generations are having to move away because there is NOTHING affordable enough to be purchased. Adding to that, recent surveys have found that there are more Native Hawaiians living outside of Hawai'i than in Hawai'i. The CDP states that "the production of new homes has been skewed to the upper income... In this County, nearly 10% of the single-family homes and 16% of the condominium units were owned by persons from oustide the State." Although this project is adhering to the Kona CDP zoning designation and that the Kailua Village Design Committee seems to approve of this project, it is not in alignment with what is best for the Native people or local residents of Hawai'i island. 3) There are 5 archaeological sites on the property including a burial. The plan to create a buffer zone and stone walls in an attempt to protect the burial caves is insufficient as caves travel distances larger and farther than the buffer zone. It is almost disrespectful that it "will be constructed with lava rock to blend into the surrounding area," when the area should not be built upon at all. Although Hawai'i Administrative Rules Section 13- 300-35 is being adhered to, it does not affirm the continue desecration of sacred land such as this. I am writing on behalf of myself, my child and the generations of keiki that are not yet here. Please take this testimony into consideration and deny this application. Mahalo for your time, Kilihea Inaba Kaloko, Kona