2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Leone R. Sutton Opposition Testimony

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Mother turtles are very sensitive to activity on the beach and will not come up to lay eggs unless they feel safe. Carrying a heavy load of approximately 180 eggs, they may watch for days to access the safety of a beach. If she is unable to find a suitable location, she may release her eggs into the ocean. I'm very concerned about the increase in light caused by additional people on the beach, car traffic and stationary lights that would come with development. Any additional lights and increased beach activity during the nesting season (May through December) will have a negative impact on honu mothers and keiki. The proposed Punalu'u Village plans include an open market, public restroom, fish market and restaurant that are very close to the predominate turtle nesting habitat at Punalu'u. Also, the proposed Colony 2 of 63 Condominiums may have negative light impacts on another important nesting area known as Kaloa. can not, in good conscience, support the development of the beach front at Punalu'u. Beyond the critically endangered hawksbills, there are several other points of concern: * First, regarding public commentary, having an important community meeting on a weekday doesn't offer adequate opportunity for the working people of Ka'u to attend. Please add an additional planning meeting on a Saturday. *We need an Environmental Impact Statement, since the current one is more than 50 years old. Deciding to move forward without one feels disrespectful to our community and to the aina, and does not feel in integrity or pono. *There is no disaster mitigation plan. Pele can be unpredictable and things can change very quickly here. The beach is already reaching capacity and building a development that is not coastal dependent within 200 feet of the high tide mark puts people and facilities in danger. Tsunamis, earthquakes, flooding, many other potential hazards need to be considered and anticipated — if not, there could be huge losses and liabilities. *There is no burial treatment plan in place. * Building condos at Punalu'u will most definitely increase our property taxes. *There needs to be an updated shore assessment and setback. This certification is especially important when there are plans to put a cafe about 100 feet from the beach, as seen in the proposed village diagram, #15. *The owner has listed 143 acres as conservation, which currently is planned from one fish pond to another. If this was extended to reach the boat ramp, it would ensure much better environmental protection for the hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles and the Hawaiian monk seal.