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From: Alexis Kerver <br /> To: W PCtesti mono <br /> Subject: Testimony Re: Punalu"u <br /> Date: Monday, March 4, 2024 3:27:15 PM <br /> Aloha, <br /> My name is Alexis Kerver and I am a resident of Ka`u. I strongly oppose the development <br /> proposed by Black Sands LLC at Punalu'u. First and foremost, I demand that the county <br /> require Black Sands LLC to conduct an updated Environmental Impact Statement. <br /> According to the State of Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343-5(c), a proposed action <br /> "likely" to have a significant effect on the environment or a "significant effect" which <br /> includes irrevocable commitment of natural resources, is required. The Winward Planning <br /> Commission and county and state officials are required to abide by these statues and <br /> maintain and support the quality of our natural resources. Punalu'u is a natural, cultural, <br /> and historical resource that must be maintained in its current state and protected from <br /> development. The Windward Planning Commission has a kuleana to protect Punalu'u. <br /> Should you approve this project without an EIS, you are promoting, encouraging, and <br /> contributing to the degradation of our natural, cultural, and historical resources. Upon <br /> conducting an EIS, the county and developers will find clear indications of direct negative <br /> impacts to the coastal region of Punalu'u. A couple of these negative impacts include the <br /> likelihood of groundwater and surface water contamination and the disruption and possible <br /> extinction of the endangered Honu e`a (Hawksbill turtle). <br /> Furthermore, retail, restaurant and other coastal commercial activities are not coastal <br /> dependent activities. The Community Development Plan (CDP) recommends that any <br /> coastal commercial activities be coastal dependent activities. <br /> It is disappointing to know that the Windward Planning Commission and county and state <br /> officials are already aware of these things, yet, are still considering the approval of the SMA <br /> application proposed by Black Sands LLC. Please be competent in your position to protect <br /> our natural and cultural resources and to listen to the voices of the people. The people of <br /> Ka`u, at large, do not want this in our backyard. We like Ka`u the way it is and do not want <br /> to see it developed like Kona, Waikoloa, Honolulu, etc.. If you fail to listen to the people and <br /> our concerns, you fail at your position. Choose the voices of the community over foreign <br /> investors, profit, and tourism. <br /> Thank you for your time <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Alexis Kerver <br />