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From: Tim DeLozier <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Cc: Roy.Alex; Planning Internet Mail <br /> Subject: Punalu"u SMA letter of opposition-March 7th Planning Commission Meeting <br /> Date: Monday,March 4,2024 3:15:16 PM <br /> Attachments: ounalu"u letter of 0000sition.odf <br /> March 4, 2024 <br /> Hawai'i County Planning Commission <br /> RE: Proposed Development/ SMA Permit Punalu'u Beach, Ka'u District <br /> Aloha, <br /> I am a long-time resident of the Big Island and reside in Pahala. I am writing to express my <br /> strong opposition to the proposed development and Special Management Area permit at <br /> Punalu'u Beach and surrounding area. I adamantly oppose this project and permit requests for <br /> the following reasons: <br /> <!--[if !supportUsts]-->I. <!--[endif]-->Infrastructure <br /> Most sections of Highway 11 from Honaunau to Hilo are in serious disrepair <br /> and long overdue for repaving. Sections have asphalt similar to old-fashioned <br /> cobblestones, daily potholes and uneven/wavy surfaces. Highway crews are seen <br /> throwing shovel-fulls of asphalt into the potholes,providing a temporary fix that <br /> often lasts a mere few days. Increased traffic including tourists and heavy trucks <br /> hauling construction materials will only amplify and accelerate the deterioration of <br /> this treacherous highway. <br /> The north intersection at Ninole Loop and Highway 11 is dangerous. There is <br /> no left-turn lane or right-turn merge lanes like at the south intersection posing risks <br /> to drivers turning onto/off of Highway 11. On the north side there is a pali (hill) <br /> making this intersection difficult to see in advance for all south-bound traffic. <br /> Increased traffic from construction vehicles, trucks, equipment and tourists makes <br /> this intersection inevitable to frequent accidents. <br /> Public utilities are available, but the additional burden on these resulting from <br /> increased water and power usage are likely to strain and deplete availability. This <br /> needs to be investigated and addressed before any approval is given to such a large <br /> project to prevent long-time residents from experiencing shortages. <br /> <!--[if!supportUsts]-->II. <!--[endif]--> Wildlife <br /> Numerous endangered and threatened species exist in the area of the proposed <br /> development. These include Hawksbill Turtles, Green Sea Turtles, Nene <br /> Geese, Hawaiian Monk Seals among others. All of these species will be <br /> negatively impacted by such a large-scale development. I volunteer with the <br /> Hawksbill Turtle project and Malama Pono Punalu'u. I have witnessed people <br /> throwing rocks at wildlife,poking them with sticks, stepping on turtle <br /> hatchlings and frequently approaching well within the required distances <br /> prescribed by State and Federal Laws. We struggle enough already with the <br />