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From: Wai"ala An <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Formal Opposition to Punalu"u Development Project(PL-SMA-2023-046) <br /> Date: Monday,March 4,2024 4:34:54 PM <br /> To the Hawaii County Planning Department, <br /> I am writing to formally oppose the Punalu'u Development Project, specifically in regard to <br /> the Planning Commission's consideration of a Special Management Area Use Permit(SMA) <br /> based on a outdated Draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) from 2006; along with this <br /> proposal's complete disregard of the Ka`u communities generational legacy of keeping Ka`u <br /> undeveloped or taking into consideration the Community Development Plan of Ka'u (CDP) or <br /> Cultural impact study that reflects the will of the people of Ka'u, the delicate ecosystem of <br /> Punalu'u and it's native Hawaiian cultural practitioners. <br /> As resident of Ka`u, a kanaka `6iwi with family ties to this land -with a kuleana to uphold of <br /> past,present and future generations. I, along with my family and community demand a current <br /> updated EIS be done, that the CDP be at the forefront of any potential development now or in <br /> the future. Our iwi kdpuna/burial rights must also be established/upheld to the <br /> highest standards - along with clarity and complete access for shoreline access, gathering <br /> rights, cultural practitioners, conservation, etc. <br /> Thus, a current Cultural Impact study, along with a current DEIS to update the outdated DEIS <br /> from 2006 must be conduct to represent the contemporary needs and concerns of our <br /> community. Failure to address these critical components undermines the integrity of the <br /> environmental review process and disregards the rights and interests of indigenous <br /> communities. <br /> The repercussions of this development will ripple through Ka'u and change this place forever. <br /> We demand an EIS and to listen to the overwhelming responses from community members. <br /> Therefore, I demand that the Planning Commission uphold the standards set forth by HEPA <br /> and insist on the comprehensive updating of the DEIS to reflect current community needs and <br /> concerns. Anything short of this would be a dereliction of duty and a disservice to our <br /> community and its cultural heritage. <br /> Mahalo for your attention to this matter. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Wai'ala Alm, Ocean View Resident <br />