2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Nohea Ka'awa Members of SMA2023-046 Working Group Opposition Testimony

Home

the SMA. However, mauka activities will lead to polluted runoff, increased invasive species establishment, disruption of breeding and nesting patterns of endangered, endemic, and migratory birds and waterfowl, and increased predation by introduced pests and pets. Even more impact can be anticipated by increased visitor clustering at the very small black sand beach already inundated with tourists. Endangered species in the vicinity are regularly recorded and are impacted already by the pressure from visitors. Listed threatened (T) and endangered (E) species documented within the SMA are: Loulu or Hawaiian fan palm (E), `Ope`ape`a or Hawaiian hoary bat (E), I`o or Hawaiian hawk (E), Honu or green sea turtle(T),Honu`ea or Hawaiian hawksbill turtle(E), and `llioholoikauaua or Hawaiian monk seal (E). Additional T&E species habitats within the SMA include those for Nalo meli maoli or yellow-faced bee (E), Pulelehua or Blackburn's sphinx moth (E), `Opae`ula or anchialine pool shrimp(E), Ae`o or black-necked stilt(E), `Alae ke`oke`o or Hawaiian coot, and `Ohai or Sesbania tomentosa(E). The coastal area at Punalu`u is presently a major recreational asset to residents and visitors to the area, and development of project will bring an influx of additional visitors to the existing beach area. Additional persons on the beach have the potential to impact the natural resources as well as potentially affect local recreationists who regularly utilize the coastal area. We see limited acknowledgement of the impact the proposed project would have on the increased number of visitors to the coastline, and the exponential impact on the natural habitat of the coastal ecosystem inhabitants. Additionally, increased tourism will have a ripple effect on the rest of the coastline of Ka`u. The sensitive coastline of the Ahupua`as of Kiolaka`a, Kawela, and Kama`oa are already being inundated by illegal commercial activity (i.e., unpermitted ATV tours). Bringing more tourists and visitors to Punalu`u will undoubtedly increase the frequency and establishment of illegal activities conducted along the coastline. This is a significant factor that must be addressed beyond the proposed repairs and developments described in the SMA proposal. 6. The SMAA lacks an emergency mitigation plan. The SMA Application has no mitigation plan with regards to fire, flooding, tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic eruption, and hurricane coupled climate change and predicted future extreme weather events. This development will drive more visitation, and more development, resulting in overpopulation of our coastline, roadways and evacuation routes. The inundation of hundreds if not thousands of additional people each day creates an unsafe environment for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, and the proposed plan suggested by Eva Liu to install gates on the Nmole loop road access connecting to the highway undoubtedly would block evacuation routes, leaving Punalu`u-goers trapped during an emergency. This SMAA application does not address emergency services. Our Ka`u Fire Department, Police Department and our Hospital is not equipped to service an additional tourist and visitor community, as theyalready cover the largest district across the island. The fire disaster in Maui has taught our Ka`u community that a thorough disaster mitigtion plan will save lives during an unexpected event. As decision makers, you as a comission have an extensive responsibility, and with the proper steps taken, a disaster waiting to happen can be prevented.