2024-03-04 Letter Center for Biological Diversity Maxx Phillips (PL-CCH-2024-023) Ack Petition

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Ms. Dedman and her 'Ohana's cultural practices and resources will be harmed by the proposed development at Punalu'u. For instance,the Dedman 'ohana's `aumakua (personal or family god that originated as a deified ancestor) is the honu (turtle). Endangered hawksbill and threatened green sea turtles can be found eating and basking in the sun at Punalu'u. These protected honu nest in Ms. Dedman's front yard under the naupaka and all along the Punalu'u beach. Ms. Dedman has noted that there has already been a huge decline in turtle nesting. The proposed increased development will impact turtle hatchlings at Punalu'u. The adverse effects of resort lighting, increased foot traffic from visitors, and increased runoff from construction and resort use of the property will have negative impacts to turtle hatchlings at Punalu'u. In fact,Jason Turner, UH Marine Biologist has stated, "Punalu'u coastline meets the strict criteria needed for the turtles to lay eggs; 1 in 10,000 make it back to their nest again. Minimal environmental practices and development will affect and change the life of the sea turtles and all of the species. The need to look at the areas of Kau coastline should be put on a priority list for protection! Additionally, freshwater streams, coastal anchialine ponds, and other marine environments are cultural resource that will also be impacted by the proposed development. The Punalu'u shoreline is filled with freshwater springs, 50 to 60 million gallons of water flow per day to Punalu'u. See Pele Hanoa, Punalu'u Experience. Traditionally, Ms. Dedman notes that the cold springs at Punalu'u use to grow a variety of limu which her'ohana and the honu consumed daily. However, after development of the Punalu'u coastline, the limu started to disappear. Ms. 3 CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY'S PETITION FOR STANDING IN A CONTESTED CASE HEARING Appendix B