2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Karen Cochrane Opposition Testimony

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From: Karen Cochrane To: W PCtesti mono Subject: Testimony re: Punalu'u SMA permit application (PL-SMA-2023-000046) Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 1:46:34 PM Aloha, I am voicing my objection to any further development at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Sea Mountain Resort offers a low impact resort option for those wanting to stay nearby. The fact that SeaMountain cannot sustain itself financially enough to keep its golf course operating should be information enough to reject any further development in that location. Can we not leave this area less impacted and encourage resorts in Hilo or Waikoloa where there is some infrastructure to support tourism? I second the following statements: My name is Karen Cochrane and 1, my husband and family urge you to deny the Special Management Area permit application (Agenda Item #3, PL- SMA-2023-000046) that will build a luxury resort development at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. As our climate crisis inevitably worsens, it is critical that our precious natural and cultural resources are managed as a public trust resource, as envisioned in our Hawaii State Constitution, and as carefully contemplated with critical input from key community stakeholders in the Ka`u Community Development Plan. Additionally, the SMA applicant proposes a development that caters to tourists at the expense of our own - our own people who are already housing insecure, job insecure, and our natural and cultural resources. The lack of planning with the prematurely proposed SMA application for a development that will only exacerbate the erosion of our natural and cultural resources undermines the Ka`u Community Development Plan and does not facilitate the county fulfilling its affirmative duty to protect nearshore marine waters. 1 . Over 100 cultural sites, including burials and heiau, have been destroyed since efforts to develop Punalu'u began 50 years ago. Yet there is still no burial treatment plan, no preservation plan, and no plan for access for lineal descendants. Further, in what was once a heavily populated area, it is likely there are unknown burial sites that will be inadvertently discovered and damaged should the project be