Laserfiche WebLink
From: Tara Schmelino <br /> To: W PCtesti mono <br /> Subject: Punalu"u <br /> Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 11:22:38 PM <br /> County of Hawaii - Windward Planning Commission (March 7th 2024 Meeting) <br /> Testimony in OPPOSITION of the Black Sand Beach LLC Application for an SMA(PL-SMA-2023- <br /> 000046) <br /> Aloha Commissioners, <br /> Mahalo for your time and efforts as part of the County of Hawaii Windward Planning Commission. I <br /> am writing to share my testimony in OPPOSITION of the Black Sand Beach LLC Application for an <br /> SMA(PL-SMA-2023-000046). <br /> I have two main reasons for my OPPOSITION of this application: <br /> 1. The application does not meet the requirements of the related governing legislature <br /> (HRS Chapter 205-26(2)(a)). HRS Chapter 205-26(2)(a) notes that an application must <br /> demonstrate that the development will not have any substantial adverse <br /> environmental or ecological effect, except as such adverse effect is minimized to the <br /> extent practicable and clearly outweighed by public health, safety or compelling public <br /> interests. A new and comprehensive environmental impact study needs to be <br /> completed along with an updated shore assessment before any conclusions can be <br /> made on the true environmental or ecological effects of development at Punalu'u. <br /> 2. The application lacks a comprehensive understanding of the significant cultural and <br /> socio-economic aspects that hold utmost importance to native Hawaiians and long- <br /> time residents of Punalu'u. While acknowledging the intention of progress and <br /> revitalization, the application fails to demonstrate a sustained and overall benefit to <br /> the native Hawaiians and long-time residents who have nurtured Punalu'u for <br /> generations. It does not provide evidence of how sustainable economic benefits will <br /> be achieved, such as creating a diverse range of skilled labor jobs with living wages <br /> that enable local families to thrive. Additionally, the application does not outline a <br /> plan for the proper preservation of cultural practices and sacred sites, ensuring their <br /> perpetual care and monitoring by knowledgeable stewards. <br /> Mahalo for your careful consideration. <br /> Tara Schmeling <br /> tischmeling55 gmail.com <br />