2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Peter Volpe Testimony

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From: Peter A Volpe To: Plannina Internet Mail Subject: Black Sands Beach LLC testimony Date: Wednesday, March 6,2024 12:39:50 PM Dear Director of Planning, Zeno Kern, My wife and I (long time residents of Pahala since 1969) along with our three adult children implore you to do all you can to approve the application for development. We are all off island and cannot participate on Zoom. Ka'u needs this development more than ever. Since the closing of the Sugar Mill in 1996, there's no gainful employment. There are so many workers going to Hilo or Kona in the early hours each day. We could go on and with our reasons in favor of it but here are a few we thought you should consider: 1. Many who lived here in the seventies absolutely enjoyed the restaurant, koa bar overlooking the pond and ocean, cultural museum and little stores offering ice cream, souvenirs etc. 2. There are no restaurants in Pahala and only one now in Naalehu. Basically, no place close by to eat. 3. In its heyday Seamountain had beautiful tennis courts and gorgeous golf course, golf clubhouse (another nice restaurant here) and surroundings. Now everything is totally sad and dilapidated. 4. The proposals seem to be tastefully considered not going way overboard like one earlier developer who wanted to build 5000 units. 5. A partnership with the local schools, especially high schoolers could begin early to learn the trades. 6. Having them restore what was already there seems very reasonable since many in the area enjoyed the amenities. 7. It was unfortunate that the original resort was not able to complete their plans for overnight housing and a hotel. It's badly needed. 8. Everyone would be excited to see the historical and cultural sites restored and maintained. For Black Sands LLC to take on this immense project should be highly commended. We understand the same activists who have opposed other developments in the area will come out with their same slogans like" keep Ka'u Ka'u,"but in recent years huge areas have been made into conservation districts. Through the efforts of Hawaii County, conservation groups and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, added huge acreage now stretching from the National Park to Whittington park in Naalehu. This, in addition to the Kahuku section on the park preserves more than enough pristine areas for all to enjoy. We believe that if the silent majority were given an opportunity by mail to give their input, they would be in favor given the facts and possibilities of employment. Holding hearings, where the same activists shout down, bully and threaten others usually keep away those who are elderly, have heart conditions or just don't want to be harassed. Our phone number, 808-987-9233 and e-mail: pvolpe9@yahoo.com are here if you care to respond. Sincerely,