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In the comments and impassioned discussion (both in person and online) surrounding this plan and pending <br /> approval, many have spoken of"investments" in the properties at Sea Mountain. We have never viewed our <br /> condo as an "investment". An investment is dispassionate. An investment is something to be evaluated and <br /> exchanged without emotion. An investment is mechanical. Our home in Hawaii is a place that we love. We are <br /> fully aware of the privilege of making Ka'u part of our lives. Our involvement here is full of emotion and we <br /> want only the best to occur. <br /> Around 50 years ago, the area surrounding Punalu'u was brutally modified with careless disregard for the <br /> natural and cultural legacy of the area. Fortunately for every stakeholder, our 2024 sensibilities and land use <br /> regulations are different than the recent, reckless past. Even the most slipshod developer will be subject to "trust <br /> but verify" standards of following current rules. Whether they want to, or not, what cultural and natural legacy <br /> remains after the initial disruption decades ago by C. Brewer Co will be mandated to be preserved. And, most <br /> importantly, our water and sewage will be mandated to be repaired and improved to meet 21'century standards. <br /> Even development opposition groups are in alignment on this important issue: the water and sewage situation is <br /> a significant problem. According to KHNL/HNN TV's coverage here's Guy Enriques' statement on the <br /> infrastructure (bold my emphasis): <br /> "We are the next Maui to happen because eight or maybe more of'the fire hydrants have been dead in[sic] <br /> since he bought it and she's promised to do something. It's been three years. And even after the Maui fire, not as <br /> if nothing happened. " <br /> The Center for Biological Diversity agrees. They quote a local activist in their March 4 Press Release: <br /> Nohea Ka`awa, a local community member said: "Our Ka`u community is expressing concerns about the <br /> lack of a disaster mitigation plan. Emergencies like fire,floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruption <br /> have not been considered. There's no burial treatment plan in place to protect our ancestors. The sewage <br /> system is leaking into our ocean as we speak,_yet the developer wants us to believe that there will be no <br /> impacts. " <br /> Is the current proposal the best one?Maybe. Who knows. Is the current developer trustworthy? Maybe. Who <br /> knows. Is this the only option? It appears to be so. <br /> A bright light has been shone upon the neglect imposed upon the public utility systems serving this part of <br /> Hawaii County. It's negligence we can't go back in time and undo. No wishes of happy desired other outcomes <br /> will change the fact that now the extent of the need is now known. <br /> Unless there's a better plan on the table, which we hope would be revealed to the public right away - along with <br /> a concrete funding source and timeline -this proposal is the best option we have. <br /> We strive to separate our feelings on the area changing through new development from the fact that, in the <br /> absence of any other viable alternative, approving the SMA request appears to be the only way to get the water <br /> and sewer repairs we need. There is universal agreement that America's infrastructure problem is real and <br /> growing worse every day. Why wait for a disaster to happen, or for some future plan that may never come, to <br /> get this done? <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Thomas Mizikar <br /> Christen Mizikar <br /> Unit 20 <br />