2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Darrian Muraoka Opposition Testimony

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Aloha Mai, My name is Darrian Muraoka and I am in opposition of granting a Special Management Area Permit to BLACK SAND BEACH LLC (PL-SMA-2023-000046), and the proposed development. I've worked with the Hawaiian Hawksbill Project, and provided outreach and education to numerous school groups at Punalu'u Beach Park in my previous outreach and education position. Approving this permit would mean more degradation of our pristine Ka'u coastline in a place where species protected by the Endangered Species, Marine Mammal, and Migratory Birds Acts utilize this environment to nest and grow.The Hawaiian Hawksbill is a critically endangered sea turtle that predominantly nests within the Ka'u coastline. With the infrastructure proposed,the artificial light from the residential and commercial facilities would cause disorientation to both the adult female hawksbills and the emergent juveniles.The emerging baby Hawksbills use the moon to guide them to the ocean. Artificial light from this development would cause disorientation upon exiting the nest.There have already been documented severe cases where emerging Hawksbills becoming disoriented and migrated towards the Punalu'u Beach Park parking lot due to the artificial light from the parking lot. Orientation to the ocean is critical to the survival of these species as female juveniles that make it to adulthood will utilize this beach to nest for many years. With sea level rise on the Ka'u coastline, we may observe these nests to move upward, and close to proposed development sites with time.The proposed coastal development would also pose a threat to protected birds and mammals via loss of critical habitat. Punalu'u also has a lot of rich history including historical sites such as a heiau and burial grounds that date back between 1520 to 1658(Crozier 1972). Not only would the rich history of Hawaiian remains be disturbed, but also the water table. According to the Group 70 International environmental impact statement that was done for a previously proposed development,the surveyors noted the impact the development would have when it came to changes in water chemistry. Punalu'u exceeds the State of Hawaii, Department of Health's water quality standards and with a large-scale development proposed in this time frame, it would only hurt the surrounding area, causing events of eutrophication-especially with golf course maintenance. Must we not forget, Punalu'u means "diving spring" or implies a source of spring water and that is very prevalent at the coastline, which is seen by all who utilize Punalu'u Beach Park. With that being said, should these springs become less prevalent due to tapping into the water table, sewage issues, or wastewater infiltration, Punalu'u as we know it now will only change and not for the best. Punalu'u has always been a source for the local and Hawaiian community to bring keiki and kupuna to the beach. Many hospice-cared kupuna or kupuna placed in elderly homes are brought to this beach as it is easy to utilize for days outside of the home.This place should be for these people,the surrounding Ka'u community, and those who come back to enjoy, appreciate, and take care of Punalu'u. Another proposed development will only strain relationships with this community, cost us daily ecosystem services, and ruin what our future keiki will have one day. Aloha, Darrian Muraoka