2024-03-08 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Shanell Hi'iakaikapoliopele Leilani Dedman Opposition Testimony

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The daily impact to the environment of hundreds of people traversing on the tiny beach, taking sand and iliili pebbles is inevitable,if this gigantic development is approved. A corporation will be encroaching upon the fragile and pristine ecosystem of Punalu`u Bay and Black Sand beach and Nmole Cove. This would be very detrimental to the indigenous and endemic animal habitats, native flora and fauna and the freshwater springs that is the life for us all. The native Loulu Palm tree, native hawaiian poppy, Pua Kala and the Native cotton plant Ma`o important to the fauna ecosystem there. Endangered species live here including the `Ope`apea the native Hawaiian Hoary bat, the Honu`ea Hawksbill Turtle who lay their eggs and build nests on the sand, the `ilioholoikauaua monk seal,the native damselfly,the Koloa duck,Nene the Hawaiian goose , `auku`u,the Pueo native Hawaiian Owl,the Io native hawaiian hawk and many rare varieties of limu, ko`ele, opihi. There is no need for a wellness Center. Punalu`u is the wellness Center and is a living classroom. My Aunty Keolalani Hanoa had Kukulu Kumuhana o Ka`u Hawaiian cultural Immersion program for students K-12th grade. Empowering the youth to become the stewards of the aina and keepers of the mana`o of this place. A continental mindset encroaching upon our cultural heritage and Island way of life. As usual. Time to change the narrative huli maka flip the script. There is a dire need for an updated shoreline survey certification and entirely new SMA Plan. They have ignored CDP guidelines, needs an Environmental Impact Statement and Updated Shoreline Survey Certification and fixing all the fire hydrants . You cannot approve this monstrosity. Please do not approve this SMA Plan Planning Director Zendo Kern and Mayor Mitch Roth . You cannot approve this. Look at the Big picture. All eyes are on you. KWe ! Imua ohana. Kapu Ka`u. Save Punalu`u. Sent from my Whone