2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Deborah Ward Opposition Testimony

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• Construction of the proposed improvements will be conducted in various phases to limit the amount of exposed soil disturbed at any given point. Earthwork will conform to the State of Hawai'i construction site BMPs standards and requirements to control and minimize the impacts of construction and construction-related activities,materials,and pollutants on the watershed.These include,but are not limited to, temporary sediment control,temporary soil stabilization,scheduling,waste management, materials delivery,storage and handling,and other non-stormwater BMPs. • Construction activities will give special attention to storm water pollution control during the winter season.Water Pollution Control BMPs will be used to ensure all project runoff is contained onsite and to prevent impact to receiving waters.Measures will be incorporated to contain vehicle loads and avoid any tracking of materials,which may fall or blow onto adjacent roadways. • A variety of sediment and erosion control BMP's will be utilized on the Sea Mountain project site.These BMP's consist of detention basins,rock berms,rock berms with an integral impermeable barrier,silt fences,gravel bags,check dams,sediment traps and other BMPs as applicable.Source control BMP measures will also be implemented throughout the site. • Non-storm water discharges shall be prohibited from discharging to any State waters. • Project related grading,grubbing,and stockpiling permits and operations shall conform to the erosion and sedimentation control standards and guidelines established by the Hawaiyi County Department of Public Works in conformity with Chapter 180C,Hawaii Revised Statutes (1975, Ord. No. 168,sec. 3.4.). 9) Hazards for coastal ecosystems. The developer claims that there will be no impact to the shoreline caused by activities proposed in the SMA. However,mauka activities will likely lead to polluted runoff,increased invasive species establishment,disruption of breeding and nesting patterns,and increased predation by introduced pests and pets.Even more impact can be anticipated by increased visitor clustering at the very small black sand beach already inundated with tourists.Endangered species in the vicinity are regularly recorded and are impacted already by the pressure from visitors. The coastal area at Punalu'u is presently a major recreational asset to residents and visitors to the area,and development of project will bring an influx of additional visitors to the existing beach area.Additional persons on the beach have the potential to impact the natural resources as well as potentially affect recreationists who regularly utilize the coastal area. We see limited acknowledgement of the impact the proposed project would have on the increased number of visitors to the coastline,and the increased impact on the natural habitat of the coastal ecosystem inhabitants.This is a significant factor that must be addressed beyond the proposed repairs and developments described in the SMA proposal. 10) Endangered and endemic species impacts: Runoff is a major threat to Megalagrion xanthomelas Honu'ea nesting sites will be impacted with more people using the beach Anchialine pools not under enough protection - 20' is NOT adequate Monk seals frequented Punalu'u this winter Hylaeus habitat affected by development mauka of coastline. D Ward Comments 9