2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Malie Ibarra Opposition Testimony

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From: Ma lee av v To: WPCtestimonv;Council Remote Testimonv;Council Testimonv Subject: Testimony: Malie Ibarra,against Punaluu development plan Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 4:15:13 PM Aloha, My name is Malie Ibarra. I am a resident of Kau, a woman of native Hawaiian descent, and am writing to express my opposition to the recent Punaluu development plan. My biggest reasons for opposition include fixing current damages before developing, having a burial treatment plan in place before any plans are approved, and addressing the negative effects of increasing Punaluu`s population/visitors. The development plans state that "The proposed project is expected to be developed in phases, with the initial focus on cleanup and repair of dilapidated facilities such as the former Punaluu Restaurant complex (Section H)." I agree that the initial focus should be to fix the damaged areas first and foremost. However, also according to the development plan, "Distinct phasing of this proposed project is not practical... and the Applicant therefore requests flexibility on the timing of commencing development of the individual project components (Section H)." By stating a request for flexibility after the aforementioned initial focus to fix the damaged utilities and decaying buildings, the phases of development will be blurred. I am worried that requesting flexibility will not keep the fixing accountable. Furthermore, according to ittp://kaunewsbriefs.bloaspot.com/, "Black Sand Beach LLC asserts that it is and will continue to clean up the abandoned old resort buildings and restore the sewage, water and fire hydrant systems, which were already degraded when it purchased the place." The purchasing of Punaluu happened almost 4 years ago in 2020 and the damaged areas were apparent before the sale and since then, have not nearly been completely fixed. Thus, I believe the current damaged systems should be verified as fixed before any other development begins. Developing on Hawaiian lands often includes sites that end up being burial grounds. Burial treatment is important for Hawaiian culture and to be generally respectful of our ancestors and their tombs. Many bones of Hawaiian ancestry are at Punaluu. There is the Hoku Loa Congregational Chapel and Cemetery that houses many grave sites, some of which happen to be my ancestors. Although the project for development does not show any developing near the church and cemetery, there is no burial treatment plan in place. According to the development plan, "the Applicant has will include a walk-through of