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03/03/2024 <br /> Testimony Against Punalu`u Development <br /> Aloha e, I would like to formally testify against the proposal of the "Black Sand Beach <br /> LCC of Punalu`u Village" development that would cover hundreds of acres. I would like to <br /> explain some of the reasons why I strongly oppose this potential desecration of the historically <br /> significant and personally important land known as Punalu`u. I was born and raised in the district <br /> of Ka`u and Punalu`u beach has always been like my second home. Punalu`u has been my <br /> `ohana`s definition of Pu`uhonua for generations where our family beach house resides, giving <br /> me direct lineage ties to this place. This house and `aina has not only been our home but our <br /> place of congregation and refuge. <br /> This development would immensely shift the environment of Punalu`u and the <br /> surrounding acres in a drastically negative way. There is historical heiau in the Ninole area, <br /> petroglyphs, and very important alkaline ponds that are crucial to the ecosystem. <br /> "Black Sand Beach LCC" would undoubtedly overwhelm the coastline with a mass increase of <br /> visitor population, create pollution, overstress the already dwindling water system, and destroy <br /> the natural habitat home to so many species. <br /> The district of Ka'u, specifically Punalu'u, has its own unique beauty because of the raw <br /> magic the space holds. Years of proposed development plans have always been shut down as an <br /> effect of the people's strong voice and perseverance in standing up preservation of the land. LCC <br /> would irreversibly change the space of Punalu`u forever. As a local of this space, I speak for the <br /> community of Ka`u when I say that this development is highly unwelcome. There has been <br /> enough developmental destruction in our islands for centuries. When or where does it ever stop? <br /> "Ua lawa makou i ka pohaku" We are satisfied with the rock, a saying that holds very true for <br />