2024-03-03 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Kathleen Mumme Testimony

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February 27, 2024 Planning Department 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo HI 96720 Re: SMA for Punalu'u Village, Kau To Whom It May Concern: As full-time residents of the small development just mauka of this planned development, we are very interested in the Punalu'u Village project. We chose Kau as our home because it resembled what we are used to: quiet, rural, agricultural beauty. We here in Kau are very concerned with over-development and the protection of our beauty. We also know that property owners are generally allowed to develop their own property if they follow the law and stick with the plan. This property—formerly known as Sea Mountain—was originally developed nearly fifty years ago. Since that time various plans have been made and discussed, most far larger than the current one. For a variety of reasons they never came to fruition. Given their size, we are glad they did not. Our greatest concern is the future of this property as it affects us personally, of course, but also as it will affect the property if the project is not approved in some fashion. What will happen to the infrastructure which has fallen into disrepair and neglect?What will happen to the land itself without proper stewardship by someone with vested interests? Buildings and the property itself have not been maintained by previous owners and have become eyesores, and are dangerous. Who will ever want to buy this property and ensure that it is taken care of, if some development isn't allowed? The Black Sand Beach LLC plan has even been scaled back from the initial one and it seems they have taken the time to listen to many of the local concerns. We are happy to see that any new building will be within already developed area. This is extremely important to us. We count about 230 units, most of which are reasonably small and none over 2.5 stories. Apparently only the 80 proposed condos next to the current Colony One units could have the potential for full-time residents. We also see that these new units are just over the hill and mauka of the beloved Black Sand Beach. Despite the rumors we have heard, there will be no new development in the beach area itself. Further,the area along the beach area will be held in a conservation management area. This is so very important to us. No one wants to see development on the beach. We like the idea of the accommodation for small enterprises that can help employ our residents and promote small businesses here. A few conveniences to those of us who call this area home is also a plus. Currently we see quite a bit of daytime traffic to the beach. Most visitors, but certainly not all, stay briefly to see the turtles and take in the gorgeous view. This development, well off the beach and quite limited in 'sprawl', could mean that those visiting would have the opportunity to enjoy other amenities which do not include the beach, but which could be a healthy boon for the local economy and for local entrepreneurs. All of that said,we do have concerns. We worry about parking,the impact on sea life, native plants, the beach itself, and the increase in our traffic. We wonder if some of the overnight condos are too large. But, as neighboring homeowners, our greatest concern is the sewer and water system which we share with the existing Sea Mountain Resort/Colony One units. We are very concerned about the aging infrastructure here and how it would be affected by the addition of new buildings and homes. We are confident that Hawaii county will ensure that this system is upgraded to accommodate this increase and that existing homeowners can be confident that the system will be in better condition than it is currently if the plan meets with your approval. Our immediate concern, however, is fire protection. And we have addressed this concern with our local representative in the past. Most of the hydrants on Ninole Loop and Alahaki Road no longer function. This is unacceptable and we hope that it will be addressed as early as possible. If this plan is not approved, all of this seems to be in further jeopardy. Any current or future owner, it seems to us, would need the infusion of at least some real estate development to help finance this infrastructure. We hope that you will approve this Punalu'u Village plan and ensure that all conditions are met once the building begins. Thank you for your attention. Best Regards, Chris and Kathleen Mumme 95-1175 Alahaki Road/ PO Box 363 Pahala 96777