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Testimony of Lori-Lee Lorenzo <br /> February 29, 2024 <br /> OPPOSITION TO BLACK SAND BEACH LLC. <br /> Aloha Members of the Windward Planning Commision, <br /> My name is Lori-Lee Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Pahala, Ka'u. I will graduate <br /> from Hawaii Community College in May, with an AS Degree in Tropical Ecosystems and <br /> Agroforestry Management. I also have just earned my Academic Certificate in <br /> Sustainability. <br /> I am writing this letter in OPPOSITION to the planned development of Punalu'u. <br /> Ka'u is one of the last undeveloped districts on this island and in the State of Hawaii. <br /> We have a peaceful rural community surrounded by Agriculture and Conservation <br /> lands, and we wish to keep it this way. Building a resort would make this area <br /> overcrowded and would disturb our native species and destroy many of our natural <br /> resources and the natural beauty of this landscape. <br /> One of our most important natural resources is fresh water. We are in danger of losing <br /> much of our watershed system due to Rapid Ohia Death and I don't feel we have the <br /> water needed to support this type of large resort development. We need to protect the <br /> water that we do have for the local residents, and for the farmers and ranchers that are <br /> working hard to make our island more self-sustainable. <br /> People who want to work in hotels or resorts have many job opportunities in the areas <br /> that are already developed. We need to save and take care of our precious natural <br /> resources and our pristine undeveloped Aina! Keep Ka'u Country! <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Lori-Lee Lorenzo <br />