2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Ellen LaPenna Opposition Testimony

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To: Windward Planning Commission of the County of Hawaii Subject: Special Management Area permit for Punalu'u Village BLACK SAND BEACH LLC (PL-SMA-2023-000046) Aloha, March 3 d 2024 My name is Ellen LaPenna and I'm a volunteer with Malama Pono Punalu'u(a beach & green sea turtle stewardship program). I also volunteer with the local Hawaiian hawksbill turtle group. As you may know, Hawaiian hawksbills are critically endangered. When I say critically there could be between 400 and 800 nesting Hawaiian green sea turtles, whose primary nesting area is in the French Frigate Shoals. Here in Ka'u, where most of the hawksbills lay their eggs, it's estimated that there are maybe 20 nesting females each year on our shores that's 20 vs. 400- 800. This past summer and fall we had several hawksbill nests at Punalu'u and other nearby beaches, which was good news. They usually return to their place of birth to nest. We had not had a nest on Punalu'u since 2018. Hawksbills are very sensitive to light, both when nesting and when trying to reach the ocean after they hatch. They recognize their ocean home by light reflecting off the water. Stranded mothers have been found circling underneath lighted structures. Baby turtles have been seen going towards artificial lights, even when the ocean was within 10 feet. Mother turtles are also very sensitive to activity on the beach and will not come up to lay eggs unless they feel safe. Carrying a heavy load of approximately 180 eggs, she may watch for days to access the safety of a beach. If she is unable to find a suitable location, she may release her eggs into the ocean. I'm very concerned about the increase in light caused by additional people on the beach, car traffic and stationary lights that would come with development. Any additional lights and increased beach activity during the nesting season (May through December)will have a negative impact on honu mothers and keiki. The proposed Punalu'u Village plans include an open market, public restroom, fish market and restaurant that are very close to the predominate turtle nesting habitat at Punalu'u. Also, the proposed Colony 2 of 63 Condominiums may have negative light impacts on another important nesting area known as Kaloa. If you've ever witnessed the "boil" of baby sea turtles, emerging as a group from their underground nest, it is amazing to see! I've been fortunate to watch tiny hawkbill hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. They sometimes look up at us with curiosity and it's clear to me that they have a sentience and an intelligence that is remarkable. I could not, in good conscience, support the development of the beach front at Punalu'u. Beyond the critically endangered hawksbills, there are several other points of concern: * First, regarding public commentary, having an important community meeting on a weekday doesn't offer adequate opportunity for the working people of Ka'u to attend. Please add an additional planning meeting on a Saturday.