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From: Svenia Telle <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Formal Opposition to Punalu"u Development Project,PL-SMA-2023-046 <br /> Date: Monday,March 4, 2024 12:31:24 PM <br /> I am writing to formally oppose the Punalu'u Development Project, specifically in regard to <br /> the Planning Commission's consideration of a Special Management Area Use Permit(SMA) <br /> based on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) from 2006. <br /> It is evident that the DEIS from 2006 does not adequately represent the contemporary needs <br /> and concerns of our community. Given the significant time lapse since its issuance, relying on <br /> this outdated document would be negligent and fail to accurately assess the current <br /> environmental and cultural landscape. <br /> Furthermore, the DEIS lacks a comprehensive and robust examination of the potential <br /> environmental and cultural impacts of the proposed development. In particular, it fails to <br /> sufficiently address the integration of community perspectives and the protection of <br /> indigenous cultural heritage, despite clear legislative mandates to do so. <br /> The cultural impact study conducted for the project must be revisited with rigorous attention to <br /> detail, ensuring that it fully encompasses the cultural and historical properties in the area, as <br /> well as native gathering and fishing rights. Failure to address these critical components <br /> undermines the integrity of the environmental review process and disregards the rights and <br /> interests of indigenous communities. <br /> Therefore, I demand that the Planning Commission uphold the standards set forth by HEPA <br /> and insist on the comprehensive updating of the DEIS to reflect current community needs and <br /> concerns. Anything short of this would be a dereliction of duty and a disservice to our <br /> community and its cultural heritage. <br /> Thank you for your attention to this matter. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Svenj a Telle <br /> "In a fear decades, the relationship between the environment, resources and conflict may seem almost as obvious as <br /> the connection we see today between human rights, democracy and peace." <br /> Wangari Maathai <br />