2024-03-12 PL-SMA-2023-000046 R. Ebert Testimony

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DeVera, Ashley From: Ronald Ebert <ebertr001 @hawaii.rr.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 12:44 PM To: Roth, Mitch D; mitch.D.Roth@hawaiicounty.gov; Kern, Zendo; Planning Internet Mail; Galimba, Michelle M. Subject: Punalu'u Aloha, This note is concerning the proposed development of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain). My wife and I have lived at the corner of Highway 11 and Alahaki Road for 26 years. We are the longest full time continual residents of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain). We have watched the property and infrastructure decline over the years. Of great concern to me is the number of unfunctional fire hydrants. Years ago, when the Community Development Plan was being initiated the planning department had talk stories to learn what the residents of Ka'u thought were the most important issues to address. I was one of several facilitators of these talk story sessions, I led groups from Pahala to Ocean View. As I remember the results of the community's input was number 1. More and better shopping 2.Jobs. All other items were far behind these two items. I also served on the steering committee of the community development plan and heard testimony from a number of residences in public meetings and was also contacted by members of the community privately. I believe the majority of the community would be in favor of the proposed development, there was also a small very vocal group they were totally opposed to any change in this district. I have been a volunteer firefighter for the Hawaii County Fire Department for 23 years, have fought many, many fires on the property in question. The way it stands now not all of the fire hydrants are fully functionals and the well and water handling infrastructure has also deteriorated. The fire load (unburnt fuel) available is also very high. Although the current property manager there has fought many fires with us throughout our community, Punaluu included. I know that she has been working with our fire Captains and Fire Inspectors as well. But I am concerned that if the existing infrastructure is allowed to continue to deteriorate the existing condos and homes will be left in peril. Re-development would also require the sewer system be upgraded, the newer standards would have less impact on the ocean and aquatic life. The employment opportunities for people in this area would be huge also. Many people in this area are employed in either the Hilo or Kailua Kona area. I think if you look at the major sources of employment is either State (Highway Dept., Schools, Hospital and misc.) County(Police, Fire, Highway etc.)Another major source of income in Ka'u has to be from retired people with pensions, many from the mainland. Ka'u used to be a thriving area, Hilea just a mile up the hill from Punalu'u had several thousand people, Punalu'u itself was a thriving community. I believe this could once again be a thriving community. It has been my desire as an individual that has served the community in several voluntary roles to reflect what has appeared to be the majorities desires. Several people I've spoken to recently are concerned the beach area is being overwhelmed by visitors to the area and not leaving enough space for residents of the area. But Black Sands Beach LLC would like to put the ocean front into an easement conservation and is willing to work with the community. They will also be working on a plan to lessen the 1