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From: Erika Abellera <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Testimony for Punalu'u <br /> Date: Friday,May 3,2024 2:41:51 PM <br /> Dear County of Hawai'i Windward Planning Commission, <br /> Hello my name is Enka Abellera and I oppose of the development that is planned for Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. <br /> Although I reside in Las Vegas,NV but for me as a former resident of Ka'u(Pahala to be exact)who was raised <br /> there for 20 years of my life feels that this will not only take away the home feeling that I receive when I come home <br /> to visit but it will turn it into a city lifestyle for which we do not need.Punalu'u for all of us Ka'u people is our <br /> home away from home,we go there to gather some food recollect our minds and our thoughts.It's our time away <br /> from home where friends and family get together and enjoy the beach the exact way a beach is supposed to be <br /> enjoyed.Punalu'u is the closest beach for all us people from Ka'u,where we went to almost every weekend/and or <br /> day.Especially if you were someone who is from Pahala or Naalehu specifically.It's already sad as it is,that the <br /> beach has tum into a tourist spot.I mean look,I came home to visit a couple of years ago,and I took my fiance with <br /> me to the beach and it was on the weekend and we could not or rather I should say I could not enjoy and showcase <br /> to him the beach I grew up going to for 20 years of my life,due to the fact that it was overcrowded with tourist <br /> literally sitting next to each other almost close to being shoulder to shoulder by the main entry way as Ka'u people <br /> considered was the lei stand side.Us Ka'u people enjoyed it the way it was growing up and felt like no change is <br /> needed.There is too many sacred areas, sacred properties,and or sacred ancestors I have tied to that beach.I think <br /> instead of wanting to do this big development I think maybe up keeping with my making sure all our safety products <br /> are up-kept with like the fire hydrants as I came home to visit a couple months ago and saw one of them tilting to the <br /> ground and also maybe helping upkeep to make sure that the beach is kept clean. So yes with that being said I do <br /> oppose of this development they are trying to build. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Enka Abellera <br /> (Former Resident of Ka'u) <br />