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Endangered Species: Habitat for federally protected green sea turtles and endangered monk seals. <br />Development will threaten these species due to pollution and human disturbance. Golf Course Runoff: Golf <br />course pesticides and fertilizers lead to harmful algae blooms, killing coral and marine life. The removal of the <br />trees that act as a natural filter will allow golf course runoff to pollute the Bay. Increased Human Activity: More <br />tourists and residents will increase noise, water, and light pollution, further disturbing marine life. Motor <br />Vehicle Pollution: Increased traffic from the resort will lead to more oil and heavy metal runoff into the bay. <br />Noise Pollution: Construction and increased human activity will disrupt marine life, particularly cetaceans. <br />Stormwater Runoff: Development will increase impervious surfaces, leading to higher stormwater runoff and <br />pollution. Sea Foam Toxins: Pollutants in runoff can lead to toxic sea foam, affecting air quality and marine <br />health. Scientific Evidence: NOAA & Other Studies: Developments have always polluted coastal waters, <br />harming marine ecosystems. Coral Reefs: Runoff from developments causes coral bleaching and death, as <br />evidenced in Hawai'i and other coastal areas. Plankton Decline: Pollutants from runoff kill plankton, crucial for <br />manta rays' diet, leading to ecosystem collapse. Algae Blooms: Pollution runoff causes algae blooms, <br />smothering coral reefs and killing marine life. Ecosystem Research: Studies show significant negative <br />impacts on marine ecosystems from development-related runoff. Legal Concerns: Endangered Species Act: <br />Development violates the act's mandate to conserve habitats for endangered species. Hawaii Conservation <br />Laws: Local statutes require conservation of indigenous aquatic life and their ecosystems. Conservation <br />Mandate: Federal and state laws emphasize conserving ecosystems that support endangered species. <br />Infrastructure Issues: Resource Strain: Big Island already faces water shortages, limited landfill capacity, <br />and power conservation needs. Inadequate Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure cannot support additional <br />strain from a large resort development. Waste Management: Big Island's landfill is nearing capacity, and new <br />developments will exacerbate waste issues. Water Crisis: Ongoing drought and water contamination issues <br />make additional strain from new developments unsustainable. Power Conservation: Big Island is currently <br />experiencing power shortages and rolling blackouts, and new developments will increase demand. Case <br />Studies: Chesapeake Bay: Coastal developments cause significant harm due to runoff, a situation Keauhou <br />Bay could face. Hawaiian Islands: Existing research shows developments lead to severe degradation of coral <br />reefs and marine life. Global Examples: Similar coastal developments worldwide have resulted in long-term <br />environmental damage. Community Impact: Local Use: Keauhou Bay is a popular spot for local activities <br />such as boating, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, manta night dives, surfing, and swimming. <br />Tourist Impact: Increased tourist activity will further degrade natural resources and disturb local wildlife. <br />Economic Considerations: Tourism Dependence: Manta ray tours and other eco-tourism activities depend <br />on a healthy marine environment. Local Economy: Damage to the bay's ecosystem will negatively affect local <br />businesses reliant on marine tourism. Long-Term Costs: Environmental degradation will lead to long-term <br />economic costs, outweighing short-term development gains. Conclusion: Long-Term Impact: Allowing the <br />bungalow resort will permanently alter and likely destroy Keauhou Bay's ecosystem. Conservation Priority: <br />Emphasis on conserving the bay as a natural habitat for endangered species and marine life. Community <br />Responsibility: Urge decision-makers to consider the long-term environmental, economic, and community <br />impacts before approving the development <br />0 <br />Report <br />Alexis Stubbs <br />1 month ago <br />I'm not opposed to development, but I AM adamantly opposed to irresponsible development that neglects <br />community input, resources, and access. I strongly opposed development that exploits what's left of our <br />natural resources and Shorelines for the sake of profit. Too much already. Enough is enough. No more. <br />0 <br /> <br />