2024-10-28 Aaron and Tamara Wade Testimony

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PL -USE -2024-000028 Written Testimony Such an extreme detraction from the area's obvious natural beauty will severely damage a resource that should be actively protected by the Commission for a variety of reasons ranging from the natural beauty, to the active presence of several endangered species, to the specific character of the local economy. For example, an organization seeking to develop an eco -retreat wanted to buy an 11 acre parcel in the adjacent subdivision. They immediately pulled out of the deal when they heard about the eel tower project. For this specific Lower Puna region, these sorts of eco -retreats are the dominant players in bringing in significant tourist dollars which translates to regular local employment and the introduction of new homebuyers and a stronger tax base. This has been the economic pattern here for decades. The cancelled deal is a direct expression of the values of the local economy, where cell service is definitely not the priority. It also speaks to the fact that these parcels abutting both a Natural Forest Reserve and undeveloped state land are specifically valued for their their peace and quiet and their incredible coastal views. The cancelled deal provides direct evidence that the proposed tower would immediately devalue property in the area. The unique character of the subject area is underscored by its historical use. On one adjacent parcel, there are remnants of a World War II bunker used by the US military to monitor the entire coastline. It has extraordinary views up and down the coast with line of sight down to the shore (no 150 foot tower required). There is also an historical Hawaiian trail that goes through the subject parcel and the adjoining subdivision. It was the ala pi'i uka (mountain -ocean trail) used by the Kikala Keokea ahupua'a for access to fishing and resources at various ecological zones at different elevations. This area is also home to the Hawaiian Bat and the Hawaiian Hawk, among other endangered species. The Hawaiian Hawk uses this area throughout the year as a nesting and mating ground. They only produce one egg every other year and multiple studies show that their reproductive success in the area is highly dependent on habitat quality. (Ciriifin et al. 1989, Kawano 2007). We simply ask, if the tower has to be here, that the project be brought more in line with the natural character of the location so as not to disproportionately damage the beauty, the habitat and economic opportunities available here. Because the applicant previously requested a `monopine' just across the road and AT&T already provides good service in the area with a 100' tower 2 miles away mauka and a 50' tower makai, we request that the tower be reduced to a 100 foot monopine. Mahalo for your consideration. Aaron and Tamara Wade