2013-01-10 Windward Transcript Paradise

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Specific impacts, Cultural Impacts - The proposed land site is a new lava landscape. In Hawaiian culture such landscapes are “some of the most sacred places.” The general area is “associated with the birth of Pelehonuamea and the creation of Hawaiian culture…Kupuna have stated that they feel the sight and presence of low-flying aircraft is culturally inappropriate.” The site is only 300 feet from the Volcano Park’s Kalapana Extension, which has been mentioned, where Native Hawaiians have legal rights to ”subsistence, cultural, and religious” activities. Noise Impacts – Natural impact, quiet has been said is one of the resources of Volcano Park, according to law and park policy. And helicopters shatter this quiet that can be heard for 10 to 15 minutes, for 5 to 10 miles on either side of their flight path in the Pu‛u O‛o area. And if they land and take off, of course, it’s a whole lot noisier. Helicopter noise already impacts volcano safety by masking speech and volcanic sounds, and interferes with data collection and radio use. We all know that helicopter noise has severely impacted people in their homes and in the wilderness for years, with little relief in sight. Helicopter noise at the proposed site could also disturb birds, like the endangered i‛o, in the remaining forest. Safety – Will the new lava safely support a landing platform? Paradise Helicopters says yes, but there’s no details in the environmental assessment how they arrived at that conclusion. Economics – Helicopter tours provide jobs, but so do quiet, unspoiled places that attract visitors. Existing Plans, the landing site does not follow County and community plans. The County General Plan calls for protecting, preserving, and enhancing the quality of areas endowed with natural beauty. The Puna Community Development Plan calls for keeping “areas of scenic and cultural interest…accessible to the public in a manner that does not detract from their aesthetic, natural and cultural value.” Data errors – Because of errors, the final Environmental Assessment and permit application do not provide an adequate basis for decision-making. There are errors regarding areas closed to visitors and air tour planning. And some of the maps and photos are from before the lava came in, they’re out of date. So I hope you will deny this permit. Thank you. AU: Thank you. Any questions for the testifier? No? Okay, thank you. The discussion ended at 9:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon M. Nomura, Secretary Windward Planning Commission 13 EXHIBIT A