HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0559.015 2022-2024GaEAC�
P6.,�mz3
Clam 55
From:
Debbie Ward
Sent:
Saturday, October 28, 2023 12:46 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Chuck Flaherty
Subject:
Testimony for 330-23 Tuesday Oct 31 at 1 pm
Aloha, Council members,
I am a forty year resident of Puna, and am strongly in favor of Resolution 330-23 which seeks to protect and preserve
Kumukahi from unmanaged and unprotected access by folks who are not culturally connected or aware of the cultural and
natural resources of the lands. It is important that we have in place a management plan that addresses the challenges. This
plan being developed has the support of a large number of community members.
I strongly urge a delay in phasing the construction of a road impacted by 2018 lava, one of many phases addressed in the
FEMA EIS. The Kumukahi lands are held in private hands, with exception of an easement for the Coast Guard, whose personnel
only need to access the location for maintenance and battery replacement.
Opening a road without management in place will lead to unfettered access to the new lava coastline by persons unaware of
the rip fides and extreme currents will inevitably lead to higher costs for the County, for ambulances, search and rescue
personnel, and equipment.
I note that as a PONC commissioner, I have reviewed nominations of some of these private lands for consideration for
purchase by the County. Such a purchase might provide an opportunity for restrooms and safe access for visitors and for
enforcement, but no such provisions are in place now, so visitors that access the land illegally put both the landowner's and
the County's funds at risk.
Thank you for considering this resolution.
Sincerely, Deborah Ward
Comm. No.
Rof. To:
Ref. DateA 3 1 2023