HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0941.035 2022-2024P / cour6
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From:
Rebecca Melendez
Sent:
Monday, August 5, 2024 10:31 AM
To:
Council Testimony; rsmith@lanihau.net
Subject:
SUPPORT Res. 561-24 C
Attachments:
Dead fish in a bag.jpg; Found in clumpster in Hawai'i from Aquarium Trad6.jpgi'—!
Aquarium Trade killed these fish.webp; Dead fish from Aquaarium Trade M
Hawai'imebp; Fished killed in Hawai'i by Aquarium Trade.webp; Hawai'i fish killed by
Aquarium Trade.webp
We MUST PRESERVE
LAND AND REEF FISH!
These dead reef fish were found in the Kailua Kona clumpster, left by the aquarium trade and here is the
site that has the report https://www.thedo—do—.com/aquaCium-trade-fish-2361244128.htmt Please MAKE
SURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN AND PRESERVE LAND AND SEA!
The Big Island DOES NOT have the resources for more big developments like this one and this petition
has 445 signatures as of Aug. 5th and more signatures are added daily. https://www.change.org/-/�h-e-lp-
prioritize-big-istand-developments-to-keep-istand-s-resources-safe-for-att
Help Prioritize Big Island Developments to Keep Island's Resources Safe for ALL
We stand to keep The Big Island in a place where the Island's resources and infrastructure are
safe for the entire population and visitors.
We stand and say homes for locals should MATTER more than mass vacation rentals.
If a home has multiple dwellings, we ask that one could be a vacation rental and the rest should
be housing for locals. Local housing needs to come before vacation rentals.
This is an island and it would help the island to have a building stipulation in where the
developer has to sell a high percentage to Hawaiians, and locals who have lived here for many
years, to help keep the increase in population at a resonable rate for the island's resources and
infrasture.
We ask that you read all articles below about Big Island resources and learn that the island's
resources are limited and are already being affected negatively.
All the development that has already been built, and the many years of new development that
has been approved for the future, will affect the island's resources, and we ask that you STOP
and look at Big Island resource to make sure that the island has the needed resources for all
the cleveloment that has been built and the approved development that will be bui
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future, before approving even more developments, for the safety of all who live here and visit
here.
We stand and ask that you stop before approving more and more developments and learn
what is happening to the island's resources and what will happen to the island's resources after
the years of development that is already scheduled for the future.
Because the island's resources are being severally impacted as of today.
What will future development do to the island's resources if there are already resource issues
happening today?
Please, learn how to take island resources seriously because you have approved many more
years of development to come and today the island's resources are having issues.
What will the future look like if you keep approving more developments and don't start look
and taking the island's resources seriously?
Read the articles below to learn what is happening to Big Island Resources
1) Hawaii Deals with Burgeoning Waste Management Problem
As landfills face closure and waste -to -energy projects stall, various counties in Hawaii are
dealing with waste management issues. Waste360 Staff January 10, 2020
"Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years
of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic
products that are no longer being recycled." https://www.waste360.coim/IlaindfiIII/hawaii-
2) "Big Island Now readers seem to agree that there's likely no single solution for slowing down
the timeline of the West Hawai'i Sanitary Landfill reaching capacity,
The West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill, the only remaining landfill on the Big Island, is forecast to
reach capacity within the next 20 to 25 years." lhtt.ps://bioislaindinow.com/202a/D9ll7 blic -
. . . . . ...... Ij_
island-now-p-QtL--mQ--27-itwits-moire-thain-oine-solution-needed-to-hellip-exteind-life-of-
west-hawaii-landfill-1111
3) Hawaii Island Has Decades of Landfill Space But Still Faces Challenges In Dealing With Its
Waste Hawaii Public Radio Published January 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM HST
"Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years
of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic
products that are no longer being recycled.
For the past four decades, trash from the east side of Hawaii Island has been dumped in a
landfill outside of Hilo. But now trash from all parts of the island is being trucked to a facility
north of Kona." lhttp5://www.lhawailipulblicradlio.orci/local-news/2020-01-09/hawaii-island-
has-decades-of-landfill-sipace-lbut-stillll-faces-challeng-in-dea iesn -w th- ts-waste
R—C-1 i i
4)"What happens to Hawaii Island's trash and recyclables? BY MICHELLE BRODER VANdyke
HAWAII ISLAND PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET DEC. 17,2022 By Michelle Broder Vandyke Hawaii
Island PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET Dec. lThe future of the landfill
The West Hawaii Landfill will be full in about 20 years. Finding a location for the next landfill is a
concern, according to the DEM officials. They said it will be challenging to find a location for a
future landfill because of stringent regulations and costs related to planning, environmental
regulations, design and construction that will take many years to complete. It will also require
community support." htt �ps-:[Lspectirumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2022/12/15/what-
hapoeins-to-lhawaii-isllaind-s-trash-aind-recvclables--
5) "The overwhelming plastic waste Hawaii visitors leave behind
By Natasha BourlinAug 24, 2023
Hawaii saw more than 9 million visitors last year. Those tourists' first stops are often big -box
and convenience stores, where they buy bottled water, plastic sand toys, single -use
bodyboards, noodles, floaties and inner tubes for their
trips." https://www.sfgate.coim/lhawaii/articlle/plastic-waste-hawaii-visitoirs-Ileave-
behind -1 828607(�ph p
6) "A county commission drafts ordinance aiming to ban recyclables at West Hawaii landfill By
Megan Moseley September 6, 2023 - 1:00 AM HST
* Updated September 6, 2023 -2:02 PM
Hawaii County's Environmental Management Commission is developing an ordinance that
aims to prohibit the amount of recyclable materials ending up in the island's only working
landfill." helps: ,Wgislandinow.coim/2023/09/06/inew-diraft-ordinance-aiims-to-ban-
irecvclalbles-at-west-hawaii-laindfi�iliI
7) " Hawai'i County issues mandatory 25% water restriction for North Kona August 7, 2023 - 5:21
PM HST
A mandatory 25% water restriction has been issued for various communities in North Kona due
to the failure of the Honok5hau Deepwell over the
weekend." http ://Ibliaislandinow.com/2023/`08/07/lhawaii-couinty-issues-imandAtQry:�Z5-
water-irestiriction-fair-north-lkoina
8) "Hawai'i Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues by Big Island Video
Newson Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm STORY SUMMARY
HAWAI'I COUNTY - Officials say a special focus will be placed on the South Kohala Water System,
which is more susceptible to drought
conditions." _Ihttps:www.bigisiaindvideonews.com/2023/11/06/water-sup"l -dosely-
moinitored-as-hawai%CA%BBi-undeir-seveire-dirog_qbtj
9) "Big Island Concerns About Water Quality Prompt A Lawsuit Over A Kona Sewage Plant
Kealakehe sewage plant discharges more than 1 million gallons of wastewater into a lava pit
near the ocean. By Paula Dobbyn / February 6, 2024
Settlement talks are scheduled in an environmental lawsuit involving a county -operated Big
Island sewage plant in Kona." lhtt s://www.civilbeat.org/2024/02/concerins-about-water-
quAlLity-promp -a-lawsuit-over-a-ko-sewage-sewa e-plaint
10) "Researchers find sewage from an oceanfront Big Island community reaches nearshore
waters Hawaii Public Radio I By Russell Subiono, Sophia McCullough Published December 20,
2021 at 5:56 PM HST
There are nearly 50,000 cesspools on the Big Island, with tens of thousands posing a risk to
water resources, according to the Hawaii Department of
Health." http_s://www.hawaiipublicradig.org/the-coinversation/2021-12-20/reseairchers-
fiind-sewage-froim-ain-oceanfroint-bia-islaind-community-reaclhes-rieairshore-wateirs
11) "Kona coast faces stark wastewater tradeoffs Current situation
There are approximately 88,000 cesspools across the state, releasing more than 200,000 cubic
meters of wastewater per day to the
environment. http-s:llwww.lhawaii.edu/inews/2021/09/10/koina-stark-wastewateir-
tradeoffsl
We ask that you start figuring out how this can never happen again? These are the kind of
issues that need to be resolved before you approve more development.
12) "BIG ISLAND NEWS HECO restores power after initiating emergency outages on Big Island
by: Elizabeth 'Ufi Posted: Jan 30, 2024 / 09:43 AM HST Updated: Jan 30, 2024 / 04:15 PM HST
An unexpected loss of several large Hawaii Electric generators left some residents on Big Island
without power for parts of the morning on Tuesday, Jan. 30." h-ttIps: //www.khon2.coirn /big-
island-news/lheco-iinitiates-30-imiin-rolllling-outacies-after-loss-of-Cleinerators/
13) Hawai'i State News Update: Hawaiian Electric initiates rolling outages throughout Big Island
February 13, 2024 - 5:23 PM HST
* Updated February 14, 2024 - 4:21 PM
The emergency outages are being initiated in various areas around the entire island to prevent
loss of power to an even greater number of customers. The timing and extent of the outages
will depend on the amount of demand on the system and the availability of
generators." Ihttps://biigisiaindnow.coim/2024/02/13/lhawaiii-isiaind-customers-askked-to-
reduce-electricit -use
14) "LOCAL NEWS
HECO issues rolling power outages around Big Island by: Emily Cervantes Posted: Feb 13, 2024 /
05:11 PM HST Updated: Feb 13, 2024 / 09:12 PM HST Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages
for Big Island after several large generators became unavailable and reduced output Tuesday
night."
h s://www.lklhon2.com/Ilocal-news/lheco-ireleases-conservatiioin-alert-for-big-islannd/
15) "Here's how power outages can have repercussions for Hawai'i's water supply Hawaii
Public Radio ( By Savannah Harriman-Pote
Published February 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM HST
Water departments on O'ahu and Hawai'i Island have advised customers to conserve water
ahead of possible storm -related power outages this month.
But what does the power grid have to do with the water supply?
It is impossible to separate Hawaii's power system from its water system, said Kawika Uyehara,
deputy director of Hawai'i County's Department of Water
Supply." hips://www.hawaiipu blicradio.orcl/local-news/2024-02-13/iresiideints-on-hawaii-
island-and-oalhu-acre-asked-to-connserve-water-am id-power-ouatages
16) U.S. Hawaii is "on the verge of a greater catastrophe," locals say, as water crisis continues
By Li Cohen
Updated on: April 11, 2024 / 8:23 AM EDT / CBS News
In Hawaii, one of the most important sayings is ola i ka wai, "water is life" — a phrase that not
only sums up what it means to exist on an island, but what it means to live, period. But now,
one of the largest of the island chain's land masses is facing a triple threat to its sole freshwater
source, and if it isn't addressed soon, one community member says, "we're in deep trouble."
hut s://www.cbsinews.com/news/hawaiii-waterr-ciriisiis-ciiimate-chain e/
17) NewsHawai'i County issues mandatory 25% water restriction for North Kona
August 7, 2023 - 5:21 PM HS
A mandatory 25% water restriction has been issued for various communities in North Kona due
to the failure of the Honokohau Deepwell over the weekend.
hnlpsiissues-ima.indatoiry-25-wate_r_
irestriictioin-lf•or-north-lkan-4/
18) Hawai'i Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues
by Big Island Video News
on Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm
(BIVN) - With an ongoing drought on the island of Hawai'i, the Hawai'i County Department of
Water Supply says it is closely monitoring its 23 public water systems, with a "special focus"
placed on the South Kohala Water System.
lhttos://www.bigislandvideoinews.com/2023/11/06/wateir-sui ly-(josely-monitored-as-
hawai%CA%M-under-severe-drou ht
This is a map of Power Outages on the Big Island. This map wouldn't have been created if
Power Outages were not a problem. http_s=//www.hawaiianelectric.coim/safety-and-
outacies/[)ower-outages/hawaii-island-outage-imqp
Please, give Tax Breaks to all homes that provide solar and/or wind turbine to there homes to
help with power issues on the island.
20) "Hawaiian Electric is reporting that several large generators on the Big Island are
experiencing a range of issues and may lead to the need for rolling outages if supply does not
meet demand."
Lhqtp - //www.reddit.com /ir/BigIsIland/com ments/1 bin u ar3lh awa i ia n ellectric is irepprtinc .gj_
that several larae/?rdt=52660
21) "NewsHawaiian Electric asking Big Island customers to conserve power due to down
generators
March 25, 2024 - 11:49 AM HST
According to the utility company, this is an usual situation as the large generators are
experiencing mechanical problems resulting in a reduced output. The largest generator, an
independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiian Electric, is offline with significant
mechanical issues.
The plant generates 60 megawatts or nearly one-third of the typical peak demand of 180
megawatts on the island."
t4qp -ellectric-asIlking big-islaind-customeirs-to-
.._5://biqis1laindinpw.cqm/2 24/03/25/hawaiiain _:W
coin se rve-power-d q e-to-d owin -q e ne rators
The articles above show that Big Island resources are currently being negatively affected from
the development on island, and there are years of new development that has already been
approved, and even more development is still being approved before learning if the island's
resources can handle more development.
This needs to STOP, and island resources need to be addressed and taken seriously.
We stand to say LEARN WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE ISLAND'S RESOURCES before approving
more development because this is an island, and if there is not enough resources for the
developments that are here now, how will there be enough resources for the developments
you have approved for the future?
If the island doesn't have enough resources for the developments as of now, there won't be
enough resources for developments that have not been approved as of yet, and we ask that
you say NO to ALL future developments until you FULLY understand that the island's resources
can accomodate future develpments.
We stand and say that Big Island resources needs to be FULLY considered before any more new
development is approved for the safety of ALL who live here and visit.
There are many, many developments that have been approved for years to come and we stand
and say we need to learn how the island's resources will be affected when these developments
are finished before you keep approving more and more developments!
We stand and say NO DEVELOPING ON BURIAL GROUND. The history of the island needs to be
preserved and the burial grounds need to be respected at all costs.
We stand and ask to make it mandatory for vacation rentals and ALL resorts and hotels to
provide drinking water machines to their guests to help stop all the empty water bottle waste
on the island.
We stand and ask to make it mandatory for vacation rentals and ALL resorts and hotels to
provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash in bulk containers rather than continuously using
small, different containers for every new guest, to help stop all the empty bottles waste in the
limited landfill.
We ask for an Enviormental Impact Report to be done to learn what is safe for Big Island
resources with future developments and the population that live here now and will move here
in the future.
How can we be sure to have enough landfill, water, sewer, power —for everyone? This needs to
be learned.
Also, there are mostly only 2 lanes throughout the entire Big Island and some places where cars
cannot pull over if an ambulance needs to get by.
The traffic has seriously increased and if the island's population keeps increasing there will be
hours and hours of constant serious traffic in the near future, how will ambulances get by in
emergencies?
What if there is a tsunami and people need to get to higher ground? Will they be able to get to
higher ground in a safe time without the infrastructure to accomodate the increase in
population?
We stand and ask that you start increasing the infrastructure to accomoclate the traffic before
you approve more developments.
The island's small road infrastructure isn't made for a high population and that needs to be
taken seriously.
We ask for another hospital to be built, as well as a trauma center and dive chamber to be put
on the island to accommodate all types of injuries because of all the years of new future
development that you have already approved, these buildings will be needed.
Alii Drive is only two lanes and right now there are three huge developments in progress, and
over 10 more acres of land on this street has just been approved for even more development
on this street.
Did you research to learn how this one road can handle more development before your
approval?
Did you research and check on the island's resources before you approved this and many other
developments all over the Big Island?
We stand to say, stop development to learn how roads will handle all the new homes that you
have already approved for years to come before more development is approved because right
now there is serious traffic issues all over Big Island?
We stand to say what are you doing about the growth in homeless ontheisland? We stand and
ask that this be taken seriously.
Mmz��•
All of the Big Island towns have parking issues, especially during high tourist seasons and
especially Ironman.
The land at the bottom of Henery St. has been for sale for a new resort for years and the town
needs parking. Would it be possible to use that land for town parking instead of another
resort?
With more subdivisions comes more cars and the island towns are already overcrowded with
parking issues. How will parking Improve with more houses? Is the Hawaii Planning
Department considering the parking issues?
There is vacant land next to Lavern's in Kona town, can you build a parking lot there?
We stand and ask for you to find a way to improve the parking issues before approving more
development because parking and traffic are increasing.
There are over 50,000 cesspools on The Big Island. We stand to say that all cesspools be
upgraded or converted into a toilet such as the one below ASAP, to stop waste water pollutin in
the ocean around the island.
Please, give Tax breaks to all those who change from a cesspool to a toilet such as the
Cinderella Cinder lhttps://cinderellaeco.com/ein-us this does not use water and is a way to get
rid of cesspools so they stop polluting the ocean that we all swim in today.
If you agree with this info, please sign this petition.
There are many new homes that have been approved for future development and are currently
being built right now and today, the island has many resources issues before these
developments are complete.
This petition states that we strongly OPPOSE approving new development applications because
the island's resources are currently having serious issues, as you can see from the articles
above, and many more homes have already been approved for future years of developments.
You need to learn how island resources will be affected by these years of future developments
before aproving more developments.
There are many big black and white signs on vacant lands that have development application
information and Tax Map Key numbers for new developments and they are all over the island.
What will the island become if you don't start taking island resources seriously?
The safety of all our lives is in your hands. Please, take that seriously!
Reasons for signing
See why other supporters are signing, why this petition is important to them, and share your
reason for signing (this will mean a lot to the starter of the petition).
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Michele Ma gi4 hours ago
The manta ray population in this area is rare and an experience sought after by
wonderful people all over the world. Don't f*ck it up!
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LibWl week ago
If the island is not protected, there will be no island. Respect the land. Respect the
people.
Em.
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Francesca LAFON"rAINE-C6"rt2 weeks ago
For me it is so important to protect the nature and the biodiversity of Hawaii. There is
enough tourism and enough accommodations for tourists and the priority should be to
preserve and protect the marine life and environment, not to make money ! Animals
were there first and they must be respected and preserved.
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Jenniier W2 weeks ago
Environmental Impact: Pollution Risk: Developments pollute nearby waters both during
and after construction. Endangered Species: Habitat for federally protected green sea
turtles and endangered monk seals. Development will threaten these species due to
pollution and human disturbance. Golf Course Runoff: Golf course pesticides and
fertilizers lead to harmful algae blooms, killing coral and marine life. The removal of the
trees that act as a natural filter will allow golf course runoff to pollute the Bay. Increased
Human Activity: More tourists and residents will increase noise, water, and light
pollution, further disturbing marine life. Motor Vehicle Pollution: Increased traffic from
the resort will lead to more oil and heavy metal runoff into the bay. Noise Pollution:
Construction and increased human activity will disrupt marine life, particularly cetaceans.
Stormwater Runoff: Development will increase impervious surfaces, leading to higher
stormwater runoff and pollution. Sea Foam Toxins: Pollutants in runoff can lead to toxic
sea foam, affecting air quality and marine health. Scientific Evidence: NOAA & Other
Studies: Developments have always polluted coastal waters, harming marine ecosystems.
Coral Reefs: Runoff from developments causes coral bleaching and death, as evidenced
in Hawai'i and other coastal areas. Plankton Decline: Pollutants from runoff kill plankton,
crucial for manta rays' diet, leading to ecosystem collapse. Algae Blooms: Pollution.
runoff causes algae blooms, smothering coral reefs and killing marine life. Ecosystem
Research: Studies show significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems from
development -related runoff. Legal Concerns: Endangered Species Act: Development
violates the act's mandate to conserve habitats for endangered species. Hawaii
Conservation Laws: Local statutes require conservation of indigenous aquatic life and
their ecosystems. Conservation Mandate: Federal and state laws emphasize conserving
ecosystems that support endangered species. Infrastructure Issues: Resource Strain:
Big Island already faces water shortages, limited landfill capacity, and power
conservation needs. Inadequate Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure cannot support
additional strain from a large resort development. Waste Management: Big Island's
landfill is nearing capacity, and new developments will exacerbate waste issues. Water
Crisis: Ongoing drought and water contamination issues make additional strain from
new developments unsustainable. Power Conservation: Big Island is currently
experiencing power shortages and rolling blackouts, and new developments will increase
demand. Case Studies: Chesapeake Bay: Coastal developments cause significant harm
due to runoff, a situation Keauhou Bay could face. Hawaiian Islands: Existing research
shows developments lead to severe degradation of coral reefs and marine life. Global
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Examples: Similar coastal developments worldwide have resulted in long-term
environmental damage. Community Impact: Local Use: Keauhou Bay is a popular spot
for local activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, manta
night dives, surfing, and swimming. Tourist Impact: Increased tourist activity will further
degrade natural resources and disturb local wildlife. Economic Considerations: Tourism
Dependence: Manta ray tours and other eco-tourism activities depend on a healthy
marine environment. Local Economy: Damage to the bay's ecosystem will negatively
affect local businesses reliant on marine tourism. Long -Term Costs: Environmental
degradation will lead to long-term economic costs, outweighing short-term development
gains. Conclusion: Long -Term Impact: Allowing the bungalow resort will permanently
alter and likely destroy Keauhou Bay's ecosystem. Conservation Priority: Emphasis on
conserving the bay as a natural habitat for endangered speciesandmarine life.
Community Responsibility Urge decision -makers to consider the long-term
environmental, economic, and community impacts before approving the development
MN
RIP
Alexis Stubbs2 weeks ago
I'm not opposed to development, but I AM adamantly opposed to irresponsible
development that neglects community input, resources, and access. I strongly opposed
development that exploits what's left of our natural resources and Shorelines for the
sake of profit. Too much already. Enough is enough. No more.
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�Mu.rql month ago
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Keep Kona country NO MORE STOLEN LANDS
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KATHI BALB11 month ago
Hospitals need to be updated first. Fix what you have before you build any more new
construction.
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melissa Sobkowiczl month ago
We need to work on the current infrastructure prior to more development.
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•i'Malleyl month age
Enough is enough! The County needs to deal with its neglected infrastructure before
allowing anymore "Resorts"
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Pali Menchl month ago
No development until adequate infrastructure. Roads, water, electric, sewer, schools. All
of these are alreadv overburdened.
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• Carolan Cash2 months ago
Getting dangerous as more and more folks moving here. Plus all the proposed
developments. Give us a break
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Sullivan2 months ago
0 MW
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Ferol Kolons5 months ago
I'm tired of all this development with no infrastructure. I spend so much time stuck in
traffic and it's raining my life in Hawaii. I can't imagine being stuck in an ambulance that
is stuck in traffic. People will die and ... Read more
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Away e5 months ago
The beauty and historical values are very significant. Sea turtles will loose their homes
and/or became endangered. It's time to put a stop to the greedy people developing the
land. What else must we endure?
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Voubil year ago
It's important to preserve local lifestyle
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Caroline N Ln�mssl year ago
Hawaiian lands as not -just for tourists and the rich.
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Andrea Kanial year ago
The land should not be destroyed. Focus on locals being able to afford housing. Stop the
greed.
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3rterl year ago
Needs to be a halt on wealthy mainlanders rushing the B.I. driving up house pricing.
Many of these people don't even live here FULL-TIME.
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Undajqhls1year ago
There are too many homeless locals
am
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yeaaago
Big Island residents are impacted by all the high end development promoted by real
estate business, the planning department and Mayor driving the high cost to live on the
island beyond affordability. Native Hawaiians r forced to leave their homeland replaced
by wealthy mainlanders changing Native Hawaiian & local culture to include political
views not favorable to long-established residents on Big Island. Hawaii County is
becoming not much different than stateside culture. We are losing our uniqueness &
delicate ecostructure is being damaged.
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90 Kamauu2 years a 1�
We need to be able to live here too! We shouldn't be priced out of our homes
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Local families are priced out of housing market.
Annette Reygs2 years ago
The laws should be that any residential property that is sold in Hawaii, must be sold to
other residents that have lived here as full time residents for 5 consecutive years or
more, immediately before the actual buying of the residence. Proof must be submitted
including 5 years or more of their income taxes filed in Hawaii as full time residents.
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Pam Shultise2 years ago
We need affordable housing!
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Kurt Fau_t2 years ago
Simply put, the traffic on Kamehameha III Road, should this project be completed, will be
similar to that fronting Hulihe'e Palace and the pier. Tourists clamoring to swim and
recreate on the bay, ride on the snorkel and fishing boats, and passing through to the
Outrigger Keauhou Bay Hotel will irreversibly and negatively affect the peaceful nature of
this gem of an ocean masterpiece. I am firmly against the construction of the through
road from Ali'i Drive to the Hotel.
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Ana Ch ,I,kenak2 years ago
My home is becoming over populated
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years ago
We are already overpopulated, our ecosystem is altered each time portions of this land is
cleared to make way for another structure or roadway, this invites the outsiders of
wealth to buy and continues to suppress locals and natives from living a basic or simple
affordable life. This depletes and disrupts our beautiful historical hawai'i nei.
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Frank Rom2 years ago
Seems population growth is out pacing infrastructure development by too big a margin.
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decisions being made. Infrastructure, roads, culturally significant land, and traffic are�ust
a few of the things to consider. We need to move forward carefully. We must stop
corruption. All money should go to where it's intended not someone's pocket. We need
more auditing. Mahalo.
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' years ago
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Hleidi e2 years ago
We don't need more housing unless we have enough natural resources .. and we need
affordable housing not more second homes for people
IC
am
Ethan Olins2 years ago
As it is there's not nearly enough infrastructure or decent shoreline access in Kona and
BI in general. Aole.
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We need more affordable housing for locals -I'm in the construction industry & all I see is
lots being cleared to build for outsiders.
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MN
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•cover2 years ago
There is too much housing here owned by people who only live here for a few months
each year! Meanwhile the locals suffer.
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Karen !r2 years ago
We already need infrastructure improvements.
M.M.
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Fianna :asaarande2 years ago
I'm signing because lots of locals family's as well as local family business are being
kicked out of there long time generation or -Just
Just starting businesses, and family can't
afford to live in there own home in which they were planing on staying in forever to raise
there kid let there kids raise there kids etc.. almost everyone is moving out to ocean view
because it's the only thing we can afford due to lots being underpaid as an employee, so .
when can we ever win honestly, it's like we get this but you gotta do this how is that fair?
I get we're the biggest island but not every haole has to live here vacationing is enough
to make our system run, so please keep in mind to those who want to build and kick all
current residents out who have been there for YEARS keep in mind that they have a
family to care for and sometimes there's only ONE person who is able to work and
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provide for the whole entire house... be thoughtful don't ruin our lives and make us all
homeless
I
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Markaxelson
0 10 comments were added to the list
I would like Hawaii Island to NOT become like the island of OAHU!
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=0
;mith2 vears aao
The big island can not handle MORE VEHICLES MORE PEOPLE WITHOUT PROPER
INFRASTRUCTURE!!!!!
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years ago
Hawaii belongs to Hawaiians NOT real estate agents.
am
0 °
years ago
To save the big island don't want more people moving here
go Lipy2 years ago
I don't want Kona to become Honolulu
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so
Kittrena LrgAp2 years ago
Enough is enough. Kailua Kona sewage seeping into the ocean for decades. All homes
sold to people flocking in and no own who lives or born here, one white or blue collar
workers can buy a home. I bought a house with a mortgage well over a decade ago and
the price for a termite home trashed by tenants was $250,000. Now can be be sold for
$700,000. Bizarre.
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"'PiMPIAR F
Lisa I Sims2 years ago
Growth in Kona has skyrocketed. Keep Kona a small town or there won't be any natural
land left
Report
J-gn Hq-Itqn2 years ago
I agree with the issues stated in the petition.
Report
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DenjALIey2 years ago
Keep Hawaii Island country!
Frederick Smith2 years ago
No new development until we update public infrastructure like roads and sewage. It's
amazing how far out of control this has gotten already.
1
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Here is another petition with 1,380 signatures to Stop the Royal Vistas Development from wrecking Kona
Hawaii https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-royal-vistas-development-from-wrecking-kona-hawaii?signed=trLLe
38 YEARS IS ENOUGH
STOP ROYAL VISTAS DEVELOPMENT FROM GETTING A 10 YEAR EXTENSION AND RUINING
MANY HAWAII NEIGHBORHOODS
MANY BORING FACTS ARE BELOW, BUT YOU GET THE IDEA FROM THE HEADLINE, SO PLEASE
JUST SIGN THE PETITION AND PREVENT THIS DEVELOPER FROM PAVING PARADISE AND
INSTALLING A HIDEOUS 450 UNIT HOUSING PROJECT WHERE INFRASTRUCTURE ISN'T THERE
IF YOU WANT MORE INFO GOOGLE "FIGHT ROYAL VISTAS"
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"Kona Three LLC" wants to extend their application for final approval to build 450 units over a
decade, of "market rate" For Sale multi -unit 2 and 3 story townhouses and units that will be
purchased for use as short and long-term rentals on 2 parcels TMK 7-6-021 016 and TMK 7-6-
021 017, formerly zoned Agricultural. In the process, all traces of Pre -Contact life (late 1400s)
through important remnants of early industry on this historic apuahua'a with its folklore
connections to both King Kamehameha and Queen Lili'uokalani will disappear forever.
Reasons to oppose this zoning change and this development include:
The Kona Community Development Plan, under which this Project was proposed in 1984, is
currently undergoing extensive review, as Harry Kim noted in his response to the Kona Three
LLC Environmental Assessment in 2021.
Archaeological and Cultural Importance
Agricultural Zoning
Water Supply
o Sewage Hookup/
Wastewater Treatment
Rainwater / Landscaping Runoff
Wildlife - Including Endangered and Listed Species
Traffic Impact on Hwy 11 which gridlocks morning / afternoon
Over 900 vehicles (2700 est. trips/day) added to a congested 2 lane roadway
Adding an intersection without traffic signals
Use of neighborhood streets for construction.
Traffic impact on local roadways
o Lako Street / Kuakini merge / Walua Trail / School Bus Stop all become more dangerous
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o Impact of Multi -Year Construction on quiet neighborhoods
Impact on schools that are at or over capacity
Proposed Housing is Inappropriate for Local Needs
Proposed Housing Style is not in keeping with the neighbor Community.
o Existing neighborhoods are single family ranch style houses
o Development proposes duplex, 4plex, 6plex 40 feet clusters
Further Information:
• Original developer had procured extensions through 2011. Kona Three LLC became the
next owner in 2015, submitting incomplete environmental assessments. It has exceeded time
extensions multiple times while still not fully addressing 4 lane access and egress through
Lako/Kuakini/Queen K installation, among other issues.
• The Kona Community Development Plan, under which this Project was proposed in 1984,
is currently undergoing extensive review, as Mayor Harry Kim noted in his 2021 response to the
Kona Three LLC Environmental Assessment.
Conflict of Interest
Current Planning Director Kern was previously the spokesperson/agent for the then
named "Kona Village", presenting the Kona Three LLCs plan for it to an assembly of Kona
Vistas homeowners. The "Kona Village" Environmental Assessment for "Kona Village",
submitted in 2018, was done by Zendo Kern. Mr Kern should recuse himself from all decisions
regarding the development because of an obvious relationship with Kona Three LLC.
Archaeological and Cultural Importance
• Multiple and significant archaeological sites and burials are located on the parcel.
• Archeological sites are spread across multiple adjacent parcels. Developments such as this
obliterate archaeological and cultural heritage one project at a time.
• Plan will destroy stone walls that appear to be a continuation of the Holualoa Slide descending
from the Holualoa Inn property.
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Preservation Council Support*
Pulama is Kona Heritage Preservation Council supports saving these parcels from development
Agricultural Zoning
• Land has historical significance*, evidenced by its location in line with both the Holualoa heiau
and the Kealakowa'a heiau in the Holualoa 1 &2 ahupua'a. Historical research indicates the
land between the two heiau was used in the transport of huge trees from Pihopono (the
Holualoa Forest Preserve) by use of a holoa extending from heiau to heiau, hence the name
Holua loa "The long slide"
Water Supply
• Neighbors already experience low water pressure even at lower elevations.
• The developer insists that, having paid for 450 water meters, he will be constructing 450 units,
despite our already challenged supply.
Drought
• Kona and all Hawai'i faces current and predicted increasing drought conditions; climate
change causes greater weather uncertainty, increasing drought risk.
Sewage Hookup / Wastewater Treatment
• The Developer had expressed his plan to connect to the Pualani Estates sewer system,
however the Kealakehe sewage treatment plant is already OVER capacity if all current homes
were hooked up, as required by law. The only reason there is capacity today is because all
current homes are not yet connected.
Rainwater / Landscaping Runoff/ Diverting Streams
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• Because of the placement of Royal Vistas on the leeward flank of Hualalai's "shield"
configuration, well-defined drainage features are lacking, as noted under the FLOOD HAZARD
section on p3-1 of the Grey Infrastructure Report in the Kona Community Development Plan.
This will cause additional episodes of flooding and road wash -out as noted in the runoff and
pollution, harming coral reefs and damaging the ocean.
Horseshoe Bend and the Holualoa Stream on the parcels are listed in the second paragraph of
3.1.1, (under the heading North Kona Flood Hazard Analysis,) as one of the seven intermittent
drainage ways studied by the North Kona Flood Plain Management Study (1984) by the US Soil
Conservation Service (presently Natural Resources Conservation Service. (The developer has
already diverted a portion of these.) The Study proposed among the 6 non-structural and 4
structural alternatives for flood zone management:
Non -Structural Measures: #2. Establish and maintain appropriate vegetative cover, #3 Enforce
county grading ordinance to reduce erosion and sedimentation. #4, Enforce land use zoning to
restrict future development within flood plain areas. #5 Initiate state/county tax incentives for
keeping flood plain areas in recreational and/or open space use.
Structural: #1. Require all
new developments to dispose of their runoff on site.#3. Improve road culverts and bridges to
carry larger discharge and provide additional ones where needed.
Noting all of the details in the Study, one must be concerned at the potential for property loss
within the new development as a result of 1) removing huge amounts of vegetative cover plus
2) eliminating much of the recharge by adding foundations and paving driveways and
roadways of a sufficient width to accommodate the inevitable roadside parking and traffic
passage. Uphill of the developed area is the Queen K/ Kuakini intersection which could be
impacted as well..
Wild life
• Area is home to, and hunting grounds for, the endangered Pueo and Hoary Bats, Hawaiian
owls, the endangered and listed Blackburn's Sphinx Moth and many other forms of valued
permanent and migratory wildlife.
• Birds and animals do not limit their territory to human map lines. Conservation must be
considered on a regional, not individual parcel, basis.
• Only "native" plants are considered important in the developer plans, but all flora in the area
are essential to valued local birds and animals.
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Traffic Impact - Neighborhood
• Kona Three LLC has used low traffic periods for the timing of each new traffic study.
• There will be at minimum, an additional 900 vehicles from Royal Vistas that will add to the
already congested intersection of Lako with Kuakini/Queen K multiple times daily following the
months/years of construction machinery daily passing in front of houses on Keau Street,
Leilani, Sunset and Lako Street, which surround the property will suffer huge increases in traffic
flow.
• Destruction of walkability/safety of Kona Vistas streets. People of all ages currently walk, push
strollers, run, exercise pets, play ball and socialize in a COVID-safe manner as well as do those
who park on Lako to utilize the Wailua Trail on a daily basis. This lower section of Lako is also a
school -bus stop.
Traffic Impact - Community
• Cumulative traffic impact of yet another subdivision in the local area is unbearable. Multiple
high -end housing projects along Ali'i Drive are both proposed and in development, and a 150+
room boutique luxury hotel is proposed at Keauhou Bay.
• Traffic study of Ali'i Drive was done during COVID-1 9 restrictions, when Ironman was canceled,
schools were remote, and tourism was limited. The numbers are meaningless.
Impact of Multi -Year Construction on Quiet Neighborhoods
• Build -out of a new subdivision will be a multi -year undertaking, including ongoing transport
and use of pile drivers, bulldozers, graders, cement and dump trucks, cranes and other heavy
equipment.
• Resultant noise pollution, dust, vibration, and consequent mental and emotional stress to the
neighborhood residents, including kupuna and keiki, cannot be overstated.
• Kona Vistas, Iolani, and Pualani Estates homes were not built to withstand years of adjacent
construction, especially not the "shield"- transmitted vibrations of a decade -long process.
Impact of Multi -Year Construction on Remote Working
• Kona Vistas, lolani, and Pualani Estates residents working from home will be significantly and
adversely impacted in their provision of higher education, mental health, housing, sustainable
energy, architecture design, fine arts, and other services to the community.
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Housing Inappropriate for Local Needs
- While we do not agree that this property is appropriate for development, what is needed in
Kona is low- and moderate -income housing for local families (teachers, for example). The price
point of this project would exclude this demographic. Rental units are not appropriate for this
established community. The proposed housing density is inappropriate for this island.
Kona Three LLC has cited the Kona Community Development Plan (KDCP) for presumptive
justification. The KCDP was a development -oriented aspirational County document created in
1984, which is currently under extensive review because of Community concerns regarding its
outdated "urban expansion" plan for most of Kailua Kona, from Palamanui to Keauhou. Do
we really want Kona to become another Honolulu?
Reasons for signing
See why other supporters are signing, why this petition is important to them, and share your
reason for signing (this will mean a lot to the starter of the petition).
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Andrew Hefner3 weeks ago
Another example misaligned growth plans that harm the local population and ecology to further
enrich already wealthy landowners and developers. This is the development SOP for most of this
country and it needs to stop before this country becomes unlivable.
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LjULkgqj1g4 weeks ago
Stop turning our green spaces into cement spaces.
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°
0
weeks ago
I opppose this development in our community. Flooding is emminent if we allow this to be
developed
interl month ago
0
We need the proper infrastructure for emergency evacuation before we build more residences.
ffy2months ago
Enough is ENOUGH
�ever2 months ago
Keep Kona countr
t
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0
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Shirley Baker2 months ago
Shirley Wineman
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TERRY ROWNE2 months ago
We have enough high end homes! We need affordable housing
am
0 Flacrnn &Elder - lamieson2 months ago
We need more infrastructure upgrades before any housing is considered.
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julie_Lawrence2 months ago
W,
This development is not appropriate for the area
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4 REAL2 months ago
Cynthia Real
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pawn vtimer2 months ago
Pamela Santimer
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•
#3
Maddie Murdock2 months ago
Kona Hawaii is beautiful and deserves to keep its natural floral beauty. And we need the natural
beauty to live and to keep the Earth.
0
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0
lames 2 months ago
Want Kona protected from govt housing and unsympathetic developers
I$]
•..
Susan Kikumoto2 months ago
I love my home.
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im wriqjut2 months ago
There is not sufficient infrastructure in the area to handle the added traffic, school needs,
hospitals, water, electricity, etc.
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*0
)rd2 months ago
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I lived in the Kailua-Kona area for 20 years and hope to return to West Hawaii soon, Given the lack
of health professionals, hospital facilities, adequate roads (have these developers tried to drive
from the airport to Kealakekua in the afternoon lately?), reliable water pumps, schools... and so
forth, how exactly do they propose to help the community deal with these issues? Will they build a
modern hospital? Or a few modern schools? Provide a few dozen new doctors and nurses? It's
unlikely in the extreme. I am against this development and any extensions they seek.
am
0 °
months ago
As a Hawaiian, it is important to me to protect cultural and historical lands from over
development which negatively impacts our forest land, the native plants, and wild life, the open
spaces. Not to mention the historical sites that remain. Please do not let this project continue.
0 °
months ago
The project was originally approved in 1984. It does not make sense now. The cultural impact was
not considered in 1984. The area is culturally sensitive and should be protected. The
infrastructure can not support an additional 450 homes. We do NOT need more short term rentals.
Especially not in neighborhoods,
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Williarn fenhagen2 months ago
The housing is going to be too expensive for ordinary folks. The highway cannot support an
increase of traffic of that magnitude. Construction traffic will impact pualani estates residents
adversely. When is enough enough?
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et spitle 2 months ago
there is not enough infrastructure for more building on this highway.
M
ILOM
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Phyllis janson2 months ago
Too many changes in even 10 years; no way should there continue to be extension after extension.
Not against more development, but it needs to be within current guidelines, not ones from
decades ago.
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Ighn C-qoke2 months ago
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This development must not happen!
Report
001
Kirn Malloy Malloy2 months ago
No new development on an already over developed area. Kona doesn't have the infrastructure to
support such a new development as this one. No more STVR'S ... please! Visitors can stay in the
hotels that were built for them. We're in a housing crisis here already and are pushing the local
Kanaka Maoli out which is despicable. Affordable housing for the Kanaka Maoli is what is needed
here. Not this kind of development.
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Brittany M9 months ago
NO INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THIS!!
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Laura posqrl year ago
Right thing to do.
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Ethan Olinsl year ago
There's inadequate infrastructure in Kona as it is and this area is already a highly impacted and
congested corridor on Queen Ka'ahumanu highway.
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0 Cindy O'eitasl year ago
There are 22 sites identified during the current AIS study were assessed significant under
criterion "a", "T, and "c" (Escott and Mello 2019) NO MORE DESSECRATION under HRS 711-1107,
Article 12 section 7 cultural Traditional Practices is who I am. Mahalo Cindy Freitas
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Andrea Kanial year ago
The land should not be destroyed. Focus on locals being able to afford housing. Stop the greed.
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°
year ago0
We need to stop destroying the lands of HawaiT Aole!
years ago
Our current infrastructure cannot support a complex of this size
years ago
t
Another unnecessary proJect adding to more overdevelopment in Kona.
IC
years ago
Enough already. Fix what's already here and make life affordable ag�Cln.
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Nohea Knudsen2 years ago
Nole, enough is enough
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Marcy I'M "Ie 2 years ago
There is not the infrastructure to support this
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Doaag wrine2 years ago
Lako Kuakini intersection cannot handle the additional traffic.
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• Gregory Olsen2 years ago
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We cannot afford to ruin Kona by jamming more dense developments into residential
neighborhoods. I didn't chose to live in Honolulu nor Los Angeles. I chose to live in less -congested
Kona. I'm not against development but let's not develop open space without a plan to keep open
space open.
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Martine McBride2 years ago
Too many people and too much development is destroying the ambiance of people's
neighborhoods, destroying the environment, and driving wildlife to extinction. It's creating more
air pollution, light and noise pollution, soil and wastewater pollution, traffic congestion, heat, and
garbage. The people already living here have the rights over these developers who want to destroy
this land and everything living here.
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Jan R@_e2 years ago
This area is already beyond capacity. Traffic congestion is already terrible. We call it, the Kona
krawl. Water, schools, and so many other things will choke this area. Build elsewhere. ,
am
Michael Russ2 years ago
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We need to keep developers out. Make it a nature preserve
0 °
years ago
I have enjoyed Kona as it is, do notallow it to turn into overdeveloped Gold Coast Qld Australi by
money hungry councils and developers!
Cynthia MorciALn2 years ago
Don't turn Hawaii into California!
�
years ago
NO INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL POPULATION IN THIS AREA
45
years ago
Over building Kona Not enough schools roads to accommodate more housing
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janet2 years ago
DO NOT DO SUCH STUPID THINGS!!!!!!! ... idiots...
Lum
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Michael Schartz2 years ago
Keep Hawaii, Hawaii!!!!! don't turn it into New Jersey
am,
so
Debbie zilek2 years ago
I am a Pualani Estates owner and oppose further unaffordable housing without infrastructure.
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0 °
years ago
Needs attention.
am
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6,a2 years ago
We don't have the infrastructure for all these developments.
mm
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years ago
I dont believe there is an infrastructure in place to support this development at this time.
mm
0 *
years ago
The current Planning Director has a massive conflict of interest. Given the dry side's water suppl
issues, accurate resource studies MUST be done. The transportation and congestion issues are also
0 *
years ago
I have lived in Kona since 1980 and construction is out of control we have no infrastructure we
have no water every house is at least 2 cars so every time they put in a 500 unit anything There is
1000 minimal cars added our roads.Kona does not need any more units or track homes. Or more
Report
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Deborah Kinder2 years ago
We don't have the infrastructure to support large developments. traffic nightmare... Roads, water,
sewer, etc.
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Laaara O,hnson2 years ago
We don't need to have more congestion, more pressure on an already fragile infrastructure.
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Margie Wolf.e2 years ago
The infrastructure can't handle more.
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Jan K ae2 years ago
The builders are not taking the traffic problem and the over crowding into consideration.
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Suzanne A2 years ago
Enough already!
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00,
lana enz2 years ago
Kona hS enough development and tok much traffic for our highway. This development will burden
kona, space & costs.
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Dixie )rris2 years ago
I'm tired of overdevelopment in Kona! Traffic is already bad enough.
W
9M,
0 9 comments were added to the list
Jack nberg2 years ago
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I live nearby and know that Kailua Kona does not have the infrastructure to support all the
additional people and cars. On top of this, the developers have been unable to even start the
project and can't be trusted to complete it. No more extensions.
Report
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Megan ;accarelli2 years ago
We need affordable housing for local, working people, not more vacation rentals and high cost
condos for part timers that will further damage this beautiful island.
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0 A% -
Sally Ranking years ago
While Kona needs affordable housing, what it doesn't need is Oahu./Continent style, 3 story
townhomes with more vacation rentals congesting and already traffic ridden corridor.
Report
pamela mvers2 years ago
for the many reasons sighted.... traffic, water supply, negative environmental impact.
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Em.
Carla Lauster2 years ago
This huge development is not "Pono" for this area. It will degrade the irreplaceable beauty and
heart of that area. Most "local" residents that need housing, will not be able to afford the homes in
this project, so the entire subdivision will NOT benefit the local population, and should not be
allowed.... Sincerely, C. Lauster, Kailua-Kona
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Ali Eden2 years ago
Our infrastructure cannot handle this, stop these greedy developers!
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2t spitle 2 years ago
I live in Kona Vistas, and yes we do not need more traffic burdening our already over used roads.
Report
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Mary Dingl W2 years ago
We do not want Kailua-Kona to look like Honolulu
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err ki2 years ago
My grandfather immigrated to Kona in the 1890's. I spent every summer during WWII in Kona
with my grandparents. who'e be angry at what these greedy RV Developers will do for money. I'm
for well -planned, logical development but this project desecrates Kona. Stop this outrageous
project! Malama the Aina. Go Back to the Mainland.
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Thankyou,
Rebecca Melendez
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