HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.170 2006-2008 June 4, 2007
Dear Council Members:
Punalu'u is special, but Punalu'u is different. It is different from other Big Island parcels slated
for special protection in one important aspect.... IT IS ALREADY DEVELOPED! At its
peak, Punalu'u was a prized destination. Visitors would fly in from Maui just to dine at the
Black Sands Beach Restaurant after a round at the beautifully designed golf course. Visitors
and residents alike look back with great pride at Punalu'u's past.
Today it suffers from near criminal neglect. It desperately awaits a new beginning from
someone who will listen to what residents remember about Ka'u, and who will work with
them to bring back the thriving and prosperous community it was in the past. Punalu'u
needs to be REDEVELOPED! I fear if the County of Hawaii ever succeeds in assuming
responsibility for Punalu'u, we will be swapping one slum landlord for another.
Since Bill 169-07 has anointed Ka'u Preservation to take care of Punalu'u, on no more
strength of a recommendation than "it is working on a plan for the area," I think this
organization deserves more scrutiny. What capabilities and qualifications do they bring to
the table for managing Punalu'u? Are they to be trusted?
Many of you will remember when Danny Miller, their media director, once stated that
Seamountain 5 intends to put in an oil-burning refinery to provide all the electricity the new
development will require. When he was questioned by an audience member `boas he sure
about that?", Danny replied, "Oh yeah, It's right there in the Environmental Impact
Statement. I read it myself. I don't want to be breathing that stuff." This was more than a
deception, more than a lie. This was an insult to everyone, as 'rf no one would look it up
themselves or ask the developers directly. THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE AN OIL-
BURNING REFINERY.
They say they want to save the heart of Ka'u. But where was their hearts on Saturday May
26 of this year when various organizations and concerned volunteers came together to help
clear away the invasive water plants choking the pond behind Black Sand Beach. For
seven hours the community came together to beautify a small part of Punalu'u. Did Ka'u
Preservation turn out its membership to help? No, you see it wasn't about fund raising, or
spending tax payers money, and, of course, they weren't calling the shots. They are about
lobbying, not serving. They can bring you 4000 signatures, but not one helping hand?
Look, I don't care how many times you revise this bill, or if you rename it "Allahu Akbar
God is Great," this bill still deprives the residents of Ka'u the right to have all options for
Punalu'u fully examined.
I don't want this bill today, I don't want this bill in Punalu'u, and I don't want Ka'u Preservation
in this bill.
Thank you. Questions?
Comm. No. 3V9e 70
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