HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.153 2006-2008
The resolution goals are clear:
"WHERE4S, becrnrsc of its cultural signifrcunee, eu ilv uccessible shoreline.
his7uric u.ce us a pork, importance as habitat for the Green Sea Turtle (honu),
nestrng use by the Huwksbii'! Turtle (honu'ea)... us well as its genera! locution in
the region, ensuring this urea is held in perpetuity crs Open Space is criticalfr~r
the surrounding community, area residents cmd the Natlve Hawaiian community.
as wr!/ as to preserve endangered species hahitat rmd pristine ocean water
yrurlin~... "
THE TRUTH ABOUT RESOLUTION 169-07
t. SEA MOUNTAIN PROPERTY ONLY
The purchase only includes land owned by Sea Mountain investments that may be
sold to developers. It does not include property owned by any residents or other land
owners at Punalu'u.
2. PROTECTS PUBLiC ACCESS
l'he public park, boat ramp, tennis courts and golf course would remain open to the
puhlic and the park would be expanded. Once purchased by the County, improvements
could he made to all facilities, including upgrading and adding new pavilions, restrooms
and recreation areas for the public. if these areas are fumed into a private resort in the
future, access could be limited and over crowding would be an issue.
3. PROTECTS PONDS AND SPRINGS ALONG THE SHORE
The Resolution only calls for the purchase of the shoreline and 2,000 feet inland in
order to protect the most fragile habitat and important sacred sites. This area includes one
of [he largest network of springs and ponds in the state that serve as a critical estuary for
all life along the Ka'u Coast. This area provides nourishment for all the fishing grounds
at Punalu'u and Ninole - an important food source far our community. The 2,000 foot
setback is designed to protect this area from runoff and pollution from future
development at Punalu'u.
4. ALLOWS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALU'U
The Resolution DOES NOT limit development outside the area that is being
purchased. Future sustainable development and job creation that honors and protecas the
cultural and natural resources at Punalu'u can still be pursued and would be encouraged.
6y protecting the natural and cultural resources of Ka'u we can create good paying jobs
in resource and cultural management, hospitality and education.
5. LOCAL MANAGEMENT
"The local community and ALL residents of Ka u would be the Managers
of [he proposed park, working in partnership with the county. While the
resolution acknowledges that Ka u Preservation is working on a management plan, this
plan would have to he approved by the community and all residents and a Community
based organization would be formed to implement this management plan and guide the
future of Punalu'u. 'This organization would represent the entire Ka'u_, communiy.
Cotntrlx Na 3 ~'a
Ref. To:
rtef. Date ,_,wN 4 Z
6. PROTECTS PUNALU'U FOR THE FUTURE
The resolution would protect the only Public Beach Pazk in Ka'u for future
generations and expand it to handle the growing population of Ka'u. There aze over
17,000 house lots in Ka'u that will one day be built on, not including several new sub-
divisions being planned. All of these new residents and new families will need a
recreation area like Punalu'u that is the ONLY beach that everyone can access including
the elderly and our children. It is also the ONLY black sand beach with easy access on
the entire island.
7. FEDERAL FUNDING: SAVING THE COUNTY $3.000,000
The purchase by the county of the proposed park could costs upwards of
$6 million dollars. However, if the county acts now, a $3 million dollar Federal grant as
requested by U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono would SAVE the county $3 million
dollars. This is an amazing opportunity for the county tax payers to save millions of
dollars and create an important public park for all island residents.
8. PROTECTS A VITAL INCOME SOURCE FOR ICA'U
Over 300,000 visitors come to Punalu'u each year to enjoy the
natural splendor and open space of one of the last undeveloped beaches in the state that is
not surrounded by a huge luxury resort. These 30,000 monthly visitors to Punalu'u are an
important income source for many businesses in Ka'u. If the natural beauty of Punalu'u
is damaged or if it becomes just another tiny beach park under the shadow of a huge
resort, then many of these visitors will have no desire to stop and spend the day in Ka'u
and thus we will loose an important and vital economic engine for our community.
9. DEVELOPER PROMISES TO DONATE ONLY 9 ACRES OF LAND
Much has been said about the developer's promise to donate land to the county.
It is important to know that in a letter dated May 25, 2007 from the developer, George
Atta, it states: "Sea Mountain Five, LLC will donate the existing nine acre park to the
county while increasing it to 17 acres. "Should we allow a developer to decide the future
of Punalu'u and limit the size of the park to only 17 acres? Can we trust a Beverly Hills
developer who is only interested in profits made from turning Punalu' u into a massive
LUXURY housing development? It is also important to note that most of the nine acre
park they are promising to donate is already owned by the public and is not theirs to give
away. The new shoreline certification will show this as the recent ruling by the state
Supreme Court re-defines the shoreline to be the HISTORICAL high water mark.
10. PROTECTS ACCESS FOR KA'U RESIDENTS
The proposed expanded beach park at Punalu u would guarantee public
access for all Ka'u Families forever. If a luxury housing development with over 1,000
homes, 2 large luxury hotels and over 2 acres of shopping centers are built there instead,
Ka'u residents would have to deal with what many Kohala and Kona residents deal with
today. In order to access their beach they must pass through private gated resorts and then
deal with limited parking and overcrowding of the beach. Support Resolution 169-07 and
help keep Ka'u Ka'u