HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-27 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Vance Bjorn and Matt Baker Support Testimony From: Vance Biorn
To: WPCtestimony; Roy.Alex; Kern.Zendo
Cc: Matt Baker
Subject: Punalu'u/Black Sand Beach development testimony
Date: Tuesday,February 27,2024 3:25:27 PM
Attachments: Punalu'u Water System-Windward Plannina Commission.odf
Hello
Please include the attached PDF letter as our public testimony in support of the proposed
Punalu'u development by Black Sand LLC.
Vance Bjorn and Matt Baker
Vance Bjorn & Matthew Baker
95-788 Ninole Loop Road
Pahala, HI 96777
vancebjorn@gmail.com
650-743-1274
February 26, 2024
Windward Planning Commission
WPCtestimony@hawaiicounty_gov
Zendo Kern
zendo.Kern@hawaiicounty_gov
Alex Roy
alex.Roy@hawaiicounty.gov
Dear Members of the Windward Planning Commission,
As a homeowner at the Sea Mountain Condominiums, I am writing to express my support for
the proposed development plans submitted by Black Sand Beach LLC. As a concerned
resident of Sea Mountain and advocate for sustainable community development, I believe this
project represents a critical opportunity for our community, especially in addressing the long-
standing infrastructure challenges faced by the Punalu'u area.
For over fifty years, the water and wastewater treatment plants serving Punalu'u have operated
without significant updates or improvements. Originally designed in the 1970s to
accommodate a capacity of 2,500+ units, these facilities now serve only 100 families. This
underutilization poses not only a financial inefficiency but also a missed opportunity for
modernization and environmental protection for the Punalu'u beach area.
The current financial model underpinning our wastewater treatment infrastructure is
unsustainable. The cost of investing in and upgrading such a large system for a small number
of users is prohibitive without the addition of new homes to share in the financial and
environmental benefits of such an investment. The proposed development by Black Sand
Beach LLC offers a viable solution to this challenge by expanding the residential and
commercial base, thereby making the necessary investments in our water and wastewater
treatment facilities financially feasible.
The private residences and county bathrooms located by the ocean are provided fresh water
from the Punalu'u water company, but the environmental benefits of integrating the private
homes and county bathrooms into the sewer system cannot be overstated. Currently, these
facilities rely on septic or cess pool tanks, which require regular pumping and pose a risk to our
coastal ecosystems. Connecting them to the sewer lines would represent a significant step
forward in our community's efforts to protect and preserve our natural environment.
Moreover, it is imperative to address the sustainability and financial viability of the Punalu'u
Water System, especially for the 100 families and county bathrooms that are currently
depending on it. Should the proposed development by Black Sand Beach LLC not proceed as
anticipated, there is a legitimate concern that the developer may discontinue their financial
support and /or subsidy for the operation costs of this aging infrastructure. In light of this, we
urge the Windward Planning Commission to consider alternative measures or support
mechanisms to ensure that these families are not left without essential services or face
exorbitant costs for their water and wastewater treatment. Whether through seeking
government grants, partnerships, or alternative funding sources, it is crucial that a plan is in
place to safeguard the well-being of our community members.
In conclusion, the development proposed by Black Sand Beach LLC is more than just a
construction project; it is an opportunity for sustainable growth, environmental protection, and
water and waste water infrastructure modernization. I strongly urge the Windward Planning
Commission to approve these plans, recognizing the benefits they will bring to the residents of
Punalu'u and the hundreds of thousands of tourists that use the country restrooms.
Thank you for considering my views on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Vance Bjorn & Matthew Baker
Sea Mountain Condominium Owners