HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-02 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Donna Barnett Opposition Testimony From: Donna Barnett
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Re: Special Management Area Use Permit Application(PL-SMA-2023-000046 for applicant: Black Sand Beach, LLC
Date: Saturday, March 2,2024 1:29:02 PM
Attachments: Punalu"u Black Sand Land Use Proposal-Opposed.doc
Attached please find written testimony opposing the land use proposal
by Black Sand Beach, LLC. Please send receipt of testimony.
Mahalo,
Nelda-w D '
Spy
P (360)805 -9741
C (206)300-2674
Planning Department Don& Donna Barnett
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 95-789 Ninole Loop Rd.
Hilo, HI 96720 Pahala, HI 96777
March 1, 2024
Re: Special Management Area Use Permit Application (PL-SMA-2023-000046)
for applicant: Black Sand Beach, LLC
To Whom it May Concern,
We believe Punalu'u is one of few remaining historic and remote Hawaiian places, and
therefore it should not be further developed, but rather replenished and protected,
especially when areas already damaged by development could be responsibly restored.
Corporate expansion can only atrophy and overwhelm what has survived.
We are writing regarding our concern about the proposed land use for the Punalu'u area.
We own a condo in Colony One on Ninole Loop Rd. The proposed development would
essentially surround and envelope our entire complex. There are many reasons we are
opposed to said development.
Major disruption to existing community
• No maintenance to our existing water system by applicant, who is also our new
water system owner/operator.
• No response from applicant about maintaining our community's water when
contacted in writing.
• Same concern with waste treatment for our community
• Same concern with fire suppression maintenance for our community
• Concern for preservation of historic church on land
• Concern for historic structures on the beach
• Concern for the protection of Hawksbill and Green turtles (and their
nesting/resting on the beach), monk seals, and other wildlife. As volunteers for
Malama Pono Punalu'u, we commonly see that many tourists on the black sand
beach do not respect the protocol in place.
• Concern for "Over Tourism" involving inhabitant volume, parking, traffic,
pollution, etc.
• Concern for respect of our black sand beach and capacity of lifeguards to
maintain safety for this level of visitation.
Concern for hurricane, tsunami, and any other emergency evacuation. The
proposed land use area is a tsunami zone. In the case of a tsunami, and with the
proposed number of units, evacuation could be disastrous. There is only one loop
road in and out of Punalu'u.
We have many justified concerns about this proposed land use that we hope will be
seriously and thoughtfully reviewed. We very much oppose this land use proposal. The
Punalu'u area has been represented and maintained by its community with respect for
Ohana and Aloha. This new ownership seems more motivated by money, and currently is
not maintaining and taking care of the existing community that they are responsible for.
We oppose Special Management Area Use Permit Application (PL-SMA-2023-000046)
by Black Sand Beach, LLC
Mahalo,
Don& Donna Barnett
Owner/Residents Unit#70
Colony One