HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-02 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Ronald Ebert Testimony From: Ronald Ebert
To: WPCtestimony
Cc: maalimba(ftuahiwiranch.com
Subject: Punalu"u
Date: Saturday,March 2,2024 4:08:03 PM
Aloha,
This note is concerning the proposed development of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain).
My wife and I have lived at the corner of Highway 11 and Alahaki Road for 26 years. We are the
longest full time continual residents of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain). We have watched the property and
infrastructure decline over the years. Of great concern to me is the number of unfunctional fire
hydrants.
Years ago, when the Community Development Plan was being initiated the planning department had
talk stories to learn what the residents of Ka'u thought were the most important issues to address. I
was one of several facilitators of these talk story sessions, I led groups from Pahala to Ocean View.
As I remember the results of the community's input was more and better shopping 2.Jobs. All
other items were far behind these two.
I also served on the steering committee of the community development plan and heard testimony
from a number of residences in public meetings and was also contacted by members of the
community privately. I believe the majority of the community would be in favor of the proposed
development, there was also a small very vocal group they were totally opposed to any change in
this district.
I have been a volunteer firefighter for the Hawaii County Fire Department for 23 years, have fought
many, many fires on the property in question. The way it stands now not all of the fire hydrants are
fully functionals and the well and water handling infrastructure has also deteriorated. The fire load
(unburnt fuel) available is also very high. Although the current property manager there has fought
many fires with us throughout our community, Punaluu included. I know that she has been working
with our fire Captains and Fire Inspectors as well. But I am concerned that if the existing
infrastructure is allowed to continue to deteriorate the existing condos and homes will be left in
peril. Re-development would also require the sewer system be upgraded, the newer standards
would have less impact on the ocean and aquatic life.
The employment opportunities for people in this area would be huge also. Many people in this area
are employed in either the Hilo or Kailua Kona area. I think if you look at the major sources of
employment is either State (Highway Dept., Schools, Hospital and misc.) County(Police, Fire,
Highway etc.)Another major source of income in Ka'u has to be from retired people with pensions,
many from the mainland.
Ka'u used to be a thriving area, Hilea just a mile up the hill from Punalu'u had several thousand
people, Punalu'u itself was a thriving community. I believe this could once again be a thriving
community.
It has been my desire as an individual that has served the community in several voluntary roles to
reflect what has appeared to be the majorities desires.
Several people I've spoken to recently are concerned the beach area is being overwhelmed by
visitors to the area and not leaving enough space for residents of the area. But Black Sands Beach
LLC would like to put the ocean front into an easement conservation and is willing to work with the
community. They will also be working on a plan to lessen the impact of the ocean front from
tourist. Also, part of the proposed plans for the re-development is to have several large swimming
pools, I don't know if they would be available to the public. Also, the county owned land at Kawa and
Whittington could be opened up and pavilions, water a, d sanitary facilities provided.
How many acres in Ka'u are already National Parks, State Parks or County Parks or are in
conservation areas? How much land is actually left for the community to provide gainful private
employment?
So, I am saying I am not against this Development, because I know that it will help our Punalu'u
community with our water, and sewer. Let's make this community thrive again.
Mahalo for your kind consideration of my input,
Ron Ebert, 95-1166 Road, Kalana Golf Estates lot 9