HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-03 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Kathleen Mumme Testimony From: Kathleen Mumme
To: Plannina Internet Mail
Subject: Punalu"u Village SMA
Date: Sunday,March 3,2024 11:12:18 AM
Attachments: Letter to Plannina re Punaluu"u villaae.docx
We mailed a letter a few days ago, but after reading more about this project we have had
several questions and concerns addressed. We remain in favor of this plan. Please see
attached. Thank you!
February 27, 2024
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo HI 96720
Re: SMA for Punalu'u Village, Kau
To Whom It May Concern:
As full-time residents of the small development just mauka of this planned development, we are very interested in the
Punalu'u Village project. We chose Kau as our home because it resembled what we are used to: quiet, rural, agricultural
beauty. We here in Kau are very concerned with over-development and the protection of our beauty. We also know that
property owners are generally allowed to develop their own property if they follow the law and stick with the plan. This
property—formerly known as Sea Mountain—was originally developed nearly fifty years ago. Since that time various plans
have been made and discussed, most far larger than the current one. For a variety of reasons they never came to fruition.
Given their size, we are glad they did not. Our greatest concern is the future of this property as it affects us personally, of
course, but also as it will affect the property if the project is not approved in some fashion. What will happen to the
infrastructure which has fallen into disrepair and neglect?What will happen to the land itself without proper stewardship by
someone with vested interests? Buildings and the property itself have not been maintained by previous owners and have
become eyesores, and are dangerous. Who will ever want to buy this property and ensure that it is taken care of, if some
development isn't allowed?
The Black Sand Beach LLC plan has even been scaled back from the initial one and it seems they have taken the time to
listen to many of the local concerns. We are happy to see that any new building will be within already developed area. This
is extremely important to us. We count about 230 units, most of which are reasonably small and none over 2.5 stories.
Apparently only the 80 proposed condos next to the current Colony One units could have the potential for full-time
residents. We also see that these new units are just over the hill and mauka of the beloved Black Sand Beach. Despite the
rumors we have heard, there will be no new development in the beach area itself. Further,the area along the beach area
will be held in a conservation management area. This is so very important to us. No one wants to see development on the
beach.
We like the idea of the accommodation for small enterprises that can help employ our residents and promote small
businesses here. A few conveniences to those of us who call this area home is also a plus. Currently we see quite a bit of
daytime traffic to the beach. Most visitors, but certainly not all, stay briefly to see the turtles and take in the gorgeous view.
This development, well off the beach and quite limited in 'sprawl', could mean that those visiting would have the
opportunity to enjoy other amenities which do not include the beach, but which could be a healthy boon for the local
economy and for local entrepreneurs.
All of that said,we do have concerns. We worry about parking,the impact on sea life, native plants, the beach itself, and
the increase in our traffic. We wonder if some of the overnight condos are too large. But, as neighboring homeowners, our
greatest concern is the sewer and water system which we share with the existing Sea Mountain Resort/Colony One units.
We are very concerned about the aging infrastructure here and how it would be affected by the addition of new buildings
and homes. We are confident that Hawaii county will ensure that this system is upgraded to accommodate this increase
and that existing homeowners can be confident that the system will be in better condition than it is currently if the plan
meets with your approval. Our immediate concern, however, is fire protection. And we have addressed this concern with
our local representative in the past. Most of the hydrants on Ninole Loop and Alahaki Road no longer function. This is
unacceptable and we hope that it will be addressed as early as possible. If this plan is not approved, all of this seems to be
in further jeopardy. Any current or future owner, it seems to us, would need the infusion of at least some real estate
development to help finance this infrastructure. We hope that you will approve this Punalu'u Village plan and ensure that
all conditions are met once the building begins.
Thank you for your attention.
Best Regards,
Chris and Kathleen Mumme
95-1175 Alahaki Road/ PO Box 363
Pahala 96777