HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-03 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Lori-Lee Lorenzo Opposition Testimony From: Lori-Lee Lorenzo
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: OPPOSITION TO BLACK SANDS BEACH LLC.
Date: Sunday, March 3,2024 6:06:43 PM
Attachments: Testimony of Lori-Lee Lorenzo OPPOSITION TO BLACK SAND BEACH LLC..pdf
Testimony of Lori-Lee Lorenzo
February 29, 2024
OPPOSITION TO BLACK SAND BEACH LLC.
Aloha Members of the Windward Planning Commision,
My name is Lori-Lee Lorenzo and I was born and raised in Pahala, Ka'u. I will graduate
from Hawaii Community College in May, with an AS Degree in Tropical Ecosystems and
Agroforestry Management. I also have just earned my Academic Certificate in
Sustainability.
I am writing this letter in OPPOSITION to the planned development of Punalu'u.
Ka'u is one of the last undeveloped districts on this island and in the State of Hawaii.
We have a peaceful rural community surrounded by Agriculture and Conservation
lands, and we wish to keep it this way. Building a resort would make this area
overcrowded and would disturb our native species and destroy many of our natural
resources and the natural beauty of this landscape.
One of our most important natural resources is fresh water. We are in danger of losing
much of our watershed system due to Rapid Ohia Death and I don't feel we have the
water needed to support this type of large resort development. We need to protect the
water that we do have for the local residents, and for the farmers and ranchers that are
working hard to make our island more self-sustainable.
People who want to work in hotels or resorts have many job opportunities in the areas
that are already developed. We need to save and take care of our precious natural
resources and our pristine undeveloped Aina! Keep Ka'u Country!
Mahalo,
Lori-Lee Lorenzo