HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Brenda M. Gallano Opposition Testimony From: brenda oallano
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Written Testimony:Black Sand Beach,LLC
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 10:02:10 AM
TO: Windward planing commission
101 pauahi street, suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
F: (808) 961-8912
E: WPCtestimony4hawaiicounty gov
FR: Brenda M Gallano
PO Box 52
Pahala, HI 96777
P: (808) 936-0246
E: brendatymon@yahoo.com
To whom it may concern,
This email is a written testimony regarding the development by: Black Sand Beach, LLC
(Affecting Tax Map Keys: 95-019: 011.015.024/026, 030, 031. 033, 035 96.001: 001 thru 003,
000:011 thru 0139-6-002: 008. 037. 038. 041.053 NINOLE, WAILAU, PUNALU'U Ka'u,
Hawaii Island)
As a resident of Ka'u, listed are my concerns for the above mentioned area:
• I demand the County to hold another hearing on a Saturday so working residents or
those with no access to technology can also testify.
• Allowing development that is not coastal dependent in an already crowded area, within
200 feet of the high water mark puts people and facilities in danger from tsunami and
irresponsible planning that can possibly result in huge liabilities. For example, should
there be a tsunami (or fire, as we've learned from Maui) in such a populated area with
only two access/exit points, and an evacuation needs to take place, it will cause
significant risks to many lives. If we think about the amount of tourists that visit
Punalu'u as it is today, adding an additional 225-300+vehicles can have a significant
impact on everyone's safety.
• I demand a shoreline certification, especially when there is a planned Beach Club Cafe a
100 feet from the beach (915 in Proposed Village Diagram).
• I disagree with this development in the Punalu'u area as endangered wildlife will be at
further risk. Increased foot traffic will be a detriment to this fragile ecosystem. Further, I
feel the development of a 225 bed condominium and other projects listed in the
proposed village diagram will enhance the risk of possible sewage leaks; increased foot
traffic and visitors to the area, with the possibility of increased trash and damage to the
sea floor; damage to the fragile ecosystems; negative impacts to our endangered honu
habitat; and the high possibility of increased land tax for surrounding residents.
• I do not want the residents of Ka'u to fall prey as did those in Kailua, Kona; Waikoloa;
Waikiki; and other areas suffering from the greed of developers.
• The people of Ka'u have always preserved the area from major development because
every resident understands the significance of Punalu'u. Many of us fellowship, gather
food, or practice cultural activities at Punalu'u. It would be a shame and detriment to
our community if access to Punalu'u becomes limited to Ka'u's residents. To many of
us that are from Ka'u, Punalu'u is the heart of the area. When Punalu'u becomes too
crowded or access becomes limited, a huge part of Ka'u's identity will be lost--
generations will suffer. Therefore, I do not endorse this development at the cost of us
possibly losing a huge part of our identity.
Respectfully,
Brenda Gallano
Sent from my iPhone