HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Kahualani Aitken Opposition Testimony From: K.Aitken
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Proposed Black Sands Beach Development
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 10:48:36 AM
Aloha and to whom it may concern,
I write in complete opposition to the development of a resort in Punalu`u,Ka`u.From my perspective as a tutu
wahine who was born and raised on the island of Hawaii and particularly in the southeast regions we only have to
look north to see we don't want another"Say"NO"to Save Hapuna"disaster on any of our beaches,let alone a
sacred and exclusive entry point to the ocean.Let us look instead to the example set by recent land in Mahukona
now preserved for future generations.
Punalu'u is historically prone to periodic overcrowding. I remember being on the beach in the early 1980's and the
busses would pull up and disgorge a multitude of tourists who would walk all over,touch the turtles,leave trash and
get back on,the bus tires pulling across the sand as they left.Even as a child I recognized there were too many
people in what should not be sold as a tourist destination.A resort would ruin the experience. We cannot buy nature.
Once it's gone it's gone.
Punalu`u is truly one of the last pristine wahi papa(sacred places)where food gathering and cultural practices are
protected and possible. It would be devastating and utterly heartbreaking to see the area misused by resort
development.
Winward Planning Commission,please do not grant an SMA permit for the development of a resort at Punalu`u and
Wailau in Ka`u,Hawaii.Please listen to the voices of Hawai`i`s people.
Mahalo nui,
Kahualani Aitken