HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Ellen LaPenna Opposition Testimony From: Ellen LaPenna
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Punalu"u
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 3:48:21 PM
Attachments: Testimony Punalu"u March 2024.docx
Here is my testimony regarding the proposed development at Punalu'u.
Thank you,
Ellen LaPenna
To: Windward Planning Commission of the County of Hawaii
Subject: Special Management Area permit for Punalu'u Village
BLACK SAND BEACH LLC (PL-SMA-2023-000046)
Aloha, March 3 d 2024
My name is Ellen LaPenna and I'm a volunteer with Malama Pono Punalu'u(a beach & green
sea turtle stewardship program). I also volunteer with the local Hawaiian hawksbill turtle group.
As you may know, Hawaiian hawksbills are critically endangered. When I say critically there
could be between 400 and 800 nesting Hawaiian green sea turtles, whose primary nesting area is
in the French Frigate Shoals. Here in Ka'u, where most of the hawksbills lay their eggs, it's
estimated that there are maybe 20 nesting females each year on our shores that's 20 vs. 400-
800. This past summer and fall we had several hawksbill nests at Punalu'u and other nearby
beaches, which was good news. They usually return to their place of birth to nest. We had not
had a nest on Punalu'u since 2018.
Hawksbills are very sensitive to light, both when nesting and when trying to reach the ocean
after they hatch. They recognize their ocean home by light reflecting off the water. Stranded
mothers have been found circling underneath lighted structures. Baby turtles have been seen
going towards artificial lights, even when the ocean was within 10 feet.
Mother turtles are also very sensitive to activity on the beach and will not come up to lay eggs
unless they feel safe. Carrying a heavy load of approximately 180 eggs, she may watch for days
to access the safety of a beach. If she is unable to find a suitable location, she may release her
eggs into the ocean.
I'm very concerned about the increase in light caused by additional people on the beach, car
traffic and stationary lights that would come with development. Any additional lights and
increased beach activity during the nesting season (May through December)will have a negative
impact on honu mothers and keiki. The proposed Punalu'u Village plans include an open market,
public restroom, fish market and restaurant that are very close to the predominate turtle nesting
habitat at Punalu'u. Also, the proposed Colony 2 of 63 Condominiums may have negative light
impacts on another important nesting area known as Kaloa.
If you've ever witnessed the "boil" of baby sea turtles, emerging as a group from their
underground nest, it is amazing to see! I've been fortunate to watch tiny hawkbill hatchlings as
they make their way to the ocean. They sometimes look up at us with curiosity and it's clear to
me that they have a sentience and an intelligence that is remarkable. I could not, in good
conscience, support the development of the beach front at Punalu'u.
Beyond the critically endangered hawksbills, there are several other points of concern:
* First, regarding public commentary, having an important community meeting on a weekday
doesn't offer adequate opportunity for the working people of Ka'u to attend. Please add an
additional planning meeting on a Saturday.
* We need an Environmental Impact Statement, since the current one is more than 50 years old.
Deciding to move forward without one feels disrespectful to our community and to the aina, and
does not feel pono.
* There is no disaster mitigation plan. Pele can be unpredictable and things can change very
quickly here. The beach is already overcrowded and building a development that is not coastal
dependent within 200 feet of the high tide mark puts people and facilities in danger. Tsunamis,
earthquakes, flooding, many other potential hazards need to be considered and anticipated—if
not, there could be huge losses and liabilities.
* There is no burial treatment plan in place.
* There needs to be an updated shore assessment and setback. This certification is especially
important when there are plans to put a cafe about 100 feet from the beach, as seen in the
proposed village diagram, 915.
* The current infrastructure is very poor. How is the developer going to deal with waste water,
necessary water supplies and what fire suppression systems will be in place?
* Building condos at Punalu'u will most definitely increase our property taxes. This would put
additional financial strain on the many people in our area who are already fighting to make ends
meet.
In all these respects, and especially considering the negative impacts a development like this
would have on critically endangered species, I respectfully ask that you not approve this plan.
Thank you for reading,
Ellen LaPenna, Na'alehu
92-1329 Prince Kuhio Blvd
PMB 469
Captain Cook, HI 96704