HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Svenja Telle Opposition Testimony From: Svenia Telle
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Formal Opposition to Punalu"u Development Project,PL-SMA-2023-046
Date: Monday,March 4, 2024 12:31:24 PM
I am writing to formally oppose the Punalu'u Development Project, specifically in regard to
the Planning Commission's consideration of a Special Management Area Use Permit(SMA)
based on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) from 2006.
It is evident that the DEIS from 2006 does not adequately represent the contemporary needs
and concerns of our community. Given the significant time lapse since its issuance, relying on
this outdated document would be negligent and fail to accurately assess the current
environmental and cultural landscape.
Furthermore, the DEIS lacks a comprehensive and robust examination of the potential
environmental and cultural impacts of the proposed development. In particular, it fails to
sufficiently address the integration of community perspectives and the protection of
indigenous cultural heritage, despite clear legislative mandates to do so.
The cultural impact study conducted for the project must be revisited with rigorous attention to
detail, ensuring that it fully encompasses the cultural and historical properties in the area, as
well as native gathering and fishing rights. Failure to address these critical components
undermines the integrity of the environmental review process and disregards the rights and
interests of indigenous communities.
Therefore, I demand that the Planning Commission uphold the standards set forth by HEPA
and insist on the comprehensive updating of the DEIS to reflect current community needs and
concerns. Anything short of this would be a dereliction of duty and a disservice to our
community and its cultural heritage.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Svenj a Telle
"In a fear decades, the relationship between the environment, resources and conflict may seem almost as obvious as
the connection we see today between human rights, democracy and peace."
Wangari Maathai