HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Calley O'Neill Opposition Testimony From: Calley O"Neill
To: WPCtestimonv
Cc: Calley O"Neill;Julia Fairchild; Harvey Stone; Sandi Playsted; Kathleen Thoene
Subject: Testimony re: Punalu'u SMA(PL-SMA-2023-000046)
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 11:08:49 AM
Importance: High
Honorable Members of the Board,
I stand before you today from our home with a heavy heart and a fervent plea to
reconsider the granting of a special permit for the development of a hotel at Punaluu. As a
dedicated, respected conservation artist and ardent supporter of Hawaiian wisdom and
culture, I urge you to recognize the irreparable ecological and cultural damage this project
would inflict upon our precious land.
Punaluu is notjust a location; it is a sacred site deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage
of Hawaii. It holds the stories of our ancestors, the wisdom of our indigenous people, and
the spirit of our land. Allowing the construction of a hotel on this hallowed ground would
desecrate its sanctity and erase centuries of history and tradition. Punalu'u has already
endured too much desecration.
Moreover, the ecological ramifications of such a development cannot be overstated.
Punaluu is home to diverse and fragile ecosystems, teeming with unique flora and fauna
found nowhere else on Earth. The proposed hotel would disrupt these delicate habitats,
leading to irreversible harm to endemic species and disrupting the natural balance of
PUnalu'u's invaluable environment.
We must not sacrifice our indigenous cultural heritage and ecological integrity for short-
term economic gain. Instead, let us honor our ancestors, respect our land, and preserve
Punaluu for future generations to cherish and enjoy. I urge you to reject the special permit
and stand on the right side of history, nature, and the future by protecting Punaluu from
exploitation and degradation.
Mahalo nui loa for your consideration.
Malama Honua,
Malama Honua,
Calley
Calley O'Neill
CONSERVATION ARTIST
PO Box 6571
Kamuela,Hawai'i 96743
Mobile: (808)987-7003
www.CalleyONeill.com
www.TheRamaExhibition.or,
Calley responds to emails weekday evenings.If you wish to reach her sooner,please call or text(808)987-
7003.