HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Sharon Moraes Support Testimony From: Kalea Hinau
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Black Sand Beach,LLC,Special Management Area Use Permit Application(PL-SMA-2023-000046)
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 11:54:05 AM
Sharon Moraes
P. 0. Box 612
Volcano, HI 96785
March 5, 2024
Office of County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Finail: WPCtestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
FAX: (808) 961-8912 Councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
SUBJECT: Black Sand Beach, LLC, Special Management Area Use Permit Application (PL-
SMA-2023-000046)
Aloha Kakou,
'0 Sharon Moraes ko'u inoa. I live in Volcano Village which is part of the Ka'u District.
My ancestry is deeply rooted to Ka'u from Volcano, Moaula in Pahala, Ninole, Waiohinu,
Waikapuna, and Kalae.
I am in support of granting the Special Management Area Use Permit to Black Sand Beach, LLC
for the development of the project area, Punalu'u Village.
As a kupuna in Ka'u, I have been invited for several years to attend meetings regarding this
development with both sides. I have addressed many of our community concerns myself. For
example, putting in new wastewater disposal systems, cleaning out the large stagnant pond
above the black sand beach, repairing all fire hydrants, care and protection of our cultural
sites, removing dilapidated buildings, clearing and maintaining all overgrown grasses, bushes,
and trees, etc.
As developers, the Black Sand Beach, LLC, have openly and sincerely come to the Ka'u
communities to share their plans, have continuously engaged and asked for our communities'
input, especially from na kupuna. In working together with na kupuna, they have become
culturally aware and sensitive to the many issues of our communities, are continually
educating themselves and have been trying their best to understand, accept, and embrace our
way of life. I applaud the consideration they have taken to scale back significantly on their
development plans.
At the same time, I understand in keeping and protecting Ka'u Ka'u for our na keiki, na
mo'opuna and generations to come. We need to be proactive in seeking solutions to the lack
of jobs and affordable homes in our communities. How do we teach and pass on our
knowledge, our na mo'olelo, and our deeply rooted Ka'u genealogically roots of our ancestors,
that binds us to our 'aina, mauka to makai, if they no longer live here?
The first investors to Punalu'u walked away leaving everything they built to rot and fall apart.
The second investor chose not to maintain or improve the property. They let it sit for more
years. Yet, they continue to bring tourists in bus loads to see the black sand beach and use
the restrooms without contributing anything to our community. Shouldn't the tour bus
companies and their bus drivers/guides be given the kuleana to educate these tourists about
our 'aina, and the importance of respectfully protecting the endangered honu and monk seals
on our beaches.
You need to make money to diligently repair, fix, and continue with daily maintenance.
Money is needed for improvements. Without the cash flow of a steady income to keep
everything running smoothly, we may be chasing away the very people that could help us
move forward and improve our lives, especially for our future generations. In the event that
this Special Management Area Use Permit Application is not granted, they may be forced to
sell. The next investor may not care what our community wants.
This may be our only opportunity to reach out and continue to work together with them. Let
us holomua together.
Mahalo nui for allowing me to testify.
Sincerely,
Sharon Moraes