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From: Leslie Roberts <br /> To: W PCtesti mony <br /> Subject: Black Sands LLC testimony <br /> Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 3:46:42 PM <br /> Aloha, <br /> My name is Leslie Kaiali`i Maluo-Yamada. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, <br /> and currently reside in Puna. I serve the community of Ka`u, as a lifeguard, specifically at <br /> Punalu`u. I DO NOT represent the agency I work for. I acknowledge I cannot speak for the <br /> people of Ka'u, but will share my experience bearing witness to the development of Hawaii, <br /> under the powerful system of capitalism, and how that has changed and is changing <br /> relationships to place, resources, people, and culture. <br /> I voice my concern with all my respect to our kupuna and the Ka`u community. I am afraid <br /> that developing Ka`u will reinforce a for-profit system that benefits few to the exclusion of <br /> others. History has shown this system to raise costs of living, encourage establishment of <br /> large corporations, reward the exploitation of resources, force the local communities out <br /> that disproportionately affects the most marginalized. I am afraid this development will only <br /> maintain and strengthen the status quo of settler-colonialism on Hawaii Island. I have seen <br /> this happen on Oahu. I am already seeing this happen to certain wahi on Hawaii Island. <br /> The diaspora of our native communities is increasing. I am afraid this development may set <br /> precedent for other remote areas to be developed on this island. This may affect all of us! <br /> Kaiali`i Maluo-Yamada <br />