2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Jill Tomlin Opposition Testimony

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From: Jill Tomlin To: WPCtestimony Cc: Council Remote Testimony Subject: OPPOSITION OF PUNALU"U Date: Tuesday,March 5,2024 4:09:26 PM To Whom It May Concern, I am sitting down now, at my computer, in an attempt to organize my thoughts about the potential development along the coastline of Ka'u and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, and share my opposing thoughts on the matter. I've been thinking about this issue for a while and hearing many different perspectives from people, in favor and opposing. It was brought to my attention that the deadline for my input was changed last minute, so now I'll do my best with scattered thoughts to articulate my own point of view. The local economy is already spiked for being so far from the city in either direction. Commodities also needed by visiting parties (food, coffee, gas, groceries, etc) will increase further in price in reflection of the increased demand. Most permanent families live out here in Ka'u either for the quiet or for the affordability. The roads and infrastructure leading to and from Punalu'u are already a hazard, no one can argue that. There are nearly daily car and traffic accidents that are reported upon via social media news outlets. I've also personally witnessed multiple traffic accidents along the highways in 2024 alone. Many of those reported accidents have resulted in deaths; I'd be curious to see a side-by-side comparison of traffic deaths by date between this year and last. These issues need to be addressed and revised before enabling heavier traffic,which is inevitable with a 700-unit resort(assuming one room can comfortably fit a family of 5). With the coastline of Punalu'u being one of the only remaining untouched coastlines of the islands, many species of animals, land and aquatic, rely on these landscapes. Like the monk seal, and the honu (which have a nesting ground in the middle of the black sand beach that's actively used by them every year. There is also a photo on the personal website of Eva Liu's that headlines a woman directly touching a honu,which I understand as being a crime). There hasn't been a recent Environmental Impact Study completed that I've had access to recently reflecting the preservation of the resources used by the diverse and unique ecosystem. Among the existing structures on the property are four heiau dedicated to Hawaiian Royalty. Not only will that have backlash in the spiritual balance of the land to destroy those,which is also a strong cultural standpoint for the people of Hawaii and Ka'u. With the heavy tourism traffic at the black sand beach already, I would encourage the owners to utilize and maintain the already abundant foot traffic. There's an abandoned hotel and restaurant on the property that I've never seen plans to update or restore. The pond on the property is also unmaintained. There are standing fire hydrants on the property that are also unmaintained and leads questions to the functionality of these emergency necessities. I have more point, but with the deadline approaching, I'll have to share the rest of my thoughts at the meeting on the 7th. I'll see you all there. Have a marvelous day and heed the voices of those speaking for those who cannot speak and for those who have fought in the past to protect these sacred lands.