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From: Thomas Richmond <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Written testimony-Punalu'u Ka'u development. <br /> Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 5:38:18 PM <br /> aloha, <br /> As a resident of Hawaii I object to the development of Punalu`u. <br /> How many more heiau must be destroyed or become off limits because developers cannot <br /> respect sacred lands? <br /> The question must also be asked, what about burial sites here? Why would you destroy an <br /> ecosystem that contains anchialine pools, indigenous species of shrimp? All for the sake of <br /> bringing tourists to a location where endangered turtles nest? This doesn't sit well with me, <br /> and I for one am directly opposed. <br /> We cannot keep treating the island with extractive practices and expect her to sustain lives <br /> here. The cost of development will be to make Hawaii un-Hawaiian. We should be protecting <br /> our peoples and communities that live here, not plopping a new Waikaloa wherever you can <br /> make a buck. These are not Hawaiians who would even be working these businesses and <br /> excited to deforest and pave the way for another Hapuna tourist trap at a thusfar `pristine' <br /> black sand beach. Do you remember the initiative to put up the restaurant and cultural center <br /> there that failed, AND got taken out by tsunami and fell into disrepair? The mismanaged <br /> stewardship of this place in recent past should be enough to tell you that this community is <br /> NOT calling for more money to be thrown into destroying another location on Hawaii Island. <br /> Investors keep eyeing things that should have never have been an option for developing to <br /> begin with. <br /> Ka`u `s identity is not a resort and subdivision and has stations and restaurants and everything <br /> that comes from trying to cater to tourists. Please cater to your community. <br /> Do not pursue this development. This land is Hawaiian. No matter who pretends to draw lines <br /> in its black sands. <br /> An angry Kama `aina, <br /> Thomas * <br /> Moku o Keawe, Lanihau <br /> aloha <br />