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From: B Wilhelm <br /> To: W PCtesti mono <br /> Subject: Malama Punalu'u.Opposition to development Of these lands <br /> Date: Wednesday, March 6,2024 8:10:13 AM <br /> From: Collins Kaholo <hawyn5150, gmail.com> <br /> Date: Wed, Mar 6, 2024 at 6:37 AM <br /> Subject: Testimony: Opposition to proposed development, Punalu'u/Black Sand Beach <br /> To: Collins Kaholo <ha-)yyn5150(j4gmail.com> <br /> Testimony: Opposition to proposed development, Punalu'u/Black Sand Beach <br /> Today we stand in opposition of the proposed development plan for the Punalu'u and Black <br /> Sand Beach Area. The issues to be addressed in this testimony are threefold: <br /> First, the environmental impact of the plan cannot be understated. Per the Planning Director's <br /> Report as published in the March 2024 issue of The Ka'u Calendar, the environmental effects <br /> were to mitigated by the plan itself, and impacts would be as "minimal" as is feasibly possible. <br /> The rather vague definition is unsatisfactory as even the slightest disturbance to our delicate <br /> ecosystems could cause tremendous unforeseen damage to the wildlife and their habitats. <br /> Besides during the construction process, the increase in visitors to the area would undoubtedly <br /> lead to a dramatic increase in environmental damage; from plants trampled underfoot, <br /> littering, rocks/sand/and other natural aspects of the environment removed and taken as <br /> souvenirs, or violation of traditional Hawaiian cultural beliefs and practices through ignorance <br /> or indifference. <br /> Which brings us to our second point, the impact upon the culture and tradition of the Hawaiian <br /> people. Although it was stated in the report that much of the proposed development would be <br /> built upon areas previously disturbed and thus only impacting sites which had already been <br /> severely damaged or destroyed. Our issue is that such damage does not diminish the cultural <br /> and historical significance of the sites themselves. There are many examples throughout the <br /> islands of structures, villages, heiau, fishponds, all having been rebuilt in the traditional ways <br /> and restored to function; to preserve the history and culture they represent. Why should these <br /> sites be any different? Restoration would preserve the sacred and historical sites of the area, <br /> and maintain the traditions and heritage of the Hawaiian people. In this, burial sites are not <br /> disturbed or relocated, heiau are restored to their original form and function to serve as <br /> historical reminders of our past. These would serve as a way to educate generations of <br /> Hawaiian children about their proud history and culture. Much like a reassembled dinosaur <br /> skeleton, or the repair and reconstruction of some ancient sailing vessel, so too would these <br /> sites and structures serve a similar educational purpose, but with a plethora of these sites and <br /> set against the natural beauty of the area. This would be the new classroom to future <br /> generations of young Hawaiians. <br /> And lastly, as this council seeks input from the community, we insist...no, demand that an <br /> additional hearing be held on a Saturday, to allow working residents a chance to also testify. <br /> To deny them this opportunity would be irresponsible, as excluding input from the very people <br /> this development is meant to benefit could be considered egregious at best, and blatantly <br /> disrespectful at worst. <br /> Thank you. <br /> Collins K Kaholo <br />