HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Collins K. Kaholo Opposition Testimony From: B Wilhelm
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Malama Punalu'u.Opposition to development Of these lands
Date: Wednesday, March 6,2024 8:10:13 AM
From: Collins Kaholo <hawyn5150, gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 6, 2024 at 6:37 AM
Subject: Testimony: Opposition to proposed development, Punalu'u/Black Sand Beach
To: Collins Kaholo <ha-)yyn5150(j4gmail.com>
Testimony: Opposition to proposed development, Punalu'u/Black Sand Beach
Today we stand in opposition of the proposed development plan for the Punalu'u and Black
Sand Beach Area. The issues to be addressed in this testimony are threefold:
First, the environmental impact of the plan cannot be understated. Per the Planning Director's
Report as published in the March 2024 issue of The Ka'u Calendar, the environmental effects
were to mitigated by the plan itself, and impacts would be as "minimal" as is feasibly possible.
The rather vague definition is unsatisfactory as even the slightest disturbance to our delicate
ecosystems could cause tremendous unforeseen damage to the wildlife and their habitats.
Besides during the construction process, the increase in visitors to the area would undoubtedly
lead to a dramatic increase in environmental damage; from plants trampled underfoot,
littering, rocks/sand/and other natural aspects of the environment removed and taken as
souvenirs, or violation of traditional Hawaiian cultural beliefs and practices through ignorance
or indifference.
Which brings us to our second point, the impact upon the culture and tradition of the Hawaiian
people. Although it was stated in the report that much of the proposed development would be
built upon areas previously disturbed and thus only impacting sites which had already been
severely damaged or destroyed. Our issue is that such damage does not diminish the cultural
and historical significance of the sites themselves. There are many examples throughout the
islands of structures, villages, heiau, fishponds, all having been rebuilt in the traditional ways
and restored to function; to preserve the history and culture they represent. Why should these
sites be any different? Restoration would preserve the sacred and historical sites of the area,
and maintain the traditions and heritage of the Hawaiian people. In this, burial sites are not
disturbed or relocated, heiau are restored to their original form and function to serve as
historical reminders of our past. These would serve as a way to educate generations of
Hawaiian children about their proud history and culture. Much like a reassembled dinosaur
skeleton, or the repair and reconstruction of some ancient sailing vessel, so too would these
sites and structures serve a similar educational purpose, but with a plethora of these sites and
set against the natural beauty of the area. This would be the new classroom to future
generations of young Hawaiians.
And lastly, as this council seeks input from the community, we insist...no, demand that an
additional hearing be held on a Saturday, to allow working residents a chance to also testify.
To deny them this opportunity would be irresponsible, as excluding input from the very people
this development is meant to benefit could be considered egregious at best, and blatantly
disrespectful at worst.
Thank you.
Collins K Kaholo
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