HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-16 PL-REZ-23-055 Karie Wakat From: Karie Wakat
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony against Change of Zone PL-REZ-2023-000055
Date: Tuesday,April 16,2024 7:02:30 PM
Please accept my testimony against the subdivision of the 20 acres referenced in PL-REZ-
2023-000055.
First off, I disagree with the counties recommendation to move forward with this subdivision.
The area being divided is old growth Ohia forest that supports many endangered and endemic
birds and a bat. Below is a list of what is currently supported by those 20 acres of old forest:
*Hawaiian Hawk
*Horay bat, listed on the federal endangered species list
*Endemic Creeper
*Endemic Apapane
*Endemic Hawaii Elepaio
*Endemic Hawaii Amakihi
*Endemic Oma'o
**Recently we've been hearing the I'wi for the first time ever.
It's visible to anyone who drives up the Kaloko neighborhood, that the forest is being cleared.
We've had multiple rezoning, and subdivisions where the subdivided properties have cleared
60- 100% of their forest. Clearing the forest is contributing the area warming, and invasive
species moving up into the area. The Ohia forest is being replaced by invasive trees. What
was once a forest with restrictions on building, is now becoming a free for all,with no checks
and balance in place.
Secondly, I disagree with the Counties recommendation to move forward with the subdivision
for basic safety reasons. We have one road out for emergency evacuation. We have one
telephone pole power system that is daisy chained with multiple points of failure. Until we
can get a second evacuation route out, I don't think the County should allow subdivisions
which will put even more folks at risk.
Thank you for your consideration.
Karie Wakat
Resident District 8