HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Chanel Guzman Opposition Testimony From: CHANEL GUZMAN
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Written Testimony-Protect Punalu'u from Development
Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 9:46:47 PM
Aloha Windward Planning Commision,
As a lineal descendant ofKa`u, I oppose the Development of a Resort, Homes, Commercial
Center and Golf Course in Punalu`u. The proposed development on one of Hawai`i s most
renowned black sand beaches would harm Native Hawaiians, local residents and endangered
species who call this place home. Punalu`u has rich cultural history and ecological diversity
that deserves to be protected and preserved for generations to come.
There are so many issues that need to be looked at before approving a special
management area use permit. Emergencies like wildfires, floods, tsunamis,
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions still have not been considered. Is there a burial
treatment plan in place to protect our ancestors? Is there a plan to protect the ocean
from sewage spills? Has an evacuation plan been implemented in case of a major
disaster like that of the Maui fires?
This Development will lead to overpopulation, an influx in visitor arrivals, abuse of natural
resources, a rise in taxes and home prices that will contribute to Hawai s housing crisis,
pricing our Native Hawaiian population out of their own homes and community.
I urge you to thoroughly reevaluate potential environmental and cultural impacts from this
development. Let us preserve Punalu`u s delicate ecosystem and native species. Please put the
people of this place first, before profits and before tourism. Thank you for your attention to
this matter and your dedication to the well-being of our community.
Mahalo,
Chanel Guzman