HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Darrian Muraoka Opposition Testimony From: Darrian Muraoka
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: RE: Punalu"u Development
Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 10:33:19 PM
Attachments: Punalu"u Develooment.odf
Aloha,
Attached is my written testimony in opposition for the BLACK SAND BEACH LLC (PL-
SMA-2023-000046)proposed development.
Aloha Mai,
My name is Darrian Muraoka and I am in opposition of granting a Special Management Area Permit to
BLACK SAND BEACH LLC (PL-SMA-2023-000046), and the proposed development. I've worked with the
Hawaiian Hawksbill Project, and provided outreach and education to numerous school groups at
Punalu'u Beach Park in my previous outreach and education position. Approving this permit would mean
more degradation of our pristine Ka'u coastline in a place where species protected by the Endangered
Species, Marine Mammal, and Migratory Birds Acts utilize this environment to nest and grow.The
Hawaiian Hawksbill is a critically endangered sea turtle that predominantly nests within the Ka'u
coastline. With the infrastructure proposed,the artificial light from the residential and commercial
facilities would cause disorientation to both the adult female hawksbills and the emergent juveniles.The
emerging baby Hawksbills use the moon to guide them to the ocean. Artificial light from this
development would cause disorientation upon exiting the nest.There have already been documented
severe cases where emerging Hawksbills becoming disoriented and migrated towards the Punalu'u
Beach Park parking lot due to the artificial light from the parking lot. Orientation to the ocean is critical
to the survival of these species as female juveniles that make it to adulthood will utilize this beach to
nest for many years. With sea level rise on the Ka'u coastline, we may observe these nests to move
upward, and close to proposed development sites with time.The proposed coastal development would
also pose a threat to protected birds and mammals via loss of critical habitat.
Punalu'u also has a lot of rich history including historical sites such as a heiau and burial grounds that
date back between 1520 to 1658(Crozier 1972). Not only would the rich history of Hawaiian remains be
disturbed, but also the water table. According to the Group 70 International environmental impact
statement that was done for a previously proposed development,the surveyors noted the impact the
development would have when it came to changes in water chemistry. Punalu'u exceeds the State of
Hawaii, Department of Health's water quality standards and with a large-scale development proposed in
this time frame, it would only hurt the surrounding area, causing events of eutrophication-especially
with golf course maintenance. Must we not forget, Punalu'u means "diving spring" or implies a source of
spring water and that is very prevalent at the coastline, which is seen by all who utilize Punalu'u Beach
Park. With that being said, should these springs become less prevalent due to tapping into the water
table, sewage issues, or wastewater infiltration, Punalu'u as we know it now will only change and not for
the best.
Punalu'u has always been a source for the local and Hawaiian community to bring keiki and kupuna to
the beach. Many hospice-cared kupuna or kupuna placed in elderly homes are brought to this beach as
it is easy to utilize for days outside of the home.This place should be for these people,the surrounding
Ka'u community, and those who come back to enjoy, appreciate, and take care of Punalu'u. Another
proposed development will only strain relationships with this community, cost us daily ecosystem
services, and ruin what our future keiki will have one day.
Aloha,
Darrian Muraoka