2024-03-07 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Sakura Yabuki Opposition Testimony

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From: Sakura Y To: WPCtestimonv Subject: Opposition of Development on Punaluu Date: Thursday,March 7,2024 1:17:58 AM To whom this concerns, Aloha my name is Sakura Yabuki and this is my testimony in opposition of development in Punalu'u, Ka'u. Seeing news of this development is truly heartbreaking to me. Before my parents were busy with my weekend sports we would go to Punalu'u beach in my pink bucket hat, kimono my aunty made, and those Walmart slippahs. My parents were always busy working so I missed a lot of time at Punalu'u later,but in middle school we had weekly field trips there where we learned to write full lab reports,which are helping me immensely in college now. More importantly I learned how to conduct science experiments with aloha; respect and care as all our actions should be taken. My class bonded over these field trips, many could truly describe our class of 20 as family; we would meet up even after graduation and most of my lifelong friends are from that class. The idea that future generations may not be able to have these experiences and have places of belonging where community forms is truly heartbreaking.No amount of money can justify or provide valuation for how beautiful Ka'u is and the life it naturally provides. The negative environmental and economic cycle this erupts is so easily preventable.Not to mention the disrespect that would come about invading these lands, it just makes me ask,have we learned nothing from history? As keiki we are told to watch and learn because history repeats itself and we hold power and responsibility for the future. We sat through history class, saw the news that so quickly gets swept aside as if it was history. When we take this power and bulldoze over it,what message are we sending to the generations after us? It's unbelievable the number of negatives that outweigh the positives of this project. In the end it's always about money, and I think that a more attractive feat in drawing in money that can be quickly done is promoting local businesses and educational tours. Although it is controversial to go down the marketing tourism route, I believe it is easier to mitigate the effects of this tourism than the proposed project. Marketing a place where development is limited is a gold mine waiting to be found. Think about how rare it is to go somewhere where you can't see a building blocking your 360' view? That is so easily marketable and can generate responsible awareness for Hawai'i. I go to Arizona for college and when I went back for spring break I couldn't believe how I took Hawaii for granted and I understand why mainlanders are in awe. I will also note nobody's asking me about the best resort or the shopping nearby (that's what Oahu is for and plus they have it all on the mainland), they want to know the best beaches and what adventures are around. I could write about this for hours,but I hope my testimony is taken into consideration. I'm writing this at 4am in Arizona so I apologize for its lack of cohesiveness. Mahalo Nui Loa, Sakura Yabuki