HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-09 PL-SMA-2023-000046 David Cowles Opposition Testimony From: David Cowles
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Development at Punalu'u
Date: Saturday,March 9,2024 3:40:57 PM
Aloha,
I would like to add my voice in opposition to the development request by Black Sand Beach LLC. This change in
use goes against the Community Development Plan for Ka'u District and will forever ruin the natural,cultural and
ecological beauty of Punalu'u.
Before becoming a land owner and then resident of the Big Island I spent many years bicycling around the Island
and camping at the County Beach Parks. Punalu'u is unique for its isolation,natural beauty and Honu. When the
sun went down and the tourists left it was primarily locals fishing and a limited number of campers.Many times I
was the only person there and slept to the sound of the ocean waves and the trade winds under an amazing star filled
sky.
I do not believe that large scale development benefits the local population. The lowest paying jobs go to locals and
the highest paying go to people brought in from the Mainland and of course the developers profit the most.Many of
the resort workers on the Kona and Kohala Coasts have to travel from the East side.Land values increase
substantially making it impossible then for those who grew up in the area to remain.
Please reject this proposal.Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Cowles
Sent from my iPad