HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-11 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Walter Dudley Opposition Testimony From: Walter Dudley
To: W PCtesti mony
Subject: Punaluu Black Sands Beach Shoreline Management Area permit
Date: Monday, March 11, 2024 11:02:19 AM
The cove at Punaluu Black Sand beach is an extremely important area for green sea turtles
(Chelonia mydas). As a former professor at UH-Hilo working with the National Marine
Fisheries Service,we counted, measured,weighed and tagged sea turtles at Punaluu beach for
over 30 years. It was one of the few places in Hawaii where the turtles could be found in the
70s and 80s when the population was threatened, hence an extremely important habitat for the
turtles.
The turtle population inceased significantly during the 80s and 90s,but was reclassified at an
endangered species in 2004 due to a declining population. Today visitors come to the beach at
Punaluu to see the turtles basking in the sun. An increase in residents and visitors adjacent to
Punaluu Beach could have a significant impact on the marine environment and ecology of the
area and a negative impact on the already endangered green sea turtle population. Please
deny the Shoreline Management Area/SMA permit extension for Black Sands Beach LLC at
Punaluu.
Walter Dudley, PhD
Emeritus Professor of Oceanography