HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-25 Punalu'u Kamala Galletes OP From: Kamala Galletes
To: W PCtesti mons
Subject: Punalu'u SMA permit testimony
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 12:10:10 PM
Attachments: Blank 4.odf
Aloha,
Please see my testimony attached in regards to the Punalu'u development SMA permit.
Mahalo,
Kamala
03/21/24
Aloha mai Kakou,
Mahalo for your time and careful consideration; the future of Ka'u and life as we know it is in
your hands.
My name is Kamala Galletes I was born and raised in Ka'u. I have spent much time at Ninole
and Punalu'u going to the beach, throwing net, fishing, camping, hiking, and enjoying time with
my family in this Wahi Pana. I take our children to the same places I frequented my whole life,
and they are exactly the same for my them to enjoy.
I oppose the proposed Punalu'u development plan, including the Special Management Area
permit for Black Sands Beach LLC at Punalu'u.
There is no need for this level of development in Ka'u. Preservation and protection should me
our mantra for Hawaii. We do not need to desecrate the `aina, the wai, and the kai all for mere
profit; all at the cost of Hawaiians.
The daily impact of a resort this size will ruin this pristine, undeveloped area forever. The water
flows freely, endangered species still exist here, archaeology clearly remains, and the native
flora still grows wild.
Construction of 225 accommodations, including a 2 1/2 story building with 130 units, 80
cottages that could be 650 to 1400 square-ft (one to three bedroom), 50 bungalows, 2500 to
3500 square-ft (3 to 5 bedrooms) and an Aspen center with 30 retreat units, 1500 square-ft, 2
1/2 stories, ALL sounds like we have an entire community in the making not a "wellness/retreat
center."
Our island is already overcrowded, lacking much needed infrastructure. We need better/
maintained roads, better/maintained schools, more/maintained gymnasiums, and hospitals. We
do not have enough ambulances and emergency personnel, let alone personnel, to sustain a
development of this size in a rural part of the island.
KAPU KA'O.
Mahalo nunui,
Kamala Galletes