HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Karen Cochrane Opposition Testimony From: Karen Cochrane
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Testimony re: Punalu'u SMA permit application (PL-SMA-2023-000046)
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 1:46:34 PM
Aloha,
I am voicing my objection to any further development at Punalu'u Black Sand
Beach. Sea Mountain Resort offers a low impact resort option for those wanting to
stay nearby. The fact that SeaMountain cannot sustain itself financially enough to keep
its golf course operating should be information enough to reject any further
development in that location. Can we not leave this area less impacted and encourage
resorts in Hilo or Waikoloa where there is some infrastructure to support tourism?
I second the following statements:
My name is Karen Cochrane and 1, my husband and family urge you to deny
the Special Management Area permit application (Agenda Item #3, PL-
SMA-2023-000046) that will build a luxury resort development at Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach.
As our climate crisis inevitably worsens, it is critical that our precious natural
and cultural resources are managed as a public trust resource, as
envisioned in our Hawaii State Constitution, and as carefully contemplated
with critical input from key community stakeholders in the Ka`u Community
Development Plan.
Additionally, the SMA applicant proposes a development that caters to
tourists at the expense of our own - our own people who are already
housing insecure, job insecure, and our natural and cultural resources. The
lack of planning with the prematurely proposed SMA application for a
development that will only exacerbate the erosion of our natural and cultural
resources undermines the Ka`u Community Development Plan and does not
facilitate the county fulfilling its affirmative duty to protect nearshore marine
waters.
1 . Over 100 cultural sites, including burials and heiau, have been
destroyed since efforts to develop Punalu'u began 50 years ago. Yet
there is still no burial treatment plan, no preservation plan, and no
plan for access for lineal descendants. Further, in what was once a
heavily populated area, it is likely there are unknown burial sites that
will be inadvertently discovered and damaged should the project be
allowed to proceed. The county has an affirmative duty to protect
these cultural resources. Approval of the SMA permit at this time
would violate that obligation. The Planning Department's
recommendations do not adequately mitigate negative impacts.
2. Punalu`u has unique ecological diversity. It is home to rare and
endangered native animals, including hawksbill sea turtles, green
sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, native bees and orange-black
damselflies. Punalu`u's shores are vital nesting grounds for sea
turtles. The SMA permit application and Planning Department
recommendations do not sufficiently address negative impacts to
threatened and endangered species.
3. The current wastewater treatment plant is outdated at 50 years old.
The treatment system only treats water to remove fecal bacteria.
Current Department of Health standards require wastewater
treatment to remove harmful viruses and bacteria, as well. It is not
known how damaged the wastewater collection system is, so it is
likely leaking into groundwater. Wastewater is pumped into infiltration
basins that flow into groundwater. This groundwater then flows into
nearshore marine waters. The Hawaii State Supreme Court has
ruled the county has an affirmative duty to protect nearshore marine
waters. This public trust resource is at risk. A 2006 Draft
Environmental Impact Statement stated, "[t]he project's engineers
have assumed the treatment plant will be replaced when the new
development begins." The Planning Department's recommendations
do not address the existing serious wastewater problems. A
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SETS) must be
completed before the SMA permit application can be approved and
the wastewater treatment plant must be replaced and operational
before the SMA permit is approved.
4. The Planning Director waived the requirement for shoreline
certification. Given the degree of climate change since the last
shoreline certification was completed, a new shoreline certification
should be required prior to approval of SMA permit application. A
tsunami in November 1975 damaged the restaurant located on the
nearshore anchialine pool. The SMA permit allows for reconstruction
of the restaurant, other amenities, and landscaping around the
anchialine pool, which would result in irreparable harm to this public
trust resource.
5. Since the 1988 Final Environmental Impact Statement was
completed, the U.S. Census for Hawaii island has increased by 67%.
Visitor days have increased by 126%, and visitor arrivals have
increased 48%. In order to determine the additional cumulative
impacts on traffic and infrastructure at Punalu`u, a Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SETS) should be required prior to
approval of the SMA.
6. The SMA permit application and project do not comply with
numerous policies of the Ka`u Community Development Plan.
Accordingly, I respectfully urge the committee to DENY this SMA application
and protect Punalu`u Black Sand Beach. Mahalo nui for the opportunity to
testify.
Karen Cochrane, Ph.D
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