HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Lauren Kamalei Stovall Opposition Testimony From: Kamalei Stovall
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Testimony re: Punalu'u SMA(PL-SMA-2023-000046)
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 1:55:32 PM
Aloha Chair Lin, Vice Chair Daniele, and Members of the Windward Planning
Committee,
My name is Lauren Kamalei Stovall and I 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.
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. These plans should be completed prior to approval of the SMA permit
application. Additional consultation with lineal and cultural descendents and sweeps
of the project area should be completed as well. 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.
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.
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.
Lauren Kamalei Stovall