HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Tanya Ibarra Opposition Testimony From: Tanya Ibarra
To: Council Remote Testimony;WPCtestimonv
Subject: Punalu'u Development Project
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 2:41:07 PM
Aloha kakou,
My name is Tanya Ibarra, and I am a resident of Pahala in Ka`u.
I am writing this in opposition of the proposed development of the Punalu`u area.
As a working resident of Ka`u, I am unable to attend the meeting but would like to give my
testimony regarding the project proposed.
The following are reasons I do not think the proposed development is feasible in Ka`u:
• The current state of the property purchased by Black Sand Beach LLC is currently in
disarray,which includes invasive plants choking out the fish pond, and major sewage
issues with the existing condominium development in that area.
If the state of the property is already so damaged and threatens the fishing, land, and
native foliage,how can developing more property (more waste,traffic, and pollution)
help the already damaged environment?
• The infrastructure of the Ka`u area does not suit the level of incoming tourists and
traffic to that area, especially in the event of severe natural weather conditions.
• The residents of Ka`u can barely afford housing in their own homeland, and now we
will have an influx of foreigners coming to set down roots where the people of Ka`u are
slowly being displaced.
These are only some of the reasons I oppose the project,but in consideration of time, I will
leave it at these.
Mahalo for your time,
Tanya Ibarra