HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-05 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Kaiali'i Maluo-Yamada Opposition Testimony From: Leslie Roberts
To: W PCtesti mony
Subject: Black Sands LLC testimony
Date: Tuesday, March 5,2024 3:46:42 PM
Aloha,
My name is Leslie Kaiali`i Maluo-Yamada. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu,
and currently reside in Puna. I serve the community of Ka`u, as a lifeguard, specifically at
Punalu`u. I DO NOT represent the agency I work for. I acknowledge I cannot speak for the
people of Ka'u, but will share my experience bearing witness to the development of Hawaii,
under the powerful system of capitalism, and how that has changed and is changing
relationships to place, resources, people, and culture.
I voice my concern with all my respect to our kupuna and the Ka`u community. I am afraid
that developing Ka`u will reinforce a for-profit system that benefits few to the exclusion of
others. History has shown this system to raise costs of living, encourage establishment of
large corporations, reward the exploitation of resources, force the local communities out
that disproportionately affects the most marginalized. I am afraid this development will only
maintain and strengthen the status quo of settler-colonialism on Hawaii Island. I have seen
this happen on Oahu. I am already seeing this happen to certain wahi on Hawaii Island.
The diaspora of our native communities is increasing. I am afraid this development may set
precedent for other remote areas to be developed on this island. This may affect all of us!
Kaiali`i Maluo-Yamada