HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Laura Chang Opposition Testimony From: Laura Chang
To: WPCtestimonv
Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 4:40:49 PM
Hello,
I'm writing in opposition to the development of 225 residential and short stay units, the
commercial center, retail shops, and golf course in Punalu'u, Ka'u. I am a resident of
Massachusetts and acknowledge I am living on the traditional land of the Naumkeag,
Massachusett, and Pawtucket peoples.
I was fortunate enough to visit Hawaii as a tourist July 2023. As a tourist, there were plenty of
areas already available for visiting. I was already horrified by the lack of respect tourists had
for the land, the people, and the creatures. I was sad to see how local and native people were
unable to easily detach from the greedy imperialistic American grasp.
Please do not begin the destruction in Ka'u that will exacerbate the many problems favoring
money over wellbeing of Hawaii including: rise in land taxes forcing the local people out,
demolition of the last breeding grounds for endangered hawksbill turtles, and destroying
natural protections against natural disasters associated with climate change.
The developers do not acknowledge impacts including: lack of burial treatment plan for
indigenous ancestors, emergencies for fire floods tsunamis earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions, the leaking of the sewage system into the ocean.
Keep Ka'u, Ka'u
Save Punalu'u
Tourists like myself will not contribute to the further destruction and disrespect of the land.
Laura Chang