HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Maile Abellera Opposition Testimony From: MAILE ABELLERA
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Punalu"u Development
Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 8:50:38 PM
Aloha no,
My name is Maile Andrade Abellera and I'm a resident of Pahala, Ka'u for more than 50 years.
I am strongly against any development for Punalu'u.
My ohana(family), has many ties to Punalu'u. I have many kupuna buried down at Punalu'u at
the Hokuloa Congregational graveyard. My grandmother, Adeline Andrade, was born down in
Ninole. She once lived in the house that my Aunty Jeanette Howard, stayed in. She lived
through the tidal wave that spun that house around. That is where my Tutu Man died. I could
go on and on, however, it will turn into a book.
Anyways, Punalu'u holds a special place in my heart. Like everyone said, Ka'u is the last place
that is still sacred and underdeveloped, because why? That's the way we like it. That is why so
many of us still live here. If we wanted the city life, we would've moved to the city. Jobs are
few and in between, but we adapted to this style of living. We don't mind driving the 50+
miles one way to work. We hunt or fish and we grow our own fruits and vegetables. We live
and learn the country life. No shame in that.
Now let's be honest, if we develop anything at Punalu'u, who is it benefitting? We had at one
point in time, everything that Eva Liu wants. Times are changing, as well as the environment.
The weather, mother nature plays a big role to whether we should do it or not. One big
earthquake can wipe it all out, cause what follows an earthquake, a tsunami. Even Tutu Pele is
not done cleaning her house.
So I'm against any development at Punalu'u. Just clean it up and bring it up to par and all is
good. Isn't that why you moved here Eva? Because the quietness, the beautiful black sand
beach, and the country way of living? Just don't do it.
We don't need another Waikoloa, Kailua-Kona or Waikiki! Keep Ka'u, Ka'u!!
Mahalo nui,
Maile Andrade Abellera and family
PO Box 928
Pahala, Hawaii 96777
808-443-1567
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