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From: Sonni Schwartzbach <br /> To: W PCtesti mono <br /> Subject: Opposition testimony for Punaluu development <br /> Date: Wednesday, March 6,2024 9:01:28 PM <br /> Aloha to the Members of the Westward Planning Committee, <br /> I am a resident of Hilo and I strongly oppose the proposed development in the Punaluu area of <br /> Ka'u. I am asking that Black Sand Beach LLC NOT be granted a permit for development of <br /> these lands. <br /> It is evident that this is an area of great cultural significance and developing this area would <br /> cause undue harm to Native Hawaiian residents who have maintained cultural practices here <br /> and may also have the bones of their ancestors buried at this site. This is also an area of great <br /> ecological sensitivity, and development of any kind comes with environmental risks that can <br /> be difficult to mitigate, even with strict precautions. <br /> Our island's climates and ecosystems are precious and are already stressed by the effects of <br /> climate change. Development creates more carbon emissions that can continue to endanger <br /> wildlife, change weather patterns, and affect native flora and fauna. We see this happening in <br /> real time in North Kona which has grown drier and hotter through the years, resulting in <br /> an increased risk for wildfires. <br /> On a final note, many in office talk about diversifying our industries and moving away from <br /> relying on tourism for job creation and income. Denying this permit would serve as a concrete <br /> example of how our elected officials are acting on that promise and acting in our best <br /> interests. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Sonni Schwartzbach <br /> 808-987-5072 <br /> sonni shine 1214(a4uma� il.com <br />