HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Thomas Richmond Opposition Testimony From: Thomas Richmond
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Written testimony-Punalu'u Ka'u development.
Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 5:38:18 PM
aloha,
As a resident of Hawaii I object to the development of Punalu`u.
How many more heiau must be destroyed or become off limits because developers cannot
respect sacred lands?
The question must also be asked, what about burial sites here? Why would you destroy an
ecosystem that contains anchialine pools, indigenous species of shrimp? All for the sake of
bringing tourists to a location where endangered turtles nest? This doesn't sit well with me,
and I for one am directly opposed.
We cannot keep treating the island with extractive practices and expect her to sustain lives
here. The cost of development will be to make Hawaii un-Hawaiian. We should be protecting
our peoples and communities that live here, not plopping a new Waikaloa wherever you can
make a buck. These are not Hawaiians who would even be working these businesses and
excited to deforest and pave the way for another Hapuna tourist trap at a thusfar `pristine'
black sand beach. Do you remember the initiative to put up the restaurant and cultural center
there that failed, AND got taken out by tsunami and fell into disrepair? The mismanaged
stewardship of this place in recent past should be enough to tell you that this community is
NOT calling for more money to be thrown into destroying another location on Hawaii Island.
Investors keep eyeing things that should have never have been an option for developing to
begin with.
Ka`u `s identity is not a resort and subdivision and has stations and restaurants and everything
that comes from trying to cater to tourists. Please cater to your community.
Do not pursue this development. This land is Hawaiian. No matter who pretends to draw lines
in its black sands.
An angry Kama `aina,
Thomas *
Moku o Keawe, Lanihau
aloha