2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Howard Shapiro Opposition Testimony

Home

From: artoeaceCcbhawaiiante1.net To: WPCtestimony Subject: DENY this SMA application and protect Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Date: Wednesday,March 6,2024 10:06:38 AM Aloha Chair Lin, Vice Chair Damele, and Members of the Windward Planning Committee, My name is HOWARD SHAPIRO and I urge you to deny the Special Management Area permit application (Agenda Item #3, PL-SMA-2023- 000046) that will build a luxury resort development at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach. Many of us greatly value Punalu'u Black Sand Beach's value to the Ka'u community. What happens there affects both the land and the sea. We are the caretakers of this 'aina and we must show respect to her and to our ancestors who held the land in sacred trust. I have lived in Volcano for nearly 30 years and have seen the total disrespect for our land not only in Volcano, but throughout our precious Hawai'i Island. Developers and homeowners clear cut the native forest without regards to the impact it has on the island's environment. I believe the impact of the proposed development will adversely effect the environment in Ka'u and will begin the erosion of the country lifestyle of the community in Ka'u. I have seen how uncontrolled development adversely impacted Makaha/Wai'anae, a place where I lived for many years and love dearly. We were told that projects to build new homes, hotels etc. would bring jobs and help the housing crisis. All it did was raise the price of houses and rentals, increase traffic and destroy our country lifestyle. When I visit now, I see homeless along the beaches and cannot believe the price of homes and rental units there. Hardly anyome I know can afford to buy a home there. Ka'u reminds me of how Wai'anae and Makaha were 35-40 years ago. No one would of thought that our way of life would be so affected by a few developments, but sadly it was. The SMA applicant proposes a development that caters to tourists at the expense of our own people. There is a lack of planning with the proposed SMA application for a development that will only negatively impact our natural