HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-06 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Howard Shapiro Opposition Testimony 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
resources and sacred 'our aina.
Mahalo for taking the time for reading and considering my testimony. I
respectfully urge the committee to deny this SMA application.
Malama Pono
Howard Shapiro
PO Box 1050, Volcano, Hawaii 96785