HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Alex Williamson Opposition Testimony From: D A Williamson
To: WPCtestimonv;Council Remote Testimonv
Subject: Written Testimony
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 2:04:24 PM
Attachments: Testimonv.odf
Testimonv.docx
Dear County of Hawai'i Officials,
I trust this message finds you well. This correspondence serves to deliver my written
testimony, which is attached to this email, due to concerns regarding the
development plans at Punaluu and throughout the coastline of Ka'u.
I appreciate your attention to these concerns, and hope for a considerate and
respectful approach towards the potential development in Punaluu and Ka'u.
Respectfully,
Alex Williamson
David "Alex" Williamson
Student Assistant, Love Pono
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The University of Hawaii at Manoa,WGSS Honors Program Student
808.785.3579 I He/Him/Theirs
Whv Are Pronouns Important?
davidaw@hawaii.edu
A]
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Dear County of Hawai'i,
As a resident and humble guest on this beautiful land, as well as a student of the University of
Hawai'i, I write to bring to your attention something of great importance. I take this opportunity
to voice my concerns about the contemplated development of Punalu'u and the coastline of Ka`u.
I strongly urge my fellow residents and authorities to consider the sustainable management
assessments (SMAs)that are being proposed to Punalu'u. This matter is one that, I believe, steps
beyond the bounds of real estate and urban planning, reaching into realms of historical
preservation, cultural conservation and, ultimately, respect for those who have long since called
this place home.
Firstly, there looms a key concern about indigenous burial grounds. To say that these grounds are
an integral part of the spiritual fabric of the Native people is an understatement. Regrettably, they
have not been properly surveyed. Building on this land is an indelicate imposition to the
indigenous residents and marks an unfortunate echo of colonial endeavors that disrespected
indigenous ways of life worldwide.
The beautiful creatures that depend on the shores of Punalu'u, the turtles, form another
cornerstone to the argument against the proposed development. These majestic beings have long
been revered as a symbol of good luck and endurance, integral not only to the ecosystem but also
to the cultural significance of this land.
Consider Na`alehu - a town once situated closer to the shore, upended and ultimately relocated
due to the devastation wrought by a tsunami. Would it not be prudent to learn from past
experiences and avoid risking both lives and property in such a hazardous location? Embarking
on a similar course of action repeats the same cycle, wherein we pay more in terms of cost and
human life in the face of foreseeable natural disasters.
The call for a shoreline certification is imperative, especially when taking into account the
proposed Beach Club Cafe's nearness to the beach. Considerations of respect and care come into
play when dealing with potential discoveries of human remains, which may present a possibility
given the close proximity to native burial grounds. The nature of the Archaeological Resources
Protection Act permit adds weight to the importance of comprehensive project planning,
encapsulating a prompt and effective consultation process for unexpected findings. Therefore,
moving forward without a shoreline certification could result in hasty consultations, legal
challenges, and possibly substantial penalties.
In conclusion, it's non-negotiable: a shoreline certification is obligatory for the safe and legally
compliant progression of this project. Let us not impair the harmony of our Hawai'i landscape or
violate the resting places of our community's ancestors. Let's make sure the demands and rights
of the Ka'u residents are upheld.
I am neither indigenous nor Hawaiian; I am a white student who is fed up with how other
transplants to the islands treat this land. I stand here with the responsibility to protect and respect
a land that I love and care for. Like so many places around the world, this area should not
become another victim of careless development.
At the core, we are talking about homes, about heritage, and about the sanctity of natural and
cultural resources that are irreplaceable. I urge the County of Hawai'i to reconsider their plans for
uncontrolled development along Punalu'u and the coastline of Ka`u. The perceived benefits of
commercial expansion pale in comparison to the cultural, social, and environmental dividends of
preservation. We owe it to the residents of Ka`uand future generations to safeguard their
birthright.
Sincerely,
Alex Williamson and Jesse Dobbs, Residents of Ka`u