HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Alexis Kerver Opposition Testimony From: Alexis Kerver
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Testimony Re: Punalu"u
Date: Monday, March 4, 2024 3:27:15 PM
Aloha,
My name is Alexis Kerver and I am a resident of Ka`u. I strongly oppose the development
proposed by Black Sands LLC at Punalu'u. First and foremost, I demand that the county
require Black Sands LLC to conduct an updated Environmental Impact Statement.
According to the State of Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343-5(c), a proposed action
"likely" to have a significant effect on the environment or a "significant effect" which
includes irrevocable commitment of natural resources, is required. The Winward Planning
Commission and county and state officials are required to abide by these statues and
maintain and support the quality of our natural resources. Punalu'u is a natural, cultural,
and historical resource that must be maintained in its current state and protected from
development. The Windward Planning Commission has a kuleana to protect Punalu'u.
Should you approve this project without an EIS, you are promoting, encouraging, and
contributing to the degradation of our natural, cultural, and historical resources. Upon
conducting an EIS, the county and developers will find clear indications of direct negative
impacts to the coastal region of Punalu'u. A couple of these negative impacts include the
likelihood of groundwater and surface water contamination and the disruption and possible
extinction of the endangered Honu e`a (Hawksbill turtle).
Furthermore, retail, restaurant and other coastal commercial activities are not coastal
dependent activities. The Community Development Plan (CDP) recommends that any
coastal commercial activities be coastal dependent activities.
It is disappointing to know that the Windward Planning Commission and county and state
officials are already aware of these things, yet, are still considering the approval of the SMA
application proposed by Black Sands LLC. Please be competent in your position to protect
our natural and cultural resources and to listen to the voices of the people. The people of
Ka`u, at large, do not want this in our backyard. We like Ka`u the way it is and do not want
to see it developed like Kona, Waikoloa, Honolulu, etc.. If you fail to listen to the people and
our concerns, you fail at your position. Choose the voices of the community over foreign
investors, profit, and tourism.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Alexis Kerver