HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Aly Dove Opposition Testimony From: Alv Dove
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Written Testimony for Ka'u and development at Punalu'u
Date: Monday, March 4,2024 7:41:11 PM
Punalu'u is such a special haven and one of the easiest ocean access for local residents of Ka'u
as well as an important area for endangered species. As a resident of Hawaii and frequent
beach goer at Punalu'u black sand beach I am very concerned about how the slow acquisition
of these lands as well as this draft proposal does not involve the input of the community, and
an attempt to preserve the fish, honu, Heiaus, caves, water and existing buildings that are
already in this area.
We need to slow this project down, and ensure that government officials, businesses, and
community members are consulted so that should this development continue, it is not just
words and empty promises but actions that are taken to preserve the the ecosystem and
archaeology present in this area. Additionally the infrastructure must be prepared and
constructed to allow for the new amount of visitors that will drastically increase in this area. A
key component for me is that residential access should be prioritized. One example and model
could be a certain percentage of parking permits be set aside for visitors with a Hawaii state
ID similar to the parking lot of Ke'e beach in Haena State Park in Kauai.
We must stop this permit and have plans in place so that developers are held accountable to
first consult the needs of kapuna, local residents, and the ecosystem. And if this is not the
priority then, do not approve the SMA permit to allow these new developers to use and
desecrate the wahi kapu of Punalu'u.
Mahalo nui loa!
Aly Dove
77-6573 Sea View Circle D
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740