HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 John Susanne, Jussi and Lani Lyle Testimony From: John Lyle
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Punalu"u Development Comments
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 12:21:24 PM
Aloha ,
Our family was not able to attend the recent gathering at Punalu'u but we certainly would have
if we could have. We're sending along this short comment for the record. We live about 20
miles from Punalu'u and have frequented the area for years. While we do not oppose any/all
development there and we are glad the scale of the proposed development is smaller than past
plans, we still do have concerns. As you know,past development at Punalu'u had been
damaged/destroyed by a hurricane many years ago and the proposed development being so
close to the water may indeed suffer the same fate. And as you know, the area is a critical
habitat for breeding turtles and is a sacred cultural site. We are concerned about the huge
numbers of additional people who will come, especially tourists who we have seen violate
laws about approaching turtles at Punalu'u for decades. Our experience with tourists has not
been totally positive. They have overrun Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park as well. Given the
scope of the development plan and sensitivity of the land, one would expect that an
Environmental Impact Statement would be necessary. And if it were not necessary, one would
hope that one would be done anyway, to assure that all cards are on the table for all to see and
consider. Like we said, we aren't opposed to all development, and the area needs care and
repair, but like so many development projects, it seems a bit rushed. In closing, we say let's
take a few steps back and do it right; do the right thing. If the developers aren't satisfied with
that, then they can go to Florida and expand Disneyworld. Thanks for your time and
consideration. Sincerely, John, Susanne, Jussi and Lani Lyle