HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-04 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Ting Ortiz Opposition Testimony From: Tina
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Appeal to protect Punalu'u
Date: Monday,March 4,2024 1:20:51 PM
To our esteemed Public Servants:
In an appeal to protect our precious Punalu'u from an extensive development proposal,
I oppose granting of this Special Management
Area permit.
As a local Volcano resident my family has cherished our times spent enjoying Punalu'u for over 50 years. We
regard this pristine wild edge of Ka'u with respect and ALOHA because of how especially unique this seaside land
is.
We have had ritual ceremony there where we have also called upon our ancestors since it is a very sacred place still
open to us all.
But the changes it has had to endure.. auwel
Already the unguided overuse&misuse of its natural resources has had a detrimental effect.
It is already overcrowded and derelict in its appearance with insufficient infrastructure to adequately protect the
area.
Punalu'u lands cannot bear unmanageable development to benefit private and foreign investors. The impact of
overbuilding with an increasing transient population would have a great negative impact upon the natural and
cultural environment.
We appeal to you to take heed in deciding how to malama aina in protecting Punalu'u from this destructive over-
development plan. Our people need you to listen our community concerns with ALOHA. Please do not grant
permission to bargain away what belongs rightfully to Hawaii residents. Keep pono for the future of Punalu'u.
Sincerely,
Ting Ortiz
Sent from my iPhone