HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-12 PL-SMA-2023-000046 R. Ebert Testimony DeVera, Ashley
From: Ronald Ebert <ebertr001 @hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 12:44 PM
To: Roth, Mitch D; mitch.D.Roth@hawaiicounty.gov; Kern, Zendo; Planning Internet Mail;
Galimba, Michelle M.
Subject: Punalu'u
Aloha,
This note is concerning the proposed development of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain).
My wife and I have lived at the corner of Highway 11 and Alahaki Road for 26 years. We are the longest full time
continual residents of Punalu'u (Sea Mountain). We have watched the property and infrastructure decline over the
years. Of great concern to me is the number of unfunctional fire hydrants.
Years ago, when the Community Development Plan was being initiated the planning department had talk stories to learn
what the residents of Ka'u thought were the most important issues to address. I was one of several facilitators of these
talk story sessions, I led groups from Pahala to Ocean View. As I remember the results of the community's input was
number 1. More and better shopping 2.Jobs. All other items were far behind these two items.
I also served on the steering committee of the community development plan and heard testimony from a number of
residences in public meetings and was also contacted by members of the community privately. I believe the majority of
the community would be in favor of the proposed development, there was also a small very vocal group they were
totally opposed to any change in this district.
I have been a volunteer firefighter for the Hawaii County Fire Department for 23 years, have fought many, many fires on
the property in question. The way it stands now not all of the fire hydrants are fully functionals and the well and water
handling infrastructure has also deteriorated. The fire load (unburnt fuel) available is also very high. Although the
current property manager there has fought many fires with us throughout our community, Punaluu included. I know
that she has been working with our fire Captains and Fire Inspectors as well. But I am concerned that if the existing
infrastructure is allowed to continue to deteriorate the existing condos and homes will be left in peril. Re-development
would also require the sewer system be upgraded, the newer standards would have less impact on the ocean and
aquatic life.
The employment opportunities for people in this area would be huge also. Many people in this area are employed in
either the Hilo or Kailua Kona area. I think if you look at the major sources of employment is either State (Highway Dept.,
Schools, Hospital and misc.) County(Police, Fire, Highway etc.)Another major source of income in Ka'u has to be from
retired people with pensions, many from the mainland.
Ka'u used to be a thriving area, Hilea just a mile up the hill from Punalu'u had several thousand people, Punalu'u itself
was a thriving community. I believe this could once again be a thriving community.
It has been my desire as an individual that has served the community in several voluntary roles to reflect what has
appeared to be the majorities desires.
Several people I've spoken to recently are concerned the beach area is being overwhelmed by visitors to the area and
not leaving enough space for residents of the area. But Black Sands Beach LLC would like to put the ocean front into an
easement conservation and is willing to work with the community. They will also be working on a plan to lessen the
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impact of the ocean front from tourist. Also, part of the proposed plans for the re-development is to have several large
swimming pools, I don't know if they would be available to the public. Also, the county owned land at Kawa and
Whittington could be opened up and pavilions, water and sanitary facilities provided.
How many acres in Ka'u are already National Parks, State Parks or County Parks or are in conservation areas? How much
land is actually left for the community to provide gainful private employment?
So, I am saying I am not against this Development, because I know that it will help our Punalu'u community with our
water, sewer and fire protection. Let's make this community be safe and thrive again.
Mahalo for your kind consideration of my input,
Ron Ebert, 95-1166 Road, Kalana Golf Estates lot 9
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