HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-13 PL-SMA-2023-000046 R. Ebert Testimony DeVera, Ashley
From: Ronald Ebert <ebertr001 @hawaii.rr.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 12:22 PM
To: mitch.D.Roth@hawaiicounty.gov; Kern, Zendo; Planning Internet Mail; Galimba,
Michelle M.
Subject: Possible Extreme Fire Danger
Aloha,
Additional thoughts on proposed SMA for Black Sand Beach, LLC
What if the SMA is not approved and BSB walks away?
What if the water, sewer and other infrastructure goes away?What if they discontinue their efforts to keep the
extremely flammable dry grass under control?
Black Sand Beach, LLC has been taking steps to upgrade and do maintenance on the water system. They say they are in
the process of repairing the fire hydrants, from what I've seen they are taking steps to decrease the fire danger in this
area, slower than I'd like but moving forward anyway.
I'm forwarding a letter that was sent to OKK stating the Kamehameha School/Bishop Estates would take the property
over. I've fought fire more times than I can remember on their portion of the loop (the property adjoining the property
in question). Their property has for years been overgrown and totally gone back to tall ginny grass and scrub brush. It
seems they are doing something there now because of the fire in Lahaina, wonder how long that will last?
I live here, don't know what I'd do without water or sewer or hydrants for fire protection. I know some of the very vocal
protestors don't care about that but, life is precious and to think that some of us older permanent residents of this area
being displaced or killed is very sad indeed.
If the SMA is not approved would the County Of Hawaii be able to take care of the infrastructure and keep the property
up enough to prevent another Lahaina type fire from occurring here?
Mahalo for your consideration.
Ron Ebert 95-1166 Alahaki Road,
Aloha 0 Kau Kakou President and Members of the Board
I saw Guy Enriques and other supporters of Kau on the news tonight seeking to preserve the character
of Kau and to protect Punalu'u. I strongly support this effort and want to tell you that Hawaii County
Resolution 169-07, passed in 2007, remains in effect and could be used by our Open Space Commission
to purchase the bulk of the Punalu'u property owned by Chinese investors.
The Hawaii Land Trust, Kamehameha School/Bishop Estate, OHA and others once agreed to help
transfer the property to them or the County of Hawaii using open space funding and some strategic
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partnerships. Resolution 169-07 remains in effect despite the failure of Mayor Kim to implement it. It
excluded the purchase of the Enriques property, the Hanoa Land grant, the condominiums, and one or
two other private tmks. It is now time to implement this legislation to benefit Kau. The work is mostly
done and the need for preservation is now greater than ever. I would happily support the
implementation of this resolution and help put the full weight of preservationists across the State and
County, as well as the international community behind this effort. OKK could take the credit and help
manage its future. I have spoken with current Hawaii County Councilmember Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder
and I believe he would provide some much needed support for implementation of this resolution. Many
local hands helped pass Resolution 169-07 and many people will help to protect Punalu'u from
unwanted shoreline development. Currently, the County of Hawaii owns little more than an acre on the
beach.
I believe that the Chinese investors would rather dump this project of theirs, and cash out their holdings,
rather than face protracted and resolute opposition by the community. Chinese investors are in a severe
cash crisis and this could give them some much needed cash from a nonperforming property. Several
other properties held by Chinese investors have been purchased by the Hawaii County Open Spaces
Fund.
Please use this resource to preserve the beauty and cultural richness found at Punalu'u. The time has
come to unite Kau to put Punalu'u beyond the reach of developers and into the hands of the community
that knows it's value. Bring Resolution 169-07 before the Open Space Commission with a united Kau
behind it.
Sincerely,
Retired Councilmembers Julie and Bob Jacobson 808-966-8831
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