HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-02 Efren Abellera OP From: MAILE ABELLERA
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Opposition for Development at Punalu"u
Date: Thursday,May 2,2024 7:35:37 AM
Hi, my name is Efren Abellera. Although I wasn't born here in Hawaii,nor am I of Hawaiian
decent, I've been living in Ka'u for the past 39+years. This is where I met my wife. She is a
Ka'u girl. Her family was born and raised at Punalu'u. I got to meet her grandmother,Adeline
Andrade, who was born in Ninole, Punalu'u,before she passed away. She told me many
stories about this area. That is why I continue to live here. The rich Hawaiian culture that was
shared with me, is why I made Ka'u my home. I love this place. It feeds my family and I, from
the mountain to the sea.
I worked for the Sugar Plantation until 1995. I then moved to Hilo to try and find a better life
for my family and L It only led me back to Ka'u. The peace and quiet,the country life style is
what I live for. The city life is not for me. So with that being said, if I wanted to live near
condos,hotels or tourism, I would have continued to live in Hilo or Kona. But I chose the life
I live, right here in Ka'u.
I own 12 acres of coffee, above Pahala. When they first opened up these parcels of land for
displaced Sugar Plantation workers, I jumped at the chance. However,when the owners
decided to sell the land to these mainland investors, it was questionable. My wife was angry.
She knew that these investors were just in it for the money.Not once did the owners come to
Hawaii and see how we were doing. Eventually we were given the ultimatum to buy the land
or pretty much lose out to the new owners. With all my hard work, I bought my farm. I'm not
young but I didn't want to see some foreigner buy my hard work for a cheap price.
Anyways, I believe Eva and her friends mean well. I haven't been to any of the meetings that
were held, cause I didn't hear about them. Development is not some small project. Why build
something where no one wants it? Fix what's there right now. Why make changes to an area
that doesn't need it? She claims she talked to the Kupuna of the community, but what about
the rest of us? The Kupuna won't be around forever. The future is bright but not for
development in Ka'u. I moved here cause I love it just the way it is. I'm also a fisherman. I
launch my boat out of Punalu'u. If you develop, access will be limited. Remember the
pandemic, every fisherman flocked to the Ka'u coastlines. Why? Cause we have the best
fishing grounds.
This development is dividing the people of Ka'u. The younger generation is the one speaking
up about opposition, while the elders are supporting this. Ask yourself,why did they oppose it
back then? It's probably the same reasons the younger generation speaks of now. Stop playing
games and put an end to this. Say "NO" to this proposal.
Mahalo,
Efren Abellera
PO Box 928
Pahala, Hawaii 96777
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