HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-03 Erika Abellera From: Erika Abellera
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Testimony for Punalu'u
Date: Friday,May 3,2024 2:41:51 PM
Dear County of Hawai'i Windward Planning Commission,
Hello my name is Enka Abellera and I oppose of the development that is planned for Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.
Although I reside in Las Vegas,NV but for me as a former resident of Ka'u(Pahala to be exact)who was raised
there for 20 years of my life feels that this will not only take away the home feeling that I receive when I come home
to visit but it will turn it into a city lifestyle for which we do not need.Punalu'u for all of us Ka'u people is our
home away from home,we go there to gather some food recollect our minds and our thoughts.It's our time away
from home where friends and family get together and enjoy the beach the exact way a beach is supposed to be
enjoyed.Punalu'u is the closest beach for all us people from Ka'u,where we went to almost every weekend/and or
day.Especially if you were someone who is from Pahala or Naalehu specifically.It's already sad as it is,that the
beach has tum into a tourist spot.I mean look,I came home to visit a couple of years ago,and I took my fiance with
me to the beach and it was on the weekend and we could not or rather I should say I could not enjoy and showcase
to him the beach I grew up going to for 20 years of my life,due to the fact that it was overcrowded with tourist
literally sitting next to each other almost close to being shoulder to shoulder by the main entry way as Ka'u people
considered was the lei stand side.Us Ka'u people enjoyed it the way it was growing up and felt like no change is
needed.There is too many sacred areas, sacred properties,and or sacred ancestors I have tied to that beach.I think
instead of wanting to do this big development I think maybe up keeping with my making sure all our safety products
are up-kept with like the fire hydrants as I came home to visit a couple months ago and saw one of them tilting to the
ground and also maybe helping upkeep to make sure that the beach is kept clean. So yes with that being said I do
oppose of this development they are trying to build.
Sincerely,
Enka Abellera
(Former Resident of Ka'u)