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Home My WebLink About2024-09-02 Rebecca Melendez Testimony -1 From:Rebecca Melendez To:WPCtestimony Subject:PETITIONER: ASSOCIATION OF APARTMENT OWNERS OF COLONY 1 AT SEA MOUNTAIN (PL-CCH-2024-000022) Date:Monday, September 2, 2024 12:58:20 PM Attachments:Screenshot (11).png Screenshot (13).png Sept. 5 meeing 1. PETITIONER: ASSOCIATION OF APARTMENT OWNERS OF COLONY 1 AT SEA MOUNTAIN (PL-CCH-2024-000022) PLEASE OPPOSE THIS DEVELOPMENT IN PUNALU'U. There are 18,426 signatures on this petition that is opposing this development resort https://www.thepetitionsite.com/854/086/898/residents-who-oppose-the-resort-in-punaluu-ka%C5%AB/? fbclid=IwY2xjawFDHg9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUx4SF8clyuJFIfIBJdWljEeoodCkzT- NDzw7Kfq0kICpyvxwwu68vpBwQ_aem_wzJfVzWLvDXjBn-idv_-Ag Please, you MUST hear the community and STAND WITH OVER 18,426 people who DO NOT WANT THIS DEVELOPMENT IN PUNALU'U. There are also 460 signatures on this petition https://www.change.org/p/help-prioritize-big-island-developments-to-keep- island-s-resources-safe-for-all that are ALL opposing more developments on Big Island because DOES NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES FOR MORE HUGE DEVELOPMENTS. PLEASE READ THE RESOURCE NEWS ON BIG ISLAND: 1) Hawaii Deals with Burgeoning Waste Management Problem As landfills face closure and waste-to-energy projects stall, various counties in Hawaii are dealing with waste management issues. Waste360 Staff January 10, 2020 “Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic products that are no longer being recycled.” https://www.waste360.com/landfill/hawaii-deals-with-burgeoning-waste-management-problem 2) "Big Island Now readers seem to agree that there’s likely no single solution for slowing down the timeline of the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill reaching capacity. The West Hawai’i Sanitary Landfill, the only remaining landfill on the Big Island, is forecast to reach capacity within the next 20 to 25 years." https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/17/big-island-now-poll-no-27-results-more-than- one-solution-needed-to-help-extend-life-of-west-hawaii-landfill/ 3) Hawaii Island Has Decades of Landfill Space But Still Faces Challenges In Dealing With Its Waste Hawaii Public Radio Published January 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM HST “Hawaii Island is in the enviable position of having a landfill with anywhere from 20 to 100 years of capacity left to take in trash. But the island still wrestles with significant issues like plastic products that are no longer being recycled. For the past four decades, trash from the east side of Hawaii Island has been dumped in a landfill outside of Hilo. But now trash from all parts of the island is being trucked to a facility north of Kona.” https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2020-01-09/hawaii-island-has-decades-of-landfill- space-but-still-faces-challenges-in-dealing-with-its-waste 4)“What happens to Hawaii Island’s trash and recyclables? BY MICHELLE BRODER VANdyke HAWAII ISLAND PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET DEC. 17, 2022 By Michelle Broder Vandyke Hawaii Island PUBLISHED 11:30 AM ET Dec. 1The future of the landfill The West Hawaii Landfill will be full in about 20 years. Finding a location for the next landfill is a concern, according to the DEM officials. They said it will be challenging to find a location for a future landfill because of stringent regulations and costs related to planning, environmental regulations, design and construction that will take many years to complete. It will also require community support.” https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2022/12/15/what-happens-to-hawaii-island-s-trash- and-recyclables-- 5) “The overwhelming plastic waste Hawaii visitors leave behind By Natasha BourlinAug 24, 2023 Hawaii saw more than 9 million visitors last year. Those tourists’ first stops are often big-box and convenience stores, where they buy bottled water, plastic sand toys, single-use bodyboards, noodles, floaties and inner tubes for their trips.” https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/plastic-waste-hawaii-visitors-leave-behind- 18286076.php 6) “A county commission drafts ordinance aiming to ban recyclables at West Hawai‘i landfill By Megan Moseley September 6, 2023 · 1:00 AM HST * Updated September 6, 2023 · 2:02 PM Hawai‘i County’s Environmental Management Commission is developing an ordinance that aims to prohibit the amount of recyclable materials ending up in the island’s only working landfill.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/06/new-draft-ordinance-aims-to-ban-recyclables-at-west-hawaii- landfill/ 7) ” Hawai‘i County issues mandatory 25% water restriction for North Kona August 7, 2023 · 5:21 PM HST A mandatory 25% water restriction has been issued for various communities in North Kona due to the failure of the Honokhau Deepwell over the weekend.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/07/hawaii-county-issues- mandatory-25-water-restriction-for-north-kona/ 8) “Hawaii Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues by Big Island Video Newson Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm STORY SUMMARY HAWAII COUNTY - Officials say a special focus will be placed on the South Kohala Water System, which is more susceptible to drought conditions.” https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2023/11/06/water-supply-closely- monitored-as-hawai%CA%BBi-under-severe-drought/ 9) “Big Island Concerns About Water Quality Prompt A Lawsuit Over A Kona Sewage Plant Kealakehe sewage plant discharges more than 1 million gallons of wastewater into a lava pit near the ocean. By Paula Dobbyn / February 6, 2024 Settlement talks are scheduled in an environmental lawsuit involving a county-operated Big Island sewage plant in Kona.” https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/02/concerns-about-water-quality-prompt-a-lawsuit-over-a-kona- sewage-plant/ 10) “Researchers find sewage from an oceanfront Big Island community reaches nearshore waters Hawaii Public Radio | By Russell Subiono, Sophia McCullough Published December 20, 2021 at 5:56 PM HST There are nearly 50,000 cesspools on the Big Island, with tens of thousands posing a risk to water resources, according to the Hawaii Department of Health.” https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/the-conversation/2021-12- 20/researchers-find-sewage-from-an-oceanfront-big-island-community-reaches-nearshore-waters 11) ”Kona coast faces stark wastewater tradeoffs Current situation There are approximately 88,000 cesspools across the state, releasing more than 200,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day to the environment. https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2021/09/10/kona-stark-wastewater- tradeoffs/ We ask that you start figuring out how this can never happen again? These are the kind of issues that need to be resolved before you approve more development. 12) "BIG ISLAND NEWS HECO restores power after initiating emergency outages on Big Island by: Elizabeth 'Ufi Posted: Jan 30, 2024 / 09:43 AM HST Updated: Jan 30, 2024 / 04:15 PM HST An unexpected loss of several large Hawaii Electric generators left some residents on Big Island without power for parts of the morning on Tuesday, Jan. 30." https://www.khon2.com/big-island-news/heco-initiates-30-min- rolling-outages-after-loss-of-generators/ 13) Hawai'i State News Update: Hawaiian Electric initiates rolling outages throughout Big Island February 13, 2024 · 5:23 PM HST * Updated February 14, 2024 · 4:21 PM The emergency outages are being initiated in various areas around the entire island to prevent loss of power to an even greater number of customers. The timing and extent of the outages will depend on the amount of demand on the system and the availability of generators.” https://bigislandnow.com/2024/02/13/hawaii-island-customers- asked-to-reduce-electricity-use/ 14) “LOCAL NEWS HECO issues rolling power outages around Big Island by: Emily Cervantes Posted: Feb 13, 2024 / 05:11 PM HST Updated: Feb 13, 2024 / 09:12 PM HST Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages for Big Island after several large generators became unavailable and reduced output Tuesday night.” https://www.khon2.com/local-news/heco-releases-conservation-alert-for-big-island/ 15) "Here's how power outages can have repercussions for Hawaii's water supply Hawaii Public Radio | By Savannah Harriman-Pote Published February 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM HST Water departments on Oahu and Hawaii Island have advised customers to conserve water ahead of possible storm-related power outages this month. But what does the power grid have to do with the water supply? It is impossible to separate Hawaii's power system from its water system, said Kawika Uyehara, deputy director of Hawaii County's Department of Water Supply." https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2024-02- 13/residents-on-hawaii-island-and-oahu-are-asked-to-conserve-water-amid-power-outages 16) U.S. Hawaii is "on the verge of a greater catastrophe," locals say, as water crisis continues By Li Cohen Updated on: April 11, 2024 / 8:23 AM EDT / CBS News In Hawaii, one of the most important sayings is ola i ka wai, "water is life" — a phrase that not only sums up what it means to exist on an island, but what it means to live, period. But now, one of the largest of the island chain's land masses is facing a triple threat to its sole freshwater source, and if it isn't addressed soon, one community member says, "we're in deep trouble." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hawaii-water-crisis-climate-change/ 17) NewsHawai‘i County issues mandatory 25% water restriction for North Kona August 7, 2023 · 5:21 PM HS A mandatory 25% water restriction has been issued for various communities in North Kona due to the failure of the Honokhau Deepwell over the weekend. https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/07/hawaii-county-issues-mandatory-25-water-restriction-for-north-kona/ 18) Hawaii Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues by Big Island Video News on Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm (BIVN) – With an ongoing drought on the island of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply says it is closely monitoring its 23 public water systems, with a “special focus” placed on the South Kohala Water System. https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2023/11/06/water-supply-closely-monitored-as-hawai%CA%BBi- under-severe-drought/ This is a map of Power Outages on the Big Island. This map wouldn't have been created if Power Outages were not a problem. https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/power-outages/hawaii-island-outage- map Please, give Tax Breaks to all homes that provide solar and/or wind turbine to there homes to help with power issues on the island. 20) "Hawaiian Electric is reporting that several large generators on the Big Island are experiencing a range of issues and may lead to the need for rolling outages if supply does not meet demand." https://www.reddit.com/r/BigIsland/comments/1bnuar3/hawaiian_electric_is_reporting_that_several_large/? rdt=52660 21) "NewsHawaiian Electric asking Big Island customers to conserve power due to down generators March 25, 2024 · 11:49 AM HST According to the utility company, this is an usual situation as the large generators are experiencing mechanical problems resulting in a reduced output. The largest generator, an independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiian Electric, is offline with significant mechanical issues. The plant generates 60 megawatts or nearly one-third of the typical peak demand of 180 megawatts on the island." https://bigislandnow.com/2024/03/25/hawaiian-electric-asking-big-island-customers-to-conserve-power- due-to-down-generators/ The articles above show that Big Island resources are currently being negatively affected from the development on island, and there are years of new development that has already been approved, and even more development is still being approved before learning if the island's resources can handle more development. Thank you, Sincerely, Rebecca Melendez Reasons for signing this petition See why other supporters are signing, why this petition is important to them, and share your reason for signing (this will mean a lot to the starter of the petition). Sarah Harrington 3 days ago There's only so much land and it's meant to keep beautiful. Big resorts are not 0 Report Julie Lawrence 3 weeks ago We need to take care of the people and aina that we already have - new housing should come with rules limiting purchase to residents. Residents defined has people who have lived and paid taxes here 0 Report Lisa Diaz 3 weeks ago We need to protect our coral reefs and build more housing for local families, instead of resorts for tourists! 0 Report Christina Corporon 3 weeks ago Safety is a concern with over development 0 Report Cindy Coats 3 weeks ago Our roads are overcrowded , our resources are stretched thin, and there is virtually NO affordable housing… are we going to continue to pander to the ultra rich and developers ? NO!!! 0 Report Miranda Lewitsky 4 weeks ago I want the local people to be prioritized. I enjoy swimming in this bay because it is quiet. I do not want to see development of the bay. I do not want to see pavement areas or more buildings. I am concerned about erosion, runoff, trash, cigarette butts, noise, crowds, and chemical use. I do want to see natural landscape and healthy water. There are fewer places I enjoy the island because development affects the quiet atmosphere and clear health of the water land and sky. 0 Report Marcie Ide 4 weeks ago It is one of the last historically untouched areas on the island that has not been overdeveloped and has been fully enjoyed completely by locals and visitors for many decades. 0 Report Michele Makai 4 weeks ago The manta ray population in this area is rare and an experience sought after by wonderful people all over the world. Don't f*ck it up! 0 Report Kristina Libbey 1 month ago If the island is not protected, there will be no island. Respect the land. Respect the people. 0 Report Francesca LAFONTAINE-CÔTÉ 1 month ago For me it is so important to protect the nature and the biodiversity of Hawai’i. There is enough tourism and enough accommodations for tourists and the priority should be to preserve and protect the marine life and environment , not to make money ! Animals were there first and they must be respected and preserved. 0 Report Jennifer Lund 1 month ago Environmental Impact: Pollution Risk: Developments pollute nearby waters both during and after construction. Endangered Species: Habitat for federally protected green sea turtles and endangered monk seals. Development will threaten these species due to pollution and human disturbance. Golf Course Runoff: Golf course pesticides and fertilizers lead to harmful algae blooms, killing coral and marine life. The removal of the trees that act as a natural filter will allow golf course runoff to pollute the Bay. Increased Human Activity: More tourists and residents will increase noise, water, and light pollution, further disturbing marine life. Motor Vehicle Pollution: Increased traffic from the resort will lead to more oil and heavy metal runoff into the bay. Noise Pollution: Construction and increased human activity will disrupt marine life, particularly cetaceans. Stormwater Runoff: Development will increase impervious surfaces, leading to higher stormwater runoff and pollution. Sea Foam Toxins: Pollutants in runoff can lead to toxic sea foam, affecting air quality and marine health. Scientific Evidence: NOAA & Other Studies: Developments have always polluted coastal waters, harming marine ecosystems. Coral Reefs: Runoff from developments causes coral bleaching and death, as evidenced in Hawai'i and other coastal areas. Plankton Decline: Pollutants from runoff kill plankton, crucial for manta rays' diet, leading to ecosystem collapse. Algae Blooms: Pollution runoff causes algae blooms, smothering coral reefs and killing marine life. Ecosystem Research: Studies show significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems from development-related runoff. Legal Concerns: Endangered Species Act: Development violates the act's mandate to conserve habitats for endangered species. Hawaii Conservation Laws: Local statutes require conservation of indigenous aquatic life and their ecosystems. Conservation Mandate: Federal and state laws emphasize conserving ecosystems that support endangered species. Infrastructure Issues: Resource Strain: Big Island already faces water shortages, limited landfill capacity, and power conservation needs. Inadequate Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure cannot support additional strain from a large resort development. Waste Management: Big Island's landfill is nearing capacity, and new developments will exacerbate waste issues. Water Crisis: Ongoing drought and water contamination issues make additional strain from new developments unsustainable. Power Conservation: Big Island is currently experiencing power shortages and rolling blackouts, and new developments will increase demand. Case Studies: Chesapeake Bay: Coastal developments cause significant harm due to runoff, a situation Keauhou Bay could face. Hawaiian Islands: Existing research shows developments lead to severe degradation of coral reefs and marine life. Global Examples: Similar coastal developments worldwide have resulted in long-term environmental damage. Community Impact: Local Use: Keauhou Bay is a popular spot for local activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, manta night dives, surfing, and swimming. Tourist Impact: Increased tourist activity will further degrade natural resources and disturb local wildlife. Economic Considerations: Tourism Dependence: Manta ray tours and other eco-tourism activities depend on a healthy marine environment. Local Economy: Damage to the bay's ecosystem will negatively affect local businesses reliant on marine tourism. Long-Term Costs: Environmental degradation will lead to long-term economic costs, outweighing short-term development gains. Conclusion: Long-Term Impact: Allowing the bungalow resort will permanently alter and likely destroy Keauhou Bay's ecosystem. Conservation Priority: Emphasis on conserving the bay as a natural habitat for endangered species and marine life. Community Responsibility: Urge decision-makers to consider the long-term environmental, economic, and community impacts before approving the development 0 Report Alexis Stubbs 1 month ago I'm not opposed to development, but I AM adamantly opposed to irresponsible development that neglects community input, resources, and access. I strongly opposed development that exploits what's left of our natural resources and Shorelines for the sake of profit. Too much already. Enough is enough. No more. 0 Report mark isomura 2 months ago Keep Kona country NO MORE STOLEN LANDS 0 Report KATHI BALBI 2 months ago Hospitals need to be updated first. Fix what you have before you build any more new construction. 0 Report melissa Sobkowicz 2 months ago We need to work on the current infrastructure prior to more development. 0 Report Marcy O’Malley 2 months ago Enough is enough! The County needs to deal with its neglected infrastructure before allowing anymore “Resorts” 0 Report Pali Mench 2 months ago No development until adequate infrastructure. Roads, water, electric, sewer, schools. All of these are already overburdened. 0 Report Carolan Cash 3 months ago Getting dangerous as more and more folks moving here. Plus all the proposed developments. Give us a break 0 Report Timothy Sullivan 3 months ago Keep Hawaii Hawaiian 0 Report Ferol Kolons 5 months ago I'm tired of all this development with no infrastructure. I spend so much time stuck in traffic and it's raining my life in Hawaii. I can't imagine being stuck in an ambulance that is stuck in traffic. People will die and then they'll sue the state. Infrastructure before construction! 0 Report Amy Lee 6 months ago The beauty and historical values are very significant. Sea turtles will loose their homes and/or became endangered. It's time to put a stop to the greedy people developing the land. What else must we endure? 0 Report Fatima Ayoubi 1 year ago It’s important to preserve local lifestyle 0 Report Caroline Norcross 1 year ago Hawaiian lands as not just for tourists and the rich. 0 Report Andrea Kania 1 year ago The land should not be destroyed. Focus on locals being able to afford housing. Stop the greed. 0 Report Justin Porter 2 years ago Needs to be a halt on wealthy mainlanders rushing the B.I. driving up house pricing. Many of these people don't even live here FULL-TIME. 0 Report linda johns 2 years ago There are too many homeless locals 0 Report Joanne A Martinez 2 years ago Big Island residents are impacted by all the high end development promoted by real estate business, the planning department and Mayor driving the high cost to live on the island beyond affordability. Native Hawaiians r forced to leave their homeland replaced by wealthy mainlanders changing Native Hawaiian & local culture to include political views not favorable to long-established residents on Big Island. Hawaii County is becoming not much different than stateside culture. We are losing our uniqueness & delicate ecostructure is being damaged. 0 Report Lauren Kamauu 2 years ago We need to be able to live here too! We shouldn’t be priced out of our homes 0 Report Susan Collins 2 years ago Local families are priced out of housing market. 0 Report Annette Reyes 2 years ago The laws should be that any residential property that is sold in Hawaii, must be sold to other residents that have lived here as full time residents for 5 consecutive years or more, immediately before the actual buying of the residence. Proof must be submitted including 5 years or more of their income taxes filed in Hawaii as full time residents. 1 Report Pam Shultise 2 years ago We need affordable housing! 1 Report Jana Serion 2 years ago Jana Serion 0 Report Kurt Faut 2 years ago Simply put, the traffic on Kamehameha III Road, should this project be completed, will be similar to that fronting Hulihe'e Palace and the pier. Tourists clamoring to swim and recreate on the bay, ride on the snorkel and fishing boats, and passing through to the Outrigger Keauhou Bay Hotel will irreversibly and negatively affect the peaceful nature of this gem of an ocean masterpiece. I am firmly against the construction of the through road from Ali'i Drive to the Hotel. 0 Report Ana Chervenak 2 years ago My home is becoming over populated 0 Report CM Simon 2 years ago I care. 0 Report Tracy Gonsalves 2 years ago We are already overpopulated, our ecosystem is altered each time portions of this land is cleared to make way for another structure or roadway, this invites the outsiders of wealth to buy and continues to suppress locals and natives from living a basic or simple affordable life. This depletes and disrupts our beautiful historical hawai‘i nei. 0 Report Frank Rom 2 years ago Seems population growth is out pacing infrastructure development by too big a margin. 0 Report Ann Eshabarr 2 years ago We need to build smart and affordable. We need to take great care with the important decisions being made. Infrastructure, roads, culturally significant land, and traffic are just a few of the things to consider. We need to move forward carefully. We must stop corruption. All money should go to where it’s intended not someone’s pocket. We need more auditing. Mahalo. 1 Report Peter Matlock 2 years ago If all existing homes that are supposed to be hooked up to our sewer system were connected overnight, we'd already be over the capacity of the Kealakehe sewage treatment plant. We know the danger of getting into local waters with an open cut--infections take impossibly long to heal. Coral reefs and marine wildlife are suffering. Why are we making this problem worse? 0 Report Protect 'Opihihale Ohana 2 years ago Ua mau ke ea o ka ina i ka pono. 1 Report Heidi Lee 2 years ago We don’t need more housing unless we have enough natural resources .. and we need affordable housing not more second homes for people 0 Report Ethan Olins 2 years ago As it is there's not nearly enough infrastructure or decent shoreline access in Kona and BI in general. Aole. 0 Report Duane Nakano 2 years ago We need more affordable housing for locals..I’m in the construction industry & all I see is lots being cleared to build for outsiders. 0 Report Carolyn Witcover 2 years ago There is too much housing here owned by people who only live here for a few months each year! Meanwhile the locals suffer. 0 Report Karen Foster 2 years ago We already need infrastructure improvements. 0 Report Hanna Casagrande 2 years ago I’m signing because lots of locals family’s as well as local family business are being kicked out of there long time generation or just starting businesses, and family can’t afford to live in there own home in which they were planing on staying in forever to raise there kid let there kids raise there kids etc.. almost everyone is moving out to ocean view because it’s the only thing we can afford due to lots being underpaid as an employee, so when can we ever win honestly, it’s like we get this but you gotta do this how is that fair? I get we’re the biggest island but not every haole has to live here vacationing is enough to make our system run, so please keep in mind to those who want to build and kick all current residents out who have been there for YEARS keep in mind that they have a family to care for and sometimes there’s only ONE person who is able to work and provide for the whole entire house… be thoughtful don’t ruin our lives and make us all homeless 0 Report Mark Axelson 2 years ago Markaxelson 0 Report T Vazquez 2 years ago I would like Hawaii Island to NOT become like the island of OAHU! 2 Report Denise Smith 2 years ago The big island can not handle MORE VEHICLES MORE PEOPLE.. WITHOUT PROPER INFRASTRUCTURE!!!!! 1 Report Aleksie Keske 2 years ago Hawaii belongs to Hawaiians NOT real estate agents. 0 Report Catherine Watson 2 years ago To save the big island don’t want more people moving here 0 Report bini easley 2 years ago I don’t want Kona to become Honolulu 0 Report Kittrena Morgan 2 years ago Enough is enough. Kailua Kona sewage seeping into the ocean for decades. All homes sold to people flocking in and no own who lives or born here, one white or blue collar workers can buy a home. I bought a house with a mortgage well over a decade ago and the price for a termite home trashed by tenants was $250,000. Now can be be sold for $700,000. Bizarre. 0 Report Lisa J Sims 2 years ago Growth in Kona has skyrocketed. Keep Kona a small town or there won’t be any natural land left 0 Report Jan Holton 2 years ago I agree with the issues stated in the petition. 0 Report Deni Alley 2 years ago Keep Hawai’i Island country! 3 Report Frederick Smith 2 years ago No new development until we update public infrastructure like roads and sewage. It’s amazing how far out of control this has gotten already. 1