HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-28 Nick & Sakti Herzmark TestimonyOda, Michelle
From: Nic Herzmark <sati@pacbell.net>
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 8:13 AM
To: WPCtestimony@hawaiicouny.gov
Cc: Planning Internet Mail
Subject: Fw: Testimony regarding Application#PL-USE-2024-000028
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
THIS TESTIMONY IS REGARDING THE VERIZON TOWER APPLICATION #PL -USE -2024-000028 ADJACENT TO
H'OONONE RD
Good Afternoon to The Planning Commission,
My name is Nick Herzmark and I wanted to submit testimony regarding the 150ft
Verizon Tower proposed on TMK 312007034 adjacent to our Subdivision on Ho'onone
Rd. My wife Sakti and I own Lot E.
am asking you not to build it, or at the very least to modify its' huge footprint
significantly. The disturbance to the natural tranquility of this area will be devastating.
It's grossly out of place. The height will be easily seen from Hwy 130 on the way to
Kalapana, while its' massive generators, lights and Diesel fuel will be easily seen,
smelled and heard in our homes on our fragile subdivision road. This private road,
Ho'onone, took me and several close friends from 1981 to 2005 to build and finally
create a beautiful, peaceful and harmonious Subdivision. We were helped by many
Island locals and professionals, including the kindness of Sidny Fuke who you may
remember from the old Planning Commission. Also, Raymond Hasegawa helped with
our many legal issues. Many old timers still stand out in my mind. It was truly a
community effort where we all patiently and persistently helped bring this massive
project of a mile long road and a legal Subdivision into fruition. This was a time when
this was not easy to accomplish in our County. We were even Granted a water waiver
in 2001, the last one granted in the County.
Until now, the only devastating insult to our massive outlay of labor, time and money
was a natural one. The total destruction of exquisite Kaimu Bay in 1982. That shock
changed the lives of all the residents on this side of the Big Island forever. Our
subdivision somehow avoided Madame Pele and all other natural and man-made
challenges until now.
Now, this massive proposed tower has already affected our sense of wellbeing and
created fear about the future. I have been camping on my parcel each year since
acquiring the original 72 acres from the Hawaiian family next door, the Furtado's, in
1981.
It has been truly magical for myself and my wife, Sakti Rose. About 6 months ago, we
were approached by a family who wanted to purchase our parcel and develop an Eco
Village in a completely sustainable way. We seriously considered this since we are
approaching 80 years old and it seemed like a beautiful project with kind, sensitive
people. Right before closing the sale, they cancelled. They said they heard that a 150ft
tower with lights and generators was coming right next store to us. I realized that
selling this land or inhabiting this land would be completely changed from now on. Of
course, if we've already suffered this financial injury due to the mere proposal of a
tower, it's quite clear what injury will befall our entire subdivision if the project goes
through. The Tower will completely degrade the experience of living on this land with
its' lights and sounds and smells. Also, the security issue is huge. The easy access to
our homes and properties from the proposed new "Access Road" challenges the
wellbeing and security of our neighborhood with potential threats to life and property.
From the bottom of our hearts we ask you to please build this tower in a non-residential
place that will not be impacted by this kind of overly ambitious, but excessive idea of
progress which is completely out of character for its' proposed location. We have spent
over 40 years of our lifeblood and sweat creating and maintaining this fragile
subdivision in this pristine environment.
Please consider us wisely, with respect and compassion.
Mahalo, Nick & Sakti
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