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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-12 Rebecca Melendez Opposition Testimony1 Dacayanan, Melissa From:Rebecca Melendez <bigislandtalk@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 12, 2025 2:00 PM To:LPCtestimony Subject:OPPOSE APPLICANT: BOAZ LLC (PL-SMA-2025-000072) I sent this on April 25th. I wanted to make sure you got this because it is filled with scientific evidence that more development, especially development on the coast needs to stop. This petition now has 647 titled: Help Big Island Resources and Infrastructure Stay Safe For ALL Who Live Here and Visit https://www.change.org/p/help-big-island-resources-and-infrastructure-stay-safe-for-all-who- live-here-and-visit Meeting on May 15 Please OPPOSE APPLICANT: BOAZ LLC (PL-SMA-2025-000072) Because the Island coral on the coast has been seriously negatively affected by so much coastline developments and we need to start helping the coral rather than allowing it to be polluted even more by approving more coastline development. How much development have you all already approved for the future? Hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands and thousands of new subdivisions, luxury condos, affordable homes...? No one has been able to answer the question I keep asking, how much development has been approved for the future by Hawai'i Planning and County Council, that has not started construction yet? Because Big Island resources are being overtaxed today, the coral is suffering bleaching, marine life is suffering from sediment pollution, the population is suffering from water restrictions, power outages, traffic congestion because the island doesn't have the infrastructure or the resources for all the development that are here and a lot more developments are still on the way. Please OPPOSE APPLICANT: BOAZ LLC (PL-SMA-2025-000072) because of all this and more. I have shown you this petition that now has over 628 signatures asking you to please STOP APPROVING MORE DEVELOPMENTS AND START FOCUSING ON ISLAND RESOURCES. THESE VOICES MATTER! THIS IS YOUR COMMUNITY TALKING TO YOU! This petition shows proof that island resources need to be addressed and HUGE development approvals need to STOP. https://www.change.org/p/help-big-island-resources-and-infrastructure-stay-safe-for-all-who- live-here-and-visit How are you going to provide water to all these new developments that haven't started construction yet when we have water restrictions today? How are you going to provide electricity to all these new developments that haven't started construction yet when we have power outages in the community today? How will you provide a place for rubbish when there is only one landfill on the entire island and is said to reach capacity within 20 years with the development that is already here. and a lot more developments that you have approved haven't even started construction yet? 2 The infrastructure is already overtaxed with traffic and you will have to take homes away from the HWY to increase the width of the road as well as dig into the mountain to increase the infrastructure in many areas all over the island, which most likely won't happen, so the traffic will just keep increasing and won't be fully safe for everyone. Here is a report by DAR that shows West Hawai'i's coral is being seriously affected by coastal development: Report to the Thirty-Third Legislature 2025 Regular Session Findings and Recommendations of Effectiveness of the West Hawaiʻi Regional Fishery Management Area (WHRFMA) by DAR https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/files/2024/12/ar_hrs188- 2025.pdf DAR Reports that turf algae is the dominant coverage on West Hawai'i reefs and one reason is because of coastal developments. More coastal development will add to hurting the coral reef and not helping it. What is Turf Algae? "Algal turfs characteristically trap ambient sediments and smother corals and other competitors for space by gradual encroachment." Page 8 "Additional anthropogenic impacts are wide-ranging and include coastal development, on-site waste disposal, urban, agricultural, and golf course runoff, boating and shipping, and marine debris, among others (Lecky, 2016)." Coral Reef Habitat Page 71 "Turf algae was the dominant benthic category observed… While the amount of substrate occupied by mixed, grazed, and unidentifiable low relief algal cover (turf) outweighs the coverage of these reef builders, it will be important to track the coverage metrics of the reef builders through time as indicators of increasing or declining reef structure as well as overall coral reef health." Page 77 " 5.2.1 Environmental Stressors Though multiple stressors such as sedimentation, water quality, storm events and coral diseases are known to have an impact on coral health in West Hawaiʻi..." Developments cause a serious amount of sediment to run into nearby waters. 3 See page 2 at: https://health.hawaii.gov/epo/files/2013/09/Stormwater-MS4-Presentation-HEF- 7.15.14.pdf where the Hawai'i government states that Natural Ground Cover has 10% runoff, where development has 55% runoff. The development will cause serious amounts of runoff, and even if you have storm drains, the pavement this development will create will cause more runoff into the ocean than the Natural Ground Cover that it has now. Adding more cars will cause even more pollution into the already unhealthy reef system, in part due to all the coastal developments. ENGINE POLLUTION CAUSES ISSUES IN THE OCEAN There will be more cars with this complex that will add to the already trafficked small two-lane Alii Drive road. There are stop signs that get traffic congestion for miles back already on this road and you will be allowing more congestion if you approve this new development. This will not only cause more traffic but also increase water runoff pollution made by cars because another parking lot will be right on the coast. The article below is from NOAA regarding motor vehicle engines and pollution to the sea. What is the biggest source of pollution in the ocean? Most ocean pollution begins on land. "Millions of motor vehicle engines drop small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots. Much of this, too, makes its way to the sea. Some water pollution actually starts as air pollution, which settles into waterways and oceans. Dirt can be a pollutant. Top soil or silt from fields or construction sites can run off into waterways, harming fish and wildlife habitats." https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/pollution.html#:~:text=Millions%20of%20motor%20ve hicle%20engines,Dirt%20can%20be%20a%20pollutant. Land-Based Runoff Remains Top Source of Oil in the Ocean, Says New Report Oil in the Sea: Inputs, Fates, and Effects News Release September 28, 2022 "WASHINGTON — Oil in runoff, primarily from cities and vehicles, is the top source of oil entering the ocean, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. In North American waters, estimated ocean oil pollution from land-based runoff is up to 20 times higher than it was 20 years ago, and oil spills, natural oil seeps, and discharge from oil and gas operations remain major sources of pollution. The report recommends actions that government and others should take to minimize oil pollution, and calls for sustained research funding to better understand how oil reaches 4 and affects ocean environments." https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2002/05/oil-in-the- sea-inputs-fates-and- effects#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%2D%2D%20Nearly%2085%20percent,pipeline%20spills%2C%2 0says%20a%20new The Impact Of Stormwater – Car Emissions "Car emissions are not limited to exhaust fumes that contribute to air pollution. They can also leak automotive fluid and release heavy metals that can contribute to stormwater pollution, contaminating local waterways." https://www.stormwatershepherds.org.au/blog/the- impact-of-stormwater-car-emissions/ NOISE POLLUTION IS HARMFUL EFFECT ON MARINE LIFE There will also be a lot more noise pollution that will happen in Keauhou Bay during development. Because if you allow this Bungalow Resort to be developed you will increase constant noise in this bay for years to come and, "Noise Pollution Research shows that underwater noise from construction, shipping and naval vessels significantly impacts the natural behavior of cetaceans and many other marine species. This can be seen when mass beaching events occur or breeding success is diminished." The above information was taken from the Ocean Conservation Trust https://oceanconservationtrust.org/ocean-advocacy/think-ocean/ways-to-think-ocean/ How Does Noise Pollution Harm Marine Species? "However, over the past few decades, noise pollution in the marine environment has increased dramatically and is threatening the natural soundscape of the marine environment. Ships, seismic surveys, explosions, construction, and sonar devices have made the once peaceful environment into a loud, chaotic home which is extremely damaging for marine wildlife. This type of pollution is often overlooked in comparison to others but its impacts are now being documented across all types of marine ecosystems." https://earth.org/noise-pollution-in-the-ocean/ If you allow this resort, the number of people in this bay will fully increase, and "Hawai‘i’s recent history has shown that the state’s growing population can have an adverse effect on nearshore fish populations. Protecting this important resource for the enjoyment of future generations is essential. Ideally, management of the resource should balance the needs of different user groups, but the welfare of the marine environment on which its inhabitants depend must be the most important consideration." This was taken from Hawaii's own Division of Aquatic Resources https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/marine-managed- 5 areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation- districts/#:~:text=Snorkeling%20and%20SCUBA%20diving%20are,effect%20on%20nearshore%20fis h%20populations. What is ocean noise? "Ocean noise refers to sounds made by human activities that can interfere with or obscure the ability of marine animals to hear natural sounds in the ocean. Many marine organisms rely on their ability to hear for their survival. Sound is a highly efficient means of communication underwater and is the primary way that many marine species gather and understand information about their environment. Many aquatic animals use sound to find prey, locate mates and offspring, avoid predators, guide their navigation and locate habitat, as well as to listen and communicate with each other. Over the last century, human activities such as shipping, recreational boating, and energy exploration have increased along our coasts, offshore, and deep ocean environments. Noise from these activities can travel long distances underwater, leading to increases and changes in ocean noise levels in many coastal and offshore habitats. These rising noise levels can negatively impact ocean animals and ecosystems. Higher noise levels can reduce the ability of animals to communicate with potential mates, other group members, their offspring, or feeding partners. Noise can also reduce an ocean animal's ability to hear environmental cues that are vital for survival, including those key to avoiding predators, finding food, and navigating to preferred habitats." https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ocean-noise.html It's Been Proven Developments Severely Pollute Nearby Waters An article by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, AKA NOAA, states, "Coral Bleaching is occurring more frequently in Hawai'i. Across the Hawaiian Archipelago, coral bleaching has increased in frequency and severity since 1996. The last major bleaching event in 2014-2015 had catastrophic Impacts state-wide… This was the third major bleaching episode in Hawaiʻi over the last 6 years. The frequency of these events is unprecedented in the archipelago. NOAA scientists and partners have determined that the key drivers of the bleaching were environmental factors (such as heat stress, depth, and surface light) and human impacts (sewage effluent and urban run-off). " https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/cautionary-tale-2019-coral-bleaching-event- hawaii#:~:text=Coral%20Bleaching%20Is%20Occurring%20more,had%20catastrophic%20impacts% 20state%2Dwide. This article is by the Coral Reef Alliance here in Hawai'i. "An ecosystem under threat Hawaiʻi’s reefs face major global and local threats including climate change, overfishing, and sediment and nutrient pollution caused by sewage and stormwater runoff... 6 When it rains, flash floods carry stormwater and large amounts of sediment downstream to the ocean. Just offshore, once-thriving coral reefs are now struggling to survive." https://coral.org/en/where-we-work/hawaiian- islands/#:~:text=Hawai%CA%BBi's%20reefs%20face%20major%20global,into%20Hawai%CA%BBi's %20waterways%20every%20day. This article states that runoff is a leading source of coral degradation. An article by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, AKA NOAA, states, "Land-based sources of pollution are a leading cause of coral reef degradation in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Water quality is impacted by urban runoff, failing sewage systems, unpaved roads, farms, land clearing, and development." https://www.coris.noaa.gov/monitoring/status_report/docs/Hawaii_status_report_for web.pdf This article is a Research Article by PLOS ONE, whose motto is, "We're driving change in research integrity and publication ethics." This is some of their article information, "Coral taxonomy and local stressors drive bleaching prevalence across the Hawaiian Archipelago in 2019... We found little evidence for acclimation by reefs to thermal stress in the main Hawaiian Islands. Moreover, our findings illustrate how detrimental effects of local anthropogenic stressors, such as tourism and urban run-off, may be exacerbated under high thermal stress. In light of the forecasted increase in severity and frequency of bleaching events, future mitigation of both local and global stressors is a high priority for the future of corals in Hawai‘i." https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0269068 The coral all over Hawai'i has had extremely high mortality rates due to developments near ocean areas throughout the years, and this development will add to the devastation that is happening to the coral, reef fish, and all aquatic life in that area and all over the west coast of Big Island. Developments negatively impact coral reefs because, "Impacts from land-based sources of pollution including coastal development,...can impede coral growth and reproduction, disrupt overall ecological function, and cause disease and mortality in sensitive species." https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral- pollution.html#:~:text=Impacts%20from%20land%2Dbased%20sources,and%20mortality%20in%20s ensitive%20species. Article by Environmental Evidence, "Coastal development and runoff lead to sedimentation, which directly impacts coral recruitment, growth, mortality, and ecosystem services that coral reefs provide." https://environmentalevidencejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13750-020- 00200- 0#:~:text=Coastal%20development%20and%20runoff%20lead,services%20that%20coral%20reefs% 20provide. 7 Developments can't fully stop polluting because runoff is from rain during development and after. An article by NOAA states, "One of the most significant threats to reefs is pollution. Land-based runoff and pollution discharges can result from dredging, coastal development…This runoff may contain sediments, nutrients, chemicals, insecticides, oil and debris. When some pollutants enter the water, nutrient levels can increase, promoting the rapid growth of algae and other organisms that can smother coral." https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral09_humanthreats.html#:~:text=T his%20runoff%20may%20contain%20sediments,organisms%20that%20can%20smother%20corals. Another article by NOAA, "Coral reefs also are affected by leaking fuels, anti-fouling paints and coatings, and other chemicals that enter the water… (All of those are show up in every development project.) Among the most damaging pollutants on coral reefs is sediment, which can remain suspended in the water or be deposited on the coral surface (i.e., turbidity and sedimentation, respectively) and can contain toxicants, pathogens, and nutrients, all of which impact coral growth, recruitment, and survival" https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral09_humanthreats.html#:~:te xt=This%20runoff%20may%20contain%20sediments,into%20the%20atmosphere%20within%20days. FEDERALLY PROTECTED GREEN SEA TURTLES WILL BE AFFECTED The green sea turtle is federally protected and can be seen in Keauhou Bay weekly. The following article states: "POLLUTED RUNOFF IN HAWAII ENDANGERS GREEN SEA TURTLES” Why does Hawaii have a runoff problem? Historically, in the tropics of Hawaii, precipitation was absorbed into the soil, according to the Clean Water Branch of Hawaii's Department of Health. Any potential pollution or contaminants on the ground surface would get pushed into the soil by the rain, and plant roots and microbes would help break down the pollution into less dangerous components. However, with urban and agricultural development, less and less of the pollution gets pulled into the soil, and more of it gets washed out into storm drains. From there, the pollutants make their way to streams, rivers, and the ocean that surrounds Hawaii. According to the state agency, most of these contaminants are nutrients from fertilizer, bacteria from animal waste, oil, garbage, and yard waste... If polluted runoff reaches the ocean, it can wreak havoc on marine life, including endangered green sea turtles." Taken from https://www.chemservice.com/news/polluted-runoff- in-hawaii-endangers-green-sea-turtles/ "The number of people living on the coasts has rapidly increased in recent decades, causing significant development of coastal areas. Coastal development can negatively 8 impact the ocean through the destruction of coastal marine habitat and through run-off of sediments and pollution. -Coastal development involves activities such as the creation of harbors, stabilization of shorelines, and aquaculture that involve the destruction of sensitive marine habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. -Coastal development may cause the run-off of sediments into coastal habitats, which can smother corals or seaweeds and reduce the amount of light available for photosynthesis. Losses of primary producers and important habitat-forming species such as corals can negatively impact entire food webs." The above information was taken from the Education Development Center, INC, from their Coastal Development page called Ocean Tracks https://oceantracks.org/library/human- impacts/coastal- development#:~:text=Coastal%20development%20may%20cause%20the,negatively%20impact%20e ntire%20food%20webs. "Hawai‘i’s recent history has shown that the state’s growing population can have an adverse effect on nearshore fish populations. Protecting this important resource for the enjoyment of future generations is essential. Ideally, management of the resource should balance the needs of different user groups, but the welfare of the marine environment on which its inhabitants depend must be the most important consideration." This was taken from Hawaii's own Division of Aquatic Resources https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/marine-managed- areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation- districts/#:~:text=Snorkeling%20and%20SCUBA%20diving%20are,effect%20on%20nearshore%20fis h%20populations. "Easily visible trends in human population dynamics combined with well-established and tested ecological theory give a clear, intuitive, yet quantifiable guide to the severity of survival challenges faced by coral reefs. Management challenges and required actions can be clearly shown and, contrary to frequent claims, no scientific ambiguity exists with regard to the serious threat posed to coral reefs by humankind's continued numerical increase." This is in the article by National Library of Medicine National center for Biotechnology Information PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33293007/#:~:text=Denser%20coastal%20populations% 20and%20greater,to%20more%20runoff%20and%20siltation. This article is by ABC NEWS, "This is how tourists are destroying coral reefs in Hawaii. The less people at a certain site, the more coral there are, the research found. The millions of tourists who flock to the shores of Hawaii every year are wreaking havoc on its natural environment -- especially the coral reefs, which are at risk all over the world, a new study said. The most popular coral reefs on th,e Hawaiian islands are likely being degraded by the very visitors they attract, according to a study published Monday in Nature Sustainability." https://abcnews.go.com/US/hawaiian-coral-reefs-degrading-popular-tourist- sites- scientists/story?id=96308858#:~:text=The%20less%20people%20at%20a,there%20are%2C%20the 9 %20research%20found.&text=The%20millions%20of%20tourists%20who,world%2C%20a%20new% 20study%20said. By allowing this development, you are stressing an already fragile Eco-system. The small bay is currently used by many locals for boating, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, manta night dives, surfing, and swimming. We know, and research shows, that more people cause more damage. The area simply cannot afford or support this development. "Denser coastal populations and greater wealth will lead to reef degradation by coastal construction. Denser populations inland will lead to more runoff and siltation. Effects of human perturbations can be explored with meta-population theory since they translate to increases in patch-mortality and decreases in patch-colonization (= regeneration). All such changes will result in a habitat with overall fewer settled patches, so fewer live reefs." This information was taken from Science Direct https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065288120300328#:~:text=Aquacultu re%20will%20alleviate%20some%20fishing,to%20more%20runoff%20and%20siltation. Another article by Nature Sustainability, "Coral reefs and coastal tourism in Hawaii Coral reefs are popular for their vibrant biodiversity. By combining web-scraped Instagram data from tourists and high-resolution live coral cover maps in Hawaii, we find that, regionally, coral reefs both attract and suffer from coastal tourism. Higher live coral cover attracts reef visitors, but that visitation contributes to subsequent reef degradation. Such feedback loops threaten the highest quality reefs, highlighting both their economic value and the need for effective conservation management." https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-01021- 4.epdf?sharing_token=wsakgQNhaJhjJAnWAq453tRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0PyGzA5lc_H0O1zcHNIP 3ASnhcgKRy6_vKLPw49dbmBYoXSg3Y1MgQiGBZsapdGUHi7O1SLbu9x5Pr3xED4Kxl4T0sJlvgQ1a 72ZRt3rUbraxpodJd2AoNlSmWSuxB7JjEDdpJj8OGJpx71TJWdCfXvFKJlZYeNdcJj3Sw_dnaUg5lZlh cjPBDImmaH15yqT5Q%3D&tracking_referrer=abcnews.go.com INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCES ON AN ISLAND ALREADY HIGHLY IMPACTED AND STRUGGLING FOR ANSWERS The Island's Resources and Infrastructure CAN NOT handle another resort Many big housing developments are currently under construction in Kailua Kona, Waikoloa Village, Hilo, Puna, Ocean View, and Volcano. The entire Big Island has construction projects already in progress. "Hotel waste management refers to all the practices and processes that hotels implement to handle and dispose of the multiple types of waste generated on their premises. Worldwide, hotels produce almost 300,000 tonnes of waste each year." https://www.homebiogas.com/blog/hotels-waste-management/ As of now, the Big Island's Resources and Infrastructure are having serious negative issues and many more developments that have been approved are not even completed 10 as of yet, which means our island’s resources and infrastructure will be taxed even more severely in the near future. Please read the below articles that prove Big Island does not have the resources or infrastructure for a 143-Unit Bungalow Resort Development at Keauhou Bay. On Hawai’i Island, we are already struggling to meet the increasing need for resources and infrastructure. Big Island Now poll No. 27 results: More than one solution needed to help extend life of West Hawai‘i landfill September 17, 2023 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. The West Hawai‘i landfill became the island’s only one after the Hilo Landfill closed three years ago. It only has about 20 to 25 years left before it can no longer be used to store rubbish. 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/ A County commission drafts ordinance aiming to ban recyclables at West Hawai‘i landfill By Megan Moseley September 6, 2023 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. During a commission meeting on July 26, Ramzi Mansour, Hawai’i County Director of Environmental Management, told commissioners the West Hawai‘i Sanitary Landfill only has 20 to 25 years left before it reaches capacity. With the Hilo Landfill permanently closed in 2020, the clock is ticking for the island’s sole dump. Commission chairperson Georjean Adams said it’s a good time to start looking into solutions. Adams said the proposed ordinance is in its early stages and is more about getting the conversation started about how to prevent unnecessary, or recyclable items — green waste, metals, plastics, paper, paperboard and glass — from ending up in the rubbish dump, located off Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Waikōloa. 11 “Trying to site a new landfill is close to impossible,” Adams said. “So what are we going to do? So I was looking around, and the commission agreed, to look deeply into the idea of diverting the recyclables out and at least slow the filling up of the landfill.” The proposed ordinance refers to the 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan that commits the county to “divert, as much as feasible, commercial and municipal solid waste, including but not limited to green waste, metals, plastics, paper, paperboard, and glass to help achieve goals related to climate resiliency, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and zero waste.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/09/06/new-draft-ordinance-aims-to-ban-recyclables-at-west-hawaii- landfill/ Time’s Up For Landfills ‘Gentle’ demolition strategies can help preserve resources PAULA BENDER April 2, 2024 As Hawai‘i government officials grapple with the challenge of limited landfill space statewide, federal restrictions set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency are ruling out possible locations that were once considered for new landfills. Hawaii Act 73 states landfills must be located at least half a mile from residential areas; are prohibited from being located in areas with heavy rain and steep slopes, as well as agricultural and/or conservation lands; above aquifers; 300 feet beyond streams; and 1,000 feet beyond the ocean. New landfills are also now prohibited from being created in tsunami inundation zones, 100-year flood zones and wetlands. There are also concerns that landfills near airports will attract birds, resulting in damage to aircraft and fatalities among pilots and passengers. The City & County of Honolulu is in the process of identifying its next landfill and it doesn’t want one any bigger or more active than absolutely necessary. https://buildingindustryhawaii.com/2024/04/times-up-for-landfills/ Drought Conditions On Hawaiʻi Island Prompt Water Supply Message by Big Island Video News on Oct 5, 2023 at 3:59 pm (BIVN) – With moderate to severe drought conditions being reported across Hawaiʻi island, local water department officials issued a statement this week on the need for customers to use drinking water wisely. Most of Hawaiʻi island is under “Moderate Drought” conditions, according to the latest information from the U.S. Drought Monitor. There is an area under “Abnormally Dry” conditions in South Kona, however there are other, small pockets on the Big Island that 12 are under “Severe Drought”. There is even a small spot of “Extreme Drought” in the South Point area of Kaʻū. “The National Weather Service’s forecast calls for the existing drought conditions to expand over the entire island and intensify over the upcoming months due to the ongoing El Niño event,” reported the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply. “Peak dryness is expected to occur from around January through February 2024. The El Niño event will likely persist well into spring 2024.” From a Water Supply news release: https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2023/10/05/drought-conditions-on-hawai%CA%BBi-island- prompt-water-supply-message/ 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 And recent years have seen compounding problems: less rain, leading to significant droughts, and repeated jet fuel leaks and PFAS chemical spills contaminating water systems. All of this significantly limits available water use for locals, many of whom say tourism is only worsening the situation. Just months ago, the world's largest surfing wave pool opened up on the island — filled with freshwater. "They're not using it to drink or to support life, they're using it to make money. They're commodifying it," said Healani Sonoda-Pale, who is Native Hawaiian and a member of advocacy group O'ahu Water Protectors. "… We are on the verge of a greater catastrophe." "We are in a water crisis, that has to be made very clear," Wayne Tanaka, director of Sierra Club of Hawai'i, told CBS News, saying that if the reasons for this crisis aren't soon addressed, "We may come to a point where we have to decide … who gets water and who doesn't." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hawaii-water-crisis-climate-change/ Because this is an island, parts need to be shipped. The power plant currently has generators that are not working, and because of this (and other reasons), the Big Island needs to seriously conserve power so that everyone will have power. If this problem of shipping parts can happen once, it can and will happen again. UPDATE: HELCO asks for continued energy conservation 13 BY SPECTRUM NEWS STAFF HAWAII ISLAND UPDATED 6:28 PM ET APR. 16, 2024 PUBLISHED 9:05 AM ET APR. 15, 2024 HILO, Hawaii — Hawaiian Electric continues to urge Hawaii Island customers to reduce their electricity use to prevent the need for rolling outages. In a news release Tuesday afternoon, the utility stated that Monday saw a reduced demand of approximately 5 megawatts. That, combined with increased wind and solar battery storage prevented the need for rolling blackouts on Monday. HELCO credited conservation efforts, particularly those by large businesses and government customers, for the reduction in electricity demand. “We’re grateful for our customers’ efforts to conserve electricity, especially between 5 to 9 p.m., when electricity us is highest, because it does make a difference,” said Hawaiian Electric spokesperson Kristen Okinaka. “By working together, we’re helping to ensure that enough power can be available for all customers and prevent or minimize the impacts of rolling outages.” Hawaiian Electric announced Monday afternoon that it may initiate rolling outages in parts of Hawaii Island because of the unavailability of several generators and lower- than-normal wind and solar resources. In a news release, the utility said that outages could start as early as 6:30 p.m. and rotate around the island for 30-minute intervals. The impacted areas and the timing of the outages will be based on wind generation and the amount of electric demand that needs to be reduced. Individuals who are dependent on electrically powered life support medical equipment are advised to arrange for a backup power supply. The outages are being done to prevent power loss to even more customers, who are all being asked to conserve electricity throughout the month. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2024/04/15/heco-customers-on-hawaii-island-asked- to-conserve-power- Big power supply problems continue to plague Hawaii Island Apr 8, 2024 The company has been facing an unusual situation with mechanical problems at three of the island's five largest power plants while part of the largest plant undergoes an annual overhaul. All four of these affected power plants are owned by the utility or an affiliate of its parent company. Also contributing to the trouble is lower output from a geothermal plant, which has the third-largest generation capacity on the island and is owned by an independent operator. 14 "This is an unusual situation, driven mainly by the unavailability of several large generators that have experienced mechanical problems, are at reduced output, or are undergoing maintenance, " Hawaiian Electric said in its March 25 announcement asking customers to use less electricity, especially on weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. The company explained that it faces an "extremely tight " supply of power at peak use periods, especially when production from wind, solar and hydroelectric facilities is lower than normal. Those sources of variable, renewable energy can supply up to 15% of electricity needs on the island. "Without enough supply to meet electricity demand, the company may initiate rolling outages of up to an hour around the island, " the March 25 announcement said. https://energycentral.com/news/big-power-supply-problems-continue-plague-hawaii-island Hawaii Island customers urged to reduce electricity use through April BY SARAH YAMANAKA HILO PUBLISHED 9:00 AM ET MAR. 26, 2024 What You Need To Know -Hawaii Island customers may see alerts asking them to conserve energy, especially on days when there isn’t much wind that generates up to 15% of electricity -When alerts are issued, Hawaiian Electric is asking customers to take immediate action to minimize electricity use -Even when no alerts are issued, customers — including hotels and large retailers — are urged to reduce electricity use as much as possible, especially between 5 and 9 p.m. on weekdays -If there is not enough electricity to meet demand, Hawaiian Electric may initiate rolling outages of up to an hour around the island https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2024/03/25/hawaii-island-customers-urged-to-reduce- electricity-use-through-april FURTHERMORE: TRAFFIC, LACK OF RESOURCES, AND FATALITIES A Resort Development WILL Increase Traffic on Already Severely Trafficked Roads. The Big Island already has a serious traffic issue due to a lack of infrastructure. This is in part due to poor planning and, in part, due to geography challenges. 15 The articles below by different NEWS companies highlight the point that many traffic issues stem from a lack of infrastructure and resources. Adding more cars to the road by building another resort in an already stressed area will only increase the already mounting problems with traffic. This NEWS article by Hawai'i News Now, "Report shows alarming surge in Hawaii Island traffic deaths The Hawaii Police Department’s Traffic Services Section released a new report showing a dramatic increase in both major crashes and fatal accidents from last year. The startling statistics show a dramatic increase in the number of year-over-year traffic fatalities on the Island of Hawaii, revealing major crashes are up more than 12% and traffic fatalities are up more than 100%." Watch the video on their link below as it is a professional report on Big Island traffic problems." https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/05/18/new-report-shows-hawaii-island-traffic- fatalities-are-up-over-100-last-year/ With more tourists there will be more accidents, more traffic, and more traffic deaths. Please read this article by KHON 2 NEWS, "Hawaii Island has most traffic fatalities in state. This time last year Hawaii Island was at five traffic deaths, as of April 1, 2024, they’re at 14. Seven of which happened in the last two weeks. Chief Moszkowicz said the police force is small compared to the size of the island and response times can take 15 to 20 minutes. “We don’t have the resources like in the small space of Oahu where you can saturate an area to control speeding, that just doesn’t exist here,” he added." https://www.khon2.com/local-news/7-traffic-fatalities-for-hawaii-island-in-march/ The traffic on the Big Island has increased drastically, and safety issues and infrastructure need to be addressed before adding more resort developments. Please read this article because what it says about Oahu is a mirror for Big Island. The traffic problems they discuss are the same issues here on the Big Island, and it also gives one Big Island example, "On the Big Island, the mayor had to issue an emergency order shutting down Waipio Valley Road due to overuse and poor prior maintenance." This is happening all over Big Island. https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/02/angry-over-island-traffic-jams- lets-talk-about-solutions/ The news video below shows aerial footage in Hilo. The footage shown is the same thing that is happening on Alii Drive and Queen K Highway, and for all the same reasons: All of these roads only have two lanes! There are many developments already being built on Alii Drive today, and more are scheduled for this road in the near future. Alii Drive and Queen K Highway are the roads 16 Kamehameha Schools Bungalow Resort will be using if approved, and they are already seriously congested. These roads have the same traffic congestion as Hilo, with the same problems. Traffic is extremely slow because the island doesn't have the infrastructure for the population that has been developed. In addition, the concern on Kona side is tsunami evacuations rather than lava evacuations. In this kind of traffic, not everyone will be able to get to safer ground, especially if you allow another resort to be developed in this area when traffic is already at a crawl every weekday and often on weekends as well. Here is the news article by KITV NEWS that highlights the traffic issues discussed above: "Hawaii Island traffic jams could have safety impact. In the event of an evacuation, Mayor Mitch Roth acknowledges that will make the Traffic Jam up even worse. But says, he is working with The State on a solution." https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hawaii-island- traffic-jams-could-have-safety-impact/article_b06a5374-5a6a-11ed-8d23-8313ef8c4c19.html There was a crash recently on Alii Drive (see video below). When there is an accident on Alii Drive, it turns the already small two-lane road into only one lane that requires a flagger to help direct traffic. Kamehameha Schools wants to add a resort on this tiny road that will increase the traffic by hundreds of cars. Here is the Island News video on the crash on Alii Dr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- FQSsnPDji8 Please see from these articles that traffic on the Big Island is deadly already, and adding another resort will devastate the island and the marine life that live in the bay. Read this Path article, HAWAI’I COUNTY’S VISION ZERO INITIATIVE: A motorcyclist is in critical condition after a collision with a car. A driver accidentally hits and kills a pedestrian. It seems that not a day goes by without the news reporting on a traffic crash on Hawai’i Island... Here are some other statistics that are even more staggering: -28% of roadside crashes were the result of someone leaving the roadway and going into barriers or trees -13% of pedestrians hit at 20 mph actually suffer a fatality -73% of pedestrians hit at 40 mph suffer fatality -25% of fatal crashes were the result of distracted driving… So PLEASE put those cell phones away and pay attention to the road! -56% of fatal crashes were the result of alcohol or drugs 17 -41% of fatal crashes occurred in light trucks and vans -49% of crashes occur during the day, outside of peak traffic hours -Of all the crash fatalities, most were males between 20 to 24-years old. “That’s just Big Island traffic” is a common sentiment. But what if we didn’t have to accept this endangerment of vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians as a way of life?" This was taken from Path https://pathhawaii.org/hawaii-countys-vision-zero-initiative/ MORE ARTICLES HIGHLIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCE DEFICITS, INCLUDING WATER, TRASH, ELECTRIC and WASTEWATER: 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 Hawaiʻi 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 18 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 Bourlin Aug 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 Honokōhau Deepwell over the weekend.” https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/07/hawaii-county-issues-mandatory-25-water- restriction-for-north-kona/ 8) “Hawaiʻi Water Supply Closely Monitored As Severe Drought Continues by Big Island Video Newson Nov 6, 2023 at 3:28 pm STORY SUMMARY HAWAIʻI 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 19 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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) "HELCO 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) HELCO 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/ 20 15) "Here's how power outages can have repercussions for Hawaiʻi's water supply Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Savannah Harriman-Pote Published February 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM HST Water departments on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi's power system from its water system, said Kawika Uyehara, deputy director of Hawaiʻi 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) US 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) News Hawai‘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 Honokōhau Deepwell over the weekend. https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/07/hawaii-county-issues-mandatory-25-water-restriction-for-north- kona/ 18) Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi 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/ 21 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 turbines to there homes to help with power issues on the island. 19) "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_l arge/?rdt=52660 20) “Hawaiian 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/ All the articles above show that a resort development will further deplete and stress resources and infrastructure on an island already struggling. Years of new development have already been approved but not completed. It is not responsible or prudent to continue to develop this resort under these current conditions. All of these articles show the Big Island can not afford to approve another development on the coast. Please Oppose APPLICANT: BOAZ LLC (PL-SMA-2025-000072). Thank you , Sincerely, Rebecca Melendez