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HomeMy WebLinkAboutQ8 Is there anything else you would like to share2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 1 Responses to open-ended question number 8 Is there anything else you would like to share? 1. Any changes in infrastructure should include turtle-friendly lighting (red or amber light). 2. Leave Punaluu alone. Kick out the homeless. No need for big resort or recreational center and more development. Tourist can go to other places for that. 3. The beach should be enjoyed by everyone not for exclusive people. 4. The county should condemn and take over the abandoned dilapidated old resort buildings. 5. Educate the tourists, no building of affordable housing. Be careful on how some introduce ideas that will improve and enhance the community… get the community more aware of what could be lost if they don’t all work together to keep Punaluu the way it is 6. Don’t Build any hotels. 7. No developments. 8. Only so many beaches left on this island where there isn’t a hotel, no parking and hundreds of tourists. Leave us born and raised something for our children to learn our way of life. Profits and greed are ruining this world, lets do better. 9. Michelle - we chatted about this previously. Who is providing the source of funds for potential investments? Not the LLC and its C-suite personnel (REDACTED) , but the investors (by name). Is it a foreign investor (Chinese national)? If so, then this is a nonstarter given national security concerns. Just look at Samoa, Fiji and Africa. Action speaks louder than words. I’ve had brief conversations with Jill Tokuda, Kai Kahele and Josh Green about this. They all agree that we cannot have Chinese influence on our shores. Happy to discuss. Mel 10. No. 11. This area can be returned back to a pristine habitat. It’s critical to reestablish native education and have minimal impacts on this culturally diverse area. 12. No. 13. Punalu’u is one of the last beaches in Ka’u, that we can still enjoy and not have to get a permit to camp at besides the pavilion areas. I lived in Ka’u my whole life and is now raising my family here,I see firsthand that we are slowly loosing our access to our shoreline’s and mountains to gather food for our families and that is just so sad. Hence one of the many reasons why residents is against development is the fact that we as a community do not gain anything but broken promises and yet we loosing access and or granted limited access through gates. Instead of forcing development down our throats please fix up the failing existing infrastructure first and clean up the mess thats already in place. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 2 14. This is a place that belongs to all who appreciate the spirits of the wind, water, earth, and fire. This is not a place for rich con artists to take advantage of residents and visitors to this sacred place. 15. I do not support resorts or residential housing with the beach area or makai of the highway at all. 16. Punalu’u has been discovered and is being overrun. There is no oversight, management or accountability. This is not the place for commercial development. The entire area needs to be put under conservancy. 17. The area should be managed to ensure lower visitor impact to the natural areas, while promoting natural resources, and historic sites through educational signage, staff, etc. 18. I would be disappointed if they developed that area very much. Too many tourists is not a good thing. 19. We love our Punaluu and I pray it will stay the same 20. The removal and repairs to the dangerous structures would remove the visual reminder of why the people of Ka'ū do not want any changes. The natural beauty and habitat of the aina should be the number one concern of any Hawaiian resident. Restoration of that alone, nature, where humans have caused the damage would be best. 21. No resorts, no development that will change the landscape of Ka’u. No to pricing out our Ka’u community to have people that come here and want to profit off of Ka’u. Ka’u community can come together and take care of the our ‘aina because it is our kuleana as residents of Ka’u. NO to foreign investors buying and changing the landscape of Ka’u. Keep Ka’u the way it is! 22. Yes, selling anything should be open to everyone not only certain people. The lei stand that exist should be removed. The excess road should exists. Too much turtles! Don't want luxury condo. More camping grounds, cabins, and a place where community can enjoy on weekends. A fish market or Restaurant. 23. Make the community nice and respectful. Get DOBAR to build a safe boat ramp so fisherman can launch and recover boats safely. 24. I appreciate that the lifeguards and other park users all help police the turtle area from those who are unaware. 25. I know this is probably unpopular, but it would be nice if there were restaurants or a little more commercial activity (a grocery store would be helpful) and job opportunities. 26. Please don't allow private land owners to spoil our beautiful environment for us and future generations. 27. Water and sewage needs to be updated and repaired! 28. A secure human presence is vital considering how many folks visit 'Black Sand Beach' Security, park rangers and docents. 29. Continue to protect the beach and turtles. But the area needs an upgrade. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 3 30. I hate to see such conflict between the various land owners/developers who seem to want maximum profits and the native people who want nothing to be done. Surely a balance can be found that best serves the modern world yet protects and honors the aina. 31. I would spend more time there but the facilities are disgusting. Some kind of development is needed. There is a balance to make significant improvements without turning it into a small city. 32. My wife and I live here several months a year. We clean the beaches and freshwater pools of our own accord. We volunteer time to the malama pono honu program and support the local communities. I love this area and will work to restore it to the former glory. Not interested in new construction until the existing has been responsibly restored. We all need to work together. Reach out to me if you like. 33. Something must be done about Punaluu. If the general consensus still holds strong that no further improvements to land can be done by private entities then the County must step in, dedicate infrastructure to the county, fix said infrastructure, perhaps expand parks into the now abandoned golf course along the entrance to Punaluu, restore functiona still critical to homes there and add more community resources like trails, waymaking signage, historic/cultural resources or visitor center and perhaps a private company to manage and give educational tours in more of an "eco tourism" fashion for Punaluu. There is clearly so much potential for Punaluu most especially as a resource to future generations to learn about the importance of properly managing land and balancing human uses with nature. 34. I would like to see better control of visitors disturbing honu. 35. We shouldn’t let this environment decay and not use it for the surrounding communities! It has so much potential for employment in the future if only more infrastructure was put in, more businesses could start! 36. Cleaning up the old building site is most important. 37. I would love to see the existing old restaurant, golf course, and tennis courts renovated and taken care of. I would love to see much needed fire suppression, water, and waste water treatment properly cared for. I would love to see the land treated with preservation and respect. Right now it feels very neglected. 38. We love this place and want to see it being properly maintained and preserved. 39. I would want to know that in the case of a restaurant or other infrastructure being put in place. Would that taxes or fees incurred from them be used to protect and conserve the natural resurces at Punalu'u. 40. Protect sea turtles habitats. 41. Thanks for hanging in there, it will be a miracle if anything happens for Hawaii has emptied the pockets of many a millionaire. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 4 42. We bought our home 7 years ago and there has been virtually NO improvement- it could turn into a public relationship catastrophe for the community, the county and the state! I’ve read articles in the San Francisco Chronicle about this controversy! Nobody looks good in this! Thank you for asking! 43. I wish there was more protection for the sea turtles, by educating the public consistently, and that the lifeguards weren’t Having to be responsible for this, but that there could be ongoing volunteer presence just like how reef teach is an ongoing presence at Kahaluu Beach Park! 44. Limit tour buses till bathrooms are improved. 45. A place like this should never be developed to benefit the few, the rich, the privileged, and entitled. Kapu Ka’u. 46. No Resort. 47. Please can we clean it up, then leave it alone. No commercial enterprises. No new homes. Fix issues that harm marine life. 48. The bathroom stalls would benefit from being remodeled/restored. 49. The old restaurant is such an eye sore and attracts bad activity. Would be nice for it to be demo’d. 50. Build something that will benefit the community. Not a cultural center that hardly gets used. Something all the people of the community can enjoy and benefit from. Something that creates jobs closer to home for our ka’u community. 51. The area doesn’t need development; it needs protection and management of its resources, environment/marine life. No future development only stewardship based on the knowledge of lineal decedents of Punalu’u. 52. I think more restoration work should be done, especially on the pond behind the beach. 53. Please protect this space. No development. Give it back to the community, do not take it and give it to visitors. 54. No development. Leave spaces like this for our community and future generations to enjoy without making them crowded over developed tourist hubs. 55. Don't let any one ruin it! 56. Please do your best to protect this place from development and preserve itʻs natural beauty for future generations. 57. As someone who volunteers with the green sea turtles as well as the hawksbill down there, I think the food truck that is parked on the beach in the parking lot right there. Should be barred. I don't care if those people say they own the property, all those plastic straws and trash that are left behind. Because they wanna make money off the tourists and not spend the money on. Recyclable material that are safe for the environment, I think it's ridiculous as people that are supposed to be caretakers of the island that they disregard the impact that there food truck is making Just to turn a profit. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 5 58. It’s important to keep visitors from hurting the wildlife and beach! 59. This should be kept for families and residents of Ka’u This should be purchased as part of protection of coastline and run by the community. 60. The ruins should demolished and the land left as a park. 61. It needs to be protected for the turtles and cultural significance. 62. Mahalo for your service and time in asking for input! 63. The County should never have sold it. 64. In the spring of 2024, approximately 95% of those testifying to the Windward Planning Commission spoke against approving the SMA for the development that was planned at Punalu'u. Eventually, the Ka'u CDP also concluded that such development was not in alignment with our community plan. Punalu'u is our only local beach and I feel it's important to protect it, especially considering the endangered native species there, and for its historical and cultural significance. Thank you for this opportunity to voice my opinion. 65. The condition of existing facilities, for the most part, are terrible. 66. Facilities need modernization 67. Can the old golf course area be bought by the County and slowly restored with natural vegetation and ponds for native bird life? 68. Avoid major developments that are or could be detrimental to the people and the communities as they’re/we’re the ones left to deal/live with the consequences of their actions/decisions. Renovate to improve/beautification. But please remember the communities/people. No one should be allowed to build condominiums, hotels, houses, etc. on the coastal/ocean side. The view should be unobstructed. Give more job opportunities to the people of Kaʻū. Everything is inflated but wages. There’s no balance. Price gouging is at its finest because of the lack of convenient shops, etc. 69. Kaʻu lays untouched in so many aspects. The community needs more than just healthcare and agricultural career opportunities. It needs more to sustain the people and community of Kaʻu without having to travel distances to meet household accommodations, yet still being able to remain unblemished with the hands of time. 70. Residents of Kaʻu are forced to either drive 1 hour to the east or 3 hours to the west side of the island for work. Economic opportunities in the Kaʻu area would provide a tremendous relief for families to be close to their children, home and contribute to building a prosperous community. Although the Kaʻu community has agricultural opportunities, the younger generation is vying away from agriculture. They should be provided the opportunities for work in the trades (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, etc), business, and technology in their community. A visitor/cultural center that depicts Punalu’u history, bringing awareness to tourists and locals of the native species in their natural environment to educate, preserve and maintain it for future generations to enjoy. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 6 71. What land management belong to private, county, non profit, state, and or private , etc. 72. It would be nice to see Punaluu be a beautiful maintained area that’s bustling with commerce while integrating with its natural environment to protect it. 73. Is camping allowed by the ward/boat ramp area? Until they’re major cleanup, maintenance & especially for safety and hygiene reasons, there shouldn’t be any camping 74. I'd love to see a permitting system put in place to limit the number and frequency of tour buses to Punalu'u. Perhaps timing them so the place is not so overrun. And cleanup of the ruins of past failed development. Please don't build more facilities that will attract people, locals or visitors, to the area to spend more time hanging out there. Humans bring poisonous waste to the waters and reefs offshore. This is such a crucial area for the Honu to feed. Let's restore and allow there to be one wild place left on the island, please! 75. Do not develop this area further. Keep it as is with updates to the current infrastructure. No resorts 76. PLEASE KEEP GREEDY DEVELOPERS FROM EVER GAINING ACCESS....PLEASE!!! 77. Punaluu is already a major player tourist attraction so let’s improve the area and bring opportunities for locals to benefit with additional development and business opportunities. The tourists aren’t going away so let’s make the area more welcoming and attractive and profitable for those who visit and live here. It’s common sense. 78. It needs cleaning up! 79. Do not allow any future development that impacts this area. It is sacred, special and must be preserved! Golf course area should be restored as well to natural habitat for native species! Mahalo Michelle for this survey! 80. No development, a'ole black sand beach LLC 81. Please honor the CDP and ensure no development within the shoreline setback. A popup market is fine but up mauka a bit and off the beach. No more condos are needed on this cultural landscape. 82. No development. Clean up but keep the natural beauty. 83. Beautification and restoring restaurant and surrounding of the whole area, it's an eye sore, to see how it's not maintained and Lost the Beauty it once held. 84. Beautification and restoring restaurant and surrounding of the whole area, it's an eye sore, to see how it's not maintained and Lost the Beauty it once held. 85. Please don’t disrespect the native Hawaiian culture. 86. As a volunteer with malama pono, I feel that protecting the marine life and Reef is the most important. 87. We must save our beaches and our beaches as they provide the balance earth needs. 88. Leave it alone 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 7 89. Keep Ka’u Rural and natural. The DANGERS of trying to create resorts and city in the area go against God(s), and Native Culture. Not to mention the traffic accidents that would certainly happen. The area cannot support heavy traffic and raping tourists. Do not rape that land or Kaʻu! 90. Why has it taken a second term for our county council person to act like she's doing anything. Kau has so many issues and she hardly pays more than lip service attention. 91. Yes, please don’t develop any further. Repair and maintain what is already there. 92. Keep Hawaiian lands in Hawaiian hands. 93. No. 94. Any remedies and actions should be permanent. Stop the cycle of repeated proposals for mega-development. 95. Please do not cut off access to the beach and shoreline 96. It's a fragile environment that's already been mistreated by previous resort activity and needs to be protected from further damage. Repairs need to be made to existing infrastructure without causing more problems. The area should be protected public use property not capitalized by questionable business owners. 97. Keep Ka’ū country. 98. Please modernize and improve the boat ramp area. Please stop the developer from charging outrages bills to residents to update a water system that she bought. It should be her responsibility to cover the cost. 99. Leave alone the beach so community can enjoy. 100. NO development! 101. Preservation is paramount! 102. Punalu’u is such a beautiful area and the Honu deserve to keep their beach and environment free of pollution and disruption that any amount of construction would absolutely destroy. At some point the world needs to stop overdevelopment of rural areas and protect the wildlife and natural habitats over profits. Affordable housing for locals is of course important as well, typically that doesn’t usually happen though. 103. I used to go to tide pool regularly, too many disruptions to natural habitat. 104. Development should be in line with conservation, heritage & history.... Any type of tourism that would ever happen should be in line with those values... That beach Should never be for profit.... It should be taken care of for future generations to see as it is.... Not with a retail outlet, restaurants and condominiums....Pilau. 105. Best solution would be acquisition by County or non-profit. 106. Beach area should remain mostly as is, clean up the dilapidated old buildings by pond, put in small/local commercial opportunities and provide more/better parking. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 8 107. The old derelict structures need to be torn down and replaced with new shops restaurants and a visitor center. This would create jobs and bring tourist dollars into our area which are badly needed. 108. I got hit parking across street from P.O. in Nāʻālehu on hwy & have talked to many people whoʻs cars have been hit too many people from backing out of P.O. & I want a (no parking sign) there. 109. Do not delay progress. Poor people in Hawaii need housing. 110. Lights at Pāhala ball field!!!! Lights in Nāʻālehu ball field!!!! Lights at Oceanview park!!!! 111. Need to get Kaʻū pool up and ready for use. Provide facilities for medical personnel at Kaʻū hospital. 112. We need to recognize the historical significance of this area in Ka'u and preserve it to the greatest extent possible. Let's leave a legacy for our children. Is there enough historical value to warrant a National Park or Heritage Site designation? 113. The property has been mismanaged for profit and tourists since Big Five Brewer Co. bought it. The nearshore Moana is polluted by sewage. The WWTP was described as outdated and unable to meet DOH standards by potential developers in 2006/2007 DEIS and the state and county have ignored that and the detrimental impact of endless tourists on cultural heritage(i’iwi Kupuna) and the honu and honu’ea nesting. This is wahi pana that needs to be managed as such by descendants of the 3 ahupua’a. 114. The existing condominium complex is the nicest vacation place on this entire island. Small, peaceful, affordable, and immaculately kept both inside and outside. These should be kept up in good condition, a small food place would be nice for vacationers, and the rest of Punalu'u not be developed. 115. The county must acquire the park from the current owner. She could be asked to donate the park grounds to the county. 116. I think limited development would be helpful. I love the plans that were presented by the current owner, and the clean up she has done. We have very few places in the area where we can actually walk around and enjoy Ka’u. Converting part of the golf course to recreational space would be great. 117. Doing nothing has created an embarrassing site for those visiting our island. Ka'u is not going to remain the same forever, and doing nothing is not the answer. Good planning is definitely needed. Those living at The Colony at Punalu'u deserve to have the approved development move forward. It just needs to be done right. 118. Move parking lot at least a 1/4 mile back 119. I know many improvements need to occur such as the demolition of fallen and unsafe infrastructure the remains there and safe accommodations for the many visitors who visit but emphasis must be placed on sustainability and preservation of what’s left of the natural and historical places there. 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 9 120. No major commercial development at Punalu’u! 121. Remove old development but do not develop more, protect Ka’ū and its environmental and cultural sacredness. 122. This land should never be developed. The old falling apart resort should be taken down and the pond restored. 123. Local residents should have the most say in development and protection of the area, not foreign entities. 124. Mahalo for trying to preserve, conserve and serve! 125. Expansion on a limited scale. The young people around here need something to do to stay productive if you want them to stay here. 126. I would love it if the county purchased the land, assuming it was not like Pohue Bay where NPS bought it and then closed it to all access. We used to hike there regularly. Since more people live in Pahala than Punalu`u, it makes more sense to have the farmers' market there. Na`alehu has the OKK market, so it is covered. 127. Developers are only in for profit not for the community. 128. Any improvement should done with keeping the nature of this very special place. It should make sure that the history and significance to the native Hawaiian culture in relation to this special place is maintained. Please do not allow any significant “improvements” or heavy commercial activity to occur! Mahalo. 129. I am very grateful the planned development didn’t go through. My Ohana, the Galimbas, have shared so many amazing stories about Punaluu including its history. It’s a very special and sacred place. It’s important to local people. The tourists can be annoying!! I am willing to help to maintain and keep Punaluu the wonderful place it is. 130. I live here my whole life. Punalu'u will always bring a smile to my face, peace to my heart and a sense of stability to my mind, that this is where I belong. 131. Why do we have to pay for parking to go and Enjoy Punaluʻu that is not right for families from Kaʻu unbelievable ! 132. Leave Punalu’u beach alone PERIOD!! 133. Thanks Michelle! 134. It would be nice to have this area more protected, so that beach is cleaner with cars off the beach are at the designated parking. Also feel it would be nice to have some accommodations such as a nice gift shop, restaurant and a picnic area to bring my family to. 135. It is painful to see how neglected Punaluʻu has become. What was once a place of beauty, family, and community is now visibly worn down from years of heavy tourism and lack of proper care. My children do not get to experience Punaluʻu the way I did growing up, and that loss feels personal. Punaluʻu deserves real attention, accountability, 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 10 and long-term stewardship so its natural beauty, cultural significance, and sense of place can be restored and protected for future generations. 136. People should be more prepared visiting there, taking care of the beach and the wildlife there. 137. Punalu’u, and Kaʻu in general, are gems of the Big Island. Developing this area for profit and the benefit of tourists and investors is literally the last thing we should be doing. Preservation needs to take precedence. Future business development should be limited to services that improve the quality of life of existing residents — medical and dentistry practices, groceries, mechanics, small-engine repair, clothing, water catchment supplies, etc. We don’t need more condos, rental units, eateries or other businesses that cater to visitors. 138. Vending and parking on the beach needs to be removed. Toxic chemicals from cars leaking on the sands is not necessary as there is a parking lot nearby. The Lei stand should be a community asset and should not be profited by only one family - that was never its intention. They sell Chinese garbage, unhealthy food and have destroyed site by commercializing it for their own good. Its time to bring the lei stand back to the community. If it stays, vendors should be rotated to prevent only one family from profiting and exploiting Punalu’u. 139. Preserve fragile environment. 140. I am hoping for a civilized and respectful movement forward between the groups who are conflicted and that will save the area from destruction. 141. I do not support REDACTED plans for developing the area. 142. Yes. 143. I would like to see its history to continue to inspire others like me to take care of their home. 144. I really hope that everyone continues to fight to keep punaluu how it is because it’s a family beach keep punaluu punaluu. 145. No. 146. I feel the we do need change in Kau. With prices of everything going up we do need more jobs in the community so with change comes more job opportunities then we as community members can make sure Punalu’u is taken cared of and preserve the historical sights and educate others about the Hawaiian culture. 147. No. 148. None. 149. I believe that changing Punaluu with new development will change the nature of our people that have a deep connection to the medicine pond which Visitors don’t understand but we do Punaluu is a spiritual homeland for the Aina here. When we come, we honour this space and for us it is A place where we can receive Healing just by being 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 11 here. With, any future plans of development would be a crucial disaster to our Aina And our Spirit…something that we’ve always protected.. And something that we’ve always negated DEVELOPMENT. When my children were babies and since have grown up now to have their own, children. Punaluu is the place that they received swimming abilities boogie board abilities and respect for the Kai And the turtles and the monk seals… It would seriously be disastrous to have anything ruined that, this is not only my opinion Back in the day there was a restaurant with two uplifted Koa canoes that had food in them for breakfast. They were elevated and in the evenings they had musical performance. It was very intimate and you could hear it over the pond on the sand where I took my family to sit and listen. There was once a museum as you walked in with a display a glass display which showed ancient artefacts or at least showed how once people had lived perhaps that’s the only thing that I would see renovated but not elaborated. I was surprised how it got demolished and I realise it was disrespectful people and have no idea what it meant to others. Coming to Punaluu as it is is not only the beautiful site but for many of us there is a spiritual reason that we come here the feeling that allows us to grow internally… The positivity when seeing others, the positivity of the space, the positivity of the real HAWAII that once was and does not exist anywhere else. Perhaps you need to live here to understand that 150. Support native/endemic plants/clean up weeds/ Keep youth from taking big trucks camping below old church/keep big trucks off the shoreline, they can walk in or not. 151. Question #5- I would like to select all items as being the most important. 152. It should be protected. 153. Born n Raised at Punaluʻu. 154. The old structures are a hazard and eyesore. If not taken down professionally I'm afraid it would be detrimental. 155. Thank you for keeping Kau Pono! 156. Ola. 157. Keep affordable housing. 158. Less tourism. Protection as a significant Hawaiian historic, cultural, environmental, and spiritual area. 159. None. 160. None. 161. Please respect the historical and natural beauty. this island is sacred. 162. Hawksbill Nesting Habitat is decreasing at Punaluʻu due to recreational activities, surrounding Private land building rock walls. Concerned about future artificial lights, street and building lights. 163. Go and enjoy the creation. 164. ALOHA! 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 12 165. We would like to see some development with RESPECT. 166. No thanks. 167. Keep it mowed and taken care of so it looks good and has less chance of wildfire happening since a lot of it is overgrown! Such as the old golf course, and the area that leads into Punalu’u . 168. Spent a lot of time enjoying the golf course and restaurant great for local activity so sorry it is all gone. 169. I worked at the old restaurant in the 80’s and have seen all the different development ideas come and go. It would be nice to see something done that is located away from the beach area, that is appropriately sized(small), and priced to be utilized by the local community as well as visitors. Also, you must already know that consensus is not possible when it comes to Punalu’u, not even from the Hawaiian community. 170. Those of us who supported development at Punalu’u two years ago did so for only two reason: to insure that there was adequate capital to maintain and improve the water and sewer system she owns and we depend on, and to help bring possible employment opportunities for this disadvantaged area. Several more years of experiencing REDACTED business practices makes us rethink any support we may have had. She has increased our rates by over 220% and wants another 48% increase as her permanent rate (now before the PUC) with absolutely NOTHING done in regard to improving the system. She HAS managed to clean up the grounds and house behind the beach, however, and is now charging $15 per car for non-resident parking. We here in this neighborhood are worried sick about this situation. I am angry when I see people dumping garbage like old mattresses along the side of the road (three months later it is still sitting there!) and tear down signs and tear up speed bumps. I am angry that the nonnative grasses all around us are four feet tall and that I can no longer utilize the sidewalks when I enjoy a walk because the owner refuses to mow and weed eat. And yet she and her group complain because they still have no money to take care if it all, and are angry that we have the gall to cut back on our water usage! As we have said many times—- we are happy to invest in this system! But why are we giving her our dollars while she does nothing to make this situation better? Some of our neighbors pay only the base rate because their meters are broken. None of the street lights work and REDACTED does nothing to improve any of the infrastructure that will keep this system running and the environment near the ocean safe!!! The PUC gave her everything she asked for earlier this year, and she has done nothing they asked of her in return. Now she uses our dollars to pay for attorneys, accountants and, apparently, a new manager! We are angry that the county and state have done little to help this situation. Something has got to change before a disaster occurs. It will be up to the homeowners to take action but even then our hands are often tied. We cannot get permits to put in our own systems as long as PWS is available to us! This is ALL very crucial to the future of Punalu’u and its beach. It is a gorgeous place and would be even more beautiful if it was truly taken care of. I pray that either the county or a non-profit can either take over its management or buy it. But there has to be a willing 2025-2026 Punaluʻu Community Survey – County of Hawaiʻi – Question 8 13 seller. I am afraid the future looks a bit bleak in that regard. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to vent, once again! 171. Progress is not the same as development and destruction of natural habitat for profit. 172. I think there needs to be more signage and information to the tourists on respecting the turtles while swimming and such. 173. Mahalo for making the effort to save lovely natural areas in Ka'u & protecting them from overdevelopment & abuse. 174. We cannot keep saying "Keep Ka'u, Ka'u" it will never happen. Development is coming to our beautiful place. We need to make sure that development is reasonable and not over powering. We do not need a bunch of high density, high rise projects filling the entire land mass. We need low density, low rise projects that enhance the land, and not destroy it. 175. Punalu’u has been overrun with tourists. The original development altered the landscape allowing for catastrophic natural events to occur changing natual environmental functions to be altered. Tourism is in itself not bad but there are just to many people on the planet now. Humanity could almost be seen as an infection to the natural world. I think the Punalu’u should be owned by the people of Hawaii and managed by the Ka’u community. Booking and entrance fees would support Punalu’u just fine and maybe pay dividends to legal Ka’u residents.