HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-63.2 Support Letter-malamaOpuna-DRAFT Communication No. 2014-63.2
DRAFT LETTER
The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee supports the efforts of Malama O
Puna to increase and broaden the penalties for grubbing and grading without a permit. We
have noted that Chapter 10 barely mentions or deals with this issue. The result is that
developers find it easier and cheaper to grub and grade first, and only if caught apply for a
permit retroactively. This procedure not only encourages disrespect for the rules, but also
causes archaeological, cultural and geological features to be lost, and also impacts native
ecosystems and critical habitat. In addition, it causes impacts such as noise, unsightliness and
flooding problems for the surrounding community. The reasons to have a permit are to allow
the County to set conditions that will avoid negative impacts before they happen.
With Chapter 10 amended to create strong disincentives to illegal unpermitted grubbing and
grading, the County's stated goals of protecting the community and the aina will be greatly
enhanced. We encourage passage of this draft amendment.