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From: Karie Wakat <br /> To: LPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Testimony against Change of Zone PL-REZ-2023-000055 <br /> Date: Tuesday,April 16,2024 7:02:30 PM <br /> Please accept my testimony against the subdivision of the 20 acres referenced in PL-REZ- <br /> 2023-000055. <br /> First off, I disagree with the counties recommendation to move forward with this subdivision. <br /> The area being divided is old growth Ohia forest that supports many endangered and endemic <br /> birds and a bat. Below is a list of what is currently supported by those 20 acres of old forest: <br /> *Hawaiian Hawk <br /> *Horay bat, listed on the federal endangered species list <br /> *Endemic Creeper <br /> *Endemic Apapane <br /> *Endemic Hawaii Elepaio <br /> *Endemic Hawaii Amakihi <br /> *Endemic Oma'o <br /> **Recently we've been hearing the I'wi for the first time ever. <br /> It's visible to anyone who drives up the Kaloko neighborhood, that the forest is being cleared. <br /> We've had multiple rezoning, and subdivisions where the subdivided properties have cleared <br /> 60- 100% of their forest. Clearing the forest is contributing the area warming, and invasive <br /> species moving up into the area. The Ohia forest is being replaced by invasive trees. What <br /> was once a forest with restrictions on building, is now becoming a free for all,with no checks <br /> and balance in place. <br /> Secondly, I disagree with the Counties recommendation to move forward with the subdivision <br /> for basic safety reasons. We have one road out for emergency evacuation. We have one <br /> telephone pole power system that is daisy chained with multiple points of failure. Until we <br /> can get a second evacuation route out, I don't think the County should allow subdivisions <br /> which will put even more folks at risk. <br /> Thank you for your consideration. <br /> Karie Wakat <br /> Resident District 8 <br />