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From: Liana Macdonald-Kainoa <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Testimony in Opposition of Rezoning(3)1-9-005:006 <br /> Date: Sunday,August 31,2025 11:56:47 AM <br /> Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request to CV-20 (Commercial, Village—20,000 sq.ft. <br /> minimum lot size) <br /> PL-REZ-2025-000083 <br /> Applicant: William Cox Morris <br /> TMK: (3) 1-9-005:006 (portion) <br /> Aloha Hawai'i County Windward Planning Commission, <br /> I am writing to your committee to oppose the request to rezone the subject lot on Old <br /> Volcano Highway from residential to CV-20. <br /> As a resident and kanaka 'oiwi born and raised in Volcano, and recently returning to live full <br /> time, I have seen the changes to our social and environmental landscape over my lifetime. I <br /> have a kuleana to express my deepest concerns regarding the impact that pin-to-pin cleaning <br /> and development is currently having on our native forest in the Volcano region. The rate as <br /> which our landscape is being altered and impacted by current and impeding development is <br /> alarming and a concern that many of us share. <br /> With that being said, I would like to state that I am not anti-development and I support <br /> economic growth and opportunity for our community, however I stand for protecting our <br /> native forest and native species that call this place home, and that takes priority over <br /> everything else. More time and consideration needs to be taken before development projects <br /> (such as this) are allowed to make way. It is currently outside of the commercial zoned area in <br /> Volcano. <br /> I urge the planning commission and planning department of the County of Hawai'i to slow the <br /> process down and take a closer look at how to retain our native ecosystem alongside <br /> "sustainable development and design" that promotes protecting native forest. From what I <br /> can see of this property from OLD VOLCANO RD. there are koa, 'ohi'a, and hapu'u trees that <br /> are prominent near the roadway. However, there are a significant amount of'ohi'a trees that <br /> visibly have been infected with Rapid 'ohi'a Death (ROD). This also needs to be taken into <br /> consideration, as clearing the area can and most likely will spread ROD to adjacent properties <br /> and cause more harm than good. I have experienced the spread of ROD at my home in 'Ohi'an <br /> Estates which was accelerated due to land clearing next door and across from me. <br /> As someone who has spent my career in conservation and native reforestation — I know <br /> firsthand that restoring a forest is 100x harder to do than protecting what is currently existing. <br /> I oppose this current project for the precedent that it will set for others to push boundaries <br /> and request changes be made on their behalf. Volcano is a strong community, and a unique <br /> historic place, and we are blessed to live amongst a native forest. Our forest is as much apart <br />