2024-02-17 PL-SMA-2023-000046 Teresa San Miguel Opposition Testimony

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From: Ouihano,Chasitv To: WPCtestimony Subject: FW: punalu'u development Date: Tuesday, March 12,2024 4:33:34 PM From: Mom San Miguel <mom.sanmiguel@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2024 12:07 PM To: Council Testimony<counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov> Subject: punalu'u development Hello council members! am writing in opposition to the proposed development, by Eva Liu, for the Punalu'u area. My reasons are as follows: 1)the environmental impacts would be enormous, and are not clearly addressed . Upkeep of grounds around the project do not appear to have any stipulations regarding the use of herbicides,which are commonly used in other ocean side developments on the island. Increased noise from people and vehicles is going to disturb the honu as they gather in the spot they've chosen. Tour buses,which are required to leave the diesel engines running in order to keep the AC going while some of the riders choose to remain seated on the bus during tour stops, will be gassing out the entire area with diesel fumes. Tourists are notably insensitive to the damage they cause by gathering natural elements (like rocks) as souvenirs, leaving trash, and poisoning the water with toxic sunscreens. These are just a few examples. 2)the size and scope of the proposed development seems geared more towards attracting tourism and making use by residents more difficult. Any economic benefits to local residents would be based on low payingjobs- working the gift store, mowing lawns, etc. , without any true long term opportunities for career development. As a tourist destination, the site would normally involve input and regulation by state and county agencies overseeing things like traffic control, hours of operation, gates, lighting, parking fees, and so on. All of which would make the natural beauty difficult for area residents to access. Educational opportunities,while somewhat addressed as part of a package for