Protect Punalu‘u
I am one of the co-owners of Punalu‘u beachfront kuleana property that’s been in my ohana for generations.
Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach must be preserved in a manner to which it was originally created.
I am soundly opposed to the development proposal presented by developer Xiaoyuan Liu. The proposed development is not conducive to the prosperity and preservation of our pristine Punalu‘u beach, its historical landmarks and protection of critical habitats for endangered, indigenous species such as our green sea and hawksbill turtles.
Additionally, preserve the historical sites and ancient burial grounds and caves that exist in Punalu‘u. It is imperative to preserve native cultural practices such as hunting and gathering.
Throughout my ohana’s lifetime we have observed the continued erosion of the shoreline. For 170 years, we have witnessed the continued destruction of the shoreline and ocean due to the impact of modernization and tourism. We must not let this continue!
Stopping Xiaoyuan Liu’s development of our beach and surrounding areas will promote respect to the physical beach and ocean.
The proposed development plans will substantially impact the existing shoreline and surrounding areas that include the renowned fresh water ponds, heiaus and archaeological sites.
Let’s pursue a more enlightened path that balances economic benefits with protection of our precious endangered natural resources and continue our peaceful and rural lifestyle in Ka‘u.
Elsa Kalani Dedman
Naalehu
STVRs a problem
Short-term vacation rentals, or STVRs, not only directly ruin neighborhoods and contribute to neighborhood hostility, but they make it far harder to buy or even rent a good family home.
Look how the rental market is here on the Big Island. Sky-high rents, where one may as well buy — if they even could.
We all love safe and quiet streets, but with increased traffic, rude behavior and noise, STVRs take away from so much we all want in our lives.
Greed is a killer. Greed makes people think of and for themselves, never contributing to the neighborhood. I was once told that STVRs are “… endemic to the history of the aina.” Oh, brother. Such a terrible thing to falsely claim.
I ask people questions all the time. I have asked many Hawaiians on their take on STVRs. None have ever expressed a love or want or need for them in their areas.
Hotels are better for the tourists. Better accommodations. It’s catered to the tourist.
All residential areas should be respected as such.
I have yet to hear of any STVR owners ever asking for permission to do what they do when trying to buy. They just move in and show you papers to prove they are at least legal, and tough luck, pal. Some expand their STVRs, making huge paved lots where lawns and vegetation used to be.
I truly wish we lived in a world where people cared more about people than money. How can one possibly call another a neighbor when opening a business in a residential area is not even considered ethical?
I know what truly is endemic to the history of the aina: letting people live in peace and not financially benefiting oneself at others’ expense.
Allen Russell
Hilo