The project director for the Punalu‘u Village development provided the Tribune-Herald with a lengthy statement Wedneday afternoon regarding the project.
A majority of the statement from Norman Quon is as follows.
“Black Sand Beach LLC is aware of the importance of the Punalu‘u lands to the community, and its role as its steward. It further understands the legacy should make the right mark on these lands for future generations. That is why we have spent the last three years living part-time within the project site, being part of this community and reaching out to those who are willing to share their knowledge and emotions about this special place.
“Our current development effort reflects the challenges in maintaining the diversity of interests of the broader community. Collectively, an environment must be created upon which all can thrive, while respecting the importance of the area.
“Our discussion with kupuna has taught us that history and culture of the area us not static. It builds upon each successive layer as generations come and go. We wish to create a community where history of this special place where the culture created within can be promoted and nurtured. We are working to manage the ill-effects of decades of neglect and lack of on-site management.
“Rubbish is improperly dump on the property and within the coastal area. Un-managed vegetation creates opportunities for wildfires that not only threaten existing communities but destroy native species. The adverse effects of not allowing any reasonable use of the land will take away the resources needed to manage the project area and create a more detrimental situation by not being able to manage the coastal area, contain the vegetation overgrowth, and the constant upkeep and improvement of sewer system that protects the coastal waters.
“Punalu‘u Village is a bold step towards creating an environment where the entire community has taken a collaborative part in sharing a place that can be enjoyed by all, while protecting what makes this place so special. We worked to prioritize fixing what 30 years of neglect has brought to this place. Infrastructure is about 50 years old, and severely deteriorated. Punalu‘u is an existing community, and a community resource, that requires proper management of infrastructure, recreational facilities, and the environment to ensure all remains in balance and in harmony.
“The development concept represents the smallest footprint that provides the best opportunity to secure essential funding and create a consistent revenue stream that will maintain the land and supporting infrastructure that covers 434 acres and a modest 225 units in comparison. Previous proposals by past landowners have requested nearly 1,800 to 3,000 additional units.
“The project is being developed with sustainable water conservation, rainwater capture, and storm water system for irrigation. No potable water will be used for irrigation. In addition, the existing golf course will be restored and restoration of the recycling wastewater irrigation system and related settling ponds.
“The project is moved away from the coastline to create areas for conservation management to protect and perpetuate the beauty of the Punalu‘u coastline, protect the marine life habitats, protect gathering and fishing rights for the community, and protect the coastline’s archaeological and natural resources.”
The statement provide by Quon also noted that Black Sand Beach will work with Ka‘u High School and various agencies to create internships and develop “local hiring programs.”
The statement also said Black Sand Beach is proposing a shoreline management plan that would be coordinated with the community. It will be comprised of five areas: (1) Old Punalu‘u Village Restoration; (2) Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach; (3) Punalu‘u Bay Boat Ramp; (4) Punalu‘u Beach Park; and (5) Punalu‘u Conservation Management Area.
