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Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee voted Thursday to submit testimony to the Windward Planning Commission, recommending it review the Kaʻū CDP policies and testimony before deciding on approval or disapproval of the Special Management Area permit for development at Punalu'u. Photo by Julia Neal |
TESTIMONY WILL BE SENT REGARDING PUNALU'U DEVELOPMENT to the Windward Planning Commission, according to the vote taken at the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee on Thursday in Pāhala. The group voted to write a letter asking the Planning Commission to consider whether the proposed Special Management Permit proposed by Black Sand Beach, LLC aligns with policies of the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. Attached to the letter would be testimony from the public and an SMA permit proposal analysis by planner Ron Whitmore, who worked for the County to develop the Kaʻū CDP.
The development would include more than 200 units of condos and other units for short term rentals and residences, plus eateries and retail along with spa, tennis and golf course. There would be renovation of the golf course and existing structures on the property, which is more than 400 acres and all within the Special Management Area to protect the coast, which requires an SMA permit before taking next steps to proceed.
The development would include more than 200 units of condos and other units for short term rentals and residences, plus eateries and retail along with spa, tennis and golf course. There would be renovation of the golf course and existing structures on the property, which is more than 400 acres and all within the Special Management Area to protect the coast, which requires an SMA permit before taking next steps to proceed.
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A poster from 2015, the County inviting public involvement in creating the Kaʻū Community Development Plan, which is now a reference for policies concerning such developments as the Black Sand Beach, LLC proposal at Punalu'u. See CDP at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty. |
Elsa Kalanikauleleiaiwi Dedman, who is a plaintiff in a contested case opposing the resort, pointed to plaintiffs Center for Biological Diversity and Hawaiians who have lived at Punalu'u and whose ancestors lived there.
The plaintiffs call for the Planning Commission to require a new Environmental Impact Statement and a new shoreline setback study before considering the SMA approval. The last shoreline study at Punalu'u was over 40 years ago.
Action Committee Chair Jason Masters said that the Kaʻū CDP recommends a quarter mile setback from the coast for development and stated that there are proposed commercial enterprises next to Black Sand Beach that are not set back a quarter mile.
Former County Council member Guy Enriques referred to the Kaʻū Community Development Plan and said it is "black and white" that the proposed development is not in line with the policies of the Kaʻū CDP.
Action Committee member Babette Morrow said that construction of affordable housing is missing from the developer's proposal but is one of the policies recommended by Kaʻū CDP when considering development proposals. She noted that she and Masters have been studying Kaʻū CDP policies and also an analysis by planner Whitmore in preparation for drafting the letter to the Planning Commission.
Former County Council member Guy Enriques referred to the Kaʻū Community Development Plan and said it is "black and white" that the proposed development is not in line with the policies of the Kaʻū CDP.
Action Committee member Babette Morrow said that construction of affordable housing is missing from the developer's proposal but is one of the policies recommended by Kaʻū CDP when considering development proposals. She noted that she and Masters have been studying Kaʻū CDP policies and also an analysis by planner Whitmore in preparation for drafting the letter to the Planning Commission.
Citizens speaking at the Action Committee meeting also called for protection of the endangered hawksbill turtles that nest and the green sea turtles that rest at Punalu'u.
Black Sand Beach, LLC planning consultant Daryn Arai asked that the Action Committee send him and the development group a copy of the proposed testimony and attachments to the Windward Planning Commission before it is finalized so that the developers can answer to concerns and give comments. Representatives of the Planning Department said the draft will be included with the agenda of the next Action Committee meeting and available online to everyone.
The Action Committee said another meeting will be held in August to finalize the testimony to the Windward Planning Commission.
See more on the meeting and the Whitmore analysis, as well as more from the developer, in future Kaʻū News Briefs. See the Kaʻū CDP at
Other agenda items, including a proposed water bottling plant in Pāhala and evacuation routes for Green Sands neighborhood were deferred to the next meeting, which will be held in Nāʻālehu.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
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| Wehilei will perform at a free back to school concert on Sunday, July 28 at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nāʻālehu. Her music includes the song and album Music Heals the Soul, and songs Movin On and In the Mood. The event begins at noon. Image from Music Heals the Soul by Wehilei |
WEHILEI LIM-RYDER WILL HEADLINE A FREE BACK TO SCHOOL CONCERT for Kaʻū youth on Sunday, July 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nāʻālehu, adjacent to Punalu'u Bakeshop.
Coordinating the event is Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder. It will also feature Keiki of Halau Hula O Leionalani. Sponsor is Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i.
Keiki will receive colorful school backpacks autographed by Wehilei. Free hotdogs and water will be available to keiki.
Wehilei is composer of hit songs and recipient in 2023 of Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Single of the Year and Most Promising Artist of the Year. Her music includes the song and album Music Heals the Soul, and songs Movin On and In the Mood.
Wehilei is granddaughter of Debbie Ryder and daughter of Lorna Lim, who is known for her renditions of Pua Olena and Ku'uipo, of the Lim Family of musicians. Weihilei is also daughter of Wailau Ryder, the Hawaiian Slack-key artist and music producer. She has traveled to perform throughout Hawai'i, Asia, New Zealand and Australia, as well as the mainland.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.
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| 5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i See www.kaunews.com |
