Not so fast. A development that includes condominiums and a conference
center is being proposed for one of Hawaii’s famous black sand beaches, but some
native islanders are against
the idea.
They don’t want to see the area turned into a resort that
would include numerous tennis courts.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach is not only an amazing natural resource but also home to the endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Developers have tried to meet the protests of villagers more than halfway by dropping the original proposal from nearly 3,000 units to 225.
Developers say they have already invested more than $1 million in the project, including refurbishing the land. Various developers have had the idea of turning the area into a mixed-use facility since the 1960s.
But some locals say they don’t want any development of
what they consider pristine land.
“Our lahui (group) from Punaluu have been the stewards of
this place,” said Maxx Phillips, Hawaii director and staff attorney at the
Center for Biological Diversity, which has filed a legal intervention against
the plan.
The original plans included a boat ramp, restaurants, and a wellness center.
“When you threaten to destroy the landscape, it’s like a
threat to the family because our land is our ohana (family),” said resident Nohealani Kaawa.
In addition to cultural concerns, the
community also wants environmental issues addressed.
“They haven’t even met the kuleana (responsibility) that
they already have,” Phillips said.
Developers claim this is the “smallest footprint necessary
to bring money into the local economy and care for these lands in a responsible
manner.”
Some residents support the project because it will create more jobs. A special hearing was scheduled for Monday, May 6.
Hawaii is still reeling from
last year’s devastating wildfires.
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