Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 26, 2018

TESTIMONY AGAINST PLACING THE PROPOSED SPINLAUNCH SPACEPORT FACILITY in Kaʻū has come from Kaʻū residents. SpinLaunch announced it is looking at Hawaiʻi Island as one of five possible locations, where small satellites and packages would be flung into space using a spinning device, at much lower cost than sending up large rockets. In recent months, scouts from a space endeavor have looked at the 16,455 acres around Pohuʻe Bay.

Pohuʻe Bay and surrounding lands; part of the 16,455 acres for sale. Photo from Luxury Big Island

     While much of the testimony from scientists and space companies support the idea and funding of SpinLaunch, none of their supportive testimony nor the funding bill have identified any location or requirement to consult the community where the site would be developed.
     In light of Kaʻū being a possible site, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' Aha Moku Advisory Committee has submitted testimony to the state legislature. Jeffrey Kekoa, Aloha Beck Darlyne Vierra, and Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka ask for the residents of Kaʻū to be consulted before funding the project, should the proposed site be in Kaʻū district. They wrote:
     "We are dismayed and disappointed that our Legislators have decided to support an endeavor that does not have the support of the people, especially in the area that is designated to hold this launch system. We know nothing about this project and if there were any public scoping meetings in Kaʻū, we were not approached. We have fought for decades to keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ. We are saddened and frustrated that we had to find out about this on social media, a tool that many of us here in the country do not have, because many do not have internet or computers. We depend on our legislators to let us know when something of this magnitude is planned where we live.... We understand the Legislature's wish to increase the economy for Hawaiʻi and see the need to reduce cost access to space, to meet a mandate to expand access to space and to facilitate a growth environment for commercial space industry. How will this be accommodated and keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ?"
     The advisory group asks the Senate to hold the bill until the group speaks to legislators, County Council members, and developers of the plan.
     Mary Ann Omerod wrote, "I strongly oppose SB2703 relating to Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist SpinLaunch, Inc., with financing of the planning, design and construction of a satellite launch system on Hawaiʻi Island and especially at Pohuʻe (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) in Kaʻū.

Kanonone Waterhole at PohuʻeBay is an anchialine pond that hosts  endemic and native species. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

     "Our Kupuna disagreed with a space port when it was proposed at Ka Lae (South Point) in the 80's. I don't think a mini space launch facility being at Pohuʻe, (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) would've changed their minds in today's day and age. We don't need another site in Kaʻū being desecrated thus directly affecting any more of the health or our people and the well-being of our environment!"
     Hawk Jones wrote, "We don't want rockets or missiles to be launched from down here in the Kaʻū, we don't want new solar fields down here in Kaʻū; we don't want objects begin flung into space from Kaʻū and the Kaʻū residents absolutely oppose a private company buying, for any reason other than stewardship and conservation, Pohuʻe Bay.
     "Pohuʻe Bay is one of our great last 'secrets' down here, untouched and pristine. Why is the State not purchasing the land and making it a reserve for it  biological (Hawksbill Turtles nesting beach) reasons, along with its cultural significance?"
     Laura Roberts testified in opposition to the project, should it impact Pohuʻe Bay. "These are sacred lands near Pohuʻe Bay. Please consider another location to do this."
     Dr. Nancy Bondurant testified, "You have got to be kidding! How in the world is a satellite launch service going to benefit our struggling agricultural community? It is not enough that you are denying Kaʻū basic services, i.e. police, water, fire, community schools, emergency shelter, garbage, etc. but now you are considering not only funding but sitting this endeavor in Kaʻū? Are we just a dumping ground?.... The residents of Kaʻū are firmly against funding this project and siting it in our neighborhood! You can put it next to your house!"
     Puaʻena N. Ahn wrote, "This does not sound like a wise investment. Is this an experimental technology? An industrial accident or human error could have devastating consequences for people and the environment. I fail to see how this is the best interest of public health, safety and welfare."
     Shannon Rudolph called the proposal "The definition of insanity; taxpayer guarantee of $25 Mil in bonds to a new, untested company with no product and no history. That funding is needed in sooooo many other places!"

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