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Its an open secret that there are seven stunning new black sand beaches and accretions in Lower Puna from the 2018 Kapoho lava flow. Soon this will attract hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists daily with the opening of a rebuilt road from Four Corners in Kapoho to Kalapana.
The heinous curse of overtourism will descend upon this now remote and quiet, beautiful area, where the infrastructure is either limited or nonexistent. There are a number of one- or two-lane roads here. Further, a mass commercialization will take place as numerous vacation rentals will develop to accommodate the visitor trade.
Hawaii’s history shows us that degradation will ultimately impact the communities, the wildlife, the historic sites and burials of the ancient Hawaiians. In time, families will not be able to afford the high costs. An environmental impact statement definitely needs to be done.
Gregory Owen
Pahoa, Hawaii island
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