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After watching the construction of the new Long's, Burger King and KFC, it seems obvious that the lack of form-based codes for development in Pahoa has not helped anything. The new buildings do not contribute one bit to the "look and feel" of the area and are simply examples of typical, corporate buildings.
Is yet another Pahoa Marketplace styled place what the area wants? Talk about being bland and without feeling or soul? Would it have been so difficult to get these companies to adhere to the "look and feel" of Pahoa when they built?
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With all due respect, the "look and feel of Pahoa???" Seriously?
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You can't get many of the people who live in Puna to agree to basic zoning codes and adherence to building codes; they want to live in tents and containers for crying out loud, and you want Design Standards?
Why should commercial sites have to adhere to any design standard if some people don't even have to adhere to the requirements of their Special Use Permits? Why do non-profits get to walk all over the existing County Codes but commercial operations have to now worry about someone not liking the roof line and want more restriction in the code?
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Dear Bob,
As I recall, you do not live in Puna, is that right?
I do, and thus have an occasion to get to know some people there.
While many people in Puna choose to reside in alternative sort of accommodation, I really do think it is pure hyperbole for you to state that "people who live in Puna ... want to live in tents and containers."
Folks who live in tents and containers do so because that is what they have, for the time being.
Furthermore, the site of the 'Woodlands' (aka woodless) Center is not out in the jungle at the end of the road or just anywhere in Puna -- it is at the gateway to Pahoa.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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May I add a few points?
While on the BoD of Mainstreet Pahoa Association a few years ago I tried real hard to get the resident to consider legally forming a Design District. It was apparent that fast food chains would follow the population growth. Basically no one was interested.
Meanwhile, It has come to my attention that the building permits for the Woodland Center may not be valid. It seems that the council approval (2003) of the rezoning for the site contained language that the work shall be completed within five years and only one, one year extension would be permitted. I am not making this statement as a legal complaint. I have read the language from what I recall to be Ord: 03-1111 or 03-111. Perhaps some other legal fig leaf has been applied and I am unaware. Perhaps the corporate boys have more latitude than a non-profit. More facts needed.
I have been quite surprised that the square footage of the Long's Drugs appears to be as large as, or larger than the parking lot. I've also been unsuccessful so far in finding our that traffic studies or planning have taken place.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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quote:
Originally posted by james weatherford
As I recall, you do not live in Puna, is that right?
Live? No.
Own property? Yes
quote:
Originally posted by james weatherford
Furthermore, the site of the 'Woodlands' (aka woodless) Center is not out in the jungle at the end of the road or just anywhere in Puna -- it is at the gateway to Pahoa.
The “gateway” to Pahoa is 130.
I have NO objection to architectural design standards for the gateway district. That means every lot, every property, every building that fronts 130 (from 11 to the intersection of 130 & 132) must also adhere to the design standard. I hope this is not aimed at only commercial for profit establishments and everything else will be exempt. What good is having a design standard for a drug store or fast food restaurant (or a single retail establishment) when all the other buildings and properties leading to it and around it looks like crap? [V]
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130 is not the gateway to Pahoa. Puna Makai, perhaps.
Most anywhere in Puna plenty places look like crap. Why you own where so many places look like crap?
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The reason Carmel California is so lovely is because of it's building codes to enhance the ambiance of the area, to ensure the feel of the town is encouraged.
Even little old Alameda California an island (2 miles wide 7 miles long), on San Francisco bay dictates to McDonald's corp how their building is to be designed if they want a McD's on the island. And guess what McD's did it Alameda's way. It doesn't look like any other McDonalds you have ever seen, it is darling, unobtrusive and blends in very well.
mella l
NO really! I don't, want to read your blog!
mella l
Art and Science
bytheSEA
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Effective planing requires 2 things we don't have - a functional government and local control
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This area is of particular interest to Larry Higgins on the Puna CDP-AC. He is and architect and facilitates the Land Use (Village/Town Center Workgroup). Check the punacdp.info website for meeting schedules.
Jeffrey Krepps
jevkreppsz@juno.com
Kurtistown, HI
Jeffrey Krepps
jevkreppsz@juno.com
Hawaiian Acres
