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This is in today's HTH:
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/arti...ocal07.txt
The article describes how over $2 million is currently set aside by Puna Geothemal Venture for benefit of Puna and there is no clear purpose to the money.
Dominic Yagong is proposing changes to make the money available for a broader range of purposes.
As I recall the fund was intended to be spent within a certain radius of the geothemal plant.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Well, it could be said that the problems that had people wanting to relocate were some years ago and the funds keep accummulating.
I don't see it as a bad thing as long as the benefits remain in Puna.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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"Sounds like Yagong wants to take from the people and put it to a larger public.
Another Hawaii SNAFU!"
No, Damon, Yagong is just trying to do his job. At the last session of Council/Committee meetings, the manager from PGV did a brief discussion about the place (btw: his knowledge of geothermal, including emissions from his own facility, appeared to be abysmal!).
At that meeting, Emily Naeole (who had invited the guy to speak) stated that she was interested in seeing these funds used to benefit the entire Puna community. As Finance Chair, it is not out of the ordinary for Yagong to pick this up, since it will start in his committee anyway.
...sometimes, it is better to let facts get in the way of a good story...
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
I'm curious about how much money was offered to residents to relocate.
Maybe the amount offered made it financially unfeasable for residents to relocate.
Yagong might just be doing his job, however, when money is earmarked for a project, people expect that money to go to that project. Not shifted to something else.
Lets say we earmark 100.00 for Pahoa to get a new sign. Someone says, hey the sign we have is just fine. Now should that money go to something else, or should it be put in reserves for a replacement of the sign later on.
I say if anything, let the money accumulate and set up a college trust fund for the kids that live in that area.
Then it would techically still be going to "relocate" residents, even if it's just a relocation to college.
-----------------
Coming home soon!
Edited by - damon on 12/11/2007 14:16:31
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Interesting point. You might want to share that with Naeole or Yagong. But best to research the program throroughly first.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Damon, you made a good point about those impacted having a say. And it’s a reasonable concern that funds earmarked for a purpose should be used for that purpose. I did read this in the article:
"Naeole said some residents have requested the administration use the PGV funds to purchase hot water heaters for some of the residents who had to relocate because of the plant. Naeole, however, said she would rather see the money used elsewhere."
Now what I'm confused about is according to PGV fund info, did I read it right that only $15,000 has been paid out. Not sure but how much does a water heater cost on Hawaii?
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"..there is no clear purpose to the money..."
The article says no such thing.
"... good point about those impacted having a say."
Definitely put ideas to Naeole and Yagong.
"... did I read it right that only $15,000 has been paid out."
You may have read this, but not in the HTH article linked above. Where did you read it? It sounds completely implausible.
This is the bottom line: the fund was set up to relocate people affected by the geothermal plant. Several were relocated and the money keeps coming in. With the relocation mostly pau, the $2.2 million now in the fund is not expected to be needed for relocation. The proposal is to maintain a balance of at least $1 million in the fund, and to invest the other $1.2 million in Puna infrastructure. What is so wrong with that?
Is there not a need for infrastructure? roads, parks, etc.?
(Granted, $1.2 million will not buy a lot of public infrastructure, but every little bit helps).
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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James, it sounds odd and no it's not in the article. I got it here:
http://www.punageothermalventure.com/FAQ...yalty-fund
