Cruise ship buses to Pahoa

[frankiestapleton]

Councilwoman Emily Naeole recently wrote that she was contacted by certain members of the downtown Pahoa business community who intend to bring cruise ship tourists to Pahoa by bus, according to Hunter Bishop's blog. "Knowing we are headed for a recession and that we recently lost a business in Pahoa Town (Pahoa Chop Suey), I think it would be very beneficial to our local merchants to have these tourists brought to town," she was quoted as telling the local monthly Puna newspaper.

Interestingly, I spent yesterday in downtown Hilo having to wait for my car to be worked on [!](avoid Island Chevrolet as much as possible!). However, it was interesting to see the town inundated by visitors from the Norwegian Queen (or whatever Norwegian name) as I ate lunch at Pukapuka (highest recommendation for the food despite the lack of seating) andText walked back to the car shop.

Then to read this morning that the Pahoa biz community wants to bus in tourists from the ships[:0] Auwe!!!!

I'm sorry but the Pahoa biz community COULD NOT POSSIBLY HANDLE such a customer load! And neither can the town of Pahoa. I understand the need for business but this rings too much of greed without the thought of how such a development would pan out.

Am I off-base here or what, you'all???

Crankie Frankie

[Guest]

If they were brought in by "Shuttle busses" at a paced rate then it wouldn't be a bad idea and the town could handle 20-30 more people an hour.

My question though, what company would secure this contract, and who would pay the costs, should the entire county pay for these services that only benefit the town of Pahoa?

Can't a private company already do this?

It also must be noted that the Panhandling ordinance that Auntie Em wants to pass seems to be part of this idea.

I find it interesting that Em would suggest a panhandling bill, when she herself sells Leis out in front of Cash and Carry from time to time.

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Coming home soon!

[Kelena]

Off-base. Pahoa needs a face lift, and just a little (not much) gentrification. Of course, the downside is we might scare the tourists. That wouldn't be nice.

[Rob Tucker]

Pahoa Chop Suey won't be empty long. I just learned last night, from Black Rock Cafe, that L&L Drive In is moving tothe Pahoa Chop Suey location.

[Greg]

Where exactly would these people dooky?

The recreation center couldn't handle.[]

They could use the pool facilities, but would have to shower and swim first.[]

[Carolann R]

L&L REALLY ROB??? Oh Man...there goes the diet!!! LOL

Carrie

http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
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"Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head..." U2

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by Greg

Where exactly would these people dooky?

The recreation center couldn't handle.[]

They could use the pool facilities, but would have to shower and swim first.[]

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I guess the town could end up like Champagne Pond[xx(] []

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Coming home soon!

[Nalu Mama]

quote:

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Originally posted by Greg

Where exactly would these people dooky?

The recreation center couldn't handle.[]

They could use the pool facilities, but would have to shower and swim first.[]

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LOL [} Sometimes the truth stinks, huh?
I wonder how many tourist would come back when they find out there's nowhere to "go" in Pahoa!

Oh, and selling a good or service isn't panhandling- what exactly do you think those people hanging out on the wall are doing?

Breathe. Relax. Focus.

[Carey]

Some of the HeleOn buses now do tourist transport (to places like 'Imiloa) These are not free buses, the tourists pay for the rides. Roberts is the main bus service on Island, so they may be contracted for this. There are Downtown Business Associations in other areas that pay/subsidise tourist bus fares....There is also the Hilo Hattie Free Shuttle model, one store is able to support a couple of cruise ship shuttles...)
It is an interesting option. Pahoa is currently a tourist spot...( I hope I am not surprising any of you with this information)this would only funnel some of the cruise traffic - who do not normally rent cars to Pahoa.

[Kapohocat]

I had this mental pictures of little cruise ship shaped buses going down Hwy 130! []