Any ideas for economic growth for Puna?

[Bob Orts]

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Originally posted by Loren Baker

As an example, say Safeway wanted to open in Pahoa, we would grant their re-zoning and permits, but they would sign a binding agreement to provide X% of profits for road work, as their store would put many more delivery trucks on our only roadway.

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You would have to require that of all businesses seeking rezoning. Singling out non-domestic entities will make the county poorer and mainland attorneys richer.

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Originally posted by Kapohocat

What about mandating that they buy x% of produce from local island vendors instead? (A substantial amount not a token amt.)

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The incentive (Cash and cash equivelants) would need to be substantial to get them to decide its worth the requirements over a plave without the requirements.

If the demand for the service was there, they would already be considering it. Place too many requirements and you better be prepared to pay for those requirements.

quote:

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Originally posted by Kapohocat

Or do some kind of exemptions now for small business to come in or expand in the current village centers of Pahoa, Keaau, Orchidland, Kurtistown, Mountain View, etc.

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The County can create an economic development zone where property taxes are reduced so long as the business agrees to conditions such as minimum employment. They can also provide sales or property tax reduction to off set capital improvements or development cost.