01-26-2010, 06:24 AM
I would like to go back to the original question - ideas for economic growth for Puna - current, short term, long term? Any ideas?
I was able to spend some time with James and his lovely wife Elizabeth the other night and I got to voice some suggestions!
In my world, some of the things that can increase the economics are streamlining of the Bldg and Planning Depts.
New business incubation credits - especially if you choose a already vacant location in Pahoa town, or Keaau (not a new bldg vacancy).
Promote farmer's markets / not tie them up with Bldg/Planning.
Bike paths as the new roads are being planned to facilitate residents alternate commuting (and eco-tourists with their $1500+ bicycles! low impact tourists.)
Elimination of contractors who do not use a high minimum amount of local labor. (One of the employees for a sub on the police station told me specifically that they can stay in a vacation rental and rent cars and no per diem because of the obscene amount of money they are making!! We have guys here out of work - a 2 min call to the union hall would have produced a ton of people FOR LESS MONEY! and this is not a specialty sub.)
I was able to spend some time with James and his lovely wife Elizabeth the other night and I got to voice some suggestions!
In my world, some of the things that can increase the economics are streamlining of the Bldg and Planning Depts.
New business incubation credits - especially if you choose a already vacant location in Pahoa town, or Keaau (not a new bldg vacancy).
Promote farmer's markets / not tie them up with Bldg/Planning.
Bike paths as the new roads are being planned to facilitate residents alternate commuting (and eco-tourists with their $1500+ bicycles! low impact tourists.)
Elimination of contractors who do not use a high minimum amount of local labor. (One of the employees for a sub on the police station told me specifically that they can stay in a vacation rental and rent cars and no per diem because of the obscene amount of money they are making!! We have guys here out of work - a 2 min call to the union hall would have produced a ton of people FOR LESS MONEY! and this is not a specialty sub.)