03-28-2010, 01:56 PM
quote:O'oma? A developer can get conservation land zoned for whatever they want by throwing in "affordable housing", "ocean access", or whatever else sells the project to the people.
Originally posted by KathyH
The trend I have seen (from my reading, which granted is not all-encompassing) is that Hawai'i has been taking a dim view of mainlanders who buy conservation land expecting they can come in and rape the land. From what the article says, Arlie bought the land without negotiating any kind of deal in advance, accepting all the limitations.
A skilled development consultant knows how to throw in affordable housing, the right amount of job creation, something for the kids, and giving back to the culture & community, and they will get Hawaii County and the people to let them pave over a historic cemetery for a Wal-Mart parking lot.
The government is the hardest hurdle whenever a developer wants to get their way, but they know if they can fool the people into supporting a project, government usually backs off.