07-10-2010, 07:52 AM
There is a real need for jobs here in Puna so people aren't locked into commuting to work every day, sometimes as far as Waikaloa or Kona. I don't think anyone wants large scale heavy industry here, but the population is big enough that we should have at least some family wage jobs right here.
Value added products from our agricultural products would be a start, there are many other kinds of small scale light industry that are relatively clean and quiet, don't need a lot of infrastructure, and could provide 5 to 20 jobs apiece producing products needed here in Hawaii. That kind of diversified economic base handles downturns much better than relying on one or two large industries like tourism and ag. But there is no will at a governmental level to support or encourage that kind of economic development here in Puna.
It is my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) that we don't even have any land zoned for that kind of economic activity, other than Shipman's which is virtually in Hilo. So we get a KFC, a Burger King, and a Longs, but we don't have anyplace someone could set up a small production facility making something like ag sprinkler equipment, or Aloha shirts, or doors and windows, or widgets. Instead any of those kinds of jobs end up in Hilo.
Carol
Value added products from our agricultural products would be a start, there are many other kinds of small scale light industry that are relatively clean and quiet, don't need a lot of infrastructure, and could provide 5 to 20 jobs apiece producing products needed here in Hawaii. That kind of diversified economic base handles downturns much better than relying on one or two large industries like tourism and ag. But there is no will at a governmental level to support or encourage that kind of economic development here in Puna.
It is my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) that we don't even have any land zoned for that kind of economic activity, other than Shipman's which is virtually in Hilo. So we get a KFC, a Burger King, and a Longs, but we don't have anyplace someone could set up a small production facility making something like ag sprinkler equipment, or Aloha shirts, or doors and windows, or widgets. Instead any of those kinds of jobs end up in Hilo.
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb