05-25-2011, 02:18 PM
Interesting topic. I agree that this type of business will have a huge impact on the character and charm of Pahoa town. Although (apparently) completely legal, perhaps a compromise would be for the company to locate it's office in the Malama market shopping area. There are office spaces for lease and this part of town has already been disfigured by Burger king, Long'a Drugs and KFC. When I first visited Pahoa in the late 80s, I fell in love with it's rustic charms. If my first view of Puna, and Pahoa in particular, had been just a few days ago, I may well have opted to move to Hilo town.