02-14-2012, 10:36 AM
Rob, that is at best a cynical look at the situation and does not change the points being made. I have probed as deeply as I can and cannot confirm your statement that Shipman has benefitted greatly by the roads through their properties. As I am guessing you have no more information than I do, I must assume that indeed your statement is itself an assumption. As to DHHL, it is the residents - who do not themselves gain from greater revenue going to DHHL - who do not want the roads. That argument really does not hold water. I am concerned that the assumptions being made to justify the road and impugn the statements by those opposed particularly as to route - are just that, opinions.
In any case it does not change the basic issues of building infrastructure that helps Puna and disavowing infrastructure that will have devastating affect on hundreds of acres of current Puna productivity. A road - as you have often said - that primarily connects to Hilo is not a solution to the growth of Puna's services and needs. James has that correct.
As to emergency needs - again James' approach makes a lot of sense. Study where the actual needs are and then fill them. 40 years ago there was even less in Puna then there is now so Hilo had to pick up a bigger portion. Today, Keaau High School and Pahoa school facilities can take up more of that load.
In any case it does not change the basic issues of building infrastructure that helps Puna and disavowing infrastructure that will have devastating affect on hundreds of acres of current Puna productivity. A road - as you have often said - that primarily connects to Hilo is not a solution to the growth of Puna's services and needs. James has that correct.
As to emergency needs - again James' approach makes a lot of sense. Study where the actual needs are and then fill them. 40 years ago there was even less in Puna then there is now so Hilo had to pick up a bigger portion. Today, Keaau High School and Pahoa school facilities can take up more of that load.