02-10-2015, 07:13 AM
A parking lot in Pahoa is badly needed. There are plenty of available empty store fronts in Pahoa. We have a well-deserved reputation as a good restaurant town. Without parkin I would be unlikely to open anyplace in historic Puna. Catering to upscale tourists can be encouraged. Maui did it. Upcountry Maui has restaurants and art galleries. No McDonalds or Burger Kings. Makawao or even Laguna Beach come to mind as places that have retained their character despite growth. Puna is very big. We can accommodate growth without selling our souls. Give our keiki hope.