05-04-2015, 04:53 PM
Kalakoa,
"Note that while I support the TMT generally, its impact on Puna will still be limited: strengthening the island economy doesn't translate into Puna getting a larger share than it does currently. Unlike Kona resort jobs, these workers won't commute from Puna."
Although I agree that the TMT won't have a significant impact in Puna, I suspect it will have some although probably not not obvious. All the Hilo based observatories employ people living in Puna (and even Waimea's-based Keck employ people on the east side of the island). Back in 2005, nearly every scientist employed by the Joint Astronomy Centre lived in Puna along with several computing staff and a large number of engineering staff. That number started to drop as commuting became more difficult and the JAC reduced staffing, but a significant number (including myself) remained in Puna. We are all relatively well paid and much of our wages go into the local Puna economy. This is free money for Puna as the source of our wages comes from out-of-state sources.
The last I heard, the TMT are planning on building their operations center/offices in Hilo, in fact they were very interesting in using the old JAC building although that has since fallen through I believe. Given the commuting problems between Puna and Hilo are easing a little, I see no reason why many TMT employees won't live in Puna and contribute to our local economy.
It's not significant, I agree, and probably impossible to quantify, but it's not as if anyone in Puna has to do anything to make it happen, other than apply for the jobs.
"Note that while I support the TMT generally, its impact on Puna will still be limited: strengthening the island economy doesn't translate into Puna getting a larger share than it does currently. Unlike Kona resort jobs, these workers won't commute from Puna."
Although I agree that the TMT won't have a significant impact in Puna, I suspect it will have some although probably not not obvious. All the Hilo based observatories employ people living in Puna (and even Waimea's-based Keck employ people on the east side of the island). Back in 2005, nearly every scientist employed by the Joint Astronomy Centre lived in Puna along with several computing staff and a large number of engineering staff. That number started to drop as commuting became more difficult and the JAC reduced staffing, but a significant number (including myself) remained in Puna. We are all relatively well paid and much of our wages go into the local Puna economy. This is free money for Puna as the source of our wages comes from out-of-state sources.
The last I heard, the TMT are planning on building their operations center/offices in Hilo, in fact they were very interesting in using the old JAC building although that has since fallen through I believe. Given the commuting problems between Puna and Hilo are easing a little, I see no reason why many TMT employees won't live in Puna and contribute to our local economy.
It's not significant, I agree, and probably impossible to quantify, but it's not as if anyone in Puna has to do anything to make it happen, other than apply for the jobs.