07-02-2018, 01:37 PM
I can't get past the fact that there are tens of thousands of existing available lots throughout Puna- or the rest of the island for that matter. Is this some form of Gerrymandering? (Not an accusation, a question). Why are they so desperate to locate these leaseholds in one particular district?
To me, adding a new and unnecessary subdivision (leasehold no less) fails the common sense test. But then again, so do politicians.
We don't need more solutions looking for a problem. Land swaps aren't necessary. If you want to help these people, allow them to deed their lava properties to the county or state in exchange for a tax credit or buyout. Let them decide where they want to live. They could offer a tiered system- if somebody wants to trade in their lava lot and:
Buy property and reside on island: Highest payout
Don't buy property on island and reside in state on or off island: Second highest payout
Move out of state: Lowest payout
Keep their lava lot: No payout
The payouts could be in the form of tax credits/rebates available over a 3 year time span. The only thing being pushed is paperwork, no bulldozers or overly complicated re-inventing the wheels of bureaucracy required.
To me, adding a new and unnecessary subdivision (leasehold no less) fails the common sense test. But then again, so do politicians.
We don't need more solutions looking for a problem. Land swaps aren't necessary. If you want to help these people, allow them to deed their lava properties to the county or state in exchange for a tax credit or buyout. Let them decide where they want to live. They could offer a tiered system- if somebody wants to trade in their lava lot and:
Buy property and reside on island: Highest payout
Don't buy property on island and reside in state on or off island: Second highest payout
Move out of state: Lowest payout
Keep their lava lot: No payout
The payouts could be in the form of tax credits/rebates available over a 3 year time span. The only thing being pushed is paperwork, no bulldozers or overly complicated re-inventing the wheels of bureaucracy required.