01-08-2007, 06:55 AM
I, for one, am not opposed to all commercial development in Puna. I actually hold the opinion that smart commercial development is essential for a sane future. Well-placed shopping, service, recreational, and educational facilities would reduce the traffic to and from Hilo on 130 in two ways. First, fewer people would have to commute to Hilo for work, and, second, fewer would have to go there to meet all their shopping and service needs. The village center concept has a lot of merit, and should include large full-service grocery stores as well as smaller shops.
What I object to is someone doing an end-around the community based planning process for what appears to be a pet project. Homeless assistance is certainly a worthy end, but I have to question the means in this case.
Growth is inevitable, but we do have choices for how we deal with it. Ms. Naeole and her friends have to realize that they will catch flak when they pursue policies that a significant part of the community opposes.
Cheers,
Jerry
What I object to is someone doing an end-around the community based planning process for what appears to be a pet project. Homeless assistance is certainly a worthy end, but I have to question the means in this case.
Growth is inevitable, but we do have choices for how we deal with it. Ms. Naeole and her friends have to realize that they will catch flak when they pursue policies that a significant part of the community opposes.
Cheers,
Jerry