04-13-2009, 07:29 PM
I attended Emily's meeting. R.J. Hampton, her legislative aide, gave the major presentation on the Steam Vent Proposal. I give R.J. credit for her presentation abilities. The proposal itself is a bit jumbled and consisted of parts preserving a unique natural property and various parts spa and cultural center development. In the end there seemed to be some loose consensus that preserving land and developing visions need to be kept separate. Obviously there is a vision there and in it's own way it conflicts a bit with the purpose of preservation.
I will applaud Emily for the preservation intentions.
I still think, and especially after listening to the proposal, that Geothermal Funds are not appropriate for this project. This acquisition, if it occurs, falls squarely into the Land Preservation Fund category.
The Puna Geothermal Fund has monies for devotedly Puna Community purposes. Developing a steamy tourist mecca is a state or island wide interest and this type of development might in the end be no improvement over what private developers might accomplish.
Very, very difficult to envision the Parks & Recreation Department getting into the wellness business or encouraging people with ailments to share steam booths. One person commented that unless the vents were left au naturale than the endeavor may as well be in Colorado.
Steam Vents is worthy of preservation but I personally think Green Lake a more compelling property for that purpose.
Lastly Emily and staff understand that the Geothermal Emergency Funds are to be maintained at a minimum of $1 million. I have the impression that they think that the $1 million is a useful maximum too and any thing above that amount is fair game. Any earthquake or volcanic activity which would tap this fund is very likely to suck up a million dollars in one quick day. They need to remember that and not look at that fund as contingency funding.
I will applaud Emily for the preservation intentions.
I still think, and especially after listening to the proposal, that Geothermal Funds are not appropriate for this project. This acquisition, if it occurs, falls squarely into the Land Preservation Fund category.
The Puna Geothermal Fund has monies for devotedly Puna Community purposes. Developing a steamy tourist mecca is a state or island wide interest and this type of development might in the end be no improvement over what private developers might accomplish.
Very, very difficult to envision the Parks & Recreation Department getting into the wellness business or encouraging people with ailments to share steam booths. One person commented that unless the vents were left au naturale than the endeavor may as well be in Colorado.
Steam Vents is worthy of preservation but I personally think Green Lake a more compelling property for that purpose.
Lastly Emily and staff understand that the Geothermal Emergency Funds are to be maintained at a minimum of $1 million. I have the impression that they think that the $1 million is a useful maximum too and any thing above that amount is fair game. Any earthquake or volcanic activity which would tap this fund is very likely to suck up a million dollars in one quick day. They need to remember that and not look at that fund as contingency funding.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator