05-11-2009, 07:45 AM
Aloha Bob,
I believe you are basically correct on these points. I would only expand on point #1 as follows:
Once there was a railroad easement from Hilo to Pahoa. When the RR shut down that easement was lost (it was granted to the RR for RR purposes) except where it was utilized and maintained in HPP. The Shipman lands between HPP and Hilo which once carried the RR are sectioned into leased agricultural plots. You can observe these lands makai of the Keaau Bypass at Keaau High School. The owner, Shipman Ltd., seeks minimal to zero impact and risk (theft) to it's agricultural leaseholders.
The land between HPP and Hilo on the makai side, perhaps 18th street and lower, has little or no agricultural use currently and the land is considered, by Shipman Ltd., to be of marginal agricultural value, which makes those lands more accessible politically and financially. Shipman Ltd. has also stated that they will not cooperate on a PMAR which only serves HPP. It would have to serve the whole of Puna Makai. Which is reasonable.
The Beach Road theory, while attractive, is limited by the fact that ZERO federal money will be available for road improvements in a tsunami zone. The Beach Road route is all in a tsunami zone. It may be very suitable for hiking, walking, etc. but is not practical for a thoroughfare.
I believe you are basically correct on these points. I would only expand on point #1 as follows:
Once there was a railroad easement from Hilo to Pahoa. When the RR shut down that easement was lost (it was granted to the RR for RR purposes) except where it was utilized and maintained in HPP. The Shipman lands between HPP and Hilo which once carried the RR are sectioned into leased agricultural plots. You can observe these lands makai of the Keaau Bypass at Keaau High School. The owner, Shipman Ltd., seeks minimal to zero impact and risk (theft) to it's agricultural leaseholders.
The land between HPP and Hilo on the makai side, perhaps 18th street and lower, has little or no agricultural use currently and the land is considered, by Shipman Ltd., to be of marginal agricultural value, which makes those lands more accessible politically and financially. Shipman Ltd. has also stated that they will not cooperate on a PMAR which only serves HPP. It would have to serve the whole of Puna Makai. Which is reasonable.
The Beach Road theory, while attractive, is limited by the fact that ZERO federal money will be available for road improvements in a tsunami zone. The Beach Road route is all in a tsunami zone. It may be very suitable for hiking, walking, etc. but is not practical for a thoroughfare.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator