Is Puna Stuck In a Rut? Positive Solutions?

[MarkP]

I think Puna is a haven for counterculture types. I strongly associate it with strangers hitchhiking who have unusual stories and not much else. I bought property there because it was the only place I could afford property. I chose not to sell the property at a massive profit when the opportunity arose, probably because I don't know any better but also because with all its faults I still like the place. I have one neighbor that I wish would move away, but others that I strongly identify with.

When I look at it I can't figure out why I came here myself. I'm a little apologetic when I talk about it to others.

I have picked up several young people called WWOOFers due to their participation in an organization called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. They work on organic farms for free in trade for room and board. I don't think of them as being a source of economic uplift since of the half dozen I've met, at least two were on welfare and one spoke his belief that any money not claimed as welfare would be sent to the "war fund", but they are representative of the type of people attracted to Puna.

I sure know how to pick 'em, don't I?

Sorry, that wasn't positive. What can be gleaned from my ramblings? Market Puna to off-beat types. The idea of campsites sounds like it would find a market. The Hilo Bay Hostel and Arnott's seem to do business.