Is Puna Stuck In a Rut? Positive Solutions?

[legalcarroll]

I can appreciate the desire to expand employment options and industrial growth here, but figuring out how to increase tourism isn't the answer. If we are concerned about the long-term viability of our beautiful Puna, and it's people, we need to continue down the road we are already on. What I mean is that we are one of the few communities in the entire State that doesn't whore itself for the almighty tourist dollar. As we are seeing now, tourism money comes and goes, and if we rely solely on the successful economies of other states, or countries, we will forever be a slave to outside forces.

Puna already has a reputation for fiercely protecting uniqueness, and individuality. Let's encourage this type of thinking and apply it to industry and not just to our disproportionate numbers of hippies.

Why can't we lead the world in the developement and implementation of geothermal, and tidal energy? Why can't we endeavor to be the bread basket of the state? We should focus on ways to develop jobs and steady income for our neighbors and friends. With this in place, we will all be able to justify and effectuate an overhaul in our quickly failing infrastructure.

Please, discuss.