06-17-2009, 04:27 AM
James and Barbara, your comments are succinct and right on target. Rob's description of the plantation system is also valid. It seems that a lot of people hereabouts vote based on old familial, ethnic, or union connections that no longer necessarily look out for their best interests. The current "good old boy" political culture is propping up an economic model based on real estate speculation, development, and old Hilo business interests. This economic model is destroying what is left of the old Hawaii culture and is probably not sustainable. It's ironic that the "outsiders" on the Council are ultimately doing more to preserve local culture than the locals themselves.