07-17-2009, 05:39 PM
The plans are public, have been presented in meetings throughout Puna (we went to 2 after buying our house in Keaau). The Shipmans hired a developer late 05 (I think) that had investors ready & very willing to invest & develop many of the projects then. It was the first time the developer, had been told by a client that they didn't want to go fast, & to space out the plan over a couple of generations (so much for the fact that the company is in for the quick buck or for the megabuck.... They are looking at LONG term development & investing in the community that has been in their family for over 100 years.
I am fairly sure that one can make an appointment at the company headquarters in Keaau in order to view the plans. They were by no means doing this in private & they asked for community input early on (not just when required by the government). Sounds like a company that is responsible & responsive to the community...
Many of my neighbors have lived & worked on Shipman lands. They still own a major portion of the downtown Keaau.
Their influence has changed the face of Keaau more than once in the last 100 years.
Their family has lived through the devastating effects of 2 tsunamis on their property.
Family members have moved away for a potion of their lives, and returned home.
I will take my lead on how to react to this local family as my neighbors, many of whom have been here most of their lives (some are in their 90's). I appreciate what the company and the family have done for the community. I respect that the family members include their community in decisions that affect the larger community & I respect the fact that the family has remained a part of this community.
I am fairly sure that one can make an appointment at the company headquarters in Keaau in order to view the plans. They were by no means doing this in private & they asked for community input early on (not just when required by the government). Sounds like a company that is responsible & responsive to the community...
Many of my neighbors have lived & worked on Shipman lands. They still own a major portion of the downtown Keaau.
Their influence has changed the face of Keaau more than once in the last 100 years.
Their family has lived through the devastating effects of 2 tsunamis on their property.
Family members have moved away for a potion of their lives, and returned home.
I will take my lead on how to react to this local family as my neighbors, many of whom have been here most of their lives (some are in their 90's). I appreciate what the company and the family have done for the community. I respect that the family members include their community in decisions that affect the larger community & I respect the fact that the family has remained a part of this community.