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Excellent point Loren makes here -- one that has been pointed out by myself and others for a few years now.
quote:
Originally posted by Loren Baker
Rob,
Why is the widening progressing before the PMAR? Aren't we putting the cart before the horse? We're going to back up the traffic during construction for months in the future, with no alternate route to ease the traffic congestion. PMAR shoud have been planned, accepted, and built first, then look at Hwy. 130.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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For just a little more elaboration...
Hwy. 130 is a State highway. The state is obligated to provide one primary route between locations.
PMAR is a secondary route and as such is a County concern.
In a perfect world state and county would work in efficient harmony for a cost effective and elegant solution. That hope has been depreciated by a lot of NIMBY activity in HPP over the years. HPP is smack dab in the middle of the problem. It is my belief that HPP, which contributes substantial traffic, has to play a role in the solution(s). I do know that many, and perhaps most, people in HPP know and understand this and support an alternative route. Everyone is still waiting to see what shape and form PMAR might take. It seems fated though that PMAR will occur years after Hwy. 130.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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if the pmar planers would work with the residents of HPP instead of trying to shove a parkway up our *ss it would be done by now
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Rob is correct about an alternate route not being a State responsibility, or at least priority.
At one point recently, Deputy Director of State DOT claimed their analysis showed an alternate route would not provide relief on Hwy 130. Evidence of this analysis has not been provided.
Regarding HPP residents being consulted.
No residents have been excluded from any discussions about PMAR. The PCDP was as inclusive of a process as any. Before that, PRCP was ostensibly inclusive, although the outcome/report, especially regarding Hwy 130, did not accurately reflect the community input.
During the PRCP discussions, there were a few people who then lived in HPP who were very vociferous in opposition to any alternate route. Much of this was brought on by one person who no longer resides here being very deceitful in claims of what was being proposed. This noisy deceit soured the idea for many people -- evidently that attitude has stuck for some.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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I have had discussions with many of my neighbors here in HPP regarding the PMAR. I also brought it up at the last General Membership meeting of the HPPOA, and there was some discussion. The County Planning Director, Ms. Leithead-Todd was present, and I thought she might have something to add to the discussion. Unfortunately, she and James Weatherford were having a conversation in the parking lot instead of participating in the meeting at the time. It would have been nice to have had both an official and a candidate for office bring attention and/or a point of view to this important issue.
There is the usual apathy that one always gets in HPP regarding the PMAR, but there are also some folks who have given it thoughtful consideration. I have made it my business to talk to quite a few of those people because I think this is a big community issue. There are some in HPP who are opposed to it in any form or fashion, either as an emergency-only escape route or as a full-time route into Hilo. There are others who would only consider an emergency-only gated road. There are some who would support a regular route if it were placed and designed with minimal disruption to the community and adequate compensation and remediation for the affected homeowners. (I belong to this group, but have little faith in the County to do it right.) And finally, there are people (seriously, folks) who say anything would be fine since it would be a way to get the County to pave at least one road and set a precedent for some County responsibility for HPP roads. (The last is the smallest in my very unscientific sampling of opinions.)
HPP and the PMAR is a situation far more complex than simple NIMBY. We are a community that has unfortunately not come to an official or unofficial consensus on the issue, but we are a community that needs to be heard. If we are patronized or disrespected, expect passionate resistance. If we are presented with something reasonable that takes our concerns into account, it might be accepted. Emily Naeole has on more than one occasion more or less told HPP "deal with it because it's coming." While I didn't particularly agree with her tone, the basic advice to come up with a position was good advice. We need to deal with it.
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Here is a link to a low power radio station in Tennessee which provides a voice to an area which has no coherent voice of it's own. Much like Puna.
http://www.radiofreenashville.org/about
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I would like to go back to the original question - ideas for economic growth for Puna - current, short term, long term? Any ideas?
I was able to spend some time with James and his lovely wife Elizabeth the other night and I got to voice some suggestions!
In my world, some of the things that can increase the economics are streamlining of the Bldg and Planning Depts.
New business incubation credits - especially if you choose a already vacant location in Pahoa town, or Keaau (not a new bldg vacancy).
Promote farmer's markets / not tie them up with Bldg/Planning.
Bike paths as the new roads are being planned to facilitate residents alternate commuting (and eco-tourists with their $1500+ bicycles! low impact tourists.)
Elimination of contractors who do not use a high minimum amount of local labor. (One of the employees for a sub on the police station told me specifically that they can stay in a vacation rental and rent cars and no per diem because of the obscene amount of money they are making!! We have guys here out of work - a 2 min call to the union hall would have produced a ton of people FOR LESS MONEY! and this is not a specialty sub.)
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kapohocat - expanding on the business incubation credits...
What about creating a business incubator program? No or very low rent space for a new business to get started in?
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The incubator is a good idea that has worked in many parts of the mainland.
But, where does the funding for the credits come from? Does the State or County even have the authority in current law to grant such a credit? If not, how long will it take to get a package together that will survive the potential legal challenges from other business who are not getting the credit? Once a credit is considered for Puna, what do you think the other Districts are going to be asking for? (enter the politics and delays!)
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Ideas -
if there is vacant commercial space in the villages can it be rented out as booth space like the permanent flea markets on the mainland to allow for micro biz's
Make zoning more cottage industry friendly
A rentable certified kitchen so people could make food ( jelly, pickles,candy, baked goods,whatever legit and safe. to sell online or at stands
i'll add more as i have time
a puna small/micro business association? to lobby for whatever good ideas or changes
