Introducing Candidate Loren Baker

[Del Pranke]

Some possible issues for Puna candidates.

Some have been touched on:

Lava flow hazard zones
Road Paving and striping
Dangerous intersections
Sidewalks in Pahoa
Transportation-shuttle buses for outlying areas
Bus stops and pullouts on Highway 130
New post office
New library
Quick money to convert old fire station to senior center

Any more my fellow Punatics?

[Loren Baker]

As the incoming president of the Pahoa Sunset Rotary Club, I've been talking to the group about the bus shelters for the school kids. This is something our local Rotarians are very interested in building.

If anyone would like to volunteer to work with us on this very worthwhile project, please contact me.

lorenbaker@hawaii.rr.com

Loren Baker
baker4puna.com

[critterlover]

"Dangerous intersections"

An article is scheduled in the paper to address the solution to Leilani's dangerous curves and how the 'fix' has positively impacted that community. I am told the same fix will be implemented for the Kahakai curve in the coming weeks.

"Bus stops and pullouts on Highway 130"

YES!

I do not drive into town daily any longer but my heart speeds up each time I pass by the folks at Ainaloa and 130 waiting, just off the pavement, for the bus. The potential for a deadly incident is mind boggling! We have always been stunned at the pedestrian presence on the high speed roads on this island. The abysmal lack of traffic safety will bite this state & county one day as it has in many other locales with not only a high dollar litigation but the consequential government solutions. It seems proactive fore vision would be economically sound and far more manageable. Since the two high speed roads are State owned/managed it should be the state house rep for those roads who serve on the various transportation committees to introduce causal legislation which will positively effect the many concerns both highways present to East Hawaii residents. 130 is only half our trip into town.

"Transportation-shuttle buses for outlying areas"

As time has moved along since this wise list of topics was posted, we have seen the addition of not only a couple of more buses but also newer more dependable buses and increased routes. I had occasion to ride the bus from downtown Hilo to KMart in Kona where the bus route terminated, for free. Then I had to pay a taxi 25$ to ride from the bus termination to the airport, which was my destination. Buses do not go to either airport which seems so unwise. The public transportation issue here is manifestly maturing but if we are going to move towards mass transit then they should include the places that people must go to depend on mass transit. I honestly have never lived in a city with city bus service that did not service the airports! Never. On the other hand, I have never ridden a city bus for free either. I appreciate and laud the efforts of the county in trying to maintain a solution for mass transit that is accessible for all on this island. But, really, the bus goes right past the Kona and Hilo airports...

"Quick money to convert old fire station to senior center"

I think the conversion of this building into a community service center is an outstanding idea. I have no idea how much it would cost in terms of architect renderings, permits and construction. If it is a high ticket item perhaps the various groups could assist in raising part of the money by coming together for a fund raising event? Maybe look for a grant that would help for the part the 'in kind' contributions would not be able to offset?

This list was the most constructive list of items for a candidate to respond to I've seen. I would love to see more discussion on follow up. Ideally, the list touches on the extremities of the larger discussion items most candidates want to address.

Lastly, the intersection for Malama Market and Pahoa road: When will the county council members and the sitting mayor, whoever it may be at the time, begin to require developers to take up the cost of intersection design and traffic safety? My husband worked for the Traffic Division for San Diego County for 20 years and whether it was a subdivision or a commercial developer, a traffic impact study had to be done,{costs born by the developer, and once done}, the developer would have to agree to the upgrade to the intersection or stretch of road their project impacts. A few years back this measure was before the council and to my surprise, and I am sorry I don't remember if it was the mayor or the council, the measure failed. Now we have Target and Safeway going in at the same horribly engineered area Wal-Mart and Home Depot already impact. Will the County require them to put in the Traffic Lights at the egress/ingress points? Each of those complexes should be responsible for Lights to manage both the vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Now we have the same thing happening at Malama and Woodland Center. Where is the traffic going to be dumped once Woodland Center is open? What kind of traffic management is planned? Everyone parked on the road that feeds Pahoa Road waiting their turn to go left or right? Traffic management is such an after thought here. The emergency rooms, car insurance companies, medical examiners and funeral homes are the only ones who benefit from our "traffic planning". JMO. I apologize for the 'opinionated' rant. And for the record, I did put myself on the list to serve on the transportation subcommittee for the CDP Action Committee. I have also listened for years to those who have spent untold hours doing the same and the level of frustration that overlays their volunteer spirit.

“A penny saved is a government oversight.”

[Loren Baker]

Thanks to everyone for the comments, questions, and support. I have made the tough decision to bow out of the race due to health concerns. I wish nothing but very good luck to all of my opponents.

Loren

[Rob Tucker]

I look forward to working with you on the ground on Puna issues Loren. We could use you in any one or more of a number of places.

I think we still have a vacant seat on the Police Commission for example. Friends of Puna's Future would welcome you to join us as well. Many hands make light work.

Best wishes.

[Loren Baker]

Police Commission seat was filled. My wife actually looked into that one for herself. But she was too late.

Already joined FoFP. Looking forward to the future.

You may not see me for a month or six weeks, as per Dr. recommendations.

Loren

[Rob Tucker]

Best wishes to you Loren. Keep in touch when you are up to it and able.

Aloha

[DaVinci]

Now if you could only convince Emily to attend...