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Right, Bob. The "cost of development" is the sticking point for both parks and commercial.
The land is there and zoned appropriately.
The residential population is there and relies on recreation and commercial services located out of the community.
Clarification: that money "the King" has? It came from our "own pockets" in the form of property taxes in large and (with more houses in HPP) increasing amounts, and very little of those property taxes have been expended in the community -- none for roads, only distant police coverage, and a small amount for a little fire station that is very effective even though lightly manned and equipped.
As for funding commercial development, that is another matter. Would a public-funded park provide leverage in attracting private funding for commercial development?
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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If the park is owned by HPP, how will it be administered, maintained, funded, secured? How will HPP residents deal with a dozen defiant, drunken squatters moving in and taking up residence? When planning, the first thing to consider is maintainance. Don't think the County will jump in to enforce rules established by a private park.
Dan
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Although the money the King has was obtained from you, once it's in the King's purse, he has to follow the rules established for using the funds. You can take the money and buy whatever you want from whom ever without regard to anything but your personal wishes. The King doesn’t have that luxury. That's why I remind people that government spending cost more because government has layers and requirements that the average private person or entity is not obligated to follow.
Will park development attract commercial development? Has it attracted commercial development at other locations? If the park and community can support commercial development, commercial development will come. But if the park and community doesn’t enhance commercial development over another site, it’s not going to come.
If land is zoned AG and can financially support the expenditure of private funds to develop that site, a developer will crunch the numbers and take the gamble. However, community want for this or that, does not always equate to financial viability in a development project. Is a grocery store needed? Is a pharmacy needed? Is a clothing store needed? Is a restaurant needed? Is a coffee shop needed? Everything may be something people want, but if the income on that project can't cover the expenses of operating, you can kiss the project good-by.
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In this democracy, the King has to face voters every few years and that (at least in theory) makes a difference in how well that King listens to the people and what they say they need.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
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Instead of getting all esoteric, how about we look at basic need. no playground to take kids to without driving out on the Highway of Death all the way to shipman. during traffic it can take you 30 min to get back. and teens without anything legit to do in biking or walking range
The Board is on the right track - get clarity on what the County will commit to if HPP agrees to transfer the lands to the County for no cost. It is reasonable to expect the County to do what it promises if HPP does what it promises - a publicly funded and operated park in return for "gifting" the land to the County. I am concerned about the public using the private access road to the public park, but if the County does not agree to take over the access road, I don't think this should be a deal killer. We already have more than one public park on the ocean in HPP and the public has had use of the private roads to these parks for decades. What additional risk or cost will this proposed 20 acre park add to the existing situation. My main concern is a commitment to what improvements would be built and maintained on the 20 acre park that was dedicated to County for public use. Let's support this park; it will add amenities and value to HPP residents.
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Idea- no one uses the soccer pitch next to the hui, how about making something there it's already a flat open field
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It is my understanding that there is a conflict between what HPP land is zoned for and what it was designated as on the "master plan" under which the subdivision was divided up and sold. Am I correct that regardless of how land is marked on the HPP map, that it is all zoned A-1, and that the county has so far been unwilling to match the zoning with the plan which includes parks, schools, and commercial?
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb
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Carol,
You will probably find the answer to your question at the meeting tomorrow night, Activity Centre, 6 p.m. The volunteers working on this project have been involved for years and will no doubt will be able to address your concerns with informed responses.
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One of the most profound statements made in a long time:
In this democracy, the King has to face voters every few years and that (at least in theory) makes a difference in how well that King listens to the people and what they say they need.
James, thank you! I think your theoretical statement is timely and outstanding!
Toni, who is a 'critter lover'
www.write-matters.com
"Q might have done the right thing for the wrong reason, perhaps we need a good kick in our complacency to get us ready for what's ahead" -- Captain Picard, to Guinan (Q Who?)
