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Rob,
I disagree that a candidate has to state their position on every single issue up for a vote during the election period, but a sitting councilor running for re-election does have an obligation to show up and vote on matters concerning their district. Fred owed it to his constituents to show up and not just take a position, but to actually vote. He is the sitting county council member, and he failed to do his duty.
I am actually in agreement with you on this zoning change request, there is only one other house left in "residential" use on that side of the street between the 7-11 and Kaleos, when it was for sale before I fantasized about opening up a coffee house with killer deserts there. This was a lost opportunity for Pahoa, that property will someday be commercial, and with the adjoining lot it would have been a business that would actually have parking!
I wonder what the third candidate Gregor Ilagen's take is on this matter, his family had to jump through a zillion hoops to get a conditional use permit for their store in HPP, and have all sorts of manini conditions on what they can and can't do with the business as a result.
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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James doesn't have to do anything. I just posed a simple yes or no question to him. It's not that complicated an issue.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
I am quite amazed at the take on this subject. As a contractor who builds developments (all over the mainland) (yes – I do live here – in the Acres with my lovely wife and 3 Rottweiler’s) let me share with you the reality of how matters like this get spiraled out of community control.
Now, again, let me state, I am the contractor. My vested interest in any project comes in actual bricks and mortar. My company does not deal with permit issues – or development issues – just the actual construction.
I have seen time and time again where a developer wants to build something, but the land where he wants to build it is not zoned properly. Knowing that most communities will not welcome what that developer has in mind, the developer works with the property owner behind the scenes and gets the property owner to get the property properly zoned – then sells it – to the developer - at a huge discount over what the developer would pay to get it rezoned for his intended use. Also, the property owner – in addition to the increased price he can now get from the developer for the sale of the property – is also generally paid a “fee” for doing the dirty work.
This is how McDonalds gets built – or Burger King – or KFC. We have built “fast food” restaurants in less than 30 days – from breaking ground to serving the first burger.
Now – I know you can’t do things that fast here in Hawaii, but one must ask – other than this zoning SOLELY generating a higher sale price for the current owner – who has the land listed for sale – how could something “unknown” generate something good for this community?
When you consider the numerous outcomes that would be a disaster to this entire community versus the good that could come.
How about the NEW owner get special tax breaks if the proposed zoning change results in something good for this community, instead of giving a sight unseen potential new owner to decide that a McDonalds in the middle of Pahoa would be better?
Bottom line here – this zoning change if it had been allowed – would only benefit an absentee landowner in the increased price someone would pay for the land.
Call it anti business if you will – I know it seems like that what it is. But let me tell you – in the real business world – this type of rezoning measure is how a lot of big box retail gets built – on the mainland – yes I know – but what would make this place any different?
As for what is anti-business here in Hawaii – well for my Company – it’s called General Excise Tax.
Number 1 reason why my company does not do work here – but is why I live here.
I also think the personality disorders displayed here have a lot more to do with those against the owners of the surf shop next door than that of the actual owners of the surf shop.
As for our elected and want to be elected representation on this matter – well – what more can we expect than what we have already got. The elected rep a no show – and each and every candidate – a mouth shut.
The vote was correct in this one. Surprisingly.
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Lot is way to small for corporate. Bad access too. It helps to be familiar with the location.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Very familiar with this location.
Your insinuation that I don't says everything one needs to know about your agenda.
PS - And since when did development here ever give a crap about access?
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Well perhaps you can tell us Ken what use for that property you would approve of. The owners of the property could probably use your advice. It would seem that any incoming businesses to Pahoa must meet the approval of their neighbors and any passing tourists. Perhaps rezoning by referendum is best?
With just a tweaking of the zoning code new classifications could be added just for Pahoa.
Donut zoning (D) for example could identify precisely which property the community would allow a donut shop on. A gluten free zone could be established too.
The code could also specify that no more than one of any type business could move in so that there would be no chance of competition. That might mean that one of our banks, Thai restaurants and pizza shops would have to close. Which ones? Would Cash & Carry be allowed to coexist with Malama Market? Probably not a good idea.
I have accounts at Bank of Hawaii so it would be logical for me to want that to stay. First Hawaiian Bank can go. This makes makes good Tiffany sense. Tiffany Hunt thought Pahoa too small for two surf shops.
Pahoa Mainstreet should also be designated as a Real Estate No Profit Zone (RENP). Can't have people exploiting their property and driving up prices by trying to make a profit and, God forbid, maybe contribute to their retirement or kid's college funds. That would fit some of James Weatherford's logic. So a Real Estate No Profit Zone makes good Tiffany/James sense. Residents (and certainly no one else) could sell their property for what they paid for it or less only. That's bound to preserve the local flair and flavor.
Interestingly I spent several years trying to get Mainstreet Pahoa Association interested in a Pahoa Design District. Way before Woodland Center, Longs and KFC came along. Could not get anyone interested. Tiffany either for a fact. Until a rezoning application came up next to her shop. She still confuses design districts with historical districts but that's okay. By the time she runs for council in 2016 (she has already announced on her web site some time back) she might have it figured out.
So roll on Pahoa. Your reputation for antibusiness is intact.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Rob,
You forgot they can only sell the property to Pahoa residents. Probably should put a restriction that for time as well, let's say you have to be here 10 years.
http://www.wedekingphotography.com
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Good idea.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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Rob - Why did they vote no if you know?
quote:
Originally posted by Ken...
I also think the personality disorders displayed here have a lot more to do with those against the owners of the surf shop next door than that of the actual owners of the surf shop....
It may have picked up more supporters because of the surf shop's opposition, but I personally was involved with it long before TEH objected to the rezoning, and was glad to see the sellers attempt the rezoning itself, but to suggest personality disorders because we may oppose TEH's opinion is ludicrous.
I worked for "possible buyers" for the Galan's property when the surf shop 1st went in their spot . The "possible buyers" I worked for are PW members, and they backed off due to the rezoning issues and at that time they were thinking of a coffee house and art gallery. (I am sure they are following this and thinking, "OMG, this could have been us in this battle..." ...although they have not posted on this thread.)
This is not about being
against the surf shop. It is about zoning being hit or miss. Zoning designations need to be clarified, and narrowed down. It is not the applicant that is the problem, it is the process.
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Has the CoH ever done a General Plan?
