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http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/0...-conflict/
The guy brings up a lot of good points... Harmony and respect for both sides of course, but the majority want TMT to go forward. It's not just about the jobs and the cash that it will bring in for future generations. But, as he points out, if we keep stalling this, it will be a reflection of other businesses that might want to come and do business with us. I think the question he is asking is... What kind of future do you want for the big island?
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The future of Hawaii is already set. The number one employer is government: county, state, federal, teachers, firefighters, police, parks, university. The second largest employers are the resorts. The third largest employers are the grocery and retail stores. The fourth largest employers are large construction companies. The fifth are small businesses and nonprofits. From there, it scatters into self employed, illegally employed, multitudes of service jobs, and way down the list are a few technical jobs, mostly unstable. The word went out a long time ago that Hawaii island isn't someplace to go to burn up the business world. The only thing that might change is the advice will go from "chase the dream" to "don't even try".
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*
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NPR broadcast an excellent story the other day about what Montana is doing to attract private sector workers and residents.
It could work in Hawaii too. Yes, I know the rap against East Hawaii is not enough broadband internet, but there are plenty of places even in Puna with high speed service. You just have to put that at the top of your list if you move here to telecommute. Would you rather freeze your butt off in Montana or work in a t-shirt?
Most local economic development schemes focus on creating jobs. Many offer incentives to startup companies, or try to lure existing companies to relocate.
But a campaign in Montana is turning that on its head. It's not trying to recruit companies but rather employees to come to the sparsely populated state and telecommute.
http://www.npr.org/2015/07/28/426858376/...om-montana
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves