Farmer's Market tarps gone

[My 2 cents]

why do I have a suspicion that the Farmers Market may be collecting fees from the vendors on those 3 small lots!

I don't know. Why do I have a suspicion that you are inferring that HFM is doing this without agreement or cooperation with the owners?

[Eric1600]

It seems like this was handled poorly by the city. If there were really all these long term issues of taxes and zoning and setbacks and fire hazards, then they should have let people know a long time ago and posted a sign. Or they could have decided to just make an exception, but by dragging their feet on enforcement and not bringing the issues to the public's attention ahead of time they're ruining a great public venue.

[kalakoa]

dragging their feet on enforcement

It's the "sudden enforcement" that's so interesting.

What we really need is some juicy documents leaked from an insider. Otherwise we'll never know the "truth".

[MarkD]

The matter of the Puna-side lots is getting less attention than it deserves, not in terms of zoning or who should be paying whom, but in terms of what its decline might mean to the whole market area.

The Puna-side area--two large tents had totaled about 3 times the size of the main market--sells products that are much more affected by getting wet. Rain and drizzle don't much bother fruits and veggies. The tent next to the building with the food operation was very large and provided patrons with better walking conditions than the main market.

It was of much interest to tourists, who need time to browse in buying gifts. They can't scurry around in the rain. These vendors will have a harder time adapting to pop-up tents.

Should we ignore the decline of the gift merchant areas across the street and worry only about the main market? IMO they all contributed to the ambiance that we have had in our renowned Hilo Farmers Market.

(The gift vendors compete with downtown stores selling gifts. Maybe that answers the Q.)

[glinda]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Eric1600

It seems like this was handled poorly by the city.

---

My guess, and admittedly we're all guessing here, is that the land owner is far more responsible for this situation than is the county. Considering how long the property has been functioning under tarps without any improvements it's a wonder the county has allowed the situation to go on as long as it has. I know it's fashionable to find fault with the county, but I doubt this is a good place to go looking for it.

[Obie]

The county is responsible in the sense that the latest building code requires either a concrete bunker or something that is raised 18ft in the air on pillars.

Neither would be very conducive for a farmers market.

You ain't seen nothing yet.The next version of the building code will just about eliminate any building in a flood zone.

I don't see where pop ups are going to keep people away.We all carry umbrellas, don't we?

[Obie]

"PERHAPS NON-PAYMENT OF TAXES FOR 2017 IS WHY THE COUNTY IS COMING DOWN ON HILO FARMERS MARKET LLC!!!! "

I don't think so.If you look at historic taxes on that parcel, He has a history of late payment.The tax sale properties in the paper today are about 7 years past due.

[kalakoa]

latest building code requires either a concrete bunker or something that is raised 18ft in the air on pillars

Most/all of Bayfront doesn't meet that standard, is County going to condemn all of those buildings too?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

... Bayfront doesn't meet that standard, is County going to condemn

If not now, then after the next tsunami which reaches and damages those buildings, certainly.
Long term investment tip (no charge):
If you can afford it, buy property on Kilauea, between Mamo & Waianuenue.

If you want to combine the dual pleasures of insanity and social acceptance, religion is your only choice. - Last Aphorisms

[glinda]

If you can afford it, buy property on Kilauea, between Mamo & Waianuenue.

I suspect Kinoole is where the money is going