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Yes ironyak, but you too are making the America/utopia comparison. Many many of the folks who decide to build and live in shacks and such do so in an irresponsible manner that has negative consequences for their neighbors. And because of that we all get to be over-regulated. Sure it's much easier and less expensive to not build to code yet many of us worked 2 jobs or in my case I have temporarily moved to areas I didn't like do to lucrative employment opportunities specifically to have the money to build legally. Often times you don't see responsible behavior in the shack dwellers. When it comes to sanitation there's not much margin for error here in Puna such as in vector control. Be diligent, have high standards in sanitation or endanger your neighbor. That's just how it is in Puna.
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Sorry, I'm making a comparison based on the reality on the ground. For some, substandard housing maybe the only current choice, and instead of scorn and derision, perhaps the least people could do is exercise some empathy or understanding? Even indifference would be preferred to sanctimonious dictations - go back in time and choose a better education, choose to be richer, choose to be more socially acceptable. How about live and let live?
IF they are causing harm to others, then of course that should be addressed, but offending some people's delicate sensibilities hardly qualifies. Given that those most vocal against this living situation live dozens of miles away, it seems odd for them to hold such strident objections.
But of course, that's just my opinion...
"Capitalism does not permit an even flow of economic resources. With this system, a small privileged few are rich beyond conscience, and almost all others are doomed to be poor at some level. That's the way the system works. And since we know that the system will not change the rules, we are going to have to change the system." Martin Luther King, Jr. (another damn utopian)
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substandard housing maybe the only current choice
Again: where overbearing codes make it too expensive and "force" people into unpermitted housing, we lose all oversight, thereby creating potentially hazardous structural or sanitation issues.
We need a permitting system that matches reality on the ground.
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@randomq: " I think it's great that people can choose to live in an area that suits them, instead of trying to force their standards on others."
That is absolutely beautifully said. So eloquent.
I may be a bit more sharp at the tongue on this topic because it heats me.
If only some of those people that have nothing better to do then get bent out of shape over a building not to code by a family too poor to be able to adhere to that code... If only they would try to understand that.
People all worried about their property value dropping because of the neighbors cabin that isn't to government standard...I think that is completely pathetic!
A-hole neighbors collect junk cars, attract derelict thugs to hang out, continually in a state of domestic violence, that drink and deal batu all night... that is a reason for concern!
But some quiet old dude that bothers nobody in a not-to-code house and you bitch about it...well that shows what type of human being you are.
Solution: Move your grumpy ol a$s out of magical Puna to Sunrise Ridge or some other type ritzier place.
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People all worried about their property value dropping
...should have bought into a subdivision with strict CC&Rs, or at least R zoning.
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It's all very nice in theory and I would have no problem with someone living in a tent next door to me if they didn't infringe on my quality of life. But that's not how it works out in reality. There are examples just down the street from me.
We don't get to pick and choose which laws we follow. They are there for a reason.
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EW, it's called being a responsible adult. Your hypothetical family could live somewhere else on section 8, legally. They want the benefits of country living without the responsibility.
That said I lived illegally in Puna for years, loved every minute of it and would do it again. BUT I was not visible by road or neighbor. Didn't make noise, nor grow weed to attract Green Harvest and ripper drama, had excellent sanitation system, quiet and respectful. Then I grew up and realized many thing such as neighbors who busted their azzes to build to code depend on the neighborhood being to scale to maintain property values. Why? A multitude of reasons such as needing to sell and relocate for their childrens education. If I was selfish and childish I wouldn't care if I dropped their property value and the downward spiral that creates for others.
That said I'd do it again but on larger acreage, even one acre parcels are no longer private since the building and population boom. The family and their dwellings in question here don't exude responsible living decisions. Dogs and goats tethered to trees, questionable plumbing and basically a chaotic dilapitated unattractive setup. I sincerely doubt they would plant a privacy hedge.
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Dont break any laws and you won't have any problems. Acting entitled and thinking that the rules don't apply to you is narcissistic. If you want to "live free" move to Montana, Wyoming or Alaska and pick land miles away from your nearest neighbors.
Do not move into an area with established, permitted homes(whose owners pay significant property taxes) and put up your little crap shack with no plumbing and no waste treatment and expect to be welcomed.
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We don't get to pick and choose which laws we follow.
How exactly does that work when the laws say "at the discretion of the Director"?
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Thanks ElysianWort. I am an aging heavy construction guy - reinforced concrete is a great fix and am happy to know it held up good. It was a wise move whoever nailed those spots in place with it. I look forward to being and having good neighbors there in HA. People say a good relationship is a two way street and I am on that page when it comes to neighbors as well. Seeing as people in this forum have strong opinions I have some myself. There is a great tragedy in this human world of ours that an Eleventh Commandment didn't get chiselled in stone. Its about the abuse of animals and children and those weaker than ourselves. We get that nailed down we are getting somewhere.
