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This piece captures many relevant points:
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/02/...s-my-turn/
- Hawaii is ranked the eighth highest state in taxes collected per capita.
- we have been ranked eighth in the number of government employees per capita.
- Hawaii has been ranked the worst place to do business
- ranked last for cost of living and housing affordability
- The state does have the highest paid county workers in the country
Best observation:
- During the 35 years I've lived on our island, there have been almost no new roads built or widened in West Hawaii, despite the substantial growth in population.
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They made the 2-lane to a 4-lane from the airport into Kona. Saddle Road was “finished”. Those are two big ones I can think of.
Other than that, I think you’re right.
One statistic you forgot to post which is relevant is voter turnout.
The problem is not the government, it’s us.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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Very Sad commentary that...lousy legacy for a certain political party
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ranked eighth in the number of government employees per capita.
...
there have been almost no new roads built or widened in West Hawaii,
Most County workers live on the east side of the island. Those workers need widened roads in Hilo for their commute to and from work, except holidays. Then they need the widened roads for shopping. The most recent Monday holiday, Presidents Day, I couldn’t find a parking space at Target.
"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
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During the 35 years I've lived on our island, there have been almost no new roads built or widened in West Hawaii
You do realize the fallacy of that statement, right?
Off the top of my head..
Extension of Alii Highway
Widening of Kuakini Highway
Widening of Palani Rd
Widening of Hawaii Belt Rd (South of Palani)
Widening of portions of Hualalai Rd
Construction of Henry Street
Construction of Kamakeeha Ave
Construction of the Mamalahoa Bypass
Widening of Highway 11 through South Kona
Construction of Makala Blvd
Construction of Ane Keohokalole Highway
Construction of Kealakehe Parkway
Construction of Hina Lani St
I am sure if we get out a map I could come up with more, but hey, you get the picture.
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The inventory of roads built/widened on the West Side is still not keeping up with growth.
Meanwhile, on the East Side, we have
- Kapiolani St Connector
- 130 widening
Plus, some emergency construction:
- Ala'Ili Rd pavement
- Pohoiki access
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I have heard that our voter turnout flat sucks. I don't get that. I haven't missed an election since i Turned 18 in 1972. Also, our schools here are rated WAY low. Not the lowest, but not far off either.
Jon in Keaau/HPP
Jon in Keaau/HPP
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They all make perfect sense considering isolation of the state, yet desirability of living here.
100% voter turnout would probably change nothing except usual winners would win by much greater margin.
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100% voter turnout would probably change nothing
In other words, the "price of paradise" is mandatory annual tax increases to pay for guaranteed County worker raises because we simply cannot find new revenue by growing the tax base.
It's okay, though, because those tax increases are just pennies here and there. Everyone can afford a few pennies, right?
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we simply cannot find new revenue by growing the tax base
There's a common theme running through a few threads today.
No new roads in Kona, when in fact they haven't stopped building roads in Kona in decades.
No new revenue streams, when in fact all those roads lead to all sorts of new revenue.
We got money exchanging hands all over the place and gov getting their fair share as well. They may not all be commercial, and they may not be whatever, but they are a way larger source of revenue than before they were here. Hilo, for whatever reasons has always been a hard sell.. kind of why the Hotel industry ain't all like what it is over on the other side. But, as to revenue streams and all that, just the South Kohala coastal corridor along with Waikoloa was practically not there 35 years ago.
But then some want their streams bigger and faster and whatever. But none? Nah, we got way more than that.
