Pahoa Woodland Center Protest

[Rob Tucker]

I did not participate in the Pahoa Fast Food protest, such as it was. I had no problem with those who did. They have their points of view and are entitled to them.

I saw a phrase on another site that did, for me, sum up my uneasiness with these fast food joints arrival. That phrase was...

"...just about every town in America."

Until now Pahoa Village was definitely not in the ranks of just about every town in American. I am not going to celebrate as and when it makes the list. There are a lot of things wrong with Pahoa Village and there are a lot of things right about it. Pahoa Village has been expert at being itself for a long, long time.

So now the corporations have arrived and life will go on. It just won't be the same being just like just about every town in America.

[Dave Smith]

Subway is not a national chain? Or is it that it receives a pass because there's less frying going on?

And last time I checked, 7-Eleven is a national chain, and neither Malama Market nor Lex Brodies are locally owned, or even based on the Big Island. So we're splitting a lot of hairs here.

Jerry also makes some good points ÐÊpeaceful protest is one of the hallmarks of our democracy, regardless of who takes part, and one doesn't have to go to a fast food chain outlet to get an unhealthy meal.

[james weatherford]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Dave Smith "Subway is not a national chain? ...7-Eleven is a national chain,..."

You do raise a legitimate technical point, Dave.
However, there are still differences: The so-called "Woodland Center" is, literally right, on the highway and the visible gateway to the village. While I do not have the data at hand, I expect the sales volume at KFC or Burger King, much less the two side by side will dwarf Subway or any other food chain in Pahoa. Also, ( both KFC and Burger King will have drive through lanes (correct?). For an example of what that does, have a look at the McDonald's drive thru in Keaau -- there is daily traffic congestion due to that line of cars extending out into the street. Indeed, research across the USA consistently shows that fast food establishments with drive thru are directly associated with increased traffic congestion. The corporation causing this problem in the local community is not required to bear the costs of the problem it causes.


James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park

[Rob Tucker]

Dave, I think that both James and I both have a hard time saying 7-11 or BK have no right to exist. The issue is Pahoa's sense of self to borrow a phrase. 7-11 and Subway were generally able, dispite their logos, to merge into the scene. The Woodland Center with Longs, BK and KFC is likely about to forever change Pahoa's sense of self.

However I am prepared to be surprised and admit that the architect who designed the center will have done such a wonderful job that I will be able to say with pride... "turn right at the KFC and you are in Pahoa."

Nothing is impossible I guess.

[Dave Smith]

I'd say that the Woodland Center will share the gateway duties with the Pahoa-Malama marketplace, which is also very prominent from the highway.

As for the ultimate impact, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. It's true that the McDrive-through in Keaau causes substantial traffic problems, so let's hope that the county factored that into its requirements for Woodland Center. Does anyone know what type of impact payments or considerations, if any, were required for the new center?

This may be clutching at straws, but maybe the addition of two more drive-throughs in the general area will lessen the impacts on the individual ones.

[oink]

Well, I have to admit, one person did warn me that my sarcasm wasn't obvious enough. Sorry!

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[Chuysmom]

Interesting. I guess when we can't see someone's face they just sound like nasty jerks sometimes (Carrie's does a double wink[][]).

Carrie Rojo

http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com


"...So began the massacre of the Shaolin Temple and all sixty of the monks inside at the fists of the White Lotus. And so began the legend of Pai Mei's five-point-palm-exploding-heart technique." - Bill

[Bullwinkle]

I spend a lot of time in Grass Valley ca, located in gold rush country. It has turned into a high end retirement area for the SF / East bay crowd. Many of our neighbors come in on the weekends, back to the city on Mondays until they are ready to retire full time. As a result "gentrification for all my friends" - grin

The City of Grass valley (under pressure from above) put all the fast food places in one spot, away from the 19th century architecture and made sure it could not be seen from the highway, just signage directing one to the gulch.

Where ya goin’ - oh out to the gulch for a burger

Now that’s planning

[Sean]

Hmmmm, what I really want is a protest to end traffic. Maybe we can meet up on 130, say somewhere between Shower and Makuu, park on the shoulder and wave signs that say "stop traffic". Now that's a protest I want to see, well actually hear about. Can someone make that happen when I'm off island?

[Kahunascott]

quote:

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Originally posted by oink

Well, I have to admit, one person did warn me that my sarcasm wasn't obvious enough. Sorry!

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

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Sorry Oink I read your post very early in the morning