Posts: 229
Threads: 19
Joined: Dec 2004
Got a packet today from Forest Investment Company asking for support for a project. They are trying to build a Town Center comprising of 4 buildings on a 2 acre lot. The largest building will be 15,000 sqr ft. then a 6,000 sqft one, then two apprx 2000 sqr ft. buildings. They will have 118 parking stalls with 8 handicap spaces and have the complex completely surounded by "greenery" to shield it from the street. They plan on postal services, police sub-station, medical offices, dental services, Urgent Care, Chiropractor and Pharmacy.
Man O Man ?? am I for it or against it? still thinking it over.
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
They are smart people. The projection is 50,000 people moving to Puna during the next 10 years. Do we really want them to drive to Hilo and clog Hwy 130?
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 8,462
Threads: 1,032
Joined: May 2003
Sounds like it could be a good thing. Shops and services in Orchidland will mean fewer car trips to Keaau, Pahoa or Hilo. Less gas burned. Someone making a financial committment to the area speaks well for Orchidland.
If you have a name and number for Forest Investment could you send it to me? I would like to see their package.
Thanks for the news. This could progress along the lines that the PCDP proposed as "village centers".
(PS you are, of course, free to feel however you like about it. The above was just my 2 cents without knowing any detail.)
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Posts: 1,261
Threads: 55
Joined: Nov 2005
Actually it sounds like a really good idea, less gas used, more local services we really need. HPP would also be a great area for 2 or 3 or more of these town center/villages, so many new people there. I would welcome this with open arms in Leilani Estates too, but it probably won't happen in my lifetime, too many NIMBY's. Also, any improvememnt in healthcare here in Puna would be phenomenal, miraculous. (I ain't holdin' my breath for that either.)
Posts: 255
Threads: 7
Joined: May 2006
Mixed feelings here.
The intersecton at Orchidland Drive and 130 is overwhelmed already. I really love the idea of having these services in our Orchidland communuty but think we must address the traffic and road maintenance issues also.
During the school year, Keaau High/Keaau Middle/Keaau Elementary/King Kam/Waters of Life/HASS students have to use the WikiWiki storefront as a bus stop, since the bus's wont go into the subdivsion. The bus's turn onto Orchidland Drive and continue to 35th, where they must stop and turn around. In the mornings and afternoons its very hard to get through the area already. It can take 10 to 20 minutes at times to get onto 130 heading towards Hilo. Seen some pretty serious accidents already, only a matter of time till someone loses a loved one....
The mailboxes for the entire subdivsion are located in the same area and add to the headache.
I'm with Nate here.... Not exactly sure if I support it at at this location.
Would love to hear other opinions
Beau S.
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
I may be wrong, but I seem to remember that 2 years ago there was a sign (possibly on that lot) for a town center there, or near there??? Is this the same lot? Same owner???
Posts: 1,261
Threads: 55
Joined: Nov 2005
I believe that was the lot at Auli'i and HWY 130 cleared a few years ago. The owners dozed, made a big mess, then applied for a business varience afterward. It was rejected as a commercial site, reason given was partly because Orchidland Center had recently opened only about half a mile away and also because Hawaii county wants all new commercial ventures located off the main highways, on side feeder roads.
Posts: 613
Threads: 92
Joined: Jun 2005
I'm all for smart growth and if they do something similar to the malama hub in turns of at least making it have some old town/village appeal then that would be nicer, as i review the 2 page document, there's really nothing there that shows any of that oversight including some greenery....just buildings and parking lots - i agree that services are needed but we don't have to put up with tacky square boxes and parking lots like we were in some suburban environment.....even the new orchidland hub/stop is tacky and no greenery.
So i'm not really sure what my john doe signature authorizes, that i'm okay with anything coming in that corner lot with no design overview?
The previous board president is now overseeing the approval process for this project which is fine, it would be more appropriate to get more information than what we have received.
noel
Posts: 645
Threads: 19
Joined: Jul 2003
"they" always try to portrey more stores as "good" for the people, because of traffic congestion, instead we should be focusing on mass transit(i.e.light rail etc.)this kind of mentality is the begining of the end, imho.
Posts: 241
Threads: 15
Joined: May 2007
quote:
Mixed feelings here.
The intersecton at Orchidland Drive and 130 is overwhelmed already. I really love the idea of having these services in our Orchidland communuty but think we must address the traffic and road maintenance issues also.
Hey Beau. This is your future neighbor accross the street (Ralph & Ed). I would hope the developers' entitlement requirements would include providing a control signal at the 130 intersection as well as a school bus drop/pickup location. The mail boxes could also be moved into their complex.
