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A lot of Pahoa businesses are suffering right now. Not sure if anybody has noticed, but it is a ghost town most of the time lately. Perhaps it's because customers no longer have the convenience of driving through town, and they have to go around... If that is the case, it would be really sad. The lava has not even made it to the Village Rd yet, and the community has all but forgotten that businesses need customers to stay open.
Every time the lava picks up and starts moving more than 300 yards a day, the town lights up and it becomes a circus... But as soon as the lava slows down, the people stop supporting the businesses. I surprises me that more businesses haven't already closed up shop with this kind of inconsistency. I feel bad for them... With the limited support they are getting from the community right now, how much worse is it going to be once the lava reaches the Village Rd, or 130? If this is any sign of what will come, Pahoa is already over.
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I haven't been to Hilo in a long while. Spent 100$ on T shirts yesterday at Pahoa Auto parts. (they really are cool T shirts). Been paying more for everything, every day, just to try and support Pahoa merchants. Luquins, Island Natch, Boogy woogie pizza, Longs, Seven 11, Malama Store, Feed Store, Kaleo's, Pauls for gas. I don't think I'm the only one. Sure wish the Emporium hadn't closed. I loved that store and it's owner. I lost my bearings last week while walking through town. Lots of my landmarks are gone. It is sad.
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I feel for the vendors. I've been going into town often, sometimes just to say goodbye...again and again.
As I mentioned in another thread, I'd like to see Pahoa businesses take control of the situation, because it's obvious no one else is going to help them. Perhaps organize an ongoing "Welcome Pele" festival? Block off the streets, make it fun, entertaining and educational. I envision a festive feeling that would include hula dancers, Hawaiian practitioners, local bands, jugglers, street vendors, etc. Maybe even get some some big names to volunteer (John Cruz, Willie K, et al) Hook up with the tour companies and bus in tourists. Charge a small fee and give all proceeds to the less fortunate in our community. (Donations to HAAS would work for me.) Let them know that not only is Pahoa still open for business, we're in control and celebrating the impending arrival of an important guest. In theory this would help our businesses. Main Street Pahoa would seem to be the logical entity to manage such an event.
There may be lots of reasons this can't be done. There might be better ideas to get the desired result. What's for certain is that doing nothing is a bad option. I wish every business in Pahoa all the best, and I'll do my part to support them.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
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Good idea Punafish, if a little difficult logistically. Maybe somewhere besides main street would work. Definitely worth brainstorming!
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We just need the county to open a viewing area and Pahoa will have more business than it can handle!!
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lavalava, that would be ideal, and would/could be an integral part of the "festival package". But if I were a Pahoa vendor, I wouldn't be inclined to rely on the county for any help.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
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Maybe they should lobby the police to reopen the streets to traffic. We went to Pahoa for dinner the other day and a 5 minute trip turned into a 20 minute trip. I know... I know... "it's only 15 minutes!". But I have more years behind me than I do ahead of me, and I don't want to spend it sitting in backed up traffic.
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Got off work last night and couldn't believe how dead the town seemed. Friday nights in Pahoa are always hoppin. A festival would be really cool.
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The air was pretty thick there in Pahoa yesterday. Maybe everybody was just trying to get away from it.
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The Civil Defense messages are now including "We apologize for any inconvenience the road closure may be presenting with and remind everyone that the Pahoa town center and businesses are open and accessible."
I asked a tourist the other day if they'd been to Pahoa, they said No, they thought it had been evacuated and closed off.
Meanwhile on forums like TripAdvisor there are people telling tourists to stay away because it would otherwise be disrespectful to the "victims".
