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Pahoa has been recommended as the central hub for an expanded Puna bus service. Large buses would connect with the islandwide bus route, while smaller buses would travel from Pahoa on shorter routes throughout Puna. A final plan hasn't yet been approved, but it has strong, one might say exceptionally strong support from our council representative Ashley Kierkiewicz due to the benefits the bus hub will provide for local residents and
family families:
While nothing has been finalized, Carreira said Mass Transit will have a portion of the necessary money, about $550,000, for the new hub available in the next fiscal year, but the “land became available during this year’s budget, so we (have) to go back to the council and ask for more funds.”
“I think nobody questions the need for this sort of infrastructure investment in Puna,” Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz said. “This hub is, in my mind, essential for the county taking meaningful steps to implement the mass transit master plan.”
Kierkiewicz, whose uncle Gilbert Aguinaldo owns the property being considered, said she’s “optimistic in the process” and “pleased with the progress they’ve been making.”
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/12/...a-bus-hub/
"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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[i]Mass Transit Administrator Brenda Carreira said Thursday the county is looking to purchase property at the intersection of Pahoa Bypass Road and Pahoa Kapoho Road for the hub./i]
[i]The selected site, which was recommended by SSFM, has already been developed with a concrete access driveway, three buildings and has water and electricity./i]
So I am assuming the proposed site is by the stoplight across from the high school, which I guess would be the reason why the taco truck, which has been there, will be moving locations after January.
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Is it gonna smell like the Hilo bus station
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It sounded so nice until this voice of reason intruded.
Bus hub there, which by the way appears to have been planned prior to government involvement...hmmm on Ashley and her uncle, could either be a blessing or one heck of an ugly curse. Will the police let the migrant Meth addicts take over? Will the mentally ill be using the benches for sleeping and other nefarious purposes? Or will it actually be a normal bus stop with good security?
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Their budget should include some public restrooms.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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has already been developed with a concrete access driveway, three buildings and has water and electricity
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So what happened to cause the 3 little buildings and whatever those plans were, to not be completed?
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It seems like people are going to be sitting there for maybe an hour or more waiting for the right bus to come by. No grocery store or shops nearby. I think being located nearer Kahakai Blvd. would be much better.
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No grocery store or shops nearby.
That’s an excellent point jhonvar.
What about the empty, and soon to be empty units at Malama Market shopping center?
There are restaurants where bus riders could pick up something to eat while they’re waiting for a transfer to connecting routes.
There are some bathrooms already in place, which could be remodeled for the higher foot traffic of a bus hub.
"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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Maybe somebody on the planning commission has an uncle who wants to open up a convenience store with slum pricing near the middle of nowhere bus stop?
Jobs aren't the only reason people ride the bus. They need groceries and services too. It makes a lot more sense to put the bus stop hub where the groceries, services, and restaurants are.
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What about the empty, and soon to be empty units at Malama Market shopping center?
They will remain empty for one reason or another.
They need groceries and services too.
It would make even more sense to put the services closer to the people who need them, maybe close enough that they don't have to ride the bus there.
Meanwhile, County is still burning piles of cash for "substitute" busses because they can't keep their own fleet running, despite Federal grants and a brand new maintenance building. That's why it's so important to buy a "bus hub" that's already outfitted with handicapped parking spaces and a driveway and some buildings that might be convenient for retail (once a concession has been awarded).
