Important questions about the PCDP

[JWFITZ]

1) Who currently owns the property that the Puna Community Center is slated to be built upon?

2) Does this persons proximity and influence on the drafting process of the PCDP cast a shadow of doubt on the fairness and true intent of the process?

Again, not to be unduly negative, and of course I wouldn't raise the issue if I didn't know the answers to these questions. I think, however, that the matter should be open to public knowledge and scrutiny.

I'd appreciate it if a supporter or advocate of the PCDP would come forward in a public forum with that information, and subject it to public judgment.

Thanks.

[Rob Tucker]

There is an existing Pahoa Community Center. I am not aware of a Puna Community Center in fact or in theory.

I'd have to suggest you might be looking for shadows where there are none.

But knowing the intent of your question I will say this. Whatever and whereever development decisions are made in the future there will be perceived winners and there will be perceived losers. Long term planning cannot occur if people focus solely on their immediate self interests.

For my part I have long taken a position that commercial development should not occur on Hwy. 130. I happen to own 750' of road frontage on Hwy. 130 so my position would, if enacted, restrict my own abilities to rezone to commercial use and make a bunch of money. I am content for my land, which is zoned for agricultural use, to remain in agricultural use. Agriculture is what I am in the process of developing there.

I have written proposals for PMAR and, as a point in fact, own no property on that projected right of way. I'm sure that someone does own property there but I do not know them.

Punaweb moderator

[JWFITZ]

Sorry Rob, please in no way take this comment as accusatory, and while I may disagree with you on the effectuality of the PCDP, and what it's really effects on the community must be, I believe your personal intent and actions are good as gold. I certainly DON'T believe that of others involved in the process, and that jades my opinion.

[Rob Tucker]

Jay,
I don't take it personally and didn't think you intended anything but a pragmatic question. It would be impossible for a gathering of human beings to completely avoid self interests. I believe the PCDP process will be improved by individual self interests coming forth to make their demands and, ultimately, compromise.


Punaweb moderator

[lquade]

hmmmm perhaps he meant the "village center" concept that emily was quoted in the tribune as ...she thought should be adjacent to the maku'u market.. and the wanna-be mayor Inoyne (sp) stated at least 3 times in the keaau mayor debate, how proud she was to be responsible for getting 600,000$$$ dollars to put a turn lane into the market that is open one day a week while cars continue to pile up on shower, paradise etc... i bet that is what he was alluding to, the connections that are being made under the surface, and rob i agree with you one hundred percent that more development on hwy130 is insane right now regardless of where emily and friends own property....i dont believe this was aimed at anyone other than the person who stated where she felt the village center should be...

[JWFITZ]

Clearly not, and sorry to misspeak. The PCDP is a massive droll document and I would bet money that 1 of a 100 of its supporters have read it, and having seen it for the first time a week ago, and one lacking any of the critical amendments, it's easy to get a bit befuddled.

[Rob Tucker]

The Makuu homesteads are Hawaiian property. Unfortunately I understand that the actual Hawaiians are only allowed long term leases and are subject to "oversight" and "control" by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. I could say a lot about that but will not. There are many definitions of adversity.

I would hesitate to offer advice or get involved in planning on DHHL land. I have respect for the homesteaders in Makuu and applaud their success with the farmer's market. I wish them all success in all endeavors. If the Makuu homesteaders wanted a Village Center designation on their land I think they should have one.

There is nothing about a plan that will build a Village Center. Only market forces will determine if there is sufficient demand to justify sufficient investment. The plan simply gives direction and focus on where such investment should be directed.

Punaweb moderator

[capncusp7]

Actually, Rob, I was present within the last 6 months when Emily proudly stated to me that SHE owned the land next to the Makuu market, and no mention was made of a "lease". but in any case, isnt the lessee the beneficiary of any income from a lease? agreed, there are always " perceived winners and losers" but the ones responsible for the political process shouldnt be in either group.

capncusp

[Rob Tucker]

I am absolutely the wrong person to describe the facts and realities of DHHL.

Punaweb moderator

[JWFITZ]

OK, I give.

Good luck with the PCDP. I hope to hell it has the effect that it is intended to have. I don't buy that for a moment, but in the environment I expect it will create, I see no reason why I won't personally profit from it. That can be some consolation. It is possible, of course, I'm wholly wrong with what I see as the result. The proof will be evident soon enough.

Have any of you ever read Willa Cather's book, "My Antonia"? In it she describes the death of the American frontier, and the effect the closing and the loss of the frontier had on the American dream. Puna, by rights, is, for another couple of days, the absolute last of that frontier. We bemoan the lack of law enforcement, of feral dogs, meth heads and all the rest. We be-moan the "wild west" nature of the place. Yet, it is indeed that nature that has drawn us all here. It is a place yet, where one of sensible--or even minimal-- means, and deliberate application of skill, could have carved out a place of the land for oneself. Some did. I did. The PCDP will gut the "wild west" nature of Puna to the core. There is no question, that the little cabin I have been able to build for myself, with the utter deliberate care and respect I have payed to the land itself, its traditions, and its heritage, and its ecology, would be absolutely, completely impossible under the "plan." The fees and permits and surveys and else wise alone would cost more money than the structure I inhabit. The cost of the place will completely prohibit any fleeting chance of covering my carbon footprint. I understand the fact that the "goal" is to preserve Hawaii. It will possibly preserve a few things, but the "lifestyle" of the place, which is as precious as the mountains, the sea, and the koa trees, will clearly be lost for ever.

I had the miserable experience of shopping at KTA a couple of hours ago. Struggling through the waddling cart pushers, I asked myself--how many of "these" people will have a positive impact in their quality of life due to the PCDP? I'd encourage a few here to ask that question too. My answer. None. That question is up to conjecture, and obviously I didn't craft a survey, but by and large I see no trend to offer quality jobs, and I see a deliberate attempt to destroy the small shops, logging operations, cabinetmakers, who work under the radar in illegal operations trying to create for themselves a quality dignified life. . .those selling poi, smoked ahi, sausage and such. . .I would HATE to lose that. Once you unleash the hounds of war "regulation"--this character of the island only left here in Puna will go up in a puff of smoke. I would personally hate to think my actions, or my advocacy, would be the source of that loss. I would encourage a few here to think about that personally as well. Frankly, if the lifestyle in Puna as it is, requires sketchy building, meth heads, and feral dogs to RETAIN the spirit of the place, I'm all for that. Really. No hyperbole.

I understand change occurs. One cannot understand beauty without a twinge of sadness--all beauty has an expiration date. I simply feel very sorry for that young couple a year from now, with minimal money, but a hope to get ahead in a hard world, and they look at Puna, and realize that they'll need to pay a 2500 dollar development fee before they even think about starting to put up a tent.