A Faye Hanohano sighting
State Rep. Faye Hanohano, D-Puna, Pahoa, Hawaiian Acres, Kalapana, is pictured on the front page of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald this morning (no link yet) helping to dedicate a new portion of Saddle Road. Not to be too harsh, since Hanohano has been in office less than one term, but it is sad that there isn't a road or some other needed project in Puna being dedicated. Wouldn't it be a treat to see the Puna rep actively participating in something in her own district?
And while whining, it was ironic over the weekend that Aaron Stene excitedly called my attention to a letter in the Tribune-Herald Sunday (headline: "Crybabies in Puna," although they weren't the author's words) from a Hilo man complaining that Puna folks are complaining too much about not having enough roads and infrastructure. Part of the perception I think was fueled by the newspaper choosing to cover the same meeting -- same story -- several times even though it was the same presentation given at different times and locations so people would have a chance to make one of the sessions.
While Aaron wanted me to take the bait and go after this guy, I didn't quite feel the urge (but thanks for the heads-up, anyway). The coverage did seem to make it sound like a lot of whining in Puna. The point that government in large part helped create the problem by approving thousands of unserviced, substandard building lots many years ago and is now struggling mightily with the consequences was lost in the response, however, not to mention concerns for the health and safety of a burgeoning population center that within 15 years will be the largest on the Big Island.
And is it really whining if people point out the obvious at public meetings staged by government officials for the purpose of asking people questions about what they think are problems in their communities? Not in my book.
Hunter Bishop
in Media, Commentary, Local planning, Community
|
20 Comments
|
1 Reference
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to FriendReferences (1)
-
Response: Colomarine 88 postall about Colomarine and top news
Reader Comments (20)
And yes, we do whine a lot in Puna, but as you noted, we are about to become the biggest population center on the island. When that happens, we may stop whining and start barking and snarling. It might be better to deal with us while we are still whining instead of waiting until we bite the @#%* out of the politicians who let things get so out of hand.
my dander up because this person intimated that we should
all move to Hilo if we want better infrastructure/services.
Another food for thought, why should Puna have less safer
roads than Hilo.In short, this guys is critizing Puna
residents for desiring more safer roads. Human life should
supersede everything else.
Lastly,attitudes really need to change.If this island wants to remain one county, every part of this island deserves equal services/infrastructure. Closed minded individuals such as this letter writer may want to consider the unintended consequences of their opinions.
I sent you the letter because it didn't fit the scope of my
blog. Remind me next time not to send you future letters,etc if I'm only going to get criticized for it. I was just trying to help you and I get slammed for it. Thanks but no thanks.
twice before sending Hunter more material to blog about. As
it seems he wants to take pot shots at me, when I was just trying to help.
What makes the roads dangerous is the people that use them.
Slowing down and showing road respect (and quit talking on your cell phones) would decrease many a tradgedy.
Social services is what is needed the most, healthcare.......
Most of us moved to Puna because it wasn't Kona, Oahu or any other of the developed crowded areas. I moved here and knew my source of water was catchment, my road was cinder and I would have to drive to get my mail. Those were self evident, why is it people move here and knowing this are wanting those $s spent on those issues? Didn't you have them where you lived previously?
I am not being mean spirited with this question, I just want to know why?
The only thing that Puna is going to get is a relocated fire station. Hey, that’s not bad, at least we will have one after becoming the biggest community on the Big Island in ten years. [I’m whining again]
We have a council person that hasn’t even introduced a bill to the council yet, other than a slick end-around re-zoning snow job. [I’m whining again]
We have a state rep who thinks the most important thing for Puna is the consistency of poi and how long of a coffee break her union workers get. [I’m whining again]
We have highway #130 that IS the most deadly highway in the state of Hawaii. The state wants to super-size it so we in Puna will have the fastest death trap in the state. [I’m whining again]
I see millions of dollars being spent all over the BI but not even loose change being spent in Puna, well their I go I’m whining again and now I must be a crybaby as well. If you want to shut me up give me something for my money and I will stop.
The Lack
IMO, the Trib's headline for the letter was more small-mindedness, on the part of the editor (who I KNOW is small-minded). It read to me more like a slam or baiting of Tribune-Herald employees like Hunter, Dave Smith, Maria Ella and other dedicated, union T-H employees who have been subjected to a DECADES-long effort by the T-H to get rid of the union so it can squeeze even more profit from Hawaii.
Its news coverage has made the East Hawaii paper practically irrelevant (but that too suits T-H management just fine).
So, I say, consider the source. Meanwhile, some correspondents on this blog definitely need to develop thicker skins, or grow up.
Aloha, Frankie
Careful what you wish for, Hunter.
That picture could be Hanohano breaking ground for the new Puna Prison.
Maybe if we had more in-state prisons, we would get fewer of these scandalously lenient sentences for hardened criminals. Some judges seem reluctant to impose appropriate sentences when the families whine about being so far from their beloved criminals.
As far as applying this to Puna,the more you continue to wish for roads so that you can keep on driving into Hilo, the more you will be disappointed. More roads will not solve your problems but planning for a self-sustaining Puna economy will and maybe the prison might not be a bad idea after all.
I am not sure that those who move from well, you know where,
come w/a sense of community. It is a lost culture there. It does exist in small towns but they don't seem to be the ones moving.
Those of us who care must work hard to bring community back, an example would be to help those who would like to start needed businesses in Pahoa area out so they can hire families who need jobs. To look at what is needed for all of us as a whole not just a piece. You lose nothing when you give of yourself to help the less fortunate. Not all those who you see out there homeless and w/keikei have choosen this. But it seems if we vilafy (sp) these people we don't have to care.
The devisevness (Can't find my dictionary) between us all is exactly what those in power want to see. It allows them to aquire what they want and slip by those little roads, ordinances/laws...................!
With Aloha, let us in Puna come together and prioitise the goals and start one at a time to make them happen. First as I see it, bring back the dignity to all peoples!
statewide. Apparently the federal trust fund that is used to
fund roadway improvements nationwide is dwindling.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_5947502
http://starbulletin.com/2007/05/21/news/story05.html
So projects like the Alii Parkway or any roadway improvements in Puna may be in trouble if they are not initiated soon.
Projects already in the pipeline, like Queen Kaahumanu
Highway widening Phase II are still on track though.
Ali'i Parkway funding has been delayed until FY 2009-2010.
Hopefully the Coupe condemnation litigation will be resolved by then.
http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/stp/stip/fy2008-2013.htm
http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/stp/stip/08-13-stip-survey-draft-bigisland.xls