 |
Brief summary of top issues - from Puna small group input
This document provides a brief
summary of the top recurring ideas and issues that emerged from over
3994 ideas generated at 130 public meetings held from March to June
2006. All of the ideas were entered verbatim into the database,
analyzed and sorted by issue and sub-region.
For Puna Mauka, Waena, & Makai - the top issues were fairly similar for these 3 regions
- Transportation Make our roads safer by investing in more
traffic and street lights. Ease the traffic by providing a better
public transport system. Increase road access especially in Puna
Makai and improve Highway 130. More walkable places including
natural trails and bike lanes should be created throughout Puna.
- Public Facilities and Services Provide increased access to
public facilities and services in Puna to minimize the drive to
Hilo. Especially needed are a 24-hour emergency medical facility,
and more local police and fire stations. Local government
representation needs to be increased and more planning decisions need
to be made locally. The education system needs to be improved.
- Land Use, Planning and Development Exercise better growth
management and concurrency (having adequate infrastructure before
development is allowed to occur); and create local village centers
& community gathering places to shop, work, learn, live & walk.
- Recreation Facilities and Parks Improve existing parks (Pahoa
Gym) with adequate bathrooms and showers. More places for people
of all ages to hang out are needed including campgrounds & picnic
areas throughout the area.
- Social Issues The availability of affordable housing &
land, especially for our Kupuna/seniors, more drug prevention and
education is a high priority.
- Economic Prosperity Priority needs include more local jobs,
improved vocational training, support for local farmers, and investment
in local industries, and increased opportunities for local shopping,
dining and entertainment.
- Public Utilities Energy, Water & Waste Priorities include
increased renewable energy and recycling; and better access to the
County water system.
- Environment and Natural Resources Mālama `Āina is important to
residents. This includes the preservation of open space, stopping the
clear cutting of the forest, & controlling invasive species.
- Arts, Culture & Heritage in Puna Puna residents want to
maintain the Puna style. This includes the creation of a
special Design District in Pahoa, and encouraging more cultural and
artistic activities. It also includes an increase in coastal
protection and access and protection of fishing rights.
- Sustainable Island Development Many Puna residents support the
concept of developing in harmony with the `āina and providing a better
future for the next generation. Island self-reliance by limiting
dependence on foreign imports, like oil, food and material goods is of
high priority.
For Volcano Area
- Environment and Natural Resources Mālama `Āina is extremely important to residents of the
Volcano area. This includes the preservation of open space, stopping
the clear cutting of the forest, & controlling invasive species.
- Land Use, Planning and Development Growth needs to be slowed or
strongly limited. Only growth that enhances local character,
leaves a low building footprint, and is environmentally friendly &
energy efficient is desirable.
- Public Facilities and Services More local schools, medical
clinic, & services are needed. Increased local decision
making is desired.
- Transportation Walkable natural trails, bike paths and
appropriate public transit should be increased. Safer roads (with
a strong limit on street lights) need to be created.
- Arts, Culture & Heritage Residents want to maintain and
enhance the Volcano areas identity through the creation of a special
Design District (HVNP/UNESCO). Incentives to preserve historic
buildings are desirable while chain stores are undesirable.
- Economic Prosperity Residents want to explore the feasibility
of sustainable local industries, and they want to support sustainable
farming.
- Sustainable Island Development- Many residents support the
concept of developing in harmony with the `āina and providing a better
future for the next generation. Island self-reliance by limiting
dependence on foreign imports, like oil, food and material goods in of
high priority.There is a strong emphasis on a balance between environment, economy and community.
- Public Utilities Energy, Water, Waste More renewable energy
development is desireable. The development of the County water
system should be limited to control franchise commercial development.
Recycling should be increased.
- Recreational Facility & Parks More recreational facilities for youth and adults are needed.
- Social Issues Limit light & noise pollution. Get rid of abandoned vehicles.
The above is an excerpt
from the complete participant handout provided at the First Regional
Puna CDP meeting and does not include information duplicated elsewhere
on this site.
You can download the complete participant handout (Word document, ~50kb)
|
|
 |
