HomeMy WebLinkAboutImagine it is 25 years from now and you are in PÄImagine it is 25 years from now and you are in Pahoa Town. Describe how it feels, what you see
and hear. What makes Pahoa -of- the - future the place you love to be?
Nice, wide streets with ample parking. No drunks or druggies trying to hustle you for money. More
solar and alternative energy stores. It feels like a neighborhood where most everyone knows
everyone.
I have difficulty with 2 weeks into the future.
Restoration of OLD HISTORIC BUILDINGS - sidewalks - traffic light @ Malama Junction
Hopefully these will be more commerce, community activities, and possibly a university.
Tall Trees! Fresh painted Building. BUILDings in Repair. Places where KIDS can meet to have
activities. Youth Center: Soup kitchen : Movie Theather "NO MORE FAST FOOD!" LOCAIIy owned
BUSSINesses No Big stores/
I can imagine all industrial buildings painted with murals that reflect the tropical environment and
scenes of historic importance. Maybe a decreet parking building near the center of town and a
pedistrian mall through town.
No cars on street, (no Parking), sidewalks are consistant own currency for locals that establishes
trade and barter and free give aways. people access to showers and tolets.
Love. People walk calmly between local shops, owned by local people, stocked w/ local products,
as they create a diverse welcoming community.
SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES ENCOURAGED, PEDESTRIAN, NON - FOSSIL FUEL USE ENCOURAGEd
old style, fun
it looks like a small town and still looks special - - - - - -- !
Thay all are welcome. There's room for both small and large business
All food is grown locally, goats do all the weeding, & a close connection to nature is always felt.
Everything is solar powered & rain catchment provides all the water.
Great place to eat, walk, ride bikes.
More parks and a much wider sidewalk through downtown. New office buildings and great parks,
welcoming people to our area. Make new buildings nicer & welcoming. The Malama Mkt. is a great
resource, but cheaply & poorly designed. All new areas need to be welcoming for community.
Look at the North Shore Market place on Oahu. We need outdoor cafes & nice places to be, not
strip malls. Lets make it nice for all to come!
Places to park, bike paths, free community events with diverse food.
It still looks like the Pahoa of 20 years ago, but cleaner, with beautifully restored old buildings and
sidewalks and bikepaths from Malama Mart to Pahoa High. Development was handled very
carefully, looking at how each project would add to the community rather than just the pockets of a
certain few who profited. We have amazing resources for children, seniors, single parents, after
school programs, the library and technology services. People love to come to Pahoa because it is
such a user - friendly, fun place to visit.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 1
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Very Busy
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No clue, but hopefully they continue on with the development to the point where it is no longer
pahoa town and renamed the City of Pahoa.
No more stores & stoplights
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A spiritual, economic & social revival. A safe community for families who live here. A welcoming
oasis for visitors who travel here.
Can take a nice safe bike ride into town w/ family for chores, exercise, food. Kid park w/ shade &
picnic tables. Good schools, clean & safe.
LAID BACK. NON COMMERCIAL, GROUPS CHURCH.
FAKE, OVERRUN BY MAINLAND IDEALS, MORE LOS OF HAWAII CULTURE AND ALOHA, MORE
HOMELESS, AND MORE RICH CARELESS PEOPLE, BIG CHAIN STORES, MORE DESPAIR, WE SHOULD
BE GOING TO MORE SIMPLE PLACE AND TIME, BUT NOW, OUR BEACHES WILL ONLY BE FOR THE
TOURISTS AND WEALTHY, BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL BE TOO TIRED /OVERWORKED FOR FAMILY TIME
AND RELAXATION, WORKING TOWARD MAINLAND STANDARDS. THIS ISLAND IS NOT MEANT FOR
THIS LIFESTYLE. HYPERTENSION AND STRESS, MORE DIABETES, ANXIETY.
MORE SAFE FAMILY TOWN
PROGRESSIVE HUB 7 EXAMPLE OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
WISH IT'D STAY OLD FASHION LOOKING. THE NEW CONSTRUCTION LOOKS CHEAP, PLAIN AND
COLD!
Same great people and smells. People of all walks and types get along together with each other.
Strong neighborhood organizations grow and beautify the area. anything goes unless someone is
getting hurt and neighborhood watch get there before the police are needed. Lots of gardens and
Rec. facilities. The homeless and town business owners get along and the town is clean.
To continue what is on line 20, 1 would like to see a lovely farmers market and a grand sense of
family energy with some pride for the Hawaiian culture. A place for music and dance hula. A
consciousness for bettering Hawaii as a global example of how to live "green ". Alternative energy
supply and buildings, solar, water supply to be healthy. Sustainable minds on a general collective.
Beautiful safe and thriving local community that is a model of sustainability for the whole nation. If
we make a commitment now, we can shape this town. Our families are fed through community
gardens and edible landscaping.
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Free trade trees - Children dance & no Fed Looking down Our noses
Cleaner Vibe, feels safe always (even at night) smooth roads w /shoulder, places to meet & visit
other than the Natch.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 2
Basically 25 years pass on rather quickly. So changes need to start now. Things will basically look
the same only every lot should be on the "grid" with lights piped water & sewers- Pahoa would
provide today's standard of Living
Sidewalks, cleaner, less bars, no big box stores, a Bigger post office improved Hway 130 – safer, No
more Fast -food restaurants locally owned restaurants affordable, reasonably priced grocery store,
health food store increased medical services, Social Services one -way Street from Paul's to Post
office Rd. The post office should move to Malama -it causes a lot of traffic disruption in an area
where there is a lot of traffic -too much traffic.
Small town feeling with walkways and bike trails thru town with beautiful community town center
at the heart of Pahoa with a park with playground, bathroom, community gardens, Community
events board. Barter and trade board. twice a week farmer's market Local businesses support a
local economy. More environmentally friendly jobs and services provided to our community.
My FRiENds
I Hope it dosn't change too much.
I see regular community events and projects promoting Sustainable living and cutting edge
technology in alternative energy. I see many small business'es being succesful in creating our
economy close to home
People stop sueing each other and fighting- and use the money to make town nicer
Hawaiian culture intwined with modern day Cultures and practices. I want to see food.
I'll be 80 years old. Hopefully, swimmingpool, doctors, some kind of auditorium for good music
events
Parks for kids Parks for bikes lots of green
Safe foe walking, bicycling. Places to sit and relax. More plantings.
still small. Cultural center. ice a problem of past. Lots of trees, and only modest growth. Educational
youth development and family building employment opportunities
Clean, easy to pass thru, anxious to shop & enjoy the sights. Alarger library and warm pool. safe
dog laws & working within the groups
We Would Have gotten over our Growing Pains and we would have Better medical Facilities In
town.
I would ride my bike from Black Sand Community on the trail paralelld to 130. All the stores would
be full. There would be a great Indian Restaurant. Buger King and Kentucky Fried would have
moved on.
No Walmart or Big Box Stores
BIGER
good food, good eco- business No more fast foods and big chain stores.
Pahoa ONCE AgAIN UNdeR HAWAIIAN KINgdom Rule!
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 3
Need more Beautify- and will see
space ships
Hopefully not change the downtown bldg much samall is VERY Important Very important Not too
many more restraunt businesses
STREETS PEOPLE -SIZED AND CLOSED TO TRAFFICIN A SPECIFIC AREA OF TOWN FOR SHOPPING AND
ENTERTAINMENT. 7 -11, MCDONALDS, BURGER KING, KFC & SUBWAY HAVE CLOSED DUE TO LACK
OF CUSTOMER BASE
Remove vagrants that panhandle in front of cash and carry.
Keep the humbiness of pahoa, The talk I hear will make it more like Hilo.
I hope that it still has the historic look and feel downtown. I hope that the business's are still locally
owned. Lot's more locally produced products and food. People being active and out on the streetsin
a safe place for all ages. A real regional center and not a suburb of Hilo.
More Afordable housing for common people not just Pcleaed for the wealthy Also more public
Access TV and Radio Stations if rent is more than social security check People cant afford Food
dicease Afects Rich & P000r More community meals food banks Renters co -ops
strip mall Mainland ugly artichetect.
ILL Be gone But I would be part of the memory of the island style of living leaving the legacy to my
children and grandchildren and so on.
Hawaiians says Ma'alahi = Simple Keep it Simple- sustainable- with love and aloha.
I would like to keep the "old" facade but keep it modern. If you loose The quaint feel, you might as
well live in a modern city. KONA.
I look at it; at my time back in the 70's it was so peace ful now in the 2000; things changes. more;
businesses more people, so imagine 2025 -30 more changes you just gotta except it go with the
changes. otherwise you're the loser.
It feels great! lively and historic.
Highway detour is finished so the Makuu- Paradise traffic is gone from Hwy130. All fast junk food
places replaced by smoothie shops with drive - thrus. HELCO transmits only greenpower, no oil -
generated electricity. Buildings contain air purifiers that turn on automaticallt when the H2s
monitor signals alarm.
I hope it has stuff for kids of all ages. Active i caring comunity
That Pahoa Town has remained small. Not cmmercial. Local business are still around.
No comment might improve or it might not.
Another CATSU
It's only got one bar and its quieter at night, the bar is not in the center of town but off on the side.
The co -op is huge and thriving and has taken over the duties of Island Naturals. I am safe in town at
night and the buses run an hour later to Kalapana.
Would like it to stay simple.
It's a historical, chee chee tourist center with the main commercial centers moved out of to
planned developments; in hpp, kalapana, etc
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 4
better traffic flow better parking better sidewalks, better signage to business's and healing events
and retreats and a safe place to excercise after you like pool and a walking track
old buildings are gone & new historical buildings w/ stores exist now! Roundabouts are completed
Orchidland, Ainaloa & Pahoa Town Long's
Old Pahoa town has expanded & it is easy to park & walk to Bank, cash & carry, the post office, old
friends & visitors from all over the world as I go. Very tolerant - all kinds of people are here, & all
are accepted for who they are! So comfortable to be ME here!
The same. Not too much change.
Local businesses, restarants & artists are thriving. Money stays in town and not in corporate hands.
There are walking paths, places to congregate. A permianent farmers market.
Hope it does not change the historical buildings just repair. Would like to see a hospital closer
If it changes very little, I would be happy
Clean! Clean people! Clean buildings more shopping - food, Walmart type Taco Bell
Clean and historic places to visit, eat, shop with manicured parks (etc).
Keep the sense of small town and open community. Development should be orderly abd considered
- not 2 gas stations and 2 fast food outlets at every intersection.
small town community clean healthy
I see a clean, neat, and safe place with easy walking place and parking
It's safe, there are jobs, there is infrastucture and opportunity.
Still small, clean.
I will ve dead then. As it is we hear a lot of noise, syrens & cop shop noice, even way off govt. road.
AND BAN HOGS! YUK NO HARLEYS!
open spaces preserved walking paths keep buildings small in scale w/ our town
better roads -
Pahoa still looks like Pahoa and is not so "fixed up" that it has become a caricature -- like
Disneyland. Host culture in evidence and multi - cultural history of Pahoa honored. Still retains rural
character. Clean air and water. Powered by solar energy. Sustainable. An emphasis on education,
the arts, organic (non -gmo) agriculture, alternative energy. Thriving small businesses. No urban
spawl. The sides of the highway remain undeveloped.
an easily vavigable village road by foot or car - a continuous sidewalk - bus shelters at bus stops -
with garbage cans - an improved post office situation - please no more fast food restaraunts A
football field for youth football - more police presence on bicycles
Still a "small town feel" - lots of open garden space - lots of community projects
I want to see it the same look but maybe grown a bit. Everything should be kept old style.
Music venues, comedy More things for kids
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 5
I don't think Pahoa Town will be here in 25 years. It will either part of the Hilo growth or the ( ? ?? )
will ( ? ? ?) taken it back.
I don't want to be in 25 years from now
Pahoa needs many improvements but needs to preserve it's uniqueness. We love the country feel,
thats why we are here after all.
Activities and jobs for seniros and all who live in or near.
A Quiet Downtown!! Better planning to make a central area that is bike & walking friendly - local
businesses thriving Beatuty & sustainability the focus of local gov't. Taking care of everyone - &
the different races / cultures working together to value life better for everyone Ther is cooperation
among the people & respect & esp. the Earth Healthy Living.
The heart of Pahoa town is old Pahoa - still small shops & restaurants but better parking &
sidewalks. More places to shop & fulfill household needs develop, with walkable sidewalks, so I
don't have to drive H from Ace to Subway!! Also , theres' a great, safe intersection at both ends of
town and a turn lane at HAAS/ Post Office Road.
It is a booming city. There is so many shopping centers. The high school had to expand to meet the
growing demand. More houses are built.
Green, plants,pedestrians, sidewalk dining, live music, street artists, a couple police walking the
beat. Local stores, lots of tourists, NOT CRUISE SHIP TOURISTS. Lots of bikes. Farmer's Markets,
parades, maybe 7 -11, Longs, BK, KFC could be remodelled to fit w /the aesthetic of Pahoa. Parks
and kids
retains it's railroad plantation town character despite improvement
GOOD LANDSCAPE. TRANSPORTATION AVENUES OTHER THAN ROADS. STILL UNIQUELY HAWAIIAN
IN NATURE. NO CRIME. EXCELLENT SCHOOLS. ALL BUILDINGS WELL MAINTAINED. RESIDENTS
WITH A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. OVERHEAD MONORAIL CONNECTING W /HILO.
still friendly & locally owned & operated businesses, w /employment locally offered
I will not be here is Geothiemal Devi. is allowed to take over residentail neighborhoods in cover
parts (? ?best I could glean from the handwriting)
Nothing
DRUGS OUT REBUILD Lower portion of Town
Keep & sideparekebt ( ? ?) and more pedestrians and bikers
a sense of welcome. movers to Hawaii to avoid the commercialism so would appreciate Pahoa
Town to stay away from that!
I'd like to see the downtown expanded, both physically and the number of business sites available,
and made more people friendly. A place to park and then walk easily (not the crazy wooden up and
down sidewalks we currently have). Widen the street, maybe make a pedestrain mall of sorts. I
think a modest hotel should be within walking distance of the resturants.
I would love to see more of a promenade, fussganger(cobble stoned paths), open air shopping areas
that had restaurants, and band stands, and places for kids to play, that mirrored that old sugar cane
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 6
mill town of a hundred years ago.
All of the fast food restaurants have closed and health food restaurants and small
specialty /boutique stores have taken over their spaces. The roads are wider and include safe
sidewalks and bicycle paths. In fact, there are more bicycle being used due to the community /public
bicycle program. This new program has increase the health and well -being of the community
members and visitors. The shopkeepers throughout town were awarded funds to repair and paint
their store fronts and businesses which makes the town shine. We have peace- officers who also
participate in the bicycle program. They are more connected to the community and shop owners
and are able to solve problems quickly and with greater peace, not force, intimidation or abuse.
Pahoa Town also has an emergency care /urgent care center and continue to provide quality
healthcare including an expanded dental center within the Pahoa Wellness Center complex which
houses not only western medicine non - profits like the Pahoa Family Health Center but also the
complimentary medicine providers /practitioners.
Clean and safe.Families being active together and being proud and enjoy comming into town to the
park ( covered areas to sit and nice grass and plants around to enjoy picnics together and
community functions at the community center etc... Maybe even families takeing walks together
and bike riding together along nice paths that go through our community area..A nice face lift on
the buildings down town, and a strong sense in pride on the faces of our business owners and
families ...
I would love for it to be 25 years ago - -how I remember it. A fun town that I can walk through
without being afraid, or eyeing people up cause they look sketchy, or gripping my son's hand so
tight as we step over the homeless people to grab breakfast. I would LOVE for it to be picturesque- -
like the hidden valley ranch commercial with improved buildings, sidewalks for he kids & a
recreation hall where there isnt a while crapload of druggieshanding out at!
I see Pahoa town as a high -tech, innovative town that is a ahead in sustainability structures in
agriculture, energy and spirituality.
I see a nice smooth road, people walking through pahoa on a sidewalk that goes all the way through
pahoa so they can enjoy all the shops and maybe even call it an outing with their family. A nice
park where there are covered places so families can sit and enjoy and with a bathroom. The housing
by the exisiting park, well it will be all cleaned up and not look like some druggy vill. It will be when
i drive through pahoa, it wont look like some crack town, but a town that i would consider family
friendly.
If there is no change in employment there might be any major changes. If there changes in
economy and employment the old town maybe gone and a new one built.
Unless commerce improves Pahoa will remain a retirement and wellfare community
I see recycling receptacles throughout the town. Colorful murals covering the old historical buildings
that have been restored.
I can only imagine in 25 more years it will be even more congested and dysfunctional.
i would like more parking spaces and better ways to get on the roads
Not taken over by change stores. Safer downtown, safer traffic, safer parking lots, safer pedestrian
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 7
and bikeways.
Gardens along walkways. Places for adults, adolescents to rest, recreate, read, relax..... Public
transportation without cars /bus.
Still has that old feeling, funky, artsy colors One -of -kind restaurants Pahoa Cash and Carry hasn't
been bought out by Walmart Still get to pick up hitchhikers No more coqui sounds at night
The same a today - same smal town feeling and I would like to see Burger King and KFC levels and
not fast food in town. More bike /walking paths through town to get people moving around other
than in their cars
There are 21 restaurants and over 112 of them serve vegetarian food. The restaurants cover all
cuisines. All the restaurants give their used cooking oil away to be turned into biofuel. All the
stores and homes in Pahoa use passive solar and photovotaic on their roofs. All businesses recycle
grey- water. No business owner in Pahoa makes more than 7 times the lowest paid employee.
There are three parks in town, a large swimming pool, skateboard park, tennis courts, basketball
courts and a large soccer field. There is a movie theatre that plays older films has couches and
tables and serves alcohol. In the performance center there is often live music featuring local style
music as well as guest artists from around the world. Additionally, local and international dance is
performed here as well as live theatre. There is a community potlock once each month where
issues are first discussed before enjoying the wonderful food and drink. A day care center is
centrally located for all businesses and their employees to use.
Improvements in bus services,affordable supermarket,retention of historical feel
I see a capitalism thriving, with small stores in old, funky buildings powered by cheap geothermal
energy and geothermal royalties, selling cool fashions and antiques to blue- haired ladies and
families wearing sandals. I see a Pahoa High School sending multi- ethnic kids (Hawaii's gift to the
world) to Harvard and Northwestern seeking degrees in alternative energy and tropical ag. I see the
vast ag subdivisions surrounding Pahoa becoming the bread basket of the state of Hawaii, growing
truck crops and genetically modified produce that science has proven the safety of over and over
again. I see carefully managed growth in Pahoa, driven by a progressive community that allows just
enough, but not too much development, and which has solved the problem of coqui frogs and
other invasive species through the intelligent use of geothermal royalties... Or I see long- haired
societal dropouts who announce their arrival with their body odor continuing to use every lame
excuse to prevent geothermal, the golden goose, from laying its eggs of gold. I see neglected
children, racism and a welfare society fueled by dope growing. I see the perpetuation of a lack of
infrastructure by the government, simply because that's the way most of the residents want it to
be. I see Long's and Burger King closing down because of the lost profits due to shoplifting. I see
Pahoa High School releasing unprepared students into the world and 2 to 3 percent of the
graduating class going on to four -year colleges. I can go on, but you know where I am going with
this. You have been given a special gift that will not just benefit you, it will afford a
transformational opportunity to all of Hawaii, and significantly, the kanaka maoli. If you like your
life now, by all means, do what you have to. But if you are visionary, compassionate, willing to
sacrifice for your fellow man, you can turn Pahoa into the crown jewel of the Pacific... the Vatican,
Silicon Valley and the Hague all rolled into one with services which rival Johns Hopkins, the Louvre
and Harvard. If you like what you have now, then stupid is as stupid does.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 8
I would love to see sidewalk restaurants, laughter, music, shops with open doors, wooden store
fronts and huli huli chicken.
small shops, clean, sidewalks, community and health centers. safety and security walking the
streets at night. no additional glowing neon signs.
Keeping the buildings similar style. Art on the buildings
it is still colorful and unique
I want Pahoa town to have the same funky personality, but with enough local jobs and businesses
that the current unrelenting poverty is gone.
If we have services and improvements in place so we can use this location instead of having to go to
Hilo, we can stay in our community and support it ...... that would be heaven....
Pahoa Town 25 years from now should feel the same as it did 25 years ago with updated Medical
Services
It will still be a place with character, not like Waimea.Maybe no traffic through town [besides
catering to businesses, all pedestrian like so many towns in Europe
Well I would be 100 years old and if I was still seeing another day I would be happy with just that.
This town will grow fast enough on its own and I hope they do not try to make it into another New
York, Boston, Chicago, LA of San Francisco. There is not too many places in this country that really
have it better than us.
We on mainland now. No locals allowed. Throw them out. We take over with Fopf as our unelected
dictators
(MG 5/10 NCA) lights Shoppin Emergency Room, Hospital Malama Market should expand It's
too small
(MG 5/10 NCA) Better roads, A college or community college, Hospital, indoor mall, Super Wal-
mart.
(MG 5/10 NCA) Maintain small Town atmosphere, while embracing modern inovaions.
(MG 5/10 NCA) I have no idea what to expect. I hope there's very minimal development and that
Pahoa Town keeps its small town atmosphere. I hope most of the landscape stays the same and
maybe more native plants and trees are added.
The rapid advance of commercialism has been averted and he same charm, though expanded, still
prevails. There is room for small idiosyncratic and creative people to make their living there. It is
100% sustainable with garden plots abounding.
Why didn't they let the people know in better ways about this cdp. This is all about who you know
in planning department.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 9
I hear the bustling of preple of diverse backgrounds going to and fro, up and down Pahoa town
enjoying the little shops and food places. I see tables and chairs on the sidewalks, local music
playing in the background. I see people helping people to enjoy this lovely, funky, rich town.
more action for young folks a senior program with transport for food
Quaint, easy to walk around, safe feeling, lots of restaurants, parks to hang out in, etc.
Same as now. Keep it small and simple. Support the small business owners, No big chain stores or
eateries. Keep country country.
Beautiful historic town with small family businesses, local produce, crafts, culture, classes and
events for youth, kids, elderly, people of all ages to have creative things to do, beautiful plants and
flowers along the streets, good parking, clean and safe, more options for businesses to rent
commercial space as well as more employment opportunities
Pahoa will be on the map one day & people will want to come visit this awesome place with stores,
restaurants, fun activities, & be fun & safe & clean!
A variety of stores, work opportunities, Cleaner & friendlier to even outsiders.
Downtown Pahoa would be preserve & embrace the History there. Kept clean & feel safe. More
Conveniences & opportunities to work & buy almost anything there.
it is all solar and wind powered,there is food growing organically everywhere ...downtown pahoa is
car free ... there are places for people to play tennis... places for people to learn all kinds of crafts and
skills... places where people can meet and have potlucks and trade their goods ...people are
connecting with their neighbourgs through all those activities instead of watching TV or
computers...
Bigger than Hilo!
less depression, more joy, sense of safety and opportunities to thrive economically
I will be long gone, looking at the change from the 80s to now, have to say tings were better then all
around. Too darn many folks now.
I fear that Pahoa will feel like Ala Moana! Having an onslaught of the visuals of consumerism and
corporate capitalism. People rushing around like rats in a maze; rarely stopping to talk story at the
store or on the sidewalk. I hope for a Pahoa town that is conducive to people sharing time with
each other. No McDonald's, no Burger King, no Taco Bell. A little local coffee shop (not Starbuck's)
where people can meet. Small, slow, quiet. It should be a nice place to start a business that could
thrive on the support of local residents.
Very slow rate of development yielding a rural, agriculturally oriented town center.
The historic downtown has been preserved, but traffic and pedestrians have better and safer
access.
Entering Pahoa from the east, I see the rolling soft hills of the earth. There are no electric poles and
masses of ugly wires hanging overhead. There are huge 25 -year old trees because they stopped
cutting down trees and began planting them in 2012. The streets are full of pedestrians, Trees and
people fill the main street. Benches line the street for weary shoppers. I hear music and laughter.
All is good in Pahoa town.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 10
All intersections have stoplights & have been reconfigured by TRAFFICE FLOW ENGINEERS. Old
buildings & Village road are the same. Maybe road from Kaleo's to Sukothai has been closed & new
road built from behind Akebono to Barber shop. All old buildings are painted & restored. Pahoa is
known for having the best restaurants on BI (as now). There are sidewalks, parks & benches.
Pahoa will continue to grow and develop into a very nice community with all the resources and
services that are needed. Employment will be good with everyone working hard. Farms continue
to thrive. Businesses will hire local people. Pahoa people will not need to travel to Hilo for medical
or other personal needs. There will be a dialysis center so they would not need to travel to Hilo
three times a week for hemodialysis. People will support the local farmers and not do harm to their
crops. People will work together to make Pahoa better.
Open park spaces. Better schools. A Library and Cultural Park. Community.
I don't think I want to imagine 25 years from now, especially in the Pahoa Town itself. Too many
transists loitering the area now. I personally at this moment do not want to walk the town, the
changes would be awesome, if the old buildings are renovated with easy access for shoppers and
more decent shops, such as a bakery and parking areas for shoppers and window shoppers.
without the crime, old buildings preserved, new development that looks old.
Only bicycles will be on the road because gas will be unobtainable. This will solve the bad
intersection problems. Otherwise it will be like it is today only with about 3x the number of people.
Many new cars and wakkways for pedestrians and wheeled devices, possibly hovercrafts. smiling
faces with no diseases or hardship. Allbasic needs met, leaving much time for the arts and
creativity. art everywhere and good food at every corner. yeahh!
see more stores and a more friendly pulic
peaceful, same rustic feeling, good resturants
nicer
we have exellent school and safety and everyone wants to come hee for tourism instead of the
other islands.
25 years from now i see a whole new town, and i dont think that would be good i think it should
stay the same.
how its a growing place.
I see bigger buildings and i see Pahoa being a environmental place.
Hopefully in the future there may be better buildings, technology, and better parks and recreational
facilities, which will make the community even stronger.
looks like cities.
2 -3 lane highway into pahoa and out to make it fast to get to hilo. More shops ... Maybe a safeway
or a walmart. A lot more buses to service the area as the population grows.
I'm walking thru the area by the YBA Hall. You have to walk because there is no vehicular traffic
(except for emergency tripeds) allowed in the center of town. The center of town is covered with a
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 11
large octagonal roof, solar paneling to provide the necessary power for the banking, postal, some
governmental and transportation hubs that have outlets within the center while sidewalks spiral off
the center leading to the unique shops, eateries and recreational activities Pahoa has been known
for for generations.
All the fast food places are gone. Cute shops can actually stay in business. Drug dealing scum in
prison so visitors don't think, 'get me outta here!'
Continued community based businesses and markets. Cleaner streets.
A thriving community that perpetuates culture, is based on sustainability, respect for the
environment & the people in it! Needs more festivals, art events, art center, etc.
It's still charming and small town
More parks /reareation Jobs Library!!! Art Festival Cultural Center Performing Arts Center
Senior Center
most of my freinds gone, transportion by bike, electric, greenways, maybe no fast food restaurant,
ha ha
Lot better shopes, roller stating for the kids
More senior center /services.
It is all Home grow & shareing
Hopefully lined mainstreet w/ intersting shops more cultural events - parking perhaps even closed
off to traffic & made into a pedestrian center - benches to sit and mingle w/ freinds- Safe! Bike
paths & walkikng. Public park
a more walkable town that has a variety of services. Good housing choices for different income
groups, that isn't sprawled out and more centralized. Keeping mom and pop small businesses and
not having huge chains come in. Tree lined streets, bike paths and a respect for the heritage and
history of the area. A green town that cares about the environment and people.
ice heads, drug dealers, junk cars, white do- gooder hippies, pretty much what it is now, We are not
KONA or HILO so we need to stop wanting to be them.
Not so ghetto.
Modernized ... I dont go for this cultural crap. I want to see development .... a major hotel ... a major
restaurant (not fast food)
Luquins parking lot would be paved. The laundramat would be updated. Improved intersection
from 130 to town of Pahoa
Eco- friendly, historical & prosperous Village Wjere os os safe to walk, park and ride a bike
No fast food or major chain stores. Disc gold course for recreation
tjere are shady pathways leading everywhere, safe & landscaped sitting areas around town Fruit
trees all over many welcoming locations for youth to gather
keep the quaintness, agricultural community, good small restaurants
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 12
Old Town ....Village (note: could not deciper written comments #response 25A)
All we can do is dream.
i see everything dead. i heard theres geothermal somewhere around leilani an it kills us everyday or
something. well i hope we dont all die before 25 years but thats all i see.
More shopping centers, more people taking care of the environment, more pubic programs, and
nicer roads.
idk
it would be more enviormental freindly i would see alot of artifacs around the town
I imagine the ocean still be as pretty as it is the aina cleaned up a little bit more and kinda a lot
more people being down this side and a little more shopping place to be open.
it feels and looks the same. i hear cars, because theirs alot of traffic.
I hope to see the community more aware of everything & hopefully get to see more saftey issues
around the town.
Well I can imagine it will change alot, i can't think of how it would look /feel /hear /smell of the sorts
but i do know it will grow and what'll make me love it is if people will truly be happy with the
change.
if i was to come back to pahoa 25 years from now i would want to see the town filled with more
people and houses looking more nicer /beautiful /decent.
I see a more and better civilized town. I see markets and shopping centers of our needs, i see buses
going in and out constantly, and i see more pavement, crosswalks, and more street lights
As i think about Pahoa, i imagine a brand new mall, movie theater, brand new stores, mcdonanld,
brand new houses with new people. Improved roads that cost less accidents.) would be walking
around town without danger in mind from other people. Hilo people would actually come down
and check it out and be amazed of how much it improved.
Like a city
just better people, more jobs and not so dirty. more things to do beside drugs. and smoke
I think Pahoa would be a Hilo in 25 years because it is slowly producing stores.
there is nothing to say because i will not be living here in 25 years or anytime soon
i think that it would be more cliff rent like seeing more suff and more peolpe will come. i love pahoa
becausei have to go to school hea and all my friends r hea.
pahoa town in 25 years is similar to pahoa town now (i hope) with the same vibe and hopefully alot
of the old pahoa town feel. i hope that pahoa town doesnt change too much in the next 25 years
and i hope it still feels familiar and home -y
25 years from now, i want to have the same aloha feeling, i want to see cleaner in -town streets, and
last i want to NOT hear the sound of car brakes and smashing cars.
a place where i can walk around and not worry about being mugged
I'd like to see a controlled type cultural center /museum where locals /Hawaiians work to preserve
their lifesyle and can share it with others who are willing to learn. Sustainability would be another
area that would be perfect... more agriculture /flower exports, renewable energy sources. etc.
I don't know yet. But if my 2 concerns would be implemented .... then I would be happy already.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 13
Maybe, develop a park like Lily Ukalani for people to go walking, relaxing anf for kids also to play
safe.
Pahoa is still an old time town but further away there is a new town with businesses and services
for the modern day demands. The old Pahoa Town is where the locals and tourists love to go to
shop and eat and meet with their friends. The look and feel is very reminiscent of the old days
when Pahoa was still a plantation working people town. The feel is still Hawaiian as are the people
who use the Old Pahoa Town. The look of the new town is more modern, however the buildings
are representational of the old Hawaii. The landscaping and structures remind us of the old Pahoa
Town. There is a community pride, because most people in that area have jobs, responsibilities and
own their own homes. It is no longer a drug haven and the community is no longer a majority of
people on public assistance, public housing, food stamps and supporting their families on a life of
crime. Marijuana is now legal so there are no problems with that anymore. Tourists have been
using Pahoa as a destination for the last 15 years after the community conducted a survey monkey
and got serious about fixing the problems and making the community useful to those who live
there.
No drugs, no shady characters, more surveillance to lower the crime rate. Everyone practices
proper hygiene.
the roadways leading into and out of Pahoa need revamping for safety and a two lane minimum
going in both directions from Hilo to Pahoa Town and beyond.The town is lit, has sidewalks, and
bike Ianes.The schools and the entire community are safe from burglary, violence and crime is
down. The schools are all renewed and restructured so the students can learn and succeed as
citizens of this island community and of the world.The schools are safe from viuolence and the
students are fed nutritious meals and classrooms are clean well lit and not overcrowded. Bus
transportation goes around the island from Pahoa Rown and scheduling is nore than 1 -2 x a day to
and from Pahoa Town.
I'VE LIVED in Pahoa for over twenty years and although there are a few more businesses, not much
haschanged
Hope that it does not change very much. Please, no more fast food!
Aloha ! Less haole people n I meant the swatter kine that makes the town ugly n smelly.
people stop sueing each other and fighting -and use the mone to make town nicer
Hopefully there will be a vibrant down -town of small businesses - independed & very few chain
stores
Newer old style Building teplacing the old buildings in old town section.
Well, we finally get a real grocery store and a hospital, downtown area has been turned into a
historic district, and there's an open park gathering place for the community with camping, a
bandstand, and outdoor theater area.
I'll be 87 and just be happy to still be around. Hopefully there will be the support that I expect to
need.
Frankly, if the Pahoa of the future didn't change, that would be the place I would still love to
experience most. But, if I can fantasize - -- Burger King, KFC and Subway would all be closed down,
and would be replaced by other local and creative businesses. Maybe Subway could be a
commercial kitchen for locals to create their awesome food! Longs? Well I know that's an even
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 14
bigger fantasy, but maybe a church or something social service related would move in and they'd
offer temporary housing, food, counseling and hope for people who need it. Burger King and /and
KFC would be part of this organization.
Hopefully it stays much as it is but with better roads leading off the highway.
Little structural change. Small, independently owned business's, without government intervention
of a multitude of rules to follow.
Establishment of an agriculture /aquaculture /hydroponics center of research and for community use
and learning. Affordable electricity (OR everyone off grid); electric vehicle rentals and free charging
stations (wind and solar powered). More economic opportunity /jobs available but on a a local scale
and not by building another MacDonalds! A bus line with express routes to Hilo and a bus line that
goes to the Hilo Airport. More locally -owned restaurants and shops; more opportunities to hear
local music.
Designated covered bus stops, new roadway set up at Malama Marketplace ..... keeping the unique
building styles and an "old people" park accessible to the handicapped.....
Pahoa of the future is like Haleiwa but without the fancy shops. The buildings have been
reinforced, painted, with new roofs and there are solar panels everywhere. There are bike paths
and pedestrian walkways /sidewalks. There is a thriving restaurant /art gallery area and a huge park
with community gardens adjacent to a new library. There is a new high school also connected to
this with its own library and librarians. There is a Hawaiian Center with on site elders and cultural
events for the community and for youth offering language classes /immersion and other cultural
practices and meeting space. There is a homeless shelter /hospital /domestic violence center with
state of the art technology, personnel, and facilites. There are small houses and Hawaiian
Homestead houses. There are beautiful trees, plants and lots of places for people to picnic and
enjoy resting after their day of recreation at the ocean.
Mainly I would like to see a clean, neat area with more recreational and shopping opportunities.
See 19 and 20.
Pretty much the same, but with great internet.
I park my car across from Jan's salon, and walk the street to check out a variety of restaurants,
eclectic stores, I can take my food to go and sit in a park watching kids on skate boards, or people
swimming. I chat up someone (not from California) who has lived here for more than 5 years and
speaks with pride of the changes and preservation evident in the downtown district.
You can still see well kept older building in the old town of Pahoa and old style architecture in
newer developed areas. There would be safe walking and bike paths.
Adequate parking, perhaps a local bus that takes folks from on end of town to another, without
needing to have a car, no drug deals going down at PVC, etc.
more music on the main strip better parking and maybe a few more strip malls with a high focus on
asthetics
as above, hasn't become chain blah crowded
outdoor cafe - music etc. more art fairs - family days Place where families can gather for picnics &
games for kids
Same mix of all woks of life. Better educated people. More County tolerance for markets and art
centers.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 15
IT BECOMES A GHOST TOWN AFTER THE ECONOMY FAILS
Pahoa will be a clean, neat character filled town with diverse shopping and restaurant
opportunities. There will be plentiful parking that is safe. The buildings will be restored and
preserved. There will be unique restaurants and shopping, not just chain stores. People will stroll
through the streets, visiting with family and friends as they go about their day in their own
community. There will be community activities so we all have plenty of reason and opportunity to
come together. This will include art venues, festivals, parades, things for children and adults.
need better roads, wider roads, more passing lanes outside of the town proper, don't want it to be
Kona. Hope it will still be quaint but service community's needs.
I would see parking for access to the business improved
The people and the history of the area make Pahoa unique. We need to avoid "strip mall" type
development and try to retain the colorful history of Pahoa.
Connection to nature + appreciation for creative arts.
A town that is well planned for beauty for all and that is accessible to all income levels, jobs that
complement technology of the future and pay well, where the Hawaiian culture and traditions are
just as strong then as they were when the ancestors lived, where traffic congestion is unheard of,
first class education where our children can compete with and exceed those on the mainland,
where the concept of OHANA is part of the future people, and finally pride in Pahoa and Puna that
makes the area unique and a model to be copied to other parts of the world.
From the Highschool to Longs the old wooden structures have all been saved and refurbished, all
connected by covered wooden sidewalks. The variety of eating establishments would still remain
but be joined by small cottage industries. All new construction has followed the above theme. We
will have invested in more open space to enhance the a park like setting with much public art to pay
hommage to local artist. All expansion developement has followed the example of Malama market
and Aloha gas by sticking to the Hilo side of Pahoa. It has blended in with more parks offering
athlectic and multiuse open space.
LAGUNA BEACH, CA, ARTSY, TOURISTY, HOMEY, WELCOMING
More Hawaiian cultural influence than even now. Quirky small -kine shops, good restaurants. More
boardwalk -style sidewalks. Safe and fun.
It is still quaint and friendly. It is THE place to find lovely art; music and food.
Sidewalks thru town, a consistent "theme" allowing for individual creativity, real Hawaii experiences
thru town, shave ice shop, local craftsmen & women creating and selling real Hawaii style items
that locals and tourists alike need and value (no crappy touristy items created overseas like plastic
or cheap crap) There are enough citizens in the Pahoa area to support many of the businesses we
all drive to Hilo for, bring more here to support the people who live here and to help develop Pahoa
into a vibrant community.
Pahoa Dysneyland Disneyland
Hopeful for building improvements NO DRUGS
A developed town center with soft industry, while the outskirts remain rural.
Major clean up & organize parking; new boardwalk to the shops /restaurants Need larger,
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 16
organized Sunday Market - add a Wed. mkt in Pahoa like Hilo.
a sense of pride belonging to community that has compassion and cares about its members.
the space for improvement of infrustructure and the willingness of the local population to continue
development.
A variety of businesses along Pahoa Village Road, a few large community parking lots behind the
stores where people can park and then walk along Pahoa Village Road on wide sidewalks to the
businesses. A community gathering area.
More sense of "this is OUR village" The kids playing, more people that live here out walking around.
One thing we could use is a less touristy clothing store. Not like walmart, but something little. I hate
going to Hilo to buy underwear! l I know Pahoa has come a long way in the past decade or so, but
we need to keep striving together to make this a place where are kids want to stay.
It needs to be a mid sized town with all the shopping and services to prevent trips to Hilo except for
specialized needs.
Pahoa hasn't changed at all in my future, except that there is a bike /pedestrian path parallel to the
main road and separated by a curb. This bike path connects to Hawaiian Beaches and to Nanawale
to provide safe transit for the outlying residents to come enjoy Pahoa as their cultural center
instead of driving to Hilo, so the town is more vibrant and has more businesses.
PAHOA WOULD SIMILAR TO WHAT IT DOES NOW AS FAR AS BUILDING STYLES. THERE WOULD BE
BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PATHS ALL THROUGH TOWN, COVERED BUS STOPS IN SPOTS OFF OF THE
MAIN ROAD (BUS COULD PULL OFF AND NOT STALL TRAFFIC) PARKING SPACES OFF THE VILLAGE
ROAD WITH LANDSCAPING.
No overhead utility lines, lots of plants & flowers, frontages freshly painted with washed windows,
no gig butts or trash in street
SIDEWALKS, FACELIFT for STOREFRONTS but preserving integrity of style
I would like to see Pahoa remain a quaint Village yet well kept. We should have guidelines to have
buildings keep the same decore :)
We have replaced Geothermal with alternate energies like cold fusion, son ofusion. We will have
levitating vehicles so paved roads are obsolete. We will have local grown real food - -GMO
eliminated. We will have transport anywhere, easily -- We may even have teleportation or better
The world will be transformed by then.
(left blank -mdb)
Further & more integration with all the different cultures & lifestyles a unification & inter - action
between the churches & community groups
A movie theater, library, more parking, renovated historical buildings, more park recreation services
a walking path with placks giving historical info
I see a clean town with happy people walking the safe streets, waving & smiling to friends. I see a
full breadth business community serving all the residents of lower Puna. I see people making use of
public facilities and helping to take care of their community.
Main street closed and turned into a plaza. Parking
Keeping it small town.
I hope it is all I need and I do not have to drive to Hilo for grocery shopping or a movie I want to stay
here in my town.
Beautiful parks, easy bike paths and side walks. Numerous interesting shops and businesses.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 17
Soundscape of west indian mountain tribe music and disco balls on all street lights...
Traffic lights; sidewalks;police presence; great parking;more business
Should look at Paia on Maui. Cute , charming and bustling with business (all with no chain stores)
Downtown is car -free - cars park and buses stop around the outside, everything in the village core is
walkable. Town character has been preserved and enhanced by careful design and architecture,
focusing on preserving what was there already (because new buildings can't fake age and
character). There are diverse housing opportunities in Pahoa town, for different incomes and
singles to families, including multifamily and live -work spaces. Still plenty small local businesses.
The whole traffic hazard /mess at Hilo end of town is replaced by a roundabout that keeps traffic
flowing and lets people get to and from all on /off lanes safely (there are no left turns across traffic
with roundabouts!). In addition there are more cultural venues for life music, movies, theater etc.
and more people engaged making that happen in the community.
Still able to get to Hilo
I would like to be able to find a parking stall relatively easy and be able to walk through Pahoa town
as if it were any downtown that you could leisurely walk through. You would hear people talking by
the sidewalk cafe as they sip a beverage. The scurrying of shoppers and browsers from store to
store and the general sounds of a small town (cars, open farmers market, etc.) A rooster crowing in
the distance and maybe even street entertainment. A community gazebo where the public can
gather to catch a free concert or other activity. A Pahoa community policing officer is strolling
through town making his /her rounds and showing a suttle yet reassuring presence of public safety- -
maybe he /she is patrolling on a County Segway.
Hopefully it will grow but the historic structures will remain; hopefully the economy will get better
& the people healthier. Not so many rusty old cars & worn -out looking people. It should be clean,
easy to drive - through & park, no more shady characters hanging around, more businesses for
people to work in.
Sidewalks to keep our keiki safe, More trees and less asphalt.
if it keeps going along the direction of the last 5 years, it sux, and I'm gone!
n/c
Better law enforcement in town, emergency medical services in a well equipped facility
I imagine clean streets, absence of drug users and homeless, more restaurant choices, a huge
Starbucks, Costco, ATV rentals, Taco Bell, more welcoming attitude towards us haoles.:) I have
money to spend, but no where to spend it.
Still a quaint little business center. Bustling resturants, galleries, shops, schools, theaters, bars.
Easy parking. Pretty much like today with a little better parking.
The way I would like to see Pahoa town in 25 years, is lees developed and more like it used to be.
There needs to be "ALOHA" that is practiced and more Hawaiian culture practiced in our town. We
need to educate the youth /adults on these aspects ad have a place that helps them to learn this.
There should be no kids /young adults hanging out in front of Cash -n -Carry and they should be
working and thinking of their future. There also should to be places in town that our kupuna can live
the lives.
I want to see a peaceful town, with the same size community and better parks.
fvnik
Ighcitydjhthtrds
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 18
i dont know how its going to be 25 years from now... i hope that it might improve in the FUTURE..
I CANTTELL THE FUTURE ):SO ASK SOMEONE ELSE AND ASK THEM.... DUH
in 25 years pahoa is going to be a reck.........
Evidence is everywhere around that it has been made, built to last, and maintained by residents for
their own use and enjoyment and to share with guests /visitors - -signs of peace and permanence. It
looks locally owned and cared for, is unique, reflects local aesthetics, materials and resources and
talents. It has gardens with fragrances and colors, and people of all ages are enjoying public spaces
and amenities in evidence that they share a sense of community.
A little cleaner and kept up store fronts with hopefully no vacancies More relaxed and smiling faces
and less tension and problems with alcohol /addictions And increased feeling of community unity
"comm- unity"
(no comment)
I will be gone because it has turned into California or Waikiki
(left blank)
Something in the line to Honoka'a town Staying with a theme old town in new develo -needs to
stay in this style vs malama market center and Paul's Longs Center I drive by and wonder if I'm in
Calif.
Hopefully the town will be preserved, the buildings kept in repair, the traffic situation vastly
improved.
nothing, really
Clean, trees on the streets , outside cafes, good parking , More medical services for senoirs.
Clean, beautiful Main Street (underground utilities ?) Businesses and /or homes along Main St. well
maintained with pride of ownership. Everything available, so no need to go to Hilo.
All parking lots have lots of trees and shade walkways / bikeways connect downtown + other side
green corridors preserved on roads + walkways future services offered in ways that maintain
plantation arcthitecture styel, development in clusters rather than long lines along road
MORE OPPORUTNITY FOR JOBS - JOBS YOU CAN RAISE A FAMILY WITH SENIOR CENTER IS NEEDED
Pahoa will be the regional town center and we will be able to drive on Hwy. 130 safely.
The feeling of an old village center; with tree lined streets devoted exclusively to pedestrian traffic;
with parking hidden a short walk to a parking garage; a small park behind the shops on the Luquin's
side of the street; A PCMC primary care facility above the town near the ball field; a PCMC
developed Comprehensive Health Care campus just north of town on 130 with an Emergency
Room, a Birthing Center, Long Term Care Facility; day care for children and the elderly; a Dialysis
Center; a Behavioral Health facility, and so on. All of which to serve the expanded population we
will have by then.
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 19
I would like to see some places being restored.
Safe place to enjoy - More Cultural preservation - Sustainability - Caring for those in need helpijng
and loving each other
Green, appropriate development w/ wastewater, bike share, parking - Quaint style, not McDonalds,
box stores, etc. Parks, bike paths etc.
all kinds of alternative healing, lovely restaurants and shops
Self sustainable, clean and green.
Good solid local businesses emphasizing local foods and local products. Good bike paths and
walkways. A beautiful community center, that does not look like a dump - is spacious and light filled
and landscaped beautifully. A safe and kid friendly park in the community center area. People who
care and are corteous and friendly.
It maintains its idiosyncrasies, individualist qualities, friendly and funky charm a Convenient hub
place for massive and clean public transportation to various other parts of the Island. Community
organized fruit trees and vegetable, etc. gardens for any to participate 24 hr.clean and available
public toilets!! and showers. Benches for folks to feel welcomed to sit and hang out in town - that
all feel welcome Sign ups for people to participate in community endeavors (repairs, clean, plant,
etc.) Solar, etc. powered shops, etc in town. ALL feel welcomed and included - including those
who now get "swept" off the streets.
Sidewalks allow everyone, including people with disabilities and parents with stollers, safe access
along all of Pahoa's clean and scenic streetfronts. Parking is ample for locals and the many tourists
alike. Fresh local produce is available at an open -air market fairly administered in a colorblind
manner and open to all. The county planning office and building inspectors have worked within
actual code and treated Pahoa equally -- fairly -- with Hilo and elsewhere such that many shops have
been built in a cost - effective manner in Pahoa, housing sellers of locally - produced art, clothing,
wares and diverse services. The Pahoa Neighborhood Center has been expanded and along with the
pool is a vibrant heart of community group activity. A well- staffed Youth Center with programming
and activities for young people serves to build skills and quality of life for local youth. Senior
services adequate to the needs of the many retirees in Puna, including medical services, are located
ion Pahoa. Government offices with oversight and responsibility for Puna are located in Pahoa.
it feels the same as it did 25 years ago, but cleaner and healthier. friendly people smiling at each
other, gathering, communing. planted with more fruits and flowers.
I see that i can drive in to Pahoa instead of going to Hilo. No more Hilo runs ever. All I need is in
Pahoa. It is no longer the sleepy little village, but a bustling small town with a trolley that runs from
one end of town to the other every half hour. There is a 7 day a week farmers market, a hospital,
movie theater. Since the schools decentralized the traffic in the morning is minimal. The new bike
lane makes it safe to ride from Nanawale. Sidewalks increase the safety. If I "want" to go to Hilo I
can hop on a train that runs down the old railroad from Kapoho to Hilo and then get a trolley
around town. The post office has relocated to a place with more parking and added some staff. HFS
has opened a branch in pahoa and we have a Minute stop that takes my gas card. We even have
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 20
trash service that picks up trash from the curb. I now go to the Pahoa pool for water aerobics since
they heated the pool a few years back. I'm happy I chose Puna as my home because it has become
more and more convenient for me as I age, and continues to offer more opportunities for my
children.
In the Pahoa of the future, I see a better socio- economic environment. I see much less poverty. I
see old town reinvented into something more like Hawi town or Akaka falls town, with artsy shops
catering to visitors.
I see Pahoa having old style Hawaiian feeling with local crafts and Hawaiian cultural center where
the Japanese Center is that houses a Hawaiian Health Care system that serves the community. I
envision improved sidewalks that are wide and acccessible with plenty of public parking. I see many
local shops that sell orchids and local fruits and vegie. I hear Hawaiian music town system that has
high mounted speakers broadcasting slack key selections. I also see the Akebono being a center of
Spiritual concerts of Hawaiian and other musicians. I also see the lower end nearer the Malama
Center developed into a strip of shops selling Health foods and I see Malama Market expanded into
a full on Supermarket with less expensive alternatives to going to Hilo for foods.
Free food growing in community gardens. Dutch coffee shops to reduce alcohol violence and auto
crashes. Better senior services and center!
more centralized - i wish Malama wasn't so far away so that everything was walking distance....
park more of a town center where people play, eat lunch, meet up, etc.
I would love to see Pahoa retain its funky feel that it has now . I would like to see development of
any big stores or fast foods be at the end of town with entrances for them out side of the town
center. I would like to see the roads addresed and planned for future growth. The post office need
to be moved where there is more parking but walking access.
It still has its historic character, maybe there will need to be a few more businesses, depending on
population, but pretty much the same. Improvement in schools and health care.
Feels friendly, more shopping with less signs and multi - million dollar government buildings and
sounds of birds, laughing people and clean streets.
I believe that western civilization is in slow -mo collapse. Pahoa will look very different. Local food
will be the norm, rather than the 96% imported now. People will have decided to limit human
reproduction (which we should be doing now). Actually this question is annoying because it seems
to ignore the seriousness of the global threats we face.
no change
Make mainstreet a pedestrian mall, with a lovely business community. That would mean getting all
vehicle traffic off of it, and providing decent parking to encourage the local community to use it
more as a gathering and shopping place. Want to hear kids actively engaged in interesting after -
school activities at the community center, skate park, pool, or other activity focuses. Senior Center
up and running and providing good services. Gym used for Yoga, Tai Chi, Acrobatics, marshal arts
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 21
classes... Art studio with lessons for kids. That's a vibrant community that encourages education,
activity for all ages, but be sure we keep the existing warm community spirit.
keep the small town feel and comunity but have more entertainment options like Movie theaters.
clean up derilict houses along highway and excess litter. maybe public concerts or comunity
gatherings
A lively place for all ages to feel safe and valued participants in the many activities made available
to the community. A place that exudes the inherent creativity and beauty of Hawaii, thru the care
of public spaces, as well as the area businesses. A place that showcases the arts, so alive and well
here, tho not very visible to the public.
take us back to before the money came
Keeping the same buildings, but cleaning them up a bit, I envision life in Pahoa Town as a gathering
place - restaurants, funking shops, maybe some outdoor tables where folks could get together and
share aloha. Keep it simple. Keep it local.
Buses run regularly to Hilo Town. The main street and buildings are preserved, and we use in -fill to
create businesses without expanding out into the areas surrounding Pahoa. Police patrol and are
accessible within a 15 mins of Kalapana area. Fire responds in a similar amount of time.
Pahoa is rich in heritage. people will flock to the town to see how hippies are still around. They will
see the old plantations type stores and say: Why, we have this scenario in Knott's Berry Farm. Can
we take pictures next to the Statue of John K the educamator?
Hopefully its green, walkable, safe and has residential areas.
The intersection at Kahakai has a light. THe post office has a bigger and better spot. There are little
stores and restaurants that specialize in local, exoctic fruit plates, salads, healthy lean Big Island
Grass fed beef. Local candles. Local made wares. No fast food. And pretty much the same profile
and look. Historic preservation in full swing leading toward improved eco- tourism, A few more plant
propagation and seed nurseries. NO GMO's in the restaurants. A new HS/ middle school is being
built but keeping it historic. So wired for computers but historically accurate. It's a beautifully
quaint, village atmosphere that are accentuated by the shutters and old buildings.
Family owned restaurants and businesses, medical center with alternative care options, first rate
dental care, alternative schools, local theater with both movies and plays /concerts, more hostels,
B &Bs, vacation rentals to bring in money into the community. More alternative energy options
including "free energy ". Less government control and more community consensus with tolerence
for "different" individuals.
Economic opportunities without sprawl. Village medical, dental and professional services.
Pedestrian and bicycle friendly. A fantastic regional park. A Minimum of sprawl surrounding the
village.
Since there is no moratorium on development it will be a second Hilo.. No parking. No sidewalks or
bike trails , Crowds? traffic .mainland mall development. Rich mainland corporations buying out
local business.
More.... options.... The buildings in better condition because the owners decide to actually take
really true pride in the structures that come up upon the earth .... OR maybe the businesses are all
doing better because more people that are not on EBT and gov. services move in and are more
wiling to stimulate the economy so the owners can fix them up .... La quins and the market parking is
paved with shade trees..l see a big community garden right in the middle of town where there is
that real community support and love ... It seems like the village is ready for something like that....
Heleon terminal with free wifi pahoa is a secondary hub in the hub and spoke no strip mall or
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 22
woodlland center mistakes small shops covered walkways covered clean gathering place open air
wifi
I hope it is the same
quaint beautiful village trees and flowers along the road easy walking for pedestrians
in 25 years, I'll be in a wheelchair (LOL) and I'll want to go to Ning's and Luquin's
Still the small town feel, with a strong sense of community and well being.
I envision that my children and grand - children will continue to live in the community that there
family has been living at for so many generations. I see a self- sustaining, self- sufficient community
that helps support one another.
I won't see or feel anything in 25 years. I'll be dead.
The old part of town preserved but cleaned up and remodeled. More shopping near the
Woodland and Malama market areas.
No cement buildings, no additional residents. Pretty much no changes except to consider lower
prices for groceries.
Similar feeling to Paia on Maui. An old surfing village with yoda and organic food and markets and
live music (local) with nice places to eat and relax and enjoy the atmosphere, Also once a month or
twice a year close down the main road for Arts and Crafts festival with local food, music and crafts
people can walk around an enjoy!!
TINY PARK IN OLD TOWN WOULD BE NICE
Pahoa is a place where the spirit of old time Hawaii is alive and well. It is a place which is beautiful
& relaxing because there are many gardens & trees & parks throughout town & pedestrian
pathways. Artisans thrive in Pahoa & an eclectic mix of culture, education & entertainment is
available. The town has character & is clean - the people take pride in their community. The
architecture is "island style" and in no way resembles the uninspiring strip malls of the mainland.
Small businesses & a variety of entreprenuers thrive here.
Nice Independent small business shops. No cameras around town monitoring activities. Friendly,
cheerful atmosphere
Why would do you assume people would love to be there? Based on the performance of local
politicians, there's little reason to think things will change. That might be good, or it might not be. I
have no idea.
Depends on what we do now, based on what we understand now.
keep the old town vibe
Relaxed feel. Downtown beautified with flowers. No back street hangouts.
I walk into pahoa and the place is full of local venders along the sides of the streets. People are
everywhere from everywhere around the world. I imagine pahoa to be a place of sharing, trading,
caring, and love. Everyone can work together in harmony when there is Aloha in the air. I hear
music coming from the gypsies and muscians who came from around the world. I imagine Hawaii as
the place of refuge for everyone everywhere. I imagine pahoa to be a place of gathering and
community. I imagine pahoa to be a very busy relaxing market for everyone from everywhere to
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come together and share their love, talents, and goods. Aloha aina.
Everything is developed, land is dwindling, invasives at a max
the communitys imput would modernize tge town
In 25 years i would like to see Pahoa looking like the town of Hanalei on Kauai, small town feel, but
with a thriving economy and a beautiful townscape. I want to see every shop on the main street
with a business that is not going bankrupt, but i dont want it to be too touristy. I also think a fruit
orchard open to the public would be nice, like 2 -5 acres behind the town with coconut, litchi,
mango, and citrus trees.
Pahoa needs to keep its rural character, preserve and restore its historic architecture, and improve
its community infrastructure -- schools, library, community center, swimming pool, parks,
sidewalks, bike lanes, and maintain the old part of town.
I would like to see the present old -town spirit augmented by more local businesses, perhaps in new,
compatible buildings filling in vacant spots.
beautiful town with pedestrians walking in sidewalks. Trees, plants, well maintained buildings that
have a charm and history and that are not tall.
it is still a small town, delapidated houses have been restored and different small business are now
occupying them. Town reflects the visions of the people of Puna, focused on perpetuation of
Hawaiian culture and language, farms, renewable energy, sustainability. There is a palpabale sense
of community and togetherness.
Pahoa is still a local small community with no tall buildings, paved parking lots, or traffic congestion.
Sidewalks for pedestrians and bike paths for bicyclists make the roads safe. Grass roots community
involvement is alive and well with abundant pride in maintaining a clean and safe community. Small
business is thriving and local historic sites are well maintained. The land remains free of shopping
malls, apartment buildings, fast food restaurants, and big box stores like Walmart. Community
events are thriving with continued expression of pride in the community.
I see the old buildings and boardwalks preserved and protected. I feel nostalgia. I hear music. There
are lots of colorful shops, brimming with visitors because we worked hard to make them feel
welcome and appreciated. It is clean and peaceful and safe. I don't see homeless folks, not because
they have been swept from public view or arrested, but because we care for our most fragile
citizens as an evolved compassionate community
Still small and charming with little shops and stores. Corporate stores have closed and moved
elsewhere. No power lines and smoke stacks as Pahoa has become a model of sustainable
agriculture and alternative energy. Residents know their neighbors and gather as a community.
Children laugh and play in the parks and open spaces. Visitors come for the charm and uniqueness
of the town, local merchants, fresh local produce, and the rich cultural experience.
Lots of open space, local business, small town feeling, safe friendly streets, etc.
I hope that the roadways to and from Pahoa can be re- engineered. If they are not, the growth in 25
years will be unable to navigate to the downtown area and will avoid shopping or doing business in
Pahoa. I would like to see a park where people can enjoy the days with family and friends. Maybe
even family reunions. I do hope we will see a rise in local business establishment that can thrive
without the rent /leasing of space being too hight.
Deadbeats are off the streets.
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That it is still a small artsy town, a place to still meet friends for dinner, a glass of wine, hear the
music and or sounds of the streets.A fun place to walk in and out of cool little shops, that make you
still feel like you live in the best area of the East side of Hawaii and still be able to catch a play or
hear a live band playing awesome music from the islands, at the Akebono Theatre!
Old buildings have been given a face lift. All store fronts occupied with niche stores. Safe walking on
side walks. Historical museum about the area.
The way it's been going I'm afraid of what will be in 25 years. Another Target, Walmart, Ross,
Starbucks, and Office Depot. This is not the Pahoa I want to see.
Pahoa Town is clean and bright,and the old buildings are still there. They are renovated and taken
care of. There is greenery and flowers, and the sides of the street are clear because there is ample
parking in several different public parking lots, convenient to shops and restaurants. The aroma of
many different foods fill the air from all the different restaurants, and the sounds of talking and
laughing float down the street as people enjoy their town.
A hospital, a community center, an electric car hook up with electric cars everywhere. A pool with
better hours and more swim programs for our keiki. Clean streets with bike lanes a bus shelters. A
community garden and a Hawaiian cultural center run by native Hawaiians. More solar panels with
sustainable businesses and homes. A Hawaiian council member born and bred or a local born
council member, a representative who really does something not just use her Hawaiian name for
votes, aka Hanohano. Community associations run by local born community members not
transplanted mainlanders, like the one in Leilani Estates with one token Hawaiian hauanio. A boys
n girls club with great facilities, a non biased athletic director at our high school. Several preschools
to choose from and more family oriented events.
Strong neighborhood and family friendly town where kids and parents can come and enjoy without
fear of exposure to criminal activity or drug use.
It's a busy place with people walking everywhere, stopping to chat or visit, with affordable rents for
businesses. It's a place where derelicts don't hang out selling dope etc..
Let it be a place to hang loose and not an uptight town.
I would like to see the old town character of Pahoa preserved and keep the shopping centers and
new construction out of old Pahoa Town.
A little better parking for the bookstore....
I drive into town and park at one of the public parking lots at the edge of of the new walking town
square. The palms fronds and tree branches dance in the breeze and the flower boxes fill the air
with wonderful scents. I go to my favorite cafe and grab an outdoor table to sip my morning coffee
and read the paper.) look around at all the brightly colored buildings, with their cover walkways and
wood signs swaying in the breeze, it gives me a sense of place and peace. After coffee, i walk over
to the community center were i do my daily workout, some days it with weights other days its
playing racquetball or swimming. After my workout I decide to go take a bike ride in the park, I grab
one of the free community bikes and make my way to the park. The pavilion has a class of students
listening to a lecture on Volcanoes. I see a sign that says later in the week there will be a hula and
slack key presentation at the "stage on the green ". I stop and look at some of the newer palms that
Imagine it is 25 years from now in Pahoa —how do you see it? Page 25
have been planted, The park now has one of the foremost outdoor palm collections in all of the
world I finish my bike ride and drop the bike at the end of the park. Walking back to the car I see a
few of my friends shopping we stop and chat. We talk about the new walking police patrol in the
village and how we have gotten to know some of the officers. We chat about the new development
going in, it has shops on the ground floor, and will have offices and apartments above them. We
talk about how much Pahoa has grown, we lament about the old funky Pahoa but agree the winds
of change has been better for all.
i would like to see more places where people can get together... with more garden than parking
lots... parks with edible landscapes ....healthy organic food growing and being sold or traded
everywhere... no cars downtown...
The people here now KNOW that what they have is the result of ongoing community and civic
process.... people and the governing bodies that represent us working toge ther for betterment of
all
More like a downsized Downtown Hilo.
I am here now
I'd enjoy people watching - don't want it to become a tourist trap but want it to be safe and fun.
Downtown Pahoa has not changed much in the last 25 years. I think that is great. I do like uptown
Pahoa (Longs, Malama, etc.) but downtown should not change much. restore old buildings but keep
it looking the same. That is what makes Pahoa unique.
Renovations to buildings have taken place, the town is painted and clean, the people on the street
are pleasant and the riffraff is gone. Small businesses make the town look inviting.
Hospital, more stores like a Walmart and Safeway..bigger post office-but keep the main drag of
PAHOA the way it is and put all new stuff on out skirts of town
I see Pahoa as a town that is easy to walk through, with edible plants growing everywhere that
anyone can pick, art decorating everything from walls of buildings to street intersections, buildings
with at least new paintjobs, and full occupancy of commercial space with services we need. The
park is alive and used by all the kids, the community has regualr gatherings like black & white night
in Hilo, and it feels safe, even at night.
Afraid I will not be in here in 25 years. Do not have that kind of imagination, anyway.
Needs better bike paths which also can double as wheelchair lanes.
I am an ex inhabitant of NYC, and they are removing roads in many major intersections and
replacing with pedestrian friendly areas ad bike routes. The effect is profound. We could do this to
pahoa now before it gets built up and awkward. Nothing really big is needed, but parks of quarter
acre or one acre will make a huge effect.
Nice shops to buy from, stroll past. Nice places to eat or dine, with self, family and /or friends. A
sweet smallish community that says welcome, come sit a spell. And places, not big box stores, to
buy household goods.
A large outdoor central gathering place with beautiful landscaping and nice natural structures
providing cover for seating and gathering. More pedestrian friendly. Covered and larger farmers
market area. Preserved and maintained Boardwalk. Sound deadening for the roadway between
Luquins and the boardwalk.
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charming shops, clean, well- maintained structures, plenty of easy -to -use parking, public restrooms
(especially at every place serving food, even those with just picnic tables), fewer derelicts & drug
addicts
Keeping it as small and close to its present day feel
Bike paths everywhere. Natural food production and sales by street vendors. Solar lighting on every
street. I hear a blend of Hawaiian and other cultural music, people talking, bartering, laughing and
children playing. I love living here because of the wonderful safe feeling and the sense of visionary
thinking and planning that have gone into the development of this wonderful little tropical paradise
town.
I'm fine with growth as long as it is dealt with in a tasteful and appropriate manner. I hope Pahoa
keeps it's smaller, low and unoffensive /modest building sizes - I especially love the old western
styles with the false tall fronts. I think large, wide sidewalks, adjacent to buildings with generous
overhangs to provide shelter from the rain, with pretty planters amongst them, would be very nice.
Pahoa should not have common and low -end chain stores like Burger King and KFC - they
undermine the integrity of Pahoa. Local cafes, restaurants, boutiques, etc., should be the pride of
our town. The shining glories of Pahoa prove this is successful - Paulo's, Ning's, Luquin's, and
Kaleo's are all extremely successful and popular. I hope to see more businesses like this in the
future.
It's safe, clean, a model for communties around the world, Has created systems for sustainability
Has culture Lots of music, dance, and entertainment opportunities Great food Great services
Some one found a way to wipe out the coqui. It became fashionable to keep dogs from barking
(chaining up dogs became unfashionable and people actually started keeping their animals as pets
inside their homes). Cops started busting locals for speeding. We still won't have a Wallmart.
I think the old part of the town sould be restored and a walking place. Put the roads behind, have
the street safe...
Twenty -five years from now I will be 88 if still alive. I could probably only enjoy visiting or living in
Pahoa if it has senior housing close to services, safe walkways everywhere, lots of attractive
landscaping, and a hospital with nearby doctors offices. It will have a lovely landscaped park with
plenty of benches and picnic tables, a performing arts center, a spacious public library, and many
services that cater to the elderly.
Pahoa is still funky but cleaned up. There is a large, well- maintained community center where
classes are available all day, every day, for people of all ages. The expanded library is in the
community center, as well as an art gallery for local artists and a performing arts theater. Local
artists offer classes in drawing, painting, collage, etc., for all ages. There are intergenerational
groups that encourage seniors to help kids with homework, mentoring, etc. The gardens and park
areas in town are serene and colorful. The pool is heated in the winter with solar panels and offers
water exercise classes yearround.
hopefully the old shops will still be there- and occupied... with sidewalks through town
I would like it to be left just like it is now.
You have the right mix of locals and visitors. Expansion of the storefronts, in additon to investment
in the storefronts. A more "clean" feeling as opposed to "dirty ". A place that all go to for shopping,
lunch and dining in a comfortable atmosphere.
Firstly, there will be traffic lights at the intersections coming from the town center. There will be
sidewalks all along old government road fronting a well kept area of smart looking businesses and
native plantings.
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Bike roads, Free food gardens, safe, enjoyable and civilized Dutch Coffee Shops, good public health
care, hundreds of small, organic farms, beautiful beach and beach parks. A wonderful
community, thriving in a free, peaceful America. (Wouldn't that be something ?) * *lol **
Small local business selling a variety of local crafts and goods, fruit stands, community gardens,
edible landscapes, a park with lots of trees, and one that is safe for children while still serving as
decent gathering place for the community to use for meetings and what not, (that is not a church).
The feeling of a town that has finally managed to work with and harness the creativity of its
surrounding communities to give what the communities desire as sustainability and a town that is a
pleasure and inspiration for all of its visitors.
It will be the ugliest mainland haole town with no local flavor or Hawaiian input.. Keep It local.
Keep it historical not mainland.
I do not see why Pahoa does not try to big in tour buses. In 25 years I think Pahoa could be a major
stop in route to the major Lower Puna sites. It would be much needed money and jobs into this
area.
A substainable agricultural based community with emphasis on children. I would love to see the
schools among the best in the State and country, providing much of it's own foods for lunches and
snacks. I would love to see the high school voc ed producing items for the community such as
sheds, garages, houses etc and have apprenticeships available., the auto shop actually working on
vehicles such as oil changes, turn ups tractor repairs, welding etc. The home ec with a full certified
kitchen producing food items and so forth. Every student able to balance a budget, pay a bill, make
a shopping list and be prepared for real life after graduation. Also more support to the athletics
department and every opportunity for advanced education made available within the community
and through the coleges.
Safe bike paths away from narrow streets. Large park to complement swim pool with trails to
meander through. A structure that can safely feed and house and clean (showers) all these
homeless people who come here so they aren't wandering in and out of the street we drive on.
I imagine that downtown has a thriving business in each storefront, that no cars are allowed (or
needed) in downtown Pahoa, and that there is a train of some sort that would take you from
Malama to Pahoa high. No cars required. The architecture is completely unchanged and the scale is
the same. There is a connection between the segments of Pahoa ( Malama, that second funky
shoppy center and downtown.), It is all pulled together rather than resembling three slice up
segments of a worm,.
Pahoa in 25 years appears much the same, just spiffed up a bit. There are no vacant buildings. The
public schools have a much better reputation. There are fewer poor people because the
community has devised a genius plan to bring prosperity to Pahoa town without degrading it's
character. We have done this responsibly in a way that supports health, wellbeing and
environmental protection. We emphasize local trade. The Pahoa Sunday Market is thriving. The
fast food businesses are gone. No more burger king. Goodbye KFC. There never was a McDonald's.
We didn't stoop that low back in 2012. ;) We have small businesses instead of nationwide
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franchise Pits. We are pulsing with music, art and culture.
It changes very little then what it is now except for more bike paths and good parking
Clean, safe, friendly. People at work, at school, and at play, all with a sense of belonging and
mutual support.
Many Walkways and bike paths. Promoting the small town environment along with small local
businesses has grown into a beautiful shopping experience and the money stays in the community.
There is ample parking with easy access to pedestrians as well, and this will help relieve traffic as
well. There are also many community run gardens giving the community fresh nutrient rich foods
at a decent price and excess to the food bank. More parks and public venues for exercise and
entertainment. Walk ways and areas for pet owners. And inexpensive rural housing, along with
decent housing and easy access to shopping for the elderly.
A charming, walkable village that makes you want to stop and linger, spend time there. Public
restrooms. Places to SIT and enjoy the hum, other than restaurants. Benches, covered shelters,
places for kids to hang and be kids safely. A vibrant elder and child day center that feeds the
generations through connectedness, nourishment and learning. An annual two day arts and culture
fest that draws lots and lots of visitors and their desire to find unique treasures, local edibles, and
talented performers. Schools that are integrated into rather than segregated from the rest of the
community wherein parent and kupuna involvement is the expected standard. School gardens and
enriching after school programs that emphasize creativity rather than conformity, and that honors
the unique melting pot of cultures that create this community, with the host culture being the
foundation we all share.
Unless the proper steps are taken, it will be a poorer mini -Hilo town. Lacking adequate sidewalks,
no bike paths, and struggling to catch up. But if done properly, it could be a proper focal point for
All of Puna. I hope to see a large regional medical facility, an airport capable of supporting smaller
commuter jets /planes, adequate parking and infrastructure to support a business and industrial
district. I want to be able to walk about town enjoying a very large park with ongoing shows and
shopping of ALL sorts nearby. I want to know that I can relax and enjoy what the town has to offer.
Wonderful shops with art, great little restaurants. Beautiful landscaped streets that line the historic
buildings. A new school like Keaau that attracts great teachers.
A small vibrant agricultural center with a small nightlife social scene. Marijuana dispensaries.
Thriving businesses that serve the surrounding community or even provide for others abroad. More
ecotourism.
Pahoa could become a place people want to visit to experience a feeling for the way things used to
be, a slower pace of life that embrasses the Hawiian culture and is proud of it's heritage. Weekly or
monthly street fairs and concerts, movies in the park and an excellent choice of dinning venues
would be a big draw. Our theater would present first rate family entertainment on a regular basis.
We do not need to be another Hilo but instead a place people would enjoy visiting to get away from
the hustle and bustle of daily life.
I hope Pahoa Town keeps the small town charm and feel.
Pahoa is nice because friends I know can walk from their homes to meet me for a meal or to go for
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a walk, do some shopping, take in a movie or some music. Whether you want to own or rent,
Pahoa has many affordable opportunities to be part of the community. Pahoa revised its lot sizes
and encouraged development in the town to include apartments, condos, townhomes, row homes,
loft spaces, with many of these being mixed use residential /commercial, as well as traditional
residential and commercial space. Pahoa is nice because there is adequate room for people who
need to use their cars, but it is friendly for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, etc.
Pahoa has preserved a substantial legacy of its historic buildings and has many way- finding stations
that help with self - guided historical tours. It is easy to know why Pahoa came to be and its historic
significance in the area, as well as to see the legacies of its past as well as how it embraces current
times and the future. People feel safe in Pahoa. People do not need to go to Kea'au or Hilo for their
medical or dental care, to do most of their affordable shopping, but if they do, public transportation
is frequent, affordable, and convenient, and other modes of transportation are options. Many
people are employed in and around Pahoa in a diverse economy embracing its agricultural roots
and also providing retail, business, social, healthcare, and other services. The nice thing about
Pahoa is it hasn't lost its past to become the town of the future, it honors its past and brings that
forward gracefully into the present day. Pahoa is pleasing to the eye also, with attractive
landscaping and other pedestrian - freindly features. Pahoa is a safe place to come do your
shopping, eat meals, hang out, play in the park, regardless to time of day. Pahoa residents
appreciate their government for continually listening to them and being a good partner in ensuring
the sustainability and livability of this piece of Hawaii.
Out of the way, yet still near Hilo. More public transportation. Would like to see more artisans and
local small businesses in town. More entertainment venues. Less drug activity (pakalolo is OX).
I don't want to have to wait 25 years ... There should be some kind of center for the people to hang
out in, to get them off the street in Pahoa, with activities (lawn bowling, horseshoes, badmitten,
basketball, mini golf, stuff you can do for free, or for a dollar, AND SHOWERS, and camping facilities,
maybe a open air farmers market with a low fee so folks can afford to populate it with their
homegrown food, art and crafts, and a open air stage for music would be good.
when people are working gardens and parks without being asked in pahoa.and people are enjoying
the parks and pahoa doesnt have its sense of transient urgency.
no imagination today
Stay the same.
Get rid of the drug users or drug dealers and it would be nickname " Outlaw Town"
no comment.
A town square with park, downtown foot patrol. Nice street lights, sidewalks all the way through
town,bike paths, movie theater,mall, civic auditorium that seats about 5,000.
We've not allowed any more car - centered shopping zones and the sidewalks are all covered.
There's a lively restaurant /music scene and Pahoa is known as the place to go for an evening out.
The school is known as most improved and we actually have smart younger people around town,
doing some businesses as well as enjoying the restaurants and music. All the sidewalks are covered,
there's even a center of town "plaza" where the Akebono parking lot used to be, because parking
has been provided for nearby. "Gotta Love Pahoa" is a slogan you hear around town.
Love, creativity, art.
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