Mainstreet Pahoa Marketing & Business Plan 1997

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. a restored railway turn around platform of the original railway system that took logs and sugar from Pahoa to Hilo Harbor for transhipment to Honolulu and returning with supplies, mail and other goods for the plantations on its return trip from the piers of downtown of Hilo. . the story of Hawaii born Yokozuna Akebono's visit to the Theater bearing his name in 1993. The Park area would include a large, lighted parking lot which could adequately accommodate maneuvers and parking for tour buses, a covered bus -stop for the County's Hele on bus service, and ample parking stalls for the public and for visitors. Public parking in Pahoa town itself is limited to a few curb -side spaces on the main thoroughfare, and a dirt and gravel parking area that fronts the Akebono Theater which has large pot holes and floods in rainy weather. There would be a public, handicap accessible rest room facility, and a children's playground with large open grassy areas for children and families to enjoy. Currently there is no adequate space for maneuvering and parking tour buses or to accommodate the County's Hele on daily public bus service. The only public rest room is at the Community existing Center located across the street from the Village Park parcel, almost a 2 block distance from the main street. Restrooms at the Village Park would be larger, much more centrally located, visible and accessible. OD The parcel is presently overgrown with weeds and exotic trees. There is a small ditch run off which runs diagonally through the back of the property. The parcel begins at the present Akebono Theater parking lot, which fronts the main thoroughfare through the town, and then wraps around the back of the store front buildings which face the main street. It was at one time the site of plantation camp worker housing, but with the closure of the Puna Sugar Company, the parcel has become overgrown. Behind this parcel is a series of 2 story wood constructed apartment buildings which were originally a county funded housing project for sugar workers and is now an elderly housing project. It is difficult to see what commercial value the parcel would have for its landowner in this time of economic downsizing, lack of economic growth and diminishing visitor interest in Pahoa and the surrounding area since the destruction of the main visitor attraction, the black sand beach at Kaimu, by recent lava flows. Prior to its being covered by lava, Kaimu beach was noted for its numerous visitors and use by local residents, and was often featured in many travel posters depicting Hawaii and the big island. The Pahoa Village park would be more like a neighborhood park, located within a larger community center or park. Neighborhood parks are defined under the County of Hawaii General Plan as a places which: provide open space in urbanizing areas for the general aesthetic enjoyment of the outdoors, play areas for young children, and a social gathering place for the 11