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1.6.2 Challenges 1.6.2.1 Natural and Cultural • Mauka forests are threatened by feral animals and invasive flora and fauna • Shoreline movement and the nature of Hamakua's dynamic coastal bluffs are poorly understood • Mauka and makai access is sometimes limited and/or unmanaged • Natural disasters — landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunami, hurricanes, flooding — are a consistent threat 1.6.2.2 Settlement Patterns • Open space, working agricultural lands, and the coastline are vulnerable to inappropriate development. • The recent trend and likely future build -out potential is largely in the pre -code (and pre -Statehood) homestead lands which often lack adequate infrastructure for increased density • Potential for existing and new developments to build out in ways that could undermine the community's unique character and rural lifestyle 1.6.2.3 Infrastructure, Facilities, and Services • Long distances to travel for basic services and healthcare • Lack of municipal water availability within some towns encourages residents to move into agricultural lands • Undefined strategies for locating and funding emergency facilities; rural road networks; water and other infrastructure; schools, clinics, and other public facilities; and parks. • High number of roads -in -limbo and no defined strategy to address improvements or adoption • Some park facilities are closed due to poor maintenance or hazardous conditions. 'O'6kala gym is permanently closed; the Hakalau gym and the Laupahoehoe boat ramp are closed indefinitely. Papa'aloa gym is partially cordoned off due to hazardous materials; Hakalau tennis courts are an inadequate playing surface, and the gyms in Honomu and Papa'ikou need to be reroofed. 1.6.2.4 Economic Developmen • Barriers to agricultural sustainability, including land tenure, water, and infrastructure. • Available workers exceed available jobs in Hamakua, so many people commute to Kona or Hilo for work. • Because of limited retail, service, and entertainment businesses, the majority of local dollars are being spent outside the community. • Limited capture of high volume visitor traffic. 22