HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0019.049 2002-2004 January 7, 2003
To: 'on
From: Zachary Mermel
Subject: Ouoosition to granting a land use permit to Maurice Thomas for a proposed
lumberyard on Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village
I have lived in Volcano Village for all of my 19 years. It has been an ideal place
to grow up, away from the shopping malls and other material extravagances that can be
found ubiquitously in Hilo. Volcano is a very extraordinary place on earth. People
choose to reside in Volcano because of the rare opportunity to live within an actual
rainforest. Such a special and peaceful community of people, plants, and animals should
not be disrupted by the noise of saws and (umber trucks.
Mr. Thomas' proposal would destroy a fairly large portion ofthis precious
resource. The incessant sawing and planning would also cause severe noise pollution in a
residential area. People come to Volcano (to live and to vacation) in order to escape
such noises that are all too prevalent in our cities. Numerous bed and breakfast
businesses in Volcano rely on the peaceful ambiance of the rainforest for their income. if
a lumberyard were built, it would severely diminish the flow of vital tourist dollars into
the East Hawaii economy.
If Mr. Thomas is allowed to build his proposed lumberyard, this will set a
powerful precedent for other "savvy" businesspeople to follow. If a lumberyard were
built, what would stop someone (perhaps Mr. Thomas himself) from erecting a
McDonalds, or a Starbucks, or even a strip mall in the heart of our little 2,500 member
community? It is a short trip to Hilo to get a Big Mac or a couple of 2 x 4's. The price
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of these goods and services will also be significantly increased if such amenities come to
the Village. The truth of the matter is that there is no pressing need for a lumberyard in
Volcano.
Being a lifelong resident of Volcano Village, I have seen very few major changes
in the past two decades. Apart from the development of a viable (and very beneficial)
community association, the only other major alteration has been Mr. Thomas's continued
expansion on his properties. He seems to have a constant need for MORE. This insular
stance is contrary to the belief of the majority of Volcano residents, a community of
artists, retirees, and families who thrive on the simpler things in life: clean air, easy
accessibility to nature, a sense of true community, and (perhaps most importantly) peace
and quiet. Granting Mr. Thomas free reign in terms of commercial zoning could mean
the life or death of Volcano as both you and I have come to know it.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
f
Zachary Mermel, age 19
Lifelong resident of Volcano Village