HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0106.001 2002-2004
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Comm. No.
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IWiLlie im 245 Kaiwiki Rd ll;lo HI 96720 Ph X1969-3114 Psxz (808935-5260 P.ntail nlitlie#di lava.net
Date February 5, 2003
To: Councilman Gary Safarik and other members of the Flawaii County CrnmCil
RE: Pahoa Village Parkiulg
This is being written in support of county funding for the purchave of the generei lend
area around the Akebono Theater (known to be a parcel of 4 acres) is the town of Patina,
island of Hawaii. Pahoa town is otte of our sh11 continuing "old towns" in the midst of
rapid development and change for the island and is fast becoming une of the `jewels" of
visitor attrachions because of its "old town" look. In 1997, I was privile5*ed to work an
plan for a Pahoa Village Park with the Pahoa Main Street (3•mup, one of the few existing
Main Street programx eontiquiag today lII th0 State.
The concept behind the village part. idoa, to be located on a 4 Here pa[ccl then owned by
AraFac Tnc„ was to improve the only offstreet parking area adjeoant to Pahoe's mein road
to provide additional parking not only for residents but tourists as well who want to stop
and visit the shops and restaurants in Pahoa town. Parking is now limited to a short
length of parallel parking along the 4 -5 block stotefrom area. The Akebono theater
parking lot in the center of town was in disrepair at the time of the study, and was used as
a farmer's markeC area on Sundnys.
The idea of paving, and improving the parking area along with a perk at the backside of
the, theater for farmers market activities and bus station (there was no official "bus stop"
in Pahoa town at the time of the study) which would house n satellite police office end
public restrooms was the proposal. Tbose improvemems and night-lights would
discourage criminal activities, which included drug trafficking in the area at the time.
T would urge the approval of any fllnding that would help improve this area which i9
strategically located immediately off of Pahoa's main street, and would provide a boon
for the several smell businesses in Pahoa village as wall as improve the heahh aced
welfare of the community. For a small place 1tYe Pnhoe Village to boast several very
good rcxtaurantc ix telling about the residential coantnunities that live in the Puna District
and improved parking would certainly help those merchant) stay viable, Tt further meets
the visitor profile of Hawaii Txland whero almost 70"/0 of mainland visitors are on their 70i
or 8a' repeat visit, driving a rental car and looking for places like Pahoa village to explore.
Your favoreble action on this mcavurc is greatly appreciated.
Millie Kim