HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0190.001 2014-2016From:
Charlie Maas <cmaas@champhospitality.com,
Sent:
Thursday, February 12, 2015 2:11 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Mark Hinshaw
Subject:
Bills #291 and 282 testimony
Attachments:
Maas Support Letter 2015.docx
Please accept the attached testimony
Charles J. Maas
?/PC,
sni 2-91
t'o.'nm, 1044
Comm. No, 90
Ref. To:�,�..�_
Ref. Date
Date: Feb. 12, 2015
To: Greggor Ilagan, Chair and Presiding Officer
From: Charles J. Maas, 13-3625 Alapai St. Pahoa, Hawaii 96778
Subject: An ordinance amending Chapter 25 (Zoning Code), Article 2, Division 7, Section 25-
2-71 (Applicability -Plan Approval required), Section 25-2-73 (Reserved), Section 25-2-76
(Action of Plan Approval application), Section 25-2-77 (Review Criteria and conditions of
approval); and Article 6, Division I, Section 25-6-3 (Application for P.U.D. permit,
requirements), Section 25-6-7 (Reserved), and Section 25-6-10 (Criteria for granting a P.U.D.
permit) of the I{awai`i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended). These amendments
would create a process within the Zoning Code that requires the Planning Director to review and
consult with a local design review committee for certain land use permit applications situated
within a special district to promote consistency with applicable adopted design guidelines and/or
standards.
INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR
An ordinance amending Chapter 25 (Zoning Code), Article 3, Section 25-3-2 (Designation of
Special Districts); Article 4, Division 5, Section 25-4-59.2 (Exceptions to Off -Street Parking &
Loading Requirements); and Article 7 (Special District Regulations) of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2005 Edition, as amended), relating to the establishment of a special district to be known
as the Palma Village Design ("PVD") District that includes a process for community review of
project applications and plans, and to provide distinct requirements for Off -Street Parking and
Loading in the PVD district.
INITIATOR: PLANNING DIRECTOR
Dear I lonorable Members of the Windward Planning Commission:
My name is Charles Maas; I am a member of the Pahoa Steering Committee and Chairman of its
Design Committee. Medical circumstances prevent me from appearing in person to address the
committee regarding the two ordinances that are the subject of this letter. "fhe committee and the
people of Pahoa have worked hard for 3 years researching, surveying, holding town meetings,
interacting with the planning department to reach a consensus that has resulted in the ordinances
before you for your consideration. 'this letter provides you with a history of the process, why we
think the changes should be made, what they will do for the community and direct comments
from the people of Puna. Development has been moving forward in Pahoa and the proposed
guidelines have been voluntarily accepted by some of the current projects under design
development, we simply need to make applicable to all development within Pahoa.
I thank you for taking the time to read this document
Background
Beginning in 2006 the people of Puna began a process to create a community plan that would
provide a vision and a direction for the County of Hawaii to use as its guide for future
development in the Puna area. The result of that process was the creation of the PCDP. During
the information gathering process of the PCDP it became increasing clear that the people of Puna
saw the necessity of creating design standards and districts to protect the heritage and current
sense of place that is Puna and specifically Puna's villages and their unique architectural
characteristics.
The people of Puna and specifically Pahoa understand that the quality and character of their
community is at least partially dependent upon the quality and character of its architecture and
that of new development that is allowed to occur. Poorly planned and executed projects detract
from the character and value of the community as well as adjacent properties, while well-planned
development enhances the character, quality of life, and value of the community and surrounding
properties. Once structures are allowed to be built, communities must live with the results for
generations, whether they are successful or not.
Recommendation
The Pahoa Regional Town Center Plan Subcommittee and the people of Puna, working in
collaboration with the Planning Department have created draft legislation that will create a
Design Overlay District for Palma, articulate Architectural Design Guidelines and establish a
process for project design review that includes participation by a local Design Review
Committee. The Design Guidelines (454-14) were unanimously approved on July 18, 2014.
Design Guidelines are one of the tools in development and redevelopments assuring that the
community's priorities are being respected. The small degree of extra investment in time and
design that is necessary to conform to Design Guidelines will be repaid many times, over the life
of each individual project. A business, landowner or developer can rest assured that projects
constructed according to established Design Guidelines wilt be done in a way that is sensitive to
the character of the community and will enhance the value and viability of their property and
business. Without Design Guidelines the development process frequently becomes a race to the
bottom line where short term development cost savings and profit margins take precedence over
the character and value of the overall community.
Design Guidelines will help to:
• protect what is here today
• encourage rehabilitation not destruction
• increase community economic vitality
create a favorable investment environment
increase social and economic confidence
• reduce reactive planning, provide a consistent framework
• increase property values
Reinforce community identity
I encourage you to adopt two enabling Ordinances that are before you. The continuing rapid
population growth within the Pahoa service area is creating an ever increasing demand for local
access to goods and services that is generating a boom in major commercial development
projects within the village. Adoption of the Pahoa Village Design Guidelines, and the soon to
follow enabling ordinances are necessary to ensure growth in Pahoa is smart and consistent with
the needs, values and vision of the community.
Authority
Our recommendation is based on the final PCDP plan adopted 9-10-08 and subsequently
amended on 11-4-10, 6-8-11, and 12-6-11. (Section references below in this report).
Methodology
The committee reviewed reports issued by the Puna Land Use Working Groups and its
subcommittee The Village Center/Design Districts dated 2-15-07, the Puna Regional Survey
completed 7-4-12 and the Pahoa Land Owners Questionnaire completed 10-31-12. In addition to
these reports the committee reviewed numerous articles written on the concept of Design
Overlay Districts, Historic Preservation Districts and Design Guidelines. The committee
reviewed a variety of existing programs from large cities to small towns and villages that
spanned a wide geographical area on the mainland and well as here in Hawaii.
Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP)
We reviewed the PCDP final documents and have extracted areas that infer or make direct
reference to the creation of a design district and the other specific guidelines to implement in
those districts.
PCDP Chapter 2
MALAMA I KA 'AINA
2.1 HISTORIC, CULTURAL, AND SCENIC RESOURCES
rd
Puna's history is also evident in the architecture of its older towns and villages: namely, Kea'au,
the Kurtistown-Mountain View corridor, Palma, and Volcano. Each of these places has a
distinctive design character that reflects its history and location. Volcano presently has a small,
legally recognized historic district, but otherwise there are no special design controls to preserve
the design character of these towns. Of the four towns, Volcano and Palma have the greatest
potential for designation as Special Design Districts based on their existing fabric..... (Emphasis
added)
2.1.1 Goals
a. Structures and cultural sites that are significant to Puna's history and cultural traditions are
preserved.
In. The design character and natural setting of older communities that are representative of Puna's
historic development are perpetuated.
2.1.2 Objectives
a. Create a County entity and adopt a process for identifying historic and cultural sites and
advocating for their preservation and/or restoration within the County's permitting and approval
processes.
b. Adopt appropriate location -specific development standards and design guidelines for
buildings landscape treatment and public infrastructure for communities designated for Special
Design District status.
c. Protect cultural sites from destruction by development activity.
d. Adopt " kanaka" building code standards to allow structures utilizing traditional Hawaiian
building design and construction methods.
2.1.3 Actions
a. Propose Special Design Districts with detailed planning design standards and review
Procedures for the following areas:
21 Pahoa Town;
3.1.2 Objectives
a. Implement tools for re -shaping the pattern of future development to prevent further sprawl,
such as land pooling.
b. Develop a typology for existing and proposed village/town centers, including criteria for their
location scale uses and design.
g. Identify a supporting role for the County in land assembly for the formation of village/town
centers.
h. Explore additional methods to protect native species habitat and historic features from
development by use of economic incentives, development restrictions, and district -wide
rezoning.
Action Item:
3. 1 .3c. Facilitate land use entitlements and other tools for the development of existing and future
village/town centers and special design districts by:
5.2 VILLAGE/TOWN CENTER FORMATION
5.2.1 Zoning Designations
'fhe rezoning ordinance for a village or town center may contain overall density and
development limits, as well as restrictions on uses tailored to the specific needs of the regional or
village center. Residential areas may be zoned RS, RCX, or RM. The County may also amend
the zoning code to create a new zoning classification more suited to the town or regional centers.
5.2.3 Use and Design Standards
Land uses design themes and architectural and site design standards for each village/town center
will be determined through the preparation of each regional town center or village plan and the
rezoning approval process. Table 5-1 provides guidelines on the scale, uses, and general site for
the three types of town/village centers. Some existing locations are proposed for possible Special
Design District treatment, as noted in Section 2.13,
Action b. A Special Design District would provide more detailed design guidance on the
development of village centers that exhibit historic development patterns that define a unique
"sense of place." The strongest candidates for Special Design District designation in Puna, in
relative order. are:
• Pahoa Town has a main street — the former highway route before the construction of the by-
pass road — that still retains much of the original street wall of plantation -era structures, as well
as some significant stand-alone buildings. Most of the uses are commercial or civic. There has
been no historic structure inventory on the scale or level of detail as the Volcano inventory.
Some of the older buildings in Pahoa appear to be in deteriorated physical condition. Also, Pahoa
does not enjoy the same level of prosperity as Volcano, so a low-interest loan program for
businesses and building owners would probably be needed to complement a Special Design
District. The County has acquired a large tract of land within Pahoa Town, which presents a
significant opportunity for community revitalization and a possible catalyst for economic
activity.
Puna Survey
In the spring of 2012 the Pahoa Steering committee began the process of surveying people who
lived in the 96778 zip code area.'I'he purpose of this survey was to gather information from the
community on a wide variety of issues that pertained to the current state of affairs in Puna and
also what people would like to see in the future. The Design Committee reviewed this survey and
for the purpose of this letter we have abstracted both questions and responses so you may
understand how the committee reached its recommendations.
The comments following in all responses are verbatim; there has been no attempt to edit
spelling or grammar.
Survey Question #13 Land Use and Zoning- over 56% of the respondents indicated that it was
fair or poor. The survey encouraged the respondents to write any additional comments they may
have regarding this issue.
'please think small town and not huge city!
Would like historical zoning./or downtown Pahoa
Be .sure to establish a landscape gradient that links town center with rural and forested areas
beyond town
Would like to see lots ofgreenbelts & park areas mixed in with future development so we still
have lots ofnatural beauty - not all asphalt. Would like Island style buildings -not mainland big
box/warehouse style
All care about re this question is that the heart of beloved little Pahoa town is preserved. It
is an irreplaceable piece of history. Protect lava tubes and Ohio trees.
Would be really nice to upgrade all areas... is there any grants to help improve the entire 'face"
of the town? Repaint repair, renew, etc. it's a sweet place but also pretty tacky and rundown
looking
Land use is hap hazard at best, the village needs to create a master plan that creates a live ,
work, play environment utilizing a mix ofresidential/offee design, restricting height of new
buildings, create design standards that reflect the good aspects ofHawahana, include
materials,raofscapes, cover walks on main street.
Need to keep the charm and uniqueness ofPahoa. Stop boring ugly commercial development.
Survey Question #17 Cultural Historic Preservation -56.1% of the respondents indicated it was
or poor.
Culture rich & diverse & dynamic. Preserving Pahoa from going "mainland" is very
important - city beautification (non -commercialization) is very important
With all the commercial development, Pahoa is losing its charm and cultural identity as a
farmer cane town.
n
The historic preservation is acknowledged which feels good, but could use better upkeep and
clean -
Preserve Old Pahoa!
places are being destroyed instead of restored
Historical preservation brings tourist to photo, shop, and eat.
Try keeping old style architecture! Too many metal buildings
Important to preserve historic look of Pahoa and the historic contributions of its diverse
cultural communities.
It's good because nothing has been done - thank God - preserve Pdhoa's old style -keep it old
style for new construction (big box stores suck)
Historic resources are vital to town character
Junk doesn't need preserving. Just because it is old doesn't make it valuable.
Need Historic Signage / Need to Preserve Historical building
Would like to see furlher efforts toward preservation of classic homes, restoration wooden
sidewalks w/disabled accessible ramps. curbeuts. etc
I loved the way Pahoa was 20 years ago ... the malls are destroying the beauty of Pahoa..
Pahoa not living up to its potential.
Would like to see the old plantation, boardwalk style ofPahoa retained
11's a shame that the buildings downtown aren't restored but seem to just be, falling,further into
decay.
There needs to be more effort to preserve what is here and not develop the shoreline and
Pahoa Town to keep a sense of history and place as intact as possible.
Some of the nice character of town Pahoa should be preserver)
ORIGINAL DOWNTOWN IS PRESERVED B Y A LACK OF ECONOMIC GROWTH
There is a great sense of cultural history, but preservation can always be improved upon.
I love the way Pahoa Looks just like it did when I first came here_.and probably much like it
looked over 50 years ago.
0
The new shopping center (Longs, Burger king, KFC) really ruin the historical look of the
town 1 am very glad the new Museum opened. Maybe there can be classes and presentation
on the 'old ways" ?
Maintain old bldgs. - build new blogs. in old style - landscape & plant
Yes preserve & re -build SAVE "WILD WEST" STYLE, Keep Modern out of main town
need designated historic buildings
Ugly chain businesses ruining historic charm.
There are still old buildings and some sense ofhistory around (main street, Akebono, etc.).
however is there any security for that or can h just be bulldozed away by private developers?
New developments are ugly (Long's mall. Malama mall) and do not enhance Pahoa. Could be
any highway strip mall anywhere.
The museum in Pahoa is a good thing but kind of boring. It's great that the Akebono theater &
main Pahoa village are preserved.
It would be nice to see downtown restored before the termites take it all.
Please see above --important to maintain buildings that can be maintained or repaired, and
address with deconstruction rather than demolition those that are beyond repair. This s+•ork is
a benefit to the whole community, and for the costs and labor to be shared somehow would be
valuable. Needs some out -of -the -box thinking, e.g., by applying irainingfunding and labor of
trainees or community .service or ...7
Unfortunately the only historic preservation we have had in Pahoa is the beliefthe rest of the
island has of us and that is Pdhoa is pretty much a crime and trash infected population that
has never been worth spending money on. This attitude has got to change and it must change
with the community itself
Pahoa has lots of cool snll- good to officially preserve plantation architecture, old stone
walls
10
In my opinion, cleanliness supersedes character/preservation. If we can preserve
culture%haracter and make things nice through a remodel, f mastic. If however preserving
culture/history means leaving old town the dump that it currently is ... I say tear it all down and
bring in 10 more longs and maloma markets. 1'd rather have clean.
I like the old -school feel of the neighborhood.
Needs to look like people care. "Vintage' lightingfor e.g., hanging planters, flowers, good
murals, perhaps for historic info...
There is not enough emphasis on the Old Hawaiian and Japanese cultural footprints in lower
Puna.
Save ALL the older buildings I say. Let's clean 'em up and slap on a coat of fresh paint
Need to preserve the historic and vintage buildings and wood sidewalks in town. This is the
character of Pahoa that can be our legacyfor future generations. The bypass around town
was built to help preserve the old town and now the new town is moving to the highway. What
gives?!?
Historic cane shack buildings and boardwalks in town are in ill repair.
WE would love to see old town Pahoa, have a facelift. Keeping the face fronts of the buildings,
to stay within the old hawaiiana feel, we fell in love with here, but have the buildings
refurbished from the insides out. The electric wiring is way outdated and not safe and the
sidewalks, especially on the Kaleo's side of the street are in need ofgreat repair, to keep
people safe as they walk the sidewalks and need to be wheelchair accessible.
Help fix up old buildings in Palma town. make new structures adhere to historic views
Preserve "old west "flavor with facelift of entire Palma town, all buildings REQUIRED TO
COMPLY. Deal with slumlord owners. Creation of Performing Arts Center.
I like the old buildings and the Museum is great
Pahoa needs a form -based code that maintains that all new buildings keep the look and feel of
the current downtown area. Longs. KFC, Burger King are abysmal in their corporate look.
Need to keep the charm and uniqueness of Palma.
11
Would like to see restoration of old buildings and boardwalk, and regulations to preserve
Palmas old style
Survey Question # 19- "Tell us what you LOVE or APPRECIATE about Pahoa Town as
it is now and why?" This was an open ended question that required the respondents to write
their thoughts.
It is small, quaint, and unique. It hasn t changed like a lot of the other islands have.
SENSE OF COMMUMTYFEELS STRONG. I LIKE THE QUAINT APPEARRANCE OF
MACH OF THE AREA
Love the small town feel and that it had no fastfood. Our local food merchants are great.
Pool is great. New Fire & Police facility is great. Keep Pahoa small, but make it nicer.
Look at Hawi, a good model. The new Pump jaeility is great.
I like the charm of the old buildings, although they are falling down and need restoration.
I like that Pahoa is a one street town and doesn't have too many .shops.
CHARM; DIVERSITY/ARCHITEC'TURE.
LOVE OLD TOWN, OLD CON:STR UC77ON.
I love and appreciate Pahoa for an older and authentic feel of a small town. I love the
.sense of community rather than tourism. Keep the town fbr serving the people who live
here
I love the small older side of Pahoa because the storefront has character. I like local
business like Puma Style, Island Naturals, Laquins, 2 Thai restaurants, Jungle love. I
support all local business Pahoa Feed and Fertilizer. Skate park is a start & Pahoa Pool
12
Unique Hawaiian village
I love the character of old times being preserved, the personal service you getfrom a small
place.
Keep Pahoa old style plantation put commercial at Malama only
I love and appreciate the History of Pahoa town. Leave the Historic town the way it is- we
are losing .sight ofwho we are as a Hawaiian people.
Old time appearance I like.
Ilike the wooden .sidewalks Minimal NEON oldfashioned qualities
Love the old town charm of the downtown area and the wealth of eateries - great to have a
park, pool, community center, shopping all within walking (easy) distance
Pahoa Town is a unique old .style place. Restaurants are great. architecture is cool &
attractive - keep it that way
love the old buildings - the great VARIETYofpeople - The small town feeling - the green
things growing - the new growth toward sustainability & cooperation
I love the quaint feeling when driving into Pahoa town. It is just a beautiful town with lots
of history.
Pahoa town center character is good/Ilove covered walkways but sidewalks need to be
made coherent
OLD STYLE. UNIQUELYIIA WAIIAN.
The new fire station and police station with solar panels are fabulous. Retaining the
character (wooden sidewalks, old storefronts) is vital. We don't want it razed like they did
Kea'au years ago to put in the MacDonalds. The public swimming pool is an asset. The
new rubbish dump is amazing with its recycling and reuse .store. I appreciate the jobs
created but hate having a ".strip mall" and fast junk.lood restaurants in our little town.
The old buildings & boardwalk The fimky colors /artsyfeel ofthe buildings Pahoa
Village Museum
Still retaining old fashioned feel ofarchiecntre, multiculturalism. tolerancefor
Bohemian, non -conformist lifestyles, great restaurants
13
Pahoa should strive to save as many old buildings as possible, and design new buildings
that blend in with the character of the old part of Palma. If you tear them all down, than
Patina will just be another any town Hawaii.
Its quaint "Western" style, you can actually do things in walking distance and need to park
only once
I love the 'old town ",IM to Pahoa Itfeels like the town I grew up in.
Lave the potential of main street... needs some help with upgrading the buildings. I really
appreciate the community garden. Love the local, small businesses - the bookstore, surf
shop, museum.
Full of local color. Love the old buildings and feeling of an era gone by. Keep it simple.
I love the little .shops, the quaint and historic feeling of downtown. Good health food store.
Small family businesses.
Ilike the retro look of it...
I appreciate efforts made to preserve historic structures
Old Western look is charming & great for tourists & locals
It's quaint and still feeds like old Hawaii Its connection to the past
It's Unique - not like every town you visit thru-out the country Akebono events - music -
variety shows recently HAAS Swing dance benefit Farmers Market at Akebone — aerobics
That it has an old fashioned feel to it and not to commercial. There are local small mom
and pop shops and restaurants.
Ilove the old boardwalk and buildings, the historic value of the town.
Quaintness
The old town feel of the stores preserves the plantation roots of Patton but modernization
also has its place with better shopping opportunities.
Unique old town flavor. Wooden sidewalk.! Downtown area is walkuble
Love the restaurant choices, and preservation of old Palma town, the swimming Pool,
library, community center. Market, hardware store, Bank, new center
iL
It is still a small town with obvious history and culture
I like that some of the old plantation buildings are still around. I also like that most of the
newer buildings (except the ugly Longs and the fast food restaurants) have been designed
with some thought to maintaining a plantation -type look
Old buildings and storefronts. Good restaurants. Small road through town.
IAPPRECIATETHF. LACKOFPLASTIC, GARISH( UGLYCOMMERCIALISM SUCH
AS KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN, 6 URGER KING ETC (AT LEAST NOT IN THE
CENTRAL VILLAGE). I ALSO LIKE THE LARGE AMOUNT OF PEDESTRIAN
TRAFFIC.
The small town, unique ambiance -the true Hawaiian, HISTORIC Feeling The progressive,
radical, alternate thinking. PUNATIC & PROUD OF IT!
The old feel, the construction, boardwalk, lends to history and the quaintness
The old downtown look but sidewalks are unsafe.
Love the historic wooden building and walkways along strip.
Ilike the quaintness and picturesque part ofPahoa in the "old" town area. The .storefronts
from the former mom and pop stores are still (barely) standing and it adds such character
to the town --more enjoyable to walk through.
Ilove the old Hawaiian ambiance.
Ilove that it has been preserved much as it was a century ago. There is still that small
town feel...the village life. The merchants in Pahoa are neighbors, not corporate
puppets.
Old plantation style downtown
Old Sugar Town Feel and look.
Old buildings, quirky atmosphere
15
I appreciate the boardwalk and old time feel of Pahoa Town. I appreciate the variety of
restaurants. 1 appreciate the grocery store options. I appreciate the community bulletin
boards. I appreciate the free pool and skate park even though I NEVER use either of
them! I appreciate the dump.
The people and character. Point those buildings and repair those roofs!'!!!!
Love the feel of old town. I would hate to .see that change, old town has so many flavors. I
like Island Naturals being in old town.
Architecture
I LOVE it's two lane, gotta go slow pace, the wooden .sidewalks, bright, old style, historic
sugar cane village, feel and look, the overall laid back atmosphere. I appreciate the small
business innovative sign designs and family atmosphere. 1 appreciate the weekend farmers
market. I like the empty grass filled lots. They make a feed still like a village. The speed
limit sign that is solar powered and flashes when you are going fust on the bypass road.
Emphasis on old plantation style town was always the plan. Keep it. Less on ugly kahakai
intersection. . Make commercial architect fit Hawaiian style. Old plantation style and
wooden sidewalks.
I Love the old buildings and some of the small local businesses.
Pahoa is so charming. Ilove the older plantation -style buildings, I love the colors those
buildings are painted with. Ilove the green spaces. It has a Post Office, tire shop, grocery
store and restaurants. The fact that it DOESN'T have a whole lot of stuff is part of its
charm
The town has an attractive old section. Hopefully, the building's owners appreciate that
the quaint appearance draws visitors.
Old West look ofthe old part of town and the excellent restaurants.
FLY UP OLD TOWN, REPAIR WOODEN SIDEWALKS & STREET LIGHTS
The historic nature of the town.
16
Sense of time and place not generally found I Hawaii.
Preserved old buildings, sense of community anchored by places like Luquin's, banks,
natural food store.
Ilike the feel of old town Pahoa with its old buildings and store fronts The new transfer
station has made life easier in getting all your rubbi.sWrecycling done in one place.
We love the old town feel and appreciate the new section. Especially Malama Market. We
love walking old town, but do not always,feel.safe doing so, in today's times. We
appreciate that it is still small and appreciate the community mgetherne.ss for Pahoa. We
also appreciate all ofyou taking the time to hear us!
The old buildings and The .sense of community that the locals who have lived here
encompass_ 7be countryfeeling and no tall buildings and greenery.
The old plantation town feel, don't want to lose that.
I love the old character feel of town
I love the old part with the western style houses - wish, rents were more affordable, .so
stores would be able to make it.
Old style Hawaiian Town with a sense of family
It's potential to remain small, inviting. Unique and livable, while also improving in ways
that reflect contemporary needs -sanitation- ADA accessible- mixed modality
transportation.
I love the quaint old .style feel, the false fronts on the buildings, the boardwalk, the market,
the bookstore
I love old town P6hoa. Has charm and character, great businesses and great business
owners. Skate park is great! Music scene is good. Food is great! Community is great
Pahoa Town is truly a treasure. The past has so much to offer and is .so visible in the
homes and businesses. However, the grit and determination that has allowed Pahoa to
grow must be maintained with upkeep ofproperties, modern btu unobtrusive signage and
maintenance of streets and walkways.
I love the quaintness...) would like to see existing buildings upgraded not and influx of new
buildings and construction in town
17
Overall character and uniqueness, The nicer restaurants like Kaleo's. A historic town is
much more invoingfor residents and visitors.
We loved the feel of old plantation town. Not Mainland development or high rises.
.people want steam vents and lost them Stop the ugly roads spend money on dangerous
roads not private privilege. we get the worst Dpw, road yet.
Hasa great look. The look of the town could be a big attraction.
Its look and vibe. Ilove main street and would love to see itpreserved and protected.
The WONDERFUL PEOPLE The UNIQUENESS and HISTORICAL LECACYofthe
village Its lack of corporate presence in the village (don't let it any closer than Longs!)
I love the quaint charm of the downtown street boardwalk We really enjoy the community
swimming pool, good restourants� great little boutiques (love the used bookstore) Love
the Akehono, live music, historic building.
Ilove the old time feel of the town. The store, fronts and boardwalk are quaint. The
variety and quality of eateries is amazing. Our recreational complex with its beautiful
pool is great.
Survey Question 420 Tell us what's not working for ,you and NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
about Pahoa Town as it is now and why? This was another open ended question and while
the majority of the respondents talked about a variety of issues, there was a linking theme of
restoration, keeping the "old village" charm and not allowing a lot of commercialism.
Owners need to maintain businesses. Make it Cleaner Sajer and more Charming to
help increase tourism. Has the potential to be a cute town. Buildings look rundown
and not cared, for.
Palma needs aface lift. We have to make it look prettier and more appealing - murals
are great - more landscaping. Old Pahoa town needs some reconstruction so
businesses have a nice space to utilize. We need more community events to bring town
together and bring in income.
M
Places like McDonalds encroaching on the quaintness of town- People don't want to
come here to see that.
Storefronts really need upgrading and more public parking.
More landscaping around commercial buildings
NO MORE BIG CHAINS Local businesses and codes that encourage local business
and discourage mainland/corporate businesses. More police in Pahoa town on foot.
Public bathrooms open 24-7. Greenways, un form guidelines on what kind of
building/businesses can be brought here, what they look like, what they need to behave
like.
Clean up emptystructures upgrade 'face" of main st
I have lived here for 25 years and am dismayed over lack offoresight in planning that
has gone on. The bypass was helpful but didn't address traffic through town which is
now problematic. Offstreet parking downtown might help along with a larger, easier
to access post officefacility that most of as have to use at some time or other. Maku'u
Market is so huge, parking is problematic for those of us who are older or have mobility
problems. Preserving green space.
intersection of 130 and PV rd., the egress from Malama Market Place to PV rd., and the
entrance to Longs are really really had Need more public restrooms. Sidewalks need
improvement. Would be nice if the town got something like a community development
block grant and all the stores got facet is. Very rim down looking.
Could need more painting and beautifying of old buildings, more commercial rental
spaces at affordahle prices, more sidewalk space and bike paths, better has to and from
Pahoa, better Parking for all at Taboo (especially by the restaurants), more support for
small local businesses instead of big commercial supermarkets and fast food
Cleaned up & preserve the old look Too many homeless or sketchy looking people, so
many that I do not even want to walk around there. More Conveniences: Safeway,
Starbucks, Veterinarian, Another Auto parts store & hardware store to keep prices
competitive. Movie Theater, etc.
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Too much of trend toward development Iseethe quaint little town losing its
uniqueness for the .sake of convenience. Pahoa used to be different. It is now trending
toward looking and feeling like a thousand other little towns. Longs/CVS is
everywhere, but Puna Pharmacy is only here. Let's look out for the mom and pop
places thal help to care for the local residents; not the large corporations that move
profits out of the community. Rents need to be at a level that will support local
business.
Pedestrian sidewalks and bike access are poor or nonexistent, parking access is poor.
The town needs planning so that the historic downtown is preserved while commercial
outlets not related to the historic ambience or charm of the town are zoned further out.
punks lookingfor trouble. new, out of architectural character development
I think we should make Pahoa seem more alive because the buildings are so old looking
and gross
Improved storefronts would make it more inviting Restoring old buildings to its former
glory will help to give the town a better reputation. There's a need to clean up the area
.so visitors will not be afraid to tour and shop.
Parking, run-down structures, hanging overhead power lines. I appreciate small
of business space but have to wonder about sanitation and structural issues in
some of the buildings.
Needs good well lit sidewalks and bike paths, public restrooms (more and clean), better
sanitation and better park facilities, better landscaping and guidelines jor new
businesses so they are aesthetically pleasing.
Cultural center needs to be started and expanded with what made Pahoa and Puna
what they were. The Identity ofPahoa town needs to be preserved with an integrated
plan for expansion ofthe future Pahoa.
We need bike and walking lanes, we need PARKINW! Some of the buildings are
very tired looking and in need of repair bill the owners don't have the money. Many of
the buildings are historic and worthy of being preserved. Create some way for the
County to give low interest refurbishing loans to revitalize the area and make it a
MUST go place for tourists and residents alike.
So run down! Its sad right now. Some businesses seem to lack resources to create a
pleasing space to attract tourists and locals alike. Downtown Pahoa is dingy looking
Everything needs a bit of a face lift. A sort of "PRIDE" Ilfl.
State must improve intersection at Hey 130/ Pahoa Village Rd near Longs NOW. Why
have our representatives at State (Hanohano and Kahele) not made this their # I
priority????? Need more jobs. Old Village buildings need to be cleaned up and
repaired
The old feel the construction and boardwalks, falling apart needs refacing
Lack ofpolice; poor sidewalks and ped crossings, shabby look ofdowntown, lack of
parking
Need room for pedestrians. Too many old buildings being demolished. Dislike the new
strip mall and fast food joints.
Appearance. Restore!
No more fast food chain restaurants. They are not only bad for the health of the people
but the character of the town. Any development should fit into the character of the town
not like the Longs and fast food restaurants. That development is a very ugly
introduction to the town. The intersections by Kahakai and 130 are the most insane 1
have ever seen and are very dangerous. Something needs to be done about il. I know
we have the urgent care center, but it may be good to have a small 2417 hospital for
critical needs for the Puna area, or make the urgent care center into more of something
like that It is odd that there is no vet in Pahoa, lots ofform animals and pets around.
Malama simply needs exit and entrance. Less political influence and just do ie Retain
and restore historical town. Sidewalks
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Would like more trees and gardens in town near the businesses & safer paths for
pedestrians/cyclists so it would encourage more walking in town. Old Town Palma gets
too congested with cars. Parking area at Akebono Theater needs to be improved (fill in
the potholes, etc). At some point in the future an inexpensive shuttle that goes from one
end of town to the other frequently would encourage more walking and less driving all
over town.
buildings full of mold restraunts the board walk dilapidated appearance new
strip mall would be an improvement along main st
As stated throughout the survey, roads, sidewalks, bicycles/motor cycle paths, and
controlled intersections with Hwy 130 are needed. The historic cane shack buildings
and boardwalks need a facelift. The county needs to encourage new business versus
create obstacles to business.
1 think/ had stated this on the previous page. The sidewalks are not safe, especially
across the street from Luquin's, on that side of the street. Keep the original look of the
buildings, but they need to be rebuilt, front to back, to prevent further buildings from
falling down and the electric wiring is not safe, in most of these buildings and needs to
be brought up to code. A small business association would be greatfor staying on top
of these issues and keeping the owners responsible jor keeping their stores rented with
legitimate businesses.
What's not working in the big Longs Drug store to greet me into town. 1 mean, how can
someone have thought that was a good idea. The first thing to see ofPahoa is a
decrepit fence, a gas .station and a Longs store. I see no local pride in the new center
there with Burger King and KFC. Was is decided that Palma was to be the next mini
mall on the island. I moved here to get away from these things. Where is the Pahoa
town pride?
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Parking is terrible. The quirkiness of the town is teetering on becoming shabby. Some
homes that face the main street are junkyards and unattractive. The village needs to be
cleaned up. Real estate owners need to come together to create a warm and friendly
look across all the storefants, walkways. Add .street lighting! Capitalize on the good
architectural designs and adopt a set ofstandards for new developments. A great
central park that has somethingfor all ages, water, bike paths, gardens, picnic areas,
pavilions far entertainment.
The scruffy characters hanging around tend to discourage us from spending more time
in Pahoa Town. The stores along the boardwalk area are .so dilapidated The
boardwalk is unsafe for handicapped and waiting far an accident to happen. Would
love to see the Main Street cleaned up and more appealing. Would like to .see the
intersection into the shopping center straightened out by opening up the old road
connection for traffic coming from Keaau and turning right into the center.
Needs more pedestrian friendly walkways, bike paths, edible gardens, more occupancy
of storefronts with shops we need (bike repair), rubbish/recycle bins. Children's
playground can be improved. Wish the Malama market area was design different.
with different architecture to match existing Pahoa arch., parking lot put behind stores
to increase walkability, less focus on cars, more focus on people.
As mentioned, chain fast food franchises like Burger King and KFC. These businesses
pay local employees poorly, offer no benefits, creole waste in town, provide poor
quality food, and are now suffering financially and word around town is they're not
going to succeed. The community should have been consulted about this, or at least
surveyed in this manner. It's a shame something more creative could not have been
thought of. Also, the general first impression ofPahoa is the run-down and dirryfeel
in downtown. The new Longs and Malama Market areas ore very nice - some
renovations in the older parts of town would be appreciated. The LuQuins parking lot,
along with the uneven and not -handicap -friendly wooden sidewalks ofdowntown, cant
compare to the newer shopping centers.
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'Historical"? 1 see no historical preservation theme occurring_. this is what I see. I
see them trying to take an old Black and While CRT T. V. and have h function as a Color
High Definition LCD wide screen. The whole thing is an unrealistic disjointed pipe
dream. Restore the old black and while CRT T V and put it on a pedestal with like type
buildings and business then put a rope around it (no cars)... Put the new HD TV
elsewhere in the house and call it "New Pahoa". The whole plan is flawed; Pahoa does
not have the appropriate infrastructure flow to grow and current continued growth with
vehicular traffic incorporated is not possible. Go back to the drawing board
Restore historical Pahoa. Old style wooden Sidewalks. Widen main street only.
Keep out new office buildings on Main street. No high rises, restore Old style
plantation town.. Eradicate albizia Only necessary commercial development for
Smallest district. Not super development
1 drive into Pahoa almost daily and almost always spot illegal drug use taking place.
As long as this is allowed to take place our town will never be as good of a place as it
could be. Those quaint buildings need to be .spruced up and the boardwalks need to
be accessible to those with handicaps and stroller friendly. The lack of sidewalks and
bicycle friendly shoulders area real problem. I often see families trying to walk along
the road with babies in .strollers and small children in hand There is no place for them
to walk except on the road.
Pahoa needs revamping in a major way to preserve the beautiful old buildings. yet
improve the transportation in/out and within Pahoa, as well as parking, alternative
transportation, and pedestrian traffic in this area. It may need some one woy streets
mauku and makai of the main government road interconnected every few blocks, with
provisions far adequate parking etc., with the main drag beautified with real sidewalks
and planting areas. Lack ofservices (social, utilities, and business) are limiting. Lack
ofparks and other cultural /recreational facilities limits abilities to bring the
community together. Random violence keeps people feeling unsafe in Pahoa town.
County officials turn deaf ear to community concerns about changes to building code
and resources development in the area.
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