HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-57 Milon VLRP Testimony Communication No. 2014-57
My name is Vikki Milon and I have lived in Volcano since the early 70's. The first time I
came to Volcano, it was a foggy moonlit evening. The highway hadn't even been built so
the road was the narrow old Volcano Road from Glenwood. I expected Madame Pele
and her 3 legged dog to appear around every curve.
But Volcano grabbed my heart. My family moved up from Hilo and we raised our kids in
this wonderful ohia forest environment with its magical spots.
Time passed, kids got older, and we left to work overseas.
But, each time we returned, checking on the house between renters, the old feelings
returned. Even camped out with sleeping bags on the floor, it was home.
Things changed over time, Development, both good and bad occurred, but the
character never changed. Volcano folks are young and old, artists, farmers, commuting
professionals, off grid specialists, biologists, volcano experts, retirees - you name it- we
have it ail. Tourist traffic and vacation rentals have increased. There are still
affordable lots available for building.
All too easily, the charm of Volcano and our lifestyle can slip away as it has in other
towns on the Big Island. We can become just another badly overdeveloped entrance
community to a national park.
That is why the Volcano Long Range Plan is so important and why I support it. We are
a special, unique community, that draws visitors and residents alike.
The Long Range Plan pulls together all the great ideas and needs of the community into
one package. It looks to the future and encourages growth, economic development and
change- BUT it does that by not forgetting the people who live here, or the natural
setting we live in that makes it such a fine community.
It does this by defining economic growth and development that benefits ourselves and
our children and the generations that come after.
The Volcano Long Range Plan is 46 designed as a living document for now and for the
future. It improves our quality of life giving us opportunities for growth and change all
the while keeping the attraction of Volcano alive and well.
Thank you so much for listening. As we ask for your support for our Plan, let me leave
you with this quote from the Volcano Long Range Plan.
"We envision a community dedicated to harmony with the rare and beautiful native
forest in which we live, and to harmony among the activities we pursue, our collective
and personal needs, the stewardship of the forest and the rural character of our
community.
We strive for a community dedicated to respecting the needs of our citizens of all ages
to live in dignity and to seek personal fulfillment.
We desire a community dedicated to the preservation of our unique natural
environment, which we so graciously share. We aspire to be a community dedicated to
a sense of place where one can forever listen to the 'aina, hear one's own soul, and
preserve the bond between the two for future generations."