Jonathan Gaines

Three slices of pie
Splitting the island into Hilo/Kona counties is a recurring theme of residents seeking to re-balance the planning and growth issues of Hawaii Island as well as allocation of the tax revenue disbursements. This idea of splitting the island into two halves seems to chill rather than warm the cockles of our community hearts, as it seems to be divisive rather than uniting.
However, it is evident that the current one-island county system is rather unworkable and the cause of much islandwide dissatisfaction.
Perhaps this island might function efficiently if, politically, it consisted of three counties -- Hilo, Kona and Kohala.
In Kohala, we have, it seems, so little in common with either Kona or Hilo, and vice versa! More to the point, Kohala is largely a world unto itself as far as the residents are concerned. This is where our families, friends and business associates mostly are.
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2005/12/11/opinion/your_views/letters.txt
Rarely do we drive to Hilo, much less Keaau and Pahala. Same with driving to Kona, Captain Cook and Oceanview. Except for the "big box"
shopping and multiplex movie theaters, why go? Especially now, as gas cost is ever rising, limiting much travel. We like our Waimea, Hawi-Kappau, Honoka'a, Waikoloa towns and our "Gold Coast" white sand beaches, all reachable in about a 30-40 minute drive or less.
How to slice the pie? In the fashion of the old ahupua'a, find the geographical midpoint (near the Saddle Road) and draw three lines. Then each new county can elect its own leaders, raises its own taxes, administer its schools, etc. Equally important, each county would have to devise its own planning and land use commission, disposes of its own trash, etc.
How to eat the pie? That's easy. Hilo eats Hilo slice, Kona eats Kona slice, and, (sigh of relief) Kohala eats Kohala slice!
Furthermore, as is common on the mainland, "townships" could be created to give voice at the natural centers of the new counties. As such, the people of the various township-centered communities would be electing council representatives who they know as close friends and neighbors. In some areas, three counties can collaborate as one, such as for free islandwide bus service.
Perhaps this will be food for thought and discussion.
Jonathan Gaines
Hawi