Like everyone else!
We immigrated to Kona in 1988. We all came here for a better life for ourselves and our families.
But what happened:
Kona was a sleepy little town with only a Longs drug store and Pay Less.
Everything else you needed was in Hilo. It was a whole day ordeal to drive over and shop and get back.
Soon the Kona Coast exploded. We got Kmart, Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot and Lowes, eieio….. America got tired of the cold weather and rushed to Hawaii.
The growth was so fast and furious that we forgot to plan (how we are going to grow?).
We spent millions and millions of dollars over the years, just studying everything. But nothing was happening. Remember the Kailua to Keauhou Plan the 25 year plan. That went out the window. We didn’t build or require any connector roads. We didn’t build or require infrastructure.
What was happening? Where was the Government?
I didn’t catch on right away.
I found out back in 1991 when I was approached to help find funding for the Tot Park at the old airport. I was sent to Hilo to see what parks were in Kona and how we could get some monies to go toward a tot park. I was told that Kona has parks and there is no funding available. So I asked where are Kona’s parks? And he looked down and said right HERE. Look! So I read Palani Road. I am thinking real hard where is a park on Palani Road? Finally it hits me. The four foot medium strip down Palani Road was our park.
I was shocked. Right then I knew this island is too large to be governed from 100 miles away.
We stilled Loved Kona and wanted to raise our kids here.
When Hawaii became a state back in 1959 there weren’t 80,000 people on the west side of the island. The shear numbers of people on this island should warrant separate cities. Each City should be addressing their own needs. To have a County Council meeting that is 100 miles away is unfair. And to discuss and make decisions about us when the meeting is 100 miles away is really unfair.
Our system of a County councilmember for each district was good on a smaller scale, but now it is too large to be effective. The needs of Kohala are totally different then the needs of Pahoa.
Aren’t they all voting and making decisions for all of us too? So how can we have confidence if we don’t vote them all in? What is fair? What is our plan for the future? What is going to happen to the Big Island in 5 or 10 years from now?
The first step is the Raise the public awareness. If you don’t register and vote then you have nothing to complain about.
The second step is to bring to the State Legislature a bill to change the process of Government in Hawaii and Allow for Cities to be created. All of the Islands would be interested in voting on this one. They too have the same County “too big to handle” issues.
The third step is to find really good, motivated candidates around the island. They need to be focused on the needs of the people. They need to find out what was done and take the ball and continue running with it. If they don’t have education or experience then they should skip this job. A Councilman in Hawaii is paid approx. $40,000 plus expenses. We are looking for a Few Good Men and Women!
It’s a two year job with a possible future in line for Mayor, etc..
The candidates have to have thick skin and a good heart. Come on down!
TV Interview for Na Leo O Hawaii for Susan McGeachy 4/22/06
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