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I finally heard back from the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division. They have confirmed that the developers have submitted the draft Environmental Impact Study and the Archaeological Inventory Survey. I was told that people familiar with the area will be reviewing the documents soon and that the deadline for comments is September 21, 2011. So if you have any comments to make about this you need to get them in soon.

If everything looks good and there are not many negative comments we should see this land get re-zoned and work can start within a year or two.

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It has been awhile since I have made the time to write or blog anything. The spirit or manna, just has not moved me. So here goes …It is a BEAUTIFUL clear sunny day in Ocean View, and I will be off to the beach with my trusty dog when I finish this entry.  So if you see me and my dog zipping along the highway in my black jeep, wave and smile!

It amazes me how in this economy where I am always hearing folks complaining that they need, work, they need money their families need to eat etc. etc.  and yet they do not seem to be able respond to a valid job offer in a timely manner, other than to accept it.  But even then that would be apparently on their terms.  A case of the tail wagging the dog perhaps?!

Case in point, the owner of my home needs some work done.  He had contacted two folk to do the work and both ended up dropping the ball and doing nothing!  Making commitments, and not following through.  That really sets my hair on fire.

I saw this as an opportunity to help Ocean View’s economy when I heard the story.  So I told two friends that are residents about it who have both shared with me their need for extra work and income, and they were so happy to have this opportunity.  As a matter of fact (unbeknownst to me), my landlord had met one of them that same evening and had discussed this opportunity as a side job for him, which he accepted!!

Both of these folk called me to thank me for suggesting them, and said they were going to put together a proposal for the owner. We are talking about staining/painting a 1300sq.ft house here, not building one.

So the question for a bid becomes:  How much stain/paint and  materials are needed to get a QUALITY job done ? Then how long will it take to complete?  Set a price for labor and you’re ready to go, add it to the cost of the materials and make a bid.  Not rocket science.

Now, I have never painted a house, but having  the above data seems to me to be clearly enough information to make an offer to do the job.  (Maybe even make a call to a professional and get a quote and come in lower to try to secure acceptance of your bid)

Well that was Sunday – Not a word to date, other than I have been told by one of my friends ” it should only take them a weekend to complete” – we shall see.  COMMUNICATE in a timely manner, that is what we do.  (blog, Tweet, FB, email, letter, smoke signals ) Or at least are suppose to do.  Especially where money is concerned.

So I have to ask myself just how badly do these folk need the job? They have not even come by to survey the property or even called about it since the offer was accepted! 

As the tenant here I know that I will be contacted by the landlord to coordinate dates and times that whomever he selects (if anyone finally comes to the table) will be pulling into my driveway, because he is a responsible person.

This behavior is not exclusive to Hawaii. I ran into quite often in Palm Springs, Ca. with licensed contractors, the prevailing attitude is that you the paying customer are at the vendors mercy!! I say NO. I pay, YOU play and by my rules in my time frame. So I will wait and see what happens for my landlord in getting this job done.

Perhaps this is a generational issue?  I personally want to put all vendors on alert, I am at your service but I am NOT at your mercy. I will not pay for lack of respect, or workmanship. Respect? Hum, that is a whole other discussion.

Moving right along I mentioned that Ocean View has three markets and wanted to point out to those of you that may be coming here to live or shop what the differences are between these three purveyors of all things to eat.

The oldest is Malama’s Market on the Prince Kuhio (ocean) side of Hwy 11. While a relatively small market it is always well stocked and the produce is always looking fresh. Not a lot of lean, or heart healthy or low salt selections. Typical of local neighborhood markets.

Despite the fact that most Hawaiians, Filipinos, Asians etc. are at HIGH risk for heart, kidney and diabetes issues. Most markets other than the biggies like Safeway, Wallmart, Target, Costco etc. located in Kailua-Kona (30 miles away), do not stock any real healthy choices. So local island folk continue to get sick, fat, and unhealthy and up goes their medical costs.

The second and third markets in Ocean View are on the Mauka (mountain) side of Hwy 11 up Lotus Blossom. They are Ocean View Market and Kahuku Market.

Ocean View Market, is large and spacious and has so much potential. They do stock some heart healthy products, HOWEVER, they are very bad at keeping their shelves stocked consistently which implies that they do not order correctly.

Also, they lack any variety in the few items that they do carry.  For example Dole Fruit cups in JUICE, rather than 4 or 5 selections they have one, Pears. I have left them a letter in their suggestion box and we shall see where that goes.

The other market on the Ace Hardware side is a small mom/pop and really promotes their liquor choices and is more like a 7/11 or convenience store than a true market. In their defense, when the owner goes fishing and they have the sign up “Fresh fish” then run and get some of the best fresh catches of the day.

I would like to end this with the fact that I will not usually post political issues here unless they are critical to Ocean View’s economy and will always be my opinion of those issues, which is indeed the case with anything I post here.  Most often Ka’u Dave and the other more professional blogger here will in 99% of the time address these issues long before they hit my radar.  So ALOHA for now stay safe, be kind to one another,  enjoy life and, “live long and prosper”.  BTW I have just competed my one year anniversary living in paradise!!!

Ka’u Aaron

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Aloha,

This is a friendly reminder that the District 6 Matters meetings are coming up soon and we will be having discussions on Hawai‘i Island’s solid waste issues with special guest Terin Gloor, Hawai‘i Island’s Chief Engineer for the Solid Waste Division for the Department of Environmental Management, at the following times and places:

Topic: Solid Waste

March 23 – 7:00 PM – Ocean View Community CenterMarch 24 – 7:00 PM – The Cooper Center, Volcano
 
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
 
Aloha,
 
Brittany Smart

District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka’u, South Kona

Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart

25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com

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I wanted to provide a brief update to the Nani Kahuku Aina Resort development.

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Living alone can be a double edged sword. While the solitude and peaceful quiet away from the sounds of “civilization can measurably lower one’s blood pressure, there is the what if “something happens”  “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” scenarios that can become an annoying tapping on the window of one’s life.

Well here in Ocean View that is no longer an issue of concern for me. As you recall I had an auto accident about a month and a half ago and was as a result connected with two professionals that I have used to care for my automobile.

One is Van Ventura, a native son,  and  master at auto body repair.  He is honest, very reasonable and a neighbor too!! 808-929-8218, I highly recommended him.

The other is a very honest, confident, and fair young man by the name of Mike Hardin.  Mike is an amazing mechanic just starting out on his own. He does everything from brakes to oil changes and also lives here in O.V.  Keep an eye out for him. 808-937-5412 or bigislandbrakes@gmail.com. In fact when I first asked Mike to do an oil change, and asked him how much, his very quick reply was “Whatever you think is fair!”. When was the last time a mechanic said that to YOU?!

Both of these gentlemen are honest and very fair and have very reasonable rates.

The reason I mention these two fine professionals (and now valued neighbors and Ohana) is that after not hearing from me for more than two weeks they both called and left voice messages (I was not able to answer). So they each stopped by on their way home that same evening  to be sure I was okay. I had been ill and was just recovering.

It was the singular most wonderful feeling to know that these two relative strangers would do what my long term friends did not. They now have a special place in my life.

Please keep them in mind should you have any issues with your automotive needs!!  It is great in these times of world wide political turmoil and social strife to know that simple humanity and good karma still prevail.

The Senior Center is a misnomer, what it is is a Nutritional program for seniors funded by the Department of Agriculture throughout America to ensure that seniors get a meal.  Now the Ocean View chapter, meets three times a week, MWF from about 9am-12pm. There are not many seats available (40 or so) they meet at the St. Jude Church.  It is mostly social, informative (non-political) , and of course a meal is provided.  (a $1.00 donation is requested if you have it.)

Once a week on Thursday’s there is a van that will (with reservations ahead of time) will transport seniors into Kailua-Kona for Dr’s appointments, shopping etc. Good job!!!

There apparently is a local organization called the Senior Club that is more politically focused and I have not had time to investigate that group as of now. But I assure you that it is on my To Do list.

Now onto my final topic for this posting, (being technically challenged this is my third attempt to enter this)  If  you are traveling through Ocean View and have the munchies or are just down right hungry please stop an enjoy a meal at Ocean View Pizzaria.  They have amazing pizzas, and they even make their own Pesto sauce topping using macadamia nuts to keep it kama’aina!   There are also a great assortment of sandwiches and subs to choose from and healthy salads as well.  Top off your meal with one (?) of their homemade cookies!!!  They are located between markers 76 & 77 off Hwy 11 in the Ocean View Town Center just across from Ace Hardware.  Their hours are: Sun.-Thurs. 11am – 7pm and Fri. -Sat. 11am – 8pm.  808-9299677.

Well gentle readers enough said for this visit hope you all take care, stay healthy and be kind to one another!  Aloha for now

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Aloha Friends,

There will be an upcoming community meeting sponsored by Nani Kahuku ‘Aina, LLC, March 2 at 6:00pm in the Na‘alehu Community Center in Na‘alehu. They are seeking community input on Kahuku Villages, a proposed development in Ka‘?.

Please consider attending this event if you would like to learn more about it and let them know your thoughts as well. For more information please email: info@kahukuvillages.com

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Aloha,

Brittany Smart

District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South Kona

Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart

25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com

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As always, the views expressed herein are my own. They are not meant to do anything more than share my experience and are subject to change as I grow and change.

Upon first hearing about this bill I was quick to say NO, get your hands out of our pockets!!  Everything here (Hawaii)  feels SO expensive and over inflated already, however, after reading Bill 324 I really had to do some serious soul searching particularly as a new comer to the islands.  I had to make many paradigm shifts in my thinking.

I  tend to be quick to react to certain things from a visceral stand point rather than exhaling and examining the facts.  I had to remind myself of several things and do some historical homework.  Here is what I came up with:

First rule of Hawaii is don’t compare it to someplace on the mainland.   Rules are different here.   Always will be. (?)   This is a former Monarchy, not a state. When you say “In California…” most people automatically dismiss the comment. Just a word of advice.

This is an example of that “Hawaiian Thing…” comment/mind set I was referring to in my first post.  It makes me feel like it is a failure to evolve in many cases.  We cannot politically have the best of a Monarchy and a Democracy and hope to move forward in the 21st Century.  It is a recipe for continuing financial failure.  IMHO

If  I were to compare County of Hawaii to Santa Barbara, Ca. or San Diego, Ca. I would quickly see that  they each have their own city tax to pay, (which is probably grossly higher with State and County taxes too, than our taxes).   Not that I am justifying taxation, just perspective. My friend in Honaunau’s property tax is about 95% lower than it would be if they lived in California. 5 acres with ocean view, working coffee farm in Santa Barbara?  Probably 10k a year in tax. Their tax? $500.

I don’t yet have the long-term perspective.   But for a while it appears, Hawaii had a hotter construction market than Oahu, and Maui wasn’t even close. Largely because of off-islanders and second-homes. I am okay with taxing them more, as absentee landlords not living in the state of Hawaii. If you can afford two homes, you can afford the  taxes.

It’s easy to rail against taxes.    But Ocean View has paid very little in taxes over the years because of the low value of their homes.  Public Records are online for each and every property in the county.

http://www.hawaiipropertytax.com/Main/Home.aspx

Yet they have lobbied for years for a Transfer Station, Water Well, fire station, police station, etc. Where does this money come from??? Taxes. Yep. That’s the nature of the beast.   And our taxes will go up when they get these things (especially water) as the value of our homes will go up.

If you want to blame anyone, blame developers that build land schemes without contributing to the infrastructure. Hellooooo Ocean View! Built for cheap with no services.   Now the county has to step up and it costs money.

Read Hoffman’s bill. It’s only on new construction and there are exemptions for low-income housing. I don’t think it will affect many of the residents in O.V., and it won’t affect me. I’ll support it for that reason.   http://co.hawaii.hi.us/planning/ipfna/bill324_comm.pdf

But again that is just me, I do not own property here.    I rent.  Mahalo for now, as I step off of this shaky soapbox.  Aaron

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Allow me to begin by qualifying that the opinions, observations and suggestions stated herein are mine alone.  There is no judgment intended and are indeed subject to change as I grow and become more one with Hawaii.  The two business’ I refer to herein, are with the express authorization of the owners. That will always be the case in my postings when I am recommending someone or some service in Ocean View.

I have lived here for three short months in an area of the sub division called the “Ranchos”. Very clean living, very isolated, great view day and night. Few insects, no wild pigs, feral goats, mongooses or crime ( In the Ranchos at least). The neighbors are very alert to things going in their neighborhood, even while you may not have met them, they will have your back if you need assistance.

What a remarkable place this is!! The second largest residential sub division in the world! It is a very eclectic place to live and very diverse in all it’s offerings. Now it may not be for everyone, but all are welcome nonetheless.  There appears to be a very strong sense of community as well and individuality here.  It just up the road from South Point coming from Hilo.  South Point is the southern most location of the United States.

There are three (3) shopping areas all within a block of one another and all just off of Hwy 11. So if you are passing by this way there are three easily accessible gas stations, three choices of markets, a computer repair store, ACE Hardware, a great pizza parlor, a Veterinarian, a bakery and US Post Office, and much more just off the Hwy near mile marker 76.  For those of us who live here they are all, in most instances no more than 10 minutes away from home.  I plan to elaborate on the individual business’ in future postings.

I have heard things not so nice about this southern most area of the Big Island, first off that it was a mecca for corruption in politics, and meth. Is that true? I have not observed or experienced either first hand.

I will admit that while doing my marketing, and at the “Every Saturday Swap Meet” there are some folks that appear to need assistance, who have clearly had hard lives and clearly as a result of some substance abuse.

But in retrospect I have seen this type of person all over America in every city I have lived in.  Let your common sense guide you, do not judge too harshly, but be cautious, be a good person and you will most likely be positively rewarded ( in my opinion).

I have also often been given the answer “ah, that is the Hawaiian way...” when asking why something appears out of the ordinary.  I feel that indeed that has become just a scapegoat phrase in many instances,  just to justify bad behavior or flat out lawlessness.  Not having anything to do with reality, Hawaiians, or the law. In retrospect I have never heard that from a native born Hawaiian.

But I must add that there are indeed unique  Hawaiian ways of conducting one’s self that can keep you out of harms way, or being misunderstood.  Take time to do your homework and learn the real Hawaiian  customs as well as  the ancient language as best you can. It will only serve you well. Particularly if you choose to live in Hawaii.

I have observed here the occasional tourist that ask locals (or at least those they perceive as locals), things like: “Do you live in a grass shack? …” or  “Do you accept American money here? …” the list is endless and I have learned to  just smile and try to answer in a way that educates and supports their awareness of Hawaii.  This so offended me at first, but then the reality is that  we cannot be accountable for someone else s ignorance.  Our responsibility is to enlighten them and send them on their way.

If you are moving to or planning to move to Ocean View stop by, explore, and visit Kahuku Gift and Garden Shop, the ladies who work there will give you great service, and information about all things Ocean View, free local maps, as well as some very interesting garden plants and gift items.  They are located just behind the Spirit gas station on the Prince Kuhio side of the Hwy.

I was recently involved in an almost fatal car crash on my way into Kailua-Kona. Be cautious and mind your speed particularly when it is wet on the roads between markers 90-100.  The winding highway was laid incorrectly as a “Crown” road rather than tilted left or right to accommodate traffic on the curves.

Indeed the road to Kona from the south was originally built to follow the winding pathways created by wagons and donkey trains in and out of the world famous Kona Coffee plantations of old, and Puuhonua o Honaunau ( City of Refuge) .  Now I must say that construction did not take into consideration today’s traffic needs and safety, so gentle reader, do exercise extreme caution. The speed limits are not set to hinder you but rather to protect you and others.  But when it is wet it is more important not to speed along this portion of the Hawaii Beltway.

As a result of this accident, I have met another of my neighbors who has a home grown business repairing auto body damage.  He is honest, his work is qualitative, his rates are more than fair. (he also does handyman work!) he and his family are at your service.  His name is Van and he can be reached at 808-929-8218 if you find yourself needing auto body assistance.

I strongly believe in supporting and advocating the talents and skills of those who are my neighbors.It only helps to strengthen your community.

As time goes on I will be exploring the Senior Center here in Ocean View and sharing my observations of the services it provides the senior community.  As well sharing what needs may exist that  all of us may choose share in to keep our community whole.

This is true indeed, of most of the larger communities in Ka’u.  I am looking to create a Network between all the Community Centers/Services throughout Ka’u.

More than 50% of the population of the Hawaiian Islands and for that matter the entire US (2010 Census) are over 50 years old.  Not all of us have family (Ohana) left, or nearby and we cannot assume anyone’s financial status based on their age.  So regardless of where you happen to be living take a moment to make yourself  aware of the elderly or handicapped person who may live near you. Take the neighborly step and introduce yourself and your Ohana to them and then check in with them,  from time to time. I promise it will be greatly appreciated and you will have strengthened your community as well.

Well I have rambled on long enough, but take care of yourselves and your communities, and be happy, safe, and thoughtful.

Aloha for now – Ka’u Aaron