Big Island Political  Blogsites: The Big Island certainly has some great BLOG sites... My two favorites for local politics are Big Island Chronicle by Tiffany Edwards Hunt and Kona Blog by Aaron Stene. Aaron's Kona Blog focuses on West Side Hawaii developments and infrastructure. Aaron's info is so in depth -- that there are probably many who  don't appreciate how his keeping things public helps to keep those involved honest. So thanks, Aaron.  I believe it was the Hokulia Bypass road that first got him riled. HERE is one of his recent updates about the politics of that road.


 [A momentary side trip: For me it was the Waimea "mini-bypass" that first got me focused on helping to bring about some changes.  By "mini-bypass" I mean the combined Parker Ranch Connector Road and Lalamilo Connector Road (which in conjunction will provide an intra-Waimea bypass around the center of town. The Lalamilo Connector Road corridor begins on Kawaihae Road near Waiaka Bridge and runs to Mamalahoa Highway near Parker Ranch's  Rodeo grounds (along side Parker Ranch's Sandalwood development, then up the dividing line between Parker Ranch estate land and Lalamilo farmlots).  At Mamalahoa Highway it would connect to the Parker Ranch Connector Road, now expected to be completed on or before August 28, 2010. (This will complete the Parker Ranch Connector Road east as far as Pukalani Road).   I started focusing on this "mini-bypass" in about 2005. When conpleted this Lalamilo Connector Road road will alleviate traffic on Kawaihae Road--in the area where I reside. Daily, from my porch, I can see the backed up traffic on this section of Kawaihae Road. My goal was really not simply to make more roads, but rather to improve the quality of life here around the center of Waimea -- so that our town center does not become simply a strip mall around a dangerous congested roadway and single intersection (Like maybe we can become more of a pedestrian centered town.) But then two considerations were raised.... that without the Parker Ranch Connector Road in place first, the Lalamilo Connector would be of limited value since folks coming into town would still have to drive through the choke point intersection at Kawaihae/Lindsey Road and Mamalahoa Highway.  The other argument was that if we only pushed for more roads, we would likely fill them with more and more cars, with decreasing benefit overall. The point was that  we need to also focus on alternatives to single auto trips.    So for a few years I worked to have Parker Ranch comply with its 1992 rezoning commitment and build the Parker Ranch Connector Road (Phases 1 and 3 will open by August 28th 2010, resulting largely from our effects, and in compliance with a September 13, 2007 Settlement Agreement). I also worked with Parker School reps to kickstart the intra-Waimea shuttle bus. A cause that fortunately Pete Hoffmann and the South Kohala Traffic Committee took up and successfully implemented).  As well I have been involved in advocating for  for more sidewalks and trails.  But now again, I am focused back on the Lalamilo Connector Road, and have filed an agency appeal from a Board of Land and Natural Resources decision concerning this road corridor. Recently blogged about filing this Appeal HERE]


 So now to mention the other political blogsite I keep up with (as best I can). That is Big Island Chronicle. Tiffany does such a great job of soliciting and responding to comments.  For example, take a look at all of the comments on her blogs, e.g. her Guest column  (39 so far) about Councilman Kelly Greenwell controversy with the Big Island police force.  Many of us commented... HERE   Recently Tiffany mentioned  she is pregnant with her second child and may not have time to continue blogging. I for one hope she keep up her blogsite.


In terms of International Politics certainly B. I. Hui is tops... Will save that for another discussion. But in the meantime check it out HERE.