Big Island General and Real Estate News

On the Big Island of Hawaii, some people are heartsick and angry about a plan to cut down a big old banyan tree on Alii Drive on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. They say the “church men don't see that that glorious banyan tree does not belong to them, it belongs to everyone who has driven by and enjoyed its beauty.” They say to cut down the beautiful tree to put up a “greasy parking lot” is a tragic and selfish thing. They say it's part of Kona and part of them. “Its branches have shaded us for 100 years, it watched Kona grow up around it and saw little shacks blossom into modern (Big Island of) Hawaii.” Island Gregory, and island resident, also said that it is the definitive hypocrisy to destroy the “glorious tree” and using the wood from it to build a church. He feels it already is a church. Gregory said, “Shame on you Christians who, once again, in the name of God, are destroying God's beautiful creations.” Hawaiian lands are not only sacred to those who have long roots in The Islands. Seems the land, the fish, the animals, and even the trees come to be sacred to those whose roots are not so long, too. As an aside , if searching for Big Island Real Estate then might I recommend this resource, it is top notch.
Water can be scarce even on an island in the middle of the sea. Hilo County of the Island of Hawaii is considering a law to give the police the power to protect the drinking water supply from squander and misuse by watching for water waste at emergency water spigots.
The County Council would limit water to 55 gallons per day and require the use of containers no larger than 55 gallons. They also want to set penalties of up to $500 and 30 days in jail for individuals drawing more than the allotted 55 gallons of water a day.
Water use would still remain on an honor system and no meters are planned.Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento says, "We're not in any way saying you can't take it for drinking water -- it will still be a free service," Mento said.