Focus Groups

In September 2005, the consultant team conducted a series of focus group structured interviews with stakeholder groups that included special interest groups, representatives of the tourism industry, businesses, representatives of the development community, large and small property owners, native Hawaiians, long-term residents, and newcomers. These interviews were structured to expose perceptions and attitudes on issues.

Seven key perception that emerged from the interview are listed below:

Land Use

Low density gated development patterns inconsistent with the area’s culture and character

Transportation

Heavy congestion due to lack of north-south and east-west connectivity and limited choices in transportation alternatives

Housing Affordability

High land prices and a lack of affordable housing in proximity to jobs

Demographics

The population got older, and the income gap between newcomers and established grew wider

Environmental Degradation

Deforestation, increased occurrence of flash floods, water and air quality deterioration, and lack of controls on slope development

Cultural Preservation

Conflict over development and the protection of ancestral lands

Governance

Growing concerns about the fairness of revenue investments in Kona