Growth promises to transform sprawling, diverse Hawaii island

CREDITS Dennis Francis President and Publisher Frank Bridgewater Vice President / Editor Ed Lynch Managing Editor / News Marsha McFadden City Editor George F. Lee Photo Editor Don't miss out on what's happening! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE! Email Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service Opens in a new tab and Privacy Policy Opens in a new tab. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Mary Vorsino Reporter Jamm Aquino Photographer Bryant Fukutomi Graphic Artist Celia K. Downes Copy Editor

There are myriad facets to Hawaii island — the raw power of Kilauea volcano, the trendy Kona Coast, sleepy Hilo, the roots of Hawaiian royalty, the ranching traditions of pani­olo country. A land of verdant pastures, rugged aa, snow-capped peaks and sun-splashed beaches, the Big Island easily accommodates rustic living, world-class resorts, mom-and-pop shops, cutting-edge astronomy, marine science and geothermal energy.

The county’s population is increasing faster than any other in the state, so its future hangs in the balance. Reporter Mary Vorsino and photographer Jamm Aquino recently spent time there to capture firsthand the stories of coping with more homes, more people and more need for the conveniences of modern living. Small towns and neighborhoods on Hawaii island are at a critical juncture — hoping to carve out an economically viable future while preserving a sense of community and local culture.

This section examines the island in three parts: the hub of growth, the everyday struggle of expansion, and the future envisioned by island youth, who must decide whether to stay or leave.

Marsha McFadden
City editor

OUR BIG ISLAND TEAM

Mary Vorsino has been covering Hawaii news for more than a decade, writing everything from breaking news to long-form enterprise pieces. She joined the Star-Advertiser in 2010, and has a master’s degree in political science from the University of Hawaii. Follow her on Twitter @mvorsino Opens in a new tab.

Jamm Aquino has been a staff photographer since March 2005, when he was hired by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin while finishing up his bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Hawaii. He has won numerous photojournalism awards. He maintains a photo blog on the Star-Advertiser website, “Aperture Cafe,” and can be followed on both Twitter and Instagram with his handle, @jammaquino Opens in a new tab.

PART 1: HEART OF CHANGE

Over the last decade, Hawaii County’s population swelled by nearly 25 percent, the highest growth rate in the state. The epicenter of that growth has been the Puna district, where the new neighbors have brought the promise of new industry and development but have also spurred questions about inadequate infrastructure and overdevelopment.

>> Pahoa striving to balance progress and preservation Page 4 Opens in a new tab
>> Bad infrastructure lacks easy solution Page 8 Opens in a new tab
>> ‘Your life is the bus’ Page 12 Opens in a new tab
>> Highway is rife with hazards Page 14 Opens in a new tab
>> Photo gallery, Part 1 Opens in a new tab

PART 2: A NEW ATTITUDE

Kau is the largest district on Hawaii island. It is also its least populated. But more people have been venturing into Kau to find land bargains in Ocean View, once known as a place rife with drugs and crime. Today about 6,000 people call Ocean View home — up from less than 1,000 in 1990 — and the influx of families and retirees has brought a sense of community to a place once known as the “wild, wild west.”

>> Taming the ‘West’ Page 18 Opens in a new tab
>> Life after sugar Page 24 Opens in a new tab
>> ‘We are really lacking in medical help’ Page 26 Opens in a new tab
>> Photo gallery, Part 2 Opens in a new tab

PART 3: THE NEXT GENERATION Page 28

Hawaii island youth face big challenges, from a high unemployment rate to a lack of opportunities. To make ends meet, many migrate to Kona or Hilo or leave the island altogether. Educators and officials acknowledge there is considerable work to do to give youth more choices after graduation, but there is also hope in the future.

>> New initiatives aim to combat ‘brain drain’ Page 28 Opens in a new tab
>> Farming in focus Page 24 Opens in a new tab
>> Students build homes, pride Page 26 Opens in a new tab
>> Photo gallery, Part 3 Opens in a new tab