Would be located on part of acquired park land behind the Pahoa Aquatic Center

Keaau, Hawaii – Video by David Corrigan

During a recent Puna Community Development Action Committee meeting, members heard a proposal for a new type of library in Pahoa.

In this video, Denyse Temple, president of the organization “PAALA” – Pahoa Arts & Library Association – explained the idea to the CDP Action Committee, hoping to get a general blessing from the them that the idea was in line with the intended use of county park land located behind the Pahoa Aquatic Center.

According to the communication from Temple requesting a chance to speak at the meeting, PAALA’s mission is to build a “Not-for-profit Library and Amphitheater” and says they were in discussion “with the previous administration and had their approval dependent upon PAALA receiving its 501(c)3 which has only recently been obtained. We have since requested a meeting with the present Mayor who wishes to have the committee’s input on this project prior setting an appointment.”

At the same meeting, Emily Naeole-Beason, the current councilmember representing the Puna district, said she is planning on using some of the park land for a possible homeless shelter, and encouraged Temple to engage her office in the ongoing dialogue.

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