Reader Response
Wednesday, April 3, 1996
Readers offer views on
Waikiki development
Here are more comments the Star-Bulletin received in response to the last call-in on what should be done to revitalize Waikiki:
William Kauaihilo, Kaneohe "One of the things I'd like to see is overhead crosswalks, to relieve traffic congestion by having overhead crosswalks on both Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues, all the way down."
Mae Spargur, Waikiki "I would like to see nothing more done to clutter Waikiki. This is my home since 1938. It's getting too overbearing and with tourists in mind.
"Think about the people who live here. This is our home."
Charles Ogata, Kaneohe "Maybe Kalakaua Avenue could be closed and street cars installed in the middle. I mean closed for car traffic and just have a street car running between Ala Wai Canal where the new civic center will be built and all the way to the natatorium."
Reiko Stiver, Pearl City "I don't think Waikiki needs any more hotels. There are just too many buildings, too many hotel rooms."
Barbara Swift, Hawaii Kai "I would like to see the International Market Place restored to the way it was about 30 years ago. It was very pleasant and nice to walk through, and I think it added a nice touch of green to the center of Waikiki."
Charley Brown, Aina Haina "Waikiki has already been vitalized extensively, ultimately, by the former mayor - Kalakaua Avenue and also Kuhio Avenue. There is no need to revitalize Waikiki.
"It will really add to density and people just keep forgetting that one of these days we're going to run out of water. Do people realize how much, how many gallons of water it takes to mix one yard of concrete? God's given gift, water, and one of these days we just won't have it. Enough is enough."
Brad Chang, Hawaii Kai "What I would like to see done in Waikiki is more, better beaches, more area to go to the beach.
"It seems like Waikiki beach is getting shorter and shorter, not enough sand area for tourists and locals to enjoy the beach. That's what I'd like to see, more beaches, larger areas for people to move around."
Jennifer Tharp, Makiki "I think that one of the things that we need to focus on all over the state, especially in Waikiki, are more local plants - lots, lots more local plants - more shade, more greenery, fewer high-priced stores."
Keith Lee, Pacific Palisades "What I would like to see done to revitalize Waikiki would be just to leave it the way it is, basically.
"People come here because of the way it is - not built up. We have a good thing going."