Peter Schall, Hilton Hawaiian Village's managing director, wants revitalization of what's often described as the crown jewel of Hawaii's tourism industry.
The City Council Yesterday was buried in testimony surrounding the increasingly heated issue of whether density should be increased by about 20 percent in Waikiki.
Developers and the hotel industry are strongly in support of the proposal, saying it is time to breathe new life into a crusty tourist town.
But opponents say greed is the driving force behind the proposal to implement a zoning change that would allow reduced building setbacks from sidewalks.
"There will never be a perfect plan to make Waikiki into the Shangri-La of the Pacific," said Sam Bren, chairman of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. "We can't afford to wait. Businesses can't afford to wait."
Frances Delany is concerned about more pollution, traffic, crowded sidewalks and beaches.
"I almost fell apart writing this testimony because I thought what can I say that I haven't said," said Delany, who wore a yellow "Less Density" card pinned to her dress. "I'm a senior citizen, I've seen what greed does."
The Waikiki Special District ordinance, untouched by government for 20 years, has come under scrutiny since Mayor Jeremy Harris more than a year ago proposed changing the law to spur renovation and rebuilding of Waikiki hotels.
Councilman Andy Mirikitani and some in the audience questioned why the density issue could not be considered next year with a discussion on the current 32,800 hotel room cap on Oahu.
The city Planning Department is conducting a study - with a report due in 1997 - on how the 1992 increase from the 30,000 hotel room maximum has affected public services, occupancy, room rates and tourist choices, said Cheryl Soon, chief planning officer.
"Whether we keep the cap the same or change, we want the hotels to improve because the open areas are tired looking, designs are tired looking and out of date," Soon said.
Not only are the Waikiki hotels aging, more first-class hotel rooms are needed to keep up with demand, she said.
Some people appear convinced, however, that with a new convention center opening in Waikiki in 1998, the current proposal to increase density will inevitably lead to an increase in the number of hotel rooms.
"We haven't addressed the problems we have in Waikiki right now - pollution, noise, crime," said Michelina Mayer, an eight-year resident. "What makes them think that the tourists want to come here when we can't even live under these conditions?"
But others say Waikiki needs a face lift.
"These bills offer Waikiki a blueprint for change," said David Dodge, president of the nonprofit Waikiki Improvement Association representing about 280 businesses.
"They provide the framework for basic elements that are desireable to our visitors and residents alike - open space, safe streets and design guidelines that help create a sense of place."