[ BRAINSTORM! ]

---

Little hill, big space,
loads of concepts

Kapolei's Fort Barrette has darkened
tunnels that need bright ideas

Next month's Brainstorm

---

By Nancy Christenson
nchristenson@starbulletin.com

IT'S the only high spot in the Ewa Plain. As you'll read here, that made the site a natural heiau and beacon for ancient Hawaiians. But soldiers of the U.S. Army climbed up the little hill called Pu'uokapolei and thought, guns. Big guns.

Called Kapolei Military Reservation until 1934, Fort Barrette was home to cannons protecting the flanks of Pearl Harbor. Just after the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack, the site was built up and the cannons were "casemated" inside large, protective shelters. Later, the Army placed Nike missiles at the site, then pretty much abandoned it in the late 1950s.

The casemates are large concrete galleries open on one end, and served by a network of tunnels big enough to drive Jeeps through. Everything was covered by dirt, rocks and scrub by the Army, making the hill even bigger. Coast-defense buffs say the site is one of the last pristine casemated cannon batteries in the country, and that it is historically significant. Kapolei's stable temperature and humidity have helped to preserve it.

In the meantime, we've got a hollow hill in Kapolei. Last month we asked readers for ideas about how to use the underground tunnels and galleries. Here's how some of them responded:

---

The United States still hasn't demonstrated the good will redress that President Clinton's apology initiated. I think any unused property should be put at the Hawaiians' disposal.

The United States owes Kanaka Maoli so much that a bunker is an infinitesimal drop in the bucket. Maybe they could use it to make their own basement of precious artifacts like Bishop Museum does.

Victoria Rectenwald
Kailua

Use the underground storage site for Makakilo Drive potholes. Don't know if it's feasible; I'm neither a scientist nor an engineer, but then the City & County of Honolulu doesn't seem to have a better solution.

If the potholes are really anti-matter, does the storage site have the proper encasement and permits? More important, will implementation further exacerbate the (also ongoing) traffic problem? Somebody out there help me with this!

I got the idea while driving "cross country" down Makakilo Drive. Lots of time to think about the age-old question, "Does the doughnut define the hole, or vice versa?"

Eureka! The constant patching seems to be going nowhere, somewhere or down the (storm) drain (the cute orange bumpers nothwithstanding).

If we were to store the potholes, we would alleviate the problem and save enough asphalt for the long-promised Makakilo Drive repaving, maybe even the longer-promised extension! We would then only have to finally decide if we will have enough saved asphalt to fix the lower half, the upper half or (another Brainstorm?) the "bad half" in the middle.

Given a few more treks down the drive, I should have enough time to figure this whole thing out. I'll get back to you.

Dick Griggs
Kapolei

I propose a museum of secret military history (declassified, of course) to give visitors a better perspective of how we come to live in a national security state from the formative stages of European colonial expansion.

Part of the facility could be an exact recreation of the same underground "cities" where Vice President Cheney keeps hiding out, thousands of which are hidden (and paid for by us!) across the U.S.A.

Then there is American spycraft, which is a complex, bizarre and innovative extravaganza of sinister ephemera. Assassination tools of the CIA (like the M-1 dart gun) and secret aircraft models (like the "Stealth" now openly bombing Iraq and Afghanistan) could round out the exhibit.

A great addition to Hawaii.

Bryan Evans
Hilo, Hawaii

This facility, though now owned by the government of Honolulu, is a former World War II architectural artifact. As such, it is of historical value and should be preserved. It should be restored to its former character for the edification of today's residents of the state of Hawaii.

The Army Corps of Engineers listing indicates it has potential to contain hazardous materials. Whether or not environmental action is still needed after all these years should be resolved.

Scott Allen
Kailua

Assuming it is "hardened" and has the power and communications capability, why not move the Civil Defense Headquarters from Diamond Head? There may be compelling reasons to go either way, but if Diamond Head is obsolete or overexposed, why not move?

Sandy Brodie
Hanalei, Kauai

The parcel known as Fort Barrette was given to the city by the federal government with the condition that it remain in recreation use in perpetuity. For the city to use the parcel for any other purpose, the federal government must receive payment of fair market value for the lands.

The Fort Barrette parcel is technically on the maps as an undeveloped portion of the Kapolei Regional Park. Area residents and youth have participated in the lengthy planning process to develop Fort Barrette into a usable recreation asset for the new city of Kapolei. Current plans include a native Hawaiian garden, archery range, skateboard park, comfort station, recreation center and parking lot.

Pam Witty-Oakland
Makakilo

Recently I watched a documentary that showed how a magnificent museum was built on a Japanese mountaintop. The Miho Museum project was designed by the famed architect I.M. Pei and employed an army of the country's best engineers and contractors.

What is most memorable was all the effort that went into making two buildings -- totaling 215,000 sq. ft. -- look like they were built into the mountain. We already have a structure that achieves some of that effect, and with renovations and infrastructure work we could convert Fort Barrette into a contemporary museum that visitors might want to experience.

It could have a viewing room with timeline footage spotlighting places, people and events that shaped our islands politically and economically. We could show what a big story pineapple and sugar were and how their demise is influencing change in today's Hawaii.

There is really no limit to what we could display and feature and it would not conflict with the Bishop Museum. Tourists need a good reason to venture out of Waikiki, and this could develop into a worthwhile stop for today's curious and intelligent traveler.

Tom Rude Sr.
Mililani

The underground facility in Kapolei could be used for a Costco warehouse store. Great place for Kapolei people to warehouse shop -- out of the sun -- save on electricity.

Mildred Costa
Honolulu

Depending on how large it is, excavate tunnels to the surface for access and additional light and air. Install an air-conditioning plank plus heating system if required. Build a tiled kitchen with air extraction fans for food preparation and adequate disposal system.

Bring in Diamond Head Plumbing to install showers, toilets and drainage.

Paint the whole interior in bright, psychedelic Hawaii theme colors. Install adequate lighting throughout and as many bunk beds as is reasonably possible. Create intern office space at the main entrance, with appropriate staff, plus rooms for counseling. And begin interviewing all homeless candidates of Oahu for temporary residence and possible re-entry into jobs of their choice, removing them from parks and beaches downtown.

Benches outdoors could be added for relaxation and smokers, not forgetting a touch of landscaping, in which they might assist. I have no doubt that if people can survive in the Underground Stations of London, it would be a luxury to give them an official home.

John L. Werrill
Honolulu

>> Instead of shipping state prisoners to a private facility in Mississippi at the taxpayer's expense, keep them and the money here in Hawaii. The underground bunker would be ideal. Have the prisoners fix up the facility themselves. The state can use the prisoners for other projects around the island or create a work center at the facility. Keeping the prisoners here in Hawaii, close to their relatives and outreach programs, would only help prepare them for when they are released into society once again as an asset to Hawaii and not a debit.

>> The bunker would be an ideal place for the homeless. They could help fix up the facility; programs could teach them once again how to be contributing members of society. (Some homeless people already are -- they just can't afford the housing here on Oahu.)

This country has been giving out "fish" to the financially disadvantaged for more than 70 years. For the most part, this only creates dependency. What we need to do is show the disadvantaged "how to fish" so they no longer have to be dependent on assistance.

>> We could have catacombs. This could help solve the shortage of cemetery space here on Oahu and help decrease prices for burials.

>> Teen club. A great place for dances, talent shows and other indoor activities. Not all teens are into sports. Not all teens are into watching other teens being successful in different activities. An underground bunker could be the place to help teens succeed at almost any form of creativity. Hawaii could be the model for the nation in creating an environment where teens can succeed in almost unlimited directions. Yes, schools have after-hours activities, but they are too formatted to the school agenda. A less formal approach is much more appealing. What teenager wouldn't think that, isn't it cool to go to the "bunker" for some fun?

>> Aquarium

>> Punishment location, with menial tasks for any government employee who has been written up too many times for misconduct. Instead of firing former UH President Evan Dobelle, move the presidential "residence" to this facility.

>> Underground amusement center/shooting gallery

>> Location for sci-fi movie

Seriously, the "teen" idea is my No. 1 choice, with prisoners and homeless running second and third. Private or federal funding is a good possibility. The city also could raise money through bonds. I am opposed to government continuing to expand different projects at the taxpayers' expense, but I become disturbed when it lets great opportunities pass.

The old Kakaako pumping station, which you exposed in an earlier Brainstorm!, is still an embarrassment and should be an issue in the mayoral race. Let's just hope something useful becomes of the bunker.

Miles Williamsohn
Mililani

Transfer the Department of Transportation out to Kapolei and let its employees commute with the rest of the public who sit in gridlock on a daily basis. Experience is the best teacher.

Michael Nomura
Kailua

Fort Barrette's large underground facility can be used in many ways and for many purposes. With proper air-conditioning and ventilation improve- ments, the facility could be used as a civil defense headquarters, with enough support space to house a small elementary school and/or day care center.

But the facility is most valuable as an emergency disaster relief storage and distribution center in the event of another Iniki-type hurricane, which could disrupt the Leeward coast for several months.

This storage and distribution center would act as a back-up to the American Red Cross relief efforts to house, clothe and feed the thousands of families expected to be displaced from their homes.

The facility could house such items as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, water filters, basic medical and first aid supplies, nonperishable foods like cereals, rice, powdered milk and juices, solar-powered cooking equipment, batteries, generators, radios, TVs, walkie- talkies, cell phones, toilet tissue, tools and anything else one would need to survive during and after a disaster. For transportation during the relief efforts in the event roads and highways are impassable, possibly several hundred bicycles equipped to carry supplies a distance of several miles to supply shelters with basic necessities for the disaster victims.

Better yet, the facility might also be used for storage and distribution for the Hawaii Foodbank.

Neal Wu
Honolulu

---

A brief history of Pu'uokapolei

The best use? Enrich community
with 2,000 years of culture

The correct name for the referenced place is Pu'uokapolei, not Fort Barrette.

The cultural history of Pu'uokapolei is 2,000 years old, as compared to the military history of only 50 years. The underground facility you speak of could more appropriately be used to serve a community/cultural purpose.

Pu'uokapolei is an old name. Identified by Lt. Malden, a cartographer on board George Vancouver's ship during the 1790s and documented on "Malden's Map of 1825." Pu'uokapolei is identified as a Leina Ka Uhane (conduit to the afterlife) in a kanikau written by Kekuapo'i in 1784 in honor of her husband Kahahana, the last ruling Mo'i of the island of O'ahu. In the latter part of the 1600s, it is the first name mentioned in a mele inoa written by Kuali'i Mo'i of the island of O'ahu identifying the places where the Makahiki games were played during his rule.

During the 1800s, Hawaiian historian Sam Kamakau identified Pu'uokapolei as the location of the largest and most sacred heiau in the Ahupua'a of Honouliuli. It was the residence of Kamaunuaniho, mother of Hina and grandmother to Kamapua'a. It was used as a landmark for travelers in ancient times along a trail now known as Farrington Highway. It was a place of solar observation and identified as the "O'ahu Calendar," a marker for the seasons.

The Kapolei Hawaiian Civic Club, in a partnership with the city and the Estate of James Campbell, has created and tends the "Pu'uokapolei Interpretive Native Garden," a garden of native plants and cultural resources. Mayor Harris' Vision Team efforts have provided for the start of construction of the Pu'uokapolei Hula Mound, which will serve our community as a center of learning and the practicing of hula.

The underground facilities could be used for the sustainability of the Hawaiian cultural history of the Second City of Kapolei.

Shad S. Kane, president
'Ahahui Siwila Hawaii o Kapolei
Kapolei

---

---

BACK TO TOP
|

[ BRAINSTORM! ] Hawaii's police officers are forced to endure the tropical heat and humidity in dark blue uniforms. It must get pretty uncomfortable, especially for the solo-bike officers. So this month's question is: If you could design a new uniform for our hard-working public safety officers, what would it look like? (Be nice!) Think about material, color, footwear and the different departments (patrol, detectives, solo bike, bicycle ...). We'd love to hear from members of our police force for this one, too. Send your ideas -- include your name, address and phone number -- by Aug. 20 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.com Or by mail: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson Star-Bulletin 500 Ala Moana 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Or by fax: Brainstorm! c/o Nancy Christenson 529-4750