[ LETTERS ]
Letter to the Business Editor
'Renaissance' does not accurately describe Beach Walk renovations
I was more than a little surprised to read the word "renaissance" in an article regarding the Beach Walk project. That was what was promised when the project was first unveiled. However, as the Beach Walk progresses, it becomes more clear to me that a renaissance is the last word in the English language that it resembles.
As so many of us believed, it was to be created as a setting that would bring the locals back to the area and give the tourist, once again, a chance to mingle and talk story with them. Somehow, I am having difficulty envisioning locals and tourist sitting in the lounge of the Trump Tower having a drink and talking story.
What is happening here? They tore down all the hotels that people stayed in and loved on the empty promise that we would have a more Hawaiian atmosphere. There used to be several little tavern-type places in Waikiki and it was great fun to go there and soak up the local color. The rents became so absorbent that it was no longer possible. I was so hoping that this Beach Walk thing would make that all possible once more.
If I sound bitter and negative it is because I am. I stayed in the Edgewater for years, and when they closed that, we moved on to the Lanai and now it is gone, as well. I know that Mr. Trump will sell all of his units and life will be good for him, but I also know that all the people that stayed in hotels that are gone would never in their wildest dreams be happy at the Trump Tower, even if they did win the lottery.
Mahalo for letting me vent.
Nancy A. Brown
Seattle