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View Point

By Nancy Lancor

Friday, January 14, 2000

Kewalo Pointe
was great mix

KEWALO Pointe, the project proposed by Andy Anderson for Kakaako, was going to be a great mix for the families and tourists of Hawaii.

There seems to be misinformation about the project, probably because the Hawaii Community Development Authority put a gag order on the release of information about the project until a determination was made.

This project, which was voted down by the HCDA, had a great appeal for everyone, including:

Walking the promenades along the waterfront and throughout the project with lots of open space with grass and Hawaiian plantings.

Outdoor waterfront dining (sorely lacking in Honolulu), even a waterfront restaurant under the shade of a huge tree reminiscent of the Tahitian Lanai.

An outdoor concert shell with seating, which would have featured both Hawaiian and top-rated music and entertainment surrounded by small kiosks with seating under umbrellas, where one could sip coffee and eat dessert while listening to music from the concerts.

This project had attracted some really great stores and restaurants that are not yet in Hawaii. There was space for Hawaiian art, crafts and aloha. There was a carousel, the old-fashioned European type built in Italy with carvings of pineapples and flowers designed just for Hawaii.

And yes, there was also a Ferris wheel like none that Hawaii has ever seen, built in Germany with special viewing cars that would let us see a 360-degree view from Diamond Head to Ewa Beach and the special blues of the water you can see only from a height.

Thousands of children, both local and visitors, would have had the view of a lifetime. There was even going to be a miniature golf course complete with waterfalls and lava rock, in a lovely Hawaiian garden-type setting.

This project had appeal for everyone. Besides the beach, where in Honolulu does one go as a family to hang out and do fun things?

Another huge benefit was that the project was completely funded by mainland money. Imagine, $138 million coming into Hawaii just to build this project developed by a local developer and local firms.

Imagine the new jobs available in one of the only depressed economies in our nation and the ongoing jobs and the yearly revenues to the state. There was no risk at all to government, only advantages.

This type of project is becoming the trend of the future because of its great appeal to so many. What better place to showcase Hawaii than a waterfront project that has a little taste of everything?

Other important factors included underground parking, a real bonus because there was lots of it, and it would have allowed waterfront property to be put to good use. Also the two-story height limit allowed mauka buildings to retain their view of the harbor and gave the project a very open feeling especially with the view corridors to the harbor.

THIS was not a dense project. It was also going to be extremely feasible financially, which was determined by one of the top marketing analysis firms in Hawaii.

The parcels that Andy Anderson had plans for only included the waterfront parcels; the remaining inland parcels were available for whatever else would suit that area.

Almost any development would have benefited from the project Anderson had proposed for the adjacent property. It also would have paved the way for the aquarium planned in the future.

So why did this project not go forward after a unanimous vote of approval? Why did Governor Cayetano kill it? Only the back-door politicos will know for sure.

No incredible views of Diamond Head, sparkling waters or joining the stars for us...

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Nancy Lancor of Kailua is designer and co-owner of
Lancor Architects Inc., architects for the Kewalo Pointe project.