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YOU MAKE THE CALL
Here are comments the Star-Bulletin received in response to the question: Readers split on
Ala Wai Golf Course"What do you think would be the best use for the land that is now the site of the Ala Wai Golf Course?"
John Fleener, PALOLO VALLEY: "I think to make it a park, the Ala Wai Golf Course, to turn it into a park is a great idea. I think it's wonderful. Most people can enjoy it and it's just a great access from going to the beach then going to the park. It adds so much life."
Kimo Greene, SAND ISLAND: "I'm a longtime user of the Ala Wai Golf Course, and I gotta tell you that the improvements that have been made over the course of the years have made it one of the most enjoyable golf courses I have played. Considering the fact that it is as busy as it is, the green there is nice as any of the private courses that only the rich people can play. It would be a real shame to see this course go to waste to a park."
Steve Loring, KAPOLEI: "The best thing for that golf course is to leave it as it is. The reason is because of the seniors. There are a lot of seniors who live in that area and they would have a hard time taking the bus to a golf course."
Jason M. Tabarejo, HONOLULU: "I'm in favor of the redevelopment of the Ala Wai Golf Course, but not as a central park theme as the governor describes. ... My opinion is Waikiki already has enough shops and restaurants to accommodate the tourist industry. Such development would compete for consumer dollars and eventually hurt many retailers and restaurants. As for an amphitheater, the Waikiki Shell and the Blaisdell are really nice and currently underutilized. ... The governor said that "every great city has a meaningful park.' Mr. Governor, every great city has a lottery and casino. Thank you."
Jeff Wong, MANOA: "I think Ala Wai should be left as a golf course. There is no comparable site in the central area whereas there is Kapiolani Park and Ala Moana Park as significant parks in the area."
Tim Slear, WAIKIKI: "Convert it to a central park and put a miniature golf course in it. ... Maybe it would solve some of the weekday traffic snarls on the Ala Wai, especially on Wednesdays."
Max Lee, NUUANU: "The Ala Wai Golf Course is a waste of a large, precious space. Instead of just one activity that only serves one segment of the population, a central park available to all would be more democratic. Opening up the area can also alleviate some of the horrendous Waikiki congestion on Kapahulu Avenue, Ala Wai Boulevard and McCully Street."
Stephen Haus, MAKIKI: "I see a multi-use park that would include an expansion for the zoo, a major new aquarium centered on a 'dolphinarium', outrigger canoe sheds, a driving range and a Polynesian-type cultural center with lei stands, hula mound, natural amphitheater and continuous entertainment."
Sheila Hanna, MCCULLY: "I think it should be left as a golf course. I drove by Kapiolani Park today and there's hardly anybody in it, and it's a very big park. So why have two big empty spaces and get rid of all the revenue that comes from the golf?"
Katherine Leong, KAPAHULU: "The politicians are going to do what they please with our land and our tax dollars. If they must do it, have at least a par three golf course. They have one in the big city of Chicago in the middle of town, I understand."
Amy Nishiki, WAIALAE NUI: "I would prefer that the golf course stay a golf course and perhaps develop Sand Island into that park and somehow connect it to Aloha Tower Marketplace, the Ala Moana Park that is existing."
