Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Editorial
Plan for Leeward zoo makes long-term sense

While it should hardly be the top item on the city's hard-pressed budget agenda, the idea of creating a new Honolulu Zoo at Kalaeloa, the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station, makes sense.

Councilman John DeSoto, who represents the area, wants a study on the feasibility of creating a major new zoological facility at Kalaeloa.

His reasoning: The current location of the Zoo in Waikiki is land-locked, with no room for expansion. DeSoto envisions a major zoo, something on the order of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which is a major tourist attraction.

The current Honolulu Zoo, while pleasant, is not in and of itself a major tourist attraction.

A major facility, particularly one that focused on the exotic species of Asia and the Pacific, could be a significant draw for visitors.

The 42 acres occupied by the Zoo in Waikiki could then be converted to additional open space and park use.

DeSoto's idea for a study is a good one. Attendance at the current site is slowly declining, while the cost of maintaining the facility goes up.

At some point, a decision about the long-term future of the Zoo will have to be made. The time to begin planning for that moment is now.