Posted on: Saturday, October 13, 2001

Editorial
Time for Waikiki to offer a deal on parking

One of the most heartening things to come out of the economic crisis in the wake of Sept. 11 is the way people are working to help each other.

Business leaders are trying to help out Waikiki, where tourism has plummeted, by giving their employees money to spend — in Waikiki.

Local people haven't always felt welcomed in Waikiki but are putting that aside in these tough times and are visiting the resort area shops and restaurants. It's a good idea — tourism's economic health is vital to our state. And it's a chance for local folks to get reacquainted with the area.

Waikiki can do its part, too, by lowering a barrier to its accessibility — parking. Hotels can help make it easier for locals to visit by lowering parking rates and making valet parking more affordable on an ongoing basis.