ISLAND VOICES
Changes to Waikiki justified
By Barbara Kim Stanton
Executive director of the city Office of Waikiki Development
Rico Leffanta's conclusions about the city's improvements in Waikiki ("Island Voices," April 4) are wrong.
Waikiki is rich in history and culture. Its businesses provide jobs for about 38,700 of our people, and it is home to 20,000 residents. Waikiki has a total assessed property value of $8.9 billion — 7 percent of the value of all property in the state, and, last year, Waikiki accounted for about half of the $10.1 billion in total visitor expenditures.
The $50 million in city improvements over the past few years honors that history, creates more jobs and improves lives of the great majority of the 100,000 people who live, work and visit this community each day. All of them benefit from city services, facilities and infrastructure. That is why the city will continue to invest in Waikiki.
Moreover, that city investment has triggered private sector commitments of about $700 million, and everybody benefits from this economic shot in the arm.
A number of Mr. Leffanta's statements are incorrect and I want to set the record straight:
• No trees were removed to make way for the popular Sunset on the Beach. Months ago, diseased ironwoods were replaced by healthy trees at Kapi'olani Park. That was done after certified arborists, as well as The Outdoor Circle, agreed that the rotted trees presented a significant safety risk to passersby. Further, the city planted more healthy ironwoods, for an increase in trees.
• We did not reduce the beach area, we widened it. This is part of an incredible transformation of Waikiki over the last several years. We continue to get accolades about the greening of Waikiki — the hundreds of added trees, lush landscaping, flowers, our new bandstand and art works in our parks.
• Sunset on the Beach and Brunch on the Beach bring thousands of residents and visitors together to enjoy Waikiki. Businesses will tell you that these programs are a tremendous boost to the economy.
• Kalakaua Avenue sidewalks are not covered with tile but with the highly regarded quartzite — a durable, nonslip, water-absorbing stone — which is widely used throughout the state in numerous public and private resort and beach areas.
• No matter what Mr. Leffanta believes about prostitution, it is illegal, and history doesn't change that. It victimizes women and children, supports illegal drug activity and other forms of crime.
An effective no-prostitution zone was established in Waikiki with the support of the Honolulu Police Department, the city's Prosecutor's Office and several other law-enforcement agencies. However, like cancer, prostitution is not easily eradicated, but we will continue to enforce the law.
• The mayor has always and will always uphold the laws, including those regarding areas where animals are permitted on Kalakaua Avenue and Waikiki Beach. Signage designates where dogs are permitted along the Kapi'olani Park perimeter and at the Diamond Head end.
Some signs were removed and replaced due to normal wear and tear. Others were removed when construction began and will be replaced when it finishes.
Additionally, activity is allowed when proper permits are obtained. Mr. Leffanta took a Hawaiian Humane Society event and thoroughly distorted it. The society had obtained the proper permits for its annual dog walk in the park.
• It was unfortunate Waikiki News ceased publication. It played a vital communications role. We contributed regularly to Steve Lent's publication and thank him for his service to our community. Steve's paper provided the city with a link to the Waikiki community, and we hope he will be able to resume publication when the economy turns around.
Much has been accomplished in Waikiki thanks to Mayor Jeremy Harris, his team, the support of the City Council and the partnership of many others in the visitor industry and community organizations. We're proud of the improvements, and so is the great majority of our community.
