EDITORIAL
Waikiki upgrade must consider residents

After years of suffering from both commercial and political neglect, Waikiki is on a roll.

City efforts to upgrade the experience along Kalakaua Avenue, including landscaping, wider sidewalks and even free beach events, have been a huge boost. Waikiki landowners and businesses also have contributed, forming a Business Improvement District in which they voluntarily "tax" themselves for physical improvements.

And now, the Waikiki Improvement Association has come up with a revised set of goals for the area that should further guarantee a positive future for the resort.

One major reason for the updated plan is to make sure it fits in with, and informs, the city's own plan for Waikiki. That makes good sense.

But a key point in these plans, and one that will help ensure success, is that the improvements and changes sought are not aimed strictly at visitors. They are designed to improve the experience of living in or visiting Waikiki for local residents.

That's critical. The lesson has been well-learned that Waikiki cannot succeed as a tourist "ghetto." It has to be a place that works well for those of us who live here.

Visitors make it clear that they relish the experience of interacting with and enjoying activities with local people. That cannot easily happen if local folks see no reason to be in Waikiki.

As the improvement of Waikiki moves forward, it is important that planners constantly keep in mind that the best way to make the area a success for visitors is to make it appealing and worthwhile for those who live here.