'Geneva of Pacific' idea revived

Advertiser Staff

Sen. Rod Tam yesterday resurrected the notion of making Kaka'ako Makai the center of a "Geneva of the Pacific" in Honolulu as part of a package to stimulate the state's economy.

With Bishop Museum no longer interested in building a science center there, and Gov. Ben Cayetano's proposed aquarium making no headway, Tam said as many as 25 acres might be freed for waterfront commercial unit, a multicultural museum and village, and other buildings to promote O'ahu as an international gathering place.

Tam, D-13th (Downtown, Nu'uanu, Sand Island), chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technology, said the committee approved an economic stimulus package that directs the state to help pay for "Geneva" project planning.