Posted on: Monday, September 1, 2003

EDITORIAL
Common-sense solution to a Waikiki problem

Over the past several years, it has become increasingly clear the key to revitalizing Waikiki is to make it a place where local folks want to go.

Among those who pushed this idea hardest was the late George Kanahele, who insisted a "sense of place" for Waikiki included a strong presence of Islanders enjoying themselves and the resort.

Visitors, he reminded us, take little pleasure in seeing no one other than other visitors.

A great deal of progress has been made on this front, ranging from upgrades to the physical plant of Waikiki through the popular Brunch on the Beach and Sunset on the Beach programs. These are ideal times for tourists and locals to get to know each other.

Given the progress that has been made, it was somewhat surprising last month when the city moved to haul away the beach chairs and other equipment that old-timers and beach boys used to relax away their days on the beach.

Yes, there are rules. But it was clear that visitors enjoyed talking to the old-timers, learning lore about Waikiki and hearing some of their better tall tales.

Now, in what is surely a burst of admirable common sense, the city has reversed course and will now install additional benches and lockers at Kuhio Beach for old-timers, surfers and tourists alike.

"The locals are an important part of Waikiki," said Councilman Charles Djou, who worked with the city's Department of Enterprise Services in coming up with the plan. "They help convey the aloha spirit to our visitors."

We couldn't agree more.