Posted on: Thursday, September 2, 2004
EDITORIAL
Future of Kaka'ako takes on new luster
For several years, the effort to develop and enhance the prime waterfront area at Kaka'ako dozed along at a relatively low energy level.
That's now suddenly changed, and for the good, we would argue.
Just recently, two development giants, General Growth Properties (owners of the nearby Ward Centers and Ala Moana Center) and Kajima Urban Development said they wanted to work together as master developers for the area.
Kajima's focus is on a proposed aquarium and ocean research center, while General Development's focus, naturally, is on retail and recreational aspects.
This combination promised to bring substantial development experience and financial muscle to the project. The idea of a central controlling development presence is particularly critical. The last thing we want to see happen on this prime piece of property is piecemeal, ad hoc development.
Now, a new vision has entered the picture. Former state senator and developer D.G. "Andy" Anderson has proposed an ambitious super plan for the area dominated by signature structures that suggest the soaring sails of the voyaging canoe Hokule'a.
The plan is far superior to Anderson's previous proposal for the area, which would have included a 130-foot Ferris wheel.
Other elements of the latest Anderson plan do echo his previous proposal, which included a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
There are, of course, many details of the Anderson proposal that demand much closer inspection, including his idea that underground parking is feasible in this near-oceanfront location.
Still, this "Sails of Hokule'a" concept comes much closer than anything else we have seen to our long-sought desire for an "iconic" development on this important waterfront parcel.
This is a brilliant opportunity to come up with something on a par with the Sydney Opera House, the Golden Gate Bridge or other such instantly recognizable Pacific Rim structures.
Anderson seeks to become the exclusive master developer for the Kaka'ako property, something the Hawai'i Community Development Corp. will have to take under careful consideration.
Within that master development, Anderson says, there could be room for critical elements of the Kajima/General Growth proposal, which includes a "world class" aquarium, housing and shops.
We're heartened that the Development Authority has said it will entertain any and all ideas for the site before settling on a plan.
Our hope is that it will take the best of each and package them into a comprehensive plan that links Honolulu to its beautiful waterfront, preserves open space and views and, yes, includes an awe-inspiring signature structure that will become instantly recognizable around the world.
