Posted on: Thursday, March 31, 2005
EDITORIAL
Kaka'ako project must reflect Hawai'i
The development of prime waterfront property in Kaka'ako is too important for it to become a hodgepodge of ideas from competing interests. It must reflect a unique concept that embodies Hawai'i's strong sense of place.
The Legislature is considering a bill that would require the developer of the 36-acre commercial project to include a cultural marketplace to showcase the work of Hawai'i's artists and crafts people.
Dan Dinell, executive director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, says it's a bad idea to insert a requirement at this point. A request for proposals was sent out in January, and 15 proposals have been turned in. Dinell said a marketplace concept is already part of the project's goals, though not a requirement.
Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, who introduced the bill, says the marketplace should be a requirement and embedded into the proposal.
It's understandable that the HCDA does not want too many hands stirring the pot, all adding an ingredient that may or may not work in the final product.
But let's hope that the HCDA, developers and the Legislature can all agree that this is an important project for Hawai'i and that it must be done right — with the final design reflecting the culture and physical beauty of our state.
This is not some forlorn chunk of land that will be improved by whatever is put upon it. This is prime waterfront land in the city's urban core. The right development will attract local residents and tourists alike.
Too many projects in our state have been ill-conceived, generic designs with no sense of place. If it's done right, Kaka'ako could become the signature statement of Ho-nolulu.
In the 1960s, Laurance Rockefeller set a standard for resort hotel design in the Islands, demanding that his Mauna Kea Beach Hotel respect the people, culture and environment of Hawai'i.
We hope the developer of the Kaka'ako project will set a similar standard for commercial development here. Such foresight is long overdue.
