To listen to the opposition to the proposed Alexander & Baldwin project at Kaka'ako Makai, one would think that the sky is, indeed, falling. The hysteria has now reached the point where Congressman Neil Abercrombie and some residents are seriously contemplating shooting the messenger: the Hawai'i Community Development Authority — an agency that for the past 30 years has steadfastly fulfilled its legislative mandate: to turn a dump into a diamond.

Have you taken a ride through the area lately?

You'll find a desolate wasteland, filled with abandoned vehicles, trash, broken glass, concrete and chain-link fences. It's not only an eyesore, it's also dangerous.

A&B proposes to turn this ugliness into a gleaming residential, cultural and recreational district, complete with landscaping, increased accessibility to the ocean, expanded parking, a farmers market, an amphitheater and a retail complex, with shops and restaurants where we can all enjoy ourselves.

What's not to like?

Plenty, say the opponents. First, there are those nasty condos. Well, you don't have to take Econ 101 to realize that all the goodies will not come for free. Last time I looked, we were a society that valued private enterprise, and when the private sector does something wonderful that won't cost the public a cent — and even pays for it — that's an incredible deal. We shouldn't be bashing A&B. We should be praying that it won't realize it is offering us too much and decide to pull out.

Then there's the accessibility situation. On this, one must recognize that the surfers — the present users and naysayers — are notorious for guarding their territory. Propose increasing attendance at their favorite spot and what do you expect them to say?

So, what do the opponents want for Kaka'ako? Most have no idea; many say a park. Nice idea in concept, but terrible in reality. I refer you to the badly underused Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and the Ala Moana Beach Park, havens for the homeless and drug users, and danger zones at night.

Further toward Waikiki, I draw your attention to the filthy, trash-filled waters of the polluted Ala Wai Boat Harbor. And the objectors want to entrust the management of our Kaka'ako gem to the state? No thanks. Based on its track record, that would be a disaster.

Moreover, it's going to cost you to enjoy that park. Federal, state and city governments are already charging fees for park use (Volcano, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay), and the city recently announced that more of its parks will move in this direction. If Kaka'ako Makai becomes a park, you'll pay for your swimming, surfing and picnics. No pay, no play! Is that what we want?

Then, why is the sky falling? Because, let's face it, folks, when it comes to new developments for Hawai'i, we're chicken.

I dare say we are perhaps the most resistant to change of any residents of the United States. Vote someone into office and he or she has a lifetime job. I would suspect that every major project on public land in this state has, at one time, experienced significant opposition. The H-3 is a case in point. Do you remember the yelling and screaming when "the Road to Ruin" was first proposed? Do you hear that screaming now? All I hear is praise and "Thank God, it was done."

The A&B project may not be perfect in every respect, but I, for one, am not willing to sit on my hands for another 30 years while the junkyard known as "Kaka'ako Makai" continues to deteriorate.

Why don't we give A&B and HCDA the support they so rightly deserve?

C. Richard Fassler, a former member of the Manoa Neighborhood Board, owns property near Kaka'ako Makai.