I was born here, and a small Waikiki apartment became my first home. Growing up, I spent summers boogie-boarding at Queen's Surf, playing video games at the Mitsukoshi (now Planet Hollywood) and while at UH, nightlife at Waikiki Regent's Point After and Bobby McGee's.

After several decades, I now live in a different Waikiki. Our Waipuna condominium, at one time with ocean views, has become encircled by no fewer than 10 major high-rises. At least I can still see our pool, and I see the wisdom of accepting change in Waikiki.

All local neighborhoods require certain sacrifices, and I encourage my 20,000 Waikiki neighbors to embrace the challenges of being sailors on Hawai'i's economic flagship.

Though my neighbors represent less than 3 percent of the state's population, they live in the state's greatest economic resource, with nearly 85,000 daily visitors and 30,000 workers. Over 160,000 jobs are directly and indirectly affected by visitor expenditures. A Waikiki Business Improvement District 2002 survey shows that 4,650 commercial parcels in Waikiki, valued at nearly $5.7 billion, contributed $55 million in property taxes.

Financially, a Waikiki high tide raises neighboring boats across the state. While receiving over half of the state's 7 million visitors in 2004, with 40 percent of O'ahu's visitors being international travelers, Waikiki accounted for 8 percent of our state's GDP, about $3.6 billion. According to the latest figures of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, 10 percent of all civilian jobs statewide and 12 percent of all state and county tax revenues can be attributed to Waikiki tourism.

Because of this importance, Waikiki has seen tourism-related revitalization projects to fix aging infrastructure, dredge the Ala Wai Canal, replenish Kuhio Beach sand, develop new hotel and apartment space and reclaim Hawai'i's sense of place.

These improvements are necessary. While equally important, another major need must continually be addressed: the needs of Waikiki's residents.

I have traveled to many great American and foreign cities. A superb visitor destination is only achieved when it is equally a great place to live; without a balance, you have neither. In addition, our land has a symbolic value over market price. Like New York's Ellis Island, it is America's entry point in the Pacific, as malihini encounter the aloha of Hawai'i's playful youth, mature adults and smiling kupuna.

As our population ages, Waikiki becomes an ideal place for baby boomers and the elderly. Currently, about a quarter of our neighbors are over 60 years old. My grandparents lived in Waikiki for over 30 years. As a youngster, I was under their care; as they aged, I returned to "raise" them and be the caregiver. More affordable housing, open space, family business and adequate parking are necessary to improve our quality of life.

Though as a kid Waikiki meant swimming and recreation, today's advances allow me to surf a wireless Waikiki where wisdom has revealed to me its economic importance, residential necessity and symbolic entry port to international visitors. Join me in making it an even more attractive place in which to live, work and play. Waikiki is for you, them and me because when Waikiki wins, everyone in Hawai'i wins.

Tom Brower is a member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board and an Internet technology consultant. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.