Public input, use key to Kaka'ako project
A weekend meeting attended by some 150 people concerned about a planned redevelopment project for Kaka'ako hardly measures up as a fair gauge of overall public opinion on the plan.
By definition, folks who oppose the project are more likely to be vocal than those in support or — as is likely the case — the majority who have yet to make up their mind.
But this small gathering at Kewalo Basin Park suggests strongly that the Hawai'i Community Development Corp. and its proposed development partner, Alexander & Baldwin, have their work cut out in selling this project to the general public.
There is much to like about the proposal for the area, which envisions a "live, work, play" environment on the edge of downtown Honolulu combined with significant land set aside for public use and enjoyment.
That "public use" aspect is the sticking point. The development is on public land, which creates a significant interest in ensuring it is maintained for public use.
The greatest controversy involves nearly a thousand residential units that would become part of the overall development scheme.
Those who use the area now fear they will be squeezed out by expensive housing and by amenities designed to please those who live there over the average surfer, fisherman and park user.
A&B insists that public access to the shoreline will be protected and, indeed, enhanced with additional public parking and a landmark public arts amphitheater. This promise must be kept.
Developers say the money generated by housing is needed to make the public-use facilities possible.
It won't be easy to create a viable project that protects public access, maintains room for the exciting new economic activities in life sciences gathered around the UH medical school and offers places to work and "play."
Opponents will not be satisfied by vague promises. What must come out of this public comment process are rock-solid assurances that the public-use aspect, for recreation and for economic development, will be honored in full at the beginning of this project, not as an afterthought.
