Economically, it likely makes little sense to preserve and restore the historic sewage pump station in Kaka'ako familiar to anyone who drives down Ala Moana.

It might cost $2 million or more to restore the building to historic standards, and then you would end up with relatively little usable space compared to other projects planned for the area.

But the Hawai'i Community Development Authority is absolutely right to seek prospective developers for the site and surrounding property who would respect and preserve this interesting and historic structure.

It represents a link to the past and a unique architectural statement that is unlikely to ever be duplicated.

A public workshop has been scheduled for Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the former Gold Bond Building on Ala Moana to discuss various strategies for the station and the land it sits on.

It is imperative that the authority move ahead with proposals that will protect and enhance this historic gem and, indeed, build around it in ways that respect its architectural significance.

Honolulu has lost enough of its past. This is an opportunity to do things right.