The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) received many specific recommendations for four parcels at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor to be developed. What is missing is a set of principles to guide the state’s RFP (request for proposals) effort.
Here are the principles I would propose:
>> Development must be done consistent with the cleanup of the Ala Wai canal and boat harbor. Development should not add to pollution of the canal or harbor.
>> Development of the four parcels should be focused on recreational boating, not commercial boating.
>> Revitalized boat harbor and marina facilities should be managed by experienced commercial professionals. DOBOR needs to conduct rigorous due diligence on proposal submitters and have them demonstrate their expertise.
The one specific recommendation I have is to install sewer pump-out facilities to the existing marinas (either piped facilities to each dock or a pump-out boat run by the marina).
Peter C. Oleson
Waikiki
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‘Eddie’ needs to keep going
Last year, “The Eddie” surfing competition was put on hold until an agreement with the sponsor could be reached. Once the terms were straightened out, the competition was held at the last minute. This year, the competition was canceled.
It has always been awesome to have this sport named after Eddie.
However, continually putting the event on hold results in Hawaii and the rest of the world not being able to make plans to enjoy the amazing waves and superstar surfers on our doorsteps.
Should the name be changed to the “Hawaii Big Wave Challenge,” and run by the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation?
It’s hoped that in the future, plans to host “The Eddie” will occur without a hitch to showcase Hawaii’s hospitality and aloha, and so surfers and spectators can make better plans to be there for the big wave day, or view it live on television or the internet.
John A. Burns
Aiea
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Natatorium good site for Hokule‘a
The Waikiki Natatorium should be turned over to the Polynesian Voyaging Society or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to enable it to become a berthing location for the Hokule‘a.
It should include kiosks to sell artifacts to the public as well as an information auditorium to educate kamaaina as well as visitors on star navigation and Hawaiian culture.
The Hokule‘a should be on view for the public in honor of its contributions to voyaging. The potential is unlimited to what can be achieved at this site.
The Hokule‘a may be able to move over the reef at high tide. If not, a very shallow dredge could be included in its development.
The Hokule‘a and its sister canoe, Hikianalia, deserve adoration in a readily accessible location. The Natatorium is my choice.
T. Alfred Morgado
Ala Moana
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Move memorial for public beach
My opposition to the restoration of the Waikiki Natatorium is based on both its location and its real historic background.
The location should be a free public beach. The history is that the area was where the warriors of both Kahekili (1780s) and Kamehameha (1790s) landed to conquer Oahu. The memorial archway and honor roll plaque would be mauka of the beach.
I remind those in favor of restoring the Natatorium that we would be paying millions of dollars for restoration, subsequent main- tenance and insurance (because of the inevitable accidents).
We would have to pay entrance fees. The Waikiki Shell was built for entertainment purposes and now is seldom used.
Mandy Bowers
Manoa
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Students left unprotected
I am extremely saddened that certain individuals who could have made a difference did nothing to stop the sexual abuse of many innocent Kamehameha students.
I don’t know how these individuals can sleep at night knowing that they did nothing.
There is no excuse not to have done what is pono to protect Princess Pauahi’s students. This is shameful behavior.
My heart goes out to the victims and I hope justice will be served.
Lynne Zane
Aina Haina
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More homeless from mainland
“Honolulu holds line on homelessness while West Coast rates climb in 2017” (Star-Advertiser, Dec. 16) foreshadows our future.
Hawaii can expect those from other states with one-way fares to come avalanching onto our already over- crowded shores with no job, no desire to supplement our short supply of workers, and no place to stay except where their “equal rights” carry them.
Peter Tali Coleman Jr.
Makiki
