The Ala Wai Channel has been transformed from three beautiful, nurturing streams that fed the breadbasket of Oahu, to a polluted concrete moat that protects Oahu’s emerald city (“Ala Wai Flood Control Project under fire,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 5).

When it comes to protecting Waikiki’s money, the powers that be use smoke and mirrors to get around the public’s concerns.

First they sell it as a crisis for the community, then they invite community groups to lunch and call it a brainstorming session. They then generously say they will bring all the ideas together, do all the paperwork, and get back to everyone.

In reality, they already are solidifying their plans to protect their investments and have very little concern about how it affects the rest of the community. Now, they not only want to raise the great walls of the Ala Wai Moat, but they are also reaching their cement tentacles into our pristine valleys.

Once it’s done there is no going back and they know it. We need to restore the streams of Oahu to their natural function, not build a concrete wall around Waikiki and cement dams in our valleys.

Bruce Black

Diamond Head

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