Wrecking ball for Ward Warehouse

Hawaii residents of a certain age might recall that Ward Warehouse, which opened in 1975, had a distinctly different vibe in its early years than it now holds. Back then, the site was viewed as upscale and more exclusive, with its boutique shops and an ahead-of-its-time bookstore/coffee house. It felt like the smaller but tonier cousin to nearby local stalwart Ala Moana Center. How times have changed.

Now, even more dramatic changes are in store for the Ward site: its landowner plans to raze the Warehouse complex later next year to put up two condominium high-rises. If all goes according to the developer’s plan, Ward Warehouse’s 40th anniversary will be its last.

Send feds opinions on sovereignty

The deadline is fast approaching to weigh in on whether Native Hawaiians should seek to re-establish a government-to- government relationship with the United States.

Native Hawaiians turned out in large numbers at public hearings held by the U.S. Department of the Interior earlier this summer, with most testifying that they opposed seeking federal recognition and the nation-within-a-nation status it confers, similar to that held by American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. Proponents of federal recognition, however, insist that such status would protect institutions and programs favoring Native Hawaiians from future legal challenges.

Attendance at the hearings was not required in order to submit testimony; opinions can be voiced online, at 1.usa.gov/1oN4t1u. Comments must be received by Aug. 19.