As Honolulu has matured over the years, concerns have been voiced about the changes, ranging from a desire to stop change altogether to specific concerns such as traffic or NIMBY (“not in my back yard”). Change, however, is inevitable. As we look at the current metamorphosis, we as architects applaud the current urban rejuvenation with its emphasis on quality of life, sustainability, open spaces, transportation alternatives and more affordable housing.

We are evolving a modern city with an interestingly diverse skyline and distinct neighborhoods matching the needs of its residents.

Concerns voiced during past growth cycles have largely focused on density-related issues including vehicular traffic generation, availability of utilities and blocking of views. Today’s concerns are focused more on the actual big picture goals of urban design.

Urban design is about many things that combine to enrich a city. This includes ordinary streets, as well as grand boulevards and parks; easy, economical and affordable transportation; fair and equitable distribution of housing types; shopping; dining; energy conservation; green streets and sustainable approaches. All together these goals work to stoke our economy, increase job opportunities, enhance the quality of life and build a healthier, safer, better community.

Much of what urban design can accomplish depends on ground rules, established by government, that define what is required for developments to proceed. But there is no “one size fits all.” Not every development can meet every single rule, nor should it. Ground rules can — and should — be flexible to accommodate site-specific and overall community goals. It’s an intricate balancing act.

A case in point is Mana‘olana Place, a mixed-use hotel-condominium, public plaza and restaurant/retail complex proposed to replace the strip mall across from the Hawaii Convention Center. Concerns have been raised about affordable housing. Although there is none onsite, the developer is contributing $2.4 million toward the city’s affordable housing fund as part of its larger and diversified community benefits package, all allowable within the ground rules.

On balance, the proposal responds to the city’s goals of improving Kapiolani Boulevard’s and Atkinson Drive’s streetscape, landscaping, traffic and bikeway flow and overall pedestrian experience. Its five-star hotel with its landscaped plaza, restaurants, ballrooms and overall form and materials will be a catalyst for revitalizing and transforming the neighborhood.

It supports our convention center’s functionality, desirability and location. Proximity to public transportation enables its large staff, as well as employees of neighboring Ala Moana Center, to commute conveniently and economically. On completion it will contribute to Honolulu’s tax base, enabling the city to better serve our community.

As architects and members of our community, we recognize that building enough affordable housing will be an ongoing challenge for Hawaii. But we should be cautious about focusing on one specific goal of urban design and possibly foregoing the opportunity for a much-needed transformation of a neighborhood that will improve the quality of life for Honolulu’s urban community overall.

Bettina Mehnert is president/CEO of Architects Hawaii Ltd., and David Miller is that company’s chairman/principal.