Editorial: Makaha gentrified?

The thrill of Tiger Woods’ comeback win at Sunday’s Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., can only bode well for success in his future business ventures.

Nike for golf apparel. TaylorMade for golf clubs. Discovery channel to produce GOLFTV content. And Makaha Valley Resort to create a golf course.

In a stroke of great timing, Pacific Links International on April 3 announced plans to redevelop the dormant Makaha site, including new homes and a Woods-designed golf course. Even before Woods’ win this week, the linkage of his name to the project created buzz.

For the west-side community, the possibility of success presents a double-edged sword. While the potential for new jobs is positive, prospects of tourism influx and area gentrification stir mixed feelings.

“Makaha is in need of an economic driver. Thirty percent of residents are living in poverty, so having additional employment opportunities within our community could be beneficial,” state Rep. Cedric Gates said soon after Pacific Links announced its $300 million project. “At the same time, a large portion of residents in Makaha are renters, so there is valid concern that this project will indirectly raise property taxes for surrounding homes, subsequently leading to a rise in the cost of rent.”

A town hall is being targeted for mid-May, a welcome effort to gauge community sentiment. Also, the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board has invited Pacific Links to its board meeting next month.

Woods has achieved professional and personal redemption after a tumultuous decade, so his storied comeback is sure to add cachet to the Makaha project. All community eyes will be on Pacific Links as it reads the course, tees up and swings.