Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
I don’t really know whether the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) was swindled in the Kakaako Makai land swap, but knowing how Native Hawaiians were swindled for most of the 19th century and finally, through force, lost their kingdom, I’d venture to guess that history repeats itself and they did get the short end of the stick.
The plan OHA showed for the development, including the housing, looked very well thought out and of course kept the shoreline open for all to enjoy. I’m sure there would be some flexibility on its part as far as height limits are concerned, if that is necessary for approval. But it definitely should be reviewed again by the Legislature.
When I look across the street at all the gleaming high-rises, existing and upcoming, I wonder how many affordable units there are for Native Hawaiians or other ethnicities — and why the city or state could not have driven harder bargains with the developers to have developed more truly affordable housing in that area.
Native Hawaiians should have the opportunity to live in Kakaako Makai.
Robert Firestone
Pearl City
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter