Letter: Simple bridge preferable to Ala Wai monstrosity
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU / 2021
An artist’s rendering depicts the proposed pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal.
Thank you to reporter Andrew Gomes for his article about the “world class” $17.8 million pedestrian bridge in Kakaako. He kindly provided a mental link between that bridge and the proposed $63.3 million pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal, described earlier by reporter Ian Bauer.
The articles triggered obvious questions about the great price and design disparities. One nearing completion looks pretty unobtrusive but is still described as “world class.” Across the Ala Wai, our officials support a soaring 18-story architect’s dream. Officials say that project will be funded 80% with federal tax dollars, which would leave us with an estimated $12 million bill from local tax dollars, closer to the price of the Kakaako bridge.
If President-elect Donald Trump wishes to slash federal funding in Hawaii, I’d offer up the majority of the federal portion of the Ala Wai proposal and alternatively build another simple and efficient footbridge.
Becky Faunce
Waikiki
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
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In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
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