M.O.R.E in Kaka’ako Makai
Let’s create M.O.R.E in Kaka’ako Makai
Marine…Ocean…Research…Education
Currently there is legislation being introduced to repeal the current law that prohibits the residential development and sale of public land in Kaka’ko Makai, and legal battles are likely to ensue, with demands for an Environmental Impact Statement to ensure public safety and also to determine its constitutionality.
We already know that residential development in Kaka’ako Makai is bad for the environment, it does not pass the “is this good planning?” question, it is unconstitutional, not allowed under the current law and is a short sighted plan to generate revenue for beneficiaries.
We recognize that at some point we can’t just keep shouting “Stop Residential Development In Kaka’ako Makai!” Let's at least discuss what ideas and options are available besides residential development. All ideas need to support OHAs mission of supporting its beneficiaries by generating a perpetual revenue stream and ideally OHA would take the lead in these discussions.
Something that can be used for discussion is the acronym M.O.R.E that stands for Marine...Ocean...Research...Education.
M...Marine
-Think aqua culture...modern day fish ponds. Without metal Hawaiians were one of the most advanced societies in ancient civilization and they adapted to the environment they lived in. We can blend tradition with technology and bring food from the farm to the table and it would be served at establishments right there in Kaka‘ako Makai.
-A Kewalo Basin Maritime Center would provide historical information on the history of Kewalo Basin, past, present & future of aquaculture in Hawaii, Hawaiian seafaring, and endangered/protected marine species in Hawaii
-There are already 2 fresh sea water pipelines feeding the Kewalo Marine Lab’s research and infrastructure in place to support aquaculture farms and a world class aquarium.
O...Ocean
-Build and develop a first of its kind, man made, open ocean, live coral reef, and public surf break with new technology and coral growing techniques. Not only could this living artificial reef provide valuable habitat for marine life, its design could provide a quality surfbreak that could serve as both a surf training site and a world class surf venue for high school surf competitions.
-Hawaiians invented surfing as we know it and would continue to be on the cutting edge of its continued development.
-There is a dry dock facility already there. The Hawaiian Voyaging Society could relocate from Sand Island and use a remodeled facility to showcase the Hokulea and programs to continue the education of Hawaiians on Native Hawaiian voyaging and canoe building techniques.
R...Research
-There is an enormous Native Hawaiian void in the Marine Biology space. Hawaiians pioneered aquaculture with fish ponds, fishing restrictions, and resource protection let’s create a facility that can build on and perpetuate Hawaiian culture and techniques in Marine Biology.
-Continue UH Marine Research programs by developing state of the art Marine Science facilities that will produce local Marine Biologists that will help move us into the future.
-Ocean environmental research like wind, wave, and reef environment to protect the shoreline and our home from ocean warming and sea level rise.
E...Education
-Construct an aquarium...imagine the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Do you ever wonder “how is it that the most isolated land mass on earth surrounded by the largest ocean does not have a world class aquarium?” This aquarium could be the anchor for all the other programs in the area. Federal grants are available to develop an aquarium comparable to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and make it a reality.
-Even though an earlier attempt to build a larger Aquarium in Ko Olina was not successful there also have been previous plans to have Kakaako anchored with an aquarium and these plans have been supported by previous Governors and the legislature in the past.
-A uniquely Hawaiian cultural center that focuses on Native Hawaiian language, fishing, voyaging, trading, hula, etc.
-Kamehameha Schools, DOE, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society all have expressed interest in converting the Look Lab site into a Marine Science Academy for K-12 and beyond to foster ocean science as a career.
We agree that the land needs to be developed, and these ideas are just the beginning of what could generate revenue besides residential. All of these ideas at a minimum would generate lease rent and/or % of income streams -like Ala Moana. With the right development it will be worth more in the long term by providing to the community in more ways than just money, but also with education, jobs, and community benefits to both Hawaiians and the public in general.
Laulima is a word often used where work is involved. It translates to “many hands”, Laulima is tied to the idea of cooperation and working together towards a goal. The power of the people...so like paddling a canoe let’s work together towards a common destination and if we paddle together we can get there sooner and future generations will thank us.
To Protect, Preserve, and Malama Kewalo Basin Park and the surrounding shoreline and ocean to ensure that the recreational user will continue to have access and the ability to enjoy the area for future generations to come.
www.kewalos.org
