Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 1, 1 January 1985 — Preservation Appeal Made on Kawela Bay [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Preservation Appeal Made on Kawela Bay

James C. Lam is a part Hawaiian Honolulu resident and like many other islanders who have "discovered" Kawela Bay he has fallen in love with "this pristinely beautiful area." As a result he has launched a one-man crusade to preserve portions of the area "for the benefit of Hawaii's people." He has appealed to the developers of the property, the Prudential lnsurance Company of America, for "your sense of civic responsibility to preserve portions of land your company is developing at Kawela Bay." Lam, a recently retired state land planner, has sent copies of his letter to virtually every service and eommunity organization in the state, newspapers, radio and television stations, legislatorsand councilmenand state and county officials. He is disappointed that only a handful of them have responded but is not discouraged by the laek of attention. He notes in his letter that the bay has great historical significance. Lam says it was onee the private lobster grounds of Hawaiian kings who were so jealous of their rights they did not permit even their district chiefs the privilege of hunting for lobsters there. Lam also points out that because of its natural configuration with reefs situated on the seaward side of the bay's entrance, this area is the only truly safe swimming locality on the North Shore for little children and persons who are not strong swimmers. The waters of the bay, he explains, remains tranquil and glass-like during periods of the most turbulent oeean conditions. He told Prudential that his reason for writing them was to recommend an alternative and fair means of permitting adequate public access to the area "and at the same time compensate your company for the noble and civic gesture of granting this access." Lam has recommended the followingtwo-fold plan: • Prudential convey a 150-ft. deep area along the shoreline as outlined on an enclosed map designated Tax Map 5-7-01 to the City and County of Honolulu for public access and park purposes. • The City and County of Honolulu to realign Kamehameha Highway from its present position to a slightly mauka position as shown on the map and then rezone for development purposes as mueh of the land situated on the oeean (northerly) side of the realigned road as is necessary to compensate Prudential for its shoreline conveyance to the county. Lam notes that even after dedication of shoreline property to the government, there will still be considerable shorefront land remaining on both sides of the bay's entrance for Prudential's development purposes.

Lam goes on to further explain that the proposal in question is not without precedent. Exchanges of this kind have been completed on a number of projects within the state. What is unique about this idea, he says, is that the developer and the public will both benefit from the realignment and exchange process. He cited Chicago's North Lake Shore Drive and Rio de Janeiro as reflecting "this same thoughtful eoneem for the beachfront environment." The proposal, he points out further, will prevent the type of development so evident in Waikiki, Kihei, Kaanapali, Kailua and other locations, resultinginthe public's view of only the back sides of buildings eonstructed along the islands' shorelines. "Hawaii's people and future generations of its citizens will be most grateful to your company should you give favorable consideration to this exchange proposal," Lam concluded.

This is an aerial photo of beautiful Kawela Bay taken by part Hawaiian James C. Lam who rented an airplane to shoot this scene. He has also expended his own funds for postage on the more than 100 letters he has mailed and other incidentals.