Cynics might conclude there is little point in participating in the public comment portion regarding developing 36.5 acres of prime state land at the waterfront near Kewalo Basin.

After all, the Hawai'i Community Development Authority has already framed its ideas for the area (housing, shops, retail and various public uses) and has chosen a potential developer (A&B Properties Inc.) to fulfill that vision.

But this chunk of waterfront land on the outskirts of downtown Honolulu is a prime jewel for the city, and worthy of the best development options possible.

Don't leave this decision entirely to others.

It is critical, for instance, that public use and access take center stage here, rather than become an afterthought.

So the time to get involved is now. A&B is asking for public comment, before decisions are set in concrete.