In 1982, the Hawai'i Community Development Authority, or HCDA, created a redevelopment plan for Kaka'ako that called for a mixture of industrial, commercial and residential land uses because of its strategic location in the primary urban core. It envisioned approximately 19,000 housing units, of which three-fourths or roughly 15,000 would be affordable. The HCDA predicted that this would largely satisfy the increase in housing that was projected in the future.

Unfortunately, a quarter of a century has passed and only about 2,000 affordable units have been built in Kaka'ako, with the majority built by the state. If you look at what has been built, you will see that the primary investment has been in luxury condominiums, shopping venues and entertainment complexes. And as we all know, there is a critical islandwide affordable housing shortage, making HCDA's failure to meet its mission in Kaka'ako disappointing and questionable.

A bill moving through the state Legislature would require developers of major projects in Kaka'ako to dedicate 25 percent of the floor area for reserve workforce housing targeting those earning 100 percent to 140 percent of the median income, which is currently at about $70,000. We should all wholeheartedly support this bill. The sustainability of Hawai'i is at stake. Without affordable housing our future generations cannot afford to live here to build Hawai'i's future.

Kenneth F. Brown was chairman of the authority that created the plan. In all my board activities with him, he always served with a sense of responsibility — kuleana — that was motivated by a broad vision and serving the public good. I miss that kind of foresight, that kind of commitment, that kind of planning that is intended to lift the human spirit and strengthen communities. It is the hearts and souls of the people that live and work in Kaka'ako, not buildings, that brings energy to the community.

Those who oppose the bill object because their profits will be lowered, even though they still stand to make a significant profit after contributing to the proposed housing requirement. Developers will not lose money building affordable housing if it is privately financed. But as stated in the Sustainability 2050 Plan, we must strike a delicate balance between economic prosperity, social and community well being, and environmental stewardship.

There is also a compelling argument. To date, the state has invested more than $500 million in tax dollars in Kaka'ako, converting this previously blighted area into valuable real estate. The infrastructure has been upgraded with redeveloped roadways, sewers and drainage systems, improved electrical capacity and removal of toxic waste. Also, people who once lived there had to relocate. Therefore, the 25 percent floor space requirement for affordable housing is a fair contribution from developers.

Already many of our young people lack hope in Hawai'i. For them, there are better options on the other side of the ocean — better jobs, affordable homes, more opportunities, and less resistance in meeting their needs. Living with parents to make ends meet is not an attractive option. My daughter on the Mainland and my son in Korea are living testaments to this dilemma.

Hawai'i is unique because of its people. Hawai'i's people nurture the land and each other with aloha. Those who are able to care for themselves willingly care for others. Passage of this bill is an extension of our aloha spirit and kuleana.

Mahalo to our senators and representatives who support this bill for their courage and foresight to keep and build Hawai'i into a community we are responsible to sustain.

Momi Cazimero is the owner of Graphic House in Honolulu. She wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.