Waikiki needs stronger presence from kama'aina
Waikiki once served as a playground for Hawaiian monarchs and to this day remains a getaway for millions of visitors.
Local people, however, tend to feel less welcome in the district.
Parking stalls are an endangered species. Residents can't count on freebies, such as the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor stalls, for long. A trip to Waikiki usually means an added expenditure to gain a validation stamp for a commercial lot.
Prices are high at many retail stores and dining spots. Even for those in the market to pay them, many of the retailers have other outlets located in more easily accessible centers elsewhere on the island.
There are parades and other street events most weeks throughout the year. The street closures on these occasions, on top of all the roadwork the rest of the year, make traffic unbearable.
And so many residents, other than the ones who live in the neighborhood, stay away. It's not precisely a new phenomenon, but Waikiki avoidance seems to be on the rise.
This is not ideal, not for the tourists, who increasingly want more local experiences rather than consignment to the hotel enclave, and not for the kama'aina, who should feel that Waikiki is their "playground," too.
City officials and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority are well aware of this and have chipped away at the problem. Festivals and events such as Sunset on the Beach are meant to draw in residents. The beautification of Waikiki, with the inclusion of touches like hula mounds, have added authentic touches and made the surroundings more inviting. Some restaurants draw a distinctly local clientele.
But more could and should be done. The Waikiki Improvement Association, in cooperation with the neighborhood board, have a number of suggestions, as do some city and state officials.
Here are a few thoughts on the age-old parking issue:
But parking shortages are not the only factor weighing against a Waikiki visit. Residents have lobbied successfully to reduce the number of traffic-jamming parades and events in recent years, but perhaps they might be curtailed further.
Many hotels have kama'aina discounts, but that inducement is seen more rarely in other retail establishments. Some merchants might want to consider this as a way to bring Isle residents in their doors.
Finally, it may be time for hotels to bring back more of the Hawaiian and other local entertainers, perhaps with different artists rotating through the lounges and showrooms to keep things fresh.
Especially as Hawai'i moves into a slower tourism cycle, Waikiki should welcome local residents in increasing numbers. It's part of our home, too, and nobody could give it that touch of aloha the way the local residents can.
