Post #535353 by Mongoloid on Thu, Jun 10, 2010 8:10 AM

On 2010-06-09 21:51, christiki295 wrote:

On 2010-06-09 13:22, Mongoloid wrote:
The new developer was quoted as saying

"We are honored to have been selected by Queen Emma Land Company to explore redevelopment of the International Market Place, a retail shopping destination with a long history in Hawaii," said Stephen J. Kieras, senior vice president of development for Taubman. "This popular area will be revitalized with destination retail and dining for tourists and residents alike, and will complement the surrounding area to reflect the local Hawaiian sense of place."

I can only be optimistic after that statement that they acknowlege that there is histoy to the place and that it will continue to have a local flavor.

Oh, pleeeaaaase. The developer is interested in leasing space to tenants for top dollar.
That probably excludes any locally owned Hawaiian business, and only allows for large corporations
who will operate the business just like if it is at the Beverly Center. For example, on Waikiki Beachwalk, possibly the biggest tenant is the Yard House, which is many So Cal mall areas. Or is it Ruth Chris' Steak House?

They will have a free hula show to attract the tourists for the local flavor, but then the International Market Place already has free hula - and local ono grinz.

You could be right but like i said im being optimistic and i know Disney is treading lightly with their new Resort Aulani in Ko Olina. The design of the resort honors Hawaiian tradition in its village concept and they are being respectful to the culture. They collaborated with members of the local community to create Hawaiian story telling throughout the resort. They could have easily gone in and just slapped pictures of Mickey with a lei on and called it a day. So hopefully they will leave the Beverly Center mentality on the mainland and evolve into something more closely connected to the aina.