Post #665048 by AceExplorer on Fri, Jan 25, 2013 7:15 AM

On 2013-01-23 13:44, AceExplorer wrote:
Methinks their definition of "wonderful" is directly related to making more money... I share your disappointment and also hope something comes to rescue IMP.

I've been thinking about this quite a bit, I have many fond memories of the IMP, Waikiki, etc. I'm adding to what I wrote yesterday... The IMP revitalization plan is the developer's and city's effort to rescue the IMP. I can't blame 'em, the place is not currently a hot spot. Things (and times) have changed. Back in 1991, when I made my first visit to the Islands, I remember that the IMP was still very high on the list of "must see" places. This is not so today, and there are many things competing for tourist dollars in Honolulu. Still, it is hard for anyone to deny that the IMP is a very unique offering in an area which, I think, really benefits from it. The IMP balances out the overkill of high-end concrete-and-steel which surrounds it. It is a very nice patch of "jungle park" and I always enjoy cruising through there and relaxing a bit, especially on a hot day. And if nothing else, the food court at the back is a great place to get some quick eats without killing a bunch of time (and a bunch of bucks) in a restaurant. Among many other things it really helps the budget-conscious traveler.

I know the land must be worth a lot of money, and it is probably judged to be underproducing financially for the owners. The city is also eyeing the increased tax revenue which redevelopment would bring. If it does get torn out and redeveloped, I hope they will at least preserve some of the jungle-ness and charm of the place. This is, after all, a development on a tropical island and it would be a shame to lose that perspective especially in an area which has been built up with generally the opposite sort of feel.

Thanks to the tiki gods for Tiki Central and our ability to remember and preserve what we have left of the fun things from the past.