Post #683853 by Phillip Roberts on Fri, Jun 28, 2013 2:25 PM

On 2013-06-28 02:46, Josoart wrote:
Aloha !
Found another petition at change.org to leave the International Market Place as is.

Probably better to sign the one and not divide the people with another thing to sign...

Here's my comment on the petition...

While not opposed to the mission of the Queen Emma Foundation to raise money for charitable endeavors, I am deeply shocked about the impending reinvention of the International Market Place into a generic steel and glass structure. It seems to me as the Author/Photographer of "Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs" that there has been a lack of vision for this new luxury upscale development.

Saving the exceptional Banyan Tree is important, however why is there NO talk of preservation of the Oceanic art on the grounds and their inclusion in the future project? Donn Beach commissioned incredible works of "Tiki" sculpture by Edward M. Brownlee to show visitors the beauty of Polynesia and the pleasures of living in these islands.

This art is scattered throughout the property. Will these simply be destroyed, thrown away or stolen? Much has already been lost and the few remaining examples are very endangered. The rich history and charm of the market will not remain, replaced by a bland structure that could be plopped down anywhere in the world. There is not even going to be a statue of Don the Beachcomber who did a great deal to develop the tourism industry in Hawaii. That does not say Aloha to me.