HONOLULU (AP) - The first public hearing on plans for Honolulu's first so-called super tower has been held, and not everyone likes the idea.
The proposed 690 Pohukaina development calls for a 650-foot tower, which would be 250 feet higher than anything else on Honolulu's skyline.
Some attending Tuesday's public hearing called by the Honolulu Community Development Authority were not keen on the idea of a super tower. Bob Loy of the Outdoor Circle described the $500 million tower as an "unwelcome intrusion" on the Honolulu skyline.
"We don't need an iconic building, Hawaii is already iconic enough as it is," Loy said.
Others fear it would trigger a wall of super towers, according to a story in Wednesday's Honolulu Star-Advertiser. They argue that Honolulu already has zoning laws, setback restrictions and shoreline protections that are in place for a reason.
However, support for the super-tall tower came from one group that advocates for affordable housing for the poor and elderly. The $500 million tower, if built, would include residential units for sale or rent at prices affordable to Honolulu's workforce earning close to the median income.
"With a great deal of reluctance, we support going beyond the height restriction, but doing it with as much care as possible," said the Rev. Bob Nagata of Faith Action for Community Equity.
Public hearings on the project are scheduled for Nov. 29 and Dec. 1.
