North Shore Versions 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 - Waialua and Haleiwa

As we mark another passage of time, it struck me how crazy some of the people of North Shore are about trying to stop the clock or turn back the clock on what is happening to our community. They are so convinced, so righteous, so outraged that events are unfolding on the North Shore that will lead to change.

I've been lucky. I've gotten to travel to lots of places in my life. All over the Mainland, the Far East, Europe. All of the places I've gone have long histories of societal development. The cities and countries evolve, progress, reinvent themselves. Sometimes the changes are bad, sometimes they are remarkably good.

What strikes me as incredibly stupid and for those with power irresponsible is to not acknowledge that the North Shore is changing. For you to be stuck on an idea that any particular version of North Shore 1.0 is a good version or the right version is idiotic. Just because you moved here from California because the waves were good and no one was on them is no rational for any belief that you can keep it that way.

The North Shore is way too new to stop changing. It hasn't even really started when you compare it to the rest of the world.

Let's take a look at what version of community we have across the North Shore and where it might be headed.

Waialua 2.0 - Waialua started as company sugar cane town (1.0). The mill is closed and there have been persistent attempts to create economic activity over there. Currently the most promising is the seed crop industry. There are genetic variations being raised over there which upsets some people. I just do not see the sugar mill turning into anything viable beyond a few boutiques that would be better served in more modern facilities. They should follow the example of Kahuku and blow the whole thing up and start on a new commercial direction or turn it into other uses. Better to do that then get hooked on the narcotic false hope that nostalgia brings.

Halewia 2.5 - Haleiwa 1.0 was a town to support the sugar mill population and the other people scattered across the North Shore. Haleiwa 2.0 features individual stores, restaurants, etc. that primarily derive their benefit from tourists and locals looking for some food and camaraderie. Collectively they create an OK experience for tourists and locals. Haleiwa would benefit from an upgrade to a 3.0 version that takes care of some of the deficiencies in the current town. The buildings there are NOSTALGIC, not historic. Sorry, but historic is a little bit older than you mother and father. If a building is an eyesore, it is an eyesore. If people want to fix it or tear it down. Please let them. Just because you remember it as a kid does not automatically make it worth saving. Sidewalks must be built if only to be ADA compliant. But face it, the current muddy mess is ridiculous. Anyone who has opposed sidewalks there should be required to lay in the mud. There needs to be several "Park and Walk" lots. One near the Post Office, one near North Shore Marketplace and one near Matsumoto's. The lots can be behind the buildings, with good directional signage for the tourists. People in Haleiwa 3.o can park their cars, visit multiple locations on safe sidewalks. A couple with a stroller should be able to get from one side of town to the other without risking their child's life.

Also, we can only hope that some developer might bring back a multi purpose theater to Haleiwa. While normally I am a die hard private industry capitalist, perhaps a partnership between govt. and a private company would be the only way to get a theater done. It would be great.

(to be continued next Sunset & Pupukea, Turtle Bay, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula and Punaluu)