R3: Redevelop + Reconnect + Revitalize Liliha-Kapalama

Abstract

Hawai‘i is one of the most unique places on the planet. It’s progression in history as a kingdom, republic, territory, and state sets it apart from its mainland counterparts. It’s an archipelago that is regarded as the world’s most isolated population center with California being its closest land mass. The state is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures making it one of only four states in the U.S. to have a non-.‐Hispanic white majority and the largest percentages of Asian Americans and persons of mixed race.1 From its first contact with European settlers in 1778, Hawai‘i has evolved from a relatively quiet society to a modern one filled with issues and problems we see in other states. The availability of land, seclusion, natural beauty, and tranquility attracted Westerners to the islands. Technology transformed much of the islands, particularly on O‘ahu, the island with the largest population. Like other U.S. cities, Honolulu, the capital and largest city in the state, had witnessed an influx of residents and experienced construction booms throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, especially after statehood in 1959. 1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii