The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1903-01-05
MARINE PARKS.

Civic pride is aroused by the posi-
biiities Of the plans which are brought
out in the report of the Committee on
Site for a Federal building, to Govern
or Dole, for through the document runs
the strain of belief in Honolulu and
the necessity OF building for the future.
Every sentence tells of deep thought
for a more beautiful city, and the de-
tails OF the plan show that their accom-
plishment would bring about this re-
suit
OF the effect of the placing in the
center of the city of such structure as
the Federal government would give to
city which places at it's disposal a
site worth more than 100000, upon the
artistic development of the surround
ings, there can be no doubt. A high
note has been set already in the build
ings which dot the squares surrounding
the proposed location, and past expert
ences prove that the national govern
ment studies the general conditions and
attempts rather to raise than to lower
the tone of a community in its archi- !
lecture.
With this as the starting point of
the new development the farther ex-
pansion is none the less interesting |
The three blocks on the Esplanade are
recommended to be given to the Federal
government in exchange for the sur
render of a tract which ROW unused
and is separated from the general block
of government property, and is located
so as to be practically impossible of
utilization. The legislature of 1898 set
aside for the purpose of a marine park
the eleven acres Of land on the spit
cumming out to sea waikiki of the har-
bor entrance. This strip of land dur
lag the adjustment of the naval reser-
vations, was taken over by that depart
ment of the government and has never
been used for any purpose.
1t is remote from the location Of the
naval station, and since the establish
rnent here was laid out, the government
at large expense, has acquired seVeral
hundred acres at Pearl Harbor, for the
purpose of providing for it's larger needs.
This would seem to remove forever any
argument which would have weight as
bearing upon the retention of the point
of the spit by the naval establishment.
Tt would make an admirable park; 1T
has no future usefulness as a naval sta
ton. If, then, the Federal government
could secure in exchange for this bar
rem plot two blocks of city frontage, it
would seem a most fitting exchange.
OF the uses to which the waterfront
land could be put, none would be or so
great benefit as the carrying out of the
plans of the last legislature of the Re-
public, which declared their intention
to make of this spot a park which
would serve as fitting introduction for
the visitor to Honolulu. Situated
where the walls would be washed by
the waves, offering view of the ocean
and making a bright spot where now
is only barren sand wastes, if properly ,
Improved, the tourist from any direc-
ton. coming to Honolulu, would see on
his first close view of the surroundings
of the harbor what really can be done
here in the way of making beauty
spot. Cocoanuts, palms and tropical
foliage of all kinds would make the ,
place joy forever, and would be pleas {
ure given to residents and visitors alike. -,
This would be it's future if it can be
recovered by the Territory. while if not ]
there may be the chance that unbeauti- $
full warehouses will eventually cover it. s
The fact that the Marine Hospital
service has taken over the islands on t
the other side OF the harbor, makes it
more than probable that in time similar
Improvement there will be accomplish
ed. The grounds will be made attract
i've as is always the case with govern
ment property when possible. There
too the tropical foliage will make a pic
ture where now shacks stand to offer
uninteresting prospects. With such
growth there would be the most pic
turesque harbor entrance in the world,
perhaps, and Honolulu would add to its
already famed beauty.
Nor would this be the end If the
Federal government takes the Espla-
made blocks, and they should not be
used at once for custom house purposes. /
they as we'll might grow into parks. I
and then the front of the city would 1
be without compare. 1t is then to the I
new and more beautiful Honolulu that {
the committee looks, and it may come {
through the cooperation of the nation {
al government.
Senator Morgan, whose recent public
life has been bound up in his labors for
the Isthmian canal, cannot rest content