The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1906-03-15


preston where the effect shoula he
orderly and fine. In remodeling this
space 1 have been DESTROYS of trespass-
ing as little as possible on former con-
ditions. and OF emphasizing the his
torical significance of the center while
securing the desired effect.
AS part of my report I append a
blue print showing the plan worked
cut. It's principal features are the
freedom from nolestation of the area
occupied by the grounds of the execu-
tive building. or Old Palace; the bring
ing into the scheme of the Kawaia-
hao church, the removal of the Opera
House from its present site and of the
garage on the makai side of King
street, the purchase for these pur-
poses of little land the provision
OF choice of three good sites for the
Postoffice. and of a new site for the
Opera House, the utilization of the
waste space in the street
In more detail, the plans contemplate
the purchase OF the strip between the
grounds of the Judiciary building and
Punchbowl street, and of that triangle
between Richards and Militant streets
of which the site of the present Opera
House forms the Waikiki and larger
end. 1t is singular that by the acqui-
.s1tlon OF such little land so large AN
effect can be secured at SO important
point, and Honolulu may we'll con-
graduate itself on this second oppor-
tut1lty. Clearing the space thus Sc
cured. kawaiahao church is opened to
view from Union square and becomes.
as IT ought to be. one of the group
OF historical structures gathered there
A new street, centering on the statue
OF King kamehameha ]. with that
closing the vista at one end and the
Lunailio tomb plainly in view at the
other, gives a more direct access to
Punchbowl street, and leaves between
itself and King street a plat to be
parked with turf and low shrubs. the
switch of the street railroad company
having provision made for it in front
of the Judiciary building. Correspond
ing with this street, on the other side
of the statue, a street gives direct con-
nection With Merchant street. opens
an attractive vista. and leaves a plat
between itself and King that, similar
ly. will be parked with turf and low
shrubs. These new streets" are more
y
street, making provision for any in
crease of traffic at this point in the
years to come and giving to King
street through this, it's official or state
section, the character of a broad park
ed street.
As to the Post Office. it is clear that
the new structure should be added to
the group of public buildings, thus
adding to it's own dignity as well as
to the effectiveness of the square
Three sites are suggested. Site@'*sAs'
would be my first choice considered
from the aesthetic standpoint and be-
cause site &c" would then be left
available for the opera house, so az
ing another public structure to the
group and giving to it site open o
the street on three sides-a desirable
in planning fire exits to
a theater. Site &C" would be nv Sec
ond choice for the Post Office, as the
position is one of great prominence
and aesthetic Importance to the
square. 1t is also more convenient
for the city's business section. Site
B. also would be admirable, espe-
cially if it should be possible to 90
tain all the block, placing the Post
Office on a line with the Judiciary
and, like each of the other
official structures, in a little park or
its own-an arrangement lovely in i'll
self and of especial appropriateness
here. Incidentally it may be observed
hat in urging one of these sites for
he new Post Office, the large aesthetic
gain Is secured with no loss Of con-
Fenience TO business, and with an even
greater proximity to the docks, to the
government offices and to the hotels.
1t should also be observed that the
proposed development of Union
Square, for the enhancement of it's
beauty and dignity, brings this IN
orovement within two short blocks of |!
he waterfront Improvement, and on ,
he direct line to the residential and
lotel district, so adding very mark I'd
y to the favorable and abiding first
of entering travellers. If
low the Custom House should also be /,
coated on Richards street, as sug> |
rested further back-either between |
queen and Merchant streets. where. |
lanking sites 'B" and &C." it would |
ONE into the group plan; or on the |
,ther side of Richards street, between |
queen and Observation-Disclosures two |
ocal points, the waterfront and Off |
ldI center. WOulO De brought Yet
loser together, with impressive and I
fine effect. In fact, what /
Their port would have SO striking an |
ntrance? AS to conveniences, the
street sites really are equally
lear to merchants and to docks, bar
ing only the wharf of the Oceanic
steamship Company, as is the present
5cation.
The development recommended for
hese centers of activity. though so !
marked as to be almost radical, is
orely needed at each point and at
ach point is made. as I believe, with
ue respect for the past and for Ho-
olulu traditions. and to the empha-
iZing rather than to the jeopardizing |
f the city's charm.
8. THE PARKS.
1 shall consider the parks before
iscussing drives and boulevards. be-
auSe the purpose of the latter is