The Hawaiian gazette., 1907-03-22
|. {. PINKHAM's
RECLAMATION PLAN

Thifiy-ninc guests or Mr. l.. E
rinkham sat down 70 luncheon ut the
Pacific club yesterday. had something
good TO eat and listened 20 Mr.. pink
hams explanation OF his plan to re-
claim the wsisikl swnmps There
waE discussion afterwards and an
expression of the sense OF the meet
Ing.
After the salad course Mr.. Pinkham
arose and read the following paper:
MIR. PINKHAMs PLAN.
Gentlemen: In the year 1875 my
attention was drawn to Los Angeles,
then town OF about six thousand in
habitants, as place OF residence for
people OF Independent means desiring
mild climate. as two gentlemen of
my acquaintance removed that year
from the severe climate OF the East
to that place.
Los Angeles was founded solely on
climate. and the sale OF that climate
has built up a city OF two hundred
and twenty-five thousand inhabitants.
As n consequence business and prop
erty values have thus been created
that are marvellous.
Honolulu has "A far more desirable
climate. and given proper steamship
accommodation, has as marketable n
climate and conditions as Los Angeles
can offer.
THE trend of events Indicate that
within IA decade Honolulu will be dis
tinguished as the noted American
stronghold of national defense. The
only other alternative would appear
to be to become an Oriental outpost.
There is no middle ground.
In this Territory health Is a para
mount consideration, hence rice, ba-
nanas fish and ducks must eventually
give way In the Waikiki district to
sanitary reclamation. Not at present,
but In II not too distant future the
transformation of this district into an
attractive residence section will en-
hance real estate values far beyond
anything that can be expected under
present physical conditions.
''The unique advantages of the loca-
tion and climate of these islands can
be only temporarily eclipsed.
"An undertaking of the magnitude
of this necessary reclamation cannot
be well left to private initiative or err
ratio plans. A comprehensive lands
cape and utility scheme must be
adopted and carried out under gov
ernmental authority.
Private ownership and volition are
to be respected but individual inter
ests are of short duration while civic
life may continue for ages, hence we
must consider municipal will and In
terests paramount.
II apprehend civic right, interest
and pride indicates IA city should dis
tinguish itself in its attractions, and
that the further the look into the
future, the greater the scope of I'M
provement possible. The cost is there
by rendered infinitely less.
THE striking feature of the scheme
before you Is the securing of the nee
essary filling material from within the
area itself with the resulting water
way. 1t is the only economical and
logical source for material. The ex-
act lines of either waterways or
streets can of course be varied from
the suggestions. That the waterway
will always be fresh and never stag
nant has been demonstrated in IA small
way.
THE details of street construction,
of public utilities. and es-
adjustment of building line limits are
and worthy of some study |
and reflection.
"The main points before us are the
of some expression from the |
larger owners of the property in
volved.
"As neither the government nor own
ers are In a financial position to under
take so great an enterprise at present |
we should consider what steps are to
be taken to render ultimately possible
The accomplishment of this inevitable
measure.
II apprehend the government should
low take steps through proper legisla-
i've enactments, to
grades throughout tho entire district.
Second, to prohibit building. except
when lots have been filled TO the legal
grade.
Third. to establish the street lines
md lines of waterways and public park
lreas, and give legal notice thereto.
Fourth, to establish building lines
ension may be built.
Fifth, to legally notify owners and
tx condemnation values, which values
re to be based on present conditions
md values.
sixth. as the government Is not now
mana rod 6nnncially In take over the