Keauhou Beach Hotel
Keauhou Beach Hotel
A building more than bricks and mortar
I am writing in response to Tony Radmilovich’s letter in the Oct. 23 paper.
First of all, since Mr. Radmilovich admitted he is not a long-term Kona resident, I forgive him. He clearly hasn’t lived here long enough to understand there is more to a hotel — or any building — than bricks and mortar.
The Keauhou Outrigger has been the soul of this community, hosting more functions than this letter can list.
A building, like a person, should not be judged by its exterior appearance, but by its spirit.
I have lived here long enough to know this “rectangular building” probably should not have been built over the reef and so close to the fragile ecosystem. Nor should it be on the sacred land among the heiau.
But in the years it has stood on the coast of the Kahaluu ahupuaha, it has been such a part of the community that those concerns paled in comparison for many of us.
We do not love the Outrigger and mourn its loss because it is an icon of architecture. We are saddened for the role it has played in our lives, for the moments of music and cultural history we have enjoyed on its beautiful grounds, for the stewardship of the bay that the hotel has maintained.
Now all we can do is hope the demolition can be done without damage to the reef and the legacy of the hotel will be honored by Kamehameha Schools.
Jamie Pardau
Kailua-Kona
Keauhou Beach Hotel
Gaining unemployment
This is in response to T. Radmilovich’s letter. The hotels that he considers an “eyesore” were built in the 1960s and 1970s. The reason why the Keauhou Beach Hotel is “built with no respect for the vegetation line” is because there was no “vegetation line.” Most of that landscape was installed along with the hotel.
Also, the reason those hotels were built is because this is a resort town and people needed jobs.
Which brings me to my point: Since when is being “architecturally and environmentally friendly” well worth someone’s livelihood?
How is the closing of Keauhou Beach Hotel “well worth the gain”? The only thing “gained” is more unemployment and local folks worrying about how the bills will get paid — and how they’re going to feed their families.
Mr.Radmilovich claims he is not a “long-term resident.” Fine, then he should keep his opinions about Kona to himself.
Kalehua J. Perry
Kailua-Kona