Back for another visit, I just couldn't help noticing Oahu's cityscape of half a dozen building cranes, constant street, and freeway traffic. On this island, what happened to the assumed mellow and easy going living? Is this a result of more people living here today or just the natural progression of change in the way of life living on an island that happens to be part of the U.S.?
Call me nostalgic, but I remember it being busy and hectic at times, but not the sheer shock of what I'm seeing visually. Recently, I walked through the famed and long standing mall of the island, Ala Moana and could not remember how this "little island mall" morphed into this 3-4 story floor of shops and restaurants that mostly included high end shops. Most locals I would not imagine even shop here as this would be clearly a luxury.
Is it possible a shift in island living, and surviving or simply a shift in priorities to allow sustainability. This route would be to live and rely on tourist tax revenue. The obvious assumption. Gone are the days of sugar cane, pineapple and other agricultural industry kings. The locals sought to survive with other means, again a natural progression?
What would happen if I visit my family and friends in the next 5-7 years? Will it be more futuristic filled sky towers and surrounded by island natural landscape, i.e. clouds, ocean, beach...
I wonder and try to be hopeful that the island economy will not change the soul of this great island. I think it is up to the locals and tourists alike to be vigilant in keeping this island memorable and mystic. Unless a different tradewind comes in to change this?
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