Waikiki Changes
Interesting to note the changes that have happened along Waikiki in such a short period.
Well, besides the odd weather that sent the skies falling in a choking deluge, that subsequently sent aggressive pollinators abloom and my nostrils ablaze in explosive sneezing...there were changes subtle and dramatic to Waikiki from past experiences in this season.
- Tower construction abundant! Hotels are expanding like mad, turning much of the Waikiki corridor into urban shadowed monstrous scales more at home along Miami Beach than Waikiki. Still, the beach itself is at least mostly retained as a public-access continuum.
- Bikes abundant! Even with the nasty weather, it was astounding to see quite so many bicycles in use in Waikiki. Sure, there was some relatively recent bicycle-parking furnished along the main drag, but all of them were piled with locked bicycles! I guess $3.04/gallon is the pricepoint on gasoline to start a change for some on the economy's margins. Given the Hawaiian economic median, it poses a question on how many conservation methods motorists are employing already.
- Inflation has hit even the highly negotiable stores of International Market.
- Many more flyer-distributors for the Waikiki Gun Club...I guess business is down.
- A fairly high Japanese tourist population, easily half or more of the people circulating around Waikiki's shops. Slightly surprising, given the weather, and the lack of the Honolulu Marathon this month. I did notice one or two people training, even in this rain.
Well, besides the odd weather that sent the skies falling in a choking deluge, that subsequently sent aggressive pollinators abloom and my nostrils ablaze in explosive sneezing...there were changes subtle and dramatic to Waikiki from past experiences in this season.
- Tower construction abundant! Hotels are expanding like mad, turning much of the Waikiki corridor into urban shadowed monstrous scales more at home along Miami Beach than Waikiki. Still, the beach itself is at least mostly retained as a public-access continuum.
- Bikes abundant! Even with the nasty weather, it was astounding to see quite so many bicycles in use in Waikiki. Sure, there was some relatively recent bicycle-parking furnished along the main drag, but all of them were piled with locked bicycles! I guess $3.04/gallon is the pricepoint on gasoline to start a change for some on the economy's margins. Given the Hawaiian economic median, it poses a question on how many conservation methods motorists are employing already.
- Inflation has hit even the highly negotiable stores of International Market.
- Many more flyer-distributors for the Waikiki Gun Club...I guess business is down.
- A fairly high Japanese tourist population, easily half or more of the people circulating around Waikiki's shops. Slightly surprising, given the weather, and the lack of the Honolulu Marathon this month. I did notice one or two people training, even in this rain.