The City and County struck a loud, resounding, powerful tone when they actually listened to the people of Oahu and stopped the settlement that would have made the development of Waimea Valley possible. This was a public and political win on many sides - state, federal, local, environmental, cultural, and financial.

Any leader with vision who looks toward Hawaii's future should see open spaces like Waimea as a necessity. These mauka to makai expanses are necessary for the Hawaiians that own this land, they are also necessary to sustain the tourist economy - people come to see the beauty that can only be found here.

Kudos for Councilman Rod Tam who showed needed initiative and dynamism as a community leader in leading the charge to table the settlement.