Hawaii Kai is one of the most garish neighborhoods I've seen. Hawaii is not Greece, Italy, or Hollywood. So why build faux (stucco, fenced-in, highly paved) structures which are neither here nor there? Hawaii is made of islands, standalone communities that must work together. So where's the mixed-use zones and the co-housing developments that strengthen community and small businesses while reducing waste? Where's the open, flowing, natural, "outdoors is in" architecture that complements Hawaii's culture and environment? Why do new developments persist in creating isolated pockets of (condo, suburban) living, entertainment, and business?

This type of forward-thinking architecture is not more expensive, contrary to the typical developer's worldview. It only requires more creativity. Witness the works of architect John Lautner (the most successful of Frank Lloyd Wright's students), who built the Science Building at UH Hilo. It had a natural ventilation system that all but eliminated air conditioning costs. A civic administration building of his was made of formed concrete which included inspiring views and natural integration with the outside. It was a joy to work in, met all of the county requirements, and ended up costing less than traditional plans.

People are paying more attention to their homes, community, and design these days, as evidenced by real estate booms in California and Hawaii and nesting trends of older generations. Here's an enjoyable design site that offers new ideas daily in architecture and industrial design:

"Modern contemporary design and architecture"