Segregation? Tenants in affordable units to get separate entrance

The Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice is among those bothered by the difference. Co-director Victor Geminiani calls it segregation.

“Ultimately this will be the first time we will have approved a mixed-use residential project with separate entrances,” he said.

“That sends messages to all of us.”

The affordable rentals would be open to working class people, according to Honolulu City Councilman Brandon Elefante. “They may be people that may be in the service industry. They may be fellow teachers. People that may be working at your local supermarket. These are people that are really in our communities,” he said.

“While they may not seem poor, just because of their lower income, I don't feel that we should separate, or have to separate entrances,” he added. “They should still be allowed the same front door.”