Why do you live, work or play in Chinatown? Why is Chinatown worth revitalizing?

The history, architecture and artsy feel of Honolulu’s Chinatown appeal to my sense of humanity, aesthetics and community. The narrow streets create a neighborhood feel, where waving to the chef from across the street is what you do. With the cobbled sidewalks, I feel a connection to the past. The boutique and gallery merchants on Nuuanu Avenue, give me a sense of hope, because they must know what I know, that the future of Chinatown depends on people like us. I see so many pockets of potential, and know that it’s just a matter of time when those of us who call Chinatown “home,” and work to make it a little bit better each day, will be joined by others to restore Chinatown to be a bustling, artsy and safe community. –E.O.A.