Though the events of September 11, 2001, happened 5,000 miles away from Honolulu, that day's aftereffects still linger in the urban landscape here. Shown here is the security fence that went up along the Honolulu Harbor waterfront. Projects like these happened in cities nationwide after September 11, as they sought to "harden" their infrastructure from terrorist attacks, which back then seemed like they could happen anywhere, at any time.
The low concrete guardrail used to be the only barrier, now there's this forbidding, black curtain of metal, maybe nine or 10 feet high. I took these photos on a drive today. I don't even remember exactly when after Sep. 11 this got built, it now just seems like it has always been here.
Granted, it's more attractive than chain-link and barbed wire, which fences off other waterfront areas along Ala Moana Boulevard and Nimitz Highway, but when you're driving by, seeing it at an angle, it does block the view, shutting us off from the waterfront.
Then there are those knifelike points topping each baluster—pointed inward, as though the intent is to keep us from escaping the island. There's a friendly face to present to all the tourists driving this road from the airport to Waikiki!
I have no idea what the fence actually does for us 12 years later. It shows up in stretches, here and there, but doesn't form a solid barrier around the harbor. In between the gaps there are plenty of ungated driveways and old, flimsy chain-link fences, all of which could easily be breached. Who decided which lots would get this severe fence and which wouldn't?
And who will decide when we can tear it down? Which official will admit it's a useless eyesore?
OK, those last two were rhetorical questions. Quite likely this fence will outlive us all.
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