Hong Kong legislative candidates are grappling with how to manage Kwun Tong Promenade, a popular waterfront area known locally as “Kwun Bin,” which has become a magnet for Gen Z residents but also faces concerns about escalating disorderly conduct. The discussion highlights a broader struggle between fostering vibrant public spaces and maintaining stringent regulation in the city.
The promenade, situated in the Kowloon East constituency, has transformed in recent years into a significant social focal point, particularly during holidays and festivals. However, this increased activity has prompted some observers to label the location a potential “hotbed of vice.”
Balancing Vitality and Oversight
Several candidates running for the Kowloon East direct election seat agree that the promenade’s popularity is a sign of successful urban revitalization but stress the need for strategic management.
Tang Ka-piu, a former lawmaker, underscored the positive development of attracting younger generations. He recounted his own site visit, humorously noting his inability to find the alleged “free hug/free kiss” activities rumored online, speculating his presence might have deterred them. Mr. Tang praised the location for hosting civic events and independent band performances, calling it a genuine public asset for Hong Kong citizens.
Fellow candidate Frankie Ngan Man-yu, a former member of the Harbourfront Commission, echoed the sentiment that the promenade’s high profile is beneficial, provided robust measures are taken to prevent it from becoming a “crime paradise.” He emphasized that appropriate supervision is non-negotiable for a shared public space.
Enhancing Access and Engaging Youth
Candidates offered varied proposals for proactive engagement rather than relying solely on police intervention. Pang Pui-kong suggested the government better utilize Kwun Bin by increasing public programming and enhancing transportation links to improve accessibility for all citizens.
The issue of heavy-handed policing was raised by Chan Chun-hung, who explicitly warned that police involvement could alienate young people drawn to the spot’s relatively free-spirited environment. He advocated for government agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to step in and organize diverse activities as a gentler alternative to direct enforcement.
Bonnie Leung Sze-wan, who visited the promenade on Valentine’s Day, saw the concentration of young people as a critical opportunity for outreach. She stressed the necessity of utilizing the gatherings to promote healthy behaviors, specifically campaigning against smoking and the use of the synthetic drug etomidate, ensuring the waterfront’s sustained positive development.
These discussions underscore a common dilemma facing urban planners globally: how to harness the dynamic energy of youth culture in public spaces while mitigating social concerns without stifling the very vitality that makes the space appealing. The future of Kwun Tong Promenade appears to hinge on striking this delicate balance, finding a pathway that prioritizes both public safety and proactive youth engagement. The elected representatives will face immediate pressure to implement viable solutions that appease local concerns while preserving Kwun Bin’s status as a successful example of harbor area transformation.
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