The Honolulu Community Development Authority  held its first public hearing on 690 Pohukaina, which would offer affordable housing for working families.

It would be Honolulu's first real super tower.

At 650 feet, it would be 250 feet higher than anything else on our skyline. And that doesn’t sit well with some people. 

"A 650-foot building would be an unwelcome intrusion on the skyline.  We don't need an iconic building, Hawaii is already iconic enough as it is," said Bob Loy, who is with the Outdoor Circle.

Others fear this will trigger a wall of super towers.

And they argue, we already have zoning laws, setback restrictions and shoreline protections that are in place for a reason.

"The past tells us, the exemptions soon become the norm,” said Honolulu resident Duane Preble.

Support for a super tall tower came from one group who advocates for affordable housing for the poor and elderly.

"With a great deal of reluctance, we support going beyond the height restriction, but doing it with as much care as possible," said Rev. Bob Nagata, who is with FACE-- Faith, Action for Community Equity.

The two developers vying for bragging rights for Honolulu’s tallest tower, which would cost around $500 million, came in willing to negotiate on a two tower scenario, or ONE very tall one.