Honolulu's council gave the green light to a big hotel and condo tower at Ala Moana Center, a win for developers and building trades but a loss for hotel workers who say the "affordable" units are not affordable.

• The council voted unanimously to approve 1588 Ala Moana, two towers replacing the Macy's parking lot near the entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park.
• The plan has a 38-story hotel, 300 hotel rooms, 136 condos, and 69 cheaper rentals.
• Unite Here Local Five members argued the rent limits do not match what hotel workers actually earn, with some saying they cannot afford to retire.
• Supporters said the real problem is too little housing, and any new homes help.
• The developer has to add at least 38 more affordable units elsewhere in the city and pay $5 million for street work and trees.

Outlook: The project still needs detailed plans plus traffic and construction approvals before anything gets built.