The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority (HCDA) has initiated a new comprehensive planning process for development of the Kaka‘ako Makai area and has retained local planning company, Townscape, Inc., to conduct the first phase of a two-phase community outreach program. The first phase includes the formation of an advisory working group composed of a broad constituency of community members, including Kaka’ako Makai stakeholder organizations and individuals.

The community involvement process consists of two distinct phases: 

• Phase 1: A community outreach program that encourages involvement of a broad constituency including individuals and groups with a stake in the future of the Kaka‘ako Makai to identify prospective candidates for the Advisory Working Group.
• Phase 2:  The Advisory Working Group will convene to develop a strategic plan that will include a vision for Kaka‘ako Makai, guiding principles, and an action plan.

HCDA Executive Director, Daniel Dinell, stated, “HCDA wants a community participatory planning process that is open, transparent, and inclusive; a process that reaches out to a broad constituency and allows multiple ways to provide input. Further, HCDA is committing to a long-term effort in which the Advisory Working Group will work with HCDA on detailed planning, design and development of Kaka‘ako Makai.”

Townscape has begun meeting with some 50 individuals and organizations to hear their views on Kaka‘ako Makai. To date, meetings with more than 20 stakeholder groups and individuals have taken place. To view a progress report,  click here.

The stakeholder groups contacted include environmental and community groups, professional organizations, businesses in the area, public agencies, educational and cultural groups, and elected officials. These discussions will enable Townscape to recommend to HCDA a diverse set of organizations and individuals that should be represented on the Advisory Working Group. Townscape’s role will conclude with the facilitation of the first Advisory Working Group meeting, targeted for April 10, 2007.  The subsequent Advisory Working Group meetings will be part of Phase 2.