The HCDA was created in 1976 “as a way to plan for the future development of underutilized urban areas of Hawai‘i and designated stewardship over the area known as Kaka‘ako Makai. It holds this responsibility and trust with care and is updating the Kakaʻako Makai Area Plan to reflect stakeholder voices, land and infrastructure needs, and possibilities.

It seeks to create a unified vision and comprehensive planning framework for the Kakaʻako Makai Area, the makai portion of the Kakaʻako Community Development District. This plan update responds to recent shifts in land ownership, heightened community interest, and renewed legislative dialogue around land use policies.

The plan update will address the area’s complex mix of public open space, cultural assets, and infrastructure needs, aiming to guide cohesive development while preserving community values and shoreline integrity. Emphasizing inclusive public engagement, the planning process will assess existing conditions, evaluate constraints and opportunities, and develop and vet multiple land use scenarios. Ultimately, the Plan will provide detailed recommendations—including land use code updates—to support climate-resilient, community-driven development that aligns with HCDA’s goals for balanced growth, access, and stewardship of the Makai district’s unique coastal urban environment.

Most importantly, HCDA hopes that this plan is informed and shaped by those who live and work in, use, and have connection to Kaka‘ako Makai, so that it includes history, stories, and stakeholder voices, and is informed by ‘āina and culture. As such, HCDA contracted with a local company to coordinate the process, which includes local facilitators engaging with local communities.

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• Craft a plan that honors and uplifts the voices of community members, landowners, business owners, and other stakeholders within the Kakaʻako Makai region and puts forward a shared vision for the future.
• Facilitate a public engagement program that allows the members of the community to be a part of the conversation and able to stay informed and learn through the planning process.
• Identify constraints and opportunities related to land use, transportation, infrastructure, cultural resources, and environmental health.
• Explore and model multiple land use scenarios, including potential residential and mixed use.
• Provide analysis to support a preferred land use scenario and final master plan.
• Encourage innovative and creative thinking around how to address existing issues and set forth policies to support actions for a vibrant and sustainable future.
• Create a final plan document that is meaningful, compelling, and accessible for all users.
• Amend the land use codes and rules to guide implementation.

• Nancy Nishikawa (HCDA), Project Manager nancy.i.nishikawa@hawaii.gov
• April Surprenant (SSFM International), Consultant Project Manager, asurprenant@ssfm.com