Kakaako
The residential area of Kakaako consists of several scattered condominiums amidst the older industrial buildings and undeveloped sites. However, the Hawaii Community Development Authority has begun a master plan for the 600-acre district that will create a dynamic neighborhood aimed at establishing an economically and socially viable community. Through assistance by the government and members in the private sector, HCDA seeks to revitalize Kakaako with more residential accommodations, parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities. The redeveloped community is geared toward being environmentally-friendly, with pedestrian-oriented infrastructure. Until the master plan is completed, residents of Kakaako can still enjoy access to leisure areas like Kewalo Basin Park and Kakaako Waterfront Park. Kewalo Basin is a commercial harbor adjacent to a park frequented by surfers, fishermen, divers, swimmers, and joggers. The 30-acre Kakaako Waterfront contains rolling, grassy mounds that lead to an oceanfront promenade equipped with picnic areas and comfort stations. Next door, is the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, a facility geared towards challenging children to develop all of their senses to better understand the world around them. Kakaako is also home to the new University of Hawaii Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine where the cafeteria, Café Kulia, offers delicacies crafted by the culinary students of Kapiolani Community College to the general public during the week. Additionally, every Monday the City and County’s People’s Open Market at Mother Waldron Park offers locals the opportunity to purchase agricultural and aquaculture products at about 35 percent below general retail costs.
Kengo Ueno (R)
