Big changes are in the works for Kakaako including new senior affordable apartments, new restaurants and retail space, and harbor improvements.
Parts of Kakaako are slated for a facelift and redevelopment, and some of the changes have already happened.
This block of Pensacola Street sure looks different from what it looked like earlier this year.
There's now a kaiseki restaurant, a chic salon, and a boutique clothing store.
And across the street, Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory is moving in, and building a parking lot.
"We're glad we can finally get retail into the Ala Moana Kakaako area. It's really up and coming. The development there is exciting," said Elliott Chun, Chun Wah Kam General Manager.
And this is just the start of major changes slated for the area, with industrial space being converted to commercial space.
"This area has been poised for that kind of development for some time and we have just passed some new rules," said Anthony Ching, Hawaii Community Development Authority Executive Director.
New zoning rules that encourage land and business owners in Kakaako to build active storefronts.
In addition, plans are in the works to build 68 senior affordable rentals in this space on Kona street between Pensacola and Piikoi.
And just around the corner, on Waimanu Street ...
"Kewalo Basin LLC is going to be developing 345 market but moderate residential condos at that site," said Ching.
Then over at Kewalo Basin Harbor, the HCDA has come up with plans to renovate the docks, and build new ones, adding up to 107 new slips.
"So we're really excited because the EIS has been approved by the Governor for that repair project, and the shoreline management area permit was just issued," said Ching.
The HCDA is currently in talks with a potential private partner, and hopes the project can be finished within three to five years.
"Preference given to commercial fishing and tour and excursion then if available then recreational vessels," said Ching.
And this piano shaped lot near the Hawaii Children's Discovery Center, which is currently used as a parking lot, could become the home of a new performing arts center -- a place of learning, practicing, performance and exhibition.
"So we think it's actually pretty exciting," said Ching.
And the HCDA is currently working on the design of the performing arts center. Then once that's done, plans to take it to the community for input.
