Governor, Office of Planning Unveil Vision for Kalihi 21st Century Transformation Initiative

The state Office of Planning and the Kalihi 21st Century Transformation Initiative's Vison Committee today presented Gov. David Ige with their Final Vision report. The initiative's top priorities are economic development and housing to support Kalihi's current and future generations.

In his 2016 State of the State address, the governor committed to working with the community to revitalize Kalihi. He asked the Office of Planning to bring together community members to develop a vision for 21st century Kalihi, focusing on state owned land in the Dillingham/Iwilei corridor.

The committee consisted of members from both public and private sectors. Community members also had opportunities to provide their input at three public informational meetings at Farrington High School.

Together, they established a list of redevelopment priorities:

Economic development
Affordable housing
Ensuring the safety, health and well-being of current and future Kalihi residents
Open spaces, infrastructure
Preservation of pride and culture
Kalihi as an iconic area of Honolulu
"I appreciate the hard work of the Vision Committee, the community, and the Office of Planning. They worked collaboratively to discuss a wide range of potential opportunities for Kalihi, as we work to transform the community to its fullest potential," said Gov. Ige.

"Being part of the planning process was empowering, but it also shows that Gov. Ige cares what we think and want and need. He promised that he would work with us to create a vision for Kalihi and he delivered," said longtime Kalihi resident April Bautista.

The state is considering the 16-acre site of the existing O"ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC), a key parcel that could provide many opportunities for the Kalihi community.

The Department of Public Safety is currently going through an Environmental Impact Statement process, reviewing potential sites.

The state is also considering keeping OCCC on site, but in a reconfigured footprint.

*For complete information: 21st Century Kalihi Vision Report

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