Efforts to improve Honolulu's Chinatown have been going on for decades. Every administration has made plans and every administration has made changes that seek to improve the quality of life for this vital core of our capital city.

And Mayor Mufi Hannemann has made revitalization of Chinatown a priority of his administration. The city has planned a "summit" on downtown-Chinatown for June 22, which presents a valuable opportunity to look forward and to look back at what has happened so far.

A series of articles in today's Focus Section outlines the general thinking of the current administration as well as the views of two individuals who have invested considerable time and thought to Chinatown and its prospects.

As we move forward, some basic principles should apply.

First, while planning is important, the city should resist the temptation to "over-plan" what happens to this area. The most successful urban renewal projects are those that take into account the organic growth and use of an area and help facilitate that.

Honolulu's past efforts also offer a case study of what can go wrong with grandiose master plans for urban renewal. The Kukui project, which sought to revitalize and renew a sprawling sector of decaying downtown Honolulu, was badly mishandled. Block after block of land was simply razed and residents and businesses dislocated with little attention paid to the human costs involved.

It took decades to complete the redevelopment of the area, and while there are some attractive projects and buildings on site, few if any of the original residents were able to return.

The Kukui area, which represents the mauka edge of downtown Honolulu, also lacks the coherence or character of a true urban community.

That's not the case with Chinatown proper.

By chance and through the efforts of groups such as People Against Chinatown Evictions, Chinatown has retained much of its vibrant, unique character.

Redevelopment that has occurred has largely respected the culture and character of the area.

Recently, there has also been a rich and dynamic boom in arts and entertainment venues in and around Chinatown, much of it spurred by the renewal of the Hawai'i Theatre.

There's no question that Chinatown still has its share of problems, ranging from decaying and unsafe buildings to the continued problem of drug use and prostitution.

But it also has bright prospects. It's emerging as a key attraction for visitors who tire of the standard sun-and-surf experience. There is a valuable opportunity here to experience and explore the richness of other cultures and varied ethnic cuisines for both tourists and local residents.

The future of Chinatown is bright, if its heart and soul are preserved.

That's what participants in the upcoming summit should focus on.