In 1990 state officials had a good idea, one that the subsequent generation of leaders seems determined to sabotage.

The idea: The small, mixed-use boat harbor and park at Kewalo Basin is a key piece of the waterfront redevelopment, and it should be treated as an integral part of the larger plan to revive Kaka'ako.

Ultimately it fell to the Hawai'i Community Development Authority, which manages the Kaka'ako district, to oversee improvements, including harbor facilities.

Not much has happened along those lines. The state Department of Transportation has retained control of the harbor over the years, and the upkeep of Kewalo ranked relatively low on its priority list compared with pressing needs at commercial harbors.

Recently, part of the problem is that, although there is authorization for the DOT to spend money on improving the deteriorating slips, DOT is not inclined to do so now. Full authority over Kewalo is expected to transfer to HCDA later this year, so, understandably, major upgrades are being left for the authority to handle.

People are lobbying hard for the transfer to be postponed and for another state agency, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to take over Kewalo.

In a June 29 letter to Gov. Linda Lingle, House Speaker Calvin Say seeks to delay the transfer of Kewalo harbor and boating functions. The letter also was signed by two other lawmakers — state Rep. Ken Ito, whose committee oversees harbors, and area legislator, Rep. Tom Brower.

Their reason was to give the Legislature a chance to consider giving oversight to DLNR.

But that would be counterproductive if the goal is to create a comprehensive plan for a waterfront area that benefits from a unified vision. If HCDA is supposed to shepherd the entire Kaka'ako redevelopment area, it makes the most sense to preserve its authority over Kewalo harbor, which holds great potential as an attraction for residents and tourists alike.

HCDA has made its share of mistakes in the past — the lack of significant community input has been a failing, but one that is being corrected. Public opinion on proposed Kewalo management rules will be taken at a hearing set for 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at HCDA; other opportunities to get involved are available through the HCDA Web site, hcdaweb.org.

In the meantime, the agency needs a chance to direct the desperately needed improvements at Kewalo, rather than be subjected to another round of legislative micromanaging.