The Hawai'i Community Development Authority, the state agency overseeing development of Kaka'ako, is reviewing the application for the Ward Neighborhood Master Plan. While no zoning or other development approvals will be issued at this time, the vision and an overall development plan for General Growth Properties' 60 acres of land holdings in Kaka'ako is being presented for community review, comment and action by the HCDA.

To ensure that its action is considerate of the greater community's sentiments in support, opposition or otherwise, the HCDA is encouraging the public to provide its comments via a number of venues. The importance of community involvement in reviewing this master plan is critical because any development here will touch the lives of those who live, work or visit Kaka'ako.

General Growth's Kaka'ako lands are in the southeastern portion of the Kaka'ako Community Development District, primarily between Queen Street and Ala Moana Boulevard. It extends west across Ward Avenue to 'Ohe Street and east to where Queen Street intersects Ala Moana Boulevard. General Growth's master plan envisions the Ward area to become a mix of uses with an emphasis on retail, office, residential and typical support services found in urban neighborhoods.

The proposed master plan's major design objectives include the development of three major public plazas, connected public spaces and redesign of Auahi Street as a pedestrian promenade. At full build-out, which is estimated to occur in about 20 years, the master plan proposes to develop a total of 9.2 million square feet of floor area. Details of the master plan can be obtained by going to the HCDA Web site, www.HCDAweb.org.

It is important for the community to voice its feelings on the capacity of the Ward Neighborhood Master Plan to support the HCDA's vision for Kaka'ako to become the most desirable and sustainable urban place in Hawai'i for people to work, live, visit, learn and play.

To ensure that Kaka'ako is developed with these goals in mind, HCDA adheres to a well-defined planning process set forth in its Mauka Area plan and rules. These development plans and rules are designed to guide the redevelopment of Kaka'ako and address the need to preserve existing uses, develop inclusionary housing, appropriate public facilities, open space and parks.

The Kaka'ako Mauka Area plan and rules encourage master planning of large land holdings within the district. Master plans allow for orderly planning and implementation of development projects, while at the same time requiring specific public benefits that would otherwise have had to be publicly underwritten.

We encourage community members to review the General Growth Ward Neighborhood Master Plan and give your opinion. There are several ways to share your opinion: online on the HCDA Web site, over the phone (587-7683) using HCDA's comment line and at a public hearing that will be scheduled in the near future. Kaka'ako residents and businesses will also be receiving a postage-paid mail-in comment form through the mail.

We urge the community to take the time to tell the HCDA what you think about the proposed master plan. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will assist HCDA in reviewing the master plan and ensuring that our shared vision for Kaka'ako is realized.

Anthony J. H. Ching is executive director of the Hawai'i Community Development Authority. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.