Kalihi 21st Century Transformation Initiative
The Office of Planning is pleased to present the 21st Century Kalihi Transformation Initiative Vision Report. This report is the result of a collaborative planning effort to develop and identify priorities and opportunities of Kalihi in the anticipated relocation or redevelopment of the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) site.
The 21st Century Kalihi Initiative was instituted by Governor Ige and the State Office of Planning (OP) to put forth a vision concept that re-imagines the future of Kalihi in the event the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) is relocated or replaced. A Vision Committee (VC) comprised of area legislators, neighborhood board members, and representatives from the public sector, private sector, social service agencies, and community-based organizations was created to work with the OP to establish a vision concept for the site. This vision informed and inspired by community aspirations and was the catalyst for this vision of Kalihi in the 21st Century.
The VC has revisited thematic principles, concepts and priorities presented in past community visioning exercises, studies and surveys prior to formulating its own draft vision specific to the OCCC site. It has also solicited input at open community meetings (September 13, 2016, November 15, 2016 and April 3, 2017) and through the VC’s extended networks. In an effort to synthesize the input received, the VC held an intensive three-hour workshop on October 22, 2016, at which the VC identified priorities for the vision concept.
The top priorities for the 21st Century Initiative Vision focus on Economic Development and Housing for the support and betterment of Kalihi’s current and future generations. It supports innovation and capacity-building, and takes a balanced approach in creating jobs and providing housing so the people who live in the area can continue to live and work in Kalihi and future generations can be elevated. Mixed-income and mixed-housing types would be provided, including affordable, workforce, low-income, and kupuna housing as well as market-rate and larger 2-3-bedroom units to support families and multiple generations. The mixed-use neighborhood that is envisioned would provide safe and convenient access to goods and services, including restaurants, child and kupuna care facilities, small grocery stores and pharmacies, and health/medical clinics. Mom and pop stores would thrive and gentrification would be mitigated.
Additionally, VC members expressed aspirations for a future Kalihi that is not only iconic and outstanding, but one that memorializes the historic and cultural sense of place, and honors the intergenerational and multicultural community that resides, works and recreates in the region. Equally important, the VC expressed a need to incentivize investment in the area, support and encourage educational and workforce development opportunities, and coordinate strategic, large-scale improvements to the area’s infrastructure and transit systems.
OP and the Governor would like to thank the Vision Committee members for their dedication and participation in the 21st Century Kalihi Transformation Initiative. Their role in the Vision Committee was vital in the development of the Vision Report. By sharing their vision and assisting in obtaining input from other community members, we are assured that the many voices and lives in Kalihi share in this vision.
Email the Special Plans Branch at [email protected] should you have questions or would like more information regarding the Kalihi 21st Century Transformation Initiative.