Projects enliven Kakaako's future

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 17, 2013

~~<p>Kakaako has been the area most plotted with plans for skyscraper living quarters but now is envisioned also for a year-round fairground that, as a "gateway," should draw residents into the area on their off hours. Hawaii extreme sports athlete Billy Balding's plan is not quite D.G. "Andy" Anderson's carousel and giant Ferris wheel, which the Hawaii Community Development Authority rejected more than 13 years ago, but it promises to add right-sized, family-friendly entertainment to the waterfront.</p>
<p>Balding, known locally as a canoe paddler, surfer and triathlete, plans to lease from Kamehameha Schools half of the 6-acre grassy parcel near Kakaako Makai Gateway Park to plant the entertainment park. It is to feature a stationary surfing wave, skateboard park and go-kart track, plus a miniature golf course, rock-climbing wall, kiddie carnival rides, plus food offerings … and a small Ferris wheel.</p>
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Kakaako has been the area most plotted with plans for skyscraper living quarters but now is envisioned also for a year-round fairground that, as a "gateway," should draw residents into the area on their off hours. Hawaii extreme sports athlete Billy Balding's plan is not quite D.G. "Andy" Anderson's carousel and giant Ferris wheel, which the Hawaii Community Development Authority rejected more than 13 years ago, but it promises to add right-sized, family-friendly entertainment to the waterfront.

Balding, known locally as a canoe paddler, surfer and triathlete, plans to lease from Kamehameha Schools half of the 6-acre grassy parcel near Kakaako Makai Gateway Park to plant the entertainment park. It is to feature a stationary surfing wave, skateboard park and go-kart track, plus a miniature golf course, rock-climbing wall, kiddie carnival rides, plus food offerings … and a small Ferris wheel. Login for more...