A proposal for a year-round fairground in Kakaako with go-kart racing, a zip line, indoor skydiving and a surfing wave pool received limited but wholesale public support at a Wednesday hearing held by the state agency overseeing development in the area.

Project developer Billy Balding gave the Hawaii Community Development Authority and people attending the meeting a presentation in which he elaborated on the $10 million plan reported by the Star-Advertiser earlier this month.

Balding revealed rides such as the zip line, skydiving and a bungee jump in addition to elements he previously mentioned, including a skateboarders park, rock-climbing wall, miniature golf course and kiddie carnival rides.

The project will sit on a 3-acre parcel leased from Kamehameha Schools near Kakaako Makai Gateway Park on Ala Moana Boulevard.

Balding is required to participate in two public hearings before the agency, which anticipates voting on a development permit for the project March 6 in conjunction with the second hearing.

At Wednesday’s meeting, public testimony was light, but all four people who commented on the plan were supportive.

Ron Iwami, organizer of the group Friends of Kewalo Basin, who helped spearhead opposition to residential development in Kakaako Makai, said he thinks Balding’s plan is compatible with a master plan developed by a community advisory group for the area.

"It sounds good," Iwami said. "To me, it’s going to fit into the Kakaako Makai master plan."

Other supporters were longtime friends of Balding’s, including Koa Asam, who said the fairground will help attract more people to Kakaako, an area trying to shed its industrial character for one where people live, work and play.

"I can’t wait to see this take off," he said.

Michael Nelson, another friend, testified to Balding’s character. "He is a high achiever. He is a man of integrity. He is a man of strong conviction."

Balding, 48, a competitive canoe paddler, tow-in surfer and triathlete, said he has dreamed of establishing a place for young and old to have fun for 20 years.

He said his project would employ about 45 people and could begin partial operation as soon as May 31 if the agency gives him the green light.

However, Balding will be required to obtain a special management area permit. He also needs to finalize a lease with Kamehameha Schools, which has expressed enthusiasm for the fairground near 29 acres the trust intends to redevelop with several residential towers, stores and restaurants.

Board directors of the development agency asked Balding a variety of questions about his plan, such as noise generation, parking and food service.

Balding said the gas-powered go-karts are approved for indoor use and would be quieter than the automobile traffic on Ala Moana. The zip line would be 85 feet high and feature a fixed seat and adjustable speed control.

Hours of operation would be from 9 a.m. to midnight. Food would be supplied by a 35-foot lunch truck with a full kitchen. Alcohol would not be served except for private parties. Parking would be on site with 70 stalls.

Some other elements of the plan include Segway rentals, party rooms and an arcade.

"It’ll be good for the area," Balding said. "It’s not going to be the old warehouse look."

The block slated for Balding’s project used to be a car dealership but has been largely vacant for several years, except for seasonal uses that included a haunted house, skating rink and roller derby matches.