A state effort to partner with a private developer to overhaul several sites in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor has prompted community skepticism from those who fear redevelopment could leave them with a soaring tower on prime public land intended for recreation.

An “envisioning” meeting called by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) and its consultant DTL to solicit community input on the potential redevelopment of three harbor sites drew 165 attendees Thursday and some 192 comments. However, distrust of the process and its intent caused some attendees to walk out without leaving feedback on the proposed redevelopment sites.

The properties proposed for redevelopment include: a 112,580-square-foot tract where the harbor office and a triangular paid parking lot sit; a 38,369-square-foot tract that fronts Ala Moana Boulevard near the Waikiki Prince Hotel; and a 15,199-square-foot tract at the end of a row of docks where a fuel dock once stood.

DTL President Malia Ka‘aihue said Thursday that common public preferences emphasize cultural, boating and navigational history and focus on reef restoration and serving watermen and waterwomen.

So far, the community has “overwhelmingly supported a desire for no hotel, residential, or structures of any kind over four stories,” said DTL spokeswoman Kirra Downing.

But anxiety about the future of the public recreational area has been heightened since the state broadened the harbor’s redevelopment options through Act 197 and HRS 171-6(19), making it possible for a public-private partnership to build virtually anything that is allowed in densely populated Waikiki.

“My biggest concern is a 30-story building that would absolutely block views and take away parking,” said Kate Johnson, who has lived on a boat in the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor for 12 years. “We don’t need more building, we need public space. I’m worried that they aren’t listening to us.”

State Rep. Tom Brower, who represents Waikiki, said “nearly anything would be lawful” at the site since the “rule-making process was relaxed.”

“But it’s my understanding there’s no desire from the state to build something tall. I believe (DOBOR) envisions some sort of low-rise development with amenities and services for boaters and tourists,” Brower said.

Indeed, the state’s first attempt at a public-private partnership with Honey Bee USA would have put a low-rise retail, boating and wedding venue on state land had it not fallen through last year. That now-bankrupt project didn’t include high-rises, but it raised concerns from boaters and community members about potential user conflicts. It also left a wake of creditors, including the state, which is still owed $500,000.

Nearby residents say they remain frustrated by the lingering Honey Bee construction site, which removed a fuel dock and a boat repair facility. But Madeleine Noa, who lives near the tracts, said she doesn’t necessarily want to see the state replace Honey Bee with another commercial developer.

“They really need to keep this area for boaters. It’s already overdeveloped,” Noa said.

Ilikai Apartment Building General Manager Rob Johnson said he opposes harbor redevelopment that isn’t tied to boating.

“If they build a high-rise tower, it would tighten parking and block ocean and sunset views for nearby commercial owners and for residents, including the harbor’s live-aboard boaters,” Johnson said. “It also would hurt valuations — our building alone could lose $350 million in value.”

Comments like these should become part of the “envisioning” that DTL, which was contracted for just under $100,000 by DLNR, kicked off in July. DTL will summarize feedback from that meeting and from eight stakeholder meetings, including the last one Thursday at McCoy Pavilion.

“This is the first time DOBOR has done such extensive community outreach,” Anukriti Hittle, who is working with DOBOR, said in a statement. “That it has done so through an independent outside entity signals serious intent — that DOBOR means business when it comes to community input. This process will inform the (request for proposal) that DOBOR publishes, which in turn will determine what Hawaii’s ‘jewel’ harbor will look like — for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Downing said the public has until Thursday to leave comments at envisionalawaismallboatharbor.com. DOBOR hopes to issue a request for proposals by the first quarter of 2018, Downing said.