Bridal White addresses Kakaako community concerns at recent town hall meeting

The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA) meeting on September 3, 2025, featured significant community engagement, particularly regarding transparency in decision-making and the scheduling of future meetings.

During the public testimony segment, Bridal White, a long-time Kakaako resident and former manager at Whole Foods Market, expressed gratitude for the HCDA's clarification on lease agreements. She emphasized the importance of transparency in the HCDA's actions, particularly concerning affordable housing developments in the area. White highlighted concerns that many decisions affecting the community were made without adequate input from local residents, urging the HCDA to align its actions with its mission to serve the broader community.

Additionally, White referenced a previous town hall meeting where former Speaker Sekai discussed the possibility of rescheduling HCDA board meetings to afternoons, allowing greater community participation. She noted that a local site, Vila City, had already offered to host these meetings, indicating a willingness from the community to engage more actively in the development process.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the HCDA's commitment to improving communication with Kakaako residents and ensuring that community voices are heard in future planning and development decisions. The next steps will likely involve further dialogue between the HCDA and the community to enhance transparency and participation in local governance.