The City and County of Honolulu will start a $4.4 million project to fix up Kekaulike Mall in Chinatown, according to a release.
Kekaulike Mall is the main pedestrian walkway between Hotel and King Street, and it serves as a marketplace, where local produce and other goods can be purchased by shoppers.
The improvement project will begin on April 17 and will continue until Oct. 2023. As construction is ongoing, businesses will remain open and pedestrians will continue to have access to the walkway.
The project will involve new pavement, improved stormwater management, new shade trees, tree guards and gates, sprinklers, new lighting, and other upgrades.
The main aesthetic improvement will move the existing dragon decal to the center of Kekaulike Mall and surround it with two concentric circles.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in May 2021 that he would work to improve the Chinatown Historic District. His projects have included increasing police patrols, sidewalk repairs, storm drain improvements, enhancing public artwork at Aala park, and others.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.