A state agency is seeking participants interested in helping shape a development vision for public land along the Kaka'ako waterfront.

The Hawai'i Community Development Authority last year decided to form a community advisory panel after public opposition and legislation blocked a public-private venture to redevelop 36 1/2 acres of state land between Ala Moana Beach Park and Fort Armstrong, makai of Ala Moana.

The agency retained local planning firm Townscape Inc. to help identify prospective candidates for the panel. Townscape so far expects to meet with about 50 organizations and individuals to hear their views; the firm already has met with about 20 groups and individuals.

The meetings will enable Townscape to recommend to the state agency a diverse set of panel representatives.

Anyone interested in meeting with Townscape and being considered for the panel should contact Townscape planner Harmonee Williams at 536-6999 by March 16.

Once formed, the panel will convene to develop a strategic plan that will include a vision, guiding principles and an action plan for Kaka'ako makai. An initial advisory panel meeting is targeted for late March.

"HCDA wants a community participatory planning process that is open, transparent and inclusive; a process that reaches out to a broad constituency and allows multiple ways to provide input," Daniel Dinell, agency executive director, said in a statement. "Further, HCDA is committing to a long-term effort in which the advisory working group will work with HCDA on detailed planning, design and development of Kaka'ako makai."

Last year, a plan for the property that included two high-rise condominiums, a park extension, public hula amphitheater, waterfront promenade, retail and restaurants was abandoned by Alexander & Baldwin Inc., which responded to a request for development proposals from the agency.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.