Kalihi may be one of O'ahu's oldest neighborhoods, but it doesn't have to look like it. And thanks to a partnership between the city and the community, Kalihi will finally get the facelift it deserves.

As a result of the Kalihi Economic Summit coordinated by the city's Office of Economic Development in April, more than 300 Kalihi stakeholders — from residents to businesses to community leaders — came together and shared ideas on how to improve everyday life in Kalihi.

Among the initiatives: repave North King Street and 'Alewa Drive; repair Lanakila Park Gym and install new playground equipment at Peter Buck and Kanoa Street parks; and replace graffiti with paint and "Kalihi Pride" logos.

But the Kalihi makeover isn't just about window dressing. To truly improve life for residents in this struggling urban community, the city must look toward revitalizing crucial areas — economic and social — that will ensure the success of current and future residents. According to Mayor Mufi Hannemann, this is exactly what is planned.

In partnership with several Kalihi organizations, the city has held several business-boosting events and is looking for other ways to revitalize the area's economy, including promoting business-assistance programs for entrepreneurs.

Other worthy initiatives include youth programs and anti-drug campaigns.

The mayor says he plans to spark the same kind of city-community partnership in other areas, which is a welcome and necessary approach. Residents should have a voice when it comes to their own neighborhoods.

These plans could not have been possible had the city and the community not come together — and it will take the commitment of both to make them a reality.