WAIPAHU — Mayor Mufi Hannemann and members of his mass-transit planning team last night released preliminary details for two planned transit-oriented development areas in Waipahu, drawing mixed reviews from area residents in the process.

The plans, developed by the San Francisco-based architectural and urban design firm Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP, center around the planned Mokuola section near Waipahu Depot Road and the Leoku section near Waipahu's border with 'Ewa and Kunia.

The plans are not drawn to any specific transit technology, so the debate over whether to adopt a steel-wheel train system was of no consequence to the discussion last night in Waipahu.

Designed to be built over the next 15 to 20 years, the transit system and surrounding development are envisioned to bring dramatic changes to Waipahu. For example, development around the Mokuola station would include buildings of 10 stories or more, the plans show.

Architect Tim Van Meter said the station area plans incorporate six principals: maintain the local character of Waipahu; enhance "green amenities" in the area such as streets, parks, trails and waterways; create a pedestrian-friendly environment; provide a mix of housing choices; allow for an array of transportation choices not limited to mass transit; and create a "mixed-used, village-like" setting at each of the stations.

"It's creating a community over time using sound planning principles," Van Meter said.

There was a mixed reaction among the crowd of about 50.

Sam Luna, a member of the Waipahu United Church of Christ, said he worries what the redevelopment will mean to his longtime place of worship on Mokuola Street.

"Our concern is how big an area is the station going to take," he said.

According to the plan Luna was looking at, the site of the church is designated for green space.

Thomas Franco, 45, a Waipahu Gardens resident, said he believes the neighborhood's character will change. "This is known as an historic plantation town," he said.

Franco, who opposes mass transit in general, said Hale'iwa was able to transform itself and thrive without major changes.

Richard Oshiro, chairman of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, said the massive redevelopment planned for both areas, especially the high-rise commercial buildings planned for what is now Waipahu's industrial area, will generate a lot of discussion.

"It has good potential if they do it right," he said.