HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Situated along Ala Moana Boulevard between the Grand Waikikian and Kalia Tower, the 36-story tower will add 515 rooms to the Hilton Hawaiian Village property. It's expected to incorporate sustainable practices and design. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In a statement, Hilton Hawaiian Village owners said the new tower aims to "revitalize the Ewa gateway to Waikiki." In an environmental impact report, the project is said to be needed to be "improved and refreshed to meet the evolving expectations of both residents and guests." However, a public hearing Wednesday before the Department of Planning and Permitting brought out many Waikiki residents who shared concerns about increased traffic and safety issues. "They're gonna do what they want to do. And it's just, it's an unsafe environment," said Ron Fotopoulos, who lives across the street from the proposed tower site. The Hilton said no new guest rooms have been built since 2001, and the new tower will create nearly 500 full time jobs and bring in about $22 million in state taxes annually. Honolulu Ocean Safety to hold first lifeguard recruit tryouts of 2025 But those opposed to the project said the Hilton should focus on improving the buildings they have now. "I think they could do so much with the property that they have. And the grand Islander is not fully sold out," said Fotopoulos. One thing that was agreed upon was the Hilton's plans to showcase local artists and hold monthly cultural festivals and a marketplace on the site. But even that is a hard trade for those who said they'll lose their ocean views. "There will be a nice section that we can now see out to the ocean, and that'll disappear, but it's, it's part of living in Waikiki, and I knew that when I moved in here," said Stan Simpson, who lives in the Wailana. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news If the permits are approved, construction on the new tower could begin as early as the middle of 2026.