A long-empty oceanfront building in Kakaako could become a lifeguard headquarters and a Native Hawaiian cultural center, a rare bit of forward motion on land that has sat idle for years.

• The former Look Laboratory, an 18,000-square-foot marine research building near Point Panic, is the site in question.
• The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is in early talks with the city about sharing the space, though it does not own this particular parcel.
• Two uses are on the table: a Native Hawaiian cultural center and city Ocean Safety headquarters.
• Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the area's state senator both back the idea.
• OHA has owned 30 acres in Kakaako Makai since 2012, but past plans for towers and commercial space died in the legislature.

Outlook: No decisions yet, and OHA is also exploring Native Hawaiian housing on the land with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.