A long-standing dispute between neighbors in Nuuanu and the Korean Cultural Center of Hawaii may soon be resolved.

The center is located in a historic residence at the end of a narrow residential street and features exhibits about Korea and the history of Koreans who immigrated to Hawaii.

It was hoped the center would be open and fully operational back in 2003, when Hawaii celebrated the centennial of Korean immigration here.

But neighbors objected over traffic and other concerns.

The center's South Korean owner, Woo Jun Hong, wants to hold events and other activities there, but doesn't want to turn it into a big tourist attraction, said Keith Kurahashi, a planning consultant for the center.

Over the last several weeks, residents and Kurahashi have been working on a compromise to allow the center to host events while still being a good neighbor.

Residents want a limit on the number of big events held at the center, prior notice of major functions, tours by appointment only and a ban on street parking for center guests, among other conditions.

“;The conditions came across as reasonable,”; Kurahashi said.

He said the owner will present some “;tweaking”; to the conditions at a neighborhood board meeting tomorrow night, but declined to specify the changes.

The residents are also asking that no dignitary requiring special security or bodyguards be permitted to stay at the center.

“;I think you have to respect the wishes of the residents, the people who lived there for years and years,”; said Robert Stubbs, chairman of the neighborhood board. “;They have difficulty finding enough parking for themselves. It's the courteous thing to do.”;

The property, formerly called Canvarro Castle, was built in 1927 for the son of the first Portuguese consul general to Hawaii. Members of the Kook Min Hur Korean Community Association acquired the property in 1947. However, the building deteriorated due to neglect.

The Korean Cultural Center of Hawaii purchased it in 2002 and began renovating it.

Jaydene Viernes, who has lived on the street all her life, said she doesn't believe Hong intended to be a bad neighbor in the past, just that the distance between the Seoul resident and the center has kept him from maintaining the property.

“;Of course, we want a resolution, one that will allow him to pursue his interests, as well as keeping our community safe,”; Viernes said. “;Our concern is that he maintains a position of being a good neighbor. Many of us have lived here all our lives.”;