More than 200 'Aina Haina residents came out last night in hopes of preserving the small-town feel of their neighborhood shopping center amid talk of a multi-million redevelopment of the complex.

"Our biggest fear is they're going to make it into some pricey, non-neighborhood place," longtime 'Aina Haina resident Suki Hayashida said last night at a community meeting with the owners of the complex. "It's not just a shopping center. The people who run the stores are our neighbors."

The 'Aina Haina Community Association meeting, at 'Aina Haina Elementary School, was the first chance residents have had to hear from American Commercial Equities LLC, since the California-based real estate investment firm, bought Aina Haina Shopping Center in June 2007.

Marvin Lotz, American Commercial Equities president, spent much of the meeting reassuring residents, saying he doesn't want to change the character of the complex and is only interested in refurbishing the shopping center.

"Our vision is to really renovate the center, not to change the center," said Lotz, speaking to the crowd. "We think it's a fabulous location. It's deteriorated somewhat. It needs refurbishing."

The 58-year-old complex anchored by Foodland, was purchased for $32 million and features an eclectic mix of small businesses, from a florist to an ice cream shop to a nail salon. The company has said that it plans to sink millions into the shopping complex, but last night officials were unable to provide many details on how much they plan to spend and their plans for the center.

Lotz said that information might be available in 45 to 60 days.

Company officials have said they plan significant upgrades to the shopping complex, including adding new store fronts and signage, changing the facade of the buildings, putting in a food court and planting more greenery.

It's unclear when work will start.

Despite reassurances that the center will retain its neighborhood feel, some remained skeptical last night about the proposed renovations. Many said they would like to see the shopping complex undergo some improvements, but fear that putting millions into renovations will only drive up rents, push out longtime businesses and bring in more chain store outlets or more expensive stores.

And, they say, they have reason to worry.

Three longtime businesses have closed their doors at the center in recent months — Komakata Restaurant, which had been in the east Honolulu complex for 27 years, Akamai Music & Enrichment and Ryan's Sportsworld.

In addition, two other popular tenants of the center have said they are leaving.

The Chuck E. Cheese's pizza eatery and entertainment center is planning to move to a Kalihi location in June, manager Shawn Sablan said. He said the restaurant's lease expires in December but that it hopes to be allowed to stay at the center before moving to Kalihi.

The 'Aina Haina 76 station has also said it will leave. But, last night, Lotz said he is in talks with the station and that he would like to see it stay.

Thelma Fukata, 80, said she is disappointed at the possible loss of the service station. Without it, she said, residents will have to drive to Hawai'i Kai or Kahala.

"I want the service station to stay," she said. "It's so convenient."

Philip Sharp Sr., a member of the Kuli'ou'ou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board, added that 'Aina Haina is a community with mostly seniors who like the convenience of the shopping center.

"A lot of the places have been here for a while," he said.