The city has put two street light projects in Hawai'i Kai on hold and has toned down a third following concerns about the work from homeowners who said the lights would be too bright for residential streets.

The mayor said the changes were aimed at finding a compromise with residents.

Under the new plan, the city will use 100-watt bulbs in street lights along Lunalilo Home Road, rather than the 150-watt fixtures originally planned. The lower-watt bulb will save the city about $63 per bulb in electricity annually.

The street lights will also have flat lenses, instead of round ones that disperse more light.

The same number of street lights will be added, but over a shorter stretch of the roadway so that the upgraded lights are centered near more highly trafficked areas.

The $2 million project will replace 48 existing street lights on Lunalilo Home Road, and add 96 new street lights.

The project area extends on Lunalilo Home Road from Kalaniana'ole Highway to Wailua Street. Originally, the lighting project was to extend to Ko'amano Street.

Meanwhile, the city says the second and third phases of work to light up the streets in Hawai'i Kai have been put on hold.

At a meeting Thursday with residents, the mayor said the projects could be revived if the residents want them.

The second phase of the project was to cost $570,000 and install 21 new street lights and replace 11 existing ones on Lunalilo Home Road from Ko'amano Street to Hawai'i Kai Drive.

The third phase of work was aimed at improving lighting along Hawai'i Kai Drive.

Greg Knudsen, chairman of the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board, said the compromise was welcomed. "It's a very positive start," he said.