HONOLULU -- Some controversial new street lights in Hawaii-Kai will be energized for the first time Thursday night.

The city will turn on a portion of the system on Lunalilo Home Road, from Kalanianaole Highway to the mauka intersection at Kaumakani Street.

The city's contractor replaced replaced the 40-year-old 150-watt street lights with new 100-watt fixtures with flat lenses. The city said the change will save $63 in operating costs per light annually and improve safety in the area.

Street lights on a second portion of Lunalilo Home Road, up to Wailua Street will be activated later this year.

Some residents opposed the project saying it was not necessary.