A Japanese partnership is planning to start construction in September on a $40 million multi-use facility at Kewalo Basin in Honolulu that would include waterfront retail, restaurants and a live entertainment venue.
Kewalo Waterfront Partners Inc., which was formed by Japan-based Good Luck International Corp., and fellow Japan firm Hinamari Hawaii Inc., said in a draft environmental assessment that the project is anticipated to be completed by December 2016. The entity also said that it will provide the primary financing for the project, which includes four buildings totaling 45,000 square feet.
The developers are still negotiating lease terms with the Hawaii Community Development Authority, according to Kevin Cockett, a Honolulu public relations executive working with Kewalo Waterfront Partners. If a lease is secured, the developers also still need to secure a development permit.
“We’re hoping to give a presentation regarding the project to the HCDA in February at a regularly scheduled meeting,” Cockett told PBN, noting that the construction timeline will likely change.
Located on about two acres between Kewalo Basin Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park on what is now a surface parking lot, the buildings would be built no more than 45 feet near the waterfront.
The first building, which would be located near Ala Moana Boulevard, will have commercial uses including waterfront retail consisting of various retail stores and small restaurants. The second building would have similar uses as the first building.
The third building would include a live entertainment venue and a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, and office space and open decks on the second floor.
A fourth building, which would be separated from the other buildings by a 24-foot wide drive aisle and would be located east of the third building, would have a cafe on the ground floor and a multipurpose hall on the second level.
A 250-stall garage in a two-level structure would be located between the first and third buildings.
Honolulu-based Environmental Risk Analysis LLC submitted the draft environmental assessment to the Hawaii Office of Environmental Quality Control, with an anticipated finding of no significant impact to the environment.
Duane Shimogawa Reporter – Pacific Business News