Serving all of East Oahu

Serving all of East Oahu

Serving all of East Oahu

Serving all of East Oahu

Serving all of East Oahu

 

Hawaii Kai Luxury Condo Development now going ahead as family rentals

September 28, 2014   Chamber News

HAWAII KAI, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Courtesy of: Ben Gutierrez

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Eight years ago, a luxury condominium development called Hale Alii was planned for Hawaii Kai. It was shelved, and then was downscaled slightly and renamed Hale Ka Lae. It, too, stalled. Now, the development has been renamed again for its location — 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive — and construction is slated to begin in less than a month.

A green fence surrounds the 3.8 acre lot at the corner of Hawaii Kai Drive and Keahole Street. Faded graphics advertise the earlier failed attempts to build the luxury condo units. “Well, the luxury condominiums were designed for very high-end in mind,” said Christine Camp, president of Avalon Development. “And while that was nicely planned, it just wasn’t right for the market.” Camp’s company is the latest developer attempting to build on the property.

This time, Avalon Development is planning to build 269 rental units in two ten-story buildings. Rents will average around $2,500 a month for the two and three-bedroom units. Fifty-four units will be priced for those who earn less than 80 percent of the area median income. Some in the area remain concerned that the development will increase congestion in an already busy neighborhood. “It’s a prominent corner,” said longtime East Oahu Realtor Julianna Garris of Choi International. “So when you start saying you’re going to build a ten-story high-rise and add in 250 plus units, 500 parking stalls, there’s going to be a lot of congestion that’s going to go into that one particular space.” Garris also questions whether there’s a need for rental units in Hawaii Kai. “There is rental housing already,” she said. “Whether there’s a need for another 250 units, I can’t even say if they’ve provided the fight information for us to evaluate.” Neighbors are also concerned about the height of the buildings. “Our actual height is lower than what was previously designed and approved,” said Camp. “So we’re keeping with the 90 feet height, but we dropped the elevation of our property to the impact is not as significant.” Camp also said there is a need for market rental units for families in Hawaii, and her company is ready to fill that need.

“We’re ready to start. We raised $108 million that’s necessary to finish the next increment of the project, which is just to start the vertical construction,” she said. Avalon will present its plans to the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Sept. 30, but already has the necessary approvals and permits to go ahead. Avalon plans to begin construction as soon as Oct. 15. Completion is scheduled for mid-2016


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    Aloha,

    
Thank you for your contributions to and support of our local chamber. We are very excited to start off a new year with all of you, and we hope you will attend our meetings and events to let us know how we can serve you. One of the most exciting events we plan to tackle this year is to bring back fireworks to the East Side. We ask that you join a committee, roll up your sleeves, and help us achieve the lofty goal of “Bringing Back the BOOM”. Although we see a celebration with fireworks as a worthy cause, it will not consume our endeavors as we still look to provide our local business and our community with both support and a vehicle for change. We have kept a close eye on events concerning Maunalua Bay, including both the NOAA and Imua Maunalua projects. We continue to support and participate in the Ka Iwi Coastline Scenic Byway Coalition, and we want to support our local non-profit members such as the Hawaii Kai Rotary, Livable Hawaii Kai Hui and Maunalua Community Foundation. In all, we have much to do to make our community a better place. I truly look forward to working with each and everyone one of you, and I hope that you will from time to time pick up the phone and let me know how you are doing and how I can help you. As your President, I will do the very best I can, and I can only do so with the love and support of our Board of Directors. I want to take a moment to my fellow Chamber Officers and Directors for their countless efforts and volunteer service. They have each put their hearts and souls into building our Chamber.
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