Amphitheater developer hopeful of OK
| • | Graphic: Kapolei amphitheater proposal awaits approval |
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
A development partner of a proposed amphitheater in Kapolei said he is confident the city will grant a conditional use permit for the $18 million project by Dec. 22, allowing the 15,000-seat entertainment venue to open as early as next December or January 2005.
Terry Gallagher, a partner in Michigan-based Global Venue Group LLC, updated the project's progress yesterday at a meeting of the West Oahu Economic Development Association.
Global Venue announced its plans to build the amphitheater earlier this year, and made a presentation at a Nov. 19 public hearing on its permit application. A ruling is expected by Dec. 22.
With 8,000 covered seats and room for 7,000 more on a sloped lawn, the amphitheater was designed to fill a gap between 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium — too big for most acts — and smaller locations such as the Waikiki Shell, Blaisdell Center or Stan Sheriff Center, all with fewer than 9,000 seats.
Global Venue selected Honolulu-based Maryl Pacific Construction as general contractor, and is using Kober/Hanssen/Mitchell Architects as project designer.
Gallagher said his firm was negotiating with two major entertainment promoters, one of which will be chosen to bring acts from outside Hawai'i, while local promoters will book local shows.
Amphitheater attendance is projected to start at 500,000 in the first year, and reach 1 million after five years, he said.
Besides major concert tours and local performances, Gallagher said the venue should attract corporate events, graduation ceremonies and other bookings.
Gallagher estimated the mix of residents and tourists attending events would be roughly 50-50 for most shows, with more tourists paying to see bigger acts.
Global Venue is financing the project through a private family investment group from Colorado.
Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.
