David Chu, owner of Liven of Hawai'i and new owner of the Noriko building in Kahalu'u, wants to create a community marketplace on the property. Before that happens, however, some want a master plan that covers traffic and community issues, as well as development of the surrounding area. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Master plan sought before marketplace

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAHALU'U — David Chu, the new owner of the old Noriko building, wants to expand the site to include a local market, but with the immediate area under development with a new park, some residents and officials are calling for caution and planning that would take into account traffic and other impacts.

Chu, 51, said he would like to create a marketplace where residents and tourists can mingle and enjoy the country atmosphere.

His vision includes a farmers' market — a years-long goal for the community — craft vendors making and selling products on site, entertainment, food and cultural demonstrations.

"The Kahalu'u marketplace will belong to the community," said Chu, who has been in the jewelry business for 35 years, 25 of them in Hawai'i, and is owner of Liven of Hawai'i.

The Kahekili/Kamehameha highway junction already includes the World of Aloha chapel and fishpond next door, the Hygienic Store across the street, a gas station, canoe halau and a new city district park under development.

Chu's property is near a busy intersection on a main artery to the North Shore. The community and the state have planned a traffic roundabout for the intersection, which can snarl when people traveling south on Kamehameha Highway try to turn left to continue on Kamehameha.

Daniel Bender, board chairman, said he supports Chu's plan.

"I think it's a real good idea," Bender said. "I think we should help him do it because it eventually will lead to a restaurant, more business and more commerce. I think it's one of the least invasive things you could do."

Bob Nakata, who heads KEY Project in Kahalu'u, said he and others would like to see a master plan created that includes everything in the area.

The plan can address traffic and community issues as well as future development of all of the properties in the surrounding area, Nakata said.

"There are intriguing possibilities, but there's a need to talk about it together and not just have one entity moving ahead," said Nakata, a former state legislator.

Chu purchased the Noriko building across the street from the Hygienic Store last year and acquired a 55-year lease for the 3-acre parcel that includes an old bank building.

Chu had began to build wooden vendor stalls, but work was suspended last week when a city building inspector told Chu to stop construction and get the necessary permits. Chu said he has applied for them.

The Noriko store has been considered an eyesore for decades in the farming community, with a modern design better suited to an urban environment. It hugs the shoreline, blocking the view, and little attempt has been made to soften its impact with landscaping.

Chu thinks the location is appealing and will draw people. He wants to attract tourists who arrive in Hawai'i in the morning and have nothing to do until they check in to their hotels at 2 p.m. Visitors could be transported to his business where they can relax, enjoy food, entertainment and experience Hawaiian culture, he said.

Members of the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board called for a master plan of the area, asked for Chu to be more involved in the community and suggested he repaint the building and delay his plans until he could hold a trial farmer's market to see how the community would respond.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.