3 Aloha Tower proposals received

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

Three developers have submitted proposals to the state for building a ferry terminal and complexes at Honolulu Harbor with commercial and residential components, including possible time-share units.

Two submissions were made in response to a request for proposals issued late last year by the Aloha Tower Development Corp., the state landlord seeking development of Piers 5 and 6 diamondhead of Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Ron Hirano, agency executive director, said it would be premature to provide plan specifics or identify developers involved.

The third proposal, which was unsolicited, is a plan to build a cruise ship terminal and residential condominiums, possibly a time-share condo, at a different site on the other side of the festival marketplace between Piers 12 and 15.

Hirano said all three proposals will be considered by the agency's board at a Feb. 20 meeting. A decision is expected then, he said.

If one or more of the ideas advance, it would be a long-awaited step in the further development of the underused waterfront area that is controlled by the state.

The marketplace, built in 1994 at a cost of $100 million, was supposed to be the first phase in a $700 million, five-phase project. But developer Aloha Tower Associates ran out of money and defaulted on lease rent payments to the state, which three years ago reclaimed development rights.

Under the agency request for proposals, minimum development requirements at Piers 5 and 6 include a ferry terminal, parking and 30,000 square feet of office space for the state Transportation Department's Harbors Division.

Criteria for selecting a new developer are geared to finding the most capable and financially strong applicant. After selecting a developer, any proposed project still would be subject to negotiation and approval of the agency board.