2 developers show interest in UH-West O'ahu plan

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

At least two developers are interested in building the $84 million Phase I of a University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu campus in Kapolei in exchange for development rights for up to 200 acres of the 500-acre state parcel, legislators learned yesterday during a UH budget briefing.

DOBELLE

"The director of capital improvements would give them development rights to 150 to 200 acres of the 500 acres to develop a campus (on about 100 acres) at their cost," said Callejo.

Last week UH President Evan Dobelle told senators during a similar briefing that the administration remains "committed" to a West O'ahu campus in Kapolei. He also suggested then that some of the land could be sold to raise the money to build the first phase.

In the next few months, Callejo said the university hopes to offer a "request for qualifications" to any developers interested in such a project.

Development rights enable a developer to build on the land and then lease the development to others. The administration has an expansive plan that would see homes and malls built around a campus to create a true college town on the Leeward plain.

The West O'ahu campus has had a roller coaster history, especially in the past few months as UH regents expressed reservations about spending up to $350 million over 12 years to build a new campus in Kapolei when the UH system needs $160 million for repairs and maintenance.

Late last year regents directed the administration to pursue a partnership with a private developer to do exactly what Callejo said is happening.

Additionally, West O'ahu chancellor Bill Pearman told members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee late last week that his tiny campus on the edge of Leeward Community College had received a favorable new review by a committee from the college's accrediting agency.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.