Posted on: Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Waikiki gets preview of new condo projects
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Two new residential building projects, further signs of the area's condominium sales boom, will be discussed during the Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting tonight.
• Who: Waikiki Neighborhood Board • What: Will hear two presentations on the private condominium projects Ala Wai Gateway and Royal Kahili Tower. • When: 7 p.m. today • Where: Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave. Presentations are scheduled on the Ala Wai Gateway and Royal Kahili Tower condominium projects.
The Royal Kahili Tower will be a 208-foot, 26-unit building on Ala Wai Boulevard at Namahana Street. The two-bedroom, fee-simple units will have 1,300 to 1,400 square feet.
The market-priced project is being proposed by Nichiei USA Inc., which owns the neighboring Royal Garden Hotel. The property is vacant except for a swimming pool on two parcels and the owner hopes to start construction in June.
The Ala Wai Gateway, a 350-foot, 212-unit tower is being proposed by Irongate Ala Wai Investors LLC.
The 37-story building will be at 1609 Ala Wai Boulevard with portions on Hobron Lane and Lipe'epe'e Street. An 18-unit, three-story building on the property will be torn down.
The developer hopes to begin construction in June and expects 18 months to two years for construction.
Both projects are required to complete an environmental assessment and secure a Waikiki special district permit and building permits before proceeding.
Among the several recent projects in the area are the Tusitala Vista Elderly Apartments, with 106 units for seniors on Ala Wai Boulevard; Belrad Group LLC's 31-story project at 2121 Kuhio Ave.; and a 100-unit condo tower on Kuhio Avenue.
Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association, said as long as the projects follow existing zoning codes, they should be positive additions.
"I think the area can handle what it is zoned for," Egged said. "It's when projects ask for a number of variances that they have to be more closely scrutinized."
Egged said the new projects are focused on the upscale market, which is selling quickly.
"Certainly, it brings the clientele to Waikiki that can benefit our businesses."
Egged said it's important that projects keep in mind the concerns of their neighbors, which usually include traffic, views and open space.
"There was a concern in the past that Waikiki was overbuilt, but as you see, these projects come into areas that are either vacant or have blighted buildings on them. I think a high-quality development is a positive thing for Waikiki, not a negative one," he said.
Reach James Gonser at 535-2431 or jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com. Correction: The site of the proposed Ala Wai Gateway project is at 1609 Ala Wai Boulevard, with portions on Hobron Lane and Lipe'epe'e Street. A previous version of this story had the street name spelled incorrectly.
The two are among several projects that have been announced or started in the past year after about a decade with no residential condo construction starts.
Board meeting
