State outlines goals for Kaka'ako land
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
The state yesterday issued guidelines to interest developers in redeveloping 36 acres of state-owned land along the Kaka'ako waterfront, suggesting the project include an iconic public facility and possibly a farmers market.
The state Hawaii Community Development Authority also included the Kewalo boat marina as part of its request for proposals, offering the 29-acre harbor for private management and potential redevelopment that could include adding more slips.
Envisioned for the area on solid ground is roughly 500,000 square feet of public and commercial space, 250,000 square feet of entertainment and retail, about 300 residential units and parking.
The agency said its description of desired elements is meant to provide developers direction more than prescribe requirements.
"We are looking for the private sector to respond with their best concept that is in concert with the authority's vision of an environmentally and economically sustainable mixed-use development," said agency executive director Daniel Dinell.
Other agency guidelines suggest the project have a "live-work-play" gathering place character and complement the adjacent University of Hawai'i medical school with its emphasis on related technology and research.
Dinell said management and any potential redevelopment of the harbor would accommodate present-day users. "We don't want people to think they are going to be kicked out or anything like that," he said.
The agency intends to sell land it is working to rezone for residential use, and would lease other property to the winning developer.
Interested parties must state their written intent to submit a proposal by 4 p.m. Feb. 2. A nonrefundable $1,000 fee is required to obtain due-diligence documents and compete in the selection process.
For more information, call the agency at (808) 587-2870 or go online to www.hcdaweb.org.
A developer is expected to be selected as early as September.
Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.
