MY COMMUNITIES
Hale Alii may rise soon — but how high?
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer
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After three years of discussion, a high-rise project has cleared its first major hurdle with the city to build to a height of 90 feet on the last remaining open land in Hawai'i Kai proper.
The city Department of Planning and Permitting recently approved the Hale Alii project, with conditions.
However, the decision to allow the building to go to 90 feet rests with the city Planning Commission and then the City Council. The property currently is zoned for 40 and 60 feet, and both panels would have to approve a change in the zoning.
The project would have 297 units, 178 of which would be for low-income renters, and the balance for purchase at market prices, as required by restrictions attached to the deed.
The project was first presented to the community in 2004 and was recommended for approval by the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board. Hale Alii would feature a stair-stepped design with two 90-foot towers — about the same height as the Esplanade on Lunalilo Home Road — in the back of the 3.8-acre site, and lower four- and two-story buildings along the street.
The community submitted 62 written letters and 11 e-mails opposing the zone change to enable the building to go to 90 feet, or about 10 stories. One letter was in support of the project.
The developer must provide the city with annual progress reports on where it is in the permitting and construction process, as outlined in the 73-page approval letter issued March 8 by the Department of Planning and Permitting.
In addition the developer must:
Mike Klein, marketing manager of 21st Century Homes Inc. said construction could begin as early as November if the City Council approves the change in zoning.
"We've been working toward this for a long time," Klein said. "The height change doesn't increase the density; that's already been set."
Many of the objections from the community stem from residents' concern for traffic and from owners of the neighboring development of Moana Kai and Nanea Kai, relatively new townhomes right next door to the proposed 90-foot development. Some residents have said the new project is too close and will block their breeze.
Mariner's Ridge resident Sean Fox said the view from his home will now include two towers. But beyond that, he's concerned about the lack of open space in the community and the shortage of park space for children.
"We don't need a building in our community that tall," Fox said. "Where will the kids in the community go to play? Where's the open space and parks? I don't get it."
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Correction: Mike Klein is the marketing manager of 21st Century Homes Inc. A previous version of this story incorrectly identified him as president of the company.
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