Los Angeles-based Robertson Properties Group will host community, business and civic leaders at a traditional Hawaiian ground blessing at 9 a.m. Thursday to celebrate the beginning of construction on the new Pearl City Gateway shopping center.

Located near the intersection of Kuala and Acacia streets, the development will be built on 13.5 acres with a total of 313,426 square feet for a variety of retailers and restaurants to serve the community of Pearl City.

The center is expected to open in fall, 2009.

Kahu Richard Kamanu will give the blessing while seven city leaders and company executives, including Mayor Mufi Hannemann participate in the ceremonial stick-turning ritual. As flower petals are scattered over the site, the development will officially begin construction.