Developer Still Working on Hale Alii Condo Project in Hawaii Kai
A developer is trying to proceed with a long-delayed condominium project in Hawai'i Kai, Hale Alii, but an affordable housing contribution has yet to be negotiated with the city, and some cultural preservationists claim that ancient Hawaiian artifacts on the site are in danger of being destroyed. Hale Alii Development LLC hopes to break ground by March, 2010 on the initial 11-story building.
Recently offered were 68 luxury units at prices from $1.3 million - $3.7 million. This is the first phase of a 297-unit complex in two buildings, divided by a park, waterways, floating cabanas and pool.
Far from assured, however, the project must resolve what the city and state claim was illegal grading work that preservationists believe has harmed artifacts. And, the site has now been designated as affordable housing, as a result of a 1986 arrangement to rezone a broader piece of Hawai'i Kai from preservation to residential use. More than 1,200 homes built on nearby parcels triggered a requirement to build affordable housing equivalent to 10 percent of units developed, and that requirement was largely consolidated onto the Hale Alii parcel. The affordable units would be developed as part of the 2nd building.
As for preservation of Hawaiian artifacts, under the preservation plan, which was prepared by Archaeological Consultants of the Pacific Inc. for Hale Ali'i Development, three petroglyphs — pictures of a man, a piko and a fish — are to be protected. But a group of preservationists believe the developer's consultant and the state didn't survey the property well enough, and that a more thorough study of the site should be required.
Ann Marie Kirk, a member of the community group Livable Hawaii Kai ***, on a recent tour of the site found what looks like a fish petroglyph on a large rock not identified in the developer's report. Chris Cramer, an area historian, also found another possible petroglyph outside the preservation area. Kirk and Cramer believe the Hale Alii site is part of a heiau complex that could be restored, though previous studies of the Hawea Heiau in Hawai'i Kai place remains of the heiau, or place of worship, nearby on land developed decades ago.
Hale Alii will be a gated community with amenities including a wine tasting room, movie theater and resort-style spa. With units ranging from about 1,500 square feet to 4,400 square feet, Hale Alii also is being touted as a unique opportunity on the last large parcel of undeveloped land zoned for homes in Hawai'i Kai.
Read more details on the challenges facing this project at the Honolulu Advertiser, and visit the Hale Alii website. Because this is a new development, be sure and register with me to receive updates and get on the list to consider a new unit.
Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com