OliverMcMillian, the developer for the Symphony Honolulu Tower in Kakaako, has been granted an exemption allowing them to build their condominium with additional ocean views. The current rule, which was inacted in November 2012, required any new buildings in the neighborhood to have their broadest portions to be built parallel to the major mauka-makai (mountain-ocean) streets. This rule was designed to help preserve the view channels of current buildings and houses. However, yesterday the Hawaii Community Development Authority granted the Symphony Honolulu Tower a variance in a 10 to 1 vote.
According to the Hawaii Community Development Authority, they had received 117 letters of support for the variance and only 14 letters in opposition. Some of the letters in support noted that if the developer was required to follow the current rules, it would put place too much burden on the developer. It was noted that the Symphony would also include moderately priced units in their building, something that would be less feasible if they didn’t have better view channels for more expensive units. Additional letters of support noted that the building of the Symphony Tower would be a great improvement over having an undeveloped lot on the corner of Ward Avenue and Kapiolani Boulevard. They argued that the developer may not wish to go forward with the project if an exemption was not given.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-3-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
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