Second Ritz-Carlton Tower in Waikiki Approved

The City Department of Planning and Permitting has announced that they have approved the second Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach luxury tower.  Developer Pacrep 2 LLC will be allowed to build a new 39-story, 350-foot tall mixed-use tower at 2139 Kuhio Avenue.  George Atta, the director for the DPP, stated, "In general the project will be of benefit to Waikiki, its businesses and nearby commercial establishments. Visitors will be welcomed at the project's ground level by an active landscaped open space featuring lush plant life, interactive uses, outdoor dining and gather space. The project will improve the streetscape along Kuhio Avenue, provide a pleasant pedestrian experience and promote social interaction."

Casey Federman, the authorized representative of Pacrep LLC's, stated, "Feedback from the community and DPP's guidance has resulted in a better plan overall for the Waikiki community. Our goal from the beginning was to create a landmark property and destination in Waikiki and also to lead the way in bringing new life and energy to an area of Kuhio Avenue that many feel needs revitalization."

Not everyone is happy with the decision.  Mark Harpenau, who lives at the Four Paddle condominium across from the Ritz-Carlton, stated, "It's too bad that the DPP wastes everybody's time because they obviously don't listen. There were strong negative comments from the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, and they ignored the Waikiki Special District guidelines. These are two massive ocean-facing buildings, and we're lucky we even got a 75-foot gap between them. It's not much. It's not really anything to be happy about. They've essentially given them carte blanche."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-19-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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