Permits for The Collection Project in Kakaako Still Valid per HCDA

In August 3013, the Honolulu Community Development Authority granted local developer Alexander & Baldwin the right to build a 43-story condominium tower project in Kakaako called The Collection at 600 Ala Moana.  In September 2013, members of the condominium owners association of One Waterfront Towers, a neighboring building, and nonprofit organization Kakaako United filed an appeal with the HCDA to make the permit invalid.  On Wednesday, the HCDA has decided that they will not consider the appeal at all and that the permits are still valid, due to the fact agency rules and state law won't allow the agency to entertain an appeal of a development permit after public hearings and a board decision.

The petitioners stated that they may now appeal the case to Circuit Court.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-22-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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The Collection Project Being Challenged By Neighboring Building Residents

The Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency responsible for the redevelopment of the Kakaako Neighborhood, has given developer Alexander & Baldwin approval to build The Collection high-rise condominium on the site of the former CompUSA store on Ala Moana Blvd.  However, residents and owners in the neighboring One Waterfront Towers have filed a lawsuit against The Collection and HCDA and are stating that the land is reserved primarily for commercial use and a new tower should not be allowed. Alexander & Baldwin's senior vice president, Rick Stack, commented the One Waterfront residents are misinterpreting HCDA rules or are citing rules that do not apply.  Stack stated, "We believe our project and the minor variances approved by the HCDA board comply completely with the applicable HCDA rules and regulations."  The HDCA spokesperson stated that they will not make any comments on the lawsuit until their legal council has had an opportunity to review it.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-10-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com

The Collection Draws Opposition from Neighboring One Waterfront Tower

The Collection is a new luxury high rise condominium tower in Kakaako that will be marketed and developed by Alexander and Baldwin.  Located on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and South Street, the tentative plans for The Collection calls for 397 units in a 400 foot tower, an additional 54 units in a four-story building, and 16 townhouse units in a three-story building.  Fronting the main streets of the 3.3 acre lot would be several retail shops and restaurants.  It is anticipated that one-bedroom units will start at about $375,000, the two-bedrooms in the high 500,000s and three bedrooms will start at about $750,000.

However, owners of the the adjacent One Waterfront Towers condominium are telling the Hawaii Community Development Authority that the project should not be approved.  President of the AOAO for One Waterfront Towers, George Beavin, stated, "I don't believe this size of a building belongs where it is (planned).  We already have a high tower."  C. Bell, another owner in One Waterfront Towers, added, "Don't block us in from our sunsets.  Don't take away from us what we paid for."

It should be noted that the plans for the 400 foot tower exceed the state guidelines for the minimum separation distance between buildings.  Under the Hawaii Community Development Authority rules, the slim side of towers must be at least 200 feet apart.  The Collection will be 249 feet away from One Waterfront.  The Hawaii Community Development Authority will make a decision regarding permits for The Collection on July 17.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com