Buildings to be replaced across from Waikiki Plaza
The owners of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza are planning to redevelop five nondescript buildings adjacent to the bustling retail complex on Kalakaua Avenue.
The project involves demolishing the aged structures on five parcels at the corner of Kalakaua and Royal Hawaiian avenues and developing a single, three-story building that will connect to the existing Waikiki Shopping Plaza to "in fill that corner in Waikiki," according to an environmental notice filed with the state Department of Health's Office of Environmental Quality Control.
"The project is intended to enhance the overall visual character and Hawaiian sense of place for that block," said the notice filed by Leighton Mau, one of the managers of Waikiki Shopping Plaza LLC.
The costs and timeframe of the redevelopment haven't been determined, said Alika Mau, another manager of the family-run business.
The new structure, with a maximum height of 60 feet, will include 10,350 square feet each on the ground and second floors, with 8,680 square feet on the third floor and 275 square feet on the roof, which will be partially topped with a trellis.
The overall floor area isn't expected to change since it will be the same size as the structures being replaced.
The proposal includes constructing a pedestrian awning fronting the new building, while the existing eight-story Waikiki Shopping Plaza will undergo interior and exterior renovations.
The family of plaza developer William Mau has completed a draft environmental assessment and has hired Rim Architects and land-use consultants Kusao & Kurahashi Inc., which were scheduled to present the proposal at a Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting last night.
The ground lease to the property, which is comprised of five structures -- including a main building that houses Bank of Hawaii -- is expiring at the end of the year. The property includes some smaller structures, including a behind-the-scenes warehouse.
Tenants of the 10,000-square-foot, four-story building include LeSportSac, ABC Stores, 88 Tees and Rolex.
