Isle developer
explores produce site
for high-tech

By Jerry Tune
Star-Bulletin

Annie Chan, co-founder of ESS Technology Inc. in Fremont, Calif., and director of Hawaii's Ohana Foundation, is looking for a new Kakaako site that can be developed quickly into a high-technology office park.

One location is part of the food distribution center site leased by Produce Center Development Ltd., and the adjoining state Department of Agriculture inspection site. Phil Russell of Graham, Murata and Russell, development managers for Chan, said those sites would allow "a phasing over time" of 500,000 to 700,000 square feet in midrise buildings.

Produce Center Development Ltd. is now renegotiating its lease and is expected to stay in Kakaako, although probably on less land, said Jan Yokota, Hawaii Community Development Authority executive director.

Chan already owns a 6.2-acre site near McKinley High School, which had been planned for a community care retirement community. However, that permit application to HCDA was withdrawn last week.

Russell said the retirement proposal is now planned for a triangular piece of property on the Sheridan Street side of the future retail project started by Haseko Ltd. of Hawaii

Chan had been a finalist for makai Kakaako development. Last year, Chan announced high-tech plans for three high-rise buildings with 700,000 square feet on lands between Ohe and Koula streets near the Children's Discovery Center. The land is now used by the City and County of Honolulu for its Public Works, Wastewater Management and Transportation Services departments.

The city has promised to move off the 13 acres by the end of next year, said Yokota. However, in the past, the city move has been stalled by the lack of redevelopment funds which one city official estimated at $27.7 million.