Outrigger project A steady stream of supporters of Outrigger Properties' Waikiki Beach Walk project drowned out the smattering of neighbors voicing traffic, safety and other concerns during a public hearing yesterday.
draws more support
Proponents cite the need to
revitalize the proposed project areaBy Gordon Y.K. Pang
gpang@starbulletin.comMost supporters spoke of the need to revitalize the aging, 7-acre section of Waikiki bounded by Saratoga and Kalia roads, Lewers Street and Kalakaua Avenue.
Mike Yamasaki, who described himself as "a resident of Hawaii," said he has seen the upgrades done in tourist destinations in other parts of the world as part of his business travel. Singapore, for instance, has been "transformed into a modern, beautiful place," he said. "If we don't modify Waikiki, we're going to be left way behind."
Waikiki Neighborhood Board Chairman Robert Finley said his panel voted 14-0 last October to support the project.
"I personally visit this area on at least a weekly basis and cringe when visitors dart in between moving and parked vehicles in an attempt to get into shops, food service facilities or just to go to the beach," he said.
State economist Pearl Iboshi called Waikiki the "linchpin of our visitor industry," which has 45 percent of the visitor accommodations in Hawaii.
"Waikiki is a major attraction, especially for first-time visitors," Iboshi said. "It is critical that these first-time visitors have an experience that meets their expectations so that they become the repeat visitors Hawaii depends on."
Outrigger's answer for the neighborhood is a $300 million face lift that will result in the creation of one new hotel, the upgrade of five existing ones and the demolition of six others.
A key feature is a low-rise entertainment and retail complex buffered by a greater expanse of open space along Lewers Street.
Outrigger officials are seeking a series of exemptions from the standard guidelines for the Waikiki Special District plan. The "modifications" would allow Outrigger to, among other things, reduce the amount of required on-site parking stalls by about 7 percent, and count 193 valet stalls and 250 stalls at the Fort DeRussy lot under the jurisdiction of the military's Hale Koa Hotel toward Outrigger's parking-stall requirement.
Another exemption would allow the new Saratoga Tower to be built to a height of 350 feet, which would exceed the standard limit of 300 feet. The request is similar to one recently granted to the nearby Hilton Waikikian Tower. Other exemptions include a relaxation of requirements on open space, density and setback.
The requests have raised questions from some neighboring property owners, who reiterated their concerns yesterday.
Lawrence Chang, senior vice president of the Halekulani Corp., said that despite continued discussions with Outrigger, the company that manages both the Halekulani and the Waikiki Parc hotels believes additional improvements need to be provided by Outrigger, including widening and making both Lewers and Kalia into two-way streets.
Peter Elliott, managing director for the neighboring Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki, raised concerns including the height of the Saratoga Tower and a need to provide more open space.
The Honolulu Police Department has also given written testimony questioning the closing of Helumoa Road.
Planning and Permitting Director Randy Fujiki now will come up with a recommendation on Outrigger's Planned Development-Resort permit application and forward it to the City Council, the final arbiter on such matters.
The Council Zoning Committee could begin hearing the petition in October.