Royal Hawaiian signing new tenants

In addition to new stores, the renovation includes a botanical garden, cultural center and native landscaping

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is continuing to usher in new tenants along Kalakaua Avenue as it completes its $115 million renovation.

In addition to the already announced Apple Inc. store and flagship Hilo Hattie outlet, the latest phase of construction -- next door to the popular Cheesecake Factory -- will include locations for Bebe and Ferrari, a boutique featuring apparel and other logo items for fans of the Italian automobile.

Ferrari has stores in Europe, but only one U.S. location, in Los Angeles.

Bebe has an existing store at Ala Moana Center and a site at Waikele Premium Outlets. This would be Bebe's first store in Waikiki.

Meanwhile, the Apple store has begun hiring for its Royal Hawaiian location. Job postings on the www.apple.com site list openings for a store manager, Mac specialists, Mac geniuses and cashiers.

Amy Barney, spokeswoman for Apple, however, declined to comment on the store, saying no announcements have yet been made.

Kim Scoggins, retail broker at Colliers Monroe Friedlander, which is handling the leasing for the center, said only about 3,000 square feet remain.

That's a small percentage of the 310,000 square feet of retail space total along three blocks the center is expected to offer upon completion.

Other new tenants slated for Building C, at the Diamond Head end of the center, include Tourneau, Marciano (an upscale Guess boutique), LeSportsac, Rolex, and Juicy Couture, which already has one location at Ala Moana Center.

Stores that have already opened in Building B, the block next door at the Royal Hawaiian Avenue intersection, include Kate Spade, designer Anne Namba's Pua O' Hawaii, White House Black Market, and L'Occitane, which is also opening its second location outside of Ala Moana Center.

Scoggins said the retailers will occupy two-story, townhouse-style spaces similar to those at "Luxury Row" at 2100 Kalakaua.

Restaurants opening up at the center include Doraku Sushi, a hip sushi restaurant with a Latin twist by the son of Benihana's founder on the third level, as well as W's Steak.

Kamehameha Schools originally expected to spend $84 million on the renovations, but the budget went up to $115 million due to additional investments for the project first envisioned in 2004.

Other improvements include ethno-botanical gardens, native landscaping, a new cultural center at the Royal Grove, and a statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

Renovations are expected to be done by the first quarter of this year.