A bowling alley, child-care center and baseball and recreational fields at Kalaeloa will remain open to Kapolei and other area residents while the Navy negotiates with private operators about the facilities' future use, the Navy said yesterday.

The three facilities are located on 459 acres that the Navy will turn over to Ford Island Properties LLC, a partnership of Hawaii Renaissance Builders LLC (a Hunt Cos. affiliate) and Fluor Federal Services LLC early next year as part of a deal to redevelop Ford Island.

“;I am pleased we have reached this agreement and am confident it is the right thing to do for our sailors and their families and the residents of Hawaii,”; said Rear Adm. Townsend Alexander, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. “;The Navy is fully committed to working with FIP and all concerned stakeholders, as we have been doing throughout the process, to ensure that the transition of the remaining Navy-owned facilities to FIP will be as smooth and seamless as possible.”;

Steve Colon, president of the Hawaii Division of Hunt Development Group LP, said, “;We are proud to become a part of this very special community and to help enhance and improve the area overall while protecting its rich history.”;

State Rep. Sharon Har (D, Royal Kunia-Kapolei-Kalaeloa) said users were concerned that the facilities would be closed during the interim period.

The Navy said the baseball fields will remain open, and all leagues may continue to use the fields under a month-to-month permit issued by the city.

Although the bowling center closed Sept. 28, Har said, operators Linda Painter and Bev Brennan will be allowed to run them on a temporary basis and will take over the bowling center when a formal lease agreement can be worked out. If all goes according to plan, the bowling center will be back in operation in about a month.

The Navy will continue operating the child development center until an operator is found. Har said Kamaaina Kids has expressed an interest in operating the facility, similar to another center that it took over at Iroquois Point.

The Navy also will continue to operate the Barbers Point Golf Course, the picnic areas and cottages at White Plains and Nimitz beaches.