Hawaii Development Agency OKs Two New Kakaako Midrises
The projects include a 65-foot parking structure that has upset some residents at One Waterfront Towers.
The Hawaii Community Development Authority has approved two more mid-rise developments by Kamehameha Schools and Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii in Kakaako that would add 183 more residential units.
The project at 400 Keawe St. by Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii includes a 65-foot building with 95 residential units, 20 of which are reserved units and 75 of which are market-priced. Kamehameha Schools’ plan for 440 Keawe St. is a 65-foot structure with 88 reserved residential units.
The plan was initially opposed by some residents of neighboring One Waterfront Towers who were upset about the inclusion of a 65-foot, 164-stall parking structure, which exceeds the 45-foot limit and will block some of their views.
Kakaako keeps growing.
PF Bentley/Civil Beat
Wyeth Matsubara from Castle and Cooke told HCDA board members on Tuesday that allowing a higher platform for the parking structure would allow more open space at the street level.
Sharon Moriwaki from Kakaako United said she initially filed as an intervener to oppose the project on behalf of residents of One Waterfront Towers but later withdrew because the process was “overwhelming and you have to hire an attorney.”
She said she’s not surprised the project passed with the height exemption.
“They pick and choose their rules,” Moriwaki said.
