Changes in the Waialae – Kahala area, where a gas station and businesses had to close, buildings came down, and construction has begun. This week, the property owner will discuss updates on its master plan for the area.
Kamehameha Schools will be discussing the new Kuono Marketplace at Kahala, the project along Waialae Avenue across Kahala Mall. They’ve changed the name but you may have heard it been called Kahala Marketplace.
The strip mall will be transformed and it will be anchored by Foodland Farms and Hawaii Pacific Health along with some new retailers. Neighborhood board Chair Richard Turbin says he’ll miss the old tenants but is pleased with the makeover. He’s glad it’s not a highrise, but Turbin says attention needs to be focused on traffic because it gets bad especially during the afternoon rush.
“The dangerous conditions on the H-1, where the cars are lining up several hundred yards on the shoulder, I mean that’s a bad accident waiting to happen,” said Turbin.
A statement from a Kamehameha Schools spokesperson says:
“Our current traffic study shows that by creating the main vehicular access on Honuakai Street it will provide a safe and walkable retail experience, while vehicular traffic will also improve along Waialae Ave.”
The Hawaii Society of Business Professionals will have a gathering with Kamehameha Schools officials to talk about Kuono Marketplace this week. It’s part of their monthly luncheon and the event is open to the public.
“Just hearing what their plans are, what they are currently doing, and if we can get any information on new things that are coming out, it allows people who will be affected you know to plan ahead. You know real estate agents, commercial agents, retailers,” said President of HSBP Steve Novak.
If you’re interested, tickets are available for purchase. Just click here.
