Hale Alii Is out, Hale Ka Lae is in

Hawaii Kai Luxury Project Gets New Name, and Look: Hale Alii Is out, Hale Ka Lae is in!!!
Catherine Cruz KITV4 News Reporter
http://www.kitv.com/news/25574993/detail.html

A controversial project formerly known as Hale Alii is being renamed as Hale Ka Lae-- house at the point-- which reflects its location at the corner of Keahole Street and Hawaii Kai Drive.Newly hired Chief Executive Officer Mike Greco says the landowners Hanwa Corporation wanted to go back to the drawing board after a falling out with the community over the bulldozing of cultural sites in a marsh area.

The owners were also taken to task over the original name Hale Alii, which some considered culturally offensive. In Hawaiian, Alii means royalty.“We formed an advisory council and employed some local historians to come up with some names,” said Mike Greco.They settled on Hale Ka Lae.A new management and design team is on board to reflect the change in direction the owners are taking. What was planned to be three separate structures on eight acres, built in phases, will now be a single ten story complex on three acres.“Totally different look, both inside and out,” said Greco.

Greco said the project will be a distinctive world class development unique to Oahu and will essentially the same amenities that Hale Alii was offering.“The design in general, will set it apart. It is different where the building and the internal courtyards are situated. It will have, I want to say, a lot more character,” said Greco.Earlier this week, community members with the Livable Hawaii Kai Hui briefed the Hawaii Kai neighborhood board about negotiations underway with the developer to buy and protect the adjacent marsh land.

The Trust for Public Land said hopes to purchase the five acre parcel and keep the cultural sites and native habitat for endangered birds in perpetuity.The original plans called for 297 units. Hale Ka Lae will be more dense, with 342 units for sale. Prices will start at one point four million dollars. Groundbreaking is expected in spring of next year.

Greco also said he has an agreement with the city to build 56 affordable rentals. While the landowner has the option of building those units on site, it is likely to be built elsewhere.