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Project Updates: Bike Path, Hotel
February 2, 2011 Edition


In This Issue
Bike Path Moving
Laie Hotel Update
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Aloha ,

Things are moving along nicely on projects associated with Envision Laie, and we're pleased to provide updates on two such projects.

Work on the community bike path at Malaekahana has been progressing and an application for one of the last required permits was recently filed for the Laie hotel re-development. Please take a look at the articles below for more details.

More than ever, we're excited about the future of our community and we appreciate your continuing involvement.

Mahalo,

The Envision Lā'ie Team

Community Bike Path Update 

Foundation and fence work rapidly progressing 
 

Thanks to the Operators Union, community volunteers and Hawaii Reserves workers, the bike path's foundation and fence are quickly coming along.

Bike Path Jan 2011 #1
Volunteers work on bike path fence

 

On Saturday, January 22nd about 15 community volunteers donated their time to help install the slats on a fencing length of about 2000 feet (about a third of the path). The work went fast and everyone enjoyed seeing the end-product after just a few hours work.

 

Bike Path Jan 2011 #2
Aligning fence slats with foundational posts

 

There will be community service projects during each Saturday in February from 8-11 a.m. to finish up the bike path. There's a job for everyone and the work is rewarding!

 

Bike Path Jan 2011 #3
A volunteer double checks the fencing work

 

Those wishing to assist should e-mail LCA Board member Kevin Schlag at itcouldbekevin@gmail.com. Come out and join us to finish up this great project for the health and safety of our community.
 

Laie Hotel Update

Permit hearing announced, "contemporary Hawaiian" design to be featured


In September and October of last year, Envision team members made presentations to the Laie Community Association Board and other groups in the community about the Laie hotel re-development. A target completion date of September 2013, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Polynesian Cultural Center, was then announced. That goal is now a little closer to becoming reality.


The project is part of the integrated development of the region, along with projects such as the Malaekahana bike and pedestrian path. The construction phase of the 220 room hotel is expected to generate 150 jobs with $2.5 million in wages. On completion, the hotel will generate well over 100 jobs on site.

  

The hotel theme will feature "contemporary Hawaiian" architectural elements. "We would like the hotel to complement the neighboring Polynesian Cultural Center and enhance the surrounding area," said Eric Beaver, president of Hawaii Reserves, Inc. "Everything from the Hawaiian architectural design to the rockwork and other details will help establish a Pacific Island sense of place."

Hotel Angled View
Rendering of front entrance and lobby (beach at right)

 

The hotel buildings will be staggered between one, three and four stories to provide a smaller site footprint while still staying within the City code's 40 foot height limit. "I recently saw a similar design at a hotel on Kauai - the varied floor height makes the building feel less massive and is more interesting visually than one height throughout," said Pane Meatoga, Jr., Laie Community Association President. The parking lot will be placed behind the hotel to further enhance the landscape appeal along Kamehameha Highway.
 

 
The City's Department of Planning and Permitting recently announced a public hearing on a permit application for the hotel, to be held at Kahuku Public Library on Tuesday, February 15th at 10:30 a.m. The Special Management Area (or SMA) permit is one of the last permits required before work can commence on the hotel, and is triggered due to proximity to the shoreline.

Hotel Aerial View
Aerial view of hotel site (Naniloa Loop at right)

The site design also features an element at the corner of Kamehameha highway and Naniloa Loop which could include a family style restaurant and some shopping. Timing of the construction of this portion is unknown at this time.
 
Hotel Poolside View
Rendering of courtyard and banquet facility area (PCC at right) 

If the SMA permit is approved, building permits will also need to be obtained before hotel construction can begin - likely not until the end of this year. We'll provide updates along the way.
     Envision Lā'ie represents a diverse group of residents and stakeholders of Ko'olau Loa working together to study Lā'ie and plan for its future possibilities, a future that protects quality of life and emphasizes the values of the people who live in the Ko'olau Loa region.
     For more information, visit:
www.envisionlaie.com