Today the Honolulu City Council granted the Laie Hotel redevelopment project a Special Management Area (SMA) permit! In an 8 to 1 vote, the Council approved the SMA permit, but required area drainage and watershed studies before any vertical construction permits can be issued.

Many thanks to the dozens of supporters who attended this hearing, the hundreds of residents who have attended the previous four public hearings, and everyone who submitted written testimony in support! 

Attendees watch Council deliberations

A number of residents joined in today's testimony to say they would be happy to have a new facility that would serve their current needs, help bolster the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU-Hawaii, and provide further employment throughout the community. The majority of the participants spoke in favor and applauded the final passage.

Supporters celebrate after council approval of permit

Honolulu City Council Chair Ernest Martin, who represents District 2, and several other council members said the standards for the SMA were fairly high in this application and complemented everyone, the city, Hawaii Reserves, Inc., and particularly the community for working long and hard on this project.

Again, we appreciate everyone's support - thank you!

Mahalo,

The Envision Lā'ie Team