HALE‘IWA — At a groundbreaking blessing celebration this morning, Kamehameha Schools announced that locally-owned and operated general contractor, Allied Builders System, will oversee construction of Hale`iwa Store Lots. The 27,000-square-foot commercial center will be anchored by Matsumoto Shave Ice and Whaler’s General Store.
Allied Builders System is a union contractor founded in 1970 and is owned by the employees of the company since establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2005. Construction will start this month and last through August 2014, merging old and new to create a lively plantation gathering place in Hale’iwa. Nearly 100 construction jobs will be created to bring to life the design of architect, Group 70 International, Inc.
“We’re proud to partner with Kamehameha Schools on the revitalization of historic Hale`iwa Town,” said Allied Builders System vice president Justin Izumi. “We look forward to building a destination that locals and visitors can all enjoy.”
Currently, 77 percent of the project is leased. Other tenants include: Rajanee Thai Cuisine, Global Creations, T&C Surf, Fatboy’s, Splash! Hawaii, Island Vintage Coffee, Kahala Sportswear, Mahina, and Uncle Bo’s.
Upon completion, the project will feature reuse of five historic buildings; a central gathering place; public restrooms; 95 parking stalls at the rear of the project; and walkways and landscaping that separate pedestrians from vehicles and assist drainage. Total investment in this community revitalization project is $16.1 million.
“Having worked with them recently in the redevelopment of Our Kaka`ako, we are familiar with their ability to integrate new improvements with older structures, build partnerships with owners, designers and subcontractors and to deliver the project as planned,” said senior land manager Kalani Fronda. “They know our vision, which is driven by the community, and we are excited to commence construction and bring this vision to life.”
Hale`iwa Store Lots will share Hale‘iwa’s history of people and place through plantation-era buildings and Hawai‘i-owned retail and dining businesses — approximately 55 percent retail tenants, 40 percent eateries and five percent office space.
Hale‘iwa Store Lots is part of Kamehameha’s North Shore Plan (NSP) developed in 2008 with an extensive community planning process. The Plan identified seven “catalyst” projects and received the American Planning Association's 2011 National Planning Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustaining Places. Kamehameha Schools has also implemented projects such as the restoration of Loko Ea fishpond, $12 million of agricultural water system improvements, and renewable energy.
Kamehameha Schools is committed to redeveloping this important property in a manner that supports the community’s vision to retain Haleiwa’s historic country character while revitalizing a highly visible and valued community asset that in turn supports Kamehameha’s educational mission.
For more information about Kamehameha Schools’ North Shore Master Plan, visit: www.ksbe.edu/northshore.