Haseko Inc., the developer of the Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei master-planned communities that cover 1,100 acres in Ewa in West Oahu, is proposing to change the zoning of about 62 acres to allow the developer to switch the project’s focal point to a recreational lagoon instead of the previously planned marina.
Haseko recently submitted its request to the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, with a public hearing scheduled for May 27.
The developer, which announced it would scrap the marina plans about five years ago, said in its application with the city that the zone change would not alter the totals of 4,850 residential units and 950 units in a hotel project allowed under a prior zoning approval for the site.
The project is also partially within the special management area and shoreline setback area, which Haseko said it would address separately.
The land to be rezoned is located within the last undeveloped phase of the project.
Under the updated plan, Haseko is seeking to complete the development by using the existing basin as a recreational lagoon surrounded by a combination of resort, residential, commercial, light industrial and public open space rather than converting it into a small boat marina, according to a draft environmental impact statement filed for the project.
Other updates include building a protected public swimming cove on the northwest corner of the proposed lagoon, constructing an activity center along a shoreline of the lagoon that would encompass a cultural center, parking lot, comfort station and sandy area for launching canoes, kayaks and other human-powered vessels.
The marina basin was constructed years ago, and an 18-hole golf course designed by legendary South African golfer Ernie Els also is part of the community.
The Hoakalei Country Club was recently sold to a Japanese firm for about $25 million, as first reported by PBN.
Duane Shimogawa
Reporter
Pacific Business News