Mō‘ili‘ili Matters

Maintaining a safe, clean and thriving community.

Revitalizing Mō‘ili‘ili?

Over the course of several years, there has been mention of "revitalizing," or "developing" parts of, or making a "college town" of Mō‘ili‘ili. But in the last year and a half, we have not seen much of anything on this topic. But, the absence of discussion on this issue should not be interpreted as meaning it is any less important than it was before.

Here are a few links to online sources that discuss the idea,
Probably due to the economy, there hasn't been much public mention of revitalizing Mō‘ili‘ili or making it into a college town. We can presume that sometime after the economy improves, those discussions will re-surface again. But this period of time may also provide the Mō‘ili‘ili community with the opportunity it needs to organize, discussion and determine what its position(s) will be regarding revitalization.

Any thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Derek Kauanoe on May 22, 2009 at 7:15am
Kekoa Paulsen, of Kamehameha Schools, provided me with this update regarding the re-development/revitalization plans of some of the institutionʻs properties in the Mōʻiliʻili area. The update comes straight from Kekoa. I took the liberty of adding a few links to his update. Mahalo Kekoa for providing us with this update. I know that Senator Taniguchi himself, as well as others, are interested in learning more about Kamehamehaʻs plans.

Kamehameha Schools’ land ownership in Mōʻiliʻili is concentrated at the commercial gateway to this important and historic community. Major properties owned by KS include the Varsity Office Building, Varsity Center, Puck’s Alley, several smaller properties along South Beretania Street, and apartment buildings in the Kolo Place area. About 60% of these properties are leased to others, and the remaining 40% are controlled in fee simple by KS.

While there is no "master" plan in place yet for these properties, with the recent acquisitions and land exchanges of the Varsity Theatre and Puck’s Alley sites in 2006 and 2007, Kamehameha Schools now envisions a major revitalization of this area into a vibrant community landmark and hub which integrates Mōʻiliʻili at the intersection of its community neighbors - Moʻiliʻili, McCully, Mānoa and the University of Hawaiʻi – Mānoa.

The first project being contemplated is located on the site of the former Varsity Theatre, which can provide an excellent cornerstone for future development. However, given the current economic climate throughout the state and U.S., major changes in the Mōʻiliʻili area are more likely to be 4 to 7 years out.

In the meantime, Kamehameha is investing over $4 million in the area with the renovation of the Rainbow Vista Apartments (near Isenberg and Beretania) and expansion of the parking lot next to the Varsity Office Building, which has been delayed due to permitting issues.

Kamehameha Schools is committed to working closely with the community in the planning of these projects to make sound, responsible decisions for all the lands entrusted to our care by our founder, Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop. All funds earned from our real estate holdings go towards supporting KS’ educational mission. When evaluating investment decisions, Kamehameha Schools strives to balance and optimize five specific values: economics, education, environment, culture, and community benefits. In this context, Kamehameha Schools welcomes the opportunity to work with the community for a diverse and vibrant Mōʻiliʻili of tomorrow.
Permalink Reply by Gregory Cuadra on July 14, 2009 at 7:57pm
I would like to see more community base revitalization rather than a redevelopement of Moiliili. I see a major player making large land grabs waiting for the rail and the chance to cash in on our community. We don't need someone coming into Moiliili and taking but giving nothing in return.

As for a college town, Moiliili has for years been a mix of college town and home for the working middle class. We have it all here that the residents as well as any college student could want. Schools,shops, dining, transportation, it's all here within walking distance.

What we need is a revitalization of the community spirit and pride, to clean up and remake Moiliili the vibrant, beautiful community it used to be
Permalink Reply by Paul Quintiliani on July 16, 2009 at 5:56pm
Derek

The revitalization of the Rainbow Vista project at the corner of Isenberg and Beretania looks very nice. This is the type of revitalization that improves the community without altering its character.
Permalink Reply by Derek Kauanoe on July 16, 2009 at 6:41pm
I agree Paul and I know that Kamehameha Schools, as it revitalizes its current landholdings (Kamehameha owns Rainbow Vista), plans to maintain the unique character of Mōʻiliʻili. We actually have some folks from Kamehameha on Mōʻiliʻili Matters who are working closely on the projects in our neighborhood. They are: Kekoa Paulsen, Susan Todani and Elizabeth Ahana.

Here are some photos of Rainbow Vista.


Paul Quintiliani said:
Derek

The revitalization of the Rainbow Vista project at the corner of Isenberg and Beretania looks very nice. This is the type of revitalization that improves the community without altering its character.

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