Ikenakea Hokele's Chinatown Hotel Proposal Sparks Community Dialogue
Introduction: We're excited to share that Ikenakea Hokele's ambitious project has captured the attention of the community and the local news. Recently featured in the article, Community shares input on proposed Chinatown hotel, by Max Rodriguez on KHON2, the proposed 15-story hotel in Chinatown is making waves as it undergoes the City's Department of Planning and Permitting agency review process.
News Coverage: Max Rodriguez's article, published on December 12, 2023, and updated on December 15, 2023, sheds light on the journey of this innovative hotel proposal. It's been nearly two years since Ikenakea Hokele Principal Chris Flaherty first unveiled their vision for this development to the neighborhood board.
Community Engagement: One of the key highlights of this project is the dedication to community engagement. Chris Flaherty, the developer behind the hotel proposal, emphasized the importance of ongoing conversations with community stakeholders to gather input on their plans. As he pointed out, active engagement with the community appears to expedite the development process, aligning the project more closely with the neighborhood's needs and desires.
Project Details: The proposed hotel's location is particularly noteworthy, as it is situated next to a future Skyline station, adding a layer of excitement to the project. The developers are currently in the process of applying for an "interim planned development-transit" permit, which offers flexibility in terms of density, height, and height setback requirements. An integral part of this application process is gathering public input, ensuring that the voices of the residents are heard and considered.
Community Support: The article also highlights the enthusiastic support the project has received from local business owners and residents. Kevin Chun, a property owner in Chinatown, believes that this sizable project could potentially inject new life into Chinatown's businesses, which have been struggling for several years, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges and Controversy: Of course, no ambitious project is without its challenges. Kevin Lye, a member of the Chinatown/Downtown neighborhood board, expressed concerns about the proposed hotel's design, which he sees as diverging significantly from the area's architectural norms. This has sparked debate within the community about the project's visual impact on the neighborhood.
Next Steps: The fate of the proposed hotel now rests with the Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting and the city council, who will review the development before granting the final approval. Their decision will ultimately determine whether this groundbreaking project gets the green light to move forward.
Conclusion: Ikenakea Hokele's Chinatown hotel proposal is at the center of a vibrant community dialogue, garnering both support and challenges. As it continues to progress through the approval process, the collaboration between the developer and the community highlights the power of community engagement in shaping the future of urban development in Chinatown. We look forward to following the project's journey and will keep you updated on any developments. Stay tuned!