WAIKIKI --
Outrigger Enterprises began construction on the first phase of the
$460 million Waikiki Beach Walk project that is intended to
transform an aging, congested area of Waikiki into a must-see
visitor destination.
Meanwhile, locals
and vacationers as well as delegates meeting at the nearby Hawaii
Convention Center can expect some disruptions -- and higher room
rates.
During the first
quarter of the year, Waikiki hotels raised room rates more than 10%
over last year, averaging $133 a night. The increase was driven by
the citys steady draw of conventioneers and a concurrent decline in
room supply, attributable to the growing trend toward condo and
timeshare conversions.
The construction
will cause Waikiki to lose another 2,000 of the 28,000 hotel rooms
within a mile of the convention center until the 20-month
revitalization is completed, said Randy Tanaka, director of sales,
international markets and customer relations at the Hawaii
Convention Center.
Visitors to the
area of the Waikiki Beach Walk construction should note that Beach
Walk between Helumoa Road and Kalia Road will be closed until May
27 while one tower of the Ohana Edgewater Hotel is being
demolished. Alternative routes will be provided during the
closings.
Outrigger has set
up Web cameras in the area that will broadcast a live video stream,
viewable at www.waikikibeachwalk.com, to those who want to follow
the progress of the construction and to aid locals and visitors in
navigating around anticipated traffic delays.
Outrigger
executives said they are doing all they can to minimize the impact
the project will have on traffic flow and the beach and retail
areas of Waikiki.
We realize the
construction might cause some temporary inconveniences, but we and
our neighbors agree that it will be well worth it once Waikiki
Beach Walk is completed and open, said Mel Kaneshige, senior vice
president of Outrigger Enterprises. This project will revitalize
Waikiki.
When completed in
2007, the 7.9-acre area in downtown Honolulu will introduce 3,336
new or completely renovated hotel rooms along with hundreds of
timeshare units, according to Barbara Campbell, vice president of
retail development and leasing for Outrigger.
The centerpiece
will be a 100,000-square-foot retail, entertainment and restaurant
plaza.
To contact
reporter Brian Berusch, send e-mail to [email protected].