Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC, a partnership between the James Campbell Company, Kobayashi Group and BlackSand Capital recently filed a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed redevelopment of the Paradise Cove Lū‘au at Ko Olina.
Located on nearly 11 acres of commercial property in Kapolei, CCK aims to redevelop and revitalize the property and transform it into an authentic Hawaiian community gathering place.
“The Cove project represents a generational opportunity to create a new gathering place and new jobs on a property with deep history and meaning,” said Steve Kelly, president of JCC’s Kapolei Properties Division, in a news release. “This project will honor and revitalize the property to allow for unique entertainment, dining and retail experiences while continuing to embrace the rich history and culture of this special place for both kama‘āina and visitors.”
According to the draft EIS, the reimagined Cove at Ko Olina will include a new performing arts venue designed to accommodate daily entertainment that focuses on perpetuating Hawaiian culture. It will have seating for 480 guests with the capacity to hold up to 650 people.
Multiple restaurant concepts are also planned, and a “Village Walk” concept will feature small-scale retail shops showcasing local products. Pedestrian pathways, lush landscaping and open space gathering areas intended for educational and interactive experiences are also planned, as are a cultural pavilion and open-air activity lawns that will host educational workshops, cultural events and community gatherings.
“We are proud to partner with JCC in bringing The Cove to life, which will create lasting economic and cultural benefits for residents and visitors alike,” Kobayashi Group President Patrick Kobayashi said in the release. “The Cove is being designed with the West Side community in mind. We want residents from Yokohama to Ewa Beach to be our frequent patrons and for the restaurants and retail to be an offering that they [visit] often and enjoy.”
The project is expected to create approximately 679 jobs during construction and include more than 800 employment positions once fully operational. Work is expected to begin next year once necessary permits and approvals are complete.
Located between Ali‘i Nui Drive and the Pacific Ocean, makai of the entrance to Ko Olina Resort, the property was acquired by James Campbell in 1877 as part of his purchase of the ahupua‘a of Honouliuli. It is currently utilized by the Paradise Cove Lū‘au, and its last major redevelopment occurred in the early 1990s.
Visit covekoolina.com to learn more.
