A plan to build 164 condominiums that are being marketed to Chinese buyers has been criticized by a Honolulu city councilor who questions whether the project will help ease the city’s housing shortage.
A plan to build luxury condominiums has been criticized by a Honolulu city councilor who questions whether the complex will help ease the city’s housing shortage.
Councilman Ikaika Anderson voiced his concerns about the proposed 26-floor building in a story published by Hawaii News Now (http: //bit.ly/2pBlcxg) on Wednesday.
Up to 60 percent of the units are being marketed in China, Anderson said.
« Where is the benefit to the Hawaii working family? » he asked. « Where is the benefit to the Hawaii resident who is looking for housing? I don’t see it with this property. »
Developer Jay Fang has applied for a zoning designation that would allow him to build 164 condos on the property with prices ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. Normal zoning would allow 115 units.
Construction would be done by non-union workers, Fang said last week.
« The reason why is their work rate is 200 percent — double — the market rates, » he said. « Some people suggest directly or indirectly to work with the union, but we have been suspicious of the unions of Hawaii. »
Anderson said that raises questions about whether the workers will be brought in from outside Hawaii to build the project.
« This project has to benefit the people of Honolulu and the people of Hawaii and unless it does, the City Council should not consider it, » Anderson said.
