Urging Appropriate Authorities To Redevelop The Pali Lanes Property To Preserve Its Historic Mid-century Architecture And Provide For Meaningful Recreational, Cultural, And Community-serving Uses That Benefit The Residents Of Kailua And Windward Oahu.
Summary
SR98 is a Senate resolution urging appropriate authorities to redevelop the former Pali Lanes property in Kailua, Oahu, in a way that preserves its historic mid-century architecture and supports public-serving uses. The resolution describes Pali Lanes as a long-standing community institution that operated for about 60 years before closing in 2021, and notes its past role as a venue for youth sports, community events, hula performances, nonprofit activities, and Special Olympics events.
The measure further states that the property has remained vacant and that community members have expressed concern about for-profit redevelopment proposals. It calls for redevelopment that would restore the site for recreational, cultural, and community gathering purposes, and, if a public-benefit renovation does not occur, asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources to evaluate options to acquire the parcel at 120 Hekili Street, including the existing facility, to preserve it for public benefit.
Impact
SR98 does not directly amend state statutes or create enforceable legal requirements; it is a nonbinding resolution expressing the Senate’s position and urging action by state and local authorities. Its practical effect is to place legislative support behind preservation-oriented redevelopment of the Pali Lanes site, and to encourage DLNR and historic preservation officials to consider acquisition or other public-interest options if private redevelopment does not serve community goals.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of preserving Pali Lanes for community use rather than allowing purely commercial redevelopment. The bill text emphasizes broad public backing, including support from elected officials, community leaders, the Kailua Neighborhood Board, and petitions and surveys from thousands of residents. No opposing testimony or vote record is provided, but the framing suggests a favorable, preservation-oriented consensus among supporters.
Contention
The main point of contention is the future use of the property: community advocates and the resolution favor preservation, recreation, and cultural uses, while the text notes that prior for-profit redevelopment concepts have generated significant concern. Another issue is whether the property should remain in private hands through a renovated public-benefit project or be acquired by the state through DLNR if such a project does not materialize. The tension is therefore between commercial redevelopment and community-centered preservation, with Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. identified as a key property owner or stakeholder.
Same As
Urging Appropriate Authorities To Redevelop The Pali Lanes Property To Preserve Its Historic Mid-century Architecture And Provide For Meaningful Recreational, Cultural, And Community-serving Uses That Benefit The Residents Of Kailua And Windward Oahu.