A&B Adds A Kailua Office, Traffic Help
A&B Properties is moving swiftly to establish a presence and a visible role in its newly acquired community of Kailua.
The kamaaina company already has an interactive website – abkailua.com – and a temporary office at 146 Hekili St. # 202 (265-0658). Perhaps more important, however, it has hired police officers to direct traffic in the commercial areas from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 5.
“The holiday shopping period is already stressful as it is,” said David Haverly, senior vice president of leasing, in a Dec. 20 announcement. “We hope the additional security will provide a smoother traffic flow and ensure a safe environment for everyone enjoying Kailua Town shopping and dining during the holidays.”
An HPD officer is stationed at the Kailua Road and Kainehe Street/Hamakua Drive intersection, and another one at the Kailua Road/Hahani Street intersection to assist pedestrians. Security also is beefed up within the new A&B retail properties, and several left-turns are on hold to improve traffic flow on Hahani.
The company has expressed its desire to get to know the community in coming months and has retained key Kaneohe Ranch officials, such as Kimo Steinwascher, Marcia Murakami, Miles Nishijima and Chester Hughes.
Outgoing Kaneohe Ranch and Harold K.L. Castle Foundation head Mitch D’Olier assured Windward residents that the foundation itself is “far more likely to remain a perpetually endowed institution and will allow for additional grants to strengthen our impact on communities we serve.”
One example of this is a five-year, $50,000-per-year grant to the Boys & Girls Club Windward Clubhouse – voted for by the foundation board of directors since the sale was announced. The board also has directed a $450,000 grant to Hawaii Community Foundation for a variety of environmental restoration projects. Other recent beneficiaries include St. Mark Lutheran School in Kane-ohe, Kokokahi YWCA, the PACT Domestic Violence Shelter and Kahuku Rainbow School. The foundation will retain its offices and staff at Castle Junction.
The historic $373 million sale to A&B was officially announced Dec. 20, with most of the Kaneohe Ranch property – shopping centers, retail strip malls, light industrial properties and ground leases – located within Kailua town.
