Restoration, Demolition Of Kawamoto Homes Now Under Way

The post-nightmare restoration of Kahala has begun, with Realtors engaged, demolition under way and various infamous statues now in the hands of others.

After A&B Properties announced last September that it bought 31 Hawaii homes and/or lots from Ja-panese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto, residents learned that change for the better was coming to their neigh-borhood — 27 of the parcels are on Kahala Avenue.

Some homes are being demolished and Re-use Hawaii is salvaging building materials from them. An auction Nov. 23 got rid of many statues, and Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board members were told in October that some larger statues were sold to a local hotel.

“The residents are elated,” said Anne Hogan Perry of Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties’ Kahala office. “They are once again confident that beautiful homes will be designed and built to replace the ones previously there, and bring back the ‘Avenue’ to its prestigious legacy.”

A&B picked Coldwell Banker to sell the first five properties — three vacant lots, one single-family res idence and one luxury estate. Agents Tracy Allen and Beth Chang also are involved. “Since purchasing the properties,” said Allen, “A&B has done a fantastic job restoring prestige back to the Kahala community.”