The Honolulu City Council approved a special management area (SMA) major permit to allow redevelopment of the Cove commercial project in Koʻolina, Oʻahu. The measure was presented by the Committee on Zoning and Planning and adopted by roll call.

Council Member Kea Aina explained the resolution grants an SMA major permit for the Cove commercial redevelopment in Koʻolina. Multiple applicants and supporters testified in favor, including representatives of the developer and trade groups. Mark Anthony Clemente of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters and Matt Cares of the James Campbell Company spoke in support.

Council Member Tupelo, whose district includes Koʻolina, acknowledged community concerns raised by residents in the nearby Kailani subdivision about noise, parking and crowding. Tupelo said developers had agreed to provide additional restroom facilities near Lani Kuhonua Beach, increase parking stalls beyond eight and pay a construction impact fee. She also said the developer had agreed to meet with the community and discuss ocean safety services and employment assistance for local workers after the Paradise Cove operations end.

The council recorded a 9-0 vote to adopt CR 296 and Resolution 205-207 CD1 as amended. The chair announced the motion carried with nine ayes.

Council members emphasized the importance of traffic mitigation; Kea Aina noted the project will not seek an exemption from traffic impact improvements and that a full traffic study is required to determine whether stoplights, crosswalks or other safety improvements are needed. Kea Aina also reminded colleagues of larger planning and zoning conditions tied to the Kapolei West master plan in other matters (related project was discussed later in the meeting), though those comments were part of a separate item.

The adopted SMA permit allows the Cove redevelopment to proceed under conditions in the committee record and subject to any standard SMA and permitting requirements that remain to be satisfied through the permitting process.