Much needed infrastructure improvements are the first priority as the project rolls out of the next several years

Representatives of the developers who bought the Aina Haina Shopping Center faced a full house in Aina Haina Elementary's cafetorium, when they met valley residents for the first time with plans for renovating the 58-year-old commercial complex.

And initially, they were not happy campers.

The meeting, organized by the Aina Haina Community Association and chaired by Wayson Chow, brought together the parties to allay rumors and misinformation that were primarily due to a lack of communication.

"We dropped the ball on this one," admitted Marvin "Marv" Lotz, president of American Commercial Equities LLC. "We should have been more forthcoming, but after we rejected the first set of architect's renderings [saying they looked too much like Orange County], we didn't have anything to show and were set back in the planning."

Lotz further explained how ACE now has a local leasing and management team in place, along with local architects Ann Kotake and John Hara to do the design the "Hawaii way."

"We don't intend to tear down anything; we are renovating, giving a much needed facelift to the heart of the community...and it will keep the name: Aina Haina Shopping Center," Lotz emphasized.

With some often contentious remarks and questions from the audience, and applause interrupting frequently, residents had the opportunity to ask questions about the planning process, tenant retention, rents and projects increases in doing business at the commercial complex. Lotz and Leasing Manager Fred Noa fielded the range of inquiry, and did promise to keep the community informed of progress on a regular basis.

The one item that aroused the most passion was the Union 76 station, which is in lease renegotiation now, and which was erroneously reported as not having its lease renewed in 2009. Also of strong concern was the loss of longtime businesses, including Komakata Restaurant, which was at the center for 27 years, Akamai Music & Enrichment, and Ryan's Sportsworld. Chuck E. Cheese's will close in December and relocate in Kalihi.

"We're here for the long haul, and are committed to making Aina Haina Shopping Center better for the community," affirmed Lotz. He further stated that the commercial area would not be expanded; there won't be any multi-level buildings (all one story); and much needed infrastructure improvements and safety are the first priority as the project rolls out during the next several years.

With the launch of a new AHCA website on Saturday, a recommendation was made to conduct an online survey of valley residents as to what tenants, services and other concerns they might have, which will be shared with the project team. Information will be posted on the website, at www.ainahaina.org.