The State is “about ready to go” with the auction sale of leases for resort lots on Magic Island, Jim P. Ferry said today.

“We’re seeking interested developers to pursue our plan for resort development on at least two sites,” the State land chief added.

He said a minimum of two hotels, a restaurant and supporting shops are envisioned in the resort complex off Ala Moana Park.

They will occupy the first phase of the Magic Island project, the $2.8 million, 35-acre peninsula which was completed the past summer.

Ferry declined to discuss in detail the State’s specifications for the resort development.

But he sia, “We know what we want in density, number of units and number of stories for the buildings. This is the only way we can control the shoreline section.”

He expects a number of developers to be interest in construction and operating the Magic Island hotels and facilities.

“More people are coming out here and we need more rooms. It’s a simple as that,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Ferry said his office is receiving completed engineering plans for the second phase of the Magic Island development, the central portion of about 28 acres.

He said $1,350,000 is available for construction, expected to begin in February or March.

This second phase comprises half of the “island” part of Magic Island. It will run parallel to the present Ala Moana Park Beach and is tentatively earmarked for recreation.

Ferry noted that the Hawaiian Land Company has given the State about $20,000 worth of fill material dug out in the second phase of the Ala Moana Center construction.

He said this will go into the creation of the middle Magic Island area.

As for further development plans on Magic Island, Ferry said, “They are up in the air.”