Nonprofit could get extended lease at Kewalo

Board members of the Hawaii Community Development Authority voted last week to allow the agency’s executive director to negotiate a long-term lease for the nonprofit organization KUPU to use a waterfront building in Kakaako that KUPU has occupied on a month-to-month basis since 2010.

KUPU, which assists kids and young adults with life skills and job training through environmental conservation service work, has been seeking a long-term lease to use the state-owned building known as the net shed at Kewalo Harbor for at least five years.

The nonprofit has plans to renovate the building, which was built for commercial fishermen to dry their nets.

KUPU CEO John Leong in a statement expressed gratitude to the HCDA board for allowing a potentially 15-year lease with the possibility to extend terms for another 20 years.

“We are thankful to HCDA’s board and staff for this opportunity to deepen our commitment to the community and to make Kakaako better through this innovative facility,” he said. “This announcement marks a significant, positive milestone for our organization, the youth whom we serve and the community.”

Specific lease terms will be subject to approval by the HCDA board.